《Augmented Aspects [Steampunk], [Progression], [Gamelit]》 Prelude: The Price of Doing Business Prelude: The Price of Doing Business The world to Biprism Realm was finally available to me. A world filled with magic, portals, pocket realms, towers to eternity, monsters, and most importantly of all steampunk elements. Hordes and hordes of monsters constantly came surging through the world, destroying everything in their wake. Only the civilized societies and their technological marvels were capable of repelling monster waves. It was a world filled with memories of my past, present, and most of all my future. I had finally reached the point of my life when I could either retire to live out a pain filled existence, until I finally succumbed to illness, disease, or just old age. Or I could restart in a world that I have only dreamed about existing in for my entire lifetime. I knew the world of Biprism intimately, as it was a world I had grown up watching. It was the world my parents went to when it was their turn to retire. This was yet another selling point for me, as it meant I would gain legacy points. As I was not just a person going into the realm themselves, but one who would be joining others. This meant that I would gain additional starting points based on several factors. Most of which I intended to sell off for more starting points. Starting points were key to making it in Biprism, particularly if you wanted to delve into the deeper end content. The content that no one had even managed to view. Starting points were everything in this world. Starting points let you start out with the ability to wield vast magics, or have innate abilities that defied all logic. I planned on doing everything and then some to earn as many starting points as I could. Life was short, in the game you started with up to seven restarts, but you could trade in your restarts for additional starting points. The idea was a bit of a give and take, trade away possible future retries, for a shot at having a better start. As for me, I chose to put everything into one playthrough. One shot at living my best life, in my next life, or so the slogan went. In fact, the retirement board encouraged this, it both helped cut down on the number of retirees and made it so viewership was up on those who were part of the deeper retirement programs. No one wanted to see someone slave away at their second life in a factory. Everyone wanted to see people explore new or lost realms. People wanted to see the deeper parts of the game, as this was an ever-evolving game world that had yet to be fully explored. At least that was the rumor as the game world itself kept expanding like inflation at 5% per year. This meant larger and larger landmasses were added each year. As 5% of compounding interest was infinitely more than the initial starting points people began with. Of course, to reach this 5% floating islands, immeasurable pocket dimensions, and never ending towers were constantly being added to both reward the bold and strike down the old. The world was a great equalizer in the way it rested for no one. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. By having an all-in person like myself, the server encouraged it, as I made for flash in the pan type character. People who would often shine brightly for a time, until a challenge came along that we eventually would not be able to adapt to. That was why I went for a generic build, one that was meant to be able to handle any condition. Starting Points: 50 That was my starting retirement, fifty years of paid services and taxes to the government. All of which could be traded in for a shot at a better start on Biprism. Legacy +2: for a total of 52 initial starting points. Everything else would have to be bartered for, kind of sad. I was seventy-two and had terminal stage four cancer. If I took a break to try to treat the cancer, that treatment would come out of my 50 years of work. So, I could either fight and try to stay alive a bit longer in the real world with a dying body. Or I could join my parent¡¯s legacy in Biprism World. Of course, my parents were dead. All fourteen of their lives were wasted foolishly, but they seemed to have had fun while doing so. Each time they died, I noticed they lacked one key component. One minor piece that would have pushed them over the edge. Then all the bonuses they initially purchased were gone on their second lives on. Meaning they still had the flaws, but the bonuses that came from those flaws were no longer with them. This meant that each subsequent life after the first was increasingly harder and harder, until finally they succumbed to a monster infestation. Yet another reason I wanted to waste my retries on having my best life possible. Selling in my 7 restarts netted me an additional 70 points for a total of 122 points. After that, there were other flaws I could take as well. Age was a common one and there were two ways one could go. The initial starting age was anything from 16 to 33. From there you could take a major deviation and gain additional starting points. Recommended Age: Adult: 21. Flaws: Old Man (>40) +2 - 7. Flaws: Child (<12) +2 ¨C 7. The flaws associated with age were obvious to understand. You could start off at anywhere from forty all the way to forty-five. The reason this was a flaw was that forty-five was the absolute cut off age to learn magic or affinities. The trade off was you were considered a fully functioning adult and could instantly go on any dungeon delving crew. While going in as a child often let you stand out as a child prodigy, if you wanted to go the longer route of developing skills over powers. Skills were everything to Biprism, as they helped you eek out a career in dungeon delving and other facets of life that revolved around the business of buying and recruiting the right type of people with the right sets of skills. That was why if you chose the Child 7 flaw, you started off at seven years old. Just old enough to move around on your own, while not old enough to do anything worthwhile. Rather you could do a lot of things that were worthwhile, but most of which were ultimately going to get discarded by the system. You could not gain experience to level your classes. Instead, all experience gained would go towards your skills, which would then increase your attributes. Each skill was directly linked to a particular attribute, and the more you leveled a particular skill, the more the corresponding attribute would also increase. The merits of course were just as good, with near godlike personal abilities called Traits that were near undetectable and unstoppable, the only pay off being that they were expensive and could only be purchased at character creation. These could allow people to do truly amazing things like Teleport, Fly, Breath Fire, or Walk Through Walls. The sky was the limit with what was available, nearly every spell imaginable had a Trait counterpart available for purchase. It was these traits that I was going to spend the bulk of my starting points on. Traits and a mixture of long term and short term Merits to help me maximize my flaws. Taking a deep breath, I focused my mind, and began the process of fully uploading myself into the world of my retirement. A world I have dreamed about joining since I first began starting my career as a corporate slug over fifty years ago. This was how I would spend my retirement, inside a new body, in a world of magic, mayhem, and monsters. Smiling to myself, I was ready for the break a retirement would offer. Chapter 1 The Start Chapter 1 The Start Within my first few seconds of life on Biprism, my old 72 year old body was discarded and I was remade into a blind seven-year-old who spontaneously appeared on the grassy noll surrounded by monsters and creatures of all kinds. Don¡¯t worry though, I was safe, if only for the moment. This was it, my first few minutes in the game world. A world that I had dreamed about experiencing for years. Just taking a deep breath was amazing to me, as my lungs worked properly for the first time in years. Better still, my breaths weren¡¯t filled with the smog and pollution that covered the real world, but fresh air that smelt of sulfur, ozone, and most importantly potential. Also, it should be pointed out that I wasn¡¯t quite blind, either. While I couldn¡¯t use my eyes to see, as they were little more than plague rotted sacs. I could clearly identify the world around me in a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree view of colorful lights, thanks to my oddly broken Merit I took. As I stood there, experiencing the world around me, I tried to decipher all the new impulses my mind was receiving, thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight. This was a merit that had up until recently been thought of as not worth the effort, especially as it all but forced you to take a seven-point flaw, the maximum a flaw could be, for free. With the seven point version, it meant that you would never be able to overcome that flaw. At least you couldn¡¯t overcome a seven-point physical flaw. Other flaws could be overcome, given enough time and perseverance. I loaded up on flaws, I took Broke (7) meaning that for the next seven years of my life I couldn¡¯t expect to have more than 100 gold pieces to my name. Seeing as I was seven and this flaw would last until I was 14, which was still under the legal age for anything, I felt this was a fair trade off. Particularly with the fact that I intended to use my time as a child to improve my Skills, which would then ultimately bolster my Attributes. If I had to describe myself and my way of play to anyone, it would have to be as a terrible one-shot build. Why terrible? Well I only had one chance to make anything of myself, today, my first twenty-four hours in game would be crucial to my ability to survive in this world. The idea was simple, go in with a ton of flaws, then do everything within my power to maximize my potential gains. If I succeeded, I would be far better off than my parents were, both of whom already lost their lives to this game, all of them, including the restarts. I chose Bad Starting Location (7). This meant that for seven additional starting points, I was placed in one of the worst locations of the world of biprism. Normally this meant that people would be placed in a bad location and be forced to run hysterically through the woods while monsters chased after them. The fact that I smelled ozone, and a brief focus on my senses told me that I was not on the ground. In fact, I was far, far from the ground as I was clearly up high. Skree. Off in the distance I could hear the call of wild birds cawing out gently on the breeze. The fact that they sounded like they were coming from far below me was a good indication of just how high up I was. Almost as soon as I made this discovery, I was met with a system prompt.
New Skill Gained: Skill Alertness: has risen to level 1.
Note: Skill growth thanks to Merit: Precocious.
Precocious: All skills learn at twice the normal speed. Note: references to Precocious will not be made again.
Attribute Perception has risen to 2.
System: Each skill relates to one or more Attributes. By increasing a number of skills equal to the level of an attribute, you will increase the attribute by one point. In this instance, your one skill point in the Perception based skill Alertness has caused your Perception to increase from 1 to 2. Now you will need two more levels in Perception related skills to increase to 3.
Note: As an unclassed player, your maximum attribute level is 10. (Restriction removed due to Merit: Unbound)
Merit: Unbound (7) has taken away maximum level caps for Skills and Attributes.
New Skill Gained: Skill Magical Awareness: has risen to level 1.
Magic Awareness is a Perception and Intelligence based Skill.
Attribute Intelligence has risen to 2.
Attribute Perception has marginally risen from 2 to 2 (1 of 2).
It was nice that the system told you about itself and showed how it was being applied. That said, I didn¡¯t want to distract myself. So, I turned off the incremental notifications for the moment, as I was focused on improving other skills. I was on a limited timer, as I had on my waist a very time sensitive item of death. I had the basic gear for a little girl, a set of undergarments that could not be removed, a worn canvas dress that more closely resembled a potato bag with a rope cord, two wooden sandals that would click on the loose rocks below my feet, and a legendary dagger on my waist. The legendary dagger was decorated in jewels and gold trim, looking at the item anyone would have assumed I would have stolen the dagger. Well, anyone would, think I stole it if they were around. Again, I was in a terrible starting location. This was good, as it meant I wasn¡¯t likely going to get stopped by anyone when they caught me attempting to use my dagger for its intended purpose.
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger.
This was the ultimate cheat weapon, designed to get people going out and exploring the world as soon as they arrived. Of course, most people who had this only had the one charge. A few people like myself used all three, this dagger was so powerful that just piercing a monster¡¯s skin would kill them. Of course, everyone who had this item was level 1, or level 0 as was my case. Anyone who took the child flaw automatically started out classless. Which was good, as there were a lot of legendary classes that were still available to be unlocked and chosen by players. I intended to unlock at least 100 classes and get the associated title, of Jack-of-All-trades, a title that would help further improve my skill increases. Of course, all those would pale in comparison to the true measure of my goal, the real reason why I used nine of my sacred Starting Points to purchase my First Kill dagger. Mainly, I wanted to use my Trait: Personal Teleportation a skill that cost me 50 Starting Points to unlock. The most powerful of Traits. Traits were something unique to players, they were special abilities that acted similar to magic, but were not magic. Meaning, they could not be blocked, stopped or negated. The only way to technically block a Trait was to create an individual ward that was first attributed to the targeted user, then to focus a linking ward on the form of magic that perfectly harmonized with the user¡¯s soul while they were activating the power. To put it in simpler terms, they were things users paid good money for, to earn. Those 50 starting points that this cost were the equivalent of five of my restarts, or every year of my life I spent slaving away to earn a retirement. To put it more simply, some people buy a nice sports car when they retire. I purchased this one Trait. I also used 45 of the 70 points I got for selling back all of my restarts (technically there were only supposed to be 60, but if you sold all of them back at once, they gave you a ten point bonus). I used 45 of those points to purchase an Additional slot for a Trait, and then a Random Trait. Of course, the random trait could be anything from Flying, a trait that would be very useful right about now, especially as I am fairly certain I am on one of the many floating islands of this world. To immunity to fire, something else that might also be useful depending on the types of monsters that exist on this floating island. My starting trait is Telekinesis. Mentally I almost want to jump for joy with excitement, next to flight, this is arguably one of the best secondary traits I could ask for. Particularly as it doesn¡¯t require me to move from my spot to activate or improve. Why is standing in place so important? Normally it isn¡¯t, but for today and today alone, it is very important. Traits also had a major draw in the fact that each Trait required their own skill to use and operate. This was perfect, as all skills related to Traits were tied to the Willpower attribute, one of the hardest Attributes to increase normally. With two skills for Personal Teleportation and Telekinesis, I was looking at a way to farm the heck out of my Willpower Attribute. An attribute that was key in most resistances and abilities to push yourself beyond your mortal limits. I also mentioned for the moment that I was safe, despite being in a Tier 7 starting zone. This was the worst zone that was available to start in. There were of course worse zones, but those would instantly kill you, due to heat or other factors immediately. With the Tier 7 starting zone, you had the illusion of safety. But I was still safe, for until I willingly took my first steps, I was safe. Standing in the same spot was a rite of passage for the game. As technically nothing bad would happen to you, until you moved. That was something the game developers stated emphatically. You would not be noticed by monsters or other creatures, regardless of the zone you found yourself in, so long as you did not take that first step. Why was this made a thing? Well no one could predict where they would first appear, nor more importantly when. The idea behind this rule was for the player to get into the world, have a moment to connect their mind to the world around them, then move about freely without fearing being stabbed, burnt, or impaled by monsters, invaders, or other natural phenomena. This was my one guaranteed god mode. No one could push me, and I couldn¡¯t even fall over if I lost my balance. So long as I didn¡¯t want to take a step and move my feet, I wouldn¡¯t. Of course, people have comically abused this rite, but that is the part of any game. There was the case of high level players creating towering volcanoes under their children¡¯s feet, once they joined the server. Everything was live streamed, but also done as a way to show the importance of this moment. As for me, in a terrible starting location, it was all but encouraged that I take these next few moments to work on and improve my skills. Skills that would be used to increase my Attributes. Attributes that I would desperately need to escape this death zone alive. That was the other purpose for this location, while here, I could work on not only getting skills, but improving skills. Skills that would ultimately improve my Attributes. As a child, or someone playing with the child flaw, it was imperative that you increase your attributes during this time as quickly and efficiently as possible. As a seven year old, my attributes had all been dropped to one, meaning once I took my first step, I would be at the mercy of the world, until I learned to crawl, then walk, both of which were skills that would improve my Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance Attributes. From there I could eventually learn to run and then escape. Again, the developers had a particular penchant for recording would be starters who chose a hard location like mine and watch us all get eaten by monsters that formed all around us. I knew I was dead the moment I moved my feet, which was why I was going to work on improving my skills. So that was what I decided to do, I would work on improving my Skills.
Skill Alertness: has risen to level 2.
Attribute Perception has risen to 3.
Skill Magical Awareness: has risen to level 2.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Good, it was just as the others described in their documentaries. The first few skill levels are increased automatically, particularly while possessing Angel¡¯s Sight. The only thing is, that over time I will need to see new creatures and monsters appear. But with each level my Perception goes up, the range that I am able to view the world around me increases, thus I can see more monsters, which in turn helps me level my skills that much faster. With that, I realize that my Perception is going to be fine. The goal is to get every attribute to the 5-point cap, at which point more powerful skills like Analyze will become available. People could make money in game selling new ways to level up attributes. In fact, that is how I found out about this often-overlooked Merit: Angel¡¯s Sight. Mickael, a famous blind adventurer sold their exploits with this merit. I was able to read about his exploits in the real world, which then gave him a form of royalty back here. That was another way to make money in the game. If you became famous enough, or discovered something, you could write down your discoveries and sell it like a book to a library. Then if someone in the real world reads your article, you gain a royalty in game. Many high level adventurers make quite the second life living selling stories and insights they gleamed from their first play through. If they are successful enough with their sells, outside companies will often try to recruit the adventurer to their brand of apparel. I of course can¡¯t do this last part, as I have chosen Dark Horse for seven additional points. My rationale was simple, if I become famous enough where a company would want to sponsor me, I could always make money elsewhere doing other tasks. In a way this was just free points used to make sure my start was as advantageous as possible. Realizing this is exactly as the documentaries spoke, I begin with my plan to exercise and learn new skills while trying to level up. Pulling out the dagger from my its scabbard at my waist, I begin hacking and slicing away wildly. I have a bit of an idea of what I am doing, try to keep the pointy end away from my eye. It takes me close to twenty slashes, before I get a notification.
New Skill Gained: Skill Daggers: has risen to level 1.
Attribute Dexterity has risen to 2.
Nodding to myself, I continue going through my exercises. Deep knee bends. By my twentieth deep knee bend, I unlocked yet another skill.
New Skill Gained: Skill Athletics has risen to level 1.
Skill Athletics is a Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance based skill.
Attribute Endurance has risen to 2.
Attribute Strength has risen to 2.
Attribute Dexterity has risen to 3.
Nodding to myself I push my tiny body until I cannot swing my dagger or perform more squats. With that done, I begin focusing on using my two Traits. Focusing first on my Personal Teleportation I begin with the first part of it, creating a ping. In a way this is like sonar for my Trait, and lets me see all open areas available and places I can actually teleport to, once my power gets high enough. Of course everything is bright red as I haven¡¯t even unlocked the Personal Teleportation skill to use the ability, but that is only a matter of time. Ping. Ping. Ping. I mentally create a cadence of generating pings, while going back to performing various exercises. Finally after about twenty pings, I get the message I had been waiting for.
New Skill Gained: Skill Teleportation (Personal) has risen to level 1.
Skill: Teleportation (Personal) is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Attribute Willpower has risen to 2.
Attribute Intelligence has risen to 3.
Attribute Perception has risen to 3.
Nodding to myself, I continue. Once I hit level two of my Teleportation skill, I decide to switch to teaching myself to use my second Trait Telekinesis. I have to first focus on a tiny pebble, which is a lot harder than one might expect, especially while blind. Bending over at my waist, I lean over and with a grace I haven¡¯t had in years am able to lean down, rub my hand against the ground until I feel a tiny rock. Feeling the rock in my hand, I pick it up, and begin concentrating on using my Attribute to pick up the rock from my hand. Clatter. The rock went up, but only for a second. I focus on the rock again, this time lifting it and trying to hold it. This is a process that makes me think I am trying to squeeze a grain of sand in between my fingers. The item is so small, and tiny that if I get distracted for even a second I drop the small pebble. Finally, after what I estimate to be twenty seconds of lift, I am greeted by the system message that I had been hoping for.
New Skill Gained: Skill Telekinesis has risen to level 1.
Skill: Telekinesis is an Intelligence and Willpower based skill.
Seeing the quick gains is good, I mentally fist pump that I had the wherewithal to take the merit Precocious (7), which lets me learn Skills Twice as quickly. I also have two other Merits; one is Regeneration which makes it so I can heal from almost any wound. I figured this would be a must as I am likely to get very injured today, and most other days. While Regeneration (7) doesn¡¯t guarantee my success, as it is strictly an after-battle kind of merit, I figure being a poor broke child with no parents would make it hard to find a healer willing to help, thus the merit. I also took one final merit for my long-term benefit Magic Tier VII (7), this wasn¡¯t stating that I had magic already. No one got magic or rather, no one got access to the magic system until they were an adult. If I didn¡¯t have the child flaw, this would have cost as much as my Trait would have, just to be randomly assigned a starting value this high. Magic was a tier based system that went up exponentially, and while there were stories of people who unlocked magical potential after years of diligent work, they were all people who unlocked from a string of impossible quest chains. As for me, I was more pragmatic, again my goal was to survive until I could become an adult, well an adult in game. I already had memories of one lifetime spent wasting my days as motivation to push this life as hard as possible. This was my retirement, and I was either going to live my best life, or no life, those were the options I placed before myself. Not wanting to waste this golden opportunity, I did a quick scan of how far I had come in just my first few minutes of being in this world and was pleasantly surprised.
Physical: Social: Mental:
Strength: 2 Personality: 1 Perception: 3
Dexterity: 3 Sociability: 1 Intelligence: 3
Endurance: 2 Attractiveness: 5 Willpower: 2
Skills:
Alertness: 2 Athletics: 1
Magical Awareness: 2 Teleportation (Personal): 1
Daggers: 1 Telekinesis: 1
Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis.
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for 0)
Merits: (157)
Precocious (7): Learn Skills Twice as quickly. (Only available at character creation)
Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation)
Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation)
Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation)
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation)
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Seeing my Attributes, I mentally nodded to myself, and then decided to continue improving myself as much as possible. I only had a day to use the dagger, but that was a long time. Particularly if I was going to spend the entire day running from monsters. I of course had no intentions of running from monsters, as I had Personal Teleportation as a Trait for a reason. I was determined to get all my Attributes to at least the base ten level before I even attempted to move from this spot. Well maybe all but my social Attributes, to increase those I would have to talk more. Which, at the moment meant, I would be talking to random monsters. While I theoretically couldn¡¯t draw their attention, right now. Focusing pushing out as many improvements as I could all at once I began, using my sonar like ping. More often, with this last one I was met with a new message.
Skill Alertness: has risen to level 3.
