After I took our loot to archduke, I was tasked with delivering the heart and magic gem to Ashgrin capitol. My first reaction was to refuse, but I changed my mind and agreed. It was more than a year since my st visit to capitol, and my leveling orbs should have been ready by now. I left my party members behind with orders to go and earn more money, by killing monsters, and went to capitol alone. There was a well maintained road between Taingor and capitol, and chances to get lost were too small to consider.

  I was enjoying the wind and riding the horse when my loyal animal fell, and I smmed into the road. I moaned and got up. My horse was ying on the ground with broken legs. I noticed a rope that someone used to trip my horse.

  I touched myself, making sure that nothing was broken, and looked around.

  - Adventurer Avone, - said familiar figure coming out of forest: - I was waiting for you.

  I recognized the man. It was the adventurer that I fought on my first day in Taingor. I already managed to forget him and his name. We never met again, and I was not interested in him too much.

  - Is that any way to treat a fellow adventurer?

  - My apologies for that. Why don't you tell me what archduke Kurgan is pnning, and I will provide you with proper reparations.

  - Who are you?

  - Just call me a concerned citizen, who suspects that you and archduke are conspiring against the king.

  Geesh. Was he a spy? I casted View air, but did not noticed anyone else. Was he really alone? Then I remembered that he fought me by himself and did not lose. Maybe his confidence had its reasons.

  - Well? Are you going to talk, or should I beat it out of you?

  I took out my sword and one of my throwing knives. Adventure or spy also had a sword, but he did not took it out.

  - So you want to fight. I hoped that you will, - he took out pair of gloves and put them on. He took a stance, holding his hands in front of his face. Was he stupid or something?

  I wanted to attack him, but moment before he moved towards me. His gloves gloved and he used his hand to hit my sword. I did not expected that, but managed to step back. His second hand flew near my face, and he continued attacking.

  I jumped back again, but this time he followed me and hit my face. I flew back and fell on the ground. I felt blood flowing from my lip. I touched my teeth with my tong. At least they were not broken. Adventurer moved his shoulders and made a gesture for me to get up.

  I did not like him. I considered casting magic, but he was very confident, which meant that he probably had Magic resistance skill or an artifact that could protect him. Maybe going alone was s mistake after all.

  I jumped back on my feet and attacked him. To my surprise he hit my sword with his glowing glove and my sword did not even damaged it. His counterattack broke my nose, and I again fell on my butt. I pretended to get more damage than I got and released my sword. I left it on the ground and got up, cleaning running blood with my empty arm.

  Adventurer grinned, but kept his guard.

  - Are you ready to talk?

  - Not yet, - I sighed and attacked him again. His fists hit my face and stomach, and I got a feeling that the only reason he did not broke my ribs was thanks to my chainmail. Even my martial arts skill did not help me.

  He again moved his shoulders and grinned. I needed a better pn than winning this fairly.

  I attacked him again, but this time threw my knife, when we got close. He avoided wound in his hip by moving aside, but my knife still left a scratch on his leg. He responded by nding half a dozen hits and again throwing me on the ground.

  - Better. But not good enough.Talk about being too overconfident. But at this rate I will not st long. I got up and raised my hands.

  - Fine, fine you won. What do you wish to know?

  - Is that so. And I just got wormed up. Why don't you tell me what exactly is your connection to archduke Kurgan.

  - Is that all. He just asked me to collect him magic stones. Probably wants to order a skill orb from sage Norris. You did not have to hurt my horsee, if that is all you wanted to know.

  - Is that so? Let us pretend that I do believe you. Why don't you tell me what skill he wants?

  - Ou. I am afraid that I do not know.

  - So, I will need to beat it out of you after all, - he raised his hands, and I stepped back.

  - Wait, wait. And also are you all right? You look pale.

  - Don't you worry about me, - he wiped of sweat from his forehead: - I will be fine.He staggered and coughed.

  - What! What did you do to me?

  - Me? Why are you bming me? It was you who attacked me.

  - You betch.

  He run towards me, but moved much slower. This time I blocked his attacks and responded with my own. I hit his jaw and he fell on the road. Adventurer coughed again and blood came out of his mouth. I picked up my sword and approached him. Adventurer roared and jumped up, but I pierced his heart. His eyes went empty, and he fell on the ground.

