My (Monster?) Hero Life

Chapter 221: Reflections

The rest of the meeting was relatively uneventful after that. Kace's mansion had been kept empty for him, despite his absence for so long. Sophia, Dao, Grugda, Shadow and the Tu'Thrag tribe had all moved in. Turning it into the base of operations for his entire group. Eventually, Dao would receive his own mansion, since he had to take the leadership role for the council's vampire race. 

Vaskra had kicked up a fuss, she too wanted to move in, but it was essentially decided against. Much to the disappointment of the males in the Tu'Thrag tribe. Kace, however, could not be happier. It would make her attempts on his bed even harder if she had to sneak past the guards he would post around the mansion. 'Maybe then I can sleep without any worries.'

Sophia had to prepare everything she would need for the northern campaign, Kace and his group would merely be hired help. Which left him free to spend his time just now however he wished. 'I would have liked to sit in on the briefing on the situation, but who would have thought they would not allow it?'

'It makes sense, though.' Sylvan's voice permeated his thoughts. 'This is a test of her capabilities as a commander.'

'I know.' Kace sighed as he replied. He collapsed in one of the ornate chairs in one of the offices inside the mansion. The material used to cover the cushioned areas was quite ugly and old fashioned for his tastes, but it was definitely one of the property's comfiest seats. 'I just don't know what to do with myself right now.'

His armour was already top quality, at least, compared to what the alliance could provide. Sylvan far outclassed any other weapon he could hope to obtain right now. His skills and spells had stagnated. Then to top it off, his level still had not increased. 'I'm not that far from level eleven now, but how much will it improve my power?'

Truth be told, after the increase from his evolution, Kace realised that every level would only give him a small increase compared to other methods. Half-Life had a drastic effect on him, essentially putting his total power on a level higher than he actually was. If he had to guess, then he probably compared to a level thirteen or fourteen in terms of stats alone.

Combining that with his spells that debuted his opponents allowed him to fight level fifteen entities toe to toe. Which was simply incredible for his level! However, the battle with Phillip and Sarah had shown him that his confidence could lead to his downfall. If Shadow had not saved him from Sarah's initial attack, then he would not be here.

He gazed out of the window and across the lawn with a complicated expression. 'I'm quite versatile due to the unique nature of my different skills. However, I severely lack in a specialisation.' Kace felt enlightened when he thought that. Right now, he could be considered a survivor. However, surviving was not enough anymore. 

When he thought about Grugda, he imagined an unlovable mountain. It was clear he specialised in defence. Vaskra was like a sharp blade. Precise in penetrating the hardest of defences. Sophia was like flowing water. Graceful and evasive. Dao was balanced. Taking offence and defence to the extreme depending on the situation. So what was he?

He could only provide an overwhelming offence when he used his most potent abilities. However, these had drawbacks. Either their time limit was too low for a proper war, or they required too much time to be activated again. What he needed most right now was a way to increase his overall abilities substantially. Although he had lost out on the chance to train under Sonja, he still remembered something that she had said. Class Advancement!

As far as he could see, this would be his next major milestone. His abilities and fighting style had changed when he chose the Hexblade class. So it made sense that one of the higher classes it would lead to could provide him with the specialisation that he sought. 'I wonder if some of the existences in the city could shed more light on it?'

His mind instantly wandered to Elderbeard. The ancient Treant had shown his intentions to aid Kace by recommending Sophia. However, Kace was sure that he had earned something in return for it. So the issue now would be, what would it cost him for the information he was after? 'I have to be clear on the limit I'm willing to go to for it. If not, then Elderbeard will be the one to gain the most from my naivety.'

Kace organised the thoughts in his mind. He had two clear goals right now. One was to increase his level since he was sure the second would be connected to it somehow. Obviously, the second was to obtain his class advancement. 'I guess Phillip and Sarah had achieved something similar.' Considering how much Sarah's fighting style had evolved, he was almost sure of it. Whereas Phillip had clearly focused on an increased power behind his offensive spells.

'I have to achieve both of these things to properly stand my ground in future clashes. I wonder how many advancements Sonja and that Zornok guy have gone through?' The only information that he had on hand was that Sophia had also started out as a Hexblade. However, he was confident that she had definitely reached a higher class down its advancement path.

Zornok, on the other hand, was utterly unfathomable to him. His appearance on the battlefield was like a god descending amongst mortals. 'How much will it take to reach that level?' Kace could only sigh when he compared himself to Zornok. At some point, he might even have to go against a hero that held that kind of power directly. In fact, he was sure he would have to do it. 

'They'll definitely realise what we are up to after a while. They must have access to at least one or two gates to continuously send troops here. They'll definitely deploy their best assets to protect them.' A heavy sigh escaped him as he stood up from the chair. His eyes became focused with determination as he held his destination mind.