ebookpocket.com Chapter 359: Nayra
Chapter 359: Nayra
Chapter 359: Nayra
To War
Nayra stabbed forward with her spear, and had it met by that of her opponent. She danced to the side. Her |Flowing Spear and Buckler Style| letting her do circles around her opponent. Not that she wouldve had any issues without it either. She had to hold herself back quite a lot just not to harm the little twerp. But, that wasnt the point of this spar. Frost and cold assaulted her constantly, but she barely felt it as her Scorching Mist Qi circulated through her body.
She sent short and weak bursts of it with {Mist Burst} forcing her opponent to dance away, keeping her on her toes. She was forced to use her Qi, that at least she could control, make the output of her techniques weaker. Though, even if she wanted to, she couldnt touch half of her powers. With the Ethereal closed, she lost access to nearly all powers that drew power from it. Crossing over? Blocked. Pulling in power from the Ethereal? Blocked. Even her newest perks were mostly useless to her. She hadnt even had a chance to test them. She had known that the Ethereal was blocked when she evolved her Class and got them, but her mother had advised that she take them anyway. If she was being truthful to herself, she wouldve done it anyway. The perks were too powerful for her to ignore. And everyone had assumed that the Ethereal wouldnt stay closed forever.
Its been a long time now.
A moment of inaction had her miss her opponents sneaky stab, which forced her to raise her buckler quickly up and then bash the spear away. She did it with a bit too much strength, because she sent the spear and its holder stumbling to the side. She used {Mesmerizing Mirage} while her opponent wasnt looking. She recovered and for a moment froze before turning to the real Nayra. Her skill told her which one was which, but a moment of indecision while she checked was all it took. Not even a moment really, but she was still far to slow for Nayras stats.
Nayras spear was on her neck before she could respond.
Good try, she told her with a smile.
Kri grimaced, but then stepped back and bowed. Thank you for your instruction.
Nayra got serious too, and bowed in return. Sometimes, she could hardly believe that Kri was nearly thirty years old. Once, she wouldve considered that old enough, grown. But now she knew better. Still, the sect had been treating Kri as a younger generation. But the new Monarch was quickly rising through the ranks and in power. Her cold white eyes held the promise of what the future would hold for her. And Nayra often wondered if Kri herself realized what she was becoming.
Anatalien and Ryun were raising a monster.
Not that it was surprising at all. They were monsters themselves. Their standards were so far above what was the norm that it was laughable. Yet Nayra had benefited from that too. She had advanced far as well, both because Ryun and the Sect helped her, and because of her family. It took the war and losing her sister for her to realize that all those things that she used to care about so much about were unimportant. Thinking on Reyla still brought an ache to her heart. The hole that was inside her head which would never be filled. They fought, they disagreed, but they had always been sisters.
Power to keep those you love safe was all that mattered. It saddened her to know that she had gained that power too late. All the trials she had endured. Killing two generals nearly on her own. Fighting a war for more than a decade, leading people, leading souls. Her familys training and her fathers great fruits. It had all culminated in the achievement her family had sought to have her achieve since birth. It was funny that she had managed to achieve it by trying to move away from their teachings. In the end it was all too ingrained in her. All that she did was add Ryuns philosophy to it.
You getting ready? Nayra said as the two of them walked out of the training arena.
Yes, Kri said with excitement in her voice. Im leaving in three days.
Nayra nodded. Kri would be going with the other lower warriors. Most below Immortal are going to head to the meeting spot in caravans. The Twilight Melody Sect had bought some airships to transport people too, and most of the higher ups would be taking those. Though some had already left, carrying crafters and people to set up their area in the joint force camp. The supplies and equipment, had been sent ahead, by way of teleporters in nearby sects. It was cheaper to transport goods than people.
Her mother had gone ahead to prepare and organize their troops, she had experience with that. And Anatalien was with her, the majority of their troops were sect trained, so it made sense. In truth, the Twilight Melody Sect wasnt fielding a big force, not really an army, something close to a warband. The Ornn Dagda family was sending most of the crafters and some of their guards, which were now Sect Warriors. The biggest numbers came from the Woll family, of course, those were the core of what the Twilight Melody Sect used to be.
Nayra would be leaving on an airship, leading some of the elites of her family, along with those of other families. Ryun, Selia, Erdania, and the rest of their warriors would be coming as well. The war, or rather the march through the core, would start in a few months, when everyone was gathered.
