Chapter 94: Velfion Kingdom, Aid
[Tasks Completed: You have gained +1 level, 1 Labyrinth Shop ticket, and an item recall box.]
Rin and Nessa arrived in the Velfion Kingdom after encountering a few minor troubles along the way. Rin's task was fulfilled as soon as she set foot in the capital city.
Although the elves ruled over the kingdom, people of other races were not prohibited from living there. Rin noticed Humans, Dwarves, and Beastfolks coexisting in harmony.
"Let's go, Rin. We should head directly to the palace and inform them about the issue," Nessa declared, her fist clenched with determination.
However, Rin had reservations about this plan.
Standing before the palace gates, they found themselves denied entry.
'How can they allow in random strangers?' Rin's lips twitched in frustration.
The guards clearly prevented their entrance. Fortunately, an incoming carriage presented an opportunity.
As the carriage halted beside them, a short, handsome elf man with blond hair dressed in a blue robe and a stunning elf woman with long golden hair wearing an elegant dress emerged.
"What seems to be the matter, you two lovely ladies?" the elf man inquired with a smile.
"Greetings, Prince Kelfin. I am Nessa Brightwood. We have come to report a significant issue brewing in the Numela Forest," Nessa explained, her expression grave. "If we don't take action promptly, many lives could be lost."
"Indeed," Rin added with a serious expression. "Abyss Servants, some bloody pool, and other things have appeared in an obscure spot in the forest."
"Abyss Servants?"
"Could these be the creatures royal father spoke of?" the elf girl pondered, her brows furrowing.
"Please, come inside. Let's discuss this further."
Once inside, Rin and Nessa conversed with the Prince and Princess. Nessa marked the location on a map and presented it to them.
Following the discussion, Rin and Nessa were instructed to stay in the guest room while the Prince and Princess departed with the map.
After their departure, Nessa let out a sigh.
"Tensions exist with another Elf Kingdom, one consisting solely of elves. It's larger, and they harbor resentment toward the Velfion Kingdom due to its inclusive laws that allow different races to reside here and access its resources," Nessa revealed.
"So, they might not pay much heed to the threat of the Abyss Servants?" Rin queried, her brow furrowing. 'Most people aren't even aware of the encroachment of the Abyss or the potential destruction of this world.'
'Nessa has only encountered them once, so her knowledge is also limited. I hope the influential figures in this kingdom understand the true danger,' Rin thought, her hope mingled with uncertainty.
While waiting for their return, Rin used the Labyrinth Shop Ticket and perused a collection of artifacts that surprised her.
Yet, one piece immediately captured her attention due to its perfect fit for her abilities.
[Thunder-Echo Bell]—Cost: 6000 Labyrinth Points.
_Type: Artifact.
_Perks: +200 Lightning damage, +100 Physical defense.
_Effect: When rung, the bell consumes 50 mana to envelop you in a transparent barrier with a five-meter radius for one minute. The barrier won't block attacks but swiftly counters attacks with a Thundering Wave triggered by contact with the barrier. ->Thundering Wave: An intense five-meter-wide surge of lightning-infused energy that inflicts damage and carries a high chance of paralysis.
'Pairing this with my other lightning attacks will amplify their power, and I should be able to manipulate the Thunder Wave!' Rin's grin widened. 'Especially with that extra two hundred lightning damage. All my attacks will become even deadlier.'
Anticipation surged within her to unleash this newfound potential.
Subsequently, she employed her Item Recall box, retrieving a sword she had saved for her Blade Eater. Although it was the most potent sword she had encountered, her Blade Eater was currently digesting a Tier-1 Axe weapon, so he must fight more and finish its digestion before feeding the sword to her Blade Eater.
'The Abyss Servant was swift, not allowing me to activate some of the effects. Hmmm, I have to enhance my proficiency in using my Blade Eater,' Rin contemplated, mulling her combat abilities.
After half an hour's wait, the Prince and Princess returned, garbed in armor and battle attire.
"Father has instructed us to gather a force of over one hundred individuals at level 80 or higher and eliminate that threat," Prince Kelfin shared with a smile. "We appreciate your alerting us to this peril."
"I'm joining the expedition," Rin declared, rising with a flicker of lightning in her eyes. 'I can't miss the opportunity to rampage alongside a hundred allies.'
"I'll be going too!" Nessa affirmed, her demeanor resolute.
"Very well, follow us. The aerial ship will be prepared shortly."
...
Curious, Rin inquired about the cost of an extravagant pirate ship before her. Vibrant and ornate, it boasted crystal inlays and wooden wings resembling an airplane!
"These aren't available on the market. We possess exclusive blueprints and methods for crafting such ships," Princess Melfy explained with a smile. "We call them Elven-Meander Ships."
"A fitting name. If I wanted to purchase one?"
"For those seeking flying ships, private Magsmiths, and artisan shops offer them for sale. The least expensive options start at a hundred thousand gold coins," Prince Kelfin replied with a grin.
"I see."
'I'll likely obtain a flying ship for free eventually,' Rin thought with an internal chuckle. 'For now, enhancing my combat prowess remains my priority.'
...
Meanwhile, Isabella breathed a sigh of relief upon witnessing the leader of the Star-Frost Magha tribe's belief in Chief Venisa's words, prompting a thorough investigation of the tribe's statues.
Her task was completed; she advanced by one level and received a Labyrinth Shop ticket and an item recall box.
As for the investigation's outcome, it aligned with Chief Venisa's concerns.
The Abyss tainted all the statues!
The Star-Frost Magha tribe dispatched emissaries to inform other Magha tribes, while Isabella received a new task.
[Important Task: Assemble a group of over a hundred individuals at level 80 or higher to fulfill this task.]
—> Task: Locate the Brewing Abyss Nexus responsible for the region's corruption and eliminate it.
—> Time Limit: 10 days.
—> Failure to destroy the nexus within ten days will result in the transformation of Maghas blessed by corrupted statues into Abyss Slaves, leading to the region's devastation and the progression of Abyss Encroachment.
This task wasn't exclusive to Isabella; all Earth inhabitants who found themselves in this icy region also received the same task.