Four months have gone by for Helo and his party, they are now preparing for their second to last field trip.
In the tournament that Carl was in, he was barely able to eke out a win against Helena. He was then knocked out in the Semi Finals by Adan.
Throughout the last months the team went in order to Guatemala, South Korea, India, Australia, Iceland, California, Sweden, and China. This leaves only Egypt and the Brightmoon clan left or Idaho.
With the passage of time the party also went through four new challenges. The next one was the midterm. The challenge for that week was a private duel with their teachers, where they went all out. After that they had a single challenge in the next months. But none were as taxing or intense as the Flower Challenge. One had to do with alchemy, one with smithing, and the final was about stealth.
For the last month of this school year, Helo and his party will be going to Egypt, Idaho, and they will be taking their finals.
Even with the last four months flying by for Helo, it doesn’t mean things haven’t progressed. Everyone in his party has gained a few levels, setting them all up nicely to reach tier 2 early into the summer break. The only person lagging is Helo, but he is only behind by one level. Even if one level for him is worth hundreds of monsters, all a higher level, higher tier, and with a title bonus.
Both Alli and Hinata have reached level 49. At the same time, they spent their school points on bloodline items and spent enough time cultivating to make Akira happy. Alli also upgraded her skill ‘Channeled Explosion’ into the Rare skill ‘Channeled Implosion’. The change in skills mechanics makes for a much more deadly bomb with much less fallout. Her other skill to upgrade didn’t change names but ‘Runic Hammer’ upgraded to Rare with new benefits.
Hinata on the other hand spent her time working on her Dryad race skills. While doing that she was also able to upgrade ‘Foxfire Imbuement’ into ‘Foxfire Engraving’. Taking a tool from Alli’s book, she practiced with basic runes and learned how to channel her Foxfire into them, the main way she uses the skill is to supercharge the enchantments on her katana.
Lelai would be the highest level, but she held herself back to focus on her coming tier up. As a Magical Beast it is different for her and any changes she wants need to come from resources on hand. Even with that, her still animalistic mind likes how clean her Mist affinity makes her, even if it isn’t very combative.
Inka on the other hand gained the most levels. She reached level 15 and gained a new skill ‘Shadow Snatch’. The skill gives her rudimentary control over shadows and can be used to take things quietly, like meat, from the kitchen counter without Aiko noticing. Much to Aiko’s annoyance and the rest of the party’s amusement.
The two support mages reached level 47. Luna didn’t see any skill changes, but each one is close to evolving and she plans on pushing at least one to rare before becoming tier 2. Aiko on the other hand had two skills upgrades. She now has ‘Restoring Grace’ and ‘Enhanced Regeneration’ at rare.
Gabi, Carl and Cody all reached level 48 with no changes. While Bibbin also hit level 47. Then Rocco, Arisah, and Rurgrim all reached level 49 with their heiresses.
Helo on the other hand only reached level 46. At the same time his bloodline progression hit twenty-nine and nine-tenths. Only point-zero-one away from thirty. But there it has been stuck for the last month.
Name: Helo
Bloodline: Redacted (29.9%)
Attunement: Body (Minor-Vitality), Spirit (Minor-Dark)
Tier 1
Class: Shaded Predator (Pseudo Tier 3)
Level: 46
Stats: 642
- Str: 41 (+5%)
- Agl: 104 (+20%)
- Dex: 67 (+15%)
- Per: 74 (+30%)
- Vit: 136 (+50%)
- End: 43 (+15%)
- Int: 41 (+5%)
- Will: 136 (+50%)
Helo also hasn’t gained any free stat points since his last cultivation session. But that isn’t as concerning as the lack of movement on his bloodline. The last time something like this happened was when he was focusing solely on his vitality. Helo’s bloodline started going up again when he added dark energy into the mix.
With that in mind Helo is sure that he is missing something. After months of searching and looking, Helo’s only conclusion is that it has to do with the silver motes in his core area.
