Isekai Magus 3: A LitRPG Progression Saga (The Fantasy World of Nordan)

by Han Yang

  I sighed heavily. “Did Bell -?”

  “Yup, she is among the living again, promising to play a smaller role going forward. She shines at keeping the goblins and trolls happy, anyway,” Jorma said.

  I wanted to quibble that she had more skills than that, but I held back my retort. If she downgraded her responsibilities on her own volition, so be it.

  “One out of four is not terrible,” I said, plastering a fake smile on my face as if it were anything besides terrible.

  “Well, I guess. The problem is, it’s spring. Everyone fights in the spring. In the fall the winners have excess metal, not in the spring. We couldn’t spend all we have. Which brings me to the neutral news.

  “Leor spotted the elva fleet. They landed in northern Podoni. Great news, right?” Jorma asked.

  “I feel a ‘but’ coming on,” Nick said.

  We stepped across a series of logs that transitioned over a small stream. Even without the wildlife, I did enjoy the leisurely walk. I stepped over a fallen log with a smile, ignoring the fact that I was getting hammered with bad news.

  “They are months out if they were to walk the whole way. Except they aren’t. They’re getting ferried by the Podoni navy while King Korbi picks up even more troops. We expect the full invasion to hit mid-summer to early fall, and it will be significantly bigger than predicted,” Jorma said.

  “Ah, this is good, though. We get more time. Bad because it will be that much harder to win. And… the plans with that time are already swimming in my head. Alright, the good news,” I said.

  “Well, there is more middling news, your Grace. The gates are having setbacks because the melders are out of mana constantly. The masons need iron rods to secure the rocks until the melders recover. The troops need swords, and our metal is going faster than we obtain it. And - and you just brought a whole lot of troops with minimal armor. Half these ogres don’t have pants,” Jorma said.

  “Supply constraints are to be expected, and maybe I can do something about that with this boon of time we suddenly have.” I folded my arms in thought. “This is too good to be true. It screams of deceit. What if they double back?” I muttered.

  “The elva fleet?” Nick asked, and I nodded. “It would catch us off guard. They drop the troops, sail north, and then blitz south. The Podoni bring the troops they dropped off a few days or a week later. It would put them here in a week or two. Who cares if some siege troops are late.”

  “It’s what I would do,” I said with a wince.

  “Me too,” Jorma said. “Tactically, once the siege is set, they can bring troops south at their leisure. We don’t control the land or sea.”

  “But you do have a path underground,” Marbern added. “It must be defensive. I bet that swamp is sounding really good right now.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Nothing is off the table, but the last thing I need is a bunch of mythical creatures living in my swamp.” I paused, realizing they wouldn’t catch the reference. “Alright, the good news?”

  “Asha found a new general, a cagey cyclops with a goblin wife,” Jorma said.

  I paused my walk in shock. “What’s her magic type?” I all but blurted.

  Jorma eyed me in confusion. “Uh… I’d need to ask. Why?”

  Nick said, “Damien earned a lot of Zorta fighting the first floors of the wurm realms. My guess is that he wants to upgrade her until she is big, as in cyclops big.”

  I flippantly flicked a wrist. “A fantasy, but worthy of thought if we can use her magic. What else?”

  “The reinforcements arriving around Yookree from the Garo Region have ended. Only half the cities sent contingents, and every day, more leave due to squabbles or bad blood over the farming grounds.

  “Oh, and Pergot City fell to the fairies and bearfri. Those who fled before the fall sought our walls as refuge. We planted spies in the newcomers’ ranks and already killed some potential traitors. Overall, that is a win for us,” Jorma said.

  “The southern army is already splintering. The north is under pressure from the wurm lords. What is under us?” I asked Marbern.

  “Deep expansions. Mostly farms and such. Why?” the ancient gargoyle asked. He must have cued into the fact that I was scheming and continued “Only defense. Respect our wishes.”

  “A little revenge on the Mexonia Empire sounds justified to me,” I said. “I can give you Zorta.”

  “We don’t take revenge on anything. You could raid farms, but that would distract from your city development. Based on my understanding, you’re rich on food and Zorta, so why bother?” Marbern commented.

