And then I think, for the first time, I really slept.
I settled down on my sandy bed and just switched off.
Though I woke up with the not-so-comfortable feeling of a hard-on trying to stretch my pants. Well, whatever. The main thing was that I felt an unprecedented level of vigor for the first time in a while. I actually felt rested. After that I calmly created a new portal.
Even though my body was no longer in Elden's world, the portal still opened easily right at the spot where I had left earlier. And I knew I could also open a passage to any place I had already been.
Nevertheless, before returning to the path of the Tarnished, I restored my spear.
It turned out that using the sands of time through the spear thinned it somewhat. At first glance it wasn't noticeable, but gradually it became lighter. Now though, having restored the weapon, I finally returned to the dark forest of the dying world.
"Oaahh… so, Torrent, will you give me a lift?" I drawled and whistled into the bone whistle.
Right away that horned horse appeared before me.
This time I mounted the saddle more skillfully. I'd already gained some experience. And so, we galloped forward along the forest trail. Interestingly, along the way we sometimes noticed animals scattering. And at one point, an angry boar almost rammed us. For such insolence the creature got a spear to the forehead, after which it just vanished.
"Umm, you've got to be kidding me!" I blurted out.
I mean, what's the point of hunting animals for meat if they disappear after death?
But now it became clearer why those soldiers looked so emaciated. And somehow I even felt sorry for the local hunters. They spent tons of effort to get meat, but the prey slipped away from their hands in such a treacherous way.
And after some more time we came out from the line of the forest and approached a slope, at the bottom of which lay the ruins of some ancient fort. Godrick's soldiers roamed among these ruins. But I didn't head to them right away. From here I could see streams of grace leading to a new place. And that's where I directed Torrent, bypassing the old ruins.
The soldiers didn't even seem to notice me.
I don't know what's in their heads, but they clearly weren't very sane. It's quite possible they saw me in the open terrain. Nevertheless, none of them paid it obvious attention.
And while I wasn't being bothered, I simply reached the site of grace and activated it.
"Melina…"
"Yes, I'm here, Chron." The girl appeared at once.
"Umm, I think I should've asked this earlier, but, yeah, how exactly does that strengthening you use with runes affect me?"
For a moment amusement flashed in the girl's eyes, like, only now you're asking that?
"You already realized that I can increase your physical strength. That's quite easy to feel, your body became stronger, you can lift more weight, and your strikes hit harder."
"Yeah."
"I can also make your physical enhancement more… flexible, your muscles will become more elastic, joints and ligaments more mobile. You may not become much stronger physically, but far more agile and nimble."
"Yeah, so strength and dexterity."
"Yes… I can also increase your endurance. Your strength and agility won't change much, but your body will become tougher and you'll be able to endure physical strain longer."
"Got it."
"I can also improve your spiritual power. Just like with the body, the spirit can be enhanced in different ways. I can strengthen your ability for magic, or your attunement to divine powers. And, I myself don't quite understand how it works, but there's some part of the spirit, strengthening which can affect your luck."
"Oh, there's even a luck stat? How does that show?"
"Perhaps you'll more often find useful items. Maybe fateful encounters will happen… I'm only guessing."
"Uh-huh…"
"I can also simply increase your body's and spirit's capacity to store vital or spiritual energy. This will just make you more resilient, or increase your reserve of mystical energy necessary for sorcery or prayers."
"Hmm, alright, let's this time… no, wait…"
Before conducting new tests, I drove the golden spear into the ground and, sitting down by the site of grace, activated time stop. The sand of the spear kind of resonated with my power, but I deliberately didn't use it, relying only on my body's abilities.
Some kind of watch to measure time would have helped me here. But lacking one, I had to rely only on my inner sense.
And since I'd already stopped time…
"He-he-he…"
Walking right up to Melina, I squatted before the girl and…
Boop.
Poked her cheek with my finger.
Before the stop she apparently was tangible enough for me to touch. Probably because she was about to help me with leveling. After all, for that she had always touched me before. Or maybe it was all due to the time stop, and once I canceled the sands' power, I wouldn't be able to touch her again.
But while I had this chance, I walked around the girl, making sure she didn't react to me at all. Which was exactly as it should be.
Then I sat back down and waited for the moment when I'd start feeling the accumulation of fatigue from the stop. And once the strain of my power reached a noticeable level, I canceled the ability.
"Mmm…" Melina looked around in surprise.
And with a strange expression stroked the cheek I had touched earlier.
"Now, make my… umm, mana pool, or whatever, bigger. By one point."
"Alright." The girl understood me.
Then she stretched out her hand.
