Battle Admin System 16

16 - Successes And Dresses

With Lillea walking casually to Cold Tooth, the hostages wouldn’t be able to keep up. The guards and adventurers stayed with them and fell behind.

Fiona did her best, but she started to lose energy after a few hours of running. Lillea scooped the human up with her right hand and let her rest there.

Solo took over the left hand. “Hey! I’m Solo. I’m the other half of Lillea Solo Moonstrider. Acknowledge me, precious apprentice!”

Fiona stared at the clacking metal claws. “Um, Lady Moonstrider, is this some sort of training?”

“No, that’s my demon partner. She lives in my left arm. But we are indeed Lillea Solo Moonstrider together.”

“Demon, you say.” Fiona looked around, weighing her options between jumping or staying. She shook her head and looked frightfully at the metal arm. “Am I going to get corrupted next?”

“Corrupted? You’ll have my helpful presence with Lillea, and that’s wonderful,” Solo said. “No corruption there.”

“We’re a stable bond, Fiona. This is part of my heritage as a Moonstrider. We work with demons for the greater good. Solo considers you as ours, so you will be protected.”

“Oh, okay, well. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Solo. I must admit, I feel a little overwhelmed with so much I’ve experienced today. I think I might take a nap.”

Fiona didn’t quite faint but she didn’t stay conscious for long. She had nothing to support her but Lillea’s palm and fingers.

She had an open and innocent look on her face when she slept. Lillea held the human close to her chest, half to make her cozy and half to protect her.

“Did she really fall asleep?” Doza asked while running comfortably on the ground.

“Yes.”

“She really trusts you. And me. A very peculiar human.”

“Me, too! She trusts me, too!” Solo chanted.

“Yes, of course, Big Sister Solo.”

Solo preened.

Doza looked at the passing woods. “We should do our best to make Fiona stronger. Whatever enemies you have will want to hurt her. And we can’t always be there to protect her.”

Lillea grimaced, not needing Doza to remind her of brutal reality. Lillea had suffered enough to know the evils that lurked around her. She was too tired for more heavy consideration right now, however.

They had a three day journey ahead of them to reach Cold Tooth. Between the bandits and regular traffic along a busy thoroughfare, monster attacks would be at a minimum. That was fortunate. For once, Lillea would prefer to have a relaxing trip.

But in case of a monster attack…

“Solo, I’m a bit weary. Can you fight for us without too much input from me?” Lillea asked.

Solo raised their hand and posed it like a hand puppet. Mana channeled through Lillea’s body. A crown formed around the left wrist, and Lillea felt less of the strain than usual.

Then Solo dismissed the crown before flicking out a finger toward a low branch. Even with the daylight, the whipping string sliced the branch free from the tree.

“You need not ask. I’m the best, remember?” Solo laughed.

Lillea smiled and nodded. With everyone else handling tasks for her, Lillea let her guard down a little and let mind rest. This was a dangerous thing to do in the wilds. But to Lillea’s fortune, the trip back to Cold Truth was mostly uneventful.

The goblins ganged up against monsters that might’ve bothered their big matriarch. Doza would run off, then a series of explosions would resound from the woods before Doza returned from her own hunts.

A few times, nimble monsters would jump from the tree branches or fly down while aiming for Fiona. The human was focused on running or sleeping on the giant, ignorant of her vulnerability.

Solo took care of every monster that tried to sneak attack Fiona from above. Especially the Bone-Gnashing Squirrels. The demon would reel them in and feed them to Lillea without the giant having to ask.

Never had Lillea felt so relaxed while in the wilds. It was nice and consistent. No stops needed. Lillea and her group made it to Cold Tooth on the second night, a day early.

***

A new night filled Lillea’s personal lodge with dark shades and moonlight. The lodge had amenities and designs in mind of large beings from the northern lands of Colossus Crossing.

Large furry rugs and pelts carpeted the floor. Ivory bones bond by purple and white threading dangled from the walls. A stone hearth in the middle burned the last of the logs. And fire resistant wood made up the walls, supporting a ceiling with rune scripted vents.

This was a testament to Hina’s dedication for crafting a comfortable abode. All for the sake of having Lillea stay longer and pay more.

Lillea roused from slumber once night settled over Cold Tooth. She wriggled and pushed aside the covers and stretched all of her limbs.

Her nightwear was practical and spartan. A strong band of white cloth covered her chest while tied at the back. A white loin cloth held by ropes covered her nethers.

As sleep left her, Lillea sprayed her toes near the ash and embers piled in the hearth. She unbound her hair from the tight coils she wore while sleeping.

Hina and the hot bath servants had worked fiercely to repair Lillea’s hair on top of cleaning the giant. Now Lillea’s hair fell around her shoulders like a shimmering silver waterfall and looked as healthy as ever. These comforts were nice.