Skill Magical Awareness: has risen to level 3.
That was good, as it showed that my pinging sweeps also used my Angel¡¯s Sight, something I had suspected but couldn¡¯t verify until now. Now this meant that my expensive merit had a synergistic effect with multiple skills. Nodding to myself, I kept pushing. Doing deep knee bends with my palm out as I attempted to mentally hold the floating pebble, while pinging the world around me. I was going to make something of this life, I just knew it. Then almost as if the world heard my thoughts, I got a new notification.
New Skill Gained: Multitasking has risen to level 1.
Skill: Multitasking is an Intelligence and Willpower based skill.
Attribute: Willpower has risen to 3.
Attribute: Intelligence has risen to 4.
New Skill Gained: Dual Casting has risen to level 1.
Skill: Dual Casting is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Attribute Perception has risen to 4.
Seeing that, I knew I was on the right track. The game was often encouraging to new players to push themselves and try new things. I knew from reading multiple stories, that these first twenty four hours were the most important, as the skills I unlocked today, would define who I was as a person going forward. Seeing the Attributes, I realized I was nearing the baseline stats for a 12 year old. Again, at five points was when many of the higher level attributes could be unlocked. I always assumed that Dual Casting and Multitasking were higher attribute skills, but apparently, I was wrong. They might just be a determination factor. Still, deep knee bends. My next step once these three tasks became too simple, or repetitive add in dagger work. I also knew I could use my sheath in my off hand to eventually unlock the Dual Wielding skill. Realizing I literally had nowhere else to go, and that my life likely could depend on this very skill in the future, I pulled out my sheath and began practicing stabbing with both hands, while trying to move my floating pebble up and down. It took me hours to get to this point. Or at least what felt like hours, looking at my timer remaining on my ultimate weapon, I had only been here for a little over an hour, as I still had over 22 hours and 17 minutes remaining to use all three charges of my OP First kill dagger. But finally, after so many ridiculous movements and actions all taken in one place, I was greeted with a new system message.
New Skill Gained: Dual Wielding has risen to level 1.
Skill: Dual Wielding is a Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower based skill.
Attribute Dexterity has risen to 4.
Attribute Endurance has risen to 3.
¡°Jackpot!¡± I shouted excitedly, as I let out a sigh, before continuing to grind my attributes up to 10. I knew it was an ever increasing burn, as these first few levels of attributes were always the easiest. To put it in perspective. To go from 1 to 5 in any Attribute only took 10 skills that utilized the attribute. To further that and go to my goal of 10, I would need a total of 45 skill increases, or 35 more skill level increases. Now assuming I wanted to do that in any meaningful way before this day ended, I needed to hurry, as I still hadn¡¯t met the half way point of 5 points in any attribute, other than my starting appearance score. Appearance was one of those vanity scores that only went up if you took care of yourself daily, and applied makeup. Well makeup wasn¡¯t necessary, but it did increase the rate that the Attribute went up, as it gave you a new skill: Beauty, but that was an entirely different thought process to what I was doing right now. For the moment I was focusing on my core six attributes, in order to make sure I could survive here today, so that is what I did. Deep knee bends. Ping. Dagger strike, Parry with the offhand. Move rock between dagger strikes. Repeat. Chapter 2 22 Hours In Chapter 2 22 Hours In I was exhausted. No, actually I was exhausted when I first got the new Skill: Second Wind. This of course was after I got the new skill Analyze once my Intelligence Attribute got to 5. I was twenty-two hours into this marathon workout slash torture session, and I was still nowhere near my goal of tens in every major category. In fact, other than my Mental Attributes, everything else was way lower than it should be. Well, no correction they were all where they should be. The only problem was they were not where I wanted them to be. Grummbllee. My stomach was rumbling its displeasure. Of course, I knew this was just a phantom pain. While there were a lot of downsides to being a minor, there was one thing no one wanted and that was a child dying of neglect. That made for bad ratings, and ratings was the number one product that all of these worlds went for. We were Anytime viewing, but people complained about seeing their parents and friends slowly die from dehydration or worse. As such rules were put into place. Thanks to those who first came to the server no child below the age of 13, would be allowed to die of thirst or hunger. That said, I still got the warnings letting me know I should eat, but I didn¡¯t get any nasty debuffs related to failure to properly maintain myself. This lack of need of food and water was likely why I was able to last as long as I did. Right now, my attributes are pitiful, but far better than I had started with. Also, two hours was my absolute cut off time. I did not want to waste my one chance for an amazing start on my lack of ability to improve my attributes, so what I had at the moment would have to suffice.
Physical Social Mental
Strength 6 Personality 3 Perception 15
Dexterity 8 Sociability 1 Intelligence 15
Endurance 8 Attractiveness 5 Willpower 13
Yeah I was surprised that I got a few points in Personality as well. Apparently Juggling was to blame for that, as Juggling I guess implies that you are going to be a clown and likely need to perform in front of others. Taking a moment to collect myself, I look at the breakdown of my Skills. Originally I had been doing this in my head, but apparently there was a function for this in the system. So since my initial fast start, I managed to gain five new skills, most of which I previously mentioned.
New Skills:
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence)
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower)
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance)
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception)
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
My overall skills gained were quite impressive, if still lacking from what I wanted, or rather what I needed.
Skill Key Total
Alertness: (Perception) 25
Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence) 25
Daggers (Dexterity) 7
Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance) 10
Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 20
Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower) 20
Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower) 17
Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 17
Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower) 5
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence) 12
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower) 7
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance) 7
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception) 4
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance) 5
And the breakdown of what all my skills got me.
Strength 17 Personality 4 Perception 108
Dexterity 26 Sociability 0 Intelligence 116
Endurance 34 Attractiveness 0 Willpower 86
I guess I shouldn¡¯t be too surprised at the lopsided gains, especially considering the fact that I have been standing in place for the last twenty-two hours. If anything, I am just lucky that I managed to improve my physical Attributes at all. Still, it was time to move. Ping. I feel a radar like pulse go out from me and can see all of the different lower level monsters that all glow red to me. I have read that once I am more powerful than these creatures they will no longer be seen as giant red blobs in my mind. It is still odd to think that this sonar like view is my new eyesight, but I have to admit that it is more encompassing. For instance, I know that there is an underground lair below my feet. Well below my feet. The idea is that if I got my skill Teleportation (Personal) up high enough, I would be able to jump into that space. Unfortunately, I can see a lot further than I can jump, at least for the moment. Which is another reason to begin my first movement. Sheathing my dagger, I clutch both the blade and my sheath in the same hand. Then taking a deep breath, I focus my mind on the furthest spot I can find and jump. Whoosh. The world around me blurs for a second, suddenly I am met with a new flood of senses as my Angel¡¯s Sight picks up everything around me and I suddenly feel nauseous. I haven¡¯t moved my legs. I still hope that I can use my cheat of standing still long enough to at least orient myself, when¡­ SKREECH! Monsters that have been lumbering past me in a docile like nature suddenly spring to life and begin to pounce at me. My Analyze skill all but confirms this assumption as I see the lists of animals around me increase in level.
Level 34 Sauropod.
Level 35 Sauropod.
Ping. I know I can¡¯t outrun the creatures. Instead, I just Teleport, again. Whoosh!
Skill Teleportation (Personal) has increased to level 21.
There is a way to view your stamina, health, and mental energies. I can view the stat, but I find that such trivial things are unwarranted. Either I can do something and live, or not and die. No reason to have my last thoughts being, oh man I was so close to not dying. Instead I go for the real life view, which coincidentally gets me a 25% increase speed to my skill increases. It should also be noted that Traits are broken in another way. Not only do they let you have a magical safeguard that is not bound to your class. But Traits run on their own mental energy field which is independent of Mana. Mana of course is the source of life for all magicians, as it is what is needed to cast all magic spells, while stamina is used to perform physical tasks. All this is my way of saying, that as soon as I land again, I need to do a ping and prepare to cast. Off in the distance, I can sense the ground changing. Oh, wow, that is intense. I can feel the earth slowly giving way from loosely packed dirt, with deep rocks well below the surface, to more and more rocks. I decide to follow the rocks, figuring that these monsters are likely stuck in the woods. My Analyze skill lets me know that there are dozens of new monsters all around.
Level 42 Constrictor.
Level 45 Falactopod.
Skill Analyze: has risen to level 13.
I see the shapes of the monsters that are somehow instantly aware of my presence. I am assuming my teleportation has a splash effect? That or maybe these monsters have such heightened senses that they can smell a child like me as soon as they appear in the same area? Either way, I am toast if they find me. Of course, I know I could kill three of these monsters with my OP First Kill dagger, but I want to save that. For I know this is a Tier VII zone, meaning the top monsters should be around level 70. That is the other thing, zones are set up to warn you about the level requirements of said zone. So a Tier I zone will have at most monsters up to level 10 to worry about. These are generally the starter cities and most of those monsters only exist in sewers and the like, but monsters are still there. So just as there are level 10 sewer rats in a starter city, so too are there level 70 monsters on a Tier VII zone. Meaning I likely have to deal with dragons, giant gryphons, or maybe even demons. Actually, demons might be preferable, as they almost always get you a title. Not that I won¡¯t get a title from killing a level 70 anything, but killing a demon is particularly effective as you generally get a Blessed by the Light type of title that will help you get into most major cities with a heavy paladin population. I chose the second class citizen, which means that unless I have an in, I will not be able to enter a city. At least not without doing a lot of outer town quests for a particular region. Anyways that is getting well ahead of myself. First things first, I need to move. Feeling around the area, I realize that I am at the base of a steep and densely packed mountain. Then with a quick trust in my new senses, I find what I believe to be the perfect spot and Teleport. Poof. I am on a relatively flat boulder that is inside a little nook, on the steep side of a hill. This is perfect as most of the monsters that have been chasing me have all congregated below. Each tries to climb up the sheer rock wall, but are stopped by gravity. Letting out a sigh of relief I take a moment to think. My head is a little fuzzy. I just made three jumps in a row, and that was a lot. Still, I see all the monsters below with my Angel¡¯s Sight. Then I notice the moment the different monsters all realize who is whom. Herbivores chased me off, as I was likely the equivalent of a small rodent trying to get at their children. Carnivores chased me, because well they are carnivores. I ended up creating what is referred to as a train. One where monsters of all different shapes and sizes chase after you, each adding themselves one by one, until they are all running in a line that resembles an old fashioned train car. Now that the monsters have all stopped and there is nowhere for the monsters to go, the train resembles a trainwreck more than a train. In this trainwreck multiple monsters are all gathered around, climbing over the backs of monsters that arrived first, all trying to get to little old me. The sight might almost be comical, if it wasn¡¯t a sign of what sadistic creatures awaited my demise. Counting at least ten monsters of different types and levels all appeared to my senses. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Level 51 Rock Lizard.
Level 50 Sand Scorpion.
Level 53 Rock Eater.
Well the increase in levels told me one thing, I was going in the exact wrong direction to leave the zone. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t want to leave the zone. Instead, I took the level increases as a sign that I was on the correct path. I almost thought about Teleporting out of the area, but I realized that for the moment I was safe. Then just as I had the thought of waiting, I saw the monsters all begin fighting each other. Rock Eaters, which were apparently just giant basilisk type creatures, bit into Sand Scorpions. Sand Scorpios used their dual tails, yes two because one was not scarry enough, to stab at Rock Lizards. The Rock Lizards of course bit at the rock eaters. It was complete and utter chaos. Which was exactly what I needed. Normally I would have to look around, to see my environment. Fortunately, I had grown used to my Angel¡¯s Sight, while I didn¡¯t have eyes, I didn¡¯t need them. Not when I could instinctively understand the world around me in a full 360-degree circle.
Skill Alertness: has increased to level 26.
Skill Magical Awareness: has increased to level 26.
Skill Analyze: has increased to level 14.
Intelligence has increased to 16.
So many notifications going off all at once. But they only served as distractions to my real goal at the moment. Like so many who came before me, I realized that I would likely need to waste my first kill on a monster far below my goal. My goal in this case was a level 70 zone boss. Logically I could just drop my dagger and instantly kill at least one of these creatures. Just being touched by the blade should be enough to kill at least one of the creatures. And with my level of Telekinesis, I could easily direct the blade to strike at least one monster, if not three. But I had a different plan in mind. I would lose my first kill to these creatures, but not with my dagger. At least not if I could help it. Mentally scanning the area, I finally found what I was looking for in the form of a perched boulder right overhead. Feeling above me, I realized that I had teleported into the perfect little nook of a ledge, as there was just enough of a cover overhead to avoid getting crushed, when I did something stupid. At least I hoped it wasn¡¯t too stupid, though I wouldn¡¯t be the first adventurer to die by their own folly. I might be the first seven-year-old to die by a Telekinetically self-induced crushing caused by a cave in. Taking a deep breath, I feel the boulder and then I Telekinetically push. Rumble. The boulder begins to rock a bit, which I wait. I let the boulder slide back, then once the boulder begins to slide forward again, I push the boulder. Then when it again doesn¡¯t fully drop, I let it roll back once more, then push. RUMBBBLLLLLEEE! The ground shakes, as I am nearly thrown from my feet. Fortunately, I manage to balance myself by throwing out my arms at the last second.
Skill Athletics: has increased to level 11.
I am looking at the first skill increase, when I got notifications. I got a lot of notifications.
You have slain level 54 Rock Lizard. Experience gained. Experience transferred to Skills used due to lack of class.
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster.
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own.
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (50). You managed to kill a monster 50 levels above your own.
Those were bragging badges. They did nothing, other than helping you gain honor and renown the first time you turned them in to join a guild, or to improve your status with a particular kingdom. You could of course turn in the same feats at different places, but they would only be worth half as much each additional time used. This was described as the first time you tell a story of your exploits it is amazing, then the second time it is still interesting, just not as much. Then finally by the third and fourth times telling the story, everyone is annoyed by it. Re-using badges does the same thing, thus spending them wisely the first time is very important. As for me, I intended to use these to enter the Mage Institute. 100 points was just enough for a full magical scholarship. With my Magic Tier VII, I was going to have the ability to be one hell of a mage. That is of course if I lived long enough to awaken my magic potential. My awakening my potential of course would happen when I reached 13 years old and was able to starve to death. The idea was that, magic should help me be able to earn a living. Of course I would still be poor for that first year, but that would be a small price to pay. I did intend to be a student, after all, and being a poor student was a rite of passage in any world. In all, I was happy with the 100 points from my first kill. Of course, if I had slain the level 70 boss monster first, I would have had 40 spare points for books and the like. But 100 was almost too much of a good deal to pass up, so I took it. Also, it wasn¡¯t like I couldn¡¯t still kill the level 70 boss monster, this just meant that I would forever be limited by those missing 20 points on my first kill badge.
You have slain level 51 Rock Lizard. Experience gained. Experience transferred to Skills used due to lack of class.
You have slain level 50 Sand Scorpion. Experience gained. Experience transferred to Skills used due to lack of class.
You have slain level 51 Sand Scorpion. Experience gained. Experience transferred to Skills used due to lack of class.
Skill Telekinesis: has increased to level 21.
¡­
Skill Telekinesis: has increased to level 40.
Attribute Intelligence has increased to 17.
Attribute Willpower has increased to 14.
Attribute Willpower has increased to 15.
Looking at my gains, I was surprised to say the least. That was a lot of increases. I doubled my Telekinesis skill rating, gaining three Attribute increases in the process. But that seemed like a small increase compared to the monsters I managed to kill. Maybe, I received less due to most being injured? Or less due to using a rock? Afterall, I didn¡¯t actually kill them with my Telekinesis directly, but rather indirectly. Still, it was a good run. RUMMMBLLLEEE. Better still the boulder was still rolling, causing the ground to shake and vibrate wildly. Of course, the boulder was well outside of my visual range of Angel¡¯s Sight. But I could still hear and feel the impact of the boulder rolling. I didn¡¯t know if any more monsters were caught up in the rolling boulder. There was also the question of whether I would get credit for kills made by the boulder now that it was well outside my zone of influence. That was what the visual radius was called, their zone of influence. It was noted that people who watched an bullet strike their target leveled far more quickly than people who fired, then ducked behind cover. I also didn¡¯t know if there was a sort of cap on the number of skill gains from one feat, was 20 the most I could gain from one feat? Or was doubling the most I could gain? I was in the middle of contemplating this, when I noticed the Rock Eaters get up in a spring like movement and begin to rumble angrily. I didn¡¯t need the notification, but I was warned of it anyways.
Level 53 Rock Eater has become enraged.
Level 51 Rock Eater has become enraged.
Level 55 Rock Eater has become enraged.
Skill Analyze: has increased to level 15.
And just like that, I realize this whole thing just went sideways. Ping. Mentally I scanned the area, looking for my next place to jump. There was one spot, on the inside of the mountain I was on. I could tell it was the start of a cave system of some sort. But the only problem was, it was at the edge of my Teleportation radius, but I needed to try something. I debated moving for only a second, before I realized the Rock Eaters could surprisingly climb rocks. Apparently they hadn¡¯t come after me at first, due to their wanting to kill the other lizards and scorpions that had invaded their nesting area. Now that the invaders were taken care of, they now felt free to come after me. I was just about to blindly jump, when I felt the world tremble. RRRROOOOOOOAAAAARRRR!!!
Legendary Monster Awoken. You have awoken a slumbering behemoth of legend and are now paralyzed by its mighty roar.
Stunned timer: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds¡­
Thirty minutes? Thirty freaking minutes? What the heck was this. I tried to take my first step but felt my body tense up in uncontrolled fear.
You are stunned and cannot move.
Grr, this was some bullshit. STOMP! So many things were happening all at once. The Rock Eaters that had been enraged a moment ago and trying to chase after me, suddenly decided they could build a new nest somewhere else. The giant monster was so far away that I could not even see them in my sphere of detection, but I could feel their ever present movements. Mentally I imagined their movements. Step, count to three¡­ STOMP! Rumble. The monster was so close that, I felt my body shaking and rattling with every step it took. Of course, I was stunned into a standing position, so all I could do was wait. ARRRAAGGHHHAAA! The monster was close, so close.
You are now paralyzed by the mighty roar of a Gardogazon.
Stunned timer: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds¡­
Oh, come on. This isn¡¯t even fair; I am being stun locked for thirty minutes? The last timer didn¡¯t even go down by more than a minute. Rumble. By now the monster was so close that I swore I could all but feel their warm breath coming at me, causing a warm breeze to cover me. All right, I will admit it. This time I did not need the assistance of the system, I was well and truly frightened by the beast. Especially when I saw its long alligator like snout come in and easily begin devouring the slain Rock Lizard, and Sand Scorpion corpses in quick single bites. With four quick swipes of its massive tongue, the monster devoured the corpses of the monsters below. Then it paused, as it raised its massive snout into the air. Sniff, sniff. I could all but feel the monster pulling the air off of me. In a second I knew it could taste my fear, that had to be particularly pungent at this time. I didn¡¯t know, I could barely breath thanks to this stun effect that was in place. Again, I tried to move, but nothing. Well almost nothing, I did get a message.
You are stunned and cannot move.
I could see the giant monster licking its lips. I couldn¡¯t see anything else of the giant beast, but its large mouth that all but filled my entire viewing radius was more than enough to let me know it not only found me, but also to let me know I was going to be its next meal. Not that I was much in comparison to the large meals it just had, more of an after dinner mint than anything, but still it licked its lips and began moving its snout closer. Then, I saw its long tongue begin to fly forward. At this moment, the world slowed down to a crawl. This was it; I was going to die. Another senseless death by a slumbering behemoth class monster of all things. I never even got a chance to use my¡­ At that thought, I realized that while my body was paralyzed with fear, my mind wasn¡¯t. I could feel and experience the world around me. Which was why, I used my recently increased Telekinesis skill and tried to do the impossible. Mentally grabbing the hilt of the First Kill dagger with a Telekinetic grip, I sent the blade hurdling forward towards the large tongue of the giant creature. Normally this wouldn¡¯t even be a thing. Normally, such a small blade against such an overpowered enemy would mean nothing. But I had been assured by the system that there were three charges to the blade, that it could kill any monster it came into contact with. If it didn¡¯t, well, nothing would really matter as I would be dead. Honestly I was surprised that I could even use Telekinesis, but it didn¡¯t have anything to do with my physical body.
New Skill Gained: Mental Resistance has risen to level 1.
Skill: Mental Resistance is a Willpower based skill.
