Chapter 67: A Raging flame growing inside the Cave.

Chapter 67: A Raging flame growing inside the Cave.

Multiple proficiency requirements fulfilled. [Singing Lv. 7] [Dancing Lv. 5] [Musician Lv. 3] [Poison Creation Lv. 6] [Toxic Secretion Lv. 3] [Trap Creation Lv. 5] gained

Panguana Meat Stew

A highly nutritious meat stew that uses the vigorous meat of the panguana as its base. Placed in a special liquid of strong seasoning and swamp water to rid the meat from its terrible smell, leaving only a fine steak behind

It feels like weve been wandering underground for nearly a week or so. Haa, a warm meal really is refreshing.

Mhmm, its pretty deliciousbut swamp water? Seriously, Saori? I replied to my friend in Common tongue, instead of English or Japanese. But, honestly, dont you want to make something for yourself? Youve been making things that I liked to eat ever since weve met.

Well, it is my pleasure to serve you something you enjoy. Good food is best eaten when everybody can savor it, Saori responded back, also in Common tongue.

I know, but dont you want touh, dont you want to-, I tried to reply back but it seems I couldnt remember a certain word, forcing me to resort to [Telepathy] to convey my thoughts. [Dont you want to make some Japanese cuisine? I like western and eastern cooking equally, so you dont have to restrict yourself.]

Ohhh, isnt this Japanese a country from Earth? I would love to taste your home countrys cooking, Miss Saori, Tasianna said with expecting eyes.

You two, Saori scratched her head in defeat. It is not like I do not want to make it; it is just that I cannot make it. The ingredients for them were not in the forest, and I would not want a proper breakfast without.uh, let me say the rest with [Telepathy].

We were already showing improvements with our language comprehension due to Tasiannas daily lectures. Speaking with the lizardmen has also widened our horizon enough that we could start speaking completely in Common tonguealthough, we still had our problems here and there.

[Rice. Without rice, it would not feel very authentic. Grilling some kebabs or cooking a steak is much easier with our current tools, anyways,] Saori said.

She was right. Our current cooking tools were just our claws and hands as anything else would be less effective. While cutting was not a problem, anything fancy was practically quite difficult to reproduce, so Saori must have decided that simple was best.

Speaking of missing tools, I didnt have anything to bake. I honestly want to start baking again when I get the chance.

"'Rice'?" Tasianna questioned, tilting her head for a moment, before hitting her open palm with a fist. "Oh, it took a bit for the telepathy to send all the information. Are you speaking of a hard, yellow grain that turns soft and white after you moisten them? They're small and about this big, yes?" Using her small arms, she imitated the size of a rice kernel.

Wait, Tasianna are you meaning to tell me that you know about rice?! Saori burst out in surprise and anticipation.

Oh, yes. According to my adoptive parents, rice is actually one of two national crops that the dwarves absolutely adore because you can make strong alcohol from them. I remembered that my father once brought some of that beverage back after he went with his majesty to the dwarves," Tasianna said while tapping her chin, reminiscing about her childhood. "It reeked as terrible as any other alcohol. Revolting. For some reason that I cannot understand, the elves also like that untasteful liquor.

Wait, is she talking about-

Hold on! Saori shouted once again before grabbing Tasianna with both of her hands. Rice, did you just say rice? I-I understood that! Not as a Common tongue word but as the Japanese one. Huh, what does thiswait, confirm this for me Tasianna. Sake. S. A. K. E. Sake. Is that the word of the rice liquor?

Looking at the fanatical Saori, Tasianna could only wince at this bizarre sight, "A-Ah, y-yes, Miss Saori. I do remember it being called sake."

Saori, satisfied with that answer, released Tasianna from her clutch, Then please answer two more questions for me. Do you know the origin of that name and where the dwarves live?

Uh, yes, I do in fact. According to my father, rice became a national food due to its history with one of their rulers. They were the one that led the dwarves during the infamous Fairy War and they later on ascended to godhood after their death, Tasianna explained. I apologize but I do not remember the name of that specific god. However, the dwarves themselves live northeast from the elves.

