Chapter 295 - To Reap Rewards

Long chapter today. So close to the end now!

Before Hump could open his book, Nisha had clambered over his lap for a better look, stuffing her face between the pages and stopping him from opening them. He laughed, feeling her excitement building with his own.

“How am I meant to see it with your face between the pages,” Hump said, gently pushing her head back.

He opened the Book of Infinite Pages to reveal the next part of his River and Waves technique.

THE BOOK OF INFINITE PAGES
Spirit Overflow

Enhancement | Internal Essence | Tier 5 | Range: Self

Description

When the Spirit Well reaches its capacity, this advanced technique enables one to extend the essence into the rest of the soul. To do so requires meticulous control, or risk rupturing the soul entirely. Mastering this technique reinforces the boundaries of the soul, akin to fortifying a dam, enabling it to accommodate greater essence flow and density.

Origin

The River and Waves

Spirit Well

Notes

y.402 – Nithrand – Reflecting upon my master’s illustrious journey and his profound teachings, one particular statement echoes through time: the delicate balance of risk versus reward. In the arcane pursuit, particularly in the advancement of the soul, this equilibrium is paramount. Each technique built upon the River and Waves requires not just technical prowess but a deep understanding of one’s own essence and that of the world.

He emphasised that the greater the power sought, the higher the stakes. Spirit Overflow is a marvel of essence manipulation, but it is also the apex of risk. The soul is akin to a vessel navigating turbulent waters, where a single misstep could lead to catastrophic rupture. Which is why I implore you to master what you now know before you tread farther on this path, for there can be no more mistakes.

The last part of the note was daunting. From what Hump understood of the book so far, Nithrand was a direct apprentice of the first owner of the spellbook—a being that could summon a city-destroying spell in mere moments. For Nithrand to leave a warning such as this, it made Hump think two things. The path forward was dangerous, and that if he followed it to the end he’d break through to the seventh rank.

Everything so far was leading to it. It was a spell tree, each spell building upon the one before it, just like the River of Lava tree given to him by Countess Daston. From the three spells so far, it was clear to Hump that it was a lack in techniques that advanced the soul that was holding modern wizards back. This was it. Spirit Overflow advanced the soul. He’d achieved it once already and had felt how dangerous it was. Whatever it was that came next… it made sense that it could kill him.

Wizards lacked the support of the gods that Chosen had to advance their souls. The Chosen had it easy. They received their circles and their blessings, each one building on the one before, strengthening them for when it came time to advance. While the souls of practitioners were powerful compared to most, only a tiny fraction ever achieved soul manifestation, and at least as far as common knowledge was concerned, none possessed the power to do what came next. To establish a domain. Hump knew little of what it truly meant—he’d seen Yunillia’s spear of lightning that seemed to possess the power of her soul, the lich’s all-consuming aura, and Anthony’s power over blood. It was easily recognisable as powerful, but Hump couldn’t see a straightforward path from where it was now to the level they’d reached.

If he understood correctly, this spell tree would get him there. At least, it would eventually, if he had the capability. Already he could feel the changes to his body and soul thanks to Spirit Overflow. He was stronger, but it wasn’t enough.

Being a Tier 5 technique, he supposed that at least in terms of the old wizard rankings, he would only be a Rank 4 wizard now. He’d manifested his soul, progressed with his River and Waves techniques, and while late, he’d begun to understand how to control the winds of essence, yet he was still a long way from casting the Tier 6 magic required of a Rank 5 wizard. He'd need to work on his foundations, strengthening his will, focus, and control just as much as his soul.

In the description Wielder of the Winds it had explained that it was knowledge every wizard should have before they manifested their souls, and so far Hump had only scratched the surface of it. He’d need to work more on it—learn to wield at least fire and nature essence too. Then there was his Spirit Well. The deeper he could dig, the deeper his reservoir of essence, though if he were to do that, he’d need to strengthen his soul with Spirit Overflow some more too.