Oh well the new skill explained how I was able to use my Trait, even while being physically stunned. I watched in muted horror as the long tongue came flicking forward, rippling wildly in the slow motion that my mind decided to display the world to me. I think the game did this on purpose, trying to do a slow frame motion picture of your death. This helped show the audience that the system didn¡¯t cheat you, and that the death was completely legitimate. Of course, somehow I seemed to be able to perceive the world normally, despite this apparent delay. I know Mickael made note about something similar with his exploits of Angel¡¯s Sight, saying the world slowed down around him during stressful moments. Still, I didn¡¯t know if he ever had a moment where he was staring down a behemoth, one of the legendary boss monsters of the world. Beings so powerful that they could only be slain by entire nations of players. How a behemoth was set sleeping in this Tier VII realm, I do not know. Plink. The blade caressed the tongue. For a moment it looked like there might be some resistance, as if my 40 points in the skill Telekinesis would be worth a darn. Yet, I was sadly mistaken, as the tongue met the blade, and then began pushing it back. Still, I was not going to be undone. I had but one means to defend myself at the moment, my blade. I could jump to an unknown location, but then I would be without my dagger. I didn¡¯t want to be without my dagger, as that was my lifeline. For at least the next hour and a half or so, that was my only source of feeling safe. Then I remembered another location, the spot where the boulder stood. Mentally focusing on that spot. Ping. I found the spot, then instantly Teleported myself to the spot where a large boulder had once stood. A boulder that was used to crush monsters, only to then somehow awaken a massive slumbering monster that existed in the woods. Poof. I teleported, while at the same time struggling to control the dagger. A dagger that while pressed against the tongue of the great beast, could not pierce its thick hide. Boom. The ground shook, as I felt the massive tongue impact the mountain wall below me. I tried to balance myself again, but once again was met with the message.
You are stunned and cannot move.
Then in a moment of fear and panic my small body fell forward. Oof. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t fall down the hill as my small frame was still easily able to fit its entirety where the massive boulder once sat. That was about the only good thing, as I received a terrible system message.
Your Legendary Item: First Kill dagger has been shattered.
At that, I could only curse my luck. A seven-point dagger, that I had upgraded to be more potent, one meant to kill any monster it pierced was now useless. To put it into perspective, for that price I could have had a legendary soul bound blade that leveled up with me. Of course I figured that having that type of weapon only made you a target, as most of the time people thought that if they killed you, they would gain your legendary blade. They would, but it would no longer level, which was why I went for the one day, one hit blunder weapon. I felt so small. So worthless at that one moment. Sure, I could call the first kill monsters I got to be great, but they were on my own skill. I didn¡¯t even get to use the dagger once, or so I thought. RAAHRRRAHHRRRAAAAGGAAAH! The monster shrieked a high pitch death-wail. As it screamed, I could see magical energies from the brightly glowing broken blade sticking into the monster¡¯s long tongue. It was a sight that only lasted for a second, but I saw it, right? Then almost as if answering my mental question, I received a system messages.
Skill Alertness: has increased to level 27.
Skill Magical Awareness: has increased to level 27.
Skill Analyze: has increased to level 16.
Then there was a staggering rumble, as the ground shook beneath the feet of something truly massive falling to the ground. THUD! There was a moment of silence as everything stood still for a second. Then I was hit by a flood of system messages.
You have slain Legendary Gardogazon. Experience gained. Experience transferred to Skills used due to lack of class.
GARDOGAZON TERROR OF THE SKIES HAS BEEN SLAIN! REJOICE!! AS A NEW HERO EMERGES TO THE WORLD!!
Skill Telekinesis: has increased to level 41
¡­
Skill Telekinesis: has increased to level 71.
Skill Teleportation (Personal): has increased to level 22.
¡­
Skill Teleportation (Personal: has increased to level 52.
Skill Multitasking: has increased to level 18.
¡­
Skill Multitasking: has increased to level 48.
Skill Dual Casting: has increased to level 18.
¡­
Skill Dual Casting: has increased to level 48.
Skill Mental Resistance: has increased to level 2.
¡­
Skill Mental Resistance: has increased to level 32.
Attribute Perception has risen to 16.
¡­
Attribute Perception has risen to 19.
Attribute Intelligence has risen to 18.
¡­
Attribute Intelligence has risen to 23.
Attribute Willpower has risen to 16.
¡­
Attribute Willpower has risen to 23.
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon.
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth Class monster that was 500 levels above your own.
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own.
I, wow. I just didn¡¯t know what to say from all of that. Not that I could actually say anything as I was still paralyzed in the prone position, lying on the ground.
You are stunned and cannot move.
Stunned timer: 29 Minutes, 23 Seconds¡­
Thirty-six seconds. That was how much time had passed from the time I was stunned a second time, to now. Of course, now that I was no longer facing the giant monster, time that had been moving at a crawl began to speed up to normal. This was fine, as this meant that I would be able to take a moment to think about what would happen next. So much happened all at once. I could now see deep into the cavern below me. That was of course where the real zone bosses existed, not this random behemoth that I had somehow awoken. While killing the monster took my legendary dagger, I was okay with its sacrifice. I was now well and truly ahead of the curve when it came to people my own age. My Unbound merit and Precocious merit coming in play greatly as I felt my mind burning from the increased flood of information that I was now able to gain. On the one hand I was glad I did not blindly teleport into the cavern below me, as that would have likely meant my death, even with the legendary op dagger at my disposal, I likely would have been roasted alive by the nest of monsters below. Particularly since there were four in the cave, all of whom seemed to be awake and ready for a fight. I don¡¯t know if they were always awake, or if they just awoke recently due to the screaming behemoth, but either way they were awake and scanning the area.
Level 75 Stone Dragon.
Level 78 Stone Dragon.
Level 79 Stone Dragon Patriarch.
Level 79 Stone Dragon Matriarch.
Yeah, the developers weren¡¯t just fudging the rules for this zone, they were all but breaking the rules. Monsters that close to level 80, come on. Still, I no longer had a need to mess with that nest of monsters, particularly with my dagger lying in broken sharded pieces. It died a valiant death, it will long be missed. I would make the sign of sacrifice, but I alas still cannot move. Idly I wonder how I can get down, when I am met with another system message.
Warning Zone Collapse immanent, GARDOGAZON terror of the skies has died. With his death so too have the powers that hold these great islands aloft in the air.
Zone will collapse in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1¡­
Chapter 3 The Sky Is Falling Chapter 3 The Sky Is Falling Sometimes you find yourself realizing that today is a terrible day. It started off so great; being chased by monsters, hours upon hours of exercises: deep knee bends, swinging about a dagger that could end me if it so much as touched my skin, thousands of squats, moving things with my mind for hours. Okay, that last one was pretty cool, not going to lie, magic in any world is amazing. Unfortunately my time here in Biprism is coming to an end. Why might you ask? Simple, I am finding myself hurtling at hundreds of miles an hour towards the ground, all thanks to my accidentally slaying the world boss of the skies or some such nonsense. Honestly, I just wanted to take my legendary dagger, slay a few level 70 monsters and be done, of course that didn¡¯t happen. First there were more level 70 monsters than I could have legitimately handled. Secondly, the random world boss awoke after I rolled a boulder down on some unsuspecting monsters. I then got to use said legendary dagger on the monster. Of course, I didn¡¯t do much to the creature, I mainly used Telekinesis to hold the dagger in place, while the monster used its ridiculous tongue to impale itself on the dagger. Honestly that was the only way such an event could have happened. Fortunately for me, I managed to Teleport away. I of course am still stunned for the next oh¡­ 29 minutes and change. Fortunately I believe stun only lasts until you take damage, meaning that once we crash and I break a few bones I will be fine to move about. Unfortunately I will break a few bones. At least I hope that breaking bones is the least that will happen. I mentally try to do all types of cheats. I try to teleport away, only to find that I am still falling just as fast as before. I can tell as the ground is the same distance away as when I entered. It is a whole spatial moving thing, kind of hard to explain. But my Personal Teleportation trait doesn¡¯t work. Nor does my attempt to pull a Chuck Norris and do a Telekinetic push up, one where I push the ground away. I find that even doing so just causes me to be further away from the falling sky island, though my mind is telling me that I am still falling at the same exact rate of descent. Maybe if I can time a push right when we impact the ground beneath us, I can try to push myself up, but the only problem is I can¡¯t see that far. My vision is still limited by the 360-degree zone of surveillance I have around me. But that means simple things like visual clues on where land masses are, if we are over an ocean, or hundreds of little things are all missing. I am here wobbling in place with my arms out wide. Logically I should offer some type of resistance, fall a little slower than a rock falling straight down, but apparently I can still reach terminal velocity relatively quickly. Almost as if on cue, I am given a new skill.
New Skill Gained: Free Falling has risen to level 1.
Free Falling is a Dexterity based skill.
Attribute Dexterity has increased to 8.
Oh nice, my falling in a forced superwoman pose is paying off. Hooray being stunned while falling to my death. After this, the Free Falling skill begins to climb rapidly at about a level per two seconds. Math tells me that this is somewhere around 58 meters a second once I reach terminal velocity
New Skill Gained: Applied Physics has risen to level 1.
Applied Physics is an Intelligence based skill.
Yeah, thanks system. Telling me that I know math, of course I do. I have a degree in it, well I did, back before I discarded my body for this newer digital version.
Skill Free Falling: has risen: 1-> 16.
Attribute Dexterity has increased to 9.
I am contemplating the prolonged benefits of Free Falling, when I am met with a system message somewhere near the 28-and-a-half-minute mark remaining on my stunned timer.
New Feat Recorded: Fly Before You can walk (50). You flew for over a mile before you took your first step.
You know, I am not certain that this counts as flying, but I¡¯ll take the badge. At the very least it is verification of a good story to tell someone if I survive this. Sploink! There is a giant sloshing sound, and once again my mind slows down the world around me. I find myself falling closer to the ground, which then forces me to reach out with my Telekinesis and try to push myself away. I am only partially successful in this, as I push myself back by a few feet slowing myself from terminal velocity, to a speed that will only mostly kill me. Worse I am now slightly slanted with my left arm high and my right arm down. CRUNCH! Thud! BLINDINGLY BRIGHT LIGHTS! I am stunned as a blurring light of pain fills my mind for a second, before I crash.
You are critically injured.
Your right arm is crippled.
You have punctured your right lung.
Your right leg is broken.
You are suffering from internal bleeding.
Regeneration is taking effect due to being out of combat.
Pain, unbelievable pain. It hurst just to breath. Fortunately I am no longer held under the pangs of being frozen in place, thanks to falling and taking a lot of damage. But unfortunately, I am stuck here fighting for each breath. Again I don¡¯t have all the fancy heads up displays going that list my life and vitals in the terms of numbers. All I know is that I am bleeding, and it is extremely painful. Fortunately, I had the wherewithal to buy Regeneration, as I knew this was going to be a long shot. Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t have anything else I could do, other than focus on breathing.
Skill Second Wind: Has increased to level 8.
Endurance has increased to 9.
Well, there was my silver lining, my Attributes were now one step closer to becoming that of an average player. At least physically speaking. I was now just one point away for the normal child max for Dexterity and Endurance. Splash! There is the sound of water washing over the ground. I feel a splash of salty flavored pain wash over my face and soak into the bones that are exposed out of my skin. This is pain. Somehow, I manage to stay awake during it all. I know that healing tends to go at half its rate while sleeping. Normally this is enough to go over most major aches and pains, but when you are fighting for your life, you need to stay conscious. In my sphere of vision, I see tons of creatures getting washed out to shore, whole even more oceanic creatures are being pulled up on the banks of our island. Somehow, I am able to see that I am still on top of the cave that housed the four level 70+ dragons, but they are all doing as poor if not worse than me. The reason for their condition is simple, they clearly have stalagmites protruding from their chests. In a moment of clarity, I am able to recreate the crime scene that happened to them. They were in the cave, then once the island began falling, rather than floating in the air like me at first, they found themselves pinned to the ceiling. Only to be slammed back to the ground, when we crashed. Additionally giant stalagmites fell from the ceiling and struck down at the injured creatures.
Skill Alertness: has increased to level 28.
Skill Magical Awareness: has increased to level 28.
Seeing them in this state, I can¡¯t help but feel this is a perfect time to strike. Unfortunately, I am only now just able to breath without too much discomfort. It seems my Regeneration is focusing on my internal bleeding first, at least that is what I gather from the oddly intense cooling sensation that is going on within my body. Unless of course I am just bleeding to death, which could also explain the same cold feeling. Still, I focus on the world around me. I can still use my mind, even while my body can do little more than convulse and shiver in pain.
Skill Mental Resistance: has increased to level 33.
In a way, I should be impressed by these rapid skill gains, but I have read multiple accounts that there does seem to be a skill bonus multiplier to people in this state. People that use these last few minutes of life to kill off enemies. With that bonus in mind, I decide to give it a test. Normally I would never try such a feat, but I figure I¡¯ve already challenged death once today. Also, these creatures were my original goal for this starting location. Focusing on the few remaining large stalagmites, I Telekinetically wiggle the piece free, and guide it to one of the prone monsters. Tremor. The ground shakes slightly, even form my distance away as I feel the sharp pointed weapon slice into and through the heavily injured creature.
You have slain Level 79 Stone Dragon Patriarch. Experience gained. Experience transferred to Skills used due to lack of class.
At that, I nod to myself glad that my idea worked. Of course, no sooner do I get the notice and notification, than I am met with another message.
Level 79 Stone Dragon Matriarch has become enraged.
Tremble. The monster who had been down on the ground a moment ago was now rising to her feet. Seeing this, I of course begin Telekinetically grabbing the next pillar and pull it down. Wham! Nothing. The stalagmite is clearly impaled into the side of the great beast, but nothing. ¡°Fuck.¡± I say, as I grab another spike and another spike, each impales the Matriarch to differing degrees. But they don¡¯t do much if anything. ¡°SKRAA.¡± The Matriarch calls out. Instantly I feel a surge of energy coat the other two downed monsters. Then with horror I see them both beginning to heal and rise from their injured states as well. ¡°Gah!¡± I let out an annoyed sigh, fortunately I don¡¯t believe they know where I am exactly. Especially as I am outside the cave and still able to attack them. Again, I designed myself to be unstoppable, once I got going. Also, I couldn¡¯t let this opportunity pass me by. They were all injured, with a clear weapon nearby. Once again, I found myself wishing that I had my dagger still. Its three charges, well technically two after one was used on the Gardogazon, would be more than enough to ensure my safety. Still, I had to at least take care of the two remaining monsters. Quickly while the two regular guards are getting to their feet, I focus on the stalagmites and yank them down with ruthless force and efficiency. At this point I barely do more than pull and direct in a general direction. Splat.
You have slain level 75 Stone Dragon. Experience gained. Experience transferred to Skills used due to lack of class.
Of course, the first one to fall was the weakest of the remaining guards, but that is fine. One step closer to surviving this whole thing. Also with each kill, I feel my power to use Telekinesis improving. I know I already have the bonuses for killing the Stone Dragon Patriarch flowing through me. I just need to stop and see what the final gains are. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Still with this new death, I feel even more strength fill my mental commands as I begin focusing on taking down the second guard. Wham, wham, splat. The third monster drops to the ground as a miraculous shot pierces its neck.
You have slain Level 78 Stone Dragon. Experience gained. Experience transferred to Skills used due to lack of class.
Breathing. I can feel my breaths becoming easier to take. I pause at this, trying to figure out why. Only to realize that my skill Second Wind is also apparently increasing with each kill. I take half a second to puzzle this out, when I realize the prompt lets me know what happened, then I see the last description. Experience transferred to Skills used. That has to be it, why I can breathe easier, as I know my Second Wind skill has been in near constant use at this time. I try to hurl more and more javelin type stalagmites at the Matriarch, but she either brushes them aside like they are nothing, or completely ignores them, even when they end up impaling her. Finally, realizing that whatever is attacking her is not there, she sniffs, then I can almost feel her look up at me through the rocks. I can feel its gaze settle on my location for a moment, then I can only look on in fear as it leaves the cavern that all of the dragons had been resting in, back before the island we were on fell from the sky. However, with the Matriarch leaving, I am greeted by a flurry of system messages.
Skill Second Wind: has increased: 8 -> 29.
Skill Multitasking: has increased: 48 -> 69.
Skill Telekinesis: has increased: 71 -> 92.
Attribute Endurance has increased: 9 -> 11.
Attribute Intelligence has increased: 23 -> 25.
Attribute Willpower has increased: 23 -> 26.
Three skills were what I was credited with using, while killing all three monsters. I guess I lucked into Multitasking as I was doing a really good job of trying not to die. At least, I thought I was doing a great job of trying not to die, that is of course before I enraged the Matriarch. Rumble, rumble. The ground began to shake all around me as I knew the Matriarch was coming towards me. Well she was coming in my direction and given that I was directly overlooking a cliff, I doubted this was a random place where she wanted to crow in lament about the loss of her loved one. No, she had used some type of magical tracking power, likely smell based, if the way she was acting before she left was any indication. Being faced with the giant monster barreling down on me, I could do one of two things. I could either try to outrun the creature. Which in this case would mean my using Personal Teleportation to get away as quickly as possible, or I could do something incredibly stupid. The only problem with problem one was I didn¡¯t know where I could go. I didn¡¯t even know how far out to sea we were, were we in the middle of the ocean? I tasted salt water, which should imply the ocean of some kind. But which ocean? There were many sets of flying islands around the world. Ping. With that ping, I once again saw the inside of the dragon Matriarch¡¯s chamber, then teleported. Poof.
Skill Teleportation (Personal): has increased to level 53.
I found myself inside the dank and musty cavern. Fortunately, there was air here, even if it was stale and smelled like old dragon farts, which is to say it smells of sulfur and waste. Rumble, rumble. The mighty dragon came back, sniffed once. Then shook its head in disappointment. I could tell the monster was on its last legs, as blood was still pouring out from its wounds, but somehow the monster still kept moving in stubborn determination. Idly I wondered how high its Second Wind skill was to be able to take so many wounds and still move about freely. Tremor, thump, thud. The dragon made a quick twirl around the corpse of is life partner, the previously slain patriarch, then cuddled up to its corpse. I was a monster. I randomly killed this dragon¡¯s mate. I¡­ I trailed off as I noticed the glowing red mist that surrounded the Matriarch slowly fade away.
Level 79 Stone Dragon Matriarch is no longer enraged.
Level 79 Stone Dragon Matriarch has passed away from her wounds.
You have slain Level 79 Stone Dragon Matriarch. Experience gained. Experience transferred to skills used due to lack of class.
You have slain a nest of Stone Dragons, forever reducing the danger level posed by this zone. Danger rating dropped from 7 to 6.
Skill Alertness: has increased: 28 -> 40.
Skill Magical Awareness: has increased: 28 -> 40.
Skill Teleportation (Personal): has increased: 53 -> 65
Skill Second Wind: has increased: 29 -> 41.
Attribute Endurance has increased to 12.
Attribute Intelligence has increased to 27.
Attribute Willpower has increased to 27.
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level.
Seeing the message, I realized that a lot of this was extreme luck. While I had planned on almost this exact scenario, I felt my execution was more than a little lacking. Collapsing to my good side, I took in deep breaths and continued focusing on letting my body get healed. Startle. I jerked awake, which for a blind person with Angel¡¯s Sight is quite the feat. One second complete darkness, then the next I have a full glowing 360 degree view of the world around me. During the interim two things did not happen. First, the four monsters did not come back to life. Second, and probably most important, no other monsters made their way into this den to take over as the new Tier six bosses of this region. I knew it was likely only a matter of time before something happened, but figured this would be it for a while. Moving, I was relieved to find that my Regeneration seemed to have taken care of the damage my body suffered from the fall. Realizing everything I had gone through to get to this point, I made a mental note that I was done after this. Ruthless killing, even of monsters was not something I particularly enjoyed. Even now I could see the two corpses of the patriarch and matriarch snuggled together in death.
Skill Alertness: has increased to level 41.
Skill Magical Awareness: has increased to level 41.
Yeah, just what I needed, further proof of my misdeeds. I know it is stupid, but something called to me about the dragons and their death. I could only imagine having a bond that deep. Only when Jelly, my beloved beagle died did I feel that way. Curling up next to them as they passed away. Not when my husband left me for someone better, not when my own parents finally succumbed to their own follies in this game. I use my Teleportation Personal Trait to teleport right next to the two dragons. Touching the dragons, I can¡¯t help but feel a deep connection to the creatures. Tingle. I felt a slight tingling sensation at the touch. Quickly that tingling sensation turned to burning, as I felt like my hand had randomly caught fire. ¡°Fuck.¡± I said, pulling my hand away and shaking it vigorously. Of course my voice sounds more like a squeak given my age and the fact that I haven¡¯t done all that much talking to this point. But that was besides the point, that touch felt evil, like pure malevolence. I look at the dragon¡¯s spirit and can almost swear that it is there glaring at me angrily. Seeing the spirit, or something similar to it, I decide to avoid the two corpses for now. This game world is not like most, in that you have to look and work for everything. Want to loot dragon meat from these dragons? Great, carve them up. Want to find a horde of dragon treasure, great start looking. That last thing, the looking for treasure, that was exactly what I intended to do. This was a secret lair of monsters. Something valuable just had to be here. Looking around with my senses made this task both easy and extremely difficult. Finding the secret wall safe where the dragons apparently kept their treasures was easy. Ping. One quick sonar ping showed me what was inside the walls. It even showed me locations where I could teleport in. However, I also saw glowing red dots all around. I wasn¡¯t quite certain what those dots were exactly, until I got close to one that was on my side of the wall and then was finally met with a new skill.