  - I need more practice fighting humans, - I shrugged.

  I picked up my poisoned knife and grabbed adventurers colr. Dragging him deeper inside forest and using magic to create a hole, burry him and them get back and use magic to hide my tracks took some time.I approached my horse and stroked him.

  -You will be alright. Regeneration! Ha, so healing and regeneration spells do work on animals, who do not have mana. I was wondering about it.

  All I needed to do is burn the rope that tripped my horse, and few minutes ter I was back on my way.

  * * *

  According to Norris, he already received advance payment from archduke and promised to make the orb in fourteen month. I also ordered two more leveling crystals for myself, and left him two high ranking magic stones that I got from archduke Kurgan. We agreed that I will pick them up during my next visit, and he handed me seven leveling orbs, that he already made for me.

  Having leveling crystal all to myself was very convenient. I could use leveling orbs and increase my level in my own room in a tavern. Seven increased levels ter I checked my stats. I did like what I see.

  Elder high elf, LV 12 - 13

  Name - Avone;

  Job: Ranger;

  Status:

  Health: 934;

  Mana: 3050 - 3250 (-100=3150);

  Strength: 11;

  Defense: 5 - 6 (+2=8);

  Spell power: 27;

  Luck: 1 (+1=2);

  Speed: 7 (+5=12);

  Morale: Neutral

  Skills:

  Archery (Master);

  All seeing eye (Master);

  Mana rapid recovery (Master);

  Magic resistance (Advanced);

  Sage's wisdom (Advanced);

  Earth magic (Advanced);

  Arcane butchery (Advanced);

  Water magic (Advanced);

  Air magic (Advanced);

  Supreme demon-god mana control (Master);

  Fire magic (Advanced);

  Life magic (Advanced);

  Master swordsman (Master);

  God's speed (Advanced);

  Throwing (Advanced);

  Apex hunter (Advanced);

  Weapons master (Advanced);

  Primordial magic (Advanced);

  Spellsword Twin Bdes (Advanced);

  Demon style martial arts (Advanced);

  Double skill slots;

  Rainbow deity (Master)

  Possible skill acquirement:

  - Primordial magic (Master);

  - Spellsword Twin Bdes (Master);

  Please choose one skill!

  My skill choice was excellent. Finally I could get master level Primordial magic skill. I dreamed about for a very long time. Now I will finally be able to use highest ranking spells, from one of the most powerful magic schools. I chose Primordial magic skill and got out my Primordial magic book. There was one spell that I wanted to learn right away.

  I checked amount of mana that I have. Above three thousand. Without my new sword, spell would have been beyond my abilities. I went to the woods and created mana beacon. It was invisible ball of mana that I created near one of the trees. Location was not important, what was important was its existence. And the fact that as long as beacon existed, it will consume three hundred of my mana. Primordial magic was ultimate cheat, but it did have limitations. Benefits were the same as for Life magic, magic resistance skills and artifacts were useless against it. But if had its draw backs. First, was again the same as for Life magic, no attack spells. Most effective attack spell was Time stasis, but it imprisoned an opponent and did not harmed him. Also level four spells required three thousand mana and, in case of Time stasis, all that mana did not recovered as long as dimensional prison existed.

  The spell that I was using now also had such drawback. Mana beacon used three hundred mana, that I will not recover until it is destroyed, and the spell itself will require another three thousand. My only save was Sword Kdenets.

  I summoned king-simurgh and spend three uncomfortable days till we reached the ke were he dropped me off. I shook dirt of my cloth and gred at the bird. Well at least this was a st time that I needed him.

  - Our deal is over now. I wish to cancel our contract.

  - Is that so human?

  - I am and elf. And yes. I can use magic to reach my castle and will not require your services.

  - Good then elf. You finally grew stronger.

  King-simurgh used his cw to draw some kind of symbol on the ground. Then he cut himself and allowed drop of his blood to fall on the ground.

  - Let your blood touch this symbol, and our contract will be over.I nodded and did as told. As soon as my blood touched the ground symbol glowed and then disappeared.

  - Our contract is over. Be diligent with your duties elf.

  He jumped in the air and flopped his wings. I was thinking about a comeback, but he left before I came up with one. Never liked that bird.