In other words, due to our little kidnapping, were too far away now.

Hestia after hearing that, Saori turned around and looked at me. Do you remember what that leviathan told us? About somebody who was exactly like us? Would you believe that it might be a coincidence?

Nope, not at all, I said after a quick thought. Achieved greatness, or something like that. If becoming a subordinate god isnt considered 'greatness', then I'm tone-deaf. You aren't thinking what I'm thinking, right?"

Yes, after we get out of this forest, we should probably make it our goal to visit the dwarves if we get the chance, Saori stated. Not only for the rice. Not only for the delicious sake. But I honestly want to know about this person. They might not have much to do with our situation, but I must admit that I am curious as both a person and a historian."

Are you serious? Saori, do you know what a dwarf is? I asked Saori a rhetorical question, hopeful that shes well-informed about pop-culture. Tasianna can you explain to me what a dwarf is?

Apologies but I cannot, Lady Hestia. Just like how I couldn't describe a beastman to you before I met the lizardmen, I also can't tell you how dwarves look like because I never met them. All I know is that they live under the mountains and that-"

Thats enough! I shouted, interrupting Tasianna. You hear that Saori! Cave! Underground! Mountain! Darknesssssssssssss!

Alright, alright, Hestia! Please, you have to calm down! I know you do not like being in caves but are you not feeling curious about all of this?" Saori tried to soothe me as I began jumping up and down due to my frustration of still being inside this cave!

I dont know how long it has been but we've stayed inside this cave for an extremely long time now! I miss being outside, alright! Its dark, musky, cold, and just a pain to be in! OMG, I want out of here.

Dont you try that on me, Saori! You should know by now how much I hate being inside a cave! Ive been stuck inside one for a whole month, just by myself! Being forced to speak with myself through my parallel minds! That is not healthy! I shouted hysterically, finally letting out my frustration. Arrrgh, I want to get out of here already, so just let me make a hole and we can get back to fresh air, Saori! Please!

Hestia, have you forgotten that we are trying to evade the wyverns? You told me personally after we left that you were suspicious about Kargryxmor. That speaking with Aurena first sounded safer, Saori pointed out, reminding me why we were in this cave in the first place. I will not tell you that taking the word of a giant monster like that leviathan at face value is a smart move, but that is beside the point. Astalos, that [Boltreaver Wyvern], has proven to be an asshole and we should stay away from anything related to that psychopath. Staying low and not causing a fuss is our only way out, so please, I beg you to have a bit more patience Hestia. Is it really as bad as you think?

Urgh, I groaned at her sound arguments.

Ithonestly isnt as bad as my first time being stuck inside a cave. Last time, I was completely alone and couldnt share my annoyance of being inside a cave beside blasting things with magic.

Being together with somebody is reassuring. Saori and Tasianna have made my time inside here much more comfortable. We havent found an underground lake yet but the constant showers that Tasianna could conjure up were enough for me to feel clean with.

Huh?

Saori? interrupted by Saoris sudden voice, I stopped thinking about the issue on hand.

Uhhh, nothing. Just forget it, ok? Saori said nervously, fidgeting around. Oh, how about I make you ice cream? Fragassa, those giant strawberries are your favorite, right? Tasianna could you help me make some for Hestia?

I dont know what ice cream is, but it would be my honor to continue serving Lady Hestia, Tasianna announced with a proud face.

Well, I wouldn't mind ice cream, but what is this? I might look like a twelve-year-old, but you dont have to appease me as if I really was one. Im not a kid, gu-ys, at that moment, something felt off.

Ive already mentioned that it felt like weve been in here forever, but how long has it actually been?

Tasianna, do you remember what the date was when we fled from the wyverns? I turned to my fairy companion.

Wait, Miss Tasianna you mus-

Of course, Lady Hestia. It was the 18th of HarvestMoon, the tenth month of our calendar. I always count the daysbut as you can see, it is quite hard to do so inside here, Tasianna said with a quizzical face.

I checked my status board yesterday and I was still six months old

Hestiadont.

Open profile.