He has yet to find any concrete evidence about what it is. The only clue he has found so far is that it must be similar to Qi, but lacking mana. So, it is refined physical and spiritual energy. But at the same time, it is connected to his affinities because just mixing the base energies together doesn’t give you silver motes. Only Helo’s unique blend of bright copper and dark purple energy.
Taking what he learned from the Kashiwagi archives about refined energy being a bridge between two energies, even if it usually explodes. Helo did make some progress on the ‘controlling the silver energy front’.
He found that the problem he was having was that he used his pure will to nudge the energy. When Helo cultivated, he used his aura and will to facilitate the movement of the energy. But using his aura is only necessary when dealing with untamed and willful energy or moving his own energy outside his body.
This time using his will filled with his dark attuned aura Helo was able to control small portions of the silver energy. Only a mote because he doesn’t want to learn that it becomes explosive in higher quantities.
But through this experimentation, he learned that the silver motes really don’t do much. Pulling the energy from his body, through his hand and into the air, the energy just dissipated.
So, now here Helo is, early in the morning even when he wishes he was asleep. Playing with tiny silver motes. Wrapping the energy in his aura Helo can keep it contained and outside his body for prolonged periods of time.
Sitting cross legged on his bed with his Lelai and Inka sleeping around him. Helo watches as the three motes of silver energy spin around him like he is trying to hypnotize himself. “Just what are you?” Helo mutters while staring at the energy.
Already packed and ready to head out, mainly because he never truly unpacked. Helo spends his morning like he has spent most mornings this last month. Staring at silver energy. The worst part about the energy, other than if supposedly holding back his bloodline, is that he still must constantly use his will to stop the two energies from merging in his body.
Getting lost in his thoughts Helo doesn’t realize how much time has gone by until he hears a knock on his door. Moments later Hinata quietly opens the door and steps in. Over the last four months Helo and Hinata have gotten much more comfortable around each other.
This has progressed all the way to Hinata being fully aware of Helo’s new, now old, sleeping habits. So, she easily lets herself into his room in the morning. “Hahhh. Helo-Kun. I know how frustrated you are with your bloodline’s progression. But staring at those silver motes, even if they are pretty, won’t help.”
“I know.” Helo grumbles as his aura loosens and the motes dissipate into the atmosphere.
A month ago, Hinata stepped into his room to wake Helo up, only to find him already awake and trying random things to learn about the silver motes. Over the course of the month it has progressed from Helo trying, to Helo giving up and just staring at the motes blankly while they float in circles around him.
This is worrying to both Hinata and Alli, but they just aren’t sure how to help him. The worst part is that Helo was getting better at being open and making friends. But with his problems the last month, he has sunk into himself.
Quietly getting up Helo’s aura is responding to his mood and nature. Even without his conscious effort it is wrapping his body in a subtle darkness that only makes his clothes seem a few shades darker. At the same time the aura makes his presence blend into those around them, instead of standing out with its power and ferocity.
After a few minutes of getting ready Helo is about to step out of the room. Before he does, he looks back at the sleeping animals. Turning around Helo gently pets them both, Lelai wakes up while he is petting her.
With bleary eyes she looks up at him and Helo asks. “Do you want to come with, or stay here?”
Lelai doesn’t need extra experience. She doesn’t gain experience normally as a Magical Beast. So, she hasn’t been coming on the field trips. Inka on the other hand is far to week for Helo to bring her along if Lelai isn’t around to act as a babysitter.
Yawning Lelai tucks her head back into her tail and goes back to sleep. “Well, that’s that.” Helo mutters as he gets up and steps into the hallway. Following it down into the central living area Helo meets his team.
The walk to their field trip groups meeting area is blessedly quiet. Over the course of the year the people that bothered them about how far away their mansion is, how large their party is, or any other number of reasons stopped.
It only took a few weeks after what is being called the ‘Flower Massacre’, for being to realize that Alli and Hinata’s joint party is not to be trifled with.
With that knowledge, the people that Dorimer or any other number of disgruntled nobles paid to harass them, stopped executing contracts.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.
