Jay009

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

"I didn't do it alone," she quickly said. "It was a team effort."

Barracker listened intently, he did not interrupt. As a monster hunter he was intrigued to understand any details she was willing to give. This would later help him take down Cerberus possibly.

“We all did our part, I attacked from one side with my spear while it was blinded by a spell and the others attacked from other sides as well. There is no way that beast could be slain by one person alone. I can tell you one thing." She leaned in as if she wanted to let them in on a secret. "I can tell you he smelled really bad. I was up close and phew" she waved her hand in front of her nose. "Be glad you weren't there."

The kids laughed loudly and even Barracker let a little chuckle out himself, full well knowing how monsters could smell. One time, a while ago, Barracker had hunted down a pack of Drowners and tracked them to their lair. At the time he was inexperienced, so if it wasn’t for his vampire constitution, he would surely have vomited while fighting. The smell of rotten corpses and fish littering the cave, was a tough stench to stomach.

Barracker spoke, “It is very true kids. A beast of that calibre should never be fought by a single person alone.”

Eren spoke next, “but don’t you hunt down monsters,” Eren aimed the question to Barracker, who he knew worked alone.

“Yes, but never that size and strength,” Barracker started to think of Cerebus when suddenly it got brought into the conversation by tyrion.

“Fenna,will you help Barracker hunt down a beast named Cerberus”.

Barracker shook his head lovingly at Tyrion's sincere request, then waited for Fenna to respond and then said. “Kids, they always have the best interest of others. He always tries to look out for me.”

After speaking for some time, moments later Eren said he was going to get some shots in, wanting to make the most of this opportunity. The young boy smiled at Fenna, then ran to queue up again.

“What are your plans after this?” Barracker asked Fenna. “We will be sticking around until the end of the archery session, then I will be taking the kids back to the orphanage, then heading to The Mended Drum to book a room for the night. You are free to join me, if you’re not busy after this.”

Once he had Fenna’s answer, he nodded, then brought his attention back to Eren who he watched shooting until the end of the practice. He noted with approval that the young boy was getting very good and knew he would make a fine Ranger one day.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker noticed the woman approaching, to be his companion, Fenna who he had briefly met last night. He gave a salute to her.

"I remember when my son got a skateboard - a plank with wheels - and wanted to do a trick with it. He practised until he could and when he succeeded he was about as happy as he was," she said, nodding her head towards Eren.

Barracker smiled at Eren, then turned his sight onto Fenna. “That sounds tough. You must be quite the proud mother.” Barracker said. “Kids have such determination.” She gave off a motherly vibe with her warm aura, so it was no surprise when she revealed she had a son.

Tyrion commented “a plank with wheels, that sounds quite fun.” His imagination understood the concept of such a toy instantly.

Barracker all of a sudden realised she was not just a member of Second Chance but from another world as he keeps forgetting to recall this key information. He felt sad for her as she would be leaving loved ones, including a kid back from where she had been whisked away from.

"Is this his first time at a shooting range?" Fenna asked Barracker.

“It is,” he said proudly. “He has been waiting a long time to show what he has learned in practice. His name is Eren and this guy besides me is Tyrion,” he placed a hand on Tyrion’s shoulder.

“It is very nice to meet you, miss,” Tyrion spoke up with a little wave. Eren walked over and joined them.

“Hi, I’m Eren. Did you see me land a hit on the target, miss”

After they spoke for a bit, Barracker introduced her properly. “This is Fenna, an adventurer of Second Chance. I’ve joined their party.”

The kids reacted with loud excitement. Barracker decided to shock them even more.

“She also killed Aurok The Man-Eater.” the kids' faces beamed with awe at Fenna.