  “I overstepped. Last thing I need to do is upset you. Once you see my people, you will understand why I care so much.” I tapped a foot, looking at Jorma. “Any other good news?”

  “Tarla tore down ruined buildings and built pools. The citizens love them. Oh, those who fled and were returned have integrated again, only being allowed access to the lower keeps and forced into defensive militias,” Jorma said.

  I folded my arms, returning us to a brisk walk. Jorma bugged Marbern about his origins, and I used the time to figure out what I wanted to do. One thing stood out as unorthodox, and I couldn’t put it down.

  I waved Nick forward.

  “Why did they let the refugees from Pergot join our city?” I asked.

  “To hide spies. Maybe their own infiltration plans are in play,” Nick replied. He held up a large finger. “It could also be a test. You weren’t heralded as a hero when you saved the children of the region. However, they could be simply trying to gauge who and what you are.”

  “With the lives of the unwanted,” I scoffed.

  Nick opened his mouth and closed, not having anything good to say.

  Jorma eavesdropped and raised her voice to say, “Tarla thinks the others pressured them to let the refugees through. They’re all having to upgrade their goblins to keep a flight of their lower class ranks from happening. With no one fighting, and everyone preparing, either they kill their rejects or send them to you.”

  “Something is off, though. I just feel it. I have a plan forming, but Jorma, I need you to isolate the refugees. Double inspect and send Zhogath, Charlie, and Lumpy in. The animals will figure it out if there is anything,” I said.

  “Are you dismissing me, your Grace?” Jorma asked.

  “Yes, for now anyway.” I reached into my robes and handed a letter to Jorma. “Tell Tarla I will be home soon. I’m taking this army to battle.”

  “You’re going to attack the enemy to the south, but that is suicide,” Jorma said.

  “Yeah, you’re right, we will never be able to reach the interior of Yookree… unless,” I chuckled happily as the plan came together. Jorma faded toward Peth when I shooed her away. “Tell my wife I will be home soon.”

  CHAPTER 22

  Moonguard City

  We delicately landed on the balcony to my private suite with numerous white-haired guards lowering weapons.

  “Finally. You’re so heavy,” Marbern said with a grunt.

  The brisk morning breeze brought smells of baking bread from below, and I smiled happily at being home.

  “You could have carried Nick,” I said with a snicker.

  Marbern stretched his back in an arc. “No thanks. Four of us carrying him in a sack is no fun for anyone.”

  The open doors to my estate let the wind flutter drawn curtains. I felt my stomach tighten in anticipation of seeing my family again.

  I could feel my palms sweating. It felt like forever, but it wasn’t that long… or was it?

  Instead of rushing in, I reflected on the past four days.

  I had sent a few minotaur minions to the south and immediately the odd assortment of armies rushed into formations. The mere sight of my skeletons stuck them all on edge and that was enough for me.

  Putting them on notice served its purpose and without any way to exploit the two hundred thousand troops, I moved on. I forced my main army to race for Moonguard City with all haste, not
even stopping during the night.

  When I felt my minions in the city again, I had Marbern fly me home for this very moment.

  The cooing of a happy baby yanked me from my hesitation. I eagerly entered my suite to see Tarla bouncing Maggie on her knee. I smiled warmly at the sight.

  “You both are precious,” I said, reaching for my daughter.

  “Daddy!” Tarla exclaimed, paddling her feet in happiness.

  I stole Mags, and she threw a level ten temper tantrum at me hoisting her. I kissed my screaming darling’s cheek before handing her back to momma. My daughter calmed, glaring at me with disdain.

  “Welcome home, Damien. It has been too long,” Tarla said, sniffing the air. “The shower calls to you. You stink…”

  She scrunched her nose, and I bent down to kiss her sweetly.

  “Tarla, meet Marbern. Marbern, meet my wife and queen, Tarla,” I said, conducting introductions.

  I let them talk while racing to the bathroom. Five minutes later, and two weeks of travel journeyed down the drain, I found myself in fresh robes before exiting my bathroom.

