237. Interlude - Edithe's Evolution Part 4
[Advancent Available]
The words resounded in Edithes head as she sat across from Orbur Vale. The man was one of the highest-leveled adventurers of the Iron Champions Company. One of the original founders, and a designated champion too. His na was renowned throughout the world or at least, to adventurers. Such a powerful individual was currently a prisoner of war for the Valiant Drears.
Hed surrendered. The Iron Champions attempted an assault at the Valiant Drears with their full might. A surprise counterattack. It proved fruitless. Because of a simple reason: they never wanted to fight in this war.
That was what Orbur said, at least, before he lost his arm. Now, he sat there, in front of Edithe, bound in enchanted chains, with a single remaining arm. Edithe was supposed to watch over him. He offered to trade information to the Valiant Drears for his life sothing which wasnt even necessary.
Edithe was pretty sure theyd have spared him the mont he surrendered. But they weren't going to reject a chance at free information.
Regardless, Orbur didnt look like he was going to attempt anything while captured. Which was good for Edithe. She couldnt even focus on guarding him. Or that she could think about was her advancent. She wanted to deal with it now, not deal with Orbur.
And fortunately, salvation eventually ca to her in the form of Hadrian. The leader of the Valiant Drears Company strolled into the tent, nodding approvingly at her.
Good job, Edithe. You may excuse yourself.
Finally!
She leapt to her feet, pausing just by the tent flaps. Her eyes darted to Baris who followed his son into the room. Edithe looked over at Hadrian. He shook his head and mouthed sothing to her.
Not yet.
The red-haired woman sighed, leaving the tent. Celine was outside, chatting with a group of ally adventurers from other companies. Derrill was amongst them. He waved at Edithe, and she greeted them.
Celine, Derrill. How are your injuries?
Were fine!
Celine flexed an arm the arm shed broken in battle.
A quick healing potion and poof, Im fully healed.
Im still surprised we ca out of that alive.
Derrill massaged his temples.
I thought I was going to die.
Well, Im glad the both of you are fine.
Edithe smiled. The sa couldnt be said for many others who ca away from this war. Her gaze landed on the corpse pile under a large covering. Groups of lower-leveled n and won carried bodies with them to toss into the pile. The red-haired woman recognized so of those who died.
Collins. linda dozens of others. So many dead.
But finally, the war would end. This was the final phase of the war. All that was left was the Iron Champions final stronghold. Then it would be over.
Edithe wished she couldve done more to save her friends and her fellow company mbers. Unfortunately, shed barely been strong enough to defeat Orbur Vale with help. If only she advanced her Class sooner...
For now, she retired to her tent, and took what she could get. Her eyes snapped shut and darkness overtook her. Words ca to her, echoing the shadows.
Class Advancent:
Requirents for four Class advancents have been t!
Four, huh? Edithe had hoped thered be more. But one thing she knew ever since she was young was that rapid growth ca at a price. Perhaps she couldve gotten more options if shed taken her ti. Unfortunately, war waited for no one.
So, she got stronger.
[Arcane Mistress]
An [Arcane Mistress] is a master of the magic art. They dominate the arcane, and their experience is unrivaled. Their understanding of magic cos from their encounters with enemies far beyond their own level. The will of an [Arcane Mistress] will never be disobeyed.
20 [Wisdom]
15 [Endurance]
15 [Strength]
8[Vitality]
8 [Agility]
The first option was kind of underwhelming. Its boosts to Edithes Stats wasnt what she expected from a Level 100 advancent, and it didnt exactly sound like a path she wanted to go down.
She was pretty sure [Arcane Mistress] would be her last option. At least, until a worse one presented itself, sohow.
[Arch Battle Mage]
A [Arch Battle Mage] is an [Archmage] of close combat. The pinnacle of magic, an [Archmage] has seen the endless limits of magic, and will not stop until they reach that top. But as a [Battle Mage], they do not allow themselves to falter, even when the enemy closes the distance.
20 [Strength]
20 [Wisdom]
15 [Endurance]
10 [Vitality]
10 [Agility]
Now, this was interesting. Edithe considered this option she often found herself in situations where she couldnt solely rely on her spells alone. Like with the Lich or with Orbur. That was one of the fatal flaws of a [Mage] they were practically useless once the enemy closed in on them.
If she were a [Battle Mage], shed at least stand a better chance when that happened. Also, it had a good spread of Stats. And shed be an [Archmage]. Honestly, in Edithes wildest dreams, she never imagined shed be one of the fabled [Archmages].
It excited her. But she went on to see the rest.
[Bishop of the Demonic Cult]
A [Bishop of the Demonic Cult] is a [Cultist] who has seen the truth of the world and mastered magic to match the power of a Demon. They have seen the depths of the Netherworlds powers, and they seek that strength for their own. Power corrupts, and their goal is to cleanse the world of this corruption.
30 [Wisdom]
20 [Endurance]
5 [Vitality]
5 [Strength]
5 [Agility]
Alright, why the fuck
Edithe didnt even question it. She started questioning it at first, but she realized that it was too stupid to question.
It was simply Salvos fault.
And she moved on.
[Sentinel of the Elents]
A [Sentinel of the Elents] is an [Elental Mage] who has sworn to be a protector. They do not forsake their values to sacrifice others for any cause; their strength lies in those around them, just as others are empowered by them. For a greater purpose, a [Sentinel of Elents] shall ascend.