Hump let out a breath. It sounded like difficult, dangerous work, neither of which he was very much a fan of. Blowing stuff up had already been his preferred method of training, meditating on the River and Waves was just something the old man had forced him to do.

Starting tomorrow, he’d begin. For now, his essence was out, and he had a pounding headache from almost dying again.

***

Hump woke to Nishari leaping from the bed and shuffling toward the door. He heard the cabin door close outside—Vamir must have returned at last. Rising, Hump entered the main room in time to see Vamir stagger over to a chair and slump down. He looked exhausted. Blood coated every part of him, and from the state of his tattered armour, it seemed likely that much of it was his own.

“Evening,” Vamir said tiredly. “I’d heard you survived. Good to see you.”

Nisha rushed over to him, running circles around him as she sniffed him curiously.

He reached out and petted her gently, smiling. “And you of course, little one.”

“Did you just get back from the battlefield?” Hump asked.

Vamir shook his head, his eyes downcast. “No. Been back a while actually. Had a few stops to make along the way here.”

Hump frowned at the man’s melancholy. He wasn’t used to seeing Vamir like this. At the very least, he expected fake cheer from him. This… was different.

“Fancy a drink?” Hump asked, making his way to where Vamir kept a few bottles of homebrewed Fire.

Vamir didn’t answer, so Hump helped himself to an open one and prepared a shot in two steel mugs. He placed one on the table, the wood scraping as he slid it in front of Vamir, then took a seat himself.

Vamir stared at the drink, not speaking.

Gods, I’m rubbish at this stuff, Hump thought. He searched desperately for anything to say. Something was clearly wrong, but this was really Bud or Dylan’s area of expertise. In the end, the silence dragged on too long so he just said the best thing he could think of.

“You’re looking better than I expected,” Hump said. “Celaine’s parents were worried about you.”

“Couldn’t be better,” Vamir said. “Before you is a Chosen of the fourth circle.” There was an undertone of spite to his voice.

“Congratulations. You know, Celaine managed the same today. You’ll need to put in some work to keep up with her.”

“No chance,” Vamir said softly.

Hump held up his mug. “Here’s to both of you.”

Vamir looked at him but didn’t move.

Sighing, Hump lowered his mug. “Are you going to tell me what happened?”

“They died,” Vamir said, voice choked. “I lost six of my students today. While I lost myself to the thrill of reaching my fourth circle, they died.”

Hump gazed down into the shimmering liquid in his mug. “I’m sorry.”

Vamir shook his head and let out a long breath, meeting Hump’s eyes. “I went to their families—told them of their valour in battle. Of the proud sacrifice they made.”

Bloodshot eyes stared back at Hump, exhausted and angry. It was a feeling Hump had felt before. He remembered what Celaine had told him after Lucile died protecting him from the gorger.

“After I lost someone, Celaine told me a saying of your people,” Hump said. “All are born of the earth, and all shall return to it. The dead pave our path forward, and our memories of them guide us, teach us, and help us become better versions of ourselves.”

“Oh yeah, we’re great at framing death nicely,” Vamir said. “Doesn’t change the fact that they’re gone.”

“They died for their home,” Hump said. “For their people.”

“I’ve seen enough people die for their home,” Vamir said. “I’m sick of it.”

“Then a toast,” Hump said, holding up his mug. “To too much death.”

There was a moment’s hesitation, but this time Vamir lifted his own and cheersed, drinking it down in one and gasping as he finished. Hump poured him another.

“It is good to see you,” Hump said.

“You too, Hump,” he said, taking another swig. “Just please tell me the lich bitch died horribly.”

“Screaming and in agony. Celaine carved her soul up into little pieces.”

Vamir snorted at that. “Of course she did. Classic Celaine.”

