Simurgh needed three days to take me to Iron Mountains. We had to make two long stops, so both of us could rest and get some sleep. In the end our trip took four days time. King simurgh took me to the ke where we first met and, when he left, he looked quit tired. I also was tired from necessity to hold on his back and ck of proper food and sleep. I considered eating on its back, but was too afraid to fall off of him.

  I wanted to sleep, but it was too dangerous to stay in Iron Mountains in my condition. I took a short rest and ate some dried fruits. After that I forced myself to get up and go to Bcksmith cave. I was able to easily find the entrance and went back to my castle. Time was already te, and I went to my bed without telling anyone that I have returned.

  - Master Avone!

  Surprised scream woke me up. I opened my eyes and covered them from the bright light. Bunny-girl was standing in the door and looked at me with surprised eyes. I yawned and got up. Before getting into the bed I took of my vest, but spend the night without taking of my chainmail, and now parts of my body hurt.

  - When did you came back?

  - Last night. Calm down, there is no need to scream.

  - Why did no one told me?

  - I snack in. Too many windows, and I was too tired to expin anything. Now go down and tell the others. I will join you soon.

  She run downstairs, and I used magic to create some water and wash my face. I wanted to sleep some more, but I had a feeling that they will not let me do that.

  When I went downstairs, all my sve were gathered and formed a line to greet their master. I counted them and noticed that someone was missing.

  - Is gardener standing watch?

  - I am sorry master, - bowed titan: - But she is dead. Flying monster grabbed her, while she was working in the field. We tried to find her, but I am afraid that she is dead.

  - That's a shame. Well, try to be more careful in the future. I also brought you some supplies.

  I took out provision, nails, saw and many iron bars that I bought for the bcksmith, and also several bags with coal. I also brought them more arrows for female elf, more daggers and wet stones.

  - That should make your life little easier. Now prepare some breakfast, while I take a bath.

  - It will be done, - again bowed titan. They took all the stuff, and titan ordered them were to put it. Bunny-girl accompanied me to the bath house. To my surprise, during my st stay I found stone bath that was the size of a small pool. I had enough mana to fill it with warm water, and bunny-girl washed me with soap that I brought for them.

  Feeling refreshed and less sleepy, I joined my sves at the table.

  - So how were you doing here?

  - We followed your orders and worked to repair the castle. But it is going slow. We used stone from neighboring ruins, but had to spend a lot of time hunting, to get enough food.

  - I expected as much. Well do what you can. By the way, did you managed to increase your levels?

  - Female elf managed to reach level ten.

  - Good for you, - I looked at the archer, and she slightly blushed.

  - Will not be staying long. Actually I am leaving tomorrow and pn to sleep for the rest of the day. So you can do the things that you usually do and pretend that I am not here.

  - You are leaving so soon? - asked surprised bunny-girl.

  - Yes. Just dropped by to leave you some food and other things.

  - Thanks for that, - looked at me dwarf: - Was missing working in the smithy.

  - I guessed so. Well, thank you for breakfast, but I did not sleep for several days, so I am getting well deserved rest.

  I yawned and went upstairs. Next morning I went to the dungeon and after spending there a weak, I summoned king simurgh.

  - You are leaving already, giant bird looked at me from upstairs. To my opinion the dog's head looked strange on him, but I kept quiet about it.

  - Yes. Spend a weak in the dungeon, got to get back to my life now. And can you leave me when we get past Iron Mountains?

  - I am suppose to bring you back to the pce where you summoned me st time.

  - You can do it next time, - I waved my hand: - We can spend four days flying, or you can spend only one day and leave me closer to your home. Choice is yours.

  - Fine elf. Which direction am I suppose to fly you.

  - The same one, were you were pnning to take me.

  - I understand. You can get on my back now.

  He lowered his wing, and I cimed on the giant bird. I tried to get more comfortable, but simurgh was not most efficient transport. I put my hands around his neck and squeezed him a little, when simurgh flew into the air. I was not sure that I will ever get used to flying on him.

  Day ter we separated. King simurgh returned to the mountains, and I went north. I had only approximate idea where I was, but I knew that north from Iron Mountains was a road that led from Corgiar to Opidium. While I was going north, it was impossible to miss it.

  I needed six days to find a road and another four to get back to Opidium. But it was still faster than fifty days that I spend on horseback to get to Mina.

