Chapter 203: Maniac

    With Silvi on his shoulder, Derek headed downstairs to see what Brandi was up to. As soon as he opened the door to the basement, he could hear the clanging sound of metal on metal. Must be smithing, then. Sure enough, when he made it downstairs, he could see Brandis small figure standing in front of her blacksmith station, banging on a small piece of metal.

    That was when Derek noticed that the girl was dressed from head to toe in protective gear. She wore an apron, gloves, some sort of headgear, and goggles, even. Actually, Derek doubted if there was even a piece of skin exposed on the small blacksmith.

    The girl was concentrating hard on the process, so Derek waited for her to finish before interrupting her. Soon, with tongs in hand, she took the metal and quenched it in the water beside her forge. After that, she let the piece of metal rest on the anvil.

    Brandi took the leather headgear off her head, along with the goggles. Then she removed her gloves and tossed everything on the workbench in front of her. After that, she wiped the sweat from her forehead with a towel and sighed. Finally, she turned around and let out a yip.

    Derek laughed. Sorry I didnt want to interrupt you.

    Derek! She ran over and hugged him around the waist. How long have you been back?

    Not long. He ruffled her short hair. It was growing, but it would be a while before it was back to what it once was. Silvi greeted me when I came in. She told me that everyone was asleep but you, so I decided to come see how youre doing.

    Brandi took a step back from Derek and gave him a toothy grin. Oh! Im doing so, so, so, so good!

    Oh, yeah? What happened with you in the last two weeks?

    Well you left mama in charge of everything when you left. The Crown people made a what did she call it a deposit, so there was a bunch of gold. I told mama you said I could have a bunch of materials to use to level my skills, and after some negotiating, I got her to let me go shopping for some. Brand excitedly explained.

    Is that so? Derek didnt think it was time for his next deposit from the Crown, but he could talk with them about it later. He pointed at the outfit Brandi was wearing. Whats all that about?

    Oh She clicked her tongue. It was the only way mom would get me the materials. I burned myself the day after you left, so she wouldnt let me blacksmith until I was fully protected. I dont like it. Its makes it hard to move. But its worth it since I can craft as much as I want now.

    Speaking of which. Derek said. Why are you still awake? Everyone else is asleep.

    Meditation. Brandi said with glowing eyes. Im so glad you had me buy it. I dont need to sleep. I can just Meditate for a bit, then I can craft again. Its the best skill ever. I cant sleep anyway because Im always thinking about the new and exciting things I can make.

    Ah Derek rubbed the back of his neck. He was just as guilty of using Meditation instead of sleeping as she was, so he couldnt say anything about it. However, at a lower level, he knew it wasnt a perfect replacement for sleep. Your Meditation is still low level, so you need to work some sleep into your schedule to stay healthy.

    I know. I do. I just slept the day before yesterday no the day before that. Yeah I slept then.

    Dereks jaw nearly dropped. Have you been doing anything else?

    She nodded her head fiercely. I go to Romans to learn more about Alchemy a lot. When Im not here, Im there. Its so much fun.

    Have you at least been eating?

    Brandi frowned for a moment. Mom makes me go up and eat three times a day. I told her that I could just bring some bread down here and Id be fine, but she wont let me do that.

    Yeah, because you would never show your face again unless you ran out of materials. Derek thought. Well, anything else exciting happen?

    Brandi nodded seriously.

    So, you know all about Meditation, right? Derek asked.

    It lets me get my Mana and Stamina back quick, and makes me less tired. Brandi said.

    Derek nodded. That, and the higher you level it up, the better it functions. Faster regeneration, and it works better at relieving tiredness. At higher levels, Ive meditated for well for a really long time, all in one sitting.

    Days? Brandi asked.

    Derek sighed. Months years even.

    Really? Why? Brandi asked.

    Thats something for another time. Derek avoided going into his past inside the void. What Im getting at is that it can be a perfect replacement for sleep, and at a higher level, you would end up with almost no downtime. So, using the points on the skill, may be no is probably the best option.

    Brandi nodded.

    The other thing is that the skill upgrades once it hits max level. Derek said. It turns into Greater Meditation. Im sure youve heard me talk about it before. Derek wasnt exactly secretive with the skill. He had told Leon and others about it.

    She nodded again.

    Well, with Greater Meditation, youre able to use the skill while moving. My Greater Meditation is at level 9, and I can move almost half as good while using it as I could without. My guess is that when it hits level 20, you can basically use it like a passive regeneration skill that has no adverse effects on your movement.

    Does it still help with sleeping? Brandi asked.

    Derek furrowed his brow. It does I think. When I need to relax, but not sleep, I still meditate while still, and lose some of my senses. Im never fully in the trance where I lose all my senses anymore, though, so I think it works.

    I need it. Brandi said.

    I think so too, but I also think we should talk to Derek stopped as he watched Brandi close her eyes, then open them and reveal a big grin. What did you do?

    I have Greater Meditation level 3 now. She cheekily said.

    Derek facepalmed. Ive created no Ive evolved a monster.

    I told you. Maniac. Silvis voice chimed in Dereks head.

    Indeed. Derek sent.

    Shes scary.