It was the already familiar procedure, after which I rested a little and decided to test my abilities again. Although I didn't really notice the increase in my mana reserve. But, to my surprise, the effect showed. I actually managed to hold the time stop a little longer before strain appeared. And this even though I had already used the ability earlier, and now I should have tired even faster than before.
So, the growth of the mana reserve directly affects how long I can maintain my abilities!
Although, now it's not that important anymore, since I found some workarounds. Acting through the sands of time, I spent almost no energy. And now, by creating a portal into the world of sand, I could summon as much of it as I needed.
After that, I decided to check the other enhancement options as well.
And it turned out that increasing endurance also extended the time I could use my powers. But at the same time, the effect of this stat on my body was more noticeable.
Increasing magical power seemed to have little effect on the duration of my ability, but I could clearly feel it became easier to concentrate on controlling the sands of time.
Even an increase in vitality influenced the time stop duration, and at the same time, I simply felt healthier and more energetic. Then I ran out of runes. Or more precisely, I didn't have enough left even for a single upgrade.
"You are becoming stronger and stronger," Melina said kindly. "Perhaps you truly are the one who will restore Order."
"Yeah…" I nodded.
And once again, I stopped time.
I stretched, rolled my shoulders, then walked closer to the girl and…
"Umm… not bad," I said, evaluating the softness of her chest.
Oh yes, I'd wanted to do that for a long time!
And, moving behind her back, I wrapped my arms around the frozen-in-time girl and more confidently groped her soft tits through the clothing. At the same time, like a horny teenager, I pressed my hard-on against her firm ass, even pulling her slightly toward me. And from that alone, I nearly came. The sexual tension in my body was no joke. As if I hadn't had a girl in years, and now all I could think about was sex! Although honestly, even without that, I definitely wouldn't refuse the chance to grope a beauty without consequences.
A little later, I even unbuckled the belt of her trousers beneath the robe and slid my palm down the soft fuzz, reaching the girl's treasure.
I was getting more and more fired up, and gradually came to think that even if I raped Melina, I could just rewind time. And, in fact, I'd get the pleasure and release, while nothing bad would truly happen to the girl herself.
But still…
Some conscious part of me whispered that this was simply criminally wrong.
I even tried to stop. But the moment I pulled away from the soft, warm female body, I felt such an aching emptiness, like drug withdrawal, that I couldn't hold back anymore.
Pushing the girl down, I practically tore off her cloak and ripped part of her traveling clothes, exposing Melina's beautiful breasts. They weren't too big, but not small either. Pleasantly shaped, soft, and firm enough to the touch. The only thing that spoiled the sight somewhat were the white burn scars, seemingly covering almost her whole body in uneven patterns. Yet, though they slightly marred her beauty, they didn't repel me. Instead, they gave the feeling of unveiling some hidden mystery. Clearly, Melina never wanted me to see those scars — all her clothes were very concealing, and here I was, peeking beneath. But in any case, my desire didn't fade at all, and leaning in, I eagerly clamped my lips around one of those breasts.
"Hah…"
The realization that I could simply rewind time back untied my hands completely.
"Ohh, forgive me, but I'm going to do this…"
Raising the girl into a sitting position, I stood before her, lowering my pants. First, I stroked a finger over her slightly wet lips, then grabbed her head and pressed my throbbing cock against those lips.
"Ooahh… damn…"
Forcing her mouth open, I slid inside, feeling the blissful wet softness of her tongue, my shaft gliding over it. And I really was so tense that after just a couple of thrusts, sliding forward and back inside the girl's mouth, without even going into her throat, I already reached my peak. Without holding back at all, I just let go and spilled my load straight into Melina's mouth.
"Yes…"
That was exactly what I needed.
Still savoring the pleasant afterglow spreading through my body, I pulled out of Melina's mouth and arrogantly rubbed my cock against her pretty face, smearing across it the mixture of my cum and her saliva.
And then…
Snapping my fingers, I triggered the rewind. Everything returned to its place, back to the moment before I fucked my companion's mouth. Hmm, maybe I hadn't been able to cross some inner line, and so I didn't dare take her pussy — that's why I used her mouth. Yeah, that was probably it. But that doesn't mean I didn't want to! And I was almost sure I would do it. I just needed more time to get used to this power the absurd time-control ability gave me. I still didn't fully believe I could really commit any madness and then fix it all afterward.
"Well then."
I returned to the moment right after we'd finished enhancing my stats. And…
Damn…
I had a hard-on in my pants again.
So, I remembered that fun time, but my body was once more aroused, craving to pounce on the girl nearby. And this time it was even harder to resist, since I already knew I could do it. Yeah, that was an effect I hadn't accounted for. Obviously, even if I did it all again and rewound, I'd still be left with a hard-on and this feeling of frustration.
Alright, maybe…
"Thanks for your help," I nodded to the girl.