  Town changed a little there were more visitors and some of them arrived in expensive looking carriages with coat of arms on most of them. Town looked like it was preparing for a celebration of some kind.

  First I visited sage Kristallios to pick up my leveling orb.

  He stared for a while at me and then nodded.

  - Oh, it is you. I started to think that you forget about me.

  - Is it ready.- Sure, sure. Leveling orb has been ready for a while now.

  We went inside and he put a small crystal ball on the table.

  - Squeeze it at hard as you can, until it breaks. Should be easy for someone who hunted down twenty floor guardians.

  I did as he told and crystal easily broke in my hand. It turned into sparks that entered my body. I felt life force, simir to the one that I got from ancient draugr.

  - It is done. You can use leveling crystal now to increase your level.

  - What if I get more magic gems. Will I be able to use one more leveling crystal.

  - As many as you want, - shrugged Kristallios: - But how fast can you get so many magic gems.

  I sighed: - Needed years to gather those. Probably many more years.

  - Most adventurers never get as many, even after working as adventurers for all their life. Not many leveling orbs exist because of it. But feel free to bring me more of them if you get any.

  - I will.

  I again was able to increase my level in adventurer guild, and my Life magic got to advanced level. I was approaching time when I will finally be able to get master level skills. Just six more levels to get all my skills to advance levels.

  I returned to tavern, but my party members were probably inside the dungeon, and their rooms were empty. My room was waiting for since I paid half a year ahead, but rest of the rooms were busy. There were more people in the tavern than usual. I had to wait three more days before my party members returned from their dungeon expedition.

  I found them downstairs, when I went down to get some breakfast.

  - You finally got back, - smiled Luara.

  - Got back three days ago. Was waiting for you. Were you in the dungeon?

  - Yes.

  - I managed to increase me level. Ni too, - said Nelly and stuck out her small chest.

  - Good. I am proud of both of you.

  Nelly nodded, but Ni averted her eyes. I had no idea what level she had, but did not want to ask or use Appraisal spell on her. Well not like it mattered too much.

  - So, what's happening in town? What's with all the people?

  - Great celebration, - expined Luara: - Gdiator fights are starting day after tomorrow: - People from all across the kingdom are arriving to see it. I heard that even Ashgrin king will be coming.

  - Tell her about the prize, - cut in Trevor.

  - That's right. It is a sword. Iron Sword - it can increase strength stat by five and defense by one. High ranking artifact, that is almost at the level of a national treasure.

  - Impressive, - I looked at Ni: - What about your sword, was it repaired?

  - Yes, it was restored, but its magic properties are gone. It is just a regur sword now. Maybe better than rest, but not an artifact anymore. Was too damaged to be restored with its original properties.

  - Then you should participate in the tournament.

  - What?

  - Well, you need a new sword. The one that you had was good enough, but your level has increased, so you will need better equipment now. And that sword sounds great. Something that even A rank adventurer would use.

  - Do you think I can win.

  - I have no idea. I never saw any of those gdiators. And I have no idea if any adventurer will be participating. But if you think that you can win, then you should participate. If you think that at your level you do not stand a chance, then do not.

  - But... - she bitted her lip and felt silent for a while.

  - What are the rules for the fights?

  - Magic is not allowed. Gdiators can use artifact that they owe. But the same artifact cannot be used by more than one gdiator. Also only weapons that are used in close range are allowed.

  - Sounds like the rules from Ares tournament. Well your sword is not at its best, so if you decide to participate you can use my spare sword. It will not improve your stats, but it will not let you down.

  - Really?- I will definitely need it back after the tournament. But we can postpone our dungeon exploration for the tournament time, so we can enjoy the celebration.

  I took out Barrier destroyer sword and handed it to Ni.

  - Why don't you try using it, and figure out if you can use it comfortably?

  - Thank you, I will, - Ni happily took the sword and almost run outside.

  - Did you not tell us that your sword can cut through armor like through paper? - asked Trevor: - Will you not tell her that?

  - Naa, let her fight using her own style. Too much dependence on the sword will influence her usual style.

  Luara shook her head, but no one objected. I took my cup and drunk some wine, when unexpected voice forced me to spit out wine and cough.

  - Miss Avone! Did not expect to see you here. You surely got here really fast. Oh, are you all right?