  “Impressive,” Tarla said from the balcony.

  I followed the sound of her and Marbern talking. When I joined them, I saw the western gate stood completed. A new interior section of walls created an arrival courtyard. The sight of the instant transformation awed me, and I could see the scouts on the horizon fluttering away to tell their leaders.

  “We will need more metal to build the inner gate, but examples like that are easily doable,” Marbern said, gesturing to the miraculous improvements.

  “I’ll need to build a blueprint for all our desires… Could you build a backup castle in those woods?” Tarla asked, pointing to the Coorg Woods.

  “Easily,” Marbern said, smiling. When his lips peeled back his stone molars encrusted specks of gems. The edrino were truly remarkable. “We just need a few days, and as of right now, we are drained of mana because of other defenses your king required.”

  “Hmm… Damien, do you remember Darri, that snooty elva?” Tarla asked.

  I scoffed. “Hard to forget that asshat.”

  “He is here,” Tarla said. “Said he wants to talk. No hidden meanings this time.”

  “Shut the front door,” I blurted.

  She glanced through our suite to see the front door. “It is shut.”

  “Right…” I chuckled.

  “Whatever you have planned, I’d rather you not talk about it with him around,” Tarla said.

  “He’s harmless,” I countered.

  She frowned, her frustration rising. “I had to dig a creator crafted arrow out of your back last time he was here. That elva is anything but harmless.”

  “Sheesh, it wasn’t that bad. Look at Marbern, completely calm and chill,” I said.

  “It is rather warm, not chilly and why wouldn’t I be calm?” Marbern said.

  I folded my arms with a chortle. “If the assassins were here you’d sense them.”

  “What is wrong with you? Assassins with creator weapons! No, we can only sense powerful spirits, and there are hundreds in this city,” Marbern said, his voice fading as he soared into the sky for safety.

  “Great, I get home for five minutes and off goes the fabled help to save the day,” I said with a soft snicker.

  “What’s going on?” Tarla asked, hands on her hips.

  I cupped my hands and shouted, “There are no assassins, you big baby. I’ll be in the throne room.”

  “Care to explain now?” Tarla asked.

  “Will you make me sleep on the couch if I do a grand reveal on the balcony in ten minutes?” I asked.

  “Joyce! Get in here,” Tarla shouted. A homely lady in a summer dress hurried into our room. She wore a swaddle blanket across her chest at the ready. “Take Maggie to her playroom.”

  “Yes, my Queen.”

  We watched her depart and I said, “Right, probably best to keep Mags away from Darri. We can get her after the big reveal in ten minutes.”

  “Ha!” Tarla said, fiddling at my robe’s bindings. “The big reveal in twelve minutes. We both know it's been a while.”

  I wanted to say I’d last longer than two minutes. Instead, we sealed the doors and window before rushing into the bed.

  When we finished, I smirked at the fact I had won the time prediction and that she curled her toes more than twice. Our delightful reunion required another shower, further delaying the big reveal.

  I shouted at the door to ensure Darri was brought to the throne room balcony. After our fun, I dressed in elven armor that shined from the light of the magical lamps. The polished steel and reflective gems provided a regal look while also being comfortable.

  Tarla noticed me gearing for war and did the same. “I really missed you.”

  “And I missed you more,” I replied.

  We held hands, leaving the room to step over the hallway guards. The overwhelming smell of dogs left a musky scent that lingered in my nostrils. The dogs sniffed my leg intently, realizing who I was fairly quickly. Fresh paintings decorated the walls and I could say the drab feeling vacated this section of the building.

  “What should we build?” I asked.

  “I’d like a water park,” Tarla said.

  I chuckled. “I do remember telling you all about those after you revealed you loved swimming. Seems so long ago. I meant for the city.”

  “We’ll talk about it more after this big reveal,” Tarla said.

  We stole loving glances at each other, keeping our hands bound together. When we rounded the final bend, we saw Asha waiting with Bell at the main doors to the throne room.

  Asha bowed and said, “I need an hour or two of your time, my King.”