New Skill Gained: Skill Trap Detection: has risen to level 1.
Trap Detection is a Perception and Intelligence based skill.
Okay, so now I am getting thieve class skills. This isn¡¯t bad on its own, as my Angel¡¯s Sight, all but helps me identify each and every one of them. Seeing the traps, I then begin using my Analyze skill to observe them all.
Pressure Plate Trap: Disarm chance (Medium).
Looking at the trap, I realize that by focusing my full attention inside the trap, I can see the inner clockwork workings of the trap. With this identification, I come to a conclusion, this chamber was not a natural cave that the dragons just stumbled upon. Rather, it looked to be parts of some old ruins run by tinkerers. Looking at the trap, it becomes readily apparent how to disarm it. Most pressure plate traps deal with the idea of connecting a wire, or by setting off a lever system that activates a pully system that releases different components. In this trap¡¯s case, the component is a reverse sand trap. Or maybe a money trap should be more accurate. By activating this plate, I would release a lever that would drop the treasure of this place down a shaft that likely was supposed to be gone forever. In my case, now, it would just be at the bottom of the body of water we are in. Still likely gone forever for me, but not as dark of a tale as it could be. Focusing on the cord that the plate is tied to, I mentally grab the cord with my Telekinesis and snap it. The minute I do, I get a new system message.
New Skill Gained: Skill Disarm Trap: has risen to level 1.
Disarm Trap is a Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence based skill.
That was it, I disarmed my first trap, and somehow I felt that this was a better use of my skills. Well maybe not skills yet, but this was definitely a better use of my time. Going into dungeons, scouting ahead for monsters, then disarming traps. That was the stuff legends were made of. I realized that by being in a dungeon meant that I would likely have to kill monsters at one time or another, but I felt that could be avoided for a while, especially if I grouped up with a team. Of course, joining a team would likely also cause problems. As a child I would likely be expected to go to one of the major cities of the world, each race had at least one. Speaking of which, I never checked my personal page.
Name: (Cassie Cruise) ¨C------
Age (flaw): 7
Race (flaw): Shade Touched Dark Elf
Seeing the race, I could only nod to myself. Also, the name in brackets was my real name. I could either keep it or discard it once I first introduce myself. No what has me concerned is the Shade Touched portion of Dark Elf. I of course didn¡¯t pay any attention to it, as I figured it could be any race of people on the planet given my starting location would be a terrible zone. But given that I was a Shade Touched dark elf, meant I was double, no make that triple screwed. The Shade touched aspect would explain my dead eyes to people, along with my unusually high rating of Angel¡¯s Sight. The only problem, Dark Elves live underground in the Underdark realm. Also, they pray to the goddess to have their children touched by the Shade. If I was within the Underdark I would likely be seen as a prophet, the only problem is getting to such a location. Logically I knew where most of the main entrances to the Underdark were, but there was only one problem. I didn¡¯t know where I was currently. Nor did I particularly want to be forced into being a Dark Elf. They will betray you, that much is for certain. Actually now that I think about it, all races will betray you if given enough motivation, it is just that most races let you become something first, before betraying you. To Dark Elves, surviving a betrayal is a rite of passage. Not many players willingly choose to be Dark Elves for that very reason. And those that start out as Dark Elves often find their lives cut far shorter than they would have liked. Still, all of that was a secondary concern. My first concern right now was getting this loot, most of which I know would somehow get out of my clutches. As such, I needed to choose the best gear that would come to under 100 gold coins, thanks to my other flaw Broke. Focusing on the different types of traps, I worked my way around, disarming each and every different type of trap. Each trap was both unique and relatively simple to solve, especially as I was granted a full 360 degree view of the inner workings of said trap, including possible dummy switches. Even the (Hard) and (Extremely Hard) to disarm traps were nothing with my skills. Better still, my flaw Broke, seemed to have a cursing aspect to it, one that caused traps to repair themselves that much faster. This was fine, as I used this moment for what it was, a training exercise. Focusing on identifying the traps when they randomly reset, and working through them again over and over was the way I spent most of the next few hours. Until finally I met my goals:
Skill Alertness: has increased to level 42.
Skill Magical Awareness: has increased to level 42.
Skill Telekinesis: has increased to level 93.
Skill Analyze: has increased to level 17.
Skill Trap Detection: has increased: 1 -> 5.
Skill Disarm Trap: has increased: 1 -> 10.
Attribute Dexterity has increased to 10.
With Dexterity now at 10 points I was officially at the starting number for my Physical Attributes for a twelve-year-old child. Well everything but my Strength was at 10 points, meaning I still had to work on that, but I had plans for that. For now I just needed to pop into the vault, grab a few of the magic items that have been going off to my senses and then get out. Poof. Click. The second I teleport behind the wall, there was no door, or latch, I checked. The moment I Teleport back there, I find something that sets my skin crawling, another trap. Of course, I only recognize the trap after I set it off.
Skill Trap Detection has increased to level 6.
Clink, clink, clink, clink. Coins upon coins can be heard sliding out of the slot and getting dropped below. Moving quickly, I grab for something magical that looks to be a giant cloak of some kind. Then with Telekinesis, I grab a giant oversized shirt of some kind. I am falling with the treasure. I assume this would normally be a problem, as it would mean plummeting to my death. As for now it is only a mild inconvenience. At least that is what I thought, until I realize some type of large swimming monsters are coming to inspect what is being dropped from this treasure vault. A vault that was hidden even from greedy dragons. At least I assume they were greedy, as I have seen that most dragons gain sentience they always go for the hoarding of gold. Getting distracted, I quickly grab hold of he cloak and shirt. Idly I look to find a glowing dagger or something, but I only end up finding a few gold coins. Seeing the coins that are about as big as my fist, and no coin purse to hold them in, I realize this is likely a futile gesture. Mentally taking one last 360 scan of the area, I am about to leave when something shiny catches my eye. It¡¯s a book. Not just any book, but a glowing book, meaning it was magical in some way. Skill books I am told often are magical or appear magical. So too are texts related to bestowing traits, though I have never actually seen any video of people actually receiving Traits through tomes. Still, a book. I am automatically reaching out with my Telekinesis, as my cloak and my shirt are draped over my right arm. This is a book. I don¡¯t even know if I can read yet, but I know I need that book. Splash. Money of all kind is dropping down below me. I am performing my best Scrooge McDuck impression and trying to swim against the current of coins. All while pulling the glowing book closer to me. Drip. My feet are wet, and just like on the ground I apparently smell really delectable to the creatures in the water, as they all seem to be coming near me. Still, I am reaching out for the book, when. Rumble. Something large bumps into the island from underneath. All I see is red off to the south, as something massive comes up to the island. I really hope it is not another behemoth type monster, I really really hope it is not. Tingle. The book begins to tingle the second it makes contact with my skin and that is enough for me to realize I have positive control over the book and jump. Personal Teleportation. I can feel a strain on my use as something is attempting to lock me down, something is trying to keep me from using my Trait, but they can¡¯t stop me. Bump. The entire island shakes, as I feel cracks and fissures beginning to form in the island. ¡°Seriously? Is it because this is too much?¡± I belatedly ask myself. Then thinking about the clothes versus the book, I look first to my left arm the arm now containing the clothes. Then to the right, the one containing the book that all but glows at my touch. Bump, creak. With a sigh, I drop my left arm, put both hands around the book then teleport out of the cavern. Below me I can feel the ground breaking apart as the garments I had chosen float on the surface of the water that is now flooding into the chamber. Then I watch as a giant fish comes up and devours the garments whole. Sigh. ¡°My clothes.¡± I say sadly, as I watch the now glowing fish swim away. At this point I wonder if maybe Broke was one too many flaws? Sighing defeatedly, I collapse back and wait for the rest of the island to get shattered apart and sink into the ocean. Fortunately it manages to stay mostly together, even with a giant hole in the center. Well that is it, I gave up everything for a book. Granted the book clearly seemed like it was trying to call out to me, but it is still just a book nonetheless. ¡°Can I read you?¡± I ask it, as I place my fingers on the pages and feel the all too enchanting feeling of power within the pages. I sadly could not read the book, but fortunately, I didn¡¯t have to as I was met with a system message upon opening the book.
Magic Book Found: A Much Needed Skill Book: This Book grants the bearer one Skill Up to Level 20 of the reader¡¯s request.
¡°What?¡± I said sitting up in shock at the book. This was the holy grail of skill books, the make a wish of online gaming. With this skill book I could create, duplicate, or assimilate any skill I could imagine. Seeing the book, I realized a few things. First I could not read any words or writing on any of the pages. I idly wondered if there was writing on the book, so opening a few pages, I pressed my fingers against the pages, until I found the tell tale signs of quill indentations. Someone had written in this book. At the very least I wondered who had written such a marvel, likely someone lost to time at this point, but someone that should be known all the same. Realizing I had one chance to do this right, I wished for a skill that I knew I would desperately need in my future. The only problem, is what skill would I be incapable of living without? Then it hit me¡­ Chapter 4 The Start Of My Future Chapter 4 The Start Of My Future The magical book was one of legends, and had it not been for the fact that I had to survive both a level 500+ Behemoth, falling and crashing into a plummeting island, then to barely survive, only to have to kill off a hive of upper end level 70 dragons, I would have thought this was out of my league. But despite everything, this one item was worth it, my reward for surviving so much strife.
Magic Book Found: A Much Needed Skill Book: This Book grants the bearer one Skill Up to Level 20 of the reader¡¯s request.
Normally for a level 0 character this would be too much, especially as it gave you a skill at the maximum for my level. Well the normal maximum, I made sure I was not bound by such constraints when I designed my virtual form in this world. Still this Skill Book could allow me to do many different things. Not only could I create a new skill, but then I could assign which attributes related to this skill, even if those attributes had little, if anything to do with the said skill in question. Meaning if I wanted to make this a sleeping skill that made me get stronger, prettier, and more personable, I could. In fact, many people have made skills just like that. Skills that worked while breathing to recycle mana faster as a second form of mana regeneration. A regeneration skill that while constantly improving mana regeneration, could also be used to increase any combination of Strength, Social, or Mental Attributes. Of course, there was a limit to what such a book could offer. In this case 10 was the magic number for this skill book. This was the number of benefits I could derive from this skill book. Did I want to improve all nine attributes at once, fine, but the skill would be limited. Likewise, I could improve the versatility of the skill, but at a cost of how many attributes the skill could affect. Ultimately, I want to go for a three and seven method. Three parts that the skill improved and seven attributes that were improved by the skill. Of course, it should be pointed out that this is just a Skill, this is something you do. It is not a power, it is not a Trait, but it can be something like Cleaning. The more you clean the more your attributes increase, that sort of thing. In my case, just holding the book I realized a very important flaw that comes from my Angel¡¯s Sight, one that should at first seem obvious, but I surprisingly overlooked. I can¡¯t read. Holding this book, I can feel the ink and the indentation made by the writer of this book, but I cannot see the actual words used to write this book. As such, I realize almost instantly that this skill will have to be a way to let me read. The four words I use for the skill are Blind Eidetic Speed Reading. There is a bit of a process where I force my will onto the book. When a mental prompt comes in for how I want the skill to be activated I focus on the book within my hands then imagine my Angel¡¯s Sight being able to read the lines of text from any angle, regardless of how or where the page is being held. I even go so far as to place the book down and read the book face up. Immediately I feel the system trying to fight against such a claim, or at least make it so I must hold the book, but finally after enough bartering we settle on a four to six split. Due to Eidetic Memory and Speed being defined in the title, I am forced to use the following four Attributes: Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Apparently Dexterity is used to interpret the Speed portion of the skill, while Perception is related to the reading, while Intelligence and Willpower are related to the Eidetic memory portion. As for the final two Attribute slots, I at first try to go with Personality and Sociability, my two attributes that need the most work. Well technically all of my Social attributes need work, but if I can improve my social skills while reading, that is just a bonus. With that, my most over powered skill is put in place, and I can instantly first click into place in my mind. Then more importantly, I can feel the skill getting forcefully pushed to Level 20, meaning all my related attributes also get pushed up by 20 points. This might not seem like much, but for my anemic Social attributes, that is enough to push me all the way up to 6.
New Skill Gained: Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique) has increased to level 1.
Skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique) is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique): has increased: 1-> 20.
Attribute Dexterity has increased: 10 -> 12.
Attribute Personality has increased: 2 -> 7.
Attribute Sociability has increased: 1 -> 6.
Attribute Perception has increased to 23.
Attribute Intelligence has increased to 28.
Attribute Willpower has increased to 28.
That was everything. All six Attributes increased thanks to my new skill and its twenty skill levels. Even now I imagine myself as one of the most covert seven-year-old spies ever. In the real world I could imagine myself going into a crowded office space with hundreds of people at terminals with different sticky notes written everywhere and my being able to read them all while quickly going through. Of course, there is an obvious limitation to the skill that I am seeing already. First, I can only see text that is exposed to the air. So, the cover of the book that is now open are blind to me as they seem to be blending into the floor. Also I can only read the two pages from the broken skill tome that I have the book opened to. Still, the skill works as I can read the text. Trial number 87. Using magically infused unicorn blood to create a master level skill is no use, as the unicorn must apparently be a willing participant. Now how do they expect me to get a unicorn to submit a gallon of their blood willingly? I have already tried methods like threatening genocide of their entire herd, but no, the little buggars are persistent if nothing else. And with that cheerful though, I realize the person who created this skill book is a monster. Arguably a very intelligent monster, but one I don¡¯t wish to emulate during my time here in the slightest. I am going to say that this book goes to the category of it is better to not have known, and to use the skill book freely, than to have willingly participated in this random experimentation. I do read through the rest of the book, at least I try to, only to find myself more and more repulsed by what I find this monster went to.
New Skill Possible: Blasphemous Alchemy has risen to level 1.
Blasphemous Alchemy is an Intelligence and Willpower skill. Negative Sociability will be applied if you continue using this skill? Do you wish to continue?
And on that cheerful note, I stopped reading. But not before my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique) skill increases another level.
Skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique): has increased to level 21.
¡°No.¡± I said to the prompt asking me if I wanted the skill, and mentally wondered how many skills were like that, ones that offered negative skill increases? I assume there are quite a few, but I am not certain. With the book all but useless, and no longer glowing to my sight, I discard it. I could logically sell the book for quite a bit, but honestly, I don¡¯t want to be caught touching such a vile book. There are many orders of people here that would cut me down for just having such a book, let alone for also being a Shade Touched in possession of such a book. Then a thought hit me, was I set up with that book? I mean clearly, I had to be, right? A book that happened to glow to my senses, one that I would be tempted to keep and try to sell due to what it gave me. Had I not gained a reading skill, one that would work for me, despite my blindness, I would have been the ultimate bastion of monstrous intentions to any would be paladin. Just as I am contemplating this, turn of events, I hear people talking off in the distance. ¡°Land ho.¡± A young sounding male states excitedly in the common tongue. Fortunately for me everyone starts off with knowledge of the Common tongue. As a Regressor I also made sure to learn the languages of most of the other races, to include a basic understanding of Elven, High Elven, Gnomish, Dwarven, and Orcish. Having grown up watching the world for years, you get used to following certain characters and their exploits. You can opt to watch the channel of a particular person, or just choose to watch a show that details the highlights of what happens in a region, or a particular empire. Anything was possible to watch, and for a standard subscription fee you could have unlimited access. During the good years I had unlimited access, as times got a little tougher, I slowly cut away different channels until I mainly saw exploits of the empire. They were the one with the most magical schools, and therefore the ones I was most interested in. ¡°Shut it. Clearly, we can see there is land. Why must you do that every time.¡± Another male who seems to be of the same age also states. ¡°But it is the pirate code, you know.¡± The first person responds ¡°We aren¡¯t pirates, we are royal naval members of an expeditionary team sent to investigate the recently fallen islands.¡± Well there goes my question for why people got here so quickly. Logically people would have come to investigate the randomly falling islands. Thinking quickly, I ping the area. Below me of course is the now open expanse of water below me. A quick scan of the area shows that there are no fish or anything nearby, but I decided to be careful anyways and aim for a random pocket of air, and Teleport. Poof. I am gone with the book. Then dropping it in the random hole, I Teleport back to where I was a moment ago and wait. Poof. I half expect the people coming to be on naval vessels, to me that would make the most sense as we are out on the sea. Which is why I am surprised when I feel the hiss and whoosh of a steam ship flying overhead. They come overhead and then I can feel them land off just past the edge of my perception range. I know for a fact that my Angel¡¯s Sight measures its distance in meters. While there is no hard and fast rule, what Mickael found. The range is hard to state accurately, but roughly ten times your Perception stat in meters plus your Alertness score. Which in my case should be somewhere around 272 meters, 230 thanks to my 23 in Perception and 42 from my Alertness skill. I am trying to see what the best course of action would be. I clearly want to get on the vessel, but I don¡¯t want to be seen as an attacker. Right now, I am at the top of a mountain that overlooks the entire island, at least I think it would overlook the entire island. I choose to stay here as I might get caught up in what would clearly be a clearing expedition. Then right as I have this thought, my understanding of naval policies are proven correct. Boom. The sound of small arms fire, and cannons erupting echo throughout the island. Even off in the distance I can hear the sounds of cannons blasting. Apparently, this is but one of many airships that were sent to explore the island. Well not just this island, but multiple islands as apparently mine was not the only island that fell from the sky. Apparently, the messages weren¡¯t lying when they said the zone. I stay still, not wanting to get seen as a moving target and get caught up in inadvertent fire. ¡°Whoa, look at that, a level zero NPC.¡± The first spotter said. From his voice I would almost swear he was a stoner, or someone who tried to fit that entire persona. I¡¯m not certain, maybe being old has changed my perception of people who seem to be ¡®fun loving.¡¯ ¡°No, she can¡¯t be¡­¡± The second voice trailed off. ¡°You just got it too?¡± ¡°The escort a regressor quest?¡± ¡°See told you.¡± The first spotter said, then moving forward I could see the moment when he entered my range of vision. ¡°Ahoy up there. You new here?¡± I mentally face palm. Of all the people to be given a regressor quest. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Seeing as they both spoke about quests; I can assume that they are regressors like me. Once you are old enough to get a class is the day you are old enough to start getting quests. Quests can be anything from kill the behemoth, to escort a fellow regressor. Of course, the quest they receive for me is not called Escort a fellow Regressor, that would break the immersion. So instead, they get a system message telling them, Bring random person X to somewhere. Over time these quests were referred to as Regressor quests on the outside, that when people finally transferred over they passed on the jargon. We weren¡¯t officially regressors, the system seemed to ignore the word, which was great as it helped fellow players identify each other. If my parents were still alive in here, I would definitely want to meet them using this method. I stand up and wave. ¡°You a regressor?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°How the heck did you end up, up there?¡± ¡°I ran away from a few monsters.¡± I answer truthfully. ¡°Right, right, well can you get down?¡± I look around. I don¡¯t want to use my Trait to get down, but I think I can see a path that I might be able to get down. ¡°Yeah, there is a path around the back.¡± I say and point off in the distance. ¡°Okay, we will meet you there.¡± With that, I begin making my way down what appears to be the most logical path down the hill. Still, I have a hard time moving, as my small legs must work twice as hard to hit different foot holds that I know are there.
New Skill Gained: Climbing has increased to level 1.
Climbing is a Strength and Endurance based skill.
By the time I am halfway down the wall I can tell that the two scouts are already there, waiting. ¡°You two part of an advanced scout team?¡± I ask, without ever turning in their direction. ¡°Wha?¡± The first scout says, a note of confusion evident in his voice. ¡°You have some an enhanced perception skill already?¡± The second scout asked. Apparently, he was speaking about my ability to notice them, while not even turning around. ¡°Something like that.¡± I admit. ¡°What are you doing all the way out here?¡± ¡°Bad starting location.¡± I admit. ¡°What? Were you on the floating island before or after it fell?¡± The first speaker joins in.
Skill Climbing: has increased to level 2.
¡°Before.¡± ¡°Did you see what killed the legendary Behemoth?¡± The stoner guy asked. ¡°I believe we are looking at the killer, unless random level 0s have 1,650 Badge points waiting to be spent.¡± The second speaker notes. ¡°Analyze?¡± I ask. ¡°True Viewing.¡± The second person corrects. To me and my Analyze skill all I see are the same markers.
