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A Soldier's Life - 258 - Time Is Of The Essence
🕑 Added 2024-09-05 17:13:42 +0000 UTCChapter 258: Time Is Of The Essence
The sun was already making the deck sticky with drying blood. The first calls were to stabilize the injured. Pickle, his right arm in a sling, climbed laboriously up to the crow’s nest to resume watch, but I thought they had been bloodied enough that they would not return. Still, Desdemona was eager to get the ship moving and open distance.
I overheard Isaak talking, “It is unlikely they will return, but they could always decide to be vengeful and sink us. The ice coating on the underside of the hull won’t last much longer.” I hadn’t been aware that the ice had encased the underside of the hull.
As I looked over the dozens of bodies and parts, the fish smell was already rising to a dangerously high level of nauseating. “Desdemona, do you have a collector?”
She had been facing away from me, talking to Isaak and her mages. She looked exhausted and pained, having lost over half her crew. “Collector? Essence collector? Do I look like a wealthy captain to you?” she said, a little exasperated at the question and her despairing situation.
“Then you don’t mind if I use mine?” I asked, eyeing the sahuagin Isaak had called a prince. Shocked looks passed between her mages and Isaak. They started whispering to each other quietly. “Time is of the essence?” I said as they talked. I was disappointed that my clever play on words was missed.
Desdemona turned and hopefully announced, “None of my crew and half the essence to the ship.”
I thought that was greedy on their part, seeing they would get nothing if I hadn’t had the collector. But I was just as tired as they were and didn’t care to argue. “Fine, but I choose which half Maveith and I keep.” Desdemona waved me off to return to her crew, which I assumed meant she agreed. The battle had lasted almost an hour in my estimation, so many of the slain fishmen would likely yield nothing anyway.
I moved to the foul-smelling and messy bow. The fiery trident prince had a shattered leg, and his chest was caved in. Maveith was standing over me as I produced the collector. “You did a number on him,” I said appreciatively.
“Number? I only struck him twice. He was a tough fight. Stabbed me thrice in return with his oversized fork,” his voice said in a gravelly tone laced with resentment.
I shook my head, unsure if Maveith was trying to be funny or serious. The collector started pulling thick blue aetheric smoke. From my past experience, I could already tell this was going to be an apex essence. An apex water essence formed, and I thought it odd since the prince had imbued his tridents with fire. The essence disappeared into my space, and I looked down at the deck to see if anyone had seen it. Desdemona was facing me, giving orders, but she couldn’t have seen what essence formed.
“Are you upset I asked you to remain in the bow?” I asked Maveith as I moved onto one of the four-armed sahuagin variants.
Maveith considered the question longer than I thought he needed to as I got a major coordination essence from the fish man. “Yes. I couldn’t protect you from so far away, but I understood the necessity to defend the bow.”
“I can take care of myself,” I said casually, and regretted my words as he frowned. “But I count you a friend, Maveith, and appreciate your concern for my well-being.” That seemed to satisfy him as he nodded curtly with a grin. The other four-armed creature yielded a lesser dexterity essence. It was a bit disappointing, as it was one of the three strongest sahuagin.
Desdemona and Isaak came up to the bow with a few crewmen. “We are laying out the bodies for you to expedite the use of your collector. I want to get them overboard as quickly as possible. My ship is already starting to carry their foul scent. Are you done with these?” I nodded, and she ordered, “Search 'em and toss 'em!” I hadn’t thought about searching them. They looked naked except for their metal and bone bracelets and belts. I shrugged, not concerned about the loot, as I moved to the main deck and continued my harvesting.
In the end, I tried the collector on sixty-seven of the sahuagin warriors and gained one major strength essence, two lesser speed essences, six lesser strength essences, four lesser constitution essences, three lesser dexterity essences, and one lesser perception essence. Seventeen of the sixty-seven had yielded an essence. Although my collector was near perfect in dungeons, it was less effective outside of them.
as the crew was in rough shape both physically and mentally and was moving slowly, I helped toss the sahuagin bodies overboard after finishing with the collector.