Hump smiled, pleased to see a little of Vamir’s normal self back. They talked into the night, discussing the day of battle. Hump told him of how he brought down the roof of a dungeon, and how they’d found their way to the lich’s phylactery, while Vamir told him of the fight by the lake and how he’d reached the fourth circle.

It was late when he returned to bed, only stopping when he sensed a powerful essence in the distance. Stepping outside into the cool night air, he looked up at the clear sky above. The moon was small and faint, the stars bright. Silver flashed in the corner of his eye and he turned to the distant mountains, scanning the Charred Heights and looking toward Estora. He was certain that was where it came from, yet all he saw was darkness.

***

The day that followed was long and dreary, and too much Fire the night before truly didn’t help. The Eternal Flame burned green with the flame of mourning—while it was still small, it was a sign from Owalyn that she was still with them. With it, it was like the haze over the people of Drakalyn had been lifted. Sure, it was far from cheerful, but to Hump it felt like people were looking forward to the days ahead.

That feeling was far from Hump’s mind when he and Celaine arrived at the battlefield by the lake. The number of bodies took his breath away—that, and the stench. They stood at the edge of the forest, staring out across a plain of bones and flesh, and all the carrion birds that came with them.

Perhaps five hundred people picked through the battlefield, and Hump was surprised to find the gnolls amongst them. They had offered to help find the missing on the battlefield, using their sensitive noses to pick out the hunters of Drakalyn. He and Celaine quickly joined the search for the fallen hunters of Drakalyn. There were still almost one hundred people unaccounted for. Nobody said it, but the chances they would still be alive at this point were slim.

“Where did the lich find so many dead?” Celaine said, gracefully finding the small patches of dirt between the bodies. “It’s a miracle her armies were stopped at all.”

“I can handle the bodies,” Hump said, kicking at the dirt and scaring off a handful of crows. “It’s the bloody birds I don’t like. You’d think undead flesh would be enough to put them off.”

They found another sixty-four bodies that day, and seven more that had survived the night out on the battlefield alone. It brought the total losses to four-hundred and sixty-two. After seeing the endless plain of undead, Hump thought them lucky to have only lost so few.

Just before they were to return home, Celaine spotted Rehk returning from the nearby forest and the two of them approached. She greeted them with a fierce smile, splitting off from their pack.

“What will you do now?” Hump asked.

“Take mountains back,” Rehk said. “It is our home.”

Hump nodded. “Best of luck. And stay safe. Tell Tokdaar goodbye for us.”

“I will.” Rehk gripped his shoulder with an oversized claw. “Good hunting, Wizard. Will not forget you.”

***

When the funerals were held the next day, Hump saw the strength of Drakalyn’s people once more. So many had died, their goddess’ fate was still unknown, yet they came together in bright and colourful attire, singing songs and dancing to the beat of drums. They spent the day telling tales of Elder Ashera and other fallen hunters, Elder Rena and Sulamir leading the sermons. It was far from similar to the funerals of Alveron, but Hump thought he preferred it.

They feasted into the early hours of the morning. The next day, Hump woke groggily, his head spinning. He got out of bed and grabbed his staff, heading into the main room where he found Kelec passed out on the floor. Hump frowned, struggling to recall what happened. Flashes of the night returned to him—Leif trapping him in a great bear hug, the singing, dancing with Celaine, and far too much drinking.

Vamir was already up, sipping on a cup of wisa. The man laughed at the sight of him. “You’re looking a bit worse for wear. Want a drink?” He gestured with his cup.

“No,” Hump murmured, closing his eyes and massaging his head.

“Well, have one anyway,” Vamir said. “The elders want to meet with you in a couple of hours.”

Hump glared at him, trying to discern whether or not he was serious. “You’re joking, aren’t you?”

An annoying smirk touched Vamir’s lips as he shook his head. “Not at all. And before you ask, I wasn’t informed on what it’s about.”

Taking a seat at the table, Hump groaned. He felt like death, and the wisa didn’t help.