Elven ???
Human ???
Apparently my Analyze skill is not high enough to read anything about these two. Given that they are already here and found me relatively easily would also imply that they are high level scouts. I nod to myself as I place my foot on solid ground and am met with my last message.
Skill Climbing: has increased to 3.
Attribute Strength has increased to 7.
At that I do a quick jump for joy. ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Attribute increase.¡± I admit, as I turn around. Not that I need to lie, as I know the guy with True Viewing, the human will just correct me if I say anything contrary. ¡°So I have to ask. Did you choose to be a Dark Elf?¡± The human with True Viewing asks. I shake my head. ¡°No, I chose second class citizen and this is what it gave me.¡± ¡°You got Shade Touched from a rando? I know people that spent a ton of Starting Points for a chance at that.¡± The elven stoner said. ¡°Yeah, but I take it they started in the Underdark too?¡± ¡°Well yeah, but still. Shade Touched and a dark elf. That means you should get a 5% bonus to Spirit and Dark Magic classes.¡± He states. ¡°Yeah I guess. Though of course my sheet doesn¡¯t say that yet.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t, not until you are old enough to unlock your magical aptitudes. Any idea on where that will be?¡± The human asks. I pause, as I turn to face the human speaker. At my sight the two visibly flinch. ¡°Your eyes?¡± ¡°She¡¯s got Angel¡¯s Sight, honestly I thought that trend died out after Mickael went into seclusion.¡± The Human said. ¡°I did purchase Tier Seven affinity.¡± I admit. ¡°Tier Seven?¡± The Elf repeats. I nod. ¡°Wow, so what happened?¡± The elf asks. ¡°Don¡¯t answer that, you might waste one of your badges on this numbskull. No, lets see if we can puzzle this out.¡± The human says. ¡°You have Analytics?¡± ¡°Close, Investigation.¡± I nod. Both were fairly common skills that could help people gain insights into the past, and both would be useful in leveling up different Attributes, something that needed to happen organically as an adventurer leveled. ¡°So you are here, you have the badges that denote why the Behemoth was killed¡­¡± He trailed off deep in thought, but then seemed to come to a conclusion. ¡°Let me guess you went for the legendary start?¡± I nod. ¡°The what?¡± The elven guy asked. ¡°A Legendary Start, one of those one and done type scenarios. You know go all in, sell off everything, take a bunch of bad flaws that give you just enough of an edge to be reckless. I¡¯m guessing she had a legendary weapon of some kind.¡± ¡°Had?¡± ¡°Well you don¡¯t see it on her now, do you?¡± ¡°Oh right.¡± Just listening to the man talk, I gained my own skill.
New Skill Gained: Deductive Reasoning has increased to level 1.
Deductive Reasoning is a Perception and Intelligence based skill.
The man paused as he looked at me. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s scarier, the fact that people are still trying that stupid approach, or the fact that it actually seemed to work.¡± The man said. ¡°How did you survive?¡± The elf asks. ¡°Dumb luck.¡± I admit. ¡°Dumb is right, but hey, it is your life. Did you take any other flaws we should be aware of?¡± ¡°Broke.¡± At that, the human just nodded. ¡°Any others?¡± ¡°Well I am an orphan, but that is because my parents died long before I joined.¡± ¡°Your parents died here and you still joined?¡± The human asked. ¡°Of course, this place is amazing.¡± I admit. The human just shakes his head in disbelief. ¡°All right, we are going to take you to our captain. You might have to do a badge turn in there for passage. You okay with that? Or should we just leave you here?¡± ¡°How far are we from the mainland?¡± I ask. ¡°About four or five miles.¡± The elf said, and pointed off south east. I nod at that. I might be able to make that, with my Personal Teleportation, and I think Swimming would be a great skill to get to increase my physical attributes, but that seems like a trek that would be more than a little dangerous. I nod, and say, ¡°lead on.¡± ¡°Would you want to be a mage?¡± The human asks. ¡°Of course.¡± I say. ¡°Excellent.¡± The man says excitedly as he rubs his hands together. I am a little disturbed by the act, but I can tell he is just playing up the role. Magicians are rare, Magicians who have a Tier VII in potential are even rarer. While I won¡¯t have a particular brand of magic now, my potential will still be readily apparent to those who measure such things. As such, this guy likely wants to get the extra turn in bonus for delivering me to a Magical Institute. ¡°I have one last question.¡± The human asks as we begin walking towards the parked ship off in the distance. I just raise my eyebrows. ¡°What is the skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading?¡± ¡°Oh, that was the skill I gained for all of this.¡± I say, gesturing to the island. ¡°Your quest reward?¡± ¡°Sort of, I am still a minor so I don¡¯t have the system, but it was in a treasure chamber that I looted.¡± ¡°Treasure?¡± Both men instantly turn to me. ¡°Yeah, it fell to the bottom of the ocean. My Broke flaw at work.¡± At that, the two just sigh in disappointment. They likely had been hoping that some would still be left. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I found magic clothes, and then the book. The moment I got the book, apparently I crossed the 100 gold threshold and the island began getting attacked by a giant monster until I discarded the clothes.¡± ¡°So you got the book and used it?¡± I nod. ¡°You could have had any skill and you chose reading?¡± The Elf asked incredulously. ¡°She is blind. Of course, she needed a reading skill. Also, how could we get the full bonus for turning her over to the Mage institute if she couldn¡¯t read?¡± The human admitted. ¡°Oh right, I guess that makes sense. Still though, you could have had anything. You could have taken walking that increases all your attributes passively.¡± He stated. I just shook my head. Then pause at his comment. Normally that would be a sure-fire way to increase all your attributes to max per level. But with my Unbound merit that would be excessively OP, of course there was only one problem, I still wouldn¡¯t be able to read with that. Which was why I did what I did. As we get closer I can see the outline of the ship that is still floating. Just seeing the design of the frame I note it as ¡°a Mark II.¡± I say excitedly as I begin bouncing on my feet as we get closer. ¡°Yeah, how else do you think we got here so quickly.¡± The elf admitted. I shrug, but still I can¡¯t help but be excited. I love the Mark II, their sleek blimp design makes them the fastest of all ships. They also have magical amplification chambers that help mages build up magical charges. Then there are observation decks that magically enhance the viewing capabilities of anyone standing on them. At that observation, I realize how I was able to hear the Elf and Human talking to each other. The deck all but screamed Steampunk magitech. The best of enchanting meeting the best of robotics and engineering. Seeing the vessel I can¡¯t help but get excited, this was what made Biprism so amazing, the way magic and robotics were able to merge together to form precision instruments of form and function, like the Mark II. The human just shook his head as he watched me from behind. Somewhere in this, he had taken up the rear-guard position, while the elf had taken up the lead position. I was thankful for this, as I did not want to face any of the monsters that might still be lurking in these jungles. ¡°Oh wow, they infuse the magic into the floorboards, not the gears.¡± I say.
Skill Alertness: has increased to 43.
Skill Magical Awareness: has increased to 43.
At that, I turn off all skill notifications, not wanting to ruin this moment. This is my first time fully experiencing the moment of everything Steampunk and I want to savor it. The moment we get to the ship, I feel my barefoot step onto metal steps and know that I have finally arrived. ¡°Come on, lets go introduce you to the Captain. Oh, by the way, what is your name?¡± At that I pause, realizing I had been so caught up in just leaving that I never assigned myself a name. I almost want them to call me Cassie, but that might make me fall into old habits. Habits from my past life that I want to break free from. Realizing this is my chance to start over I pause for a moment, before answering, ¡°call me Cassiopeia, or Cass for short.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Hector, and that is Golum.¡± The human admits. ¡°Galuminous, it means Light in Elven.¡± The elf in front of us replies. ¡°Know you might have to share one of your badges to get aboard. The Captain is with the Empire, so sharing your badge with her should count towards your overall acceptance with the Empire.¡± Hector states. I nod. I sort of knew this, but having Hector confirm this only let me relax slightly. ¡°Permission to come aboard.¡± Golum says, well Galuminous, but honestly now that I heard Golum, I can¡¯t get that out of my head. ¡°Get on you twit.¡± A deck hand watching everyone come and go said, then looking at me he asks. ¡°You found a slave?¡± ¡°Not quite. She has great magic potential.¡± Hector said. At that the man at the gangway just looked incredulous for a second. ¡°You have Magical Awareness now?¡± ¡°Something like that.¡± Hector admitted. Scoff. ¡°Kid, can you understand me?¡± The deck hand says. I try to analyze him, but all I get is the following message.
Half-Elf ???
¡°Yes sir. How do you do,¡± I admit and do my best rendition of a bow.
Attribute Attractiveness has increased to 6.
I pause for a moment, wondering how I got the increase. A quick glance at my closed skill list shows that I got a new skill.
New Skill Gained: Courtly Etiquette has increased to level 1.
Skill Courtly Etiquette is a Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness based skill.
Well, that one point in Attractiveness did explain the random increase. Since that Attribute starts off at five, it can increase quickly with minimal efforts. At least to get you to baseline appearance ratings. This was the same thing as my Perception or other attributes increasing to two with one skill gained. The attribute increases normally and then has my starting bonuses added, in this case my staring bonus for Appearance is 5. ¡°Oh well aren¡¯t you fancy.¡± The half-elf greeter states with a slight tone of surprise. I suppose most of that is the fact that as a child my 12 in Dexterity allows me a bit of fluidity that is not seen in most children. ¡°Right, well I suppose the captain will want to see her, even if she is a darkie.¡± At that, I pause. ¡°You are a regressor too?¡± ¡°Very astute of you, and yes.¡± That made sense, as he didn¡¯t seem to be opposed to my appearance. At least not like the others on the ship were. I could tell by the seemingly hostile glares from the others on the ship that my second class citizenship status would be playing a huge role in my life being extremely difficult. Knock knock. We get to a door, and on the other side of the room I can see the form of a woman reading a document on her table. Commander, Confirmed to have found body of Behemoth Gardagozon. No sign yet of what caused monster¡¯s death. Send salvage vessels for rare materials to (1205.001 +, 18005.19-) Captain Vanessa Redgrave I can all but feel my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading skill increase from that. Realizing I read the document through the wall, I feel completely shocked. This was amazing. I can also tell a few things from the documents, the commander of this vessel is a Redgrave, which are a very influential family of Paladins. Knowing this, I want to be on guard as the order of Paladins haven¡¯t always gotten along with Dark Elves, but since I don¡¯t see any type of holy aura from this captain, I assume she is a ship captain for a reason. ¡°Come in.¡± The commander says. With that, Hector leads me in, while Golum takes up the rear. I am not quite certain when their roles and positions switched, but it appears that this is something they do constantly. I think this is mainly due to Hector being a little more easily accepted than Golum, but that is merely speculation. It could also be that Hector has skills that would help when dealing with commanders. ¡°Commander.¡± Hector says, stepping forward into the room and rendering a proper military salute. I follow suit, as does Golum. We must look the odd trio, Hector the stalwart knight who could almost be a Paladin himself if he had holy magic, me a shade touched dark elf child, and then the somewhat lackadaisical Golum, who still looks both fluidly graceful and relaxed at the same time. ¡°At ease.¡± Captain Redgrave says with a dismissive hand gesture. At that Hector and Golum both drop their salutes and I do so a half second later. ¡°Commander, I bring to you the slayer of the Behemoth that you were looking for.¡± Hector said, then gestured to me. The Commander pauses for a second. I feel an odd yellow energy wash over me. After a second the Commander tilts her head back and straightens her posture slightly, her only tell that she has seen the truth in Hector¡¯s words. ¡°You there Dark Elf, how did you come to be in possession of such meritorious badges?¡± At that, I nod and kneel. ¡°First, I ask that you take my word and actions as a true want to join the Empire. I am unbound Shade Touched Dark Elf with no allegiances to any nation. I wish to offer up the body of the Gardagozon to you as sign of good faith.¡± With that I am offered a system prompt.
Do you wish to give badge: Gardogazon Slayer (500). To Captain Redgrave?
Seeing the prompt, I realize I slightly messed up my delivery. ¡°I wish to bestow this onto the Empire as a whole.¡± I correct, with that, the message changes.
D0 you wish to give badge: Gardogazon Slayer (500). To the Maltese Empire, with Captain Redgrave acting as the recipient?
Seeing that the message now says what I wish it to say, I mentally respond to the prompt ¡°yes.¡± At that, I feel the badge in my head transfer out as a deep connection of magic is shared. At my admission, the image of the Gardogazon can clearly be seen along with me holding a brightly glowing dagger, then the screen changes to show that the dagger broke up into hundreds of tiny pieces, before ultimately killing the Gardogazon. The image is irrefutable, I can feel both Hector and Golum both standing a little still at the image as it was fairly impressive, if I do say so myself.
Your reputation with the Maltese Empire has risen by 500, from Dubious to Welcoming.
¡°I think you have one interesting story to tell. But first, do you grant us the rights to harvest your kill?¡± At that I pause for only a second, forgetting that such a thing was even possible. ¡°Yes.¡±
Your reputation with Captain Vanessa Redgrave has improved from Welcoming to Friendly.
At that, I nod. ¡°Can I ask a favor in return?¡± I ask. I figure this is implied, but I might as well state it. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Can I get a ride back with you to the Empire?¡± ¡°I am not in the habit of leaving children to rot in the middle of the ocean, regardless of their race. Yes, you can ride with us.¡± ¡°Commander, if I may?¡± Hector asked. Redgrave just raised her eyebrow, a gesture that I was beginning to be able to pick up on due to my increased perception skills. ¡°She has high Magical Potential. Perhaps we should also look about getting her tested?¡± Hector said, somewhat questioningly. At that the commander crossed her fingers over her desk while leaning forward to look deeply at me. ¡°I suppose such a thing would be unavoidable. She already seems to be Mystically Sighted in some way, that and her being shade touched, all but guarantee her to be truly magical in some way. I suppose such a test would be prudent.¡± The Commander said, then turned her full glare on me. ¡°What do you say? Would you want to be tested for magical potential?¡± ¡°Yes, very much so.¡± I admit honestly. With that the Captain nods to herself. ¡°Very well then. These two will share their room with you. Now that we have permissions, removing the Behemoth¡¯s corpse will be far easier.¡± ¡°Shmee,¡± Captain Redgrave yelled. ¡°Captain!¡± A small boy said, as he entered the chambers. ¡°Go tell the men to apply the tow cables to the behemoth, we have been given permission to take it.¡± ¡°Right away captain.¡± The small boy, Shmee, responded. With the door closed, the commander turned back to the three of us. ¡°Anything else?¡± ¡°Uh, no ma¡¯am.¡± Hector stammered for a second. ¡°Very good then, you may leave.¡± She said, as she gave a dismissive hand wave. And that was how I booked passage to the mainland. Chapter 5 Blending In Chapter 5 Blending In ¡°So I take it you two wouldn¡¯t know a mechanical union rep?¡± I ask. Hector pauses as he looks at me for a moment, then seems to come to a conclusion, ¡°you trying to cover up your eyes?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± I admit. He nods to himself. It is a well-known fact that the way each guild identifies its members is by their swag, meaning you want pristine gloves, join the pistoleers. You want a wand or a walking staff, join the Magical academy. If you want the cool Steampunk polarized lenses you join the Mechanics guild. For me such glasses would be perfect, as they would help me cover up my eyes in a meaningful way. ¡°I think Joe might still be a rep.¡± Golum adds helpfully. ¡°Joe?¡± ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s our lead mechanic.¡± ¡°Any particular reason on why he might still be a rep?¡± ¡°Yeah, well he has been having troubles recently.¡± Hector said, as he scratched the back of his head. ¡°That bad?¡± I ask. ¡°That bad. He claims it is sabotage, but he is often pretty lazy, so it is hard to tell.¡± Hector admitted. ¡°Oh come on man, you know he isn¡¯t that lazy.¡± Golum says defensively of this person. ¡°He a regressor?¡± I ask. ¡°Surprisingly no, but I think he is one of the few people here who will not give you a hard time based on your race.¡± Hector admitted. ¡°Can we see him?¡± I ask a little excitedly. At that the two pause. ¡°Dude, we¡¯ve got to man. Those eyes are a dead giveaway of her being shade touched.¡± Golum admits in his surfer brogue. I pause at that. As I am a player, I can¡¯t actually see a profile picture of myself, so I don¡¯t exactly know what my eyes look like. I figured they would just be cold dead sacs, but apparently I might have been wrong. ¡°What do my eyes look like?¡± I ask. At that the two paused, but then their body language seems to understand the question. ¡°Your irises are glowing purple, surrounded by black. They are kind of cool, it is like staring into the void itself.¡± Golum answers and I shake my head at the remark. ¡°Actually, you can see through walls and the like, right?¡± Hector asks. I nod, as this must be common knowledge for Regressors by now, especially with how popular Mickael¡¯s exploits were. ¡°Yeah, you might be the perfect person to help. I for one do not want to get blown out of the sky before we even make it back to the capital.¡± Hector said. ¡°Oh wait, she can¡¯t just go around in that potato sac.¡± Golum said, as he began staring off into space. ¡°Oh there we go. Perfect.¡± He said, rummaging through a backpack before pulling out a well-used shirt that has a bunch of wrinkles in it. ¡°Your old rags?¡± Hector asked incredulously. ¡°Of course. These are hand-me-downs, my favorite black shirt with only a bit of wear and tear left, but it is black and most importantly will get me positive karma points.¡± Golum said, as he handed over the oversized shirt. I of course put it on, and feels more like an old, crumpled dress than anything as it hangs down to my knees. Seeing that, Hector just shakes his head. ¡°Well, if you are giving her that, then I can give her these old wraps.¡± He said, as he took out two cloth bundles, and then did something to them as they instantly fit my feet the next moment. Putting them on, I had something that was something similar to cloth slippers. ¡°What color are they?¡± I ask. ¡°White.¡± I nod, I had been hoping for the super-secret ninja look, but this is probably for the best. ¡°Oh look at that, two points of Karma.¡± Hector mused. ¡°Two points, not fair. How did you do that?¡± ¡°Simple, rather than just giving her something I took a moment to try to make the item in question better first, before giving it to her.¡± Hector said. Karma was a higher end attribute, one that was sort of hidden as to how it truly worked. There were no obvious effects, but it was found that people who had higher karma tended to win more draws than not. The best part is, is that only regressors could see times when their Karma increases. I haven¡¯t seen it, mainly because I haven¡¯t really interacted with people up until this point. Karma was a very personal act and really only came into effect when regressors met with regressors. ¡°Yeah, come on. Let¡¯s see if we can get you a Mechanical guild invite as well.¡± Golum said. With that Hector just gave the elf a look. ¡°Oh, come on man, you know it will only be good for her as it will mean she is not tied to just the mages guild if things go sideways. I believe a wise person once said, ¡®having options and knowing what they are is never a bad thing.¡¯¡± At that Hector just shook his head at the comment. ¡°Fine, come on then. We will both take you as we both get credit for the turn in.¡± Hector admitted. With that, we began walking. Well, I spent my time following Hector, while Golum took up the rear. As we get closer to what has to be the main boiler room, this is a Mark II and despite all the upgrades there is a boiler room for some odd reason. I guess they need to make sure there truly is steam in these ships, but as we get closer, I can see that things are off. In the walls, I can see parts where the pipes are rocking back and forth from excessive pressure one second, then too little the next. Seeing the pipes moving in this way caused me some manner of concern as it looked like there was a problem somewhere. Clang! Clang! ¡°Gods blasted system. Always causing problems.¡± An angry human swore as he struck at the pipes with a large metal wench of some kind. It wasn¡¯t a standard wrench in what I was used to from Earth, rather it was a multi headed wrench that looked like it could change out the top piece, depending on what needed to be worked on. ¡°Master Joe. I have for you a budding apprentice in the making.¡± Hector began. ¡°What is this¡­ ahhh!¡± The man said as he turned to first look at Hector, then follow Hector¡¯s gesture towards me. I just stood there, I had been expecting a reaction, but that was not the reaction I had been prepared for. Honestly, it sort of hurt. I know my appearance is only a six, but still. ¡°Sorry, lass. I don¡¯t have time for this.¡± Joe said, as he gestured to the boiler, then down at a set of papers that were on the ground. Looking at the form, I analyze it for a second, before I realize something, those are blueprints. Not just any blueprints, but the blueprints for the boiler chamber for the Mark II. I almost shake in giddy excitement at the thought. Looking at it, I can see a lot of math and angles of crystallization are noted. The entire force behind what keeps this ship upright is easy to identify on the large sheet of papers that are displayed out throughout the whole room. Apparently, something is going wrong, and the mechanic is working rapidly to fix it. ¡°What seems to be the problem?