Book 1. Chapter 23: Giant Ant Queen's Lair

Book 1. Chapter 23: Giant Ant Queen's Lair

Jakes party fought through the giant ant queens lair with ease. Ophelia convinced Jake to allow her to use her [Spear of Hestia] attack frequently, so that they could get a feel for or understand the sacrificial nature of the spell, and also to train her [Valkyrie Magic] to higher levels. If they always held onto it and only used it for emergencies, it would never grow in strength. The same for her healing spell, so they mixed getting a feel for Jake using his [Cure Wounds] spell, and her using [Renewal] to restore the health lost.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Her mana regeneration was now quite good with her core and mana siphon of her own, but it still could not compare to Jakes thanks to his Summoner class. He would keep her topped off on all her resources as they slaughtered the ants through to the queen. They did not run into a large assault from the creatures again, but they did encounter some groups around half the size. Ophelias [Spear of Hestia] made short work of them, with the demoness helping spread her flames. Jakes summoned giant goliath beetle stayed by his side, to help protect him if they got ambushed.

Jakes stamina regeneration came through once again, allowing even her stamina to regenerate between fights to where she felt like she was topped up after using one just a few minutes later. They worked through the caverns until they arrived at a final massive chamber, where the ant queen resided. They were a little surprised at the number of ants killed to arrive at the destination; they had only killed at most a hundred new ants, when previously they had killed nearly forty in one wave. Jake noticed this, and wondered if they were going to be running into a trap. Still, Jake was not worried about the ants any longer.

The valkyrie was now beaming at her effectiveness. She had just hit level five and learned a new spell, and then she had already picked her specialization, similar to Jake. The spell was learned prior to her picking her specialization.

Valkyrie Spell Learned

Sacrificial Fire: Consecration

Light the hearth, burn those who act against your family. Consumes mana, stamina, and health to create an area of flames around themselves.

When she hit level five, she was given the specialization choices for her valkyrie spells and abilities: Offensive, Defensive, and Chosen. Jake is not sure exactly what would have happened if she had picked offense or defense in her case, but the demoness and valkyrie both outvoted Jake for her to choose the chosen specialization for her magic.

Jake thought that defense was a better specialization for their party, as Jake thought that focusing on Chosen specialization, such might be more fitting for if Jake was a warrior, and she could better protect the party with defense specialization.

Ophelia shook her head, My father was devoted to my mother, and while she loved him, she wasnt devoted to him in the same way. I dont wanta repeat of that. You are really focused on improving us and the group, soI really think someone should be devoted to you. By me being better able to keep you safe or fight alongside you, Fhesiah and future party members can focus on offense.

Im in agreement there, Jake. I think the Chosen specialization is more a focus on protecting or supporting you: just look at what she gained when she chose you. I think thats the right way to go. You can resurrect her at a shrine when you get to one, but we arent so sure well be able to do the same for you. Well both feel better knowing youre protected.

But the girls saw it as more a level of devotion or a focus on protecting Jake. Not only that, but Ophelias gut feeling immediately went towards the Chosen option, like she was being guided by the goddess.

This turned out to be what appeared to be an exciting choice, as two of her now three spells had special effects. Her heal would now also heal Jake somewhat, no matter whom she was healing; herself or the demoness. When she healed Jake, it would also refund some of the health cost back to her, like it was healing herself too; nearly half of the health cost. In regards to [Spear of Hestia], it didnt seem to have any effect, though perhaps there was some interaction if Jake was under attack that they had not yet seen. Her new spell, however, created the same field of flames that it created around her, around Jake as well.

When Ophelia used consecration, it cost a somewhat significant portion of her overall health, around 20%. The effect was quite amazing and was worth it, though. It cast around a ten-meter across circle around her of flames that raised from the ground, and hurt only enemies; Jake or Fhesiah were completely unaffected, like the flames welcomed only them, or even Jakes summoned beetle. That same effect would be mirrored around Jake, and it lasted twenty seconds. This effect did do quite a bit of damage, to the point where all fights up to now would have felt trivial using this ability. A creature that could fly above the flames would be unaffected, and creatures could quickly just move out of the radius, but with the resonance where both Jake and Ophelia produced this field, they could make a simply massive field of fire.

Jake too reached level six and got a new spell, his less exciting but not unwelcome.

Spell Learned

Summon Arcane Eye

Summon a creature of the void, see the unseen.

Jake could now summon an arcane eye, which allowed him to share his vision with a spectral creature that could pass through walls. The spell had no visible effect, and Jake guessed it was little more than a floating invisible eye, but he could not even see it himself. Only the demoness could even tell something was there.

It now made Jake the safest scout, as even if the eye was spotted, nothing would happen unless the creatures were intelligent and could attempt to sound the alarm and things of that nature; something they dont have to worry about for now at all. The eye could die and he could simply just summon it again.

Dungeon Completed!

Rating:

C

Reward:

26,238 Credits, Weapon Box

Next Dungeon:

12 Hours

A Loot box appeared near their portal, and the three of them gathered around it. Jake thought it might be best for Ophelia to open this one, as her weapon was really starting to be underpowered for dealing with stronger creatures such as the Giant Ant Queen. The demoness also declined wanting to open a weapon box, and Jake had doubts that he would get such a niche weapon like a spear-staff in a lottery.

Ophelia opened the loot box, and she got to see the wondrous light show and sound effects that came along with it. The lottery landed on a spear, though it looked like most of the choices were. Jake would have to consider trying again, as it looked like the loot box was tailored for her better than he thought it would be. The armor box was very unclear to him.

Rare Item Obtained

Corrosive Spear

Corrosive Effect, Increases effective strength and dexterity slightly.

Ophelia took the new spear in her hands, and gave it a few test thrusts into the air at an imaginary opponent. Her eyes gleamed as she felt the balance, and felt the design along the length of the green-colored wood shaft, where there were snakes spiraling towards the bladed tip. Jake enjoyed watching her like this, the look on her face was full of focus, care, and appreciation of her new item. He thought that this might be the look a normal girl might get when she found a bag or clothing item she really liked, but instead it was for a weapon of death and dismemberment.

The demoness matched his feelings on the matter, as she looked content with watching the valkyrie enjoy her new tool of war. The valkyrie spoke about her findings, The weapon effect is not very fitting for a valkyrie of Hestia, but it will serve its purpose for now. The balance and weight are good, and the strength and sharpness of the metals used far surpasses my previous. This spear will be much more deadly.

Yes, well, its a nice spear, but I still much prefer Jakes.

Jake looked at his own spear with confusion. Why would she like

Not that spear, master.

Jake just sighed at the demoness, but joined Ophelia in celebrating obtaining the nice item.

They settled in making dinner and wrapping up their evening with a movie once again. The party felt like they had made some major strides in just a single day, their safety having improved significantly and the mood was light as their confidence soared.

Jake set his sights on getting the party ready for attempting to reach the [Trial] which was able to be attempted as early as level 8. The length and difficulty were so long and full of enemies that the final reward should normally push the dungeon delvers to the first tier of level ten upon completion.