***

Turned out, Hump wasn’t the only one requested. He met Celaine outside the meeting house where they waited together.

“You look like you had a rough night,” Celaine said, smiling.

“Is it that obvious?” Hump asked. “You think the elders will notice?”

“I think a few of the people in there will be looking just as bad. How’s Nisha?”

“Tired. Vamir’s staying with her.”

“Oh.” Worry touched Celaine’s face. “And is he okay?”

“He seemed back to his usual self. At least, he was well enough to make fun of me.”

Celaine snorted. “That’s good then.”

They chatted for a while longer, when Finnian approached them from the temple. Hump was surprised to see him. The keeper seemed to have been intentionally keeping his distance ever since the battle against the lich. He didn’t look at Hump as he approached, instead nodding a greeting to Celaine.

“Can I speak with you?” he asked.

“Go right ahead,” Celaine said. “But it’ll need to be here. We’re waiting to speak with the elders.”

Finnian glanced at Hump, frowning. Surprisingly, while there was still resentment in the man’s eyes, there was something else there now too. Dare he say it… was that respect?

Turning back to Celaine. “I’m sorry for what happened,” he said. “All of it. I was arrogant and foolish.”

Celaine nodded at that. “No argument here.”

Finnian opened his mouth, then closed it, letting out a long sigh. “Anyway, I thought you should know that I regret how things happened.” He turned Hump’s way. “And I was wrong about you, Wizard. Your presence here in Drakalyn was something I was opposed to from the beginning, but I can see that Celaine was right in bringing you here. And I can see why Nishari chose you as her bonded. Take care of them.”

“We’ll take care of each other,” Hump said. He glanced at Celaine. “Right?”

A sly smile spread across her lips. “Depends how much you annoy me.”

Finnian nodded. “Then best of luck to you both.”

He turned, walking away from them and toward the main village.

Celaine let out an annoyed sigh, then shouted. “Finn.”

He glanced back.

“Take care of yourself.”

The man’s face broke into a smile. “And you Celaine.”

It wasn’t long until they were ushered into a room packed full of people. It was brighter than any room inside should be, illuminated by a vast array of essence stones somehow glowing more than when Hump had last been there.

Just stepping inside the room, there was a sense of history to the place. Atop the fireplace there was now a serene painting of Elder Ashera, candles burning on either side of her. She’d claimed her place amongst mounted trophy heads of magnificent beasts, and all manner of other ornaments.

Hump closed the door behind him and shuffled forward awkwardly as all eyes turned toward them. Every person that Hump knew to be important was gathered there.

Elder Rena sat at the table in her robes, appearing unchanged by recent events. Ashera’s chair at her right was empty, while Sulamir who sat on her left was truly showing his age. He appeared gaunt and tired—having led the battle by the lake, Hump could understand why. Keeper Yunillia had adopted an outfit of bright blue and yellow silks, appearing far more cheerful than when he’d last seen her, though the scars of the lich still lingered, Irila’s power clouding her eyes like a grey fog. With her were the remaining leaders amongst the keepers: Leif and Tessa, Rujan having fallen in battle.

Ado stood against one wall, slightly off to the side and outside of the circle of discussion. A collection of wounds covered his body, and his hand was bound in a cast from where it had been fractured. Then there were the rest—Chosen of the fifth circle, captains—anyone that mattered.

From the frustrated looks on some of their faces, it was clear Hump and Celaine were joining toward the end of a discussion. If Hump were to guess, this one hadn’t ended in complete agreement.

“Ah, Celaine, Wizard Humphrey, we’ve been waiting for you both.” Elder Rena beckoned them forward. “Please, take your seats.”

Hump caught the quick look of uncertainty in Celaine’s eyes as she glanced around the room.

“Elder Rena, may I ask what this is about?” Celaine asked as they settled into their seats.

Hump could tell she was feeling just as awkward as him. With so many people there, it was cramped, and for some reason it seemed they were all gathered there for them. Briefings of this sort were uncomfortable at the best of times, but to be in the company of so many powerful Chosen left Hump feeling particularly cornered.

