Chương 30: Chapter 29 - Legends

Alex flew just above the former southern farmlands of Count Mourier, now newly owned by the Path and named as Vanilla Plantation #1. She supposed it was a random name given that the plants are Lyre flowers, but that's besides the point. Gazing down, she saw about five percent of the plantation already teeming with blossoming flower bushes—no doubt the result of Aurora's weird druidic steroid magicery. Though, there was something odd. The soil looked dry and the grass was pale green.

That could just be the winter coming as this world was well into the 11th moon. Aurora did insist on growing a patch of it as a test. Alex didn't ask questions. There was no point in asking if her Chief Product Officer was smarter than her when it came to plants. The most important plants were the Star Seeking flowers. So long as those still grew during winter months, then it was all good. Now, time to see what's up.

Descending onto the field where Aurora and her 3 other employees were gathered, Alex touched down to see them rubbing their fingers on the soil. The dirt crumbled at their fingers. From the consistency alone, it was dry and sandy enough that even she could understand that was a problem.

"Sup?" Alex asked.

"My Lady, we have two issues," Aurora said, as the three other employees gathered behind her.

"What's the sitch?"

"Sitch?" one of the women behind her asked.

"Situation. What's the situation?" Alex asked again.

"The first issue is the soil quality. There is evidence of the former serfs not caring for the soil very well. The flowers weep as they've been put in soil that harms them." Well, didn't think flowers could cry, but ok. The Chief Product Officer did have her peculiarities, but again, asking would be an HR conflict. Alex looked at the soil.

"So what do we need?"

"We need to revive the soil come the 3rd moon," Aurora said.

"I'm afraid the supply of fertiliser would be non-existent come spring as the territories revive their own lands."

"Ok, that's an issue," Alex said. Apart from the Star Seeking flowers, the other crops would need the fertilizer. Its been a surprise how Aurora managed to keep her garden alive this whole time with just irrigation and tilling. The sanitation facility could be repurposed for creating fertilizer too. But one interstate rest stop wasn't enough to provide enough waste. Then how? Going to Baroness Lois could be a potential way to gather their waste and redirect it to the facility.

Though, that would involve a trade, and she would be at a losing position since she's the one asking. Rather than solving this overnight, this would have to be tabled for later. Its still the '11th moon', basically November. Fuck these moon shit. Regardless, there was plenty of time to solve the issue.

"We'll solve that later. There's time," Alex said.

"Yes, my Lady," Aurora said.

"So what's harpruffs?" Alex asked.

"Harpruffs are large flying creatures that prey on howlers. It is one reason why beastologists believe howlers form packs to avoid their natural predator."

"Cool... what else?"

"Harpruffs are omnivores. If I may be rude, the construction of the roads over the mountain range paths have displaced the howlers and many other beasts. As harpruffs are omnivores, they prey on farmland crops. The scent of Lyre flowers is fairly attractive and the flowers are edible."

"You can eat them?"

"Yes, my Lady. Would you care for a try?" Aurora asked. One of the employees behind her picked a flower and handed it to her. Before giving it to Alex, she took a bite, chewed it, and swallowed. Then, she extended it to Alex. Alex never thought she'd see such an action done with no hesitation. Flowers were edible, but how good would it have to be, and why did Aurora eat it first before giving it to her?

"I understand poison does not affect you, my Lady. However, please be confident that this flower tastes good."

"Hm... ok," Alex took the flower from Aurora's hand and ate it. Chewing on it, it tasted like diluted vanilla. The petals tasted like petals. Swallowing it was easy too. Sure, it was yummy, but it would be better off as vanilla flavouring for coffee.

"How is it...?" Aurora asked.

"It's good. I get why those bitch ass birds target the flower," Alex said.

"Where's Rand?"

"Rand should be on his daily walk--I mean patrol of the interstate. Today, he's set to patrol the I-5." Alex pulled out her mana communication device and dialled Rand's number. It rang for 2 beeps before it clicked on.

"Rand, Director of Security, reporting. Over," the voice on the other side said.

"Y-ello, Randy. Got a mission for you. You know what harpruffs look like? Over." Alex asked.

"Yes, my Lady. They have a humanoid form and have wings for arms. Their feet are three pronged sharp talons. Is something the matter? Over."

"Find the nest and kill it. The bird brains are ruining our farms and disrupting peace. Over," Alex said. Disrupting her peace with these stupid problems, that's what it was disrupting.