¡± Hector asks. Joe looks like he wants to shout, but then calms himself and gestures with his hand holding the wrench like it is a magic wand and states, ¡°what isn¡¯t going wrong. The whole blasted thing is losing power and I can¡¯t tell why.¡± ¡°Might it have something to do with your pipes being gunked up?¡± I ask. ¡°What?¡± Everyone asked in unison. ¡°The pipes, they are shaking rapidly. I didn¡¯t know if that was how they were supposed to react, but they looked like pretty violent tremors.¡± I said, pointing back towards the direction we came. I can still see the pipes jerking about wildly even from this distance. ¡°You expect me to believe that you can see through walls?¡± Joe asked, but then paused as he looked at me. ¡°Can you even see at all?¡± ¡°Not with my eyes, no.¡± I admit. Joe looks like he wants to dismiss me out of hand, but then looks to Hector and Golum, both of whom give him a shake of their heads. ¡°Actually, I think we need to hurry, as I think the pipe is breaking.¡± I say, realizing that one of the pipes are twisting from the constant force. I move back and point to the wall panel in question. Joe bolts over, and then pulls up the wall panel. ¡°See, nothin¡­¡± He trailed off, as she could now see what I could, that his pipes were being twisted and bent. ¡°Shit!¡± Joe exclaimed as he jumped up and pulled a random cord hanging from the ceiling. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. WAHWOOOHH! A steam whistle sounded, as the ship immediately started to slow down. Fortunately, this was a steam ship so we could hover in the air. Unfortunately, the excess pressure is still going through the pipes, only at a much slower clip. Immediately Joe takes his wrench, has a different head on it, and begins manually twisting the bent pipes back into place. While he is busy fixing the immediate problem, I begin looking for the spot where the damage could have happened. It takes a few minutes, but after a point, I find a spot at the lower end where it looks like the pipes aren¡¯t sealed correctly. ¡°Phew. That takes care of the pipe, but now I need to know what caused it.¡± Joe said, wiping away a few beads of sweat from his head. At that, I point to the part of the wall that houses the loosely fitting pipes. Joe looks at me for a second, then reluctantly goes to the spot I indicated, and he sees. ¡°What!¡± It is more of a statement than a question, but he states it so emphatically that we all know something happened. ¡°I know I fixed this.¡± Joe says pausing for a second, before his shoulders slump and he begins working on the pipes. Looking at the area, I see that a few items have fallen to the ground. The first one looks to be a lug nut, like the one that is clearly missing. The second is an odd item that I can¡¯t quite make out. ¡°The screw is there just under the pipe. But there is also something there.¡± I say, first pointing to the screw. Then I point off to the side where the other random item is. ¡°Wha?¡± Hector and Golum both say at once. I pause to look at the two of them. ¡°We just got a quest.¡± Hector answers my unspoken question. ¡°Yeah, find the saboteur.¡± Golum adds. Within a few seconds Joe has the missing screw and is putting it in place. Then after that, he begins moving his hand around trying to find the odd item I am able to see with my mind. ¡°To the right, up a little bit, there.¡± I guide him and he managed to find the item and pull it out. The item is black and means nothing to me, but as soon as he pulls out the item everyone lets out an ¡°oh.¡± ¡°Is it bad?¡± I ask. ¡°We need to tell the Captain about this.¡± Joe says, holding up the item. Then he looks around at the boiler room that is only now back in somewhat of a working order. ¡°Hector, can you stay here and guard the room?¡± Joe asked, as he quickly pulled down the two wall panels that he had worked at. Then moving over to put away the blueprint designs, he makes to leave, but then turns to me. ¡°You should come with me.¡± Joe says. I pause for a second at the statement, but then realize he might need me to confirm his story. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Golum adds. With that, we begin to go out of the long twisting sets of tunnels from the boiler room, to the Captain¡¯s quarters. Surprisingly there aren¡¯t as many steps as I would expect, mainly because there is a back staircase that almost leads directly to the Captain¡¯s quarters. In hindsight the use of a back staircase makes sense, as there might be important things like someone trying to sabotage your ship that needs to be noted rather quickly. I am panting fairly heavily at having to go up so many steps, but I somehow manage to keep up, despite my tiny legs. Knock knock. Joe wraps twice on the door before barging in, without waiting for a reply. ¡°Captain, we have a saboteur¡­¡± Joe trails off as he realizes there is someone already in the room with the Captain. ¡°Yes, Joseph Flintlock, we were just discussing you.¡± The man said, as he rose from his seat and turned to face the three of us. ¡°We were discussing your recent malfeasance.¡± At that, I wonder who aside from Bond villains, uses the word malfeasance in regular conversation. Just listening to the person before us, I don¡¯t trust him, no clue why, I just don¡¯t. Still there is something odd about the man, as he appears to be covered in some sort of blue light. Then I realize something, the voice I just heard was distinctly male, while the form under the blue light is decidedly feminine. ¡°He¡¯s wearing an illusion of some kind.¡± I state. There is a pause, as everyone turns to me first. I am just standing there pointing towards the would be infiltrator. ¡°Shade touched?¡± Is all the person before us states, a tone of reverence in her voice. At that, I know what she is. ¡°Dark elf assassin.¡± I shout as I begin to back away. I can still see everything in the room, so all I am really doing is making it, so I now have two males and a wall as protection between me and the infiltrator. Dark elves are some of the most notorious assassins and killers. If you are on their list of targets, you can find that your life will be extremely dangerous and dark for a time, before you die. The elf pauses, holding still, as if she can still pull off this performance of hers. That of course is when Captain Redgrave pushes something. Whoosh. Instantly a wave of energy passes through the room, and I see the thin blue film of energy that had been surrounding the dark elf suddenly disappear. That is the point when everything breaks down into chaos. Instantly the assassin flings something at the Captain who is already rising to her feet. With that a ball of some kind hurdles out of her hand and slams into the captain¡¯s chest. Poof. I can hear the hiss of smoke being released. At that I take in a deep breath and pull my oversized shirt over my head and begin moving further down the hallway and into a nearby maintenance closet. I know, I took down a level 500+ Behemoth and my second form of combat is to hide in a closet. But I have an excuse for this, mainly I didn¡¯t want to have to use my Traits, if at all possible. While I could use them, they were to be a last resort. I had no training in defense, not that such training would be all that useful against a trained assassin. I also didn¡¯t have a dagger, which meant my only real option was to use Telekinesis and my Personal Teleportation both of which were powers that I didn¡¯t want others knowing that I had, particularly as a Shade Touched dark elf. It also didn¡¯t help that I was currently in the body of a seven-year-old, and while my Attributes were improving that meant next to nothing compared to the physics engines that were constantly running and calculating speed to impact of mass. So to summarize, I was screwed if I did anything, and also likely screwed if I did something other than run away. I am already moving by the time the Assassin crashes into the mechanic. Shink. I hear the sound of a dagger entering a person and almost feel my whole-body shutter at the act. Especially as I can see the damage without having to turn around. With that, I realize part of the problem with this Merit, is that you can¡¯t turn away. You have to see everything all the time. Seeing the wound to Joe the mechanic, Golum begins reacting instantly. I feel a jolt of yellow golden energy surge out past him and surround everyone in the area.
Light Magic check automatically passed due to being blind.
Oh hey, look there was a benefit to this flaw after all. I think, as I use the last few seconds to enter the broom closet. Ping. I do not want to find out what if anything the Assassin will do if she catches me. Probably kill me out of hand for working with the humans. I don¡¯t know. I also don¡¯t quite know for certain if the dark elf is coming for me. She might just be trying to get off the ship at this point. I don¡¯t know where she would go, nor how she would get down from here, but logically she had a way getting down from a Mark II that was presumably meant to detonate in the air. I also don¡¯t know if she is going to target me directly, or if it is just a coincidence that she is turning my way. That was the way that Joe and Golum had both been, as adults they likely posed the greatest risk to hitting her in the back. Slam. The door slams behind me, as I see Golum try to do something else that involves light magic, but is ultimately unsuccessful. I know it is unsuccessful as I can safely count on zero fingers the number of times a task was considered successful, when the end result was having a knife stabbed into your kidney. Golum is crumpling to the ground, and I see the assassin coming for me. Well not me, but the closet I am in, so I panic. Poof. I disappear and reappear in a cramped wall opening a few feet away. Wham! The door to the closet slams open and I can see the assassin pause for a moment as she stares at the empty room where I should be. ¡°Princess, come with me. I will take you to safety.¡± The Assassin says. At this, I know I have two options before me. Either go with the dark elf and likely lose all reputation I have gained thus far with the Maltese Empire and with Captain Redgrave herself. Also, ultimately ruining the quest chains for Hector and Golum, while having my first somewhat easy step in life being to follow this Dark Elf assassin. Honestly, I don¡¯t even know how I knew she was a dark elf assassin at the very beginning. The entire thing just seemed so odd. Sure, I could see the ears under the illusionary effects, and it made the most sense for a Dark Elf to be the saboteur and to use illusionary magic on the ship, but still. There was something there, I was certain. Could I sense her in some way? Furthermore, and more importantly could she sense me in some way? There was a slight tensing of her muscles, as she looked like she was about to do something, but then said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry princess. I ¡­ we will come back for you.¡± The Assassin said, as she slammed the door shut and began running away. VRRT. VRRT. VRRT. Alarm whistles and odd sounds began pouring out of the entire ship. I don¡¯t know if it was a delayed reaction on part of the Captain, as in she was paralyzed by whatever she was hit with. Or if the alarms had been going on the entire time and I was just so focused on getting away from the assassin that I failed to notice. In either case, waited for a full ten count before Teleporting back into the supply closet. Then in a few seconds, I found myself running over to Golum and trying to staunch the bleeding on him. The dagger, a black and twisted thing seemed to glow with a sick for of malevolent magic. I instantly started to pull it, but Golum stopped me. ¡°Stop, you will only cause me to bleed out faster.¡± ¡°This is a magic dagger, if I don¡¯t pull it out, you will die faster.¡± I cautioned, then seeing that he relaxed his posture I pulled the dagger out, needing to use both hands to do so gently. Then a spray of blood covered my new shirt. Seeing that my shirt was already soaked I reached into my shirt and held a cloth covered hand across the wound, then slid the entire shirt off as I tried to use the shirt to staunch the bleeding. ¡°Medic!¡± I yelled. ¡°I¡¯ve got¡­¡± Golum said, at that I realized he was a regressor and likely had something of a healing salve. Since I was small and needed to keep weight on the wound, I decided to do something I never thought possible, or at least something I never thought would be practical. Placing my knee over the wound I rose up, placing my entire weight on the wound, while grabbing for his satchel and trying to look for a healing salve of some kind. GAAHHHH! He cried out in pain. ¡°Oh come on.¡± I said, not taking my attention away from the various items in the bag. As it was all black inside, I relied on my fingers to tell me what everything was. Fortunately healing salves have a very light magical coloring to it, meaning that I could with effort direct my hand to the vial. Taking the vial, I hold it up for a second and as it gets exposed to the air, I see the shorthand runes for Light Healing Potion on the bottle. Nodding to myself, I uncork the bottle and pour it down the elf¡¯s throat. ¡°No, wait, I¡­¡± He managed, but then ended up drinking the potion. At this point, I see black lines of energy coursing through his body, while the light blue lines of healing energy begin to combat the lines. Though I can tell from a glance that the amount of dark magic in the elf¡¯s body is far less than the healing salve offered. ¡°You are poisoned, at least I think it is poisoned, some type of dark black magic.¡± I state, more or less just feeling the course of energy and the way the energy seems to be familiar to me. It is odd, as if finding a new skill and realizing you are instantly good at it, or at least you know that with hours of practice you can be good at it. Just recognizing the magic causes an intense understanding to well up inside me, and I wonder what I could do with commanding such magic. Right now, the magic is wild and untamed, undirected. Glancing at the magic and then the dagger, I can see that it wasn¡¯t a spell used by the assassin, rather it was an effect caused by the blade. ¡°Death magic?¡± the Elf says questioningly, then holding his hand over the wound begins to channel a stream of golden light into the wound. It is an odd sensation seeing the way light energy first circulates through Golum¡¯s body, then manifests outside his hand, which forms into a beam that begins burning away parts of the darkness inside him. ¡°Yes, that is working. Keep doing that.¡± I coach. Scoff. ¡°Fuck. I really liked this life too.¡± Golum said. ¡°No. No.¡± I say, slapping the man. ¡°You can¡¯t die, not yet.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, I have a spare.¡± ¡°No, forget that. That is a crutch. Live for this one.¡± I insist. ¡°Oh, come on. You know you had one in reserves.¡± I shake my head, ¡°no one shot.¡± ¡°You truly are crazy. Don¡¯t worry, now Hector can get credit for two of us.¡± Golum said, as a trickle of blood began to pour from his mouth. I could tell it was blood as it had that odd mixture of light and death magic battling within. ¡°Not on my watch soldier.¡± The commanding voice of Captain Redgrave blurted out, as we were both covered in an intense wall of white light. Woosh! For a second the light was too bright, but then it slowly faded away as I realized I was kneeling over top of Golum. My knee still digging in deeply to his kidney. I looked at his body to see that the dark magic that had been wreaking havoc on his insides was gone. There was of course the wound that was still there, but that was minor in comparison to what he had been dealing with. ¡°Ahh!¡± Golum said, as he visibly relaxed. I am about to get off of him, when the Captain stops me. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that, if I were you. He has lost a lot of blood and I am not a Paladin. I am afraid that purify is about the best I can offer.¡± She said, with an apologetic gesture towards Golum. ¡°No, this is good.¡± Golum said, then turning back to me. ¡°I take it back.¡± ¡°Take what back?¡± ¡°All that cursing I did to you for using my healing potion on me.¡± Golum said. At that I tilt my head at him in confusion. ¡°You never cursed at me.¡± ¡°Oh trust me, I did, but it was mainly in my head.¡± He said with a smile and a gesture to his head. ¡°That¡¯s fine. If it makes you still feel better, I can¡¯t think of you as anything other than Golum.¡± I admit. Heh. At his laugh, I feel my entire body rise up and down. It takes me a second to regain my balance while on top of him. ¡°Oh, stop that, laughing hurts, especially with your knee in my kidney.¡± ¡°It is the only way to stop the bleeding.¡± I admit. ¡°Oh, I know. Which is why I ask you to stop. That bony knee of yours is terrible.¡± Golum said, then I could feel the moment his consciousness began to fade. ¡°No, no.¡± I began. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he will be fine. So long as you keep up that pressure.¡± The Captain said with a reassuring tone. I was about to protest that if she was going to do something, then she needed to do it now. But before that happened, I realized more people were coming this way. ¡°What happened?¡± A person asked the captain. ¡°Two injured. Both were poisoned. One in critical condition.¡± The captain said the last part while pointing towards Golum. ¡°Roger.¡± With that, the person who I assumed was a medic of some kind came over and began casting a light spell over him. ¡°He¡¯s already had a healing tonic.¡± He stated rather than asked. ¡°Looks like a minor one.¡± With that the medic paused. ¡°Is that bad?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not good, I can¡¯t administer another one without having toxicity build up, which could end up being just as bad as letting his body recuperate on his own.¡± ¡°Well can we do anything?¡± I asked. ¡°Calm down, calm down little lady. Your dad will be just fine.¡± He said condescendingly. I was about to blow up at the man. Rule of thumb, never and I repeat NEVER tell someone to calm down, it will never work as intended. Second to assume that I was his daughter because we were both elves, well that was a bit, no very racist. I mean aside from the ears we didn¡¯t even look alike, or did we? I never got to see what type of elf Golum was, I know he had chosen the elven word for light as his name, but I just assumed that meant he was not a dark elf like me. Fortunately, before I can make any of these points a second medical examiner comes. ¡°Oh, yes. This one is very bad.¡± The magic caller says, before slumping down to Golums side, and instantly infusing a cooling green mana into Golum. I am fascinated by the way magic works, especially with my Angel¡¯s Sight I can see there are many different aspects to watch and observe. Finally after a few moments of intense focus, I feel the pulse of Golum begin to increase, then I slowly feel the color of life energy flow back into his body. Then finally a minute after that, he lets out a long breath. ¡°Are you still on me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Is all I say, as I let out a long slow chuckle at his words. ¡°Gods, I don¡¯t know whether to feed your, or put you on a diet. Your knee is so skinny that it is all bones jabbing into my side. But you are also super heavy to be placing all your weight on my kidney and crotch.¡± He says. With that, I instantly flinch and move back. I am not quite certain when my knee slid forward, but I assumed it was sometime after his laughing fit. ¡°Sorry.¡± ¡°S¡¯okay, I had kids before, invariably you find a way to strike all dads there eventually.¡± ¡°Well, I think your daughter did an admirable job of saving your life.¡± The medical examiner said. With that both Golum and I turn our attention to the examiner. Then we both shake our head in unison, realizing that stating anything would likely be counterproductive at this point. ¡°There, now you should be good to get up.¡± The Examiner said. Shhuck. There is a sickening sound that can only be heard as dried blood is pulled away from two different sets of flesh. I shiver at the sound as I get up. ¡°I have to commend you. What you did today likely saved his life.¡± The Examiner said, before continuing, ¡°if you¡¯d like, I could put in a recommendation at the Healer¡¯s school for you.¡± At that, my face lights up as I realize this is exactly what I had been hoping for. ¡°Really?¡± I ask. ¡°Of course. I can tell you are going to be very strong with whatever school of magic you choose.¡± He admitted, ¡°but you must excuse me, as I have to go.¡± The examiner said going over to look over Joe¡¯s injury. By comparison, the injury Joe suffered was far less lethal, especially considering the Assassin missed his kidney entirely, and then proceeded to leave her dagger within Golum. Something about that whole exchange seemed off, but I couldn¡¯t quite put my finger on why. The magical healer placed his glowing fingers on Mechanic Joe¡¯s shoulders and began healing him. Then after a few seconds, the energy within the medic ran dry, causing the man to nod and have to leave for a bit. ¡°I will look for other people to heal.¡± The healer swore, but the way he was wobbling about the hallways indicated that if he did find someone else to heal, he would likely pass out from over taxing of his mana channels. This was a dangerous practice that had a one in ten chance of increasing your mana capacity, while also having a one in ten chance of crippling your mana channels. Ultimately it was a give and take. The other eighty percent would mostly be considered similar to a terrible hangover and move on after a full day¡¯s rest. Most of the time, this was where one¡¯s karma points factored in to play, as to where you would fall on that spectrum. Finally the four of us were all up and ready to talk. Joe, Golum and I, along with the Captain. ¡°So you had something to say about a saboteur?¡± The Captain asked. Chapter 6 New Schools And New Clothes Chapter 6 New Schools And New Clothes Surprisingly we land without many more hassles. There was a part where I had to register with the city, but Captain Redgrave herself took care of that. Joe, the mechanic, personally enrolled me with the Engineering guild and handed me my own set of steam punk goggles. Holding them I felt a slight tremble, as I felt them become soulbound to me. Now soulbonding items in this world are a bit different than other places. Here only status items that needed to be maintained at all times could be soulbound, meaning thieves could take said item, but they would always return to you after a day. This meant that while someone could theoretically steal the soulbound item from you to impersonate you, they could only do so for a day. Meaning such heists would have to be planned well out ahead of time, to add a bit more flare for the dramatics. Of course, like all systems there are workarounds. Want to constantly pose as an Engineering Guild member, kidnap an Engineering Guild member and constantly steal their goggles from them once it returns the next day. Again, not a fool proof plan, but one that definitely tries to put in limitations to what people can do and get away with. Also since these are my goggles, the way they evolve is entirely up to me. What that means is that as I grow in skill and prestige within the Engineering Guild, the bonuses I gain from my goggles will increase. For now, I have the basic two. Though it did cost me my Fly Before You can walk (50) badge to have my reputation with the Engineering guild raise from Dubious to Apprehensive, the bare minimum needed with a sponsor to join.
