I, The Anomalous God

Chapter 13 The Beautiful Nanny

John followed the route drawn on the parchment. While running, he encountered some monsters which were still going into the village. He easily slaughtered the monsters that come his way.

It took him quite some time before he arrived at his destination. He was also able to use his newly acquired skill. He was able to merge with the darkness of the night and moved even faster.

“The skill Svaltar gave is truly amazing! This not only allows me to hide in the shadows, but it also improves my movement speed!”

The location drawn on the parchment was a giant boulder between two large trees. John hurriedly looked for the crest. When he saw it, he used his energy to activate it.

“Vroom!” The undulating sound of the crest echoed. Then, the boulder started to light up.

“GRRAAOOH!”

“KWAAAK!”

The light from the boulder started to attract the attention of some nearby monsters. Without further delay, John hurriedly jumped into the portal as soon as it stabilized.

=============

“Vrrrooom!” the portal opened somewhere in Avalund. John went out of it and saw the familiar forest.

“I am out!” he blurted. John breathed in the fresh air of the forest and savored it.

After several minutes, he stood up from the ground. “Ha, time to find that Dark Elf village.” He mumbled. He took out the crest and inspected it.

“What the f**k? Where’s the map on this thing?” The crest was of a barren tree and an insignia. Apart from that, there was nothing else that looks like a map.

“Appraise!”

“Ting!

Item Name: Crest of the Barren Tree – Fleur

Description: The crest of the Dark Elves bearing the insignia of the House of Fleur.

Hidden Function: Map to Darklia. Use energy to activate.”

When John heard the announcement, he immediately used his energy on the crest. It immediately lit up, and a surge of current flowed into his brain. A map suddenly appeared in his mind.

“Damn that elf! He did not warn me that this thing gives quite a jolt!” He complained. “Ha! Okay, so this way is north!” he muttered.

==============

Back in the dungeon, Kahflear finally killed the Golden Cankrust. He hurriedly went back to the village and saw the m******e the monsters left. He looked around to find John, and when he did not saw him, a suspicion grew in him.

“Chief, you are back!” the elves called.

“Where is Svaltar!” the Chief asked, anger can be heard from his voice.

“I am right here, Chief.” Svaltar appeared holding his cane.

“You -.”

“Are you sure you want to talk here?” Svaltar cut off.

“Hm.” Kahflear gritted his teeth in anger. “Where is the human?”

“He took off while we fought the monsters! I told you, humans cannot be trusted.” Svaltar said flatly.

“The human can’t be trusted you say? You are the one who cannot be trusted! Take this traitor and imprison him!” The Chief ordered.

The Dark Elves looked at each other and hesitated. However, they still followed the order.

“You are the traitor, Kahflear! I promise you; you will pay for everything!” Svaltar exclaimed.

=============

“Chief, what is going on?” Jurach approached the Chief.

“Jurach, you will replace Svaltar as commander!” Kahflear ordered. “Do not ask questions and just follow my orders!” A sinister aura enveloped Jurach and terrified him.

“Y-yes, Chief!” 

Kahflear left the area and went into his hut. He took out the scrolls that contains all his research. He hurriedly stuffed them all in a bag. When he was done, he came out of the hut.

“Jurach, I am leaving the village for a few hours. Do not let Svaltar out!” he ordered.

“Yes Chief!” Jurach answered.

When Kahflear was out of the village, Jurach visited Svaltar in his holding cell.

“Jurach, let me out.” Svaltar said.

“I am sorry, Svaltar! The Chief has given his orders.”

“Do not listen to that traitor, Jurach! What he is doing will endanger the entire race! Listen to me!” Svaltar tried to persuade.

“The Chief did everything for the good of our race, Svaltar.”

“No! No! You say that because you do not know anything! The Night Raid. The reason why the monsters are getting abnormally stronger, it is because of his research!” Svaltar revealed.

“Svaltar, I know of the research, the others as well. That is why we volunteered to come here!”

“Yes, but did you know that the changes he made to the monsters of the Night Raid jeopardize the safety of the entire race?”

“What do you mean, Svaltar?” Jurach asked.

“The knowledge of strengthening the monsters without the need of raising the levels, this knowledge, if known by the other race will spur them to annihilate the entire Dark Elf race!” Svaltar continued when he saw Jurach silent, “This research will soon be used for the Dark Elves. I know the benefits of his research, but he will use it to overthrow the king!”

“No, he won’t do that!” Jurach denied.

“He wants to be king! Not only to the Dark Elves, but of the entirety of Avalund! Do you think the Beast King is dumb?” Svaltar said.