  I hit my chest and shook my head.

  - I am fine. Some wine made me cough.

  - Must have gotten into the wrong pipe, - said Theodoric and smiled gently.

  Yap, it was empire's hero.

  - You surely got her really fast? How did you manage that?

  - Let the girl have her own secrets, - I smiled: - Everyone, please meet Theodoric. He is a hero from Holy Griffin Empire. We met in Grimsburg when he was visiting master Mesmer. Please allow me to introduce my party members. This in Luara, our scout, mage Nelly and Trevor. Trevor use to be a royal knight in Ashgrin. I think that you have a lot in common.

  - It is a pleasure to meet you, - bowed his head Theodoric.

  - Did you captured the man that you were looking for?

  - No, - Theodoric's face darkened: - He was in the tavern that you told us about. But left without anyone seeing him. We made sure that he did not leave on a ship, but he probably escaped the town, and we lost his trail.

  - I am sorry to hear that.

  - Yes. It could be bad. I will have to work harder than ever before to get stronger.

  Theodoric looked back, towards his companions, who occupied one of the tables.

  - It was nice seeing you. We probably will have another chance to talk more, since we are staying in the same tavern.

  He bowed and left towards his companions. I suddenly got an urge to exchange taverns. But with Great celebration upon us, I doubted that I will found a free room. I sighed and shook my head, noticing questioning looks from my friends.

  * * *

  Because of Great celebration we postponed our dungeon hunting and I decided to visit local Mage guild. I could use Dark magic now, and decided to expand my spell use.

  - Hello, - I greeted the receptionist: - I would like to learn a high ranking Dark magic spell.

  - Dark magic, - she clearly got uncomfortable: - You are aware that you need a Dark magic skill for it.

  - Yes. But I got an artifact in the dungeon that allows me to learn and use a single Dark magic spell, - that was a white lie, but, after seeing receptionist's reaction, I decided to lower my abilities, and the abilities of my artifact.

  - I see, - she smiled relieved: - We can help you with that. What spell would you like to learn?

  - Shadow veil.

  - That is level four spell. It will cost you twenty gold coins.I nodded and handed her the money.

  - Please wait here.

  Soon she returned with a mage in dark robe. That was the first time I ever saw mage dressed in bck.

  - My name is Aurian. I am a priest of Hades. I do not have Dark magic skill, but I studied dark magic all my life. I can teach you Shadow veil spell, as long as you have ability to use Dark magic?

  - Like I told your receptionist, I obtained an artifact that allows me to learn and use single Dark magic spell.

  - That may not be enough. To learn and use level four Bck magic spell you will also need at least basic level Intelligence and Wisdom skills.

  - I have them, - I sighed. Who knew that Dark magic will be so demanding.

  - I see. Come with me then.

  He took me to a dark room without a single source of light. I could easily see because of my Night vision skill, but otherwise I would be a little scared.

  - If you wish to master Dark magic, you must embrace the darkness. That will be your first lesson. First you must learn to transform your mana into pure magic power that comes from despair and all negative human feelings. It is the opposite to Light magic. You will stay here until you can manifest dark magic power. You will sense it, if you succeed.

  He pced a bell at my feet.

  - I put a bell next to you. Ring it, once you have successfully manifested Dark magic.

  I nodded and sat down on the floor. Mage nodded and left the room. As soon as he closed the door, room was enveloped in complete darkness. But even that was not a problem for my night vision.I took a deep breath and reached to my mana. Summoning it and remembering all scary sings that happened to me. My most scary memory was my fight against the Worm and the hours that I spend trying to escape the dungeon after that.

  I already could use Light magic, and knew how to transform my mana. But even so, I needed a lot of time before Dark fog enveloped my body. My fear that came from my memories transformed into rage and bliss. I felt dark magic taking hold over me and had to take control over my emotions. It was not easy, but I managed to suppress my feelings and take my magic under control. Once I was sure that I could control myself and not let the magic power take over and destroy my surroundings, I rang the bell.

  Door opened moments after that and Aurian came inside. He was holding a staff, and I sensed magic power coming from it. He prepared a spell and was ready to release it at moment's notice.He looked around and then took a close look at me. Dark magic manifested around me as pieces of bck fog, appearing and disappearing on my body.