“Tell us Fenna how did you kill it”. Tyrion and Eren spoke simultaneously, crowding her personal space. Even some of the guards started listening.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker, Tyrion and Eren made their way to the shooting range which was set up by some guards outside the gate which led to the ‘Church of Iris’. Eren always listened out for the guards' latest news about such events. So Tyrion informed him that maybe if Anne was told, Barracker could be notified, to take the two of them with him to the shooting range. Eren was overjoyed at the notion of showing off his skills to Tyrion and Barracker. He was set on becoming an adventurer when he became older and joining a party with Tyrion as their leader and Isabella as their cleric. Barracker saw his childhood self in Eren’s statement, as he had tried the same thing around his age. History would repeat itself.

Eren turned his back to the way he was heading, lightly bouncing on the tip of his toes. “You wait Barracker, I’ve been practising for a long time now, a long time. Tell him, Tyrion, what shots i’ve been making.“ Before Tyrion spoke up, Eren butt straight back in, “a bullseye”. Tyrion gave Barracker the nod of approval. Eren's face was beaming with joy.

“Very good Eren, practising will make your aim true.” Barracker replied back. “Where do you get the practice in”.

Tyrion interrupted this time, “Oh, I built a target out of a bed cover and tied it around a wooden pole and a tree. The archery equipment I spent my coin on, from the newspaper handouts.”

Barracker looked at Tyrion and clasped his arm on his shoulder. “Looking after everyone as always, I see.” As Barracker raised his head back up, they had arrived at the shooting range. People had already been shooting arrows into their targets, It was a mix of guards and adventurers practising their skills.

Barracker and Tyrion stood out of the way and watched, keeping an eye on Eren, watching him queue with the adventurers so he felt like one of them. Tyrion shouted good luck, and Eren gave him a salute. Once he was at the practice target Tyrion cheered him on. Each hit missed but adjusting with each nocked arrow, he pulled and released, coming closer to the target until one hit, just catching the side of the target. Eren immediately started celebrating in joy. Tyrion and Barracker gave a salute, Eren replied with his own.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker took his mother Anne some chamomile tea, fresh off the boil. With tired eyes Anne looked over the small round table at Barracker taking a seat and shared with him her motherly concerns about his ongoing nightmares. “Is it still burning fresh in your mind dear, that night”.

He looked over, his eyes fixed on his helmet. His fingers tracing along the sides of the helmet. “Very much so, it taunts and haunts my mind. I cannot seem to escape and push it out of my mind.”

“Oh dear,” she gestured a hand towards the Barracker and was received with a clasped of hands holding onto hers. “I wish I could take this pain away.”

“I know” Barracker gave a nod back, he felt comfort in her words. “Mother, I hate to ask but as I said before, I’m not sure where this journey will take me. I’m running out of-”

Anne interrupted, “Ahh yes.” She stood unsteadily, shaking alot. As she shimmied over to the cabinet on the counter. “One moment dear, I’m sure it’s here,” she started muttering to herself, then putting a finger to her lips. “Where is it now?”

Barracker felt a bit helpless, he was not here when she put the vials away, but knew to be patient as Anne was losing her memory dramatically faster by the month. He rose out of his chair and they both started looking together, the Paladin tried to rejog her memory as they looked for it. But no use, her memory wasn’t quite the same as when he was little.

Some time later he found it, the bag of vials lodged in the bottom cupboard behind some medical supplies. Barrackers' face showed it all, he had forgotten about this cupboard. “Mother, I found them.” He took the small bag.

“Very good dear”. She waved and then held her hand out, needing help to get back to her feet. Barracker bent his knees and held her gently round her waist and helped her up. When they were both seated again. “It's lamb blood my dear. I had it seasoned with a splash of cinnamon and sugar.” This reminded him of cinnamon sweet rolls, which had always been one of Barracker’s favourite treats. “Much better than that pigs blood I got you last time, hmm.”