"It's little enough to offer in return for you agreeing to take me with you to the Erdtree."
"Well, you see, I'm not exactly in a rush there. Honestly, before I deal with the great runes, I want to study the Lands Between more thoroughly."
"That's fine," Melina smiled softly. "I can wait, and I see how much stronger you are becoming. That also serves my own interests, if you'll have more knowledge and power to overcome the obstacles on the path to Queen Marika."
"I see…"
At that moment the girl smiled awkwardly and adjusted her cloak. I simply hadn't managed to hide the hungry look I gave her body.
"Ahem… so, why do you want to reach the Erdtree? You already said something about seeking a purpose, but… sorry, I didn't quite get what that means."
"I did say… my body is burned," Melina sighed. "I should already be dead. But the Greater Will does not grant me rest — it seems to have some plan for me. A purpose I have forgotten. I believe that if I reach the very roots of the Erdtree, I will find the answer. I know… something inside me tells me I must be there…"
"I see… well, not that it's any clearer, but at least now I better understand your motives."
"And, I must also confess something else…" the girl added.
Actually, I had wanted to steer the conversation smoothly toward something more intimate, but Melina herself wanted to confess something, which slightly changed my plans for the near future.
"What?"
"I wasn't entirely honest… when I first met you… Torrent trusted you right away, but I had doubts. I wanted to see what you were capable of, whether you had any chance of reaching the Erdtree. But now I clearly see that there is incredible power within you."
"Umm, you mean…"
"Yes, sorry, you probably don't want to talk about it. I won't pry. I just want to say… there is a special place where the Tarnished gather."
"You already mentioned it. Some kind of round thing?"
"Yes. The Roundtable. It's a special place beyond the world, accessible only through grace. I can take you there. There, you will be able to receive help and advice from other Tarnished."
"Oh… and you didn't want to take me there before because you doubted… well, that I might just be a hopeless bum with no chance of fulfilling your wish. And in that case, there would be no point in inviting me to this Roundtable."
"Forgive me…" the girl lowered her gaze apologetically.
"Well, that's quite reasonable," I shrugged.
"There you can also learn more about the Lands Between. One of the Tarnished gathered many books from across the world into the Roundtable Hold. I think he won't refuse your request to study them."
Hmm, that reminded me that I had already seen some books in the Chapel of Anticipation, but I hadn't been able to read them.
"Alright, I agree. Let's go there now."
"Please, take my hand."
After all, this was a place where more or less sane people had gathered. Judging from what I'd learned, that was quite a rarity in this world.
And so, I was once again drawn into the silvery stream.
Another moment, and I found myself in the middle of a hall, right in front of a large round table, from the center of which rose a flow of golden light of grace. Melina's presence almost completely vanished. And, contrary to my expectations, the hall of the Roundtable was completely empty. Only a fireplace burned by one of the walls. The crackle of burning logs created an oddly cozy feeling, along with the currents of grace spreading through the hall.
However, I wasn't alone for long.
Even before I started looking around, there came the sound of ringing footsteps. And then, throwing open massive doors, a somewhat hunched old man in gray armor entered the hall. His helmet, like something from a dark lord's set, was crowned with an iron circlet. Light gleamed deep in the slits of the visor, and only with great difficulty could one make out the shadowed features of his face.
He leaned on a wooden clawed staff.
"Another Tarnished who has found his way to our refuge…" he intoned in a strong male voice. "I am Gideon Ofnir the All-Knowing. As the senior here, I welcome you."
Oh, what a pompous name, no denying it. And just from his tone, it was obvious that Gideon wasn't particularly happy to see me.
"My name is Chrono," I introduced myself, giving a respectful bow.
Or rather, it was more of a courteous nod.
"You may look around here. But I hope you're not planning to use the Hold merely to wait out the bad weather."
"Umm, no… actually, I'm more in search of knowledge. I know little of the Lands Between, and I was told that a great many books are gathered here."
"Hoo…" Gideon breathed out in surprise. "Follow me."
He turned, walking through the same passage he had entered from.
Well, I followed him.
"I was the first Tarnished to arrive at the Roundtable Hold and to receive the favor of the Two Fingers. And I saw what the rule of Marika's children led to. What this world came to. I realized that simply restoring Order and becoming Elden Lord was not enough. If the Lord were to be some ignorant Tarnished, able only to swing a sword, he would lead our world to ruin once more. And so I began gathering knowledge from across the world, to learn as much as possible."
"Oh… that's impressive," I noted. "I felt rather… awkward when I was told that I was the last hope of the world, the one who must become Elden Lord. I mean, maybe I can collect the great runes, but what kind of ruler would I be?"