Hestia's status board update

Profile:

Name: Hestia Atsuko

Level: 29

Race: Young Spark Inferno Dragon

Age: 7 Months

Status:

Health: 5709/5709(+442) Mana: 19192/19192(+1090) Strength: 2783 (+106) Intelligence: 5280 (+598) Vitality: 1423 (+35) Wisdom: 1713 (+59) Agility: 5702 (+511) Stamina: 2814/2814(+110) Effects: [Damaged Mana Paths [Left Wing] (Minor)][Humanized (Moderate)] Skill Points: 2600 (+800) Unique Skill:

[Spark Fire Dragon Lv. 8]

[Spark Fires Fire Boost]

[Spark Flame Veil] (New)

Skill: Magic skills and related

[Lava Magic Lv. 2]

[Lightning Magic Lv. 1] (New)

[Holy Magic Lv. 10]

[Holy Amp]

[Holy Magic Efficiency]

[Sacred Magic Lv. 5]

[Fire Magic Lv. 10]

[Fire Amp]

[Fire Magic Efficiency]

[Inferno Magic Lv. 5]

[Earth Magic Lv. 10]

[Earth Amp]

[Earth Magic Efficiency]

[Terra Magic Lv. 2] (+1)

[Wind Magic Lv. 10] (+1)

[Wind Amp]

[Wind Magic Efficiency]

[Storm Magic Lv. 1] (New)

[Space-Time Magic Lv. 4]

[Space-Time Magic Efficiency]

[Synergists Oath Lv. 5] (+1)

[Draconic Magics]

[Draconic Barrier Lv. 4]

[Silent Casting Lv. 6]

[Magic Power Enhancement Lv. 6] (+1)

[Mental Stability Lv. 5] (+1)

[Mental Warfare Lv. 4]

Physical and related

[Unarmed Technique Lv. 5] (+1)

[Draconic Claws Lv. 5] (+1)

[Draconic Roar Lv. 3] (+1)

[Draconic Fangs Lv. 4]

[Sundering Enhancement Lv. 4]

[Piercing Enhancement Lv. 4]

[Crushing Enhancement Lv. 2]

Senses and movement skills

[Stealth Lv. 9]

[Accuracy Correction Lv. 6]

[Concentration Lv. 2]

[Prediction Lv. 9] (+1)

[Danger Perception Lv. 3] (+1)

[Probability Correction Lv. 5]

[Detection Sensor Lv. 3] (+1)

[Enhanced Auditory Sense Lv. 3]

[Enhanced Olfactory Sense Lv. 4]

[Enhanced Vision Lv. 5]

[Tracking Lv. 3]

[Night Vision Lv. 8]

[Presence Killer Lv. 9]

Resistances Stat growths and related Others Ability List: Spell List: Custom magic Lightning magic Lava magic Holy magic Fire magic Earth magic Wind magic

[Air Shield]

[Wind Slash]

[Swift Winds]

[Wind Blast]

[Featherfall]

[Aerial Blitz]

[Tornado Bullet]

Space-Time magic

[Haste]

[Storage Magic]

[Warp Point: Entry]

The Light magic

[Shine]

[Sanctuary]

Titles:

[The Light] [Bearer of Kargryxmors Blood] [Otherworldly Reincarnator] [Princess]

Saori? I looked at Saori.

Sigh, I was checking my mana consumption. Making sure that my [Humanized] was not draining too much and I just found out that my Age has changed to three months, Saori said with a reluctant tone.

Wait, Miss Saori. If youve just become three months old, then that means that it's the 25th. Oh, it is a relief for me to know the date again. Which means today is a Restday, Tasianna said, pleased to know the date again.

SighI see, compared to the happy-go-lucky fairy, I, on the other hand, had to take a breath to calm myself down. LET ME OUT OF HERE!

Shouting at the top of my lungs, I began materializing the magic circle for [Inferno Beam] to drill a hole in the ceiling of this cave, planning to create an escape out of this abominable place.

Hestia, no! Saori called out before tackling me onto the ground like a football player, holding my arms down. We need to stay incognito here! Please, you have to calm down!