“Thank you mother,” he nodded in agreement and then started counting the bottle of vials. There were quite a lot here, enough for a month, maybe more. The thing about the blood was that as a Paladin, he found the taste of blood quite vile. Perhaps his morals made it that way. It was necessary though. Vampires could only get nutrition from blood. He did not like it but realised it was a given. Animals did not share the same level of nutrients or adrenaline kick of goodness compared to sentient creatures like humans etc, but he vowed never to touch a living person's neck. This would hinder and hurt his development and health as a vampire's capability but a clear conscience would feel better than stooping to the level of the majority of vampires. Most vampires would be physically lured in by the taste and buzz it gave, taking from living persons and would cloud their mind, making them turn to the dark idea of murdering to feed. It was like drug addiction. But Barracker would rather die.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

I will be writing a post tomorrow

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Adam: I miss Eric
Barracker, unaware of Adam's brother: I've had enough Erics for one lifetime

@Zapdos

Haha. When writing the post i've totally forgotten about Adam's brother. I would've called him something else otherwise.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker was in the courtyard at ‘Paladin’s Respite,’ the holy headquarters at the north western gate of Valhiem. There was a stronghold like this in every major city. Its purpose is to give Paladins a rest point, a place to eat, train and sleep if necessary. It would also deal with Paladin duties like monster bounties, holy crusades and registration for the military arm of the church. The vampire was using a wooden practice greatsword to wield, as was the rules. Nothing would replicate the weight and size of his orichalcum greatsword, but at least he could use his tower shield.

He had already completed a gentle warm-up of regular exercises, consisting of burpees, jogging on the spot to bring up heart rate before starting with the weapons. Vampires did not really pull muscles or need this kind of cardio but it was instilled in him, being a Paladin and an ex soldier. Now he was shield bashing the air, full power, fifty attempts on each arm. He practised all fundamental sword swings with each arm, full power, one hundred attempts, making sure his technique was perfect,

Barracker was focused on his training while two Paladins, Eric and Warren Burns stood still in their tracks and were glaring over at him. “It's that disgrace of a Paladin, again,” Warren mentioned with disgust in his voice. Looking over and pointing with his brother, spitting on the floor.

Barracker knew this routine and knew his training had come to an end, as these prats would only put him off his training. “Look at this leech, where’s he going? Nothing worse than a leech, scum.” Eric spat back his remark trying to engage Barracker into stooping as low.

Barracker stood up, picking up his wooden sword and tower shield. He waved them into the courtyard and gestured to use the training barracks. “Feel free to use the practise yard, you need it more than i do,” Barracker said calmly to both of them.

“Well isn’t he getting full of himself,” Warren exchanged a look with Eric. Warren was the cool headed one, as Eric was near boiling point, his face burning bright red.

“Warren, i think I’m going to show him what a crystal is capable of.” Eric drew his sword of steel and raised the tip of the end towards Barracker.

Barracker stood in fighting stance and spoke firmly, “If you dare strike at me, your arm will belong to me.” A glint of fury appeared across his face, until the Inquisitor came out.

“What's this nonsense? You two get in here now,” Inquisitor Clive spoke with ice in his tone. ”And you, the source of trouble I see. As always. Do whatever you have to do here and rid us of your presence.”

Barracker watched the two go inside ‘Paladins Respite’ and followed behind to return the practice sword back. “I have business here. A book on spectres.”

Inquisitor Clive nodded, “Very well, you know where it is.” Barracker walked off. Inquisitor Clive’s sudden laugh was almost like a snarl and he stopped Barracker for the last time. “Given up on the Cerberus I see.”