“Good, everyone is here.” Ria Garcia says with a smile. By her side she has her four teachers’ assistants. They are not usually all here, so having all four-upperclassman coming with them is a real treat for the party. This means that many of the weaker parties will be much safer while they explore the dungeons.
It isnt much longer before four Spacecallers appear. The Spacecallers disappear, reappear in a square around the students and teacher and then everyone is gone from the clearing in the school’s town.
The reason they didn’t leave right away is that security has increased greatly after what happened with Italy. The school doesn’t like the fact that someone was able to ambush an entire group with a tier 3 living bomb.
Warping into the space around Egypt, everyone gasps as they look around. During this first year of classes, the students get the opportunity to visit every major clan. This lets them experience the culture of sixteen different areas.
Many are gorgeous like the plant life in Japan, the mountains of Idaho, the cultivation temples in China, the forests of Brazil. But they never once got this amazing view right away.
The group appeared on top of the Pyramid of Khafre. Helo covers his eyes due to the intense sunlight that they teleported into. Looking around him, he can see the Great Pyrimid to his north-east. To the south-west is the smallest of the three, the Pyrimid of Menkaure.
Looking down is an awe-inspiring sight everyone rushes to the edge of the Pyramid they are standing on. The sides look like massive steps running down the structure. Connar, who is a part of Alli’s group if they split into three groups, is the first to speak. “So… how do we get down?”
Before anyone can give him, an answer every one hears a chuckle from behind them. Even Helo couldn’t feel the presence. Standing behind them is a tall, tanned man, he is wearing a ceremonial headdress and long flowing golden robes.
The man smiles warmly at everyone. “Welcome! To the Great Pyramids. Please always keep your hands and feet inside the ride.” With a cheshire grin, the top platform of the pyramid starts to sink down into the large structure. After they have gone down almost twenty feet the movement stops and they are in a large room. Each side extends for another few feet off the platform and there are flaming brisures lighting the area.
“Now I am Amun Al-Katib.” A wave of shocked gasps spread out, they might not have recognized him, but they knew the name. “I am one of Queen Cleopatra’s husbands. Now follow me.” With a wave of his hand, that send his long robe flowing. The King of the Egyptian clans leads them further into the pyramid.
After walking a set of stone stairs down another few hundred feet they reach what they assume to be close to the bottom floor. Aman turns back to face them. “You will find guest rooms down this hall.” He points to the side where there is a long hallway lit by burning lambs.
“Down the stairs is the main floor. Feel free to roam this pyramid, just be careful not to damage anything, but it isn’t like any of you could.” The man says is an offhanded remark. “This is the medium of the three Great Pyramids; it also houses man of my clan’s guest quarters and servants’ quarters. The main family lives in the Great Pyramid. The smallest is home to our dungeon entrance; you all will be permitted to enter it each morning.” With his speech done the man turns abruptly and takes the stairs down to the exit.
As the King leaves everyone starts to chatter. “Did you hear that? He is only one of Cleopatra’s husbands.” One of the girls as to her neighbor.
“Yeah? Do you think he is like a… King by proxy?” She answers.
With their very surprising observation another round of chatter sweeps the group.
“Wait?” Gabi turns to Alli. “Your friends with Layla. Is the King only a proxy?”
Alli looks like she is in the middle of being completely confused and excited by the idea. “Maybe?” She shrugs. “What do you think it would be like having so many husbands?” She says dreamily while trying not to look at Helo.
Luna looks slightly disgusted at Alli’s question. “It sounds like too much testosterone and male reproductive organs in one place.” Luna says while playing with her glasses.
Gabi shivers beside her and slowly nods her head. “Yeah, that sounds terrible.”
Alli on the other hand has a dreamy look in her eye as she looks at Helo. “Mhmmm.”
Snapping her fingers in front of Alli’s face, Gabi says. “No. Bad. Not everyone would be like Helo. What if you have five Dorimer’s pawing at you all the time.” In a high-pitched voice, she mocks him. “’Ohhh. You got me aroused, as my wife you should take care of it.’ It would be terrible.” Gabi ends her explanation in a flat voice as she looks at Alli in disappointment.
