Abundantias Travel Log Vol. 19 - A New Day

Dear Diary,

It's been quite some time since my last entry, but here we are again.

After returning from The Land of the Morning Light, a sense of disorientation overwhelmed me. Despite being back in the bustling city of Calpheon, I felt adrift. Even the lively market square, teeming with kids, peddlers, and adventurers, couldn't shake it. There I stood, lost in the midst of life, unsure of what awaited me after my last adventure. The robes I wore served as a constant reminder of what I achieved, yet they felt heavy against the familiar backdrop of the old world.

Donning my old clothes, I attempted to blend back into Calpheonian life, but joy remained elusive. Tasked with delivering a crucial message to the Trina Beacon Towers on behalf of the Council about the Elvia Realms invasion, I now found myself atop the beacon tower. Gazing at the distant Calpheon skyline, a sense of hopelessness engulfed me. The invasion by Haduum had plunged Calpheon into chaos, and I, powerless, yearned to contribute. Unable to join the frontlines, I decided to journey across the land, seeking aid for this desperate war.

Little did I know, the fare back from Nampo's Moodle Village would drain most of my remaining savings. The Council, preoccupied with defending the city, wouldn't be able to provide funding. Planning to undertake odd jobs along the way, I began by securing my food supply. A favor from Lilvayne granted me access to fishing at the docks. The Demi River's vitality became the backdrop to a week filled with fishing, drying the catch to ensure it lasted, and intermittent rest. Lil' even sent some workers to assist. By the week's end, I amassed enough supplies and a modest sum from selling ancient relics shards to kickstart my journey.

My first target: Port Epheria, Calpheon's only port with access to the ocean. Whispers of booming economic opportunities, fueled by travelers from the Land of the Morning Light, drew me there. Upon arrival, the bustling energy confirmed the rumors. I found my first job as an apprentice to a blacksmith, struggling to keep up with the demand for weapons and ships due to the influx. After two demanding weeks, the rush subsided. My hands bore the marks of blisters and burns, but a sense of satisfaction filled me. Knowing I helped save lives by contributing to the creation of weapons and armor for soldiers and adventurers alike warmed my heart.

Philaberto Falasi, noticing my dedication, invited me to his Manor. Over tea and biscuits, I recounted my adventures in the Land of the Morning Light, while he shared his own tale, from a goblin to the richest man in Epheria. Impressed, Philaberto offered to invest in my journey. A chest of platinum coins, a rare commodity from the pirate islands, became my reward.

As I stood on the Falasi Manor balcony, the sun setting behind the Epheria Sentry Post, adorned in my Serendian Smith Garbs, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

On my way to Balenos, the summer sun beat down as I stumbled upon an unexpected scene at Terrmian Beach. Adventurers, Papus, and even Otters mingled in a vibrant festival. Free drinks flowed, and laughter filled the air. Tempted by the festive spirit, I offered my help at the restaurant, earning a place in the skydiving competition.

From the clifftop, the ocean seemed impossibly vast. Fear paralized me. But then, I remembered the strength I'd gained in the Land of the Morning Light, Memories of battling demons, tigers, and ghosts flashed through my mind. With a deep breath, I took the leap. The wind whipped past, adrenaline coursing through my veins. My flexibility as a Dark Knight allowed me to land gracefully in the water, securing first place. The Papus and Otters cheered, captivated by my performance. My prize: a brand new Coco Outfit, which, to my surprise, turned translucent when wet, attracting unwanted attention from some male adventurers. Sighing, I wished Herry were here to chase them off.

Balenos welcomed me with Olvia. Merchants from Port Epheria had mentioned a worker shortage, but unlike the skilled artisans they sought, here they needed lumberjacks and miners. For a week, I traded my sword for an axe and chisel, chopping cedar planks and melting copper under the watchful eyes of Makuum. He insisted on me wearing a maid uniform, promising to place the logs under my axe in exchange. His eccentricities were amusing, and I declined, choosing my trusty Manos Craftsman Clothes instead.

During this time, an enlightenment dawned. Day after day, from dawn till dusk, I swung the axe, eventually cutting up half a million cedar planks, enough to single-handedly deplete Olvia's timber reserves. As a reward, I received ownership deeds for 100 Balenos Timber Crates and a much-needed bucket of soap (let's just say a week of hard labor without a break wasn't pleasant on the nose). Perhaps that's why Makuum finally stopped pestering me about the maid outfit!

Next, my journey led me to Velia, the capital of Balenos, a picturesque coastal town. There, I met Sister Honorie, just back from Valencia, reminiscing about our shared past adventures. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the ocean in a shimmering diamond glow, I decided to head to the Lunar Halo Inn. Turning to wave goodbye, a breathtaking sight stopped me in my tracks: the sunset bathed Cron Castle in a golden light, and the ocean sparkled like a million diamonds. In that moment, Honorie tossed me a small pouch containing a strange ring, a note, and a photo. The note revealed the ring's origin - Sahazad's Ring of Monarch, a gift from Valencia's King himself. Could this be my ticket to an audience with the king? Hope flickered within me.

Heeding the call of adventure, I set course for Heidel, the capital of Serendia and Jordine's former home. I wondered where he'd gone after the Magnus incident, hoping to avoid the same missing wagon rumors that plagued him. But luck wasn't on my side. Shortly after leaving Velia, the sky turned ominously black. Seeking shelter before the storm, I scaled the mountains east of Heidel Pass, fearing the guards due to my Calpheonian origin. Reaching the peak, a deafening grumble echoed in the distance. A moment later, a blinding lightning bolt illuminated the horizon, stretching far beyond Olvia and Cron Castle. This was unlike anything I'd ever seen. Taking it as a sign, I changed course, heading for Tarif in Mediah.