You afraid? Nayra asked as they walked.
Kri didnt answer immediately. A little bit, she admitted after a while. I just was never part of anything like this, you know? I fought in battles, and in war against the undead. But this
Smart, Nayra said. War is a terrible thing.
Yeah, Kri said, looking down at her spear. Im worried that I wont be strong enough.
Youll be fine. I am sure that Anrosh annoyed Ryun into putting you someplace safe.
I dont want to be safe, Kri said, perhaps a bit more hotly than she intended. I want to be of use. To make the Sect proud.
Nayra chuckled. You should know by now that Ryuns idea of safe is a nightmare for others.
Kri blinked, then a small smile twitched on her face. Right. With my luck he will throw me straight at one of the monster generals. Did you know that he threw me down a hole to fight a viper, blind?
Nayra did know about that. He is peculiar.
Kri opened her mouth to say something else, but a sect member ran up to the two of them interrupting her. As soon as he reached them, he bowed.
Sect Leader, he greeted her. I have a message for you, from the Sect Head.
Nayra raised her eyebrow, then glanced at Kri. The man offered her a small envelope, which nearly made her roll her eyes. It was elegant and decorated, and completely unnecessary when words or a small slip of paper would suffice, but that was the Sect life. She shook her head and took it from him, thanking him. He ran off as she opened and read through it.
It was obviously not written by Ryun, he didnt care for such things. It meant that someone transcribed his words just in order to give them to her. The message was simple, just asking for her to meet him in the forest outside the city.
She glanced at Kri. I guess that I should go, she said. See you later kid!
Kris eyebrows furrowed at that, and Nayra just chuckled as she walked away.
She found him exactly where he said he would be. Sitting on a rock in the middle of the forest.
What is it Ryun? She asked as she approached.
Ryun glanced at her, then turned back to looking at the forest. How was training?
She came a long way, Nayra answered.
Her spear work?
She is getting really good, in a few more years she will catch up to me, I think, Nayras spear work was one of the best in the Sect, only a few other members of her family were better, and that included her mother. Kri was being taught by some of the best in everything. She was far better than any of her peers.
Good, Ryun nodded. I want you to lead our troops in battle, he said out of nowhere.
Nayra blinked. I thought that you were considering someone from Zenshuen, one of their older commanders?
I considered it, Ryun said. His perks are suited for it, but yours are too. And with you on the battlefield well have a bigger advantage. The longer the battle goes, the stronger youll get until you match their High Rankers.
Nayra didnt respond immediately. She had learned a lot about the war over the last few years. It was not at all what she imagined. The strongest didnt fight in wars, they didnt walk the battlefields. Not usually. Some exceptions are to be made, of course. If one side didnt have anyone dangerous, if the High Rankers could act without worrying that their powers would be on cooldown. But in practice, it was the low tiered soldiers who fought on both sides, while the powerhouses watched and waited for an opportunity to strike with their high tiered powers changing the entire battle. Just like the opponents were waiting for them to do so, just so that they could catch them off-guard and eliminate them. It was a dance, a game of seeing who would spend their powerful perks first. Then a race to pounce on someone who overextends.
All of the Twilight Melody High Ranker level people would be watching from off the battlefield. They didnt have enough intelligence for the enemy, they didnt know what they could do. They would need to be careful. All it would take was one overwhelmingly powerful perk to wipe out a group of High Ranker leveled people if they overextend.
I am weakened, Nayra said. Without the Ethereal
Even without it, you can change a battle.
He was right, she knew that. She had led people before, and against this exact enemy too.
You are a Sect Leader, the people know you, they will gladly follow you. Zenshuen people they havent integrated yet, and neither has your family. It takes time, Ryun said.
Alright, Ill do it, Nayra said. She wouldnt run from this responsibility.
Good, Ryun smiled.
She was about to speak again, when something washed over her. A familiar sensation that she hadnt felt in a long time. Ryun she stopped herself, the sensation disappeared, just as quickly as it came. Ryun stood, and his eyes narrowed. He tilted his head, looking at the tree line.
She summoned Erishi Resav to her hand and got ready. She sensed someone approaching. Ryun raised his hand, stopping her, a small smile appeared on his face.
No need for that, Ryun said, and she frowned.
