The Forgotten Faithful: A LitRPG Adventure (UnderVerse Book 2) by Cajiao, Jez (little red riding hood ebook TXT) 📕

“What? You know something…”

“Dragon’s Reach was said to be somewhere in the south, thousands of miles out to sea. There was a legend of the Greater Dragons retreating to there after the cataclysm, that it was closed to all the races… No ships that have sailed south have returned…” Ame said slowly. “It was thought that there was simply nothing there, and that the ships were lost at sea, but if you believe the Greater Dragons truly still exist, and real Dragons at that, not Wyrms, then…”

“They exist; take it from me,” I said, holding my fingers up for emphasis. “This is what happens when a mortal gets a gift from one.” It wasn’t entirely true, but I had felt fresh blood after Tuthic had given me his gift, so it wasn’t totally a lie either, and it’d do for now.

I moved forward, leaving them with as many questions as answers, and I crouched down, cupping the sparkling clear water in my hands and throwing it over my face, scrubbing as best I could and rinsing repeatedly until I felt a bit cleaner. I finally staggered to my feet, the sun now closer to setting, and a definite chill beginning to fill the air.

I noticed that the group had a few magelights spread out between them, and I asked them to spread them out a bit further, making sure everyone had plenty of light.

I promised to talk to Cai, Flux, Bane, and Ame later, once everyone was taken care of, and I stood up where everyone could see me.

“I’ve got a few small gifts to give out, as so many of you have been good boys and girls…” I looked around at the confusion on their faces and I shrugged.

“Or not. Fuck it, moving on! So, as I promised you all earlier, I will be giving out certain skill books and a few Spellbooks to those that Cai and I believe are best suited to them.” I gestured encouragingly, and Cai started to call out names.

As each person stepped up, I saw a variety of emotions, ranging from shock and awe to tears, to a kind of desire I’d never known.

The three engineers were the last, and strangest of the group, they held onto their own books fiercely, while trying to bargain with the others for theirs, promising anything they had, years of work, assistance in their projects, anything they could do. I couldn’t help but smile, and I stepped in when they started to get more frantic.

“Seriously, people; Cai, Oracle, and I gave thorough, intentional consideration to whom we were giving which books. This is also not all we have. In fact, these are essentially the ‘primers’ and basic manuals only. You are a test group, but you’re one that has earned the books you hold. Learn what you can and reflect on what you can do better. There will be more in the future for those that earn them, and for those that excel, multiple books and even memory stones holding the knowledge of the past, may become available to you.” The group before me froze, turning to stare at me almost mechanically, and I grinned at the three engineers. “Yes, even you. But not right now! Show me what you’ve learned from these books, and we will talk again, okay?”

I gestured to Renna, where she stood hesitantly at the back of the group, and I took her to one side. Cai hadn’t called her name, but he had asked her to come at my request, and I spent a few minutes talking quietly with her before handing over a single thick volume that she clutched unbelievingly. She swore to do her best and to come up with a plan for me, as well as swearing to dedicate herself to mastering this new path if it couldn’t initially do what I wanted it to. I just grinned at her and told her to enjoy herself, and that when she was ready, she needed to go to Ame and speak with her about my idea.

Cai stepped in and started fielding questions and directing people away as I moved to sit on the grassy bank by the water’s edge. I was exhausted, and despite doing my best to cover it, Ame, Flux, and Bane all knew it.

Ame didn’t even pause, crouching down next to me and gripping my head in two hands, while her others grabbed my own to keep me still. She faced me square on, all her tendrils extended wide, and let loose a subsonic ‘thrum’ that made my teeth ache. I jerked my head free and glared at her as she sat back, both sets of arms folding as she spoke.

“You will tell me all that you just experienced, and then you will teach me the spell you have promised me. After this, you will rest until I am satisfied you are strong enough to not collapse in front of those people that need you so much!”

“So, you don’t need me?” I asked rubbing my jaw to try and work away the residual feeling.

“We all need you, but I am also a healer now, so it’s my place to keep you alive to do what you must.”

“How did you do with the books?” I asked her, and she shook her head.

“That is not important right now; what is…”

“No,” I said flatly. “I asked you a question, Ame, and I expect an answer. How are you after using the books? Are you able to use more, or do you need some time? I’ll try to teach you my spell regardless, as I don’t think it has the same kind of issues being taught like that, but I need to know.”

“I… I am sore, and it is unwise to use another book now. I want to learn, but…” For the first time, she seemed unsure, embarrassed almost, and I stepped in.

“No, Ame, that’s