A week has passed since the last training session. During that time, Ramiel focused on educating Caera and Asme about mana. The women surprised him. They quickly grasped the theory and easily turned the knowledge they gained into practice.
At the current rate, it would only be a few more lessons before he could teach them how to circulate mana. At first, the former hunter was skeptical of the idea but succumbed to Avi's complaints.
Despite appearances, the fairy was sometimes able to think and see the bigger picture.
As you might guess, these weren't the only benefits Ramiel reaped over the week. The women's trust in him increased dramatically. A great example is Caera. Through numerous interactions with the former hunter, the elfess was able to talk to him fairly normally. She still occasionally stutters somewhere or starts to stutter, but incidents are a definite rarity.
In addition, Caera has made significant progress in understanding the element of space. As of today, she has given up her daily consultations with Ramiel and has decided to develop on her own. Of course, she can still come to the former hunter if she encounters a bottleneck, but she will try to solve the problem herself first.
Ramiel did not complain. He was satisfied. After all, the desire for self-improvement is the basis of evolution and development.
Another important thing is worth mentioning. The elfess had fully recovered, which made her bombard poor Ramiel with requests for training.
Unfortunately, she was unable to defeat him, suffering a dismal defeat every time. Despite the difference in status, Ramiel's years of combat experience proved an insurmountable obstacle.
Asme was a bit jealous of Ramiel and Caera's private sessions and joined their sparring sessions. However, this did not change anything. Even in a two-on-one fight, the women suffered defeat.
Ramiel was a bit surprised by Asme and Caera's skills. In a world where monsters lurk around every corner, skills related to fighting should come up on a pedestal. At least, that's what logic indicates.
But the women were acutely lacking in this aspect. They were amateurs. Although the elfess showed a basic familiarity with weapons, but Asme... her skills were lame.
If we are already at the horned beauty. The woman became terribly jealous of Ramiel. She was even a tad possessive. If she wasn't training, she was making his time pleasant with her singing or massaging him after a hard day.
The horned beauty didn't know why she was acting so strangely in the company of the former hunter. It caused her a slight headache and raised several unanswered questions. However, every time she was able to spend a little time with Ramiel, she felt happy.
Apparently, the former hunter's plan was working better than he thought. A little more, and women will be eating out of his hand.
Of the more important things, it is also worth mentioning the successful evolution of goblin number one and two.
The latter evolved into a spear goblin. He was a bit shorter than goblin number three but boasted better muscles.
The spear made from the Night Ripper's tail was a bit too big, but Ramiel couldn't find anything else to equip him with. On a side note, he still hasn't learned how to use mana. Ramiel had already written him off.
A big surprise turned out to be goblin number one. He had evolved into a Goblin Mage. His stature was not impressive, but his understanding of mana and its reserves was! Not to mention the understanding of the elements of nature. No fooling, the green creature was a genius among geniuses. Besides, just as Ramiel predicted, the green monster loved the sword shield.
| Status |
| Name Goblin number 1 |
| Race Goblin |
| Direction of Evolution Goblin mage |
| Age 18 |
| Strength 10 |
| Endurance 9 |
| Vitality 9 |
| Agility 10 |
| Defense 8 |
| Mana 27 |
| Enriched mana 0 |
| Intelligence 11 |
Ramiel's only concern was their future evolutionary path. He had two options to choose from. A pale green ray and a gray ray with a black border. The latter was thicker but most likely required special raw materials. At least, that's what Ramiel thought. He was unable to specify the evolution requirements any further.
Ramiel also evolved one of the weaker skeletons, but it turned out to be a waste of resources. It had no further evolutionary paths, and the increase in stats... well, let's not mention it.
Weaker units were only suitable for cannon meat! Expensive cannon meat...
~~~~~~
Another day in the dungeon came. This time, Ramiel woke up a little earlier than usual. Normally, he savored every second of sleep, but this time, he wanted to strengthen himself as much as possible before the next expedition into the abyss.
Namely, the former hunter had planned to create a third vortex for today. Unlike the previous two, it is safe to create another one. This will improve the recovery rate of the Ramiel hunter by some 5%.