That statement made Jurach think. Then, he spoke, “Is there something wrong, if the Chief replaces the current Dark Elf king?”

“He will doom us all!” was Svaltar’s reply.

“I am sorry, Svaltar. I cannot let you out.” Jurach left the hut.

“Damn it!” Svaltar punched the wooden bars and a transparent barrier activated. “I hope you can meet the king, human!” he muttered.

======================

Back in the surface, John followed the path in his mind. He encountered some monsters but most of them are low level.

John alternated using his Sprint skill and his newly acquired Shadow Hunt skill. His speed was faster than before. Running on the ground, jumping into shadows, appearing on another location, jumping off from branches with his Parkour skill, he traveled using all his movement skills. Even his passive skills are honed as best he can.

He realized the inadequacy of his skills when fighting foes of much higher levels than him. He needs to raise his skills to match his stats. So, he decided to use his skills as much as possible, if his mana can support.

After half a day of running, John finally saw the entrance to Darklia. Like the Sprite Village, it was also protected by a barrier. “Whew! Here goes nothing!”

John slowly walked out of the forest and stood at the entrance of the village. “Stop!” A voice sounded from atop a tower.

“Ah, hello!” John greeted.

“You are… a human!” the Dark Elf blurted. “Do not move!”

“It is alright! I am just a kid. I mean no harm!” John announced.

“Stay where you are and do not move!” the Dark Elf whispered to his companion, “Call the Captain, tell there is a human child here!”

The other elf hurriedly ran into the village. Several minutes later, an army of Dark Elves came out of the village.

“Wow, is really an army necessary for a little child like me?” John voiced out.

“A human child in the deepest parts of Avalund. This is a surprise, more so, one who is fluent in the Beast language.” The leading Dark Elf said.

“Well, I am here.”

“What is your purpose in coming here, human child?” the elf asked.

“Good thing you asked. I am sent by Svaltar Fleur.” John answered.

“What?” the elves were surprised. They all knew Svaltar. He will not befriend a human, not even a child. “That is not possible! Tell us the truth. What is your purpose and who sent you?”

“You know…” John fished out the crest from his pocket. “Here. This should prove to you that Svaltar sent me.” He threw it to the leading elf.

“This is Svaltar’s crest! How did you get this? Speak!”

“I told you, Svaltar sent me!” John said. “Look, I have message from Svaltar.”

“A message? What is it? Speak!”

“Svaltar specifically told me to only say the message to your king.” John said.

“Impossible! Tell us the message and we will tell our king.” The elf leader said.

“No! Our deal was to deliver his message to your king and to your king only.” John firmly declared.

“That is impossible. We cannot trust you!”

“Come on! I am just a child. What do you think can I do to your king?” John voiced out.

“You are a human child freely walking in Avalund. I am a fool of believing you are only a weak child!” The elf said.

“Damn, this elf is perceptive and stubborn!” John thought.

“If you are not going to let me see your king, then there is nothing more to talk about. I am leaving!” John turned around and started to walk away.

“Stop!” But John did not listen.

“Pew!” An arrow was shot towards him. However, John’s Danger Sense was always active as well as his Area Sense, he saw the arrow coming.

John turned around and raised his hand. The arrow stopped mid-air. “I only came to talk. You decided to attack.” John glanced at the elves.

John appraised the elves the moment they came out. There were 30 of them, all level 45. Only the leader is level 56. Their HP don’t even reach half of his.

“Do not blame me for this.” John used Shadow Hunt and disappeared into his shadow. When he appeared again, he was behind the Dark Elf who fired the arrow. “You should have not fired that arrow.” He whispered to the elf. A thorn stabbed the elf from behind.

“Argh!” The elf screamed.

“Shadow Hunt! That was Shadow hunt!” one of the elves exclaimed.

“Impossible! That was Svaltar’s skill!” another said.

“He really is sent by Svaltar!”

“Attack him! He killed one of us!” the elf leader screamed. The leader’s voice woke up everyone.

The elves pointed their weapons at him. “I killed him because he tried to kill me. That is all.” John said flatly while staring coldly at the other elves.

“Ting! Level 45 Dark Elf killed. +25% experience gained.”

“What are you waiting for? Attack!” the leader ordered when a loud voice interrupted.

“Stop! Do not attack!”

“General!” the elves saluted the newcomer.

“General, he killed one of our own!” the elf leader reported.

“I know. But if you continue this, everyone in your army will die by his hands.” The General said.

“What? That is impossible!”