Tarif held an unexpected surprise: a clandestine meeting between Sister Bellatia, three Shais, Angela, and a Sorceress. Later, I discovered that Kata, Herrison's sister, was one of the Shais. Apparently, they'd met with a "Herald of Blessings" before my arrival. I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with Bella and Angela, catching up on their lives and Aunarie's latest school trip with the Meatballs. Nostalgia tugged at my heartstrings as I realized how quickly they were growing up.

However, my mission remained. Using my persuasive skills, I convinced Bella to aid the Calpheonian army. I recounted my time in Epheria and the struggles faced by soldiers near Paddix Island. To my surprise, it wasn't my words but the mention of "blue gems" found on Paddix that truly got her attention. "By Shakatu!" she yelled, jumping onto her mythical Dine, who ran on water, leaving Licorne and me momentarily stunned. She rode off, promising to help. A small smirk played on my lips. Perhaps I knew that mentioning those rare gems would pique her interest.

Dear Diary, today was awful... I decided to tour Mediah Castle. And it is truly a beautiful castle. The architecture - marvelous. However, when I was about to leave the castle, things went sour. Two different groups of adventurers appeared out of nowhere and attacked each other, shouting about some war. Ugh, I hate these rabid ones! Just wanting to enjoy my life, I thought it was over when a small goblin, clad in desert attire and carrying a bag, appeared out of nowhere. He pointed towards a hidden access to the sewers, a small stone hatch without a metal grate blocking it. In my desperation, I rushed in, finding temporary safety. Until, that is, the goblin grabbed my pouch of valuables and kicked me down a steep, slippery slope. I thought I died for the second time that day. Thankfully, I found a way out, but without travel supplies or valuables, I was lost once more.

Escaping the cave and swimming back to the Mediah mainland, I collapsed on a beach, unsure how long I lay there. Tears might have been shed. With no money for an inn in Altinova, I remembered a small cave Igor Bartalli mentioned near Stonebeak Shore, not far from my location. There I found refuge for the night. Perhaps Ellion smiled upon me, for I found a small gem hidden amidst some barrels. This gem, I thought, could be my ticket out. A few successful barters, and maybe I could get back on track.

And that I tried. 'Loaning' an abandoned raft, my first target was the pier near Riyed Island when she rode by. My sister, Bella, on her mythical Dine, effortlessly traversing the waves. Even Licorne was stunned (a two-person raft would've been a wiser choice, that's for sure).

Turns out, Bella encountered the same troublesome goblin, Afuaru, terrorizing travelers attempting Valencia II (whatever that means, is there another Valencia?). This goblin still had my possessions and, thanks to my diary, Bella came rushing to Valencia. Coincidentally, we met on the ocean. Maybe I cried a bit while telling her my story. Maybe. In the end, she returned my belongings, and in gratitude, I offered the only valuable I had left: the blue gem from the hideout. When I pulled it out, Bella gasped. It turned out to be a fragment of a priceless ring, the very gem she desperately sought on Paddix Island! What are the odds?

Fueled by newfound energy, I ventured towards Hope Pier, Shakatu's domain. Here, a different kind of battle awaited: a battle of wits against merchants and Shroud Knights. Using my bartering skills honed on my journey, I emerged victorious in Yar, defeating each opponent and earning a staggering 500 billion silver! From selling the platinum coins from Epheria, the Balenos Timber Crate deeds, and King Sahazad's Ring, I had acquired a wealth I never dreamt possible. Even Shakatu himself commended my trading prowess.

Just like Honorie visited at Valencia long ago, so have I!
While I no longer had the Kings ring to request an audience, I had a far more influential card to play. Shakatus favor (and a boatload of silver stored at the storage in Shakatu). With these funds, I managed to convince Kind Sahazad to lend me a squad of mercinaries. These should be enough to swing the war against Elvia in Calpheons favor. I hope...

Standing once more beneath Calpheon's familiar skies, a bittersweet feeling washed over me. Though home, I was alone. No sign of Herrison, and the weight of Valentine's Day loneliness settled heavily. Yet, amidst the solitude, a sense of pride emerged. My contributions - the funds and mercenaries - had significantly impacted the war effort.

With a sigh, I decided to return to farming until the next adventure beckoned. But before I could lose myself in routine, a playful feline companion caught my eye. This little guardian angel, always by Ahr's side, deserved some love. As I scratched its chin, a realization dawned: I had been foolish to overlook my own loyal companion, Licorne.

[I have moved this picture to the beginning of this chapter, tehe :p]

Shame flooded me. While seeking to fill a void, I had neglected the unwavering presence by my side throughout my journey, both joyous and perilous. Licorne, the horse that carried me across vast landscapes, witnessed the wonders and horrors of this world. We shared a raft across the Altinova Strait, facing the elements together.

Licorne, my friend, my companion, thank you. You were there when I needed you most, my silent support. In this world, horses are our true partners, carrying us not just physically but emotionally. And for that, I am forever grateful.

*The last section seems to be stained by water drops*

I'm not entirely sure what I like more, the story or the images. While I can't imagine Abundantia hoarding 500 billion silver, I'm happy that she made it that far! :D

Luckly Herrison was reminded by one of shais about the 14th and managed to sent the letter at least. Sadly I doubt Calpheon would welcome him anymore with his new Hadum's"mug", scaring nearby citizens so he prefers to sneak by darker alleys when passing by.

Aside, good format, pleasant read and nice pictures! That's one way to keep BDO memories more rich since we spend many daily hours in it.