"Understood. I believe it would be around the south eastern part of the range. I shall clean the pests off the mountains. Over," Rand said.

"Nice. I'm hanging up. Ciao," Alex said, then pressed the red button to cut the communication line. She looked to Aurora and her team.

"Anything else you need to tell me?"

"That is all for now." Aurora bowed.

"I await the results of the All Seeing Plan for these Lyre flowers."

"Cool. I'm off. Ring me if you need me," Alex said.

"Enjoy the view as you ride the wind, my Lady," Aurora said.

"Enjoy the view, my Lady!" the three employees all said at the same time as a rush of wind blew over them all.... Aurora looked back up and the Lady was already up in the air, moving towards I-5 at a rapid pace. Compared to them, her leisure pace seemed so fast. It was always a pleasure to feel the Lady slowing down for them.

"Chief Product Officer," Ally said, one of the employees Aurora chose.

"What shall we do with the flowers for now?"

"The flowers cannot grow at this rate, Chief Product Officer," Rumimi said.

"Fear not, my followers. The Lady already knows this patch of flowers is just a test. We cannot grow the Lyre flowers in the winter outside of Lyra's castle. The All Seeing Plan already foresaw this issue."

"Chief Product Officer, do you not fear the Lady at all?" Yingli asked.

"It was so scary being so close to the Lady," Ally said.

"Do not be fooled by my composure," Aurora said.

"I am afraid, but shall we not be more fearful towards not meeting Her plan's expectations?"

"True... then can we really not grow the Lyre flower during the winter months?" Yingli asked.

"A small patch may be possible if we construct a greenhouse. But the yield would be pitiful and would waste the Lady's wealth." Aurora looked down at the patch.

"Gather as many flowers as you can. We shall transport them back to the divine garden for processing."

"Understood, Chief Product Officer!" the three said at the same time. They immediately began picking the flowers and stacking them into their arms. One thing bothered Aurora. It was normal that the land of Count Mourier dried up by the 11th moon. Yet when they first arrived and cleared out the dead crops, what they saw was clearly a desert. Traces of mana lingered on the ground. Only a malicious actor would do such a thing to poor, defenceless plants.

Had she known Lazarus did this to the plants, Aurora would have pleaded to keep him alive. Unfortunately, he died too fast, and a howler most likely has already eaten his body. Oh, how she would have loved to feed him to the plants. Aurora raised her arm and glowing roots from the ground picked and clumped up Lyre flowers for her. Once each of them could no longer carry flowers, Aurora called for them.

"Girls, let's go back to headquarters. If you feel tired, just say so."

"Yes, Chief Product Officer!" ☕︎ ☼ ☕︎ ☽ ☕︎ Allen hacked away at the last goblin of the horde. Green blood splattered on his face, almost getting into his mouth. He spat and pulled out the sword lodged in its skull. His hands trembled even though it had already been a couple of months since they got transported to Nulfrae. Then again, he saw what the situation looked like on the outskirts of the village.

Even with the gold, they wouldn't last more than a year with all these goblins, giant wolves, harpies, orcs, and whatever else roaming around. Remember, Allen, this whole thing would fund the start up. Think of the product later.

"I'm thirsty," Vivian said.

"Does anyone have any water left?"

"Vivian," Allen said, gritting his teeth.

"Just conjure some water. Please."

"Ew, no. I'm not drinking my own fluids," Vivian said.

"Those aren't your fluids!" Mira shouted.

"But it's from my mana~" Vivian said.

"I have 2 more vapes left that'll last until the end of next month, bro..." Justin said.

"Can I get some help over here?" Kevin asked, pointing to the tiny cut on his cheek.

"The fuck you pointing at?" Mira asked.

"Hello? I got a cut on my face!" Kevin said.

"Justin! Heal!" Again, remember Allen. This was all to bankroll his start up. He wiped the green blood off his cheek and then rubbed his eyes.

"Vivian, can you just splash me with water?"

"Seriously?" Vivian asked.

"What do you mean seriously?" The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"You're into those kinds of showers?" Vivian asked.

"Vivian, just do it! Jesus Christ," Mira shouted.

"Eh, don't bring in the lord's name into this conversation." Justin inhaled a puff. After Vivian splashed him with water with a clear look of disgust on her face, Justin healed Kevin's tiny paper cut on his cheek. Mira pushed her water skin to Vivian, who drank half of it.