“Then, go ahead. Try it and see.” The General dared. However, no one made a move. “Well…” he looked at John, “Come child. The King will see you.”

“Good, someone I can level with.” John disappeared into the shadow and appeared near the General.

“It is astonishing to see an extremely strong, small human child. Let’s go. Follow me.” The General said.

================

They arrived at the palace. It was like the sprites; the palace was on a huge tree, no, the tree is the palace. “This palace looked like of the sprites.” He whispered.

“Oh, so, you have been to the sprites?” the General commented when he heard.

“You have a very good hearing. Yes, I happen to saw their palace as well.” John affirmed.

“We elves and sprites share a common ancestry. So, there are many things that you might find us sharing.” The General said.

“Wait, really? The sprites are so tiny, whereas you are, uhm, tall! Are you sure you have the same roots?” John wondered.

“Haha!” The General laughed, “We truly do. You see, the first Dark Elf was created by the God of Darkness, Darkglum. And in all of his creation, there is only two races that stemmed from the same root. Ours and the sprites.”

“Really?” John thought, this story was not told to them by the sprites. Then he realized, he was only there for a month, there are still many things he does not know about the sprites.

“Yes. The first Dark Elf, Duru’am, was born with two hearts. One day, he came across a dying tree, planted by the God of Darkness. He took pity to the tree and decided to give one of his hearts to it. The tree survived and grew big and strong. That was when Shacannah was born. However, many years passed, Duru’am and Shacannah never met.” The General recounted their teachings. “That is why, sprites have no records of this particular part of their history.”

“Have you tried telling them?” John asked.

“We tried. But sprites, sometimes are stubborn and they refuse to believe us.” The General said, “We have arrived.” He said when they reach a huge wooden door inside the tree palace. “Go in. The King is waiting inside.”

“Thank you, General.” John bowed.

The huge doors were opened by the standing by guards. John slowly walked in. He took a glance at every corner of the room. It was simple, yet elegant. The walls were covered with crawling plants and flowers and a painting of an upside-down barren tree.

“Why does this look like roots rather than an actual tree?” John wondered.

“That is the Barren Tree, Stygma. It is the symbol of Dark Elf race.” A very handsome man walked over from the pedestal. It was the Dark Elf King. “Welcome child. I heard you have a message for me?”

“Ah, yes, your highness!” John bowed his head and half knelt as respect to the king.

“What is the message?” The King asked.

John took out the memory crystal and handed it over to the King. “The message is inside that crystal, your highness. Svaltar told me to only give it to you.”

“Do you know the content of this memory crystal?” the stared intently at John.

“No. I have not inspected it, your excellency. Svaltar and I had a deal. He kept his end and I kept mine.” John answered.

“Hm… well, then, stay for a while. I may ask a few questions after I inspect this crystal. Eunich!” The King called, then a servant named Eunich entered the room. “Take our guest to his room. Serve him well.”

“Yes, your highness!” The servant bowed. “Follow me, child.” He said to John.

While walking towards his room, John couldn’t help but ask, “Your name is Eunich?”

“Yes. Is there a problem?”

“Um…. n-no…pfft…n-no, no problem at all!” He said trying to suppress a laugh. Unfortunately, the elf noticed him and gave John a cold, sharp glare.

===================

“This is your room. Please, do not go around the palace without my supervision. Stay here until you are called by the King!” Eunich said coldly and slammed the door shut.

“What the hell?! Hahaha! I can’t believe his mother gave him that name!” John laughed out so hard and when he settled. He sat down on the bed. “That Svaltar tricked me. How do I get out of here?”

When night came, John decided to stroll around the palace, of course, without anyone finding out. John removed his outer clothing, revealing the grey Cat Armor. He activated its special feature and grey armor plates emerged from the rubbery surface of the armor. A grey helmet also covered John’s face.

“I hope I can find a smith to fix this armor.” He said while looking at his arm and thigh; the armor plates on those places are very worn out. John can’t see it, but his back-armor plates are also badly damaged.

He immediately used Shadow Hunt and merged with the shadow. John run along the corridors, hiding inside the shadows. There were torches around the palace to light it, and some light stones on the ceiling, it left many shadows that John could leap in and hide.

“Ting! Hide skill acquired.”

An announcement suddenly rang in his mind. He was delighted to hear that. Hide skill will improve his hiding. Without any other thoughts, John used Hide along with his Shadow Hunt skill. The effects were astonishing. Even when John jumped into a person’s shadow, the target did not notice anything wrong thanks to his Hide skill.