"Hnn…" Half-turning, Gideon gave me a strange, thoughtful look.
"I mean, I'm glad that at least one of the Tarnished took the matter so responsibly."
"I see," he said curtly.
By this time, we had come to a corridor where we were met by a strange man in eerie armor. Black plate that was fitted almost perfectly to his body, and a bone mask shaped like a yellowed skull. At his waist hung two daggers, and he stood with arms crossed, leaning against the wall, just watching us.
"Meet Ensha, one of my aides," said Gideon.
"Pleased to meet you," I nodded. "My name is Chrono."
Ensha didn't answer, though he clearly noted me. Still, everything in his posture radiated a kind of disdain, silently demanding not to bother him with any talk.
"He's not very sociable…" Gideon observed. "Don't expect to have a casual conversation with him."
A useful remark.
"And, this way…" he added, opening a new door.
"Oh…"
I was impressed by the sight of the room that opened before me. A fairly large chamber, with shelves of books and scrolls lined up against every wall. Some books even lay in piles right on the floor. And straight ahead, before us, stood an imposing desk. By the way, there was another fireplace here, its fire illuminating the room. On the desk, too, stood a candle, to provide additional light for reading. Considering the lack of windows, this was a harsh necessity, despite the risk of fire.
"This is my study. You may take books from here, but return them to their place and do not trouble me with questions. I am no teacher, and I myself still have much to learn."
"Oh… thank you. That's rather generous of you, Gideon."
"Hnn…" the old man grunted, almost approvingly.
Suddenly, he seemed a bit more well-disposed toward me because of my interest in books. Only, as I walked through his study, glancing at some of the hefty tomes or the smaller notes on loose pages, I had to face the same old problem again.
"And still, I do have one question… or rather, I'd like to ask your advice."
"Speak," the old man frowned.
"There's a little problem. I really do want to study, but there's one obstacle… I can't read… in this language. Is there anything like an alphabet here?"
"Ahem," Gideon coughed in surprise. "You… can't read?"
He looked genuinely astonished.
"I know the writing systems of a few languages, but they don't seem to be used in the Lands Between."
"Hmm, which languages?"
"English. Have you heard of that language?"
"No… where is it from?" Ofnir frowned.
"From rather distant lands. Honestly, I came to the Lands Between in a very unusual way, and I have no idea how far or in what direction my homeland lies from this continent."
"I see… hmm, when there's time, perhaps I will ask you more about this. As for your question… next to my study are two bookshelves. Somewhere in the second one is an alphabet, once used to teach young nobles. But you'll still need someone literate to make sense of it. And I don't have spare time for you."
"That's fine, I have a companion. I think she won't refuse to help."
"Oh, a Finger Maiden, then. Yes, they are taught to read and write. Then it depends only on your talent. But if you already know several languages, I think it won't be too hard for you."
"Good, thank you for the help."
"Yes… well, I think it will be difficult for you to find the right book on your own. I don't quite remember which shelf…"
Saying this, Gideon left the study and went to the very bookshelves he had mentioned earlier. Surprisingly helpful old man, it turned out. Although at first glance he seemed completely displeased with my very presence here.
Soon enough he really did hand me the local alphabet, or something like it.
The hefty book contained many illustrations as well as a fair number of highlighted letters and words. Possibly, even without a teacher one could make sense of it. But still, with Melina's help, I figured it would be easier.
But before I set to learning the script, I decided to walk through the Hold itself and meet the locals.
Farther down the corridor from Gideon's study there was a small nook, where I found two corpses. Or at least, that's what I thought at first glance, when I saw two withered crones pressed together, their hollow, blackened eye sockets empty.
"Tarnished… come to us…" two melodious voices chimed in unison.
"Umm…" I shuddered involuntarily.
Neither of the old women stirred, and their lips did not move as they spoke.
Still, I obeyed and came closer, keeping a measure of caution.
"Do not fear, Tarnished, we are but old Finger Servants. We are already too old and frail to accompany and guide Tarnished. But we can still help. If you are interested, you may purchase some useful things from us."
"Hmm… so you're merchants here?"
"You could say so," one of them confirmed.
They still did not move, but indeed, there were various items laid out beside them. Standing separately was a full suit of plate armor, crafted rather well. Not Gideon's pompous armor, but simple late medieval plate.
"Hmm, and what is this amulet? What is it for?"
"This is a Memory Stone. Sorcerers and prophets use them to seal within magical sigils, complex chants, and prayers."
"Oh… I see. Well, for now I don't need any of this. But perhaps in the future I'll return."
"As you wish, Tarnished."
There was another door here, but it was locked. So, I decided to continue my exploration in the other wing of the Hold, which meant returning to the Roundtable Hall.
In any case, this place promised great prospects.