  “Hmm…” I huffed, considering if I should be bringing Asha. “How do you feel about Darri?”

  “Vile thing. I -”

  I held up a hand, stopping him.

  “Do not react poorly when I let him know how I feel,” I said.

  “Damien, I’m Tribe Moonguard now. My son’s life hangs in the balance. It will never be in question as to which side I support,” Asha proclaimed.

  Bell offered the back of her hand, and I kissed it.

  “Our goddess wants a word or ten,” Bell said with a curtsy. “There are matters that require her attention, including how you will reward her for her indirect help.”

  “Whispers in ears do tend to bring results. I will see her soon,” I noted. “I see your curtsy has improved.”

  “Jenovene has been an exceptional instructor. We missed you greatly,” Bell said, keeping her hand in mine.

  Tarla karate chopped Bell’s hand when she wouldn’t let go, causing Bell to blush and Asha to snicker.

  “The King is up to something. I daresay it is diabolical with his recent charisma and wit,” Tarla said.

  “I still need some of your time,” Asha said.

  “Yes, yes, of course. Manners of the estate will be a priority in the near future. I just really want to go fishing,” I said with a grin. “I handcrafted a new fishing pole during my run home, and the edrino were kind enough to add eyelets.”

  “Edrino?” Asha blurted.

  “Yup, it was a busy trip. I got everyone killed. Literally, everyone. Besides me, of course,” I said with a smirk and a light laugh. “Hey guard, fetch me a voice enhancer. Chop chop. Run like a princess.”

  “Jorma runs normally,” the guard countered, and I shooed him away.

  “See what I mean,” Tarla said, landing a quality swat on my right butt cheek.

  “Open the doors,” I commanded.

  White haired guards flung the doors wide and an assortment of people waited for an audience. All the people I called dear, well, almost all of them, shouted ‘welcome home!’.

  I kissed Jenovene’s cheek, picked up Nee in a spinning hug, sadly hugged Yermica, kissed baby Jax, clasped forearms with Ike, patted shoulders with Fernando, ruffled Jorma’s hair, fist bumped a confused Leor, and finally, I kicked Darri
square in the nuts.

  The room gasped, the elva fell to his knees, and I let out a hearty laugh.

  I planted my left foot, swiping my right leg hard. I aimed for the elva’s head, and his crossed eyes proved too slow to react in time.

  Crack!

  Darri toppled, busting his nose on my clean slate floor. A few of the attendees found the kick to the nuts funny. They went silent when I put him down.

  When I pulled out my sword and ran into his guts, my guards drew weapons.

  “Argg! What is wrong with you?” Darri asked.

  “A lot,” I admitted. “I seem to be too nice. Always too nice.”

  “I’m an official emissary,” Darri declared.

  “Ha! That’s bullshit, and we both know it. Tell your baby-killing king to suck my farts. You’re a snake, and I’ll treat you as one. From this moment forward, you’re dead to me,” I said.

  He scampered backwards, unarmed and afraid. I didn’t hesitate, closing on him.

  “Any last words?” I asked.

  He nodded emphatically, and I lunged right when his mouth opened. This caught him off-guard, allowing my fine elva blade to pierce his heart. I yanked the weapon free, cleaned the tip off on his jerkin then slid the weapon into its home.

  “What in the holy hell is going on?” Tarla demanded. “Since when did you start killing emissaries?”

  I waved a finger as if she had been naughty. “All will be explained. Are there any other diplomats here? Please tell me a Podoni emissary is here while their fleets sit outside our bay.”

  “There's a distant relative of the emperor sitting in a guest room,” Nee said with a grunt.

  “Excellent. Fly him through the harbor tower and drop him at a point where the enemy ships can fish him out of the water. The sooner the better,” I said.

  “Like alive or dead?” Jorma asked curiously.

  “Oh, alive, unfortunately. Stupid yellow and its rules. No more accepting any yellow flags unless I say yes, understood?” A chorus of understanding gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. “You can fly him there, but you shouldn’t be the one to apprehend this diplomat from Podoni.” I paused. “And he is unconscious and being dragged out here as we speak. So poetic. ”