"Hey, what the fuck. You drank most of it."

"I was thirsty, ok?" Vivian said.

"Fill it back up," Mira said.

"And I swear to god, I'll hit you if you say anything about your mana again."

"Ok ok relax. You don't have to be that mad," Vivian said as she conjured water that flowed perfectly into the water skin.

"Can you ice it up in there too?" Mira asked.

"Ugh, so high maintenance, bitch," Vivian said, cooling down the water skin from the inside. Allen stepped forward to the front of the group and tapped his nails onto his sword, drawing everyone's attention.

"Ok, we finished our quest. Let's go back to the castle."

"Ey yo, why don't we just rest at the inn over there?" Kevin pointed to the town they just saved.

"Have you seen their beds?" Allen asked.

"No. Can't be that bad."

"It's medieval times. Unless you wanna eat grey goop, then let's go back to the castle."

"It's a 2 hour walk maaan."

"I'm with Allen on this. I'm not going to break my back on those beds," Vivian said.

"Did you really have to say it like that?" Mira asked.

"Like what?"

"I hate you so much right now." Justin took in another inhale of his vape, exhaling towards Allen.

"Everyone just shut up!" Allen waved his hand around himself to clear the vape smoke.

"Take this seriously! Seriously!"

"Seriously bro, it's not that deep," Kevin said.

"Yes the fuck it is!" Allen shouted.

"Earth to Kevin, this Spirit Sign shit doesn't give you HP. One stab, you're done!"

"Not unless Justin's alive. Right, my man?"

"Yeah, bro. I gotchu," Justin chuckled.

"Ow!" Mira smacked him on the back of the head.

"The hell was that for?"

"You want another one?" Mira asked.

"Ok, chill chill. I'm serious ok. Very serious face." The smug look on Kevin's face disappeared, but it was clear he was holding it in.

"Can we at least buy some water from the town first?" Vivian asked.

"Vivian," Allen said.

"Ok, relax. I was just asking."

"Everyone ready?"

"What's the point asking? Let's go!" Mira shouted. Allen led the group back through the dirt path. On the way back, they passed another group of goblins that had ventured too far out from the forest to their left. A couple of minutes of elbow grease took care of it. Then, they continued, uneventfully, back to the royal capital. Their new bodies with increased stats worked wonders on a 'grueling 2 hour hike' that Vivian complained about the whole time.

As they entered through the gates, the crowd stared as they passed by. Allen didn't mind them. He was used to it by now. They had all gotten pretty good equipment. He got a full plate armour that was exactly his size with a gem right on the chest. The gem was constantly on, as it lightened his plate armour. Mira got a spear with a gem that somehow extended the edge's reach. Kevin got a bow that could shoot mana arrows.

Justin got white gauntlets that increased his healing, while Vivian got a staff that increased her affinity of water; somehow she didn't like the sound of that. All in all, they were being treated pretty well. They could go out and wander the capital during their days off. The only bad thing was they only had 1 day off out of the week. Apart from that, the quest to slay the goblins that raided a small town was their first field trip.

Once they got to higher prowess levels, a ranker would join them on a labyrinth expedition. Even though this group of idiots liked to run their mouths, none of them were dumb enough not to know this was a life and death situation. Otherwise, they'd have a lot more cuts by now than just a paper cut on a cheek. The bigger problem was definitely Justin. Who knows what kind of crazy would come out once that man's vapes ran out. Nicotine withdrawal wasn't something to mess with.

Hopefully, it could be cured, just like his caffeine withdrawal after the 3rd day. After arriving at the castle gates, they were greeted by Mage Pavlina, a female ranker who had taught them most of the basics on how to use their weapons.

"Greetings, heroes. How was the quest?" she asked.

"It was chillax. You know. Kinda easy," Kevin said.

"You free later?"

"I'm sorry, Hero Kevin. I have to attend to my research later. But you are free to come if you wish," Pavlina said.

"Seriously-Ow!" Kevin said.

"What was that for?"

"You're not going anywhere. Stay with the group, asshole," Mira said. Allen cleared his throat.

"The quest went pretty well. Aren't there carriages we can use, though?"

"Why, yes, there are. Have you not presented your badges to a traveller guild for one?" Pavlina asked. Mira glared at Allen, who avoided her gaze.