The ruined sail was taken down and cut up as the dead crew were tightly wrapped with weights and would be buried at sea after a brief ceremony. There was still a lot of work to do before honoring them. Fourteen of Desdemona’s crew had been killed on deck, and two more had been pulled overboard. Of the fifteen still living, three were maimed and unable to work the sails, and another six needed time to have their injuries healed after the mage recovered her aether.
Most of the crew worked to retrieve the spare sail in the hold and raise it. While all this was going on, I checked on Ginger. She had clearly panicked and kicked her stall during the fight, splintering the wood. She was excited to see me and forced her head into my chest and butted my head. “It’s alright, girl. It's going to take a lot more than a bunch of fish to take me out. But I think we will avoid traveling by boat in the future.” With the crew busy, I tended to Ginger and gave her two apples with her feed.
Returning to the deck, a steady stream of water was flowing across the deck from the bow. Lasho was pulling a heavy stream of seawater up the deck with his spell form. On their hands and knees, the crew scrubbed to wash away the blood, scales, and gore. Maveith was working diligently with them, but I would pass.
I walked to the still-filthy Desdemona at the helm as the fresh sail was being stretched in the wind, the creases slowly disappearing. I produced all twenty essences I had collected in a bowl. Desdemona’s eyes betrayed her surprise and covetousness at the essences. “Twenty? More than I expected. Where did you get your collector?”
I ignored her question about the collector. “This is everything I collected. Your share is the six lesser strength essences and four lesser dexterity essences.” I pulled out the spheres from the bowl and handed them to her. The muscles in her jaw twitched slightly on seeing the apex water affinity essence remain.
Desdemona relaxed as she pocketed the essences. “Issak is separating the half share of the jewelry for you and Maveith.” I raised my eyebrows, slightly surprised. Maveith and I had accounted for about one-third of the dead sahuagin, but I hadn’t expected her generosity. Then again, without our participation, the ship would have definitely been overrun. Perhaps this was an unspoken agreement for half of the essences I gathered with my collector. I nodded in thanks.
“Leoch has cleaned and put your runic swords in your room. Thank you for the loan. They helped.” Her statement was laced with an unasked question. When I only nodded, she pressed a little more, “Your runic spear was an impressive weapon, too. If there is time, I would like to look at it more closely.”
Unfortunately, there was no innuendo in her tone or on her face. I think she was mostly curious about where I was storing something so large. Still, I couldn’t resist responding, “Maybe I will show you my spear after we clean up and are somewhere more comfortable.” My grin and tone were full of innuendo, and maybe it was not the right time after she had lost half her crew. But the adrenaline and violence of combat can do strange things to you.
“Yes, maybe after cleaning up a bit.” She responded by licking her lips and spat, regretting her decision as her face still had dried fishman blood on it. “My crew and friends call me Dee, by the way. If you are not going to help with the cleaning effort, talk with Lasho about a shower.”
Although her body language was responding to my sensual overtones, her tone was meant to guilt me into helping scrub the deck, but it didn’t work. As I walked to the bow, I handed Maveith the major strength essence and the two quickness essences. He only wanted the quickness essences, but I insisted he take the strength essence.
In the bow, Lasho pulled a stream of seawater higher to fall on the deck in a make-shift shower. With a respectful nod, he noted, “When you’re ready to rinse, let me know, and I’ll remove the salt from the water.” I quickly shed my damaged adventurer’s armor and all my clothes to make full use of his efforts. The annoying part was removing all the crusty blood and fleshy bits from my hair.
I didn’t even bother to note if Desdemona was watching. However, Vodoma, the female wind mage, had taken the opportunity to move closer to talk with Lasho. By their broken and non-sensical conversation, it was clear what the middle-aged wind mage was after a closer view. With respect to Lasho’s efforts, I washed as quickly as possible before requesting fresh water to rinse.