  - Good, you survived and managed to take control over your power. Six out of ten mages die or lose control and eventually self destruct while using their power to destroy everything around them.

  - And you did not tell me that?

  - That is the way of Dark magic. You either are strong enough to use it or you die. In worst cases you die taking dozens or hundreds of people with you. Only worthy or undead over whom feelings had no control can use Dark magic. Now, follow me.

  I wanted to tell this guy what I thought about him, but felt that I started to lose control over my magic power and had to suppress the urge to kill my teacher.

  He took me to small, familiar room, with a single table and a chair and handed me the scroll.

  - This is what you need to know about the spell. Copy scroll's contents into your spell book.

  I took the scroll and opened it. It contained instructions how to use the Shadow veil spell. It mentioned the dangers of using Dark magic. Also spell had restrictions. It could be caste only if mage was standing in a shadow. Other spell usage or any movement would break the spell, and it also required hundred mana to activate. I already knew that, from my "All spells and they uses" book. But the spell allowed the caster to hide in the shadows and become completely invisible. Also only spell usage would make the caster visible again, not the preparation of other spell. That was exactly what I needed.

  Also if Life and Light magic spell required saying spell name out loud, Dark magic preferred silent approach. Instead it was necessary to imagine a spell circle in mind's eye, and fill it with Dark magic power.

  I needed half an hour to copy scrolls contents and ringed a bell, once I was finished. Aurian again took me to dark room, but this time he stayed with me.

  - Try using the spell. I will let you know if you succeed.

  I stud up next to the wall and Aurian nodded. Once I was ready, I had to perform tedious task of trying to imagine magic circle, fighting may own magic from taking over my mind, and then filling my imagined magic circle with magic power.

  Aurian shared with me his mana, when I used up my own. But my usage of magic and experience in using different magic schools and high ranking skills allowed me to successfully cast the spell at my twentieth try. Shadows enveloped me and my vision worsened a little.

  - Congratutions. I have never seen anyone succeeding in learning such a difficult spell so fast. Your artifact is very impressive, if it allowed you to master this spell so fast.

  - Thank you, - I did learn the spell very fast, but it did not made me less tired. But at least now I could use Dark magic and become invisible, by hiding inside a shadow.

  * * *

  Ni decided to participate in Great celebration gdiator fights. We came to the amphitheatre to support our comrade and watch the games. I was also curious about gdiator abilities.

  I looked around and noticed familiar faces. It was Milligan and his fiancée Mortana. They were sitting behind tall man in a crown. King of Ashgrin. I heard rumors that he attended this year's games. Near him was sitting cute looking girl. She had beautiful blonde hair and small golden tiara on her head. She looked like a princess.

  - Is that a princess? - I asked Trevor.

  - Yes, - he confirmed after looking at the girl: - She is the king's daughter, princess Nayndria.

  - She looks cute, - said Luara. I silently agreed with her.

  First gdiators came out and saluted to the crowd. They both were half naked, armed with short sword and small shield. Their fight left me little disappointed. They were skilled warriors, who probably spend many years practicing swordsmanship, but I expected more of a fantasy element for their fight. At least it was good news for Ni. Unless they left the best for st, she will have good chances to win the games.

  Rest of the fights were simirly disappointing. As someone who learned how to fight using the sword, I admired their skills. But as far as I could tell their levels were cking. But perhaps my expectations were too high, and influenced by the high levels that pyers had in the game. After all acquiring high level demanded fighting and killing either hundreds of monsters or just a few, but strong enough to destroy a vilge all by themselves.

  Ni easily won her fight by cutting her opponents shield in two and wounding gdiators arm. Crowd liked her, and she got a lot of supporting screams. Her short chainmail skirt and cute looks probably helped too.

  That evening we gathered in tavern to celebrate her first victory.

  - Your sword is amazing, - told me happy Ni, after her second wine cup: - It cut that gdiators shield in half like it was made from straw.

  - Well I did get it in the dungeon. It is as powerful as middle ranking artifact. But I am sure that Iron sword will be much better weapon than that.

  - Thank you again for lending it to me.

  - Of course. Even if temporary, we are members of one party now. Supporting each other is what all party members do.

  - I did not know that this young girl is also your party member.

  I looked back. It was Theodoric again. Maybe I should start treating him badly, to get rid if him?