Soulbound Item: Item Type Eyewear: Engineering Guild Goggles Effect: (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Yes, that¡¯s right, even though I am blind, even though I couldn¡¯t have unlocked the Focus skill on my own, I now have that as a Skill. I should note that it is not an Engineer only skill, but Engineers are the only ones who offer it at the very start. In fact, all Guilds have something similar. Soulbound gear that offers a special skill starting off that is mostly unique to that profession. ¡°Nice EGGs.¡± Golum says, as I show off my new goggles. EGGs, yep that is the name for the Engineering Guild Goggles. Not only does it have that unfortunate acronym due to the shortening of its name, but some of them do end up looking like eggs. Particularly the higher guild members who have used the personal growth aspect of these goggles to constantly improve Perception and Focus, versus branching out. As for me, I am just happy with the base model, especially for now. Anything to hide my eyes that seem to instantly out me as a Shade Touched. There are other signs, my skin is apparently purpler, I know that isn¡¯t a word, but that is the word Golum used. My hair is also a giveaway, as I have silver streaks forming, I know getting old so young. I still have thousands of years left before me and already growing silver, tsk tsk. Hector and Golum have offered to personally escort me to the different guilds. They get experience with each guild I join, and each rank I climb within the guild, but there is also a second bonus to walking me to all the different guilds. As my sponsor, or at least as the person delivering me to each Guild, they gain a portion of my reputation with the guild the higher up in the guild I go. Meaning that by just signing me up with the Engineering guild and being there in person they gained reputation with the Engineering Guild. And they would continue to gain reputation and experience with he guild the higher up the guild¡¯s ladders I went. ¡°I have to say, you look a little less creepy with the goggles.¡± Hector added. ¡°Thanks.¡± I say, trying to keep a bit of the edge from my voice. ¡°No, what he is trying to say is that you look good.¡± Golum said. I am now wearing a black shirt, pants, and boots for a little girl. Why the city had black boots in elven girl sizes I didn¡¯t know, but the entire thing apparently didn¡¯t come across as a weird order. Instead, we went to a cobbler¡¯s shop, I stepped in a mold. Then poof, shoes were made with wear away insoles. At least that was what the game mechanics called my type of shoes and clothing. This meant that the game knew I was growing and that everything would have to be relatively cheap. As I would have to buy new clothing at least once a year, due to my character¡¯s growth in game. The clothes also had similar things applied, stitches would wear away in time, allowing me to grow. Basically, all that is a long way to say, I had a year before the clothing I had today would no longer fit, at which time I would have to find replacement clothing. ¡°Thanks again for the clothes.¡± I say to Golum and Hector both as we make our way across the city to the Magical Academy. Wonderly City, the capital of the Maltese empire was considered to be a true city in that it had all four major guilds represented. That means, it had a main guildhall for the Engineers, The Magicians, The Adventurers, and the Apothecary Guild. Of course, there was a fifth guild hall that always came with a city like this, the thieves guild but that one was by invitation only. As for me, I intended to join each guild. Why? Well different materials were available to each. Wizards offered the cloak that tied around the torso, rather than the neck, making it more of a harness than a choking hazard. The Adventurers Guild offered a soulbound necklace that allowed for free travel into dungeons and towers. While the Apothecary guild gave gloves that would constantly be cleansed. If I joined the thieves guild, I would have a soulbound face guard that would normally blend in with the hem of my shirt, but it would be able to be pulled up in a moment to obscure my face, or to protect me from poison gasses and other attacks. Basically, each guild offered their own unique items to help identify members and their standings within each guild. With each item being soulbound, they were considered free items and therefore didn¡¯t count against my maximum 100 gold limit. This was invaluable to those who like me took the Broke flaw. Also, oddly enough it all but ensured I would have employment, even though I would effectively be living from paycheck to paycheck, despite having four career paths. Well five, but the thieves guild also offered a secret benefit to its members, even if you took the flaw Broke, you could have items worth hundreds of gold or platinum coins, you just had to immediately sell, or use said item. Yes, stolen items were effectively free, at least as far as the flaw was concerned. So long as you didn¡¯t try to keep an insanely expensive item, you could have a vault room of precious stolen artifacts that could be kept or sold, after your seven-year curse was removed. Of course, stealing items for a day and keeping them hidden for seven or more years were two entirely different spectrums. ¡°Welcome to the Magic Guild, how may I help you?¡± A receptionist asks. ¡°My young ward here would like to register as a guild member.¡± Golum states. ¡°Very good, are you already a member?¡± ¡°I am.¡± Golum states, there is a rustling second as a cloak appears draped over his shoulders. ¡°Ah, a light mage, very good, and you¡­¡± She trails off as she looks at me. ¡°One second, I will have to get my manager.¡± The receptionist states, then goes off to the back. ¡°Who would have thought a seven-year-old girl would be too scary for a Mage guild receptionist.¡± Golum said, half-jokingly. A short time later the receptionist reappears with a man who appears to all but glow with magic items and power. Seeing the brightly glowing man, I can¡¯t help but take a half step backwards. Hahaha. Seeing this, the man chuckles. ¡°Oh, wow, you can sense my presences from there?¡± He asks. Only then did I realize he was at the far distance of my 360-degree viewing range, and I still reacted to his presence. I nod. ¡°Very good. I can sense that you are going to be powerful when you become of age.¡± ¡°Good morning, before this goes any further. With these two acting as my guarantors to join the guild, I would like to offer this accomplishment of my past deeds to the guild. I wish to offer up my Behemoth Slayer Accomplishment to the guild¡± I say as I hold up and mentally call out my Behemoth Slayer (500) badge. At that, I am offered a prompt.
Do you wish to give badge: Behemoth Slayer (500). To the Magician Guild?
I mentally select ¡®yes¡¯ and am met with multiple system messages.
Your reputation with the Magician Guild has risen by 500, from Dubious to Welcoming.
Your reputation with the Maltese Empire has risen by 100.
Apparently the 100 points was not enough to raise my reputation with the Maltese Empire again, but that was fine as I had time to improve my standing with them. ¡°Oh, well that is quite the accomplishment, now isn¡¯t it. Let¡¯s just get a magic potential readout, to make sure you can even use magic.¡± The glowing man states, as he pulls out a magic item from his magic robe. Honestly, he is so saturated in magical effects that I am surprised the magical effects don¡¯t cancel each other out. Static, VRRTTTT, VRRTT! Still, he held out the device and instantly it started letting out a high-pitched squeal. ¡°My my, I have to say you are one of the most promising students we have seen come along in quite some time. Yes, with the sponsorship, your accomplishments, and your potential, I am prepared to advance you to the rank of an Adept in training this very moment. At that my heart began to beat quickly. This was a dream come true, and honestly one you might expect with such an accomplishment, but honestly it so rarely happens that you get to jump ranks within any guild that this type of attention is nearly unprecedented. ¡°SWAG?¡± Golum asks. At that, I can¡¯t help but almost bounce in excitement. The wizard in charge seems to disregard the random word that means nothing to him, as he continues. ¡°By the power and authority as local Guild Hall leader, I pronounce you Wizard Adept in all that entails.¡± SWAG, short for Standard Wizard Adept Gear is the gear that begins to truly separate a Mage Guild initiate from a true practitioner. The reason for this is simple, you move from gaining one point in Intelligence and Arcane Understanding the standard Skill used by Mage guild members only, but you also get the skill Latens Manifesta, which literally means hiding in plain sight. This is the game¡¯s way of saying, how can powerful mages just blend in with the world around them and not be needed until there is a great calamity, simple they are hiding in plain sight. Basically, it is the ultimate thieves guild equipment, but contradictory, it is gear you couldn¡¯t get if you were part of said thieves guild. There is a check that the gear would do on you, to ensure you don¡¯t have a duplicitous nature. Fortunately for me, I haven¡¯t even had a chance to meet up with the Thieves guild, which is why I wanted to come here first. Honestly, I was prepared to spend more of my badges on unlocking this accomplishment, but fortunately that was not necessary. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. There is a bit of politicking, as the mage goes through a long diatribe that I watched hundreds of times as a citizen, but now as a player I can¡¯t help but wish for this part to end. ¡°Now we must place you into one of the four main classifications of Magic. They are Dark, Light, Neutral, and Elemental.¡± The guild master said. At that, I paused. The school of magic I chose now was nothing and I could always change it later. The only difference was the color of my cloak provided by the guild. White for Light, Black for Dark, Gray for Neutral, and Green for Elemental. ¡°At this time, I ask that you choose a field of magic that you see yourself following.¡±
You have been asked to pick which field of Magic Studies you will pursue.
They were all great choices; I mean who didn¡¯t want to cast magic. I didn¡¯t want Light, as I felt a white cloak would make me stand out a lot. While I wanted to go into the Healing Guild that was mostly as a profession, not magic. I also had Regeneration which made my personal need for healing magic all but pointless. There was also the elephant in the room, and something that had been haunting me, ever since I realized my race. As a Shade Touched dark elf, I would be doing myself a disservice if I went for anything other than dark magic, that 5% was huge. Especially at end game levels, that 5% would be massive. Also, there were defensive ways to use Dark Magic. The easiest way to dispel Dark Magic, like the curse that had been in Golum would be to take control of it with more powerful dark magic and force it to dissipate. Basically, there were many things I could do with Dark Magic affinity. Also, the black cloak would help me with my later plans. ¡°Dark.¡± I say. At that, the wizard has a slightly crestfallen look cross his face, but nods in understanding. ¡°Then it shall be. Receptionist Sue, please take our Adept¡¯s information and provide her the appropriate attire for an adept.¡± ¡°Yes sir.¡± With that the Mage Guild Leader left the room, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel I had made him upset in some way. I am about to retract my statement, when the receptionist, Sue, comes to me. ¡°Here, on behalf of the guild, I welcome you amongst our own. Welcome Wizard Adept Cassiopeia.¡± Then I am handed my second piece of soulbound gear and can¡¯t help but do an excited little dance at the item.
Item Type Cloak: Standard Wizard Adept Gear Effect: (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifesta)
Putting it on, I feel it instantly adjust to me. Also, it should be noted that this cloak has several loops and hooks that tie into a vest that is made to go over the outer shirt. There are multiple different styles to choose from, and I customize mine to be a chest harness of sorts. This means that if someone grabbed my cloak, they could spin me about, but it also meant that this was firmly fastened to me. From there we go to the Adventurer¡¯s guild, where I turn in the last of my 500 badges.
Monster Slayer (500) has been turned into the Adventurers Guild.
Your reputation with the Adventurers Guild has risen by 500, from Dubious to Welcoming.
Your reputation with the Maltese Empire has risen by 100.
With that I was granted my third soulbound item.
Item Type Necklace: Silver Level Adventurer¡¯s Card Effect: (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
That was a major burden removed. Silver level adventurer¡¯s badges meant I was able to take higher level tasks for the guild, not that I wanted to go on monster slaying missions, but herb gathering and others would be essential, especially now that I was joining the Apothecary Guild as well. Survival made sense as it helped to make sure we could survive out in the wilderness, but Polyglot, that was key. Part of being an Adventurer of course meant you would have to travel far and wide to meet new people, Polyglot as the name implied let you learn new languages easily. This was huge, especially for me as Polyglot was also a social trait, meaning that by improving it, I would shore up what was quickly becoming my most glaring weakness, social interactions. For the Apothecary Guild, I went through the motions rather quickly, the whole thing getting a bit tedious at the moment. I didn¡¯t even pay much attention to the moment the guild leader came out, nor did I pay too much attention when I used my Legendary First Kill (50) badge to gain Apprehensive status with the Guild.
Item Type Gloves: Apothecary Generic Equipment Effect: (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
That was everything that I was offered for joining the four main factions of both the city and the world. That¡¯s right, these guilds had representation around the world. Meaning that so long as I was in good standing with each, I could theoretically go to the guild halls in any city and be safe. Of course, I would have to make it past the guards in each city to get to said guild halls, but once there I would be safe. Just getting out would also be a challenge. Basically, while I had theoretical guild access in every city, this access did not grant me access to every city. Now that I was registered as a citizen of the Maltese empire, I would have to improve my reputation with the other cities as well. ¡°All right, that was awesome. I actually gained a level from all of that.¡± Golum said before continuing, ¡°not bad for an escort quest.¡± ¡°Aye, and my reputation with the Maltese Empire also improved to Friendly.¡± Hector said. At that I raised an eyebrow. I had thought his reputation would be higher, but then again, he didn¡¯t start off at Friendly as I had. ¡°See you tomorrow Hector, later Cass, I wish you well.¡± Golum said, as he waved at the two of us. I paused, as I could tell by Hector¡¯s body language that he was waiting for something. Then sure enough once Golum was around the corner Hector relaxed slightly, then turned to me. ¡°So, are you interest in another guild?¡± At that I smile, ¡°yeah. But I understand that one is by invitation only.¡±¡± ¡°It is, but if you are interested, I could get you in. Particularly now that you have passed the checks.¡± He said, gesturing to my cloak and necklace. He was of course referring to the fact that I passed the initial screening test for the Mage and Adventurer¡¯s Guild. With my already being at the Silver and Adept ranks, I proved myself worthy of acceptance. So long as I didn¡¯t get caught doing a crime from this point onward, I would be free of most prejudices. This of course meant I would have to take precautions if I wanted to Advance my rank in the Mechanics or Apothecary guilds, but I had already gotten what I wanted. Soulbound gloves were perfect, as they helped me keep my fingerprints from being over items. Soulbound items also had a self-repair function so if they took damage, they would still be back to normal by the next day, just as if they were stolen. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± I say. With that he nods to himself and takes me down a number of shady areas. Finally, we enter the sewers, or rather a ledge that leads by the sewers. Instantly I can tell there are open walls all around us and people watching our very approach. I can also sense multiple traps hidden all around us. Instantly I begin trying to deactivate the traps with my Telekinesis while moving, a process that is easier said than done. Click. A trap behind us fires off, causing Hector to turn to me. I shrug and decide that maybe trying to disarm traps while moving is not the best career path. Particularly when my current career path is trying to join the group that likely set up said traps to begin with. Finally, we get to the seedy underbelly of the city, only to find that it is immaculate. Seriously, spotless, at least according to my senses. Smooth marble flooring begins just feet away from a crumbling stone walkway. I can also tell that the door is supposed to be hidden in some way, but it doesn¡¯t hold up well to my sight. As we enter, I see dozens of people all reading letters before burning them. People sneaking about in obstacle courses behind hidden walls. ¡°Ah Hector, I see you¡¯ve brought us another urchin.¡± A woman who all but radiates with hidden magical powers says as she saunters over. ¡°Yes, I have. This here sprout is Cassiopeia, and she has quite the story to tell.¡± With that as my cue, I decide to offer up all of my previously used badges. The great thing about the Thieves guild, and something that goes unnoticed by many is that you can use your previously spent Accomplishment badges at full price. Rather than the half price one would normally get by using the same badge over and over. There was just one problem, doing so meant you could never use the badge again for reputation gains, so if you wanted to improve your reputation with others keep the badges and use them. For me, I just want to gain acceptance here first. This is one of those groups that I want to earn my way up in, the reason why is simple, each level allows me access to different trainers. If I just jump myself to the final level, then I will miss out on a lot of free training that is offered to fledgling thieves. With that in mind, I offer up my previously used Fly before you can Walk (50), giving me an Apprehensive rating with the guild. From there I get my last piece of soulbound equipment.
Item type mask: Basic Thieves Mask Effect: (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
That was it, no attributes as the Thieves were all about improving your skills to make it so you could survive. Need to be faster? Well work on skills that will level your Dexterity. Need to be tougher, then work on skills that level your Endurance. Need to be smarter, read. That was the mentality of the Thieves Guild and I couldn¡¯t wait to try out my new skills. Tomorrow I would go Dungeon Delving.
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Cassiopeia
Age (flaw): 7
Race (flaw): Shade Touched Dark Elf
Physical Social Mental
Strength 7 (+1) Personality 7 Perception 24 (+1)
Dexterity 13 Sociability 6 Intelligence 28 (+1)
Endurance 13 Attractiveness 7 Willpower 27
Skill Key Total
Alertness: (Perception) 50
Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence) 50
Daggers (Dexterity) 7
Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance) 11
Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 66
Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower) 93
Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower) 69
Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 48
Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower) 5
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence) 19
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower) 42
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance) 7
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception) 4
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance) 5
Mental Resistance (Willpower) 34
Free Falling (Dexterity) 16
Applied Physics (Intelligence) 1
Trap Detection (Perception and Intelligence) 7
Disarm Trap (Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence) 10
Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique) (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower) 21
Climbing (Strength and Endurance) 3
Deductive Reasoning (Perception and Intelligence) 1
Courtly Etiquette (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness) 1
Mechanical Engineering (Perception and Intelligence) 3
Arcane Understanding (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 2 (+1)
Medical Healing (Perception and Intelligence) 1 (+1)
Focus (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 1 (+1)
Latens Manifesta (Dexterity, Perception, Personality, Sociability, Intelligence) 1 (+1)
Survival (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower) 1 (+1)
Polyglot (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence) 1 (+1)
Nature Resistance (Endurance) 1 (+1)
Stealth (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower 1 (+1)
Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis.
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes.
