Chapter 15.4. Hordes of undead.

Five month later Lilith entered Gobniu’s chambers and he gestured for her to take a seat.

– Took you longer than I expected to return.

– Had too much fun, – answered Lilith: – Is it ready?

– They are, – Gobniu took out four golden colored bracelets and placed them in front of her.

– Which is which? – asked Lilith, and Gobniu described which skills every bracelet had. Lilith nodded and placed all four bracelets inside her magic purse.

– I heard you sold quit a lot of magic stones and monster materials to Mercenary guild?

– I did. Had to bargain with them, to get my rank in the guild higher. Reached C rank now. But do not worry, I saved best for you.

Lilith took out hides, claws and fangs that they got from floor guardians. Then she also took out artifacts and a magic chest.

Gobniu smiled slightly and expected al items.

– Swords and daggers are nothing special – increase stats. Chest is impressive, wards protect from curses and you can fill a lot in there. Has its own pocket dimension inside. Materials are also valuable. What about magic gems? – asked godsmith.

– Like I said, I’m keeping them to myself.

– Sad. But it is your choice. I can pay you a lot for them. Also the shield is made from adamantium.

– I do not want your gold. Earned enough from the guild. I want you to forge weapons for my men. Use adamantium to make an axe for minotaur. Cian needs a sword, just like snakeman. And my fallen angel has Flaming Celestial Sword skill. He needs appropriate sword.

– Nothing for you? – raised his eyebrow Gobniu.

– I have a sword and a dagger. For now, I am satisfied.

– As you wish. But it will take time, month for each blade, at least.

– Fine. I will send my men to Zhen Wu temple, for now. They need time to improve.

– And you yourself?

– I want one more favor from you. I wish to learn from you about blacksmithing, also masonry and harp playing lessons.

Gobniu thought for a while, but then nodded.

– I will arrange everything.

– Counting on you.

 

* * *

 

Under a sprawling oak tree, Luara’s son played with youthful abandon! The toddler giggled as he chased butterflies, darting between dappled leaves – chubby arms flailing in exuberant attempts at capture. Sunlight glinted off his dark fur, highlighting the distinctive spots marking him as proud member of the beastfolk royal line.

Nellisandra and Nila watched scene with warm smiles, enamored by innocent joy before them! They came for a shirt visit, and also to take a look at her friends first born son.

– He’s such a rambunctious little one! – Nila remarked, her eyes never leaving toddler at play: – Reminds me of his mother, always getting into mischief.

Luara chuckled indulgently, proud gaze fixed upon her son’s antics!

– He certainly keeps us on our toes – but I wouldn’t trade those precious moments for anything in world!

The princess knelt beside boy, offering gentle guidance as he tugged determinedly at dandelion stem. Together they plucked flower free from soil – its fluffy white head wafting seeds upon summer breeze.

Nellisandra sighed contentedly, surrounded by love and family! Though dangers still lurked beyond kingdom borders, these stolen moments of peace were balm for weary soul. She savored them all the more.

– How are things in your part of the world? – asked Luara.

– Slowly improving, – sighed Nelliasandra: – After our failed attempt at conquering Dark Dungeon, things were quit bad. But they are improving now. Trevor was even suggested as next Grand Paladin. People that we help to get out of Dark Dungeon, sing high praises to him.

– Worse in my part of the world, – grimaced Nila. People nicknamed her as Adventurer Queen, and she was strongest adventurer in Tyco – town in Northern Gremlin Kingdom, and she also had a lot of influence in her home town: – Those adventurers and heroes, who perished in Dark Dungeon, broke our laws. They destroyed dungeon cores in every dungeon near Tyco, – continued Nila: – We only find that out when dungeons started to collapse. Our whole economy was based on the magic stones and monster materials, which we got from dungeons, and our artisans used to create artifacts. Now people are losing their jobs. Golems who worked in our fields need magic stones to work, but without a steady supply, they are turning into statues. Not enough food, lost jobs and no more steady income. And things are getting only worse. Our town, no whole kingdom depended on those dungeons. Who knows what will happen next.

– What do you plan to do? – asked Luara.

– Nothing much we can. We will need to adapt, but that won’t be easy.

Nellisandra squeezed her arm in silent support.

– Let me know if there is anything I can do.

– I will, but no sense in talking about inevitable. Better tell us how your husband treats you now, that you are a mother of his son, – she smiled towards Luara, who blushed slightly.

– Get on with it, – beckoned her Nelliasandra: – Do not leave out any details.

 

* * *

 

Lilith was practicing her sword skill in Gobniu’s back yard, when four figures came inside. Her slaves and Cian exchanged greetings, and Lilith nodded to the corner of the courtyard. Her mercenaries spend half a year in Zhen Wu temple, under old masters watchful eyes, practicing their skill with weapons, while Lilith had her own teachers in Taraka. But now they returned, and Lilith planned to give them their new weapons, crafted by Gobniu himself.

Minotaur Kragor approached axe first – his beefy hands lifting massive weapon with reverent care. Two sided blade axe, with intricate design of flowers on the half moon blades, was heavy, but minotaur held it with ease.

Azael reached out next, easily recognizing his weapon. Weapon had its own unique stylized flames across its blade. Fallen angels long fingers closed around celestial sword hilt. It felt like extension of his arm. The weapon felt perfectly balanced, almost an extension of his very being.

Sharr hesitated momentarily, then gripped short sword. Its blade was etched with serpentine patterns. Sharr held his blade with newfound confidence.

– It will increase your speed stats by one and strength by three, – added Lilith. He felt power thrumming through veins, strength and speed amplifying beyond measure! With practiced flourish, he cut air in intricate patterns – each strike resonating deeper connection between snakeman and metal.

Lastly Cian retrieved wind-blessed sword. Its sleek form humming with subtle vibrations. He twirled it dexterously through forms – feeling enhanced agility flow through every motion! This blade would serve him well indeed on coming journeys.

Lilith watched proudly from sidelines as companions bonded with new gear, each weapon tailored to its wielder’s unique gifts. She knew such tools could make crucial difference between life and death, on perilous quests ahead!

– Let these weapons be symbols of your strength united! Together we will stand against any threat – no matter how dark or dire! Now we go forth my friends. Towards Kragor’s homeland. Towards minotaur lands and new journeys.