Arcane Journey

Chapter 9
A slight cracking sound warned Brian that someone had passed through the restriction of the stone chamber.

Although it is undoubtedly superfluous to set up a ban in this stone room where freedom is restricted, but he still set up a redundant one out of a good habit he usually develops.

He raised his eyes from the book and glanced coldly in the direction of the voice.

The door of the stone chamber was sealed by magic, and he knew a spell to break the seal.

He could even get out without much trouble if he wanted to.

But he has self-knowledge, and the current situation does not force him to the point where he chooses to take this path.

As his eyes turned to the direction of the sound, to his surprise, it was not as he had imagined: after the restriction was touched, an imperceptible wave of blue and white energy would surge from the stone door.

A hint of confusion climbed up his gradually dignified face.

He forced himself to remain calm, but he was thinking about what kind of intruder appeared in the room at an extremely fast speed.

From the untouched stone door, it can be seen that the mortal stalker is hiding in the dark with the help of some kind of magic, and the empty room makes him understand that this intruder is proficient in hiding skills.

Thinking of this, Brian frowned slightly.

He found that with his own perception and the sensitivity endowed by the elf blood, he couldn't find any clues.

If he hadn't placed an extra restriction, he could even imagine that he might not even know how he died.

In other words, someone maintained the invisibility magic and sneaked into his room silently.

So, what is the purpose of this enemy?
Brian's eyebrows were immediately tightened. He was ready to fight, and one hand unconsciously hid under the table, ready to cast a deadly spell at any time.

Suddenly, a bright energy ball circled the sharp turn of the bookshelf and galloped towards him.

Brian, who had already prepared, entered the fighting state almost the moment the energy ball appeared.

——"Star Barrier!"

He put down the book in his hand, sat on the chair without moving a bit, and in a state of high concentration, a light blue energy barrier instantly appeared.

The biggest characteristic of Psions of the creation department is to absorb the energy of the astral world, summon or protect themselves.

The most typical abilities include: astral construct, ectoplasmic scrambler, ectoplasmic protective membrane, and ectoplasmic protective barrier.

And his "astrum barrier" is a kind of ability to resist magic damage that only psions who are proficient in the creation system can master.

And when it is cast, as long as it is in a high level of mental concentration, it will not consume any psionic energy.

Although the power of the protective barrier is the smallest without consuming additional power points.

But Brian could feel the spells attacking him through his spell recognition ability, and the damage was not as fatal as he imagined.

In other words, the enemy's attack was more like a temptation, or it didn't mean to take his life at all.

Thinking of this, Brian vaguely guessed some kind of possibility.

"boom!"

Like the soft sound of gravel falling into the lake, the bright energy ball splashed a few ripples on the light blue barrier, and finally collapsed and disappeared.

Almost at the moment when the energy ball disappeared, Brian, who was ready for battle, quickly got up, let the chair behind him fall down, and then without hesitation lowered his head and rolled forward along the table to the ground, narrowly dodging two darts that were galloping towards him.

The two cross darts collided with the stone wall, sparks sparked from the piercing collision, and fell to the ground.

Brian wiped his cold sweat secretly, and while he got up, he immediately checked the enemy who was attacking him.

Just in time to see a slender female drow emerging from the shadows.

She was wearing a black magic cloak, her arms were waving a series of complicated gestures at an extremely fast speed.

Brian saw the crackling energy condense at her fingertips, and then it turned into an arrow of magical energy and rushed towards him.

When the energy left the drow's hands, it illuminated her beautiful face covered by loose long hair, and a pair of very unusual blue eyes among the drow race.

How did she appear here?
Brian was taken aback, he gave up his plan to fight back, and quickly mobilized his spiritual energy to strengthen the defense strength of the protective ability "Star Barrier".

Because he thought of an easier way to deal with it.

This was a pointless magical battle, and he didn't want to spend most of his energy here.

After all, on the second day, he will face a test that is so severe that it concerns his own life, so when he is sure that his life is safe, he is going to stop it.

Brian saw that he was hit by a magic energy arrow, and tiny lightning bolts kept jumping on his body, bursting out brilliant electric sparks.

As he expected.

This level of attack can't cause any harm to him at all.

Immediately afterwards, he felt the fourth attack prepared by the drow wizard in advance.

A dozen tough spider threads shot out from the ceiling of the wall without warning, and when he was 'caught off guard', they were tightly wrapped around most of his body and lay on the ground.