GET OFF OF ME, SAORI! GET OFF! putting my feet on Saoris body, I kicked her off me, despite her resistance.

Jumping back onto my feet, my spells red magic circle was finished, ready for me to active it. However, as I was ready to activate it, [Prediction] warned me, informing me of Saori who dashed behind me.

Cause she used [Haste], my reaction time wasnt fast enough for me to avoid being grabbed from behind and being slammed onto a wall. Due to my barrier, it didnt hurt much, a fact that Saori knew as she wasnt holding her strength back.

"Damn it, we've gone a week without fighting! Fuck, at least [Battle Frenzy] hasnt appeared yet! Saori shouted. "Tasianna, I need help now!"

GRAAAARRGH, I WANT OUT! NOW! Ooof!

Hestia, please stop struggling. You need to control yourself! Dont let [Battle Frenzy] control you! Saori once again shouted, but my ears werent registering them due to a singular word resounding in my mind: Outside.

Miss Saori, I apologize for the indecency, but I believe this should help us, Tasianna called from behind, however, I couldnt understand what she meant by indecent.

! Miss Tasianna?! Saori gasped, surprised at something. Ah, never mind. Were all women here, anyways. Just come and help me. We need to control her before she blows this place up!

LET ME GO! I WANT TO GO OUTSIDE, ALREADY! I shouted, putting even more strength to free myself. I want to see Rajah. I want to see Caszcur. I want Apsala. I want to see Aksmias. I want to see my forest again. I want to see Belzac forest again. The air, the green leaves, the peaceful animals! I dont want to be in this cave anymore, Saaaaaaooooooriiiiii!

Shes having a tantrum, parallel mind #1 said.

Yup, and Im getting influenced by it, tooawesome, parallel mind #2 said with annoyance.

Come on, girls. I want to get out of this cave too, but we need to calm original mind down! parallel mind #3 commanded the others into action.

It was like my parallel minds said, I was having a tantrum. I cant remember the last time that I had one, so I guess this was my first in this new life. Honestly, the rational part of my mind was telling me that this was an embarrassing thing to do for my age but being inside a cave already made me go mildly insane the last time I was in one.

The thought of staying inside another cave for another month was not cool at all. I didnt want to stay another day inside here!

I was already extremely annoyed by the recent events. Having to say goodbye to so many people that I would consider friends. Yes, I considered Rajah more of a pet but that didnt mean the impact of having to say goodbye was any less.

The lizardmen and I had a rough beginning, but I grew fond of them as individuals. There were Caszcur, Aksmias, and Apsala, sure, but every single one of them were awesome and super polite. I even made a promise to sing for the kids, for fucks sake. If that didnt tell you how much I liked them then nothing will.

And that is whyLET ME OUT OF HERE!

GRAAAAAGH! GRRRRRUUUUUUUGH!

Damnit, Hestia! with a swift twist of her body, Saori threw me onto the ground, knocking my jaw closed to prevent me from releasing dragon fire. Ill apologize to you later, but we cant have you go on a rampage now! Shadow Tendrils!

Urrrrrggh! I winced in pain from the mere touch of the shadow tendrils wrapping themselves around my body, before ignoring it and casting a spell on my horns. SHINE!

Shit! a glaring light filled the room, freeing myself from Saoris spell. Noticing that my body could move around freely, I stomped Saori with both legs, using it to jump back on my feet.

Inferno B-! as I was about to shoot out a beam of searing hot fire, something surprising came into my view.

It was not a monster nor a beastmen, but a woman with rose-colored skin, completely naked besides for a collar around her neck. She had a slim body with a non-existent chest size. Her face was youthful with an obvious red blush on her cheeks, framed by azure-blue hair that would reach down to her back if she hadnt tucked them in a prim and proper style.

Normally, she would also have short, pointy ears but her current ones were abnormally long and sharp giving her face a different "feeling". However, what surprised me the most was her bare back, completely void of two of her limbs, her wings.

"T-Tasianna?" I said aloud, the only thing that came to my mind as I saw the beautiful woman who was a head taller than me.