  I went to my castle and left one more mana beacon inside hidden room with magic portal circle. It would have been easier to use Guild portal spell, but I lost my master level Wisdom skill, and needed to wait until I could get it back, before I could learn that spell.

  I sighed and went inside the castle. I had no idea where were its inhabitants, and went to library. Over the years I gathered dozens of books and my sves made shelves for them, so I repurposed one of the rooms and made there a library. There was even rge table and several chairs. Lyndria used room to teach reading to some of illiterate sves. I took out several more books and pced them on empty shells.

  - You have returned?

  I looked back and saw Lyndria. She was as beautiful as always.

  - More like dropped by for a short visit.

  - Your visits are always so short. Can't you stay longer?

  - No. Not this time. Sorry.

  - Do you at least have time for a meal?

  - A quick one.Lyndria shook her head and soon returned with a fruit pte.

  - Should I tell the others that you are here?

  - No need. I will be leaving soon. And this time I did not brought you anything.

  We occupied library's table and Lyndria shared news about castle's inhabitants. They were doing well, for people in the middle of nowhere. At least no one else died. After I ate three apples and a pear, I hugged Lyndria and left the room. All I had was time for a quick visit to the dungeon, and then I used my newest spell to return back to outskirts of capitol.

  I casted Mana portal and whirlwind of mana appeared in front of me. I carefully stepped inside and found myself in the forest, where I left mana beacon. According to Primordial magic book, beacon always disappeared once used. That was way faster than using that stupid bird and much more comfortable. I returned to capitol and picked up my horse from stables, where I left it. Too bad I cannot use that spell to get back to Taingor. But first I needed to leave there a mana beacon.

  * * *

  When I returned to Taingor I was met by Utag. Orc was getting plenty of food, out of which he preferred meat and was growing fast. He looked like a well built eighteen year old human and judging from his moves, he had a potential of becoming a skilled warrior or hunter.

  I jumped of the horse and orc bowed his head.

  - Master Avone. A man came here and left you a message. He said that sve trader, from whom you bought me, found something that might interested you.

  - When did the message arrived?

  - Thee days ago.It was a while ago, but at least not weeks before.

  - What about my friends?

  - They went to the dungeon and have not returned.

  - Take my horse to stables. And then gather your things and wait for me.

  - As you wish.

  He took reins and went to stables. In the beginning he had trouble taking care of horses, but now was pretty good at it.I went to cattle market and found a house, where I bought Utag. More than a year had passed since then and I already forgot about my request to sve trader.

  Merchant with teeth problem happily grinned, when he saw me and bowed.

  - Great adventurer. I was expecting you.

  - I thought that you already lost hope that I will come.

  - Oh, no. I heard that you spend month at a time in dungeon and was prepared to wait longer.

  - I see. So what have you for me?

  - Straight to business.

  - I just arrived, and I am tired and in need of bath and rest. So, if you please...

  - Of course, of course, - he showed me the way, and I followed: - I did not get exactly what you wanted, but, since you were interested in rarities, I procured you something rare. Rare and very valuable.

  - What is it? - my mood worsened. I hoped for a fairy of gorgon, but apparently he got me a gnome or something else as useless.

  - Would you like to see for yourself? - he opened door and extended his arm. I pced my hand on the dagger and peeked inside. There was a human like figure. Creature was sitting in the corner with his head between his knees. When he raised his head and looked at us, I gulped.

  Creature had split pupils. He had no nose, instead there were two holes, but it was not a deformity. Creature was covered in scales and belonged to outcast race of snakemen. Legends that I read mentioned that eons ago snakemen were allies to demons and lived in Dark continent. But they revolted against demons and tried to overthrow demon emperor. They failed and Lucifer banished them from continent. Snakemen escaped and were exiled to a remote isnd. They had no allies. Hated by humans, demons and despised by barbarians, they were ensved and were despised by every race on three continents.

  That was interesting, but useless to me. But I was curious.

  - Can I talk to him?

  - Yes. I will give you some time. Creature understands our nguage.

  - Who are you? - I asked snakemen.

  - My name is Sharr. I am a schor. I was traveling in your nds for research purposes, but was imprisoned and sold as sve.