“The letter you brought with you from Countess Daston has been a matter of much contemplation,” Elder Rena said. “We have come to a decision. Much has changed for our people, and not for the better. We stand at a crossroad of fate—the doom of the Fallen Land grows, and we will need allies to survive. Countess Daston has extended her hand to us, and we will take it.”

“That is good news,” Celaine said. “Great news even. She was a good woman, and someone who I think we can trust. But what is it you want from me?”

“We want you to go, Celaine,” Elder Sulamir said. “You have represented us well in Alveron already and gained the countess’ trust. There is nobody better suited for the job.”

“You will of course go by dragon back, if you accept,” Yunillia added. “Tessa has already volunteered for the trip. She is willing to take Wizard Humphrey and his hatchling too if he agrees.”

“We don’t expect you to negotiate on our behalf, of course,” Elder Rena said. “We will send a letter of our own in response, and Keeper Tessa will be there to speak for us. All we ask is that you introduce her and see that she has safe passage into Sheercliff City. Wouldn’t want them to think a dragon has come to burn their home to the ground, after all.”

Celaine looked at Hump. He shrugged—this was the excuse they needed to leave. He knew she’d felt guilty about it before, but with this, maybe it wasn’t so bad.

“I’ll do it,” Celaine said.

“And I’ll go with her.” Hump couldn’t hide his smile. That was it. They were leaving Drakalyn together. There was nothing more he could have asked for.

“With your permission, I would also like to stay in Alveron for some time afterward too,” Celaine said. “My party is there, and I would rejoin them if I could.”

A murmur spread around the room, but Elder Rena held up a hand, quietening them. “That is acceptable, my dear. Just never forget, you have a home in Drakalyn when you need it.”

“And Drakalyn will have me when I’m needed too,” Celaine said.

“Very good,” Elder Rena said.

Before they could move on, Hump said, “And then we should, of course, discuss the matter of payment.”

“Payment?” Elder Rena repeated.

Hump nodded. “That’s how we adventurers usually handle things like this.”

“Of course you deserve compensation,” Elder Rena said. “What do you want? Essence stones? Gold?”

She looked at him, waiting. As much as gold and essence stones were tempting, there was something he wanted even more. “I want to keep the lich’s phylactery.”

There was a long silence before the huddled crowd leapt to outrage.

“Don’t be ridiculous!”

“You ask for too much, Wizard.”

Elder Rena cut the crowd off. “You can have it.”

“Elder Rena… surely there is something else we can offer him.”

“What use have we of a lich’s phylactery, Hastel?” Elder Rena said, looking at the old man. “Take it, Humphrey. It is yours. You have more than earned it.”

After that, there was further discussion about the arrangements for the trip. Their horses would need tending too—Prancer was Hump’s oldest companion, and if everything went to plan, he’d be returned to Sheercliff City with any traders that arrived. As for the negotiations, the main thing was that Drakalyn needed more advanced artifacts, and in exchange, they were prepared to offer essence stones as payment. It was a good deal for both sides, and given time, Hump thought it could lead to more. Considering the number of dungeons around Drakalyn and the threat of the Fallen Lands on Alveron’s borders, both sides could certainly use the help.

When they were finished, Hump was surprised to find Elder Rena looking at him.

“There is one more thing, wizard. Lady Owalyn has revealed herself to us, and she has requested your presence at the Great Tree upon the conclusion of our meeting.”

“She wants to see the wizard?” someone asked. “Why?”

“We were not informed,” Elder Rena said, a hint of irritation in her voice.

Others asked more questions, only for Ado to burst into laughter, overwhelming the other voices. “Well, you had best get to it, lad. Never keep a goddess waiting.”

Hump grinned back at the man. He’d agreed to help fight the lich for a price, and now it was finally time to reap his rewards.