Chapter 145: What Next?

Tyler, Sophie, Kass, Amanda and Nyxara all politely bowed and were mesmerized by the new screen behind Bahamut and Asura. On it was a barren wasteland with several cyborgs with poles extended from their hands draining the lifeforce from the ground. Others were grabbing dead elves with similar pole-like objects.

"Why isn’t it spreading?" Tyler asked while watching the live feed.

"Because they can only take what’s in their location using those extendable rods. You are simply observing the lower end units cleaning up the destruction of the elves," Bahamut said with a frown.

"So they can only take from what they kill or the planet itself. Why would they assault the elves in full force? Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to take out the vampires or demons?"

Tyler could feel the daggers from Kass and Nyxara but it was a question he needed to ask.

"You have a brilliant mind Tyler. It would have been wiser to take out the vampires, they are more powerful and have more land. Why they chose the elves, I am not sure. Maybe because of their location. It is close to many of the Prestigious Universities. The demons are spread out and the vampires might not have collapsed so easily," Bahamut said calmly with a hint of somberness.

"I think I’m going to need some new familiars," Tyler said confidently.

"Yes, and it would be a good time for your lovely wives to train and rank up. There is a faction to the west known as "Death Valley." I think it would be wise for you and your group to go and destroy that faction. They’ve been using dark magic to torture other factions into joining them," Asura said calmly.

"Won’t my staff get infected again? That would be... problematic." Tyler sighed.

"Don’t let it get hit with a dark spell and you should be fine. I don’t want to make it a habit but I could always cleanse it myself," Asura reassured him.

[Ping! New Quest: Defeat Death Valley. Rewards: Unknown. Failure to Complete this quest will result in loss of 15 stat points in each category.]

’Ouch.’

{Ping! New Limitless Elven Quest: Defeat Death Valley: Reward: ??}

{Ping! New Limitless Demonic Quest: Defeat Death Valley. Reward: ??}

Nyx and Sophie received notifications that defeating "Death Valley" would be their first step in their {Path Of the Goddess} quest.

"Anyone you recommend I seek out as a familiar?" Tyler asked politely.

"To the far north in the frozen tundra, there is a blue female dragon, Alexandria. She is a mythological Eidolon. She relies on ice magic but has a unique blue flame which can incinerate foes quickly. She will fight you but she is well worth the effort." Bahamut said calmly.

[Ping! New Quest: Defeat the Ice Dragon Alexandria: Reward: 10 stat points in all categories. Failure to do so will result in a 5 stat point loss in all categories.]

The ladies did not receive a quest.

"Alright, thank you Bahamut. When do you suggest we head back to Vexarra?" Sophie asked.

"When you feel you are ready. The military is doing their scouting but not having much success. The Necrams are not your typical alien. We’ve discussed them briefly, but they have humanoids who have lived for hundreds of thousands of years by draining the life from others and claiming it as their own. The majority of their army are AI robots but they are quite powerful. I’m sure they already have all the information on Vexarra just by implanting their DNA viruses into the Elven mainframe. Whatever the elves knew, the Necrams know." Bahamut said before wishing them well.

"Oh, take these," Asura said.

She grabbed 5 fur coats insulated with magical lining. Each of the coats had a unique emblem Tyler had not seen. It was a staff with several orbs around it.

"Thank you my lady, but what exactly does this symbol mean?" Kass smiled while Asura put it on her.

"It’s the Summoner’s emblem from the olden days. This will not be an easy journey so I would suggest stopping by Esper’s Inn. Kass, for your new dimensional void," Asura said while handing her a large black box.

’System, please identify and store this item in my dimensional void.’ Kass thought.

{Asura’s tent. When opened, a small, fully furnished tent with heating, a kitchen, bathroom and shower. The tent looks like an ordinary tent to not draw any suspicion. 17 items in your dimensional void.}

"Woah, so this black box opens up into a fully furnished tent? That’s amazing. Thank you." Kass said while it faded away.

"Remember, if you are in need of rest, take it. There is no rush to anything that is going on right now. Conquer Alexandria. She is a sweetheart if she likes you...if she doesn’t, well, we won’t go there," Asura chuckled.

They spent the night in the castle and woke up well rested. There was a breakfast buffet waiting in their room. They enjoyed the meal and headed out. Rather than teleporting, they decided to walk so Tyler could map more of the Land of Summoned Monsters. He was still only around 15% outside the castle. They stopped at Esper’s Inn to a large crowd.

Esper sent a sweet younger Eidolon to grab them. She escorted them to the back room where all the potions were kept.

"Been awhile since we’ve been back here," Tyler laughed.

"Well, what can I say? Business is really good. Bahamut sent over a message that you’re heading up North. Let me give you a few more of those jugs," Esper said while walking toward the cooler.

"Did I ever mention you take really good care of us Esper?" Sophie yelled.

He came back with a smile with the young girl; each holding a large crate of 9 jugs each.

"18 should do the trick!" He said with a smile while letting Kass put them into their void.

{35 of 50 items stored.}

"Any tips on fighting Alexandria?" Nyx asked politely.

"Don’t get burned or frozen. Her ice breath extends a lot further than you would think. If you get trapped, she’ll swallow you like an ice cube," Esper said while shaking his head.

"Is she really that powerful? I’ve fought Leviathan..." Tyler said while running his hand through his hair.

"Different types of power. She has unlimited range and although she prefers the cold, she could do just fine in the heat. Her armor is very thick and she’s fast. Unlike Leviathan, she won’t hold back. I know he has a soft spot for his older brother. Alexandria was created by Bahamut without Asura before the two were together. She’s the first dragon and she’s technically older than Ash." Esper explained.

"I always knew it but hearing it sounds weird," Ash chuckled. "Someone older than me..."

"Well, thank you again Esper. You always treat us so well. Are you sure you don’t want anything?" Tyler asked.

"Well, if you spot any ancient iris petals in the north, I could use those. Your familiars should know which ones I’m talking about. I’d keep some for yourself as well. I’ll tell you more about them when you return!"