Brian lay on the icy ground in surprise, struggled a few times symbolically, and then raised his head to look at his enemy.

This is a young drow elf.

Her black satin skin gives her the appearance of a living sculpture, enhanced by soft, tight black leather armor and ebony-toned chainmail.

Santilla Pumore.

Brian recognized the identity of the drow, and at the same time understood that the other party was his opponent tomorrow.

Therefore, he didn't want to have a meaningless fight with her today.

Otherwise, his means may be predicted in advance, and his hope of winning will become slim.

Moreover, because of his understanding of her, he is still confident that he can subdue her only with his own physical means.

This is also the fundamental reason why he didn't fight.

He continued to stare at the familiar face. She had the strange beauty of an elf, as well as delicate and distinct features, and her thick white hair was as smooth as the moonlight on fresh snow.

Her face seemed alive, playful by turns, frosty by turns, dominated by large almond-shaped eyes the color of the deep blue sky.

The rebellious daughter of a wealthy drow family, a spoiled drow princess, with her unique style, looks for a way to escape social oppression.

Brian remembered something about the girl.

He and the other party met at Skull Harbor in Waterdeep City.

At that time, the rebellious drow who fled the underground was looking for the wandering temple of the dark maiden Eilistraee in the maze of the leylines in Waterdeep.

During the period of 'Arcanian Catastrophe', many appalling events happened, and even the gods became high-risk occupations.

Naturally, a huge change cannot be avoided in the Underdark.

The dark maiden Eilistraee.

The only goddess who protects all good drow.

She fell in the battle of the Spider Queen, and all her followers were accepted by Corellon, the lord god of the elves (Note: Excerpted from "The Battle of the Spider Queen-Daughter of Repentance").

But there is a small group of drow elves who have maintained firm beliefs from beginning to end, hiding in the walking temple of Skull Harbor, preparing a great plan to resurrect the goddess.

Among the participants in this plan to revive Eilistraee are their growing group of players.

Some players even preached a slogan on the forum in order to mobilize group power:
"Although Eilistraee has fallen, she has always lived in our faith (seed)."

As for whether it was successful or not, Brian was not quite sure.

He only knew that the Walking Temple hidden in the Lost City of the Leyline of Waterdeep City had begun to surface, which meant that the resurrection plan had reached the most critical step.

"A battle mage from the Kingdom of Cormyr?" Santilla raised her chin, smiled triumphantly, and walked around in front of Brian with frivolous steps.

"So, you came prepared." Brian came back to his senses, and after careful thought, he guessed the real purpose of the other party.

From the big bright blue eyes of the drow, it could be seen that she came here out of curiosity, which was in line with her character.

As for who was instructed, or who provoked it, it is easy to guess.

"Yes, you are quite proficient in drow."

Santilla kept her distance, then bent down and looked at Brian, "Could you say more? I heard Shireen say that the way you yell is the funniest."

"What does it mean?"

Brian pretended to be annoyed and said, "Want to find an excuse to hit someone? If you want to hit someone, just say it. I've seen your drow's preferences in this regard a long time ago. Feel free to vent your excess energy."

Taking advantage of the other party's distraction, he quietly used his psionic secondary creation technique to create a tool to help him get out of trouble.

"I also really want to give you two punches at close range, and then see your painful expression."

Santilla flashed her long eyelashes and said with a smile; "But I know your little thoughts, so I will use long-range magic to solve you."

"as you wish."

Brian shrugged indifferently, "Do as you like, you shouldn't miss a target who is tied up and cannot move."

Santilla was surprised by the other party's indifference. She stared at him, straightened her back, stretched out her slender fingers, and eagerly said:
"Yes, I won't miss it, my magic hits every shot, but I can guarantee that you will not be killed by the first spell, nor by the second one, I will try my best to make sure you can feel your own death, you Still want to try it?"

"As long as you're happy." Brian smiled at her.

"Very good, very good." Santilla stared at Brian's relaxed smile, she was stunned for a moment, and then praised:
"Since you understand the drow language, you must know that the Underdark is ruled by the drow elves, so according to the rules we made and the guarantee Shielin gave me. Now, I declare that your life belongs to me, and it happens that I A new slave is needed."

Brian didn't bother to inquire about what Xierlin promised her. He twisted his body, changed a comfortable position and lay down on the ground, and replied casually, "It's my honor, honorable lady, how do you plan to bring me Go, is it elegantly carried on your shoulders?"