Soon, John found the King’s study. He slowly entered the room through the shadows.

He saw the King and the General in the room. They were talking about Svaltar’s message.

“It’s unfortunate that Svaltar found out.” The King commented.

“Hm. But, I share the same views as Svaltar.” Said the General. “If the other race finds out about what Kahflear is doing, he will implicate the entire race.”

“I know. Kahflear doesn’t know that I already know what he is doing. Even his desire for the throne.” The King said. “I am just waiting when he will make his move.”

“But sire, if this information gets outside, how will we respond?” The General said.

“We’ll know when that time comes.”

“What about the human child? What are your plans?” The General asked.

“I sense some oddity from that child. I can’t point what it is, but, as he is a human child and he was able to come here, then it just shows he is extraordinary.” The King commented.

“Indeed. He was also able to learn Svaltar’s Shadow Hunt.” The General added.

That’s when the King was a bit alarmed. It was not fear or anything, but it was just something the King thought the moment he heard about John learning Shadow Hunt.

The King suddenly tapped his finger once on the table and a spherical bubble spread out from him. Soon, everything inside the bubble stopped moving. Even the general was frozen in time.

“I see, you really are extraordinary.” The King said. Then, with a flick of his hand, John was pulled out from a shadow casted by the room’s bookshelf. Then the spherical bubble disappeared.

“What the-…” said John in surprise.

“What are you doing here!?” The General was surprised and alarmed when John suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Then he looked at the Dark Elf King who was smiling. Right then, he knew, John used Shadow Hunt to hide in the shadow and spied on them.

“There’s no need to be alarmed, General. You can leave. I will call for you when something comes up.” The King said.

The General wanted to say something but held it in and left the room. He threw a threatening glance at John before he left.

“Don’t you know that it is not nice to spy on someone?” The King started.

“Ah… sorry?” John hurriedly stood up. He secretly used the Appraisal skill on the King, but the result shocked him.

“Ting! Target’s level is too high. Cannot appraise.” It said.

“How high is the King’s level? I can appraise the other Dark Elves that have a level of 67 but I can’t appraise the King!” John thought.

“I take you heard everything before?” The King asked still maintaining the smile.

“Ah…. N-…” before John can finish answering, the King said, “There is no use lying, you know.”

“Y-yes. I heard everything.” John said. Cold sweat started to spring out from his back.

“I thought so. Since you are already here, take a seat.” The King said. John took the seat in front of the desk.

“What are you called, child?” he asked John.

“I am John, your highness.”

“How did you meet Svaltar in Borina Cave, John?” the King asked.

At this question, John told the King what he told Svaltar and the other Dark Elves in the cave.

“From what you told, it seems to me, you were abducted and left to die in the dungeon. However, it is still puzzling to go such length to kill a child like you. Borina Cave is too deep place in Avalund. Why make so much effort to bring you so far? Why not kill you directly?” The King mumbled.

Although John told a little bit of truth in his story, but what the King analyzed from that is a bit a stretch. However, John only nodded to the King, it is better that he thinks that way.

“But, with your abilities, it is right to be afraid a little.” Said the King. “How old are you, anyway?”

John thought about it. If he told the King that he was only more than a month old, he might not believe it. So, John came up with an age fitting for his current height and size. “I am 8 years old, sire.”

“Ting! Great Liar title acquired.

Title: Great Liar

Effect: +3 Wisdom, 60% Chance of successful deception

Description: The Great Liar can lie even in the face of the Great King.”

“It is really good to raise the Appraisal skill. Even the announcement for the title has changed.” John thought.

“Hm. Hm.” The King nodded, “Only 8 years old, but as strong as an adult. You really are frightening, kid! It is no wonder you were treated that way.” The King said. “Anyway, you must have some questions, ask now.”

“Yes, sire. What Kahflear was doing in the dungeon, will it really result in the annihilation of your entire race if it leaks out?”

“It will, most probably. Let me ask you, if you find out that your enemy can increase the overall combat ability and stats without needing to level up, will you allow it?” The King asked. John thought about it and shook his head.

“Then, why are you not stopping him?” John asked.

“What he is doing will truly be beneficial to our race, if I stop him before he is successful, it would be a waste, don’t you think? Besides, who will leak it outside? Will you?” The King stared at John.

“No. And even if I run to other races in Avalund, do you think they will listen to a human child?” John threw a question himself at the King.

“Hm. Good. They won’t listen. They might kill you directly instead.” The King smiled. “I will offer you to stay in Darklia. I will give you a special residence, of course, you will be under our supervision.”