It may not be much, but together with the appearance of more vortexes, the cumulative numbers will have a noticeable effect. It's worth remembering that the current vortexes are of medium size, and as the vortex increases, so does the efficiency.
Ramiel tried to get up but couldn't. He was hindered by two alluring women lying on top of him.
Their shapely breasts pressed against his chest, and their hands fought for every scrap of flesh. The firm twin peaks rubbed sensually against his naked skin. This caused an unforgettable sensation and gave rise to some inappropriate thoughts.
Since Caera had built up a fine degree of self-confidence, this was how Ramiel looked every morning. The women waged a silent war over a piece of the former hunter's body.
Sometimes, it was troublesome...
It's not that Ramiel didn't like it, but if he got up first, he was trapped. Every time he tried to escape, one of the parties successfully prevented him.
His only salvation was the Shadow Step! But did he have to do it? Theoretically, he could have formed a third vortex by lying here and enjoying the moment.
It was definitely the best option. Interrupting such moments is a sin! - Ramiel listened to his inner voice and indulged in meditation.
~~~~~~
A few hours later
A small army passed through the tunnel leading to the cave of the Night Rippers.
It consisted of the entire military might of the dungeon of damnation, plus five skeletons. The purpose of the expedition was simple. To improve cooperation and put Caera with Asme in front of a real threat.
From what Ramiel noted, the women's combat experience was nil. Caera still managed somehow, but Asme was hopeless.
Admittedly, Asme focused more on wreaking havoc on enemy ranks with illusion magic, but she should still have some basics.
Besides, mana is not a bottomless well. When it runs out, the only chance for survival is cunning and close combat skills. Every mana user must keep this in mind. Otherwise, sooner or later, they will end up as food for monsters or training puppets for enemies.
Powerful spell-casting mages who wreak havoc on the enemy ranks make good bedtime stories for children. Even the healers train hard in the sweat of their brow in swordsmanship and white-arms combat to ensure their safety, and that should already indicate something...
The fighting is chaotic. One never knows what can happen. It is always better to rely on one's skills than on someone else's. At least, that's what logic tells us...
Ramiel was intrigued by the women's past the rest of the way. But even consumed by curiosity from within, he held his tongue. Everyone has demons of the past that they want to keep to themselves.
Besides, their relationship is not yet at that stage for Ramiel to openly drone on about Asme and Caera's past. Currently, the women could take the pressure from the former hunter badly. Any way you look at it, he has gone to some trouble to earn their trust. It would be foolish to lose them now.
Ramiel's mind was working at top speed, spinning alleged theories. He only stopped when they all reached the entrance leading to the Forest of Night Rippers.
The former hunter raised his hand, stopping the procession.
He explained to Asme and Caera what their test would consist of. He conveyed weaknesses, pointed out things to watch out for, and warned the women not to underestimate the monsters if they wanted to keep all their fingers and heads.
Then, the former hunter explained the plan. It was brilliant in its simplicity. Of course, the first team will include Asme and Caera. The two women play first fiddle today, and it is up to them to fight the Night Ripper.
Ramiel was not foolish enough to let someone without combat experience go off the deep end. So, he assigned Rascal to assist them. The goblin leader was to intervene if something went wrong, or the horned beauty and the elfess would have a big problem.
The second team consisted of the remaining goblins. Their task was to deal with the next Night Ripper if any appeared. Ramiel lined them up in a straight formation.
The front belonged to goblins number two and one. The spearman took a more forward position due to his superior physique. Right behind him lined up the more valuable goblin with an imitation shield and what should have been a short sword.
The rear was the archer's playground. The Goblin's arrows powered by the wind element posed a real threat. This procedure was a display of the green creature's genius. Maybe goblins are not as stupid as they look? Who knows?
Everything seemed to be in place. The formations were set, and the positions were properly settled.
Before plunging into the forest and saving a few monsters, Ramiel took one last look at the " army. " The sight was not comforting.
Asme was equipped with a short sword, and her palms were sweating. At first glance, Ramiel could tell that this was her first battle. Clearly, the horned beauty was stressed.
Caera looked better, her posture showed no fear, and her hands held her daggers confidently. The woman had some experience, so she more or less knew what to expect.