"Well, it's really difficult."

Santilla looked at Brian who was entangled in the spider silk, and frowned.

"How about this, you loosen the spider silk on my legs, and I'll walk back with you."

Brian put forward his own suggestion to her, "What do you think? Or, in fact, you are worried that you will not be able to beat a wizard with his hands bound. If this is true, tsk tsk tsk, I have nothing to say."

"A good proposal." Santilla nodded slightly.

She played with a string of silver necklaces hanging on her chest, intentionally making it shine with a faint magical luster, then looked at him vigilantly, feeling uneasy, and said threateningly:

"You'd better not play any tricks, otherwise, I will show you my methods."

Brian looked at the magic jewelry that Santilla deliberately showed him, and felt the dangerous magic energy, his eyelids couldn't help but twitch.

"I still want to live a little longer." He said cooperatively.

The drow nodded slightly, then bent down, preparing to loosen the spider webs that bound his legs.

Brian saw the other party's necklace hanging just above his head, his eyes flickered, his muscles tensed immediately, he stood up abruptly, slammed his entire face into her chest, and took the opportunity to open his mouth and bite her necklace with his teeth .

Then he curled his legs, pulled hard, and turned sideways.

Caught off guard, Santilla exclaimed, her slender body suddenly lost her balance and fell on top of him.

Brian twisted his body like a fish, pinned her under him, and threw his head back hard, slamming his forehead against the one she had just raised.

Under the violent impact, the back of Santilla's head hit the hard ground again, causing a second additional injury. She cried out in pain, and Brian, the bookshelves and tables in the stone room began to dance in her sight.

Brian also felt a sharp pain on his forehead. He forced himself to keep his head clear, and with a thought, he used magic to control the condensed sharp blade in his hand, and quickly spun and cut the bundled spider silk.

The moment his body regained his freedom, he immediately pulled back and distanced himself from him.

——"Lightning traction!"

Then, with a quick whisper, a magical long whip with lightning leaped towards him.

This magic rope entwined Santilla flexibly, and the tiny crackling lightning made her groan in pain, and her body, which was struggling to stand up, lay on the ground again.

"I'm sorry, but you were captured by a slave."

Brian rubbed his aching forehead and looked at the drow with a fierce face, "If you beg for mercy, maybe I'll let you go in a better mood."

"A drow never begs for mercy."

Santilla shook off the long hair that blocked her view, gasping for air because of the pain, she raised her head proudly, looked at Brian, and said without showing any weakness, "Not to mention bowing to a male."

"Maybe you can start this trend," Brian threatened.

"You dare not do anything to me."

Santilla who calmed down suddenly showed a meaningful smile, "Otherwise, Aunt Joanara will never let you go, don't forget your identity."

You're the one who won't let go, Brian thought.

Of course, such words are absolutely impossible to say at this time.

Because this will affect his plan to escape tomorrow.

At the same time, he began to feel a little anxious in his heart.

Worried about why Joanara hadn't shown up yet, she hurriedly took away this troublesome rebellious drow.

After all, he really didn't dare to offend the other party too hard.

Otherwise, it would be too late to cry when meeting a dimensionality reduction blow the next day.

That was why he was least willing to associate with the drow.

If you keep it too tough, you will leave a bad impression and even develop hatred, and your name will be recorded in the blacklist in the small book.

If there is too much kindness, it will make this group of drow elves who are good at conspiracy and tricks suspicious.

Therefore, this troublesome 'degree' must be kept in an appropriate amount.

"Indeed, your statement sounds more convincing." Brian said pretending to submit.

Santilla, who was ready to fight back, looked at the dejected Brian in surprise.

She felt that this half-elf from the surface was more intelligent than she had expected, and it almost shamed her to enslave such a creature.

Her eyes flashed a few times, and she said cautiously, "To be honest, you are undoubtedly waiting to die in the hands of Aunt Joanara. From this point of view, it is really a bit of a waste."

When his pain point was mentioned, Brian snorted pretending to be displeased.

Seeing this, Santilla blinked, gave him the most charming smile, and said in a moving soft voice, "This is the Underdark, a terrible land, and it is impossible to live alone, let alone be reduced to Prisoner, maybe we can... have a good talk."

"What's there to talk about?" Brian took two steps forward cautiously, looking down at her with interest.