As Alli changes her mental image from five very fit and affectionate Helo’s to five Dorimer’s, she shives. “Aggghuhhh. Yep, nope.”
“Good girl.” Gabi pats her on the back.
Professor Ria on the other hand looks at her gossiping students like the hormonal teenagers that they are. “SMACK!” She claps loudly to draw their attention. “ALRIGHT!” All the students look toward their attention grabbing, but short teacher. “You all officially disgust me. If any of you were to just pick up a history book you wouldn’t be gossiping. Find a room and then open a damn book.” She finishes her words with a wave of her hand.
Like a swarm of fleeing rodents, the students flee their teacher and enter the hallway leading to the guest room. Over the course of the last four months their group lost another six members. Bringing them down to only fifty-nine people.
Most people, when they look at the information they are appalled. They started with over seventy students. Almost twenty students dying over the course of a school year is horrible. Then add on the other groups and the number goes to over one-hundred. This is made even worse by the fact that the older students applaud Alli and Hinata’s field trip group for having the most survivors.
But the math also means that they now have ten almost full parties within their group. The parties all find large rooms with three bunk beds in them. By the time they are all settled a few of the students even spent time to look up Egypt’s societal structure. What they found is that Cleopatra is a title passed down from the original. Turns out that the original was such a badass she cowed her husband at the time into turning over the reins of Egypt to herself. Then she went on to create a powerful matriarchy.
For the rest of the day the students hang out, eat, and gossip. All the while Helo is sitting in his room and staring at the spinning motes of silver energy. By the time Alli returns from dinner she looks at Helo sadly before heading to bed. She wants to try and comfort him, but she has been trying for a month and realizes that this is something he must work through.
The next few days are a mixture of relaxing in a new country and fighting their way through crypts and puzzles. The students quickly find out that Egyptian dungeon doesn’t drop loot, or chest boxes. Instead, they can pick up the gear that the monsters wear.
At the same time there are puzzles that need to be solved before anyone can move forward. Sometimes there is even a hidden puzzle that once solved might reveal a piece of hidden loot. On Monday only one person was able to find a piece of hidden loot. It was a hair clip that protects against mental attacks and debuffs.
The next day everyone was aware of the possibility of finding special loot. So, when they came out of the dungeon, or as they call it, the Mausoleum. The students managed to acquire four artifacts. Wednesday pushed the number up to seven.
As Helo, along with his group at the time of Alli, Carl, Gabi, Luna and Arisah. Enter the Mausoleum on Thursday morning. Alli is bouncing from foot to foot in excitement. She has genuinely enjoyed the puzzles and suspense that this dungeon creates.
“I can feel it.” She says while checking on her party members in her own way. Her own way is to grab each member and shake them to see if anything is loose. While doing this she chats excitedly. “We are going to get an artifact today. Hinata got one yesterday! Today is my day!” She says while diving forward.
The dungeon under the pyramid’s is an ever shifting, spatially expanded maze. But you mostly go from room to room while solving puzzles and fighting monsters. Sometimes there is an extra doorway to choose.
So, each member must wait fifteen minutes for the party in front of them, before entering themselves. This lets the dungeon shift the parties away. This lowers the chances of having intersecting paths. By the time their fifteen minutes are up, Alli has rattled Carl so much in his armor that he is worried he might have a concussion.
“Beep. Beep. Beep.” The alarm on Alli’s phone sounds out.
“Its time.” She says in a serious voice. Then with a happy laugh Alli dives into the tunnel. Behind her, her party picks up the pace to follow.
The first room they enter is simple. There are a few floating creatures. They have red skin, large fang filled mouths, and thin gangly arms with sharp claws on the end. The room is lined with open alcoves and multiple empty jars. One each wall there is a colored shape in the center.