  Sve trader ughed and grinned at me: - Can you imagine? A schor snake.

  - What were you researching?

  - I have many interests. History, nguages, ndscapes and maps is what fascinates me. I wanted to see new pces and heard that humans like books, which they sell freely to anyone.

  - You are interested in nguages?

  - Yes. You might have not know, but human nguages unlike demon one is very interesting. You all speak the same nguage, but at the same every human kingdom has unique words, their pronunciation and even writing has its small, but noticeable differences. Unlike you, all races on Dark continent use the same nguage, with united writing system.

  - What about nguages of other races? Know anything about them?

  - I was interested in dragon nguage. Dragons after all have many resembnces to my race. But not much I could learn about it. I did study elf nguage that dark elves use and nguage of Gorgonar.

  Lucky, lucky, lucky. He might just be useful to me.

  - He is not what I wanted. I asked you to keep an eye on fairies and gorgons. But... He is a little interesting. How much do you want for him?

  - He might be not what you asked for, but he costed me a lot. There were also expenses for transportation, and I could get a lot for him in the auction.

  - Yes. Maybe. Or not. You can never no. So what is your price?

  I probably should have bargained more, but I was tired from the road, and wanted to leave as fast as possible. This pce smelled, dozen bodies that did not used a bath stink and with my sense of smell, stench was overwhelming.

  - At least three, no actually four orichalcum coins.

  That was a lot, but things were going well for me, and in the st year I earned more than enough. I took out coins and passed them to sve trader.

  - Fine, but include a colr for free. And faster, your pce stinks.

  - As you wish. It will be done right now, - he quickly hid coins and run away, before I could change my mind.

  - Why did you bought me mas-ster? - asked snakemen after we went outside and I gave him usual orders for a sve. While talking he hissed some letters, which was annoying.

  - You will work for me. I need you to transte something for me, in the beginning. Then we will see.

  - Transte mas-ster?

  - You said that you are familiar with gorgon nguages. Just so you know, if you lied I will skin you alive and enjoy every moment.

  - I did not lie mas-ster.

  - Good. As long as we are here, let us by some animals and probably some chickens and rooster.

  Snakemen was very interested in my magic purse, that I filled with rge amount of food, and asked many questions. He was interested in everything. Soon I got annoyed with his questions and ordered him to stay silent.

  We returned to tavern with a rge basket filled with baby pigs, and several cages with chickens, rooster and baby rabbits.I called Utag and passed him down my luggage.

  - Follow me.

  We went inside stables, and I looked around. Stables were empty, not counting horses. I concentrated and, after creating mana beacon, used Mana portal spell. When portal opened in front of me, Utag stepped back, but Sharr curiously looked at it.

  - Go through it, - I ordered them. Utag hesitated and I pushed him forwards: - It is safe, now hurry up!

  Curious snakemen stepped inside magic portal first, and scared orc followed him. After leaving another mana beacon, I took them to first floor and soon other inhabitants gathered inside throne room. Snakeman was just as curious, but orc was cautious and little scared.

  - Brought you something, - I informed titan and took out food and other supplies from my magic bag: - I also brought you some animals and chickens. To increase your food supply. Figure out what to do with them, but keep chickens for eggs.

  - Thank you master, - bowed the giant: - And who are they?

  - Your new underlings. Put orc to work, but snakemen will have another task.

  Titan nodded, and I beckoned Sharr to follow me.

  - Lyndria, come with me as well.

  Succubus nodded, and I took Sharr to library. He approached shelves, touching books with trembling hands.

  - He will be your new librarian, - I informed Lyndria. You, whatever your name was, come here.I took out a paper and pced it on the table.

  - Here, - I noted at a passage, that I guessed was written in Gorgonar nguage: - I need you to transte this part. Lyndria will keep an eye on you and get you what you need, as long as it will be possible. Once you will be done with transtion, you fill follow her orders.

  - What must I do with him?

  - Just make sure he transtes the text. After that, I don't know. Find out what he is good at and put him to work.

  Succubus sighed, but nodded.

  - Good. I need to leave now, so good luck.

  I kissed her on the lips and opened the portal.She wanted to say something, but changed her mind. No one went inside stables and my spell was unnoticed. Now I finally could take a bath and wash away the smell of horses sweat.