Then, a shape walked out of the shadows of the forest. A tall humanoid wolf, with black fur streaked with silver and violet and red patches on his sides. His eyes were silver orbs, and his claws tinged in red. He was taller than he was before.
Youve gotten stronger, two-legs, the wolf said.
Ryun chuckled. I see that you have as well, Ereclaw, old friend. I cant wait to hear about your journey.
How did you get through? Nayra asked. Their reunion could wait, there was a bigger issue at hand. He was dead, and she knew his immortality, that meant that he couldve only come from the Ethereal. She had felt it, just for a second, and then the block had settled back in again. Perhaps he had some answers.
My teacher sent me through, it was needed, Ereclaw said as he walked up to them.
Teacher? Ryun asked.
A great being, a dragon. He is the one keeping the Ethereal Realm closed.
Nayra blinked. Why would he do that?
There is a danger in the Ethereal Realm, someone very powerful, a shade. It seeks entrance to this Realm. This is the only way to stop it.
Oh? Ryun asked.
This is why Ive come, Ereclaw said. This shade sent someone through, my teacher believes that no good can come of this. I am to hunt them down before they can do anything to bring the shade here.
Its a big world out here, Ryun said.
My teacher granted me a boon, a skill, it tells me where this person is, Ereclaw pointed in the distance. I need to go there and find them.
Ryun looked in the direction where Ereclaw was pointing, and then back at the wolf. What a coincidence, we are heading the same way. Come, lets get to the city, there is a lot for us to fill you in on, and I am sure a lot for you to tell us too.
Together, the three of them started their return to the city.
Nayra Character Sheet
Titles
Third Heritage
Was born to the Rankers of the Third Iteration
+5% to all stats, 500 Greater Essence
Great Feat
Kill a tier one monster with at least 10x your total stats without help from someone with Essence before obtaining a Class, Path, or Skill
+Choose a Legendary Class, Path, or Skill. Gain a Unique Perk.
Adventurer
Hunted more than 100 monsters
+5 to all stats, 5000 Essence
Hero of Promise
Save more than 10 people with a single action
+5 to all stats, 5000 Essence
One Against Many
Fight against more than 10 opponents and win
+5 to all stats, 5000 Essence
One Against Horde
Fight against more than 100 opponents and win
+10 to all stats, 10,000 Essence
Class Evolution VII
Evolved your class for the seventh time.
+200 to all stats, 150 000 Greater Essence
Lord
Reach the Lord Realm
+5 to all stats, 100 EssenceThe source of this content no/v(el)bi((n))
Monster Hunter
Kill 5000 different monster types
+50 to all stats, 50 000 Greater Essence
Soul Guide
Guide more than 10 souls to the afterlife.
+100 to all stats, 500 000 Greater Essence
Monarch
Manifest your Qi in the form of an aura around you. Dealing Heat damage equal to 0.35x (0.1x) your wisdom per second. Anything marked by the Scorching Mist Qi takes additional one quarter of total damage dealt over the next two seconds.
Valkyrie of Battle and Death (Class Perk)
You are tied to battle and death, you no longer age. Upon your death, your body will evaporate. Your body will be recreated in the Ethereal Realm as an amalgamation of Essences of Battle and Death. You will retain all of your power and will be able to enter and leave the Warrior Afterlife as you please. You will only be able to enter the Real Realm for: 10 years, per 100 souls escorted to the Afterlife. If your new body is destroyed, you will die a true death.
Death Maelstrom (Class Perk)
Once per week you can gather the death on a battlefield and release a powerful storm of Death Essence at your target. Any additional deaths will feed the storm and make it grow. The maelstrom will end when it no longer has any Death Essence to feed on.
Grand Call Warrior Souls (Class Perk)
Once per month, you may release a grand call to battle. Souls of any nearby warriors will hear the call in the Ethereal Realm, and if they so choose, they can answer it. If they answer the call they will cross over into the real world and fight for you as ghost that are only vulnerable to Ethereal Damage. The souls will have the stats they had in life, but no access to their other powers.
Battle Knowledge (Class Perk)
While in combat you gain a knowledge of the flow of battle around you, letting you anticipate your opponents attacks 0.1 seconds in advance.
Titanic Force (Bonus Perk)
Your blows deal damage equal to your strength plus 50% of your combined endurance and vitality.
Mirage Slip (Bonus Perk)
Once a day you may create a mirage of yourself that will stand in place, your body will turn invisible for 1 second.