  - Lord Theodoric. Ni I do not think that you have met. Theodoric is the greatest hero from Holy Griffin Empire. And this is Ni. She is adventurer from Tyco and our newest party member.

  - It is an honor to meet famous Adventurer queen. But please do not call me greatest hero. I do not deserve such name. Please excuse me for interrupting, but may I join you? I would like to talk to you.

  - I do not mind, - I looked around, but most of my party members looked curiously at Theodoric: - Please sit down. We were celebrating Ni's victory in the games.

  - Yes, I saw it. You are very skilled fighter.

  - Thank you.

  Ni acted strangely. Well, she probably figured out that Theodoric was another reincarnated person. Question was, did he figured out that she was as well.

  Theodoric joined us and raised a cup.

  - To Ni's victory!

  After exchanging pleasantries Theodoric finally got to the reason why he wanted to talk.

  - I am suppose to meet the king of Ashgrin in coming days. I wanted to ask you about king, if you do not mind? - he looked at me and my eyebrows went up.

  - Me. I am just a commoner. I was as far from the king, well, as a commoner. The only one among us, who had an opportunity to meet the king was Trevor, who served as king's royal knight.

  We both looked at Trevor, and he immediately felt uncomfortable.

  - I am not sure that I will be of any help to you, ser hero.

  - Please. It is my duty to warn the king about possible treat from Dark continent. I need him to take my warning seriously. Anything that you can tell me, will be of great help towards that goal.

  - Well. King always looked to me like a wise ruler. He always listened to his advisers, perhaps even rey on them, but I suppose all kings do.

  - I see, - Theodoric thought for a while: - Then to convince the king, I will need to convince also those that are close to him.

  - Miss Avone, - another voice interrupted us. To my surprise it was local Adventurer guild master Cedrisius: - Please except my apologies for disturbing you. But you are only high ranking adventurer party in Opidium. I came here to ask you for your help, - he bent closer and almost whispered: - I am afraid that there is a vampire in Opidium.

  - I am afraid that we cannot help you. We are not equipped to fight such a creature. After all I am just an archer, Luara skills are scouting oriented, our knight Trevor is only learning to use his skills properly and our mage is too young.

  - But I... - started Nelly.

  - Nelly, your official rank in mage guild is just mage apprentice. Isn't it?

  - Yes, but...

  - You see. But if you need help then you are in luck. This is hero Theodoric. You probably killed dozens of such creatures. And are you not registered as an adventurer?

  - Well, I am. I did it mostly for fun, and sometimes it is easier to confirm my name with adventurer tag.

  - And what is your rank? - we all looked at Theodoric.

  - Well, it is C, that's the highest rank that Adventurer guild in Griffin empire could give me at the time.

  - You see. Theodoric and his companions are more than enough to handle any such creature. Besides hero Theodoric, I do not think that you have a choice.

  - What do you mean?

  - Just think what Ashgrin king would think of you, if he finds out that there was a vampire in town, and you knowing about it did nothing. That would be bad for your negotiations. Isn't that right Trevor?

  - King always said that heroes are a shield, that protects our kingdom and continent from monsters, - mentioned Trevor, but his voice ck conviction. But it was good enough reason for Theodoric.

  - Besides, successful hunt would increase your chances of favorable impression, even before your meeting. Don't you think?

  - You might be right. But I will first need to discuss it with my companions, - Theodoric got up and bowed to us and Cedrisius: - I will talk to them, but I think that we will accept this quest.

  - Thank you lord hero, - relieved Cedrisius bowed to hero, looking at him with hope in his eyes.

  - What reward will Theodoric receive after killing this vampire? - I asked guild master.

  - It was not officially confirmed. It will depend on vampires rank.

  - I see. Well, you should not forget to reward him properly and spread the word about his heroic deed.

  - I will, - Cedrisius bowed and smiling left the tavern.

  - Do you really think that we could not kill a single vampire? - asked Luara.

  - A weak one yes, but high ranking vampires are resilient to magic, can regenerate and are skilled magicians. Ordinary weapons can barely harm such creatures and we would need to use either holy weapons, that we do not have, or level five spells that Nelly cannot use.

  - I agree with Avone, - nodded Ni: - Vampires could be very dangerous, if they are evolved.

  - Besides, we should support Ni. Let us drink to her victory and leave hero stuff to real hero.