I apologize for this, Lady Hestia! Please, forgive me! with an incredibly reddened face, the woman rushed towards me and embraced me with a cold hug.

Gaaaaaaah..c-c-c-c-c-cold! Tasianna, let me go, please!" I pleaded, trying to fidget my way out of the naked woman's arms.

Please, calm down first, Lady Hestia! I dont want to see you make a mistake! Please, control your urges and listen to Miss Saori! Tasianna said as she looked me straight into the eyes.

"ALRIGHT; ALRIGHT, just put some clothes on first!" this whole scene was too surreal, surreal enough that it cooled down my head enough to stop my tantrum.

After taking the time to apologize to Saori, I just sat down for a moment to reflect on what just happened, doing breathing practices to cool myself down even further. It was frustrating to think that I lost myself that much in my emotions.

That was soooourgh, lewd. Gods, lets just forget that this ever happened.

Forgetting about that little embarrassing scene, I went up and asked the still flustered Tasianna about her current form after Saori gave her one of her spare dresses. Apparently, her current form was caused by the skill [Elvenize] that she recently bought from the skill shop. It was the elven equivalent to [Humanize], turning her into an elf, or more specifically a wind elf.

Wind elves are the children of Zephira and one of her subordinate gods, Krunal, the god of Harvest and Weather, Tasianna explained. Wind elves are usually shorter than high elves, the original race. Due to being children from Zephira, wind elves also have a higher potential in learning wind magic. Otherwise, the two races are practically the same.

Wow, two gods did it with two mortals? The gods are horny, I commented.

Hey, it is not like our mythology has any less of that. Thats where the word demi-god comes from, after all, Saori said.

You do not need to worry about that fact. They might be the children of Zephira but they possessed none of her powers besides a higher proficiency gain for wind magic. They are nowhere are godly as you might think, Tasianna further explained.

In addition to that, we also learned that she literally spent 1000 SP to learn [Elvenize] and then 2400 SP to fully upgrade it to the maximum level. She admitted her reason for buying it was purely personal, wishing to serve me tea with her own hands.

She always felt restless whenever she couldnt serve me anything in her fairy form, feeling jealous every time she had to watch Saori do it in her stead due to her lack of strength to pick up human-sized teapots and cups.

She stated, A maid that cannot serve her mistress properly is an incompetent one. Which was good enough of a reason for her to go all-in with the skill.

As she once mentioned to me, a fairy using a skill akin to [Humanize] and [Elvenize] will create a body made out of mana, same as her original form. That meant that her body wasnt able to bleed like a normal wind elf.

However, the biggest benefit to her form change was an increase in her Strength and Vitality stats while keeping everything else. As a being made purely from mana, she also didnt have to consume mana to maintain her form, meaning that she could keep it active indefinitely if she wished.

Still, that didnt mean it had no disadvantages. She was still a Faefolk, meaning that losing mana in any way would weaken her combat prowess. Anything that could sap her mana from her body was deadly.

She also didnt have her wings anymore so aerial movements was impossible until she could get [Air Walk]. Her increase Strength also meant a larger body, which means a larger target. She could still fight in her current form, but Saori and I agreed that it would be more beneficial for her to fight as a fairy whenever possible as she could keep her mana levels high by taking ours. A fairy would be small enough to fit on our shoulders, after all.

After that explanation, we continued our walk through the cave, now that Saori and Tasianna have persuaded me to not let [Battle Frenzy] control me.

[Battle Frenzy (Minor)] inflicted on [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]

However, that was easier said than done. This damn thing always appears after a week of no proper battles as if it was on a timer. I needed to fight somethingbut unfortunately, the whole tunnel was too cramped for us to fight in properly.

There was the option to widen the tunnel using my earth magic, but anytime we wanted to do it, the whole tunnel shook. Like it wasnt even a small quake, it was large enough that a boulder once fell from the ceiling, nearly crushing Tasianna in the process had she not reacted in time.

It was too risky. If I held back for the caves sake, then it wouldnt get rid of [Battle Frenzy]. All I could do was to hold it inthis incredibly frustrating itch inside my chest, that tugged every single fiber of my being.