"You are a half-elf from the surface and a spellcaster. I want to learn more about the surface." Santilla said frankly, "If you are willing to cooperate with me, I can take you away."

"Knowledge is a good thing."

Brian nodded in agreement, and then said vigilantly, "But as you said just now, I understand the drow language, so I am naturally familiar with the unique culture of your Underdark region.

In my hometown, travel and adventure are our traditional culture, but in your blindly xenophobic and highly hierarchical ancient city of Orens, a drow who is interested in the surface, in my opinion, is completely deviant. People of this kind often don't live long. "

"Travel and adventure turned out to be your traditional culture."

Santilla caught another important point in her words, saying with envy, "It's incredible that someone encourages their young people to travel and take risks."

"Then do you know Waterdeep City?" She looked at Brian expectantly.

Waterdeep City?
Unexpectedly, the other party already knew about Deep Water City at this time.

Brian looked at the drow girl with a look of surprise.

"of course I know."

He said briefly, "It is one of the core areas of the mainland, known as the 'Glorious Land'. In Waterdeep City, a god died, a god was resurrected, and a mortal conferred gods there. The population of a city , enough to reach a country."

"You even know Waterdeep City." Brian looked at the drow girl with meaningful eyes, "Does it mean that you have already been to the surface world?"

"It's a scary place."

Santilla nodded with a gloomy expression, "Every day there will be a huge fireball leaping into the air from the ground, emitting a dazzling light that is more dazzling than the dazzling light used by Rose's priests to punish sinners.

Even at night, when the fireball falls below the ground level, no one can escape the indescribable horror on the ground. Countless small dots, and sometimes a smaller silver fireball, will shatter the peaceful dark sky, leaving One cannot forget the punishment that will come the next day. "

"Is this your first impression?" Brian asked in a suspicious tone.

"No." Santilla shook her head slightly, "This is what those compatriots who have never seen the surface world described to me."

"You didn't say you went there once, what do you think?"

"I am not very sure."

The drow girl lowered her head, letting the thick long hair cover her face, then stared at Brian's face from the corner of her eye, and said in a sad tone:
"When I was five years old, my mother took me to the surface, and I just remember coming to a pond and seeing a lot of big round leaves floating on the water, and a lot of little green creatures sitting on them, the creatures They looked a bit like fat round lizards, and for a while I heard them sing, because lizards never sing in the Underdark."

Lotus leaves and frogs.

Based on the drow girl's description, Brian thought of a very apt creature.

"and then?"

"Then my mother was killed by the underground compatriots who were chasing up, and I was also captured by them." Santilla's voice was very soft, and her thin shoulders seemed to be trembling with sorrowful sobs.

Brian gave her a pityful look and was about to speak when he noticed that her eyes were dry and shone with a devious blue light.

When he realized all this, it was too late.

There was a soft 'bang', like the sound of some kind of alchemy potion exploding.

The entire closed stone chamber was suddenly enveloped in a substantial darkness.

Feeling the darkness in front of his eyes, Brian's expression changed, and he quickly and calmly propped up a defensive force field for himself, ready to deal with Santilla's surprise attack at any time.

However, the imaginary attack did not come, but a crisp voice full of mockery.

"Cunning half-elf, I keep my word. I swear by Rose's eighth leg. When I complete tomorrow's coming-of-age ceremony, I will definitely come and buy you."

The darkness gradually dissipated, and Brian breathed a sigh of relief when he saw the drow disappear.

He recalled the words the other party left before he left, and suddenly felt that his chances of escaping had increased a lot.

"You did a good job, at least you didn't expose your strength and ideas." A cold voice came from behind without warning.

Brian had long been used to the unexpected appearance of the other party, so he didn't care. He said blankly, "Don't tell me, this is an unexpected coincidence."

"Actually."

The drow wizard Jonara walked up to him leisurely, and Shirene followed behind with her head lowered. She looked directly into Brian's eyes and said coldly, "This is indeed a coincidence."

As soon as she finished speaking, she stretched out her hand and slapped Xierlin loudly, and shouted: "Idiot! You almost ruined my plan, get out!"

Xierlin clutched her slightly swollen purple cheeks, and left the room without saying a word.

"Tomorrow, at the right time, you will be taken to the tunnel in the field. As part of the preparations, I will give you a detailed map and the magic equipment you can use."

"Remember, if you want to survive, just do what I tell you." The drow wizard warned coldly, and then disappeared as suddenly as when he came.

(End of this chapter)