To think, I could enjoy this for a long time if I wanted.

The loot from the bandit army’s defeat was staggering. It nearly matched more what Lillea had banked the past two years from her deals around Cold Tooth outside of her secret dwarven commission.

Lillea could make more deals for more gold or services. But there were certain secrets she wasn’t willing to give up for monetary gains. At least not yet.

The hostages should’ve arrived earlier today.

Lillea looked to the side where a little person roused from under her covers near the wall. Fiona’s hair was in disarray and her face had an uncertain look without her round spectacles. Her night outfit was floofy and covered all her body and limbs, ending at the hands and feet. She nearly tripped on the covers while wandering about to find her spectacles.

My new apprentice is still adjusting to my sleep patterns. She will learn in time.

Lillea chuckled, which woke Fiona even further. They were the only two here. Lillea had appointed Doza to ensure the goblin heroes and their chosen companions were having fun and being treated well. And to ensure Sleek didn’t go over the top.

She could use my name if needed to squash problems.

But Lillea was glad Doza had great power of her own. Now that Lillea was well rested, the giant could ascertain her fortune from the bandit ordeal and month-long adventures.

The riches were one great earning. Doza was another great earning since goblin matriarchs were serious creatures humans wouldn’t overlook. Fiona would be tested to see if she would bear great fruit in the future, but until then she had the political weight of a giant hammer. And more importantly, Lord Oxford would continue to support Lillea despite her demonic traits.

I knew absorbing the demon could’ve worsened our relationship, but I didn’t care. I wanted Solo’s power.  So I owe that old human credit for accepting the new side of me.

Lillea patted her metal arm. The demon inside emitted feelings of haughtiness and glee. Solo was happy to have a bond with a powerful host like Lillea.

There was much to consider. Lillea had to make her time in Cold Tooth fruitful. She had eight weeks before her predictions of Alden’s actions rear their ugly head.

The Hall of Admins awaited her. The fear of that strange darkness behind the black moon metal doors had lessened. Lillea’s hunger had taken the place of fear.

Power. I want the power inside that hall. It’s meant for a Moonstrider or a legend. I’m a legendary Moonstrider. That power is going to be mine.

The hunger for power made Lillea feel ravenous. A savage smile crossed her face. All teeth, like a wolf ready to chomp into a meal.

Fiona waited by her side as an apprentice should. But she trembled like a mouse feeling the intense pressure of a hungry predator. She kept her mouth sealed and stood attentively, bearing the weight of fear with resolute servitude.

Lillea looked at the hearth. Then she looked out into the night through the glass window. Finally, she summoned the system runes and saw for herself how far she had come. And how much further she needed to go.

Moonstrider Learning V leveled up from 275 to 284!

Moonstrider Athleticism V leveled up from 276 to 293!

Lillea paused her review. She could hardly believe the growth. She had never leveled up so fast before. It almost seemed unreal until she reran the scenarios from the bandit battle.

She had outsmarted an entire army. She had made a fool out of a seasoned soldier. She had outran them and used her athleticism to keep them at bay. The last part was key.

Most giants in her position would’ve died. Most humans wouldn’t have dreamed of doing what she’d done. Still, the levels were staggering for Lillea. She was glad she waited until she was rested to fully appreciate her growth.

She almost wanted to cry. But she held it in. The apprentice was watching. Lillea gave herself a moment before continuing.

Expert Hunter’s Perception III leveled up from 261 to 274!

Ravenous Survival III had leveled up from Level 233 to 259!

Force Manipulation III had leveled up from 248 to 267!

Lillea was pleased with these results for her perception, survival, and force skills. They were key supporters. They weren’t exactly preferential to her build and mana choices but that was okay.

Maybe Lillea could find dark or shadow replacements to all of these. Maybe not. But for now, they pulled their weight. Pun fully intended.

Demonic Prosthetic Innovation leveled up from 230 to 244!

Shadow Step leveled up from 45 to 97!

Prideful Crown leveled up from 29 to 82!

Strings of Pride and Shadow leveled up from 43 to 121!

Dark Bolt leveled up from 23 to 73!

Your experience leveled up from 276 to 293!

Lillea hummed with delight. Solo let out her own metallic hum. They were seven levels away from qualifying for the Hall of Admins. But qualifying wouldn’t be enough.

Lillea had seen glimpses of her build’s true potential. While she’d done well with underleveled skills, they had been severely limited in scope against higher leveled opponents such as Captain Airmance and his Level 300s. Lillea imagined she would’ve won by herself if all of her skills were up to par.

I have no records of giants with skills like mine. The maneuverability of my athleticism skill is already rare. But now I have another movement skill that separates me from danger. A skill that negates magical effects or damages. And an anti-caster bolt. Those are extremely rare skills.