"Right. The badges. Forgot about those."

"You shall have it next time, Hero Allen. Do not be so angry, Hero Mira," Pavlina said.

"I'm not angry. I'm just mad at this idiot."

"Come now, heroes. The King has called for you upon your arrival." Pavlina led them through the corridors of the castle, passing by posh carpet and running banners all along the side. Large portraits covered the walls, along with mana stone lit chandeliers. Stopping in front of a large gold and black double door, she pushed it open, and the view of the familiar throne room filled their eyes. Up above, where the demon shattered the glass, it was covered with wood to block out rain and light.

King Adric said he wouldn't fill it with new stained glass until at least the demon that shattered it was killed. Good luck, buddy.

"Heroes, you've returned. I assume it was a valiant battle?" King Adric asked. Allen waved off everyone before any of them could talk. He stepped forward and said, "Oh yeah, it was really tough, but not too hard. The most damage we took was a cut to the cheek on Kevin."

"Hero Kevin, I see your cheek has healed. I'm glad the quest did not do more damage," King Adric said. Huh? The hell's that supposed to mean? That sounded very passive aggressive to Allen. He said, "When's our next quest?"

"I have to decide based on your progress, Hero Allen. Could each of you recite your prowess?" King Adric asked.

"Weren't you going to get a mage that would allow us to share our stats?" Mira asked.

"Mira, please," Allen said.

"It's ok, hero Allen, you all deserve an answer," King Adric said.

"Great. Finally, an answer," Vivian said. Allen sucked on his teeth at her directness.

"I've told you all that we have the legendary Earth Archmage, Lazarus, who has the capability to 'grant' access to allow you to share your Spirit Signs. Just a couple of days before the summoning ritual, I sent this mage to the south for a peace treaty with Lyra," King Adric said.

"Ok...?" Allen said, not entirely sure where this was going.

"On the way to Lyra, he encountered the demon, Raven, who escaped the summoning room. Reports said Lazarus travelled far to the south, to Count Mourier of Lyra's territory, to chase her. Unfortunately, that was where he was last seen." Allen looked left and right at his companions. All of them had the same stupid look that he probably also had on his face. Since the King was actually telling them about this event, the next quest would be about this Lazarus mage.

"Then the next quest, you want us to cross the border and search for him?" Allen asked.

"Yes, Hero Allen. That's correct. However, for me to be confident in your ability to handle unforeseen circumstances, I shall need your prowess levels."

"131," Allen said.

"125," Mira said.

"122," Kevin said.

"138," Vivian said.

"How the hell do you have 138?" Kevin asked.

"I don't know. That's just what it says," Vivian flipped him off.

"I got 118," Justin said.

"That is enough," King Adric said.

"I shall send Pavlina with you, just as a precaution." Allen smirked. Precaution? More like he just wanted to keep an eye on everyone. Not that he cared. The more protection, the better anyway.

"Do you know how Lazarus died, though? Like, he's so strong. How could someone like that die just like that?" Vivian asked.

"Seriously, Vivian? Seriously?" Allen asked.

"Hero Vivian, that is the reason why we treat this with utmost importance. Lyra holds 4 legends. Dragus holds 7. We held 9, now down to 8." King Adric said.

"The balance of power shifted overnight when our Legendary Earth Archmage disappeared. We must confirm the rumours of the Barony's treachery against humankind. In doing so, we shall hold Lyra to account."

"Is there a reason why you mentioned the other kingdom's legends?" Allen asked.

"You may think of it as precaution, Hero Allen. The demons of corruption loom. One less legend can tip the scales against humankind." Allen clenched his jaw. He wasn't one for politician talk, but that answer to his question was a clear cover up. The King clearly mentioned the balance of power within the continent, not between humans and demons. What's the end game here, King Adric? Allen asked himself. There was no point in sending them this early to the front line.

Knowing the King's competence, he would've already sent out multiple squads to figure out where Lazarus was. Pavlina was also joining them in their quest for Lazarus. Since rankers were basically the 2nd closest thing to a legend in terms of pure destruction, it would be obvious that kingdom borders would highly restrict ranker crossing. Which would mean whoever the King sent wouldn't be enough to match whatever killed Lazarus.