“Never.” Barracker snapped with sternness, and determination. One day it will be done. He could not allow that monster to roam free, but he wasn’t strong enough yet. Perhaps his duties with Second Chance would grow his power enough to finally right that wrong. But the first step was the Temple of Hades.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

@Loksfjoer@Saiyan@Zool@Teyao

This post is for the ones with a mundane weapon. Barracker is going to choose Fenna once he realises she has a spear, as it takes much less oil to coat a spear tip rather than a longsword or a anchor or crossbow bolts or arrows. Fenna will be able to have a certain number of hits against enemies who can't be hit by non-elemental attacks.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker strode into the room he made into an alchemy lab. He got permission from Areleth and this helped him in his professional endeavours as a monster hunter. This room would be where his brewing and oil making would happen. Today spectre oil was on the menu. Barracker placed the sack, containing the wolf livers and a pint bottle of bear fat onto the stone table. The large corner table had different sections for boiling , filtration, distillation, mixing and everything else required. There was a pestle and mortar, a sink and various sizes of beaker, flasks and test tubes.

He rummaged through his sack, retrieved and organised everything. The Paladin started by setting some water to boil. Then began grinding up the Arenaria flowers as he read his tome on monster hunter practices to remind himself of the process. The key to making good spectre oil was to slowly add the mixture of flowers and silver dust to the pot of cooking wolfs liver, then filtering it before adding the sulphur at the end.

In the end, it took him five hours to make the spectre oil. The filtering was the longest part. What was annoying was the fact that he had barely enough to fill one of his blood vials. He wanted to share among the party members who did not possess magic. Spectres like ghosts and wraiths usually cannot be hit by mundane weapons. He would try to distribute what little he had to maximise effectiveness, nevertheless.

For now he pocketed the one vial he had and got to cleaning up himself, and the table. Wolf livers were messy.

THE WAR FOR MYTHERIA - Isekai Adventure

Barracker strolled deep into ‘Greenglow Woods’. These woodlands outside the city had gotten their name because of the fireflies roaming the air. At night if you looked from the walls of the city or the road leading out of the north gate, your eyes would be occupied by the beautiful green glow coming from within the trees, hence the name. The vampire had made many great childhood memories here, he and Krillen turning these woods into their personal playground. He didn’t feel the need to bring his claymore and tower shield with him as ‘Greenglow Woods’ was known to be safe. The paladin had already procured a bunch of mistletoe, which was one of the two ingredients he had been looking for here. Now he had been looking for a particular rare white flower ‘Arenaria’ which is dotted with tiny silver spots along the petals. He eventually found enough, now the next stop was ‘The Hunters Lodge’ which was located just outside the city walls near the northern farmlands.

As Barracker strolled on his way towards the next destination. His mind thought back on last night, everyone seemed nice and he was glad he got introductions out the way. The way he got treated so normally, Barracker almost forgot about being a vampire himself for a second. He wanted to talk to Areleth about this group coming from another world, but apparently the High Septum of the Quinity had been summoned by ‘The Citadel’ for some reason. He would have to talk to him later.

Barracker opened the door to ‘The Hunter’s Lodge’, a sound of the bell jingled, signalling his arrival. Barracker held the door for a dwarf who was carrying a deer carcass out. He exchanged a nod with the shorter fellow and then proceeded to the counter. The giant shop attendant placed two hands onto the counter, chewing tobacco as he spoke with a grizzled tone. His name was Butch and he had a glass eye and worked the desk often. Butch was a Sibliconian, mountain people from the north. It was said that this tribe of humans bred with giants back in the mythic age and used their new found strength to carve out a kingdom in the mountains. After Ileandra the Great created the free people empire, Siblicon was the last kingdom to agree to the treaty. Giving them a reputation for being a stubborn group of people.

“What will it be today?”. The seven foot giant boomed.

“Three pints of bear fat, and four wolf liver to go with it”

Butch spat in the bucket next to him and leaned over the desk, chomping as he spoke. “We are pretty much out of bear parts. There has not been much hunting in the east as of late.” Barracker knew this was because of the war. “I might be able to scrape up a pint”.

“Alright, one pint of bear fat and two wolfs liver please.”

Once Barracker had gotten these ingredients, he made his way back into the city and paid a visit to the alchemists and purchased some silver dust and sulphur. After that, he made his way back home to use his alchemy lab.