I packed up my fouled clothes and stored them, cleaned my hands, and then produced clean clothes and sandals, to both mage's surprise and envy. There was no point in hiding my space after what I displayed in the battle, but I wasn't going to pull any people out or reveal just how large it was.
The deck cleaning effort was nearly complete, but the lingering smell of rotting fish was going to persist for a very long time. I patted Maveith on the back on my way by, nodded in the direction of Desdemona, who had her eyes on me, and headed to my cabin.
I found the two runic blades cleaned and on my hammock, and stored them. I swung in my hammock, trying to sleep, but the fishy scent hung even here. I used the dreamscape amulet to escape the smell. My manifestation of Scholar Favian was much more helpful when I poured all the knowledge of Elvish from Issak and Leoch into him. I spent four hours practicing Elvish before being pulled out of the dreamscape. Instantly on alert, I was out of the hammock and on my feet.
I hadn’t secured the door in case we were attacked again, but I had attached a line to pull the amulet from my grasp if someone opened my door. That person was Maveith. “Is there an issue?”
He had a guilty look on his face for disturbing me. “No. I knocked and when you didn’t answer, I tried the door.”
“It is fine, Maveith.” I bent over to retrieve the amulet and untied the string.
Maveith was mostly clean as he squeezed into the cabin. “Dee has asked for you to join her for a late dinner.” He paused and stressed, “Alone. I think she wants to thank you for your help during the attack.” My eyes widened in surprise. I couldn’t hold back a smirk, although I had already come down a bit after my combat high.
Desdemona had her captain’s cabin door open as I reached it. She was dressed in a thin, mustard-colored blouse, and her hair was still wet from washing. Her bright smile creased her tanned face as I entered, and she motioned I should close the door, and I complied. She was sitting at the table, and I sat across from her. The table had a spread of dried fruit, jerky, and nuts. Her smile faded. “I apologize for the meal, but Cook was killed in the engagement.”
“The food is fine. I am sorry you lost so many of your crew,” I said consolingly. She nodded sharply, and I could tell she was in a bit of pain from the loss. “There is nothing you could have done differently, Dee.” She was winced like I had stabbed her, and I liked that she felt guilt over losing her crew. It meant she cared about them—just like Castile with the men of the company.
I was modestly hungry from all the healing, so I poured myself a glass of wine and helped myself.
“You always second-guess yourself after the battle,” she said heavily after regaining herself. She nibbled on some fruit, and there was silence as we both ate slowly. Before long she asked with a silly grin, “You said you would show me your impressive spear?”
I produced the runic black spear I had used in the fight in my right hand. Her eyes immediately traveled to the golden ring on that hand before her eyes took in the weapon. She clearly assumed the ring was a storage device of some sort. She placed her hand on the black shaft and stroked it some. “Treant obsidian, if I am not mistaken.” She eyed the black leaf pattern on the spearhead. “Elvish?” She asked.
“Dungeon artificed,” I responded while watching her admire it. There was still some blood drying on the tip. She nodded as her hands ran along the spiraled grain reverently. “What is treant obsidian?” I asked, watching her intently.
“Wood from an ancient treant. When a treant’s age surpasses its life, it will fall into an eternal slumber, and its wood will blacken like so. It is the strongest wood known to man and treasured by the elves. I have never seen anything like the spiraling grain pattern, though. You can almost feel the power bound within.” I let her admire the weapon before returning it to my storage.
Desdemona exhaled like she had been holding her breath. “I cannot thank you enough for saving my ship and crew. Your prowess in battle reminds me of fabled heroes.” She cracked a smile, which I returned. “You are full of surprises.” Her bare foot brushed my leg under the table intentionally. “I bet you have another spear hidden away somewhere?” Her foot slowly climbed my leg…
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Comments
HappyNoms
Aw. I thought for sure that with 20 essences and loose accounting, he was finally going to slip one to his horse Ginger. Hang in there Ginger. Eryk will remember. He's holding out for the right apex essence for you.