But Strings of Pride and Shadow took the cake. Lillea saw why Solo loved that skill. It had high flexibility that applied to movement, utility, defense, and offense. It merged well with Lillea’s love for her Force Manipulation skill.

And to think, my build isn’t complete yet. And things could change further if her role evolved. Level 300 tended to lead to interesting power gains. It didn’t always happen at that exact level, but Level 300 opened the doorway for the changes.

There was work to be done. And Lillea felt more excited than ever. But she first must pay heed to her apprentice.

Fiona stayed put as the giant rolled toward her and reduced the distance. She now faced Lillea’s abdominal muscles as silver strands of hair pooled around the little human.

“Fiona,” Lillea purred.

“Yes, Lady Moonstrider,” she squeaked.

“What do you have to wear for the Verdant Gardens?”

“My work clothes?” Fiona hedged. Lillea’s smile faded. Fiona fidgeted. “I can borrow something from an acquaintance!”

“No good. We’ll get you tailored and expedite the wear. I won’t have my apprentice dressed commonly.”

Lillea’s learning had covered plenty of grounds. Human fashion mattered when imposing your will upon others. Beauty was another weapon to use in battle.

“But I could certainly use my work wardrobe for when you, um, let me report to the guild, my lady.”

Lillea gave Fiona a savage smile. Ten minutes later, Lillea exitted her lodge with Fiona in hand. The giant wore a fine and dark wool dress with boots embroidered with silver. Fiona had on a cloak and her cleanest set of guild work clothes.

They left the hot baths and went straight into the higher end district of Cold Tooth, a place Fiona had never visited before. The night was young, and Cold Tooth was large enough to function at all hours. Lillea stopped in front of the Kat’s Eye for Fine Dressing store.

A kat kin exited and bowed.

“Madame Lucia. Help this girl. Three outfits. Expedite.” Lillea lowered Fiona down and pushed her forward.

The apprentice wobbled to a stop in front of an exquisitely dressed humanoid with golden hair and feline ears on top of her head. The makeup the kat kin wore on her porcelain face was more expensive than Fiona’s current wear.

“Six outfits for the petite girlie,” Madame Lucia said with a thick accent. “The fourth, fifth, and sixth are for free. But I will take my time on them.”

“Why such kindness?” Lillea asked.

“Word has spread of your deeds against the bandits. Word has spread of what the bandits have done to us until you have given them a just dessert.” The kat kin nodded with meaning.

Lillea nodded back.

Madame Luciea walked around Fiona and assessed her. “A slim one, this human. Modest, yes. But the potential is there. Perhaps we’ll give flair to your innocence. A draw to many a man or woman who wants to protect. Or abuse. But you are Lady Moonstrider’s new belonging. Until you can bear your own claws, you will be a soft light to the vast darkness of your mistress.”

“Does that mean I’ll look pretty?” Fiona asked.

Madame Lucia stared at her before looking up at Lillea. “This girlie has been lost.”

“But now she is found,” Lillea replied.

Madame Lucia and her servants finished one outfit for Fiona in record time. Two more would be sent to Hina’s Hot Baths tonight. The other three would take three nights.

Lillea walked slowly with Fiona at her side, the human bumbling about toward Adventurer Square. Lillea’s dark dress blotted out the night sky with her giant figure. Fiona contrasted by wearing a puffy white outfit with silver buckles and frills. She looked like a rare snow hare.

They were still in the higher end district, the noble district. Stone structures stood instead of wooden ones. Rune scripts hummed everywhere, converting the elements into heat or light. Well off people had plenty of space to avoid Lillea on these wider and cleaner thoroughfares. Tasty scents of fine dining permeated through the air.

Fiona stopped in front of a small stall that sold chocolate treats shaped as crackers. The human tried not to drool.

“Get it,” Lillea ordered. “Delight yourself, apprentice.”

Fiona opened her pouch and stared at the glittering gold coins she’d gained as her apprentice allowance. The giant gave the vendor an expectant look, the man exchanging a gold coin for proper change. It was known that Lillea was highly aware of the currency market and would not stand for being cheated.

Fiona bounced bedside Lillea’s steps with greater energy. Her words flew out in an excited gush as she marveled over the chocolate and the sights at the noble district and her amazement over being an apprentice. Lillea listened to every word, finding it humorous and endearing. She would remember this fondly for when the real apprenticeship began.

They reached Adventurer Square. Waiting for them was a party of men and women with their swords and magic raised and empowered.

“Demon, prostrate yourself and be bound. You will have an audience with the church if you comply,” muttered a heavily armored man in the mid 300s. Noble Rank. He was a veteran of the guild.

Two dozen men and women were formed up behind him, all in the 300s. Mostly Adventure Rank. Mostly human except for the odd dwarf or elf. More adventurers watched on the sides. They were in the high 200s.

Lillea knew all of them from the Adventurer Guild. They’d once been accommodating if not friendly.

But not anymore