~~~~~~
Ramiel hid in the shadows in the territory of the Night Rippers. He didn't want to venture too deep. The deeper he went into the forest, the greater the risk of encountering someone strong. The former hunter was not yet ready for something more extreme, so he looked for potential victims on the outskirts.
Fighting a young monster and an adult are two different things! Young and inexperienced individuals moved schematically.
For the adults, here there were already some complications, they were bigger and smarter. Numerous fights for dominance translated directly into experience, and consequently their pattern of attacks changed.
Nevertheless, the biggest threat is their magic. Older individuals naturally know how to cast spells. This is a real pain in the ass. This is not the only problem. Their tails, imbued with the element of shadow, were able to pierce most of the armor of novice hunters.
These pieces of metal, which Ramiel proudly called armor, were no obstacle for the adult Night Rippers...
Ramiel ventured a tad further than he should have, but he had a good reason for doing so. His attention was caught by a strange-looking tree that represented the beginning of the forest. The former hunter subjected the plant to closer inspection.
The tree's bark resembled rough stone in a shade of graphite, and the leaves, black as night, smeared with tongues of wind, caused a pleasant rustling sound to the ear. Their contours were a tad intriguing and different from what Ramiel knew from the ground. They seemed to be made of shadow and left dark streaks behind.
However, what caught his attention were the fruits. They looked like two apple-sized raspberries joined together. Of course, they were gray like the tree and most things in the forest.
' Avi ' - Ramiel took advantage of the bond. For once, the fairy could be useful for something.
' It is a tree of ten shadows. Its fruits help pierce the boundary in the transition of the shadow element into the element of darkness. Sometimes, they increase his understanding, but only at the initial stage. There is also a small chance of changing skills based on the element of shadow into those based on the element of darkness. '
The fairy did not fail to add something. She wouldn't be herself if she didn't.
' These fruits are useless to you anyway. You already have an insight into the element of darkness. If you had some monsters based on the shadow element, then the fruits from the tree of ten shadows might be useful for something. But currently? They are worthless. Maybe Shadow Merchants will buy them at a decent price, but frankly, I doubt it. It is a low-level plant. '
' Huh. However, you can be useful. ' - Ramiel joked.
' Of course I am. What did you expect from... Wait a minute!!!?!? What do you mean - ' However, you can!!!? ' - Avi was wallowing in praise but quickly realized that what she took for praise was a mockery.
Ramiel just laughed at her little tantrum.
Meanwhile, the former hunter approached the tree, but instinct warned him to stop in time. Ramiel did not make the same mistake a second time and followed the intuition.
It took him a moment to understand what it might be about.
On a rock behind a tree lounged a pair of young Night Rippers. Ramiel hadn't noticed them. Had he bumped into them or come within range of their senses. It could have ended differently.
' Avi, have one of the skeletons stand at the tunnel's edge. Also, tell Asme, Caera, and the Goblins to get ready. They should get a couple of Night Rippers right away. '
Ramiel did not wait for an answer. He got serious, immediately moving into action.
The former hunter brought out the upper torso from the shadows. With a deft flick of his wrist, he threw the bone daggers he had prepared earlier towards the sleeping monsters. Then Ramiel did what he knows best - he plunged into the shadows.
His movements were quick, decisive, and rubbed against perfection. The man was meticulous and confident in his skills, and he did not leave the slightest room for error in them.
The weapons slammed into the creatures' backs. This was enough to activate Leach.
The monsters woke up furious, feeling a throbbing pain in the back area. The attack on their territory had driven them mad.
Casting furious glances to the right and left, they mirrored the area. After a few seconds, they managed to find the silhouette of a skeleton standing in the distance. Anyway, it was hard not to notice it. The skeleton stood at the tunnel's edge and stared boorishly at the monsters.
His dismissive attitude drove the Night Rippers crazy. Driven by aggression, they suddenly sprang to their feet and ran toward the tunnel.
They were young and inexperienced. They allowed themselves to be consumed by emotions, and their minds were flooded with the desire to wipe out their shame.
In the blink of an eye, the monsters were at the tunnel. Scratching with razor-sharp claws, they climbed up the steep slope to the center. The sight of armed food appeared before their eyes. This further enraged the pair of Night Rippers.
Unable to stand the insult, the monsters lunged forward in a fit of rage.