Death's Chosen (Bonus Perk)
Once every month, you may increase the effectiveness of your Death related powers by 200% for 1 hour.
Adaptable (Bonus Perk)
Able to survive rapid stat changes, and also able to handle great increases.
Physical Appearance: Refined (Path Perk)
Your body and features are refined. Enhances your current capabilities. +10% to wisdom, +10% to dexterity, +10% to strength.
Ruler's Eyes: Dawn Marked (Path Perk)
You have achieved great power, and your eyes reflect your achievement. Their appearance reflects your inner spirit and allow you to see the greater range and differences in light and heat. Gain +10% to intelligence and +10 to dexterity.
Might of the Slain (Class Perk)
For every perk you have gained from a soul, gain a bonus to base stats depending on how powerful the perk is. Current: Strength, endurance, wisdom - 85 ; Dexterity, Intelligence - 220
I Mark You For Death (Class Perk)
Once per month, you may mark anyone for death. All damage you deal to them for the next hour is also mirrored to the Soul.
I Choose Who Dies (Class Perk)
Once per battle, you may bring a soul back to life by swapping its fate with that of another. The two souls must both agree to the act.
To the Gates of Valhalla (Class Perk)
Once a year, you may enter the Warrior Afterlife and remain there for no more than 1 month.
Class
Chooser of the Slain ( Et )
Level
479
Combat Ability
Dawnfire Mirage
Movement Ability
Ethereal Burst
Support Ability
Dawnfire Immolation
Additional Ability
Dawn Dash
Additional Ability
Ethereal Cross
Additional Ability
Death's Slash
EVOLUTION ATTUNEMENT BONUS:
Shepherd for the Souls
You are able to see souls. All Ethereal based powers are 20% more effective. All special attacks deal 1.5% of total damage dealt as soul damage. Gain +10% to strength and wisdom.
Dawnfire
All fire based powers now create dawnfire, an intense fire that is extremely hard to put out and burns more intensely during the day. All fire based powers are 20% more effective. All special attacks deal 1% of total damage dealt as soul damage. Gain +10% to strength and wisdom.
Dawnspirit
All dawnfire abilities gain 50% more effectiveness in the Ethereal Realm. Your soul regenerates at 200% faster rate. Gain +10% to strength and intelligence.
Gunnr
Your stats are increased by 20% in battle. Any person you consider an ally gains 10% to their stats while fighting with you. Your base ability cooldowns are reduced by 20%. Souls of warriors think of you as kindred. Gain 15% to strength and dexterity.
Battle Soul
Your presence in the Ethereal draws warriors souls. The effect of your presence on warriors souls is increased by 500%, and lowered on all other souls by 50%. You gain +20% to stats while protecting recently deceased souls. Your Dawn flavoured attacks have their soul damage increased by 100%. Gain 20% to strength and intelligence.
War and Death
Your presence on the battlefield means death. Any soul that dies on the battlefield you walk will have their souls be transported to a safe place in the Ethereal to await your arrival. The safe place will be linked to the area of the battlefield in the Real Realm. The safe area will persist for 1 Real Realm month before the souls are forced out. You gain +50% to your Soul Resistance. Gain +30% to Strength and Intelligence.
Cultivation
Path of the Lotus Dance ( E )
Stage
Peak Monarch
Aspect
Scorching Mist (6)
Base Technique
Mesmerizing Mirage
Branch Technique
Mist Burst
Fruit Technique
Curtain of Mist Petals
Cultivation
Path of the Final End ( M )
Stage
Peak Lord
Base Technique
Mantle of the Rising Mists
Branch Technique
Scorching Blast
Fruit Technique
Mist of the Scorching End
Passive Skills
Active Skills
Combat Mastery >> Spear and Buckler Mastery >> Enhanced Spear and Buckler Mastery >> Spear and Buckler Art >> Flowing Spear and Buckler Style
Block >> Shield Wall
Heat Sense >> Greater Heat Sense >> Thermoception >> Enhanced Thermoception >> Spectrum Vision
Swipe >> Enhanced Swipe >> Arc Swipe
Pain Tolerance >> Greater Pain Tolerance >> Toughness >> Enhanced Toughness
Throw >> Greater Throw >> Hurl >> Enhanced Hurl
Strength
5109
Dexterity
3540
Vitality
2028
Endurance
1988
Intelligence
5315
Wisdom
3711