35 [Wisdom]
20 [Endurance]
5 [Vitality]
5 [Strength]
5 [Agility]
Woah.
Edithe was speechless. That Class description seed to call to her. Its Stats were excellent. It didnt seem like there was anything wrong with it.
There was a choice to be made. A choice between two Classes. Either she beca an [Arch Battle Mage] or a [Sentinel of the Elents]. The other choices couldnt compare to these two.
A certain level of prestige ca with being a kind of [Archmage]. It was, well, the most famous [Mage] Class at over Level 100. It wasnt necessarily better, but it carried with it status that went beyond just being a Diamond Rank.
It was odd. Yet, that was just how it worked. It was like being a Level 40 [Farr] versus a Level 40 [Warrior] adventurer. People would always look up to the Level 40 [Warrior] adventurer more, even if that Class wasnt intrinsically better than the [Farr].
But other than this status, there were very few advantages to being an [Arch Battle Mage]. The only advantage Edithe could think of was nullifying [Warriors] who got too close when she was alone.
However, she wouldnt be able to protect her friends better. It was a selfish Class, honestly. The exact opposite of what Edithe wanted to do. anwhile, a [Sentinel of the Elents] sounded exactly like what she was looking for.
To be able to protect her allies. Fight alongside them just as she fought alongside her summons.
The choice was difficult, but eventually, she made her decision. Between herself and her friends well, she learned to care for herself more. To never neglect herself. However, that wasnt the sa as abandoning her friends.
So, she made her pick.
Advancent Complete!
Class [Risen Elental Spellcaster] -> [Sentinel of the Elents]
Gained 30 Stat Points!
[Wisdom] 35
[Endurance] 20
[Vitality] 5
[Strength] 5
[Agility] 5
Gained 3 Skill Slots!
Gained 9 Skill Points!
General Skill [Wisdom of the Valkyrie] becos [The Indomitable Valkyrie]!
General Skill [Passive - The Protectors Boon] Obtained!
Skill [Fiery Riposte] becos [Vindication of They]!
Skill [Storm of Ice and Fire] becos [Frostfla Vortex]!
Skill [A Guardians Blessing] is now available.
Skill [Aura of Greater Protection] is now available.
Skill [Ray of Retribution] is now available.
Skill [Lend Skill] and [Restore Skill] consolidate to [Patron of the Skills]!
Skill [Passive - Champion of Thunder] and [Passive - Will of the Earth Elental] consolidate to [Passive - Master of Nature]!
--
Edithe woke up, sitting up in her bed and staring at the palm of her hands. She felt different. No she didnt feel different. She perceived things differently. From the wrinkles on her skin to the linen of the tent wall, she felt like she could discern more details.
It was only a minute after waking up from her advancent, but Edithe already knew the effects of one of her Skills.
[Passive - The Protectors Boon].
It didnt increase her Stats like the na implied. Instead, she was more keenly aware of everything around her. Or at least, around the encampnt. It was like she could choose to hear what she wanted within allied lands like she instinctively knew where everything was within friendly territory. She felt like she had a map in her head, even when she didnt.
And in that map, she knew she was safe. She knew that she was surrounded by her friends.
Thats pretty fucky.
She massaged her temples. It took her a while to acclimate to this feeling. While she lay there in bed, she tested out another one of her Skills. One which she knew wouldnt inflict any destruction or harm to the encampnt.
[Aura of Greater Protection].
Edithe placed a hand on her chest, and a symbol shone. Golden light wrapped around her wispy ribbons seed to lt into her skin, before vanishing. When she touched herself next, she found her fingers halting and hovering over herself. Like there was glass surrounding her.
A grin spread across her face.
So, I dont even need an artifact for this.
She wasnt sure if she could cast the spell on more than one person. Probably not at its current level. Maybe it could affect multiple targets once it was maxed. The red-haired woman was just glad she no longer needed to spend an exorbitant amount of gold to get an artifact of equal value.
Now, should I test out my other Skills? Or should I?
Before Edithe could make her own decision, a figure entered the tent. She knew who it was before he even walked in.
Hadrian?
She blinked as the blond man walked in, glancing around.
Edithe. I see youve finished your advancent. That was quick.
I have. How long was I out?
About three or so hours.
Hm, not that long. Id have thought Id be asleep for longer. Could this be a result of reaching higher levels?
Hadrian shook his head as he stopped in front of her bed.
No. Thats likely an effect of one of your new Passive Skills. It probably lets you sleep less.
Edithe frowned. The only possible option was [Passive - The Indomitable Valkyrie]. Which, if it was, she was grateful for. While she always rolled her eyes whenever Salvos went on a tirade about the need for sleep, Edithe kind of understood what the Demon ant.
A lot of ti was wasted sleeping. If she only needed three or so hours of sleep now, shed very much accept it with open arms.
Hadrian smiled as he looked over the red-haired woman.
Well, regardless, Im glad youre awake.
Why? Did sothing happen?
Edithe raised a brow, and he nodded.
Yes. Weve spoken to Orbur Vale. Extracted so information which will be invaluable. But for now, well be moving. So, you should pack up.
Oh, alright.
The red-haired woman crawled out of bed, still feeling drowsy. Yeah, I definitely understand where Salvos is coming from. She yawned as she grabbed a Bag of Holding.
Where are we going, anyway? Why the rush?
Hadrian pursed his lips. He t her gaze as he spoke.
To the headquarters of the Iron Champions Company. Tomorrow, well be ending this war once and for all.
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