“Can I choose to leave instead?” John pointed.

“No. Until Svaltar or Kahflear comes out, you will stay here.” The King answered. “Isn’t it better to be walking around the village rather than being locked up in jail?” The King added.

“It is.” John replied. “Damn it! Looks like I will be stuck in this village for a while.” He thought.

“Then, it is all good. Go back to your room and rest.” The King said smiling. John has nothing else he could do, so he went back to his room.

He knew that there will be no way to escape as long as the King is there. “Ha! Guess, I am staying here for a while.”

===============

“Father!” A beautiful Dark Elf entered the King’s room.

“Come in, Thasia.” The King smiled at his daughter. “I have something I want you to do.”

“What is it?”

“I want you to accompany a guest. Be his guide in Darklia.” The King said.

“Certainly, Father. If that is what you ask, I will obey.” She replied.

“Hm. Great!” The King smiled happily.

“Father, I heard a human child came to our village?” She asked.

“Yes.”

“Why did we allow him to enter? He is a human.” There was annoyance in her voice, but she maintained her politeness with the King.

“Thasia, your grandfather are friends with humans before. Humans are not all evil and greedy. There are good humans, too. They are just like us.” The King answered her.

“I understand, Father. However, no one in Avalund shares the same views as yours.” His daughter said.

“Hm. I know. That is why, it is exciting to climb that wall. Hahaha!” The King laughed. “Anyway, I expect you will treat him well.”

“Ha. As you ordered, my King!” His daughter bowed and left.

==================

“General, what is my father thinking?” Thasia spoke with the General after she left the room.

“Ha!” The General made a helpless sigh. “Truthfully, I do not know.”

“I worry for his position; the elders are speaking of dethroning him. His complicated and strange views are sternly opposed by them.” Thasia said.

“He knows that.”

“Then, why is he not doing anything?!” Thasia blurted.

“Although, I do not share the same opinions and views as your father, I trust the King. He will do what is best for his people.” The General said.

“Ha! I hope you are right, General.” She said.

==============

Early morning of the next day, Thasia went to pick John. She knocked on his door.

“Argh! Who is it?” John asked groggily. Thasia did not reply and continued knocking. “Who is it? Its still so early!” John grumbled.

“Will you open this door, or shall I break it?” Thasia blurted angrily.

“Alright!” John grumpily went out of his bed and opened the door. What he saw was a beautiful face of a woman, with long, silky black hair and ruby red eyes. “Wow!”

“As expected of humans, even a child is perverted!” Thasia accused.

“I am not a child!” John blurted.

“Then, what are you? An old dwarf?” Thasia despised John even more.

“I forgot I am in a child’s body.” John thought. “Ah, right. Ehe, sometimes, I think I am already old enough! Haha!” John laughed. “Who might you be, beautiful miss?” He asked.

“Ha! My name is Thasia. I will be your guide in the village.” She said.

“Wow! The King is so thoughtful! I did not expect he’d send me a beautiful nanny!” John blurted.

“Nanny?! Who said I’m your nanny?” Thasia shouted angrily.

“You are escorting a child? Isn’t that a nanny’s job?” He asked.

“Argh! Come with and stop talking nonsense!” She said and stormed away.

“Can I even wash up before I go?” John muttered. Thasia stopped in her tracks and sighed.

“Fine! Hurry up!”

After 20 minutes, John went out of the room and followed Thasia. “Where are we going, miss?”

“We will meet the King.” She answered.

John and Thasia arrived at the King’s study. They were greeted by the King’s butler. “Come in. His Highness is waiting.”

They arrived in front of the desk where the King is sitting behind. “Greetings, your majesty!” Thasia bowed.

“Sit down you two.” The King said. “John, this is my daughter, Thasia. She will be your supervisor, as we agreed last night.”

“You are too kind, your highness. You are making your beautiful daughter to be my nanny!” John said smiling to the King.

“What?!” Thasia blurted and glared at John.

“Haha! Not at all. You know, she is in the age where she should have kids.” The King stared at his daughter. “Ha! I wonder when will you bring a man into the house. It is too quiet without kids running around, don’t you think?”

“Father!”

“Haha! That’s true. I am an only child and my mother kept nagging at my father to make another one.” John shared as he remembered his past. “Its never dull when there are kids at home.”

“You sound like an old man!” Thasia muttered.

“In any case, whatever problem you encounter in the village, you can as Thasia for help.” The King ordered.

“As you order, my King!” Thasia bowed. “Let’s go!”

“Huh? Where are we going now?” John bowed to the King and followed Thasia out.