If the demon, Raven, had really wanted to kill everyone in the summoning room, then she would've done so. Yet she didn't. Which meant Raven might not be involved in this whole charade. So it was threats, plural, not just one. Naturally, the King wouldn't send them to die meaninglessly. There would be no meaning in asking them their prowess otherwise. Allen still remembered that their expedition to a labyrinth would need to be with a ranker.

Would training summoned heroes to fight against this 'grand corruption' be a rationale to cross over a ranker?

"Allen?" Mira tugged at his sleeve.

"Does Lyra have the ideal labyrinth for our prowess?" Allen asked. Glancing over at Pavlina, her eyes widened slightly, enough that he caught it. Kevin whistled.

"Didn't see that one coming."

"Big brain, Allen, woo," Vivian cheered as another cloud of smoke came out of Justin's mouth.

"It seems you've deduced my play, Allen. Very impressive," said King Adric.

"I will admit that my motives to send you with Pavlina are for the Vertou Labyrinth near the Church of Frae within the borders of Lyra."

"And?" Allen asked.

"I shall remain positive that you shall bring me back news of Lazarus," King Adric said.

"You see, Lazarus was more than just a Pandor mage legend. He also raised me when my father died." Allen took a single step back.

"Sorry, Mr. King Sir," Vivian muttered.

"It is not your fault Lazarus died, Hero Vivian." King Adric sighed.

"Although our kingdom weakened, what hurt most is his disappearance from my life."

"Sorry, bro. Didn't see it like that," Kevin said.

"Come on, Allen. Don't be such a bummer." Taking a look around him, Allen was basically outmatched. He couldn't outright refute the King's words either. If he called it out as a lie, then he'd look like a total asshole after all, and not the fun kind.

"Alright, we'll do our best," Allen said as he sighed.

"Then you are dismissed for today. Please prepare for your travels within 3 days," King Adric said. Turning around, Allen and the crew walked out of the throne room, leaving King Adric and Pavlina behind. As the doors closed behind them, he glanced back to see King Adric's cold eyes staring at all of them. When the doors shut, the group's form disappeared, now behind the giant Cinder Metal double doors....

"My liege, the leader is a sharp one," Pavlina said.

"I apologize for their transgression."

"Do not apologize, Pavlina." King Adric walked back to the throne, sat on it, and took a long sigh. It was true Lazarus raised him after his father died. They didn't have to know how his father died. The filthy Dragus king would get the karma he deserved after all. It was always the summoned heroes that couldn't be barred entry from borders. The same strategy his father fell for against Reinglas. Regardless of the circumstances, he needed to be pragmatic.

Had the demon, Raven, not shown up, his plan for Lazarus to cripple Dragus' main mining city would have worked flawlessly. This issue felt odd, though... Lazarus was one of his most loyal subjects. The armour he wore on the day of the summoning was made by the Earth Archmage himself. He couldn't possibly just disappear or defect. Losing a legend was always a catastrophic event, no matter the kingdom.

The event had put Lyra on guard against their activities, restricting their movement even more even with their so-called 'neutrality'. Hero Allen might be too smart for his own good--an issue he had to be more careful with.

"Are you prepared for the journey, Pavlina?" he asked.

"Yes, my liege. I'm prepared to hunt for clues on Lazarus. I shall come back even if I'm missing my limbs," Pavlina said.

"That is where you're wrong, Pavlina."

"Yes?"

"You shall come back in perfect shape. Do not risk death nor losing limbs," King Adric said. Pavlina knelt down immediately.

"Yes! I shall return unharmed."

"Good." There was no point in a broken ranker, after all. Pandor needed every bit of advantage they could against Dragus, no matter how small. The problem was Allen. He wasn't one that was easy to manipulate. However that may be, neither Lyra nor Dragus would give them any better treatment. As long as he was the one that could present Allen the win condition of this war and against the corruption, he would not betray them. Gold was also what he was after. He could certainly pay more than Dragus, maybe not Lyra.

Except Lyra wouldn't be able to provide the safety net.

"Take your time in the Vertou Labyrinth. Make sure to not rush and get as much prowess as possible."

"I believe Allen would be a great leader when it comes to labyrinths. His intellect surprised me."

"He is, but still within bounds of control. We can use his friends against him."

"I agree. It seems he is very close to his friends. They speak ill of each other, yet I sense the warmth in their words."

"You may go now. Prepare for your departure... and, I hope for your speedy return, Pavlina, and the heroes as well."

"Yes, my King!" Pavlina stood up and left the throne room.