Erick Thiemke
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Erick Thiemke
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Erick Thiemke
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Brianna Stormcloud
Thanks for this week's chapters!
Andrew Crews
Although my collector was near perfect in dungeons, it was less effective *in them. Although my collector was nearly perfect in dungeons, it was less effective outside of them. But as Dungeon Artifice, it was still one of the most effective collectors one could have.
Apophixas
I think you're reading into it way too much. We also know he seems to like feisty types, considering Renna, Lareena, and probably Raelia in the future. Also, he's got a lot less stress on his shoulders now that he's ostensibly free from the Empire's grasp. The only reason he was so cautious with Renna was due to their then current circumstances. If you payed attention, he was just as eager then but was holding himself back due to orders and his own pragmatism.
Apophixas
Nah, you literally said exactly why it's totally natural. People often feel an urge to sleep, eat, and fuck after life and death situations, especially fights. It's instinctual. It's especially normal for soldiers or any other combat job oriented people to seek out things like sex to release some of that emotional turbulence. I honestly would have been surprised if Desdemona had waited more than one whole day to jump his bones. The author does a pretty good job of understanding the attitudes and desires of people who experience a lot of violence in their everyday life.
Walead Abdelhalim
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't mind the fling. Happy Eryk is getting some, the man deserves it! But directly after losing half the crew? The timing seems off. Even a day or two later would make it better. I know the whole "post life-or-death horny brain" is a thing, and I like their chemistry, but it just seemed a bit forced to me. Idk. Still, incredible work as always, ARaO
Patrick Norris
Extremely out of character, more than just a fling. That's the thirstiest he's ever been and for someone who makes no sense unless he (or the author) has a weird thing for bitchy pirate chicks:/
Patrick Norris
It makes no sense for him to be so horny for the captain...even assuming she has some charm ability. He was horny for her the ENTIRE time even out of range of a charm spell. Her personality is just being a bitch and barely flirting when Eryk has turned down girls the whole time with very few exceptions especially after being betrayed. Yet this is the first time Eryk has thirsted this hard for literally anyone. Not to mention this captain is overtly selfish and manipulative...Eryks internal alarms should be blasting not to let his guard down. Very frustrating read. Maybe feeling a self insert here from the author
Erick Thiemke
no it only works inside his body for disease/poison ect...
Tomer Erez Ketzev
dosnt he have the magic form to cleanse his skin(dry blood)
Deliver roo
Well it doesn’t really need to get too high, like a 50 or similar. I’d say a workable 15-20 where he can maybe learn a spellform to resist charms more than influence people and at the same time just appear more attractive/friendly could be a decent goal given that he already has got the charm affinity.
Thresher
That’s kinda like pseudo mind control though if it gets high enough. I don’t know if he’d be morally okay with that.
Enk
i've only just realised that all he has to do is dye his hair, and any tablet reader in the empire will prove that he is NOT, in fact, Eryk. So easy - i'm always the last to know.
Deliver roo
A pity that Eryk doesn’t seem to be interested in his charm affinity. By advancing it he could have unparalleled flings and it would also make much sense.
Kyle Cunnane
Nah I don’t think so. Hooking up with different people months apart is t the same thing as a harem
Lemes
I think it's completely normal for the protagonist to have several romantic relationships during his adventures. This is not even remotely a harem, since all of his relationships have been monogamous. I think it would be strange for a healthy 26-year-old man who is routinely hanging on to his life to have no interest in sex. I believe that the author will at some point in the future develop a more serious relationship for the protagonist, but in the meantime he should enjoy life to the fullest.
momo2009
It stupid. I mean the sexual tension and the whole my daughter like you yeah make sense. But why would you risk your life after showing off the most valuable thing in the universe just for some sex in the middle of the ocean. With only one allied. I guess sleep with one eye open.
momo2009
He has 2 and a half (3 zyna died) women who have interest in, Renna like and slept with him, Castile on a more working relationship who want to escape would want to most likely leave this planet since only then would she be truly free with him and always hinting on how he should care for the group. Not to mention the 2 aspirant mage and 3 washing lady. And lastly elf girl future adventure dungeon companion and long term love interest due be genetically long living. With the whole naming griffen after him and cant wait to see him. How that not a harem, it already pesdo harem.