Whether it was sitting still or eating properly, it was difficult to do due to my shaking body, similar to a drug addict. I was punching the ground, clawing the walls like a cat, and did various other activities to relieve myself for even a single second.

My companions also noticed this so Saori eventually caved in and allowed me to drill a hole, admitting that it was unreasonable of her to expect me to hold it in. Apologizing, she wanted me to drill a hole out of here, as she believed that holding in [Battle Frenzy] for any longer would be risky for me, but I rejected that idea.

As stubborn as that sounded, Saori was right. We needed to avoid the wyverns. We needed to stay low and quiet. Our goal was to first speak with Aurena about everything before we go to Kargryxmor. It just made sense to speak with his boss before we have anything to do with himand I honestly wanted to avoid Astalos at all cost.

I dont want to have anything more to do with him, especially when I can assume that he must be fuming at this moment. Hell probably not stop until he has me in his grasp once again!

I also needed to learn to control these urges. If there are resistances for most status effects, then there should be one for [Battle Frenzy], right? [Mental Stability] helped me keep calm but I needed a real skill that directly helped me with it, but it wasnt in the SP shop. I couldnt find it.

If I cant find it then I shall make it myself. The System is flexible, right? If I hold it in, resisting my urge to fight while constantly asking the System to create a skill like that, then it should happen eventually, right?

Ahhhhhhh, when will this torture endcome onjust one measly skill, please!

After what felt like an eternity, my nose suddenly was stimulated by the sweet smell of fresh air. Dashing through the caves tunnel in a frenzy, my patience was completely overruled by an incredible lust to kill anything that came in my sight, once I leave this damnable place.

Seeing the light in this endless darkness, my legs couldnt stop anymore, forgetting about any restraint.

Once, my body felt the soft feeling of sunshine gracing my scales and the clear air filling my lungs, I finally felt true freedom again. Controlled by both [Battle Frenzy] and this intoxicating dopamine influx, my desire to kill something surged even further to the peak.

[Battle Frenzy (Moderate)] inflicted on [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]

And then everything went black.

.

*********************************************************

.

Experience has reached multiple breaking points. [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko] has risen from [Level 29] to [Level 30]

Attributes have increased due to level up

Acquired 3000 skill points

Max level has been reached. Evolution is now available for [Young Spark Inferno Dragon, Hestia Atsuko]

When I woke up, the first thing that stimulated my senses was the loud ding, ding, ding, ding that appeared from having my level rise. I questioned why I even leveled up in the first place, as I couldnt remember killing anything. My memory was completely blank.

It took my brain a couple of seconds to readjust itself, but when it did, I suddenly noticed that I was standing in a pool of blood, holding onto the shards of a broken skull, unable to use [Identify] to learn what it was, as my skill continued calling it [Shards of a Broken Skull].

Looking around, some trees were broken, and the amount of viscera was astounding. This couldnt be called anything else but a slaughter field. No refinement. No goal. Just pure and an utterly revolting show of carnage and bloodlust.

Hestia! looking around, I could see Saori and Tasianna having caught up to me, watching me as I stood around in my own creation.

Lady Hestia, a-are you a-alright? Tasianna said while she trembled at the sight that I caused.

SaoriTasianna, I mumbled. W-What have I done? W-What did I do? No

I threw the skull shards onto the ground as if I was disgusted at touching them, blocking my mouth from opening with one of my hand and as my mind started digesting the scenery.

Hestia! Hesta, come here, dont look! I could hear Saori say.

No, nowhat is this?! Achooo!

As I recovered from the shock with a sneeze, my eyes wandered back onto the ground, where I saw a few hints of white. Looking up again, my eyes could make out small, little flakes of white spots dropping from the sky, descending down slowly in a mesmerizing pattern.

*I ****** ********** ********** ****************************************

Argh, so much static in my head, what is that? Wait, snow?

Winter, huhurgh.

Skill requirement fulfilled. [Mana Eyes Lv. 1] gained

HESTIA!

With a loud cry and thud sound, my eyes closed, and my mind wandered into nothingness.