As Helo enters at the rear of his party he uses ‘Detect Weakness’ on the creature. He doesn’t have to; they are quickly fulling under Alli’s arcane barrage. But he has never seen creatures like this before.
Crypt Imp
A lesser demon the forms from a mix of arcane, blood, death, and corruption mana. Usually found in old crypts where people perform sacrificial rituals.
Weakness: Int, Str.
The Imps laugh manically as their brethren die around them. Helo can tell from the pressure they give off that they are only in the middle of tier 1. They are far too weak to be of any danger to anyone in his party. So, standing in the back of the group Helo watches as the Imps drop like flies.
Once the last Imp dies a serious of runes appear on the door. The runes are color coded and take on different shapes. The basic puzzle is extremely simple; by tapping the runes you can change their color and shape.
It only takes a moment for Helo to realize what the puzzle is supposed to be. But like he has been for the last month, he keeps his mouth shut. He hasn’t spoken up but he is worried that in the future his curse is going to hold him back. The trouble he has been having in gaining that last hundredth of a percent in his bloodline is making him worried. So, he has been trying to stay out of his party’s fights, so that they can grow without him.
It doesn’t take long for the party to put the puzzle together. On the first day, Alli’s group made a deal that they wouldn’t just go shouting out answers. But they would let the other members have a shot at solving it as well.
Once everyone stops looking, Gabi steps up to solve the puzzle. Just before her hand reaches the door Alli shouts. “WAIT!” She calls out. Then the excited Lunar Wolf-Kin starts to run around the room. She climbs into every alcove and breaks every jar.
On the first day Helo started grabbing the objects because they looked expensive and like antiques. But after being in one-hundred rooms with the same jars, silverware and cups he realized that they weren’t special. So, he took a few due to the large amount of space in his necklace and stopped his collecting.
While Alli is testing every inch of the room for a hidden puzzle, Gabi sighs. “This is going to take forever. And isn’t she supposed to have some kind of clairvoyant powers?”
At Gabi’s final words Alli stops in her place. Looking at Gabi, Alli’s face is one of complete shock. “I totally forgot.”
Smacking her forehead, Alli runs to the center of the room and sits down. She rarely uses his clairvoyant abilities. The last and only time she intentionally used them was when Hinata was kidnapped. Otherwise, they just sometimes make her have hunches.
After five minutes of sitting in a lotus position and meditating furiously with a scrunched-up face, Alli opens her eyes. With a shrug she says. “I got nothing.”
Sighing again Gabi finishes the puzzle and the party heads into the second room. In the second room the party fights off skeletons. Once they are done Alli turns to the party. “Alight, you all look. If you find some kind of hidden level or switch or something. Don’t say anything. Let’s see if I can get my abilities to work.”
The party does a cursory look around the room. Once they are done, everyone shakes their heads at one another. Five minutes later Alli opens her eyes. “Nope. You guys?”
The next three rooms follow similar patterns. The only difference is the monster’s slowly growing strength and the slight increase in puzzle complexity. This doesn’t surprise the party. The day before they made it to the thirteenth room before the puzzles started getting harder to solve. The monsters weren’t a problem until the twentieth.
It is in the sixth room that things change. While checking for hidden puzzles Lune perks up. She is in the corner of the room to the left of the exit door. As she jolts, everyone quickly turns to look at her.
Staying quiet Luna slowly lifts a jar that is half the size of her. Behind the jar there is a hole in the wall that appears to have nothing to do with the puzzle. Now, holes are not surprising. This dungeon was made to look old and decrepit. The difference is this who looks intentional. It is a perfect circle and filled with eerie blackness.
A few minutes later Alli sighs. Her party is looking at her expectantly. “Idk. I was distracted.” Alli glares at everyone. “I could hear your shocked breathing!”
The party looks slightly bashful at the accusation. They did their best, but it is the first hidden puzzle that they have found. Standing to her feet, Alli looks toward Luna. “Well, come on!” She says to the Cat-Kin.
Luna looks slightly nervous while reaching into the black hole. But as her arm disappears, everyone hears a soft “Thunk.”