Erick Thiemke
he may be leaning on the honor of the adventurers' guild and the camaraderie of combat. Her father, the guild master, did right by the company and Castile. As to sleeping with Desdemona...it was building for a few chapters. As to revealing his secrets....I already mentioned it was a life/death situation. The collector WAS/IS a gamble but if he hides it forever, he will never be able to use it
momo2009
Realistically the fling is stupid since he on a boat in the middle of the ocean where it easy to dispose of his body and he has only one true allies. Better to be on the ground where rule and the surrounding may prevent any temptation for theft and murder.
momo2009
If the essence collector is that valuable and rare then he risk getting killed in the middle of the night by any women who is only a casual fling.
1536539
Thank you for the chapter, he is becoming less cautious and less protective of his secrets, a dangerous habit to form.
Justin Garrett
I don’t personally mind it when they are done tastefully without being graphic.
Ivan Kanewske
Overall I am enjoying the direction this is headed, But he is also exposing himself alot and he doesn't have a large group protecting him yet while displaying quite a few toys for others to be envious of, So he will probably grow his core group and be attacked for his toys as well
Ivan Kanewske
When you have the one paragraph that says in total It is confusing because you don't indicate the other 3, You just thin where did these 3 extra come from
Erick Thiemke
17+3. He got 17 from the regular warriors and three from the prince and four armers
Ivan Kanewske
walked to the still-filthy Desdemona at the helm as the fresh sail was being stretched in the wind, the creases slowly disappearing. I produced all twenty essences I had collected in a bowl. Desdemona’s eyes betrayed her surprise and avarice at the essences. “Twenty? More than I expected. Where did you get your collector?” Few paragraphs above said he collected 17 Now he has 20???
Ivan Kanewske
Desdemona was facing me, giving orders, but I couldn’t have seen what essence formed. Needs to be Bit she couldn't have sen what essence formed
Kyle Cunnane
I liked it. It’s refreshing to read what’s pretty clearly just a fling, whiteout having 50 chapters of “will they won’t they” Edit to say Im referring to other stories, not this one
Rhys Jones
I dont know, he has a habit of locking women away in his storage space...kinda sus... lol
Silfir
The fling is good 👍
Thresher
I’ve been enjoying the recent chapters, with Eryk showing off his skills and finally not being afraid to show his spell forms. My only complaint is the fling… But that’s just personal preference I guess. Besides that it’s been great. Thanks for the chapter.
momo2009
The 3 f. Find, fuck and forget.
momo2009
So Renna is going to hate Eryk for leaving her to suffer with Octivian, Elf lady will be mad with him due to past treatment and future adventures, Desdemona will be mad about some adventure guild thing, Zyna will haunt him from beyond the grave. Thus he leaves the planet by world magic due to all the womens that he made mad.
DheeAreBi
I thought the flirting and will they wont they with Desdemona was handled very well.
Kbzzy
W
Shane clark
Although my collector was near perfect in dungeons , it was less effective in them. Less effective out of them .
BubblyGhost
Said it once Nd I'll say it again. Casual flings and physical intimacy isn't the same as having several people who are madly in love with you for no reason follow you around like a lost puppy lol. Also while I don't particularly mind I assume people will bring up the showing off of the collector
Andrew
Thank you!
Erick Thiemke
1st of 4 for cycle. Some controversy with the MC having a few flings. But I had this one building this one for a while. I think the MC will have around one tryst per book. Not a harem story though