Merits: (157)
Precocious (7): Learn Skills Twice as quickly. (Only available at character creation)
Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation)
Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation)
Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation)
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation)
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Soulbound Items
Engineering Guild Goggles "EGGs": (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Standard Wizard Adept Gear "SWAG" (Cloak): (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifest)
Silver Level Adventurer¡¯s Card (Necklace): (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
Apothecary Generic Equipment (Gloves): (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
Basic Thieves Mask (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster. 1
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level. 25
New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used) 50 (Gone)
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
Chapter 7 My Baptism Chapter 7 My Baptism A right of passage for everyone on Biprism is the baptism of dungeoneering. This is a right of passage, sort of the introduction to the world as a whole. I of course spent the night at the Magician¡¯s guild, where I intend to spend most of my nights. But today is my first day of dungeon exploring, or dugeoneering for short. I might have mentioned before the dungeons and towers exists all over the world. What I might have neglected or glossed over was the person to dungeon and or tower ratio. Developers did this for the purpose of ensuring that everyone has a chance to dungeon delve and level as needed. The world believes that dungeons and towers are created by a build up of the world¡¯s mana. Mana that is caused by people, thus the more people exploring the world the more mana these people will release and thus create more dungeons. This is particularly why dungeons and towers both tend to build up in cities, at least per the digital citizens of the world. In reality, it is due to lower-level people needing to go to a dungeon to level in a somewhat safe environment. There is of course a catch, meaning that if the leaders of a dungeon aren¡¯t cleared out every so often, or if the dungeon itself is left to fester for too long it will grow and scale and eventually have an overflow. That is why it is part of my dues as an Adventurer to either enter one tower or one dungeon every calendar month. As a silver ranked Adventurer, I am allowed to enter silver level dungeons and towers, but also forced to either pay a silver in dues each month or visit any combination of two or more dungeons and or towers. Of course, dungeon delving helps in all the other guilds as well. For the Mechanics Guild I can find metals, schematics, and old treasures that I can donate. For the Apothecary Guild I can do look for herbs, molds, and other rare ingredients that grow deep within dungeons. For the Mage¡¯s guild I can try to find aspects of magic that call to me and attempt to increase my magical affinities through constant delving. As for the Thieves Guild, just by entering a dungeon I am working on their core tenants of improving my skills to get stronger. I go in unarmed; my goal is to avoid fighting at all costs. I¡¯m not a pacifist, but I have to say my time in a dungeon will be more enjoyable if I don¡¯t have to spend my entire time stabbing everything from behind. Also, now that I no longer have my legendary dagger, or any dagger for that matter, I find the idea of doing much more than improving my skills to be detrimental. Yes, I know I am being stupid for not trying to improve my dagger skill, but I can¡¯t have them at the Mage¡¯s guild, as apparently, I¡¯m too young. I could however have them at the Thieves guild, but they don¡¯t like people living there for days on end, something about drawing attention to their exit locations. Kids that stand out are especially asked to leave, as I am one of the few kids who has a faction with all four recognized guilds of the city this ban on me specifically makes too much sense to disregard. The guards on duty are towering brutes of combinations of man and machine. They generally have these augmented bodies standing guard at the entrance to early level dungeons. The idea is to warn kids, like me, away from doing anything reckless. The guard on the right has what is clearly a hydraulically enhanced arm made possible by the advances of the Mechanics guild. I think his left leg is also a replacement appendage, but that is hard to detect due to the way his pants billow out from him. Still, I can¡¯t help but think most of these changes were done for want, rather than necessity. There are no true signs of scars, or hastily healed burn markings that would indicate life or death battles. Some social groups even see hydraulic replacements as the way of the future, spending good money to have standard limbs removed for the ease of leveling that hydraulic limbs offer. Why bother learning and enhancing skills each level, when you can just spend money and change out a steel arm for an adamantium arm, when the funds are available. Hydraulic limbs are both a cheat and a crutch. They are a cheat as they are not bound by your level. Had I chose to go a different route, I could have easily turned in my life savings for loads of cash that I could have then used to buy upgrades that would make me on par with a level 75 soldier. Of course, the crutch part of this meant that I would not be able to get certain skills like Sneaking and others as it is rather hard to move around quietly while your pistons scream out your movements. The other crutch is, that assuming you power leveled yourself to 75 with your augmentations, then you would still need to procure more expensive items to reach the next evolution. Though extreme augmentations are the way to prolong your life to be as long, if not longer than an elf¡¯s. Bad heart, replace it. Don¡¯t trust the first set of organs get a second set. Don¡¯t like getting punched in the stomach and hate needing food, replace the organs with something that burns crystals or other valuable gems at a much slower rate. The sky is the limit to what can be replaced, some have even replaced their brain, at least that is what some of the most high-end experts of the Mechanics guild are striving for. While the guard on the right looks like they chose to go the path of the augmented warrior. The warrior on the left has scars and burn marks that prove their augmentations, at least part of them, are due to necessity rather than vanity. The guard on the left is missing the right half of his face, having the bones and organs replaced with glowing metals and crystals for eyes. Even the teeth have been replaced with a diamond like element that denotes not only wealth, but also strength. I bow to the two guards. ¡°This is no place for a little girl, especially one without a class.¡± The guard on the left states. I hold up my silver Adventurer¡¯s Necklace. At the sight of the necklace, I see a beam of light form in the left guard¡¯s eye. ¡°Very well. Be careful. Have you been versed in this dungeon?¡± ¡°No.¡± I admit truthfully, while stashing my necklace under my shirt, no reason to flaunt my status so openly. While I need it to get into the dungeon, I don¡¯t want to get in the habit of leaving it out in the open for everyone to be able to see. ¡°This is a Goblin Dungeon. Here you will see villages, workshops, and houses. The gears from the workshops can be sold to the Mechanics. The herbs from the gardens can be sold to the Apothecaries. The runes and magic infused schematics and items can be sold to the Magicians guild. Since you are clearly a silver ranked Adventurer, this will count for one of your two dungeons this month.¡± I could also go to a temple for my other one, but I let him continue his well-rehearsed speech. ¡°This dungeon was fully cleared last week, and the boss¡¯s lair was cleared yesterday meaning you do not have to kill anything. That said, if you could keep track and let us know the level of the leader should you come across them that would be great.¡± This was good, it was assumed that the dungeon boss would level at a rate of once per day, until they met the zone¡¯s cap. In this case the boss would be level 19, before reaching the cap. At that point, there would be a surge in reproduction as the denizens would swell up in number. This meant more resources from the gardens and mechanics shops, and more magic items and schematics would be available, but also would potentially put the whole city at risk due to a potential monster swarm. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Fortunately, we could avoid a worst-case scenario as the dungeon being cleared a week ago and the boss being defeated yesterday means that at most the boss would be level 11. This also meant that I was not going to be guilt tripped into doing anything stupid. These Tier I dungeons were meant to train you how to delve into dungeons, and that was all I intended to do my first few times in. Go in, work on improving my Stealth and other movement skills, then get out. ¡°Acknowledge and thank you.¡± I say. Logically I know that if I had a class, I would have just received a quest related to discerning enemy strength and size. That was what the guard had offered, but since I don¡¯t have a class, I can¡¯t actually get the quest. I can still do the quest as requested, and get an unseen reputation boost with the city, which would have a partial bonus to my status within the various guilds, but no actual experience. Instead, I would likely unlock the hidden Memory skill by doing this. I already had something similar when it came to reading, but this would be one that helped me remember most everything from a single glance. With my mission in place, I nod to the two guards before entering the dungeon. As soon as I enter, I feel a tingling sensation. I can¡¯t tell if this is just my nerves, some odd quirk of my skills, or me being able to sense the increased culmination of mana that is being pulled in from the city and citizens of the city to this one nexus spot. You can¡¯t destroy the core of a dungeon, well you could, but the core would just form back over time. As energy would still come back to the same spot. The longer a dungeon existed the more ley lines of power would form and connect this dungeon to other dungeons, never to towers. That was an odd thing, while dungeons connected via underground lines of power or communications, the towers connected to others in the air. It was said that Mickael could see the lines of power connect to a tower as soon as a new one formed. He spent days mapping out the build up of power for both dungeons and towers alike and became renowned for his ability to predict future locations of dungeons and towers alike. He could even notice the difference between the two and could start predicting which one would form at each location. One day I hope to get to that level of knowledge and understanding. As for now though, I need to work on my survival skills. I have my two Traits that I can call upon to get me out of danger if I feel threatened in any way, so my survival is not something to worry about. That said, the moment I emerge on the other side of the dungeon entrance I immediately pull up my hood to my cloak, pull up my thieves¡¯ mask and begin walking. The mask is mainly protection against poisons. Goblins have a tendency to use smoke and other types of explosives in their attacks. While I don¡¯t have to worry about the lack of sight with the smoke, the chemicals in the gas could prove to be dangerous. This is why I want to be extra careful. With my now three hundred meters of range after my increases from exploring the city yesterday, along with the bonus from my EGG goggles, I feel confident that I can hide from most anything before they notice me. While I might have to worry about creatures like elves and others that are known for their longer range of sight, goblins are myopic, tending to rely on traps to warn of potential predators. Again, my knowledge of this most basic of species already pays off as I immediately notice a few traps that line the walls. Seeing their red glow with my sight, I immediately begin the fun puzzle game of solving the traps. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, these are not as intricate as the dwarven traps I disabled on the floating island. This means a few things, first it means that the reset timer for these traps will be a lot longer than the other set, and secondly it means that they will take more to level up my skills. Fortunately, I am okay with this, as I just want practice doing these the correct way, versus my ham-fisted, or maybe Telekinetically-fisted way would be a better description. With these early level traps, I can focus on building the nuances of disarming traps that will build up key components later on. After two minutes all five traps at the entry way are cleared. I then begin sneaking around, going in the low crouch all the time, just to get used to moving in such an awkward manner. My thighs burn almost immediately, but this is okay as I know I am leveling my Athletics, Calisthenics, and likely my Second Wind if this goes on for too long. The minute I get to the goblin village, or at least the outskirts of the goblin village I can instantly tell. The entire structure of the energy changes. What was once porous stone is now well tilled soil. Instantly I can see the outline of different low-level crops. Crops that my Analyze skill can easily identify. Zucchini. Pumpkin. Potatoes. I notice that there are a lot of gourds that are being grown and wonder if that has something to do with goblin physiology. Goblins, like humans, have sets of sharp teeth in front that can be used for tearing through flesh, and flatter teeth towards the back of their mouth that can be used for grinding foods. While that does make sense, I didn¡¯t expect the focus on gourds. I make a note to read up on that, to see if there is more to it. Again, this world still fascinates me, as even after having watched it for years I still find myself enthralled by the little things of this world. Shaking my head out of my reverie, I intend to make my way around the village. This is mainly for me to improve my skills, nothing more. I tell myself that even if I see something magical, I will not be tempted by it. This is a low-level dungeon after all, meaning anything I could gain wouldn¡¯t be that useful in the grand scheme of things. Definitely not worth me losing my life or training time over. I can always come back tomorrow and the next day if at all desired. Still as I move, I can¡¯t help but see that there is a vast world of surprises here. For while there are buildings on the surface, I can tell that every house has an escape hatch and that houses are interlocked with each other. I find a spot under a bush of some kind. I can¡¯t tell if I blend in or not, but I get low and choose to just watch the people of the village more. Children are down below, there is a nursery and a whole group of mothers who seem to be working in unison with each other to help raise the children. Again, I once again find myself not wanting to harm the monsters of this world. They are just too real, worse they almost seem to accept their fate, that they will be hunted, and yet they still wish to continue. I grip my fists tightly at this, as I don¡¯t quite know what to say. This world even moments like this are beautiful, they are clearly a family. Not just a set of individual monsters, but a community of monsters who all work together to make life easier for each other. I decide not to tell others about the secret underground passageways. Nothing good would come from that, as that would just mean innocent women and children would be slaughtered. Getting up, I continue making my way around the village and around the exterior houses. I know to scope out both the Workshop and the Chief¡¯s hut I will have to go inside the village, which is fine, but I just want to give myself a chance to get my Sneaking skill up as high as possible. I haven¡¯t looked at the skill, as I think that will form bad habits. Instead, I just keep moving about and over time I just realize certain things. I realize how to roll my feet to be quieter. I realize how to shift my balance so that even when I move forward, I still have perfect balance in case I need to pull my foot back. I realize that by shifting my weight forward or back slightly will drastically decrease the weight on my thighs. Little things that over the course of time all add up. I find that by breathing through my teeth I can reduce the sounds I make. So many different nuances that all go into moving, each little aspect help me blend in easier. Finally, after a time I make my way to the workshop and am met with a few dozen hidden traps within the unkempt field that leads to the backside of the building. Such traps are obvious for me, as they all but glow with their lack of complexity, but to other adventurers I could see how this would be an effective area to trap. As for me, I just go to the base of the wall and peer inside. I might have said it before, but it bears repeating, my Angel¡¯s Sight is amazing. Especially now that I have my custom skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading. Of course, all the blueprints are written in a language that I don¡¯t quite know, but I can tell the mathematical formula rather easily. Again, I was a mathematician in my past life for the government, I can work launch angles and attack vectors. The goblins are building what looks to be a mechanical body suit, one with spinning blades on the back of hands and fingers for grabbing. The suits make no sense as they only seem to be growing gourds, which don¡¯t grow that high off the ground. It isn¡¯t until I realize that they have an almost fully functional version of the suit right there that I realize the suit is likely one for war. Focusing back on the blueprint and comparing the blueprint to the size and dimension of the nearly completed suit, I can begin to puzzle out a few nuances of the suit and what its full capabilities are intended to be. Honestly, I am rather impressed, if the mathematics are correct, and let¡¯s face it, mathematics is about the only thing that I¡¯ve really translated from this odd language accurately, then the suit is a Tier II model made from only Tier I materials. To put it another way, the goblins are punching well above their weight class. At least in terms of this body suit. I pause, trying to decide what to do. I could take the blueprints now, and run the risk of there being a problem in the design, a problem that would easily be fixed by the mechanical genius that was working on this design, or I could go report on this to the guards out front who would likely send adventurers in to investigate. Of course, to most adventurers that would mean slaughter everyone in their path, including the genius inventor. Shaking my head, I decide to make my way to the chief¡¯s hut. Level 11 Goblin Chief. Level 11 Goblin Concubine. Level 11 Goblin Concubine. Okay, so the chief was a sleaze ball who was abusing their power and authority, got it. That guy I didn¡¯t mind if he was killed, not that I¡¯d do it, but I didn¡¯t mind telling others about this type of monster. I then make my way back out the village, moving slowly to avoid all guards, farmers, and even the occasional child who seems to wander closely. By the time I leave the village, I find my ability and confidence in my movements to be a lot higher. I am about to leave, when I remember to remove my thieves mask at the last second and let it fall to my neck like a loose cloth. With my anonymity retained, I exit the dungeon and do two things. First, I inform the guards about the now level 11 chief. Once that is done, I make my way to the mechanics guild, hoping that someone else might be interested in my discovery of a goblin mechanical mastermind. Chapter 8 Embedded Learning Chapter 8 Embedded Learning Honestly, I blame myself for what happened next. In a way I should have seen such a chain of events coming. Most people¡¯s general reaction to hearing about the unknown and a potentially invaluable resource like a previously unknown mechanical schema would be greed. I know that, and yet somehow, I failed to recognize greed as the primary motivator for any interaction. Thus, when I went to the Mechanic¡¯s Guild, when I spoke of a new device that seemed groundbreaking and even gave the mathematical formula that I had found and proved the way the math seemed to work. At first people were skeptical, but then slowly came around to how just how groundbreaking the find was. That was when the guild said they would investigate. I should have known that to the guild Investigate means something entirely different than what it means for me. I am after all still new to this world, and while I mentally know that excessive over the top methods are the norm, I didn¡¯t expect that to be the case with a Tier I dungeon. Apparently, I was wrong. The next day, I went to the dungeon. Once again flashing my Adventurer¡¯s badge. ¡°This will be recorded as your secondary dungeon trip for the month. We should also warn you that the dungeon had a full clear yesterday.¡± ¡°Yesterday? But the chief was only level 11?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes, apparently the Mechanic Guild got a tip and followed up. They came out with a rare blueprint and a semi functioning suit.¡± And there it was, my contribution to this world. I knew I would likely gain faction and reputation within the Mechanic guild for this discovery, but it would be minor in comparison to what could have been gained from just letting the goblins continue to build independently on their own. ¡°Thank you.¡± I said, as I went into the dungeon. Once again, I felt that odd sense of magic as I entered the dungeon proper. As soon as I entered, I felt that everything was wrong. I had never seen fields that were burnt to ash, but that is what I found. I found that entire sections of crops had been completely burnt. Every house sat vacant, even the chauvinistic chief and his mini-harem were gone. Badump, badmup. With a start I wondered if all life in the dungeon was lost, but fortunately the nursery under ground was still safe. The mothers who had been tending the young before were still at it now. I did this, I caused all of this. I disabled traps, only to find that they didn¡¯t reset afterwards. Apparently, the game had some feature that recognized someone needing to be there in order to reset these crude traps. I was at a complete loss for what to do. There was no way to train. Even as the first denizens from the nursery began to grow at an accelerated rate, and begin to go up and populate the houses, their appearance felt hollow. As if they were mere imitations of the greatness that had once been there. As soon as the first citizens began to take up proper residence again, things slowly changed. The burnt fields began to repair themselves rapidly. The traps that had been disabled suddenly began repairing themselves again, albeit at a much slower rate. Then something wonderous happened, the moment a goblin first entered the chief¡¯s hut, I could all but see the magic spell take hold of them. The goblin went from being a slender scrawny thing to a level 10 being almost instantly. The same thing happened for the goblin that first entered the workshop, I saw a wonderous transformation overtake the goblin, as they seemed to be flooded with inspiration and immediately moved to the bench and began working on their own designs. Then slowly over the next few hours I saw the way the village magically repaired itself. So that after a time it looked like nothing had ever happened, that the village had always been a peaceful little village. Watching this, I was once again reminded that this was both a game, and surprisingly real. Here they were a village full of monsters who were the bare minimum level, all ready to be slaughtered by the next adventuring party. I know I said it before, but there were enough murderers in this world, enough people who all but got excited at the idea of fighting monsters over and over. Maybe I would eventually get numb to the idea, but I could see the way these people, no the way these goblins, interacted with each other. The way they held hands behind closed doors. The way they spoke lovingly to each other. At that realization, I decided to try to understand these people. To understand their language both written and spoken. I really had nothing better to do and leaning the language would help level my Polyglot skill, while also leveling my Sneak and other skills. I also spent the day working on hiding in plain sight. Somewhere in the day I got two new skills.
New Skill Gained: Camouflage has increased to level 1.
Skill Camouflage is a Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Intelligence based skill.
New Skill Gained: Obfuscation has increased to level 1.
Skill Obfuscation is a Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Camouflage it seemed was the art of having some type of local flora attached to your outfit that helped to hide you. While Obfuscation was the act of hiding in plain sight but being so still that no one seemed to notice. I also used the time while the goblins, they aren¡¯t monsters, while the goblins were this low level to practice other activities. I performed push ups in patches of grass near houses. Trying to do as many pushups as possible. Then collapsing from muscle failure, then hiding in plain sight with shrubbery on my back to blend in with the area. I also made sure that while holding different poses I would reset the traps around me. This likely wasn¡¯t the best use of my time, but it fulfilled the basic need I still found I desperately needed. With this, I was able to improve my one Physical Attribute that was still lacking, Strength. I also made sure to alternate my time moving around the village. Moving at a low crawl quietly. Then climbing up onto buildings, where I would again move slowly and steadily over the different houses. Then getting near the end of the houses, I would practice tumbling off. I would also listen to the way the goblins would talk to themselves. It almost sounded like benign gibberish, but I was determined to understand the language. After all it wasn¡¯t like I had much better to do, as a minor I didn¡¯t need to eat or drink. In fact, doing just what I was doing now was encouraged. Maybe not exactly what I was doing, going out and stalking sentient monsters, but taking this time to enter dungeons and level up as many skills as possible was definitely encouraged. Seeing as I was also leveling the one skill that was closest to a combat skill that I had Telekinesis, by disarming the various traps, I felt I was also helping myself for a future where I might need to fight to survive. This was how everyday for my next month went. I didn¡¯t leave the dungeon. Instead, when I got tired, I would exit the village proper, first go wash off in the nearby pond on the hill that had a runoff stream that fed the village. Then that necessity taken care of, I would go find a small nook inside the cave that was well ventilated but could only be entered via Personal Teleportation. When other groups came to reset the village I would retreat to a safe spot, and practice my skills on them as well. At first multiple groups noticed me. ¡°Hey, do you want to join us?¡± Fortunately, I had my mask on so my revulsion at such a comment didn¡¯t show. Instead, I shook my head and answered honestly, ¡°no I am just skill grinding.¡± ¡°Oh, okay. Well, if you change your mind, the name is Sashka.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± I said, as I then moved out of the way, in an attempt to avoid being collateral damage in the ensuing fights. I did notice that my skills went up when I managed to avoid being detected by humans, and other factions of the city. During these times, I would make sure to enter the workshop area first, loot all blueprints and notes. Along with going into the different homes and gaining any books or other items that had the goblin writing on it. Surprisingly, most of the books came from the females in what I could only assume were diaries of some sort. The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. In fact, oddly enough it wasn¡¯t until I started assuming that the books were diaries of some sort that I began to unravel the mysteries of the language. While I could read the texts exceptionally quickly and accurately, I still found that the language was something I couldn¡¯t understand until I realized the first two words of women¡¯s books were titled ¡°Dear Diary.¡± With that discovery, the nuances of the language slowly, and I mean painfully slowly began to break down for me. I took all my reading materials to my little nook in the caves. Since my skill was designed for me, it didn¡¯t matter how much light was present or not, as all I needed was the text to be exposed to the air. With that minor act, just the exposure to air, I was able to read anything. I could only read one document at a time, at least at first. I did find that the more I focused, the more I could sort of split my attention between two different documents. But I would have to alternate. My thought was, were the people of the village random variables that would reset or were they all copies that would eventually reset. The way I would prove this would be to keep taking these diaries after each restart and compare them. I noticed that the women who had tomes from previous house owners began to work on their own diaries, regardless of how many were already there. If a new bookshelf was needed to house the new tome a new one would be created. Call it what you will, wanky magic, or what, but that meant that the first few tomes would be related to the oldest of goblins and the rest would slowly show the changes of time, until we were finally at the current day. Of course, the workshop didn¡¯t have this, there was no previous generation of mechanical engineers, mainly because that was always looted as a form of prize with the Mechanic guild. In fact, most times, it could be assumed that both the Chief and the Lead engineer would be cleared at least once every other day, by one group or another. Apparently, I was also one of the main attractions during dungeon raids. ¡°Hey, I found her, that ghost elf everyone talks about!¡± A loud boy said, as he slowly got within my range of perception. As he entered, I could easily identify why he noticed me so readily.
Maximus Gloryhound Level 24 Ranger.
A Ranger could still notice me from much further away than I could effectively see. ¡°What where?¡± ¡°Right there.¡± The Ranger said as he got closer and closer, before standing right on top of me and pointing down. ¡°What? I still don¡¯t¡­¡± He trailed off as I stood up. ¡°Look I don¡¯t want any trouble.¡± I said, holding up my hands in a defensive gesture. ¡°No, you are like a legend. People keep swearing that they see you, but no one ever sees you leave.¡± I shrug. ¡°I¡¯ve been working on my skills.¡± ¡°I can see. Even I had a hard time finding you.¡± He said, as he spoke, I could see that he had a number of Magic Items on him that made him stand out to my senses. I wonder if my soulbound items did the same? Were they causing me to be noticed, going out on a limb, I asked just that. ¡°My soulbound items?¡± ¡°Yeah, honestly it took me a second as I thought you might have been buried treasure of some kind at first. You don¡¯t even seem to breathe.¡± He commented. I of course did breathe, but I can do it at a much slower rate now. ¡°What is it you do¡­¡± The second boy began. I held up my hand to stop him, as he was moving right in front of a particularly deadly spike trap that had just come off of its cooldown, when¡­ Shirk. ¡°AGGHHAA!¡± ¡°You are in the middle of a trap field. The back side of the mechanical workshop is always filled with traps.¡± I state, then begin to point to the different traps that are once again active. I bend down over the trap and deactivate it with a quick application of Telekinesis. Then moving onto the next one I do the same over and over. ¡°There you all should be able to make it out of here now without any real problems.¡± I say, showing a path. ¡°You going for some type of rogue path?¡± I shrug. ¡°Something like that.¡± ¡°Duh, she has their mask.¡± The Ranger says, pointing to my face that still clearly has the Thieves mask fully engaged. Then he pauses as he looks at me. ¡°Wait you have gear from every guild, and you aren¡¯t even classed?¡± I shrug, but then nod. ¡°Man, see this is why the Flaw child is so OP, look at her starting off with all the gear that we have to grind for.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t start with this; I earned every piece.¡± I say, feeling a bit defensive. ¡°No, what my friend here means is that you managed to get it earn it at such an early stage of life, meaning you could get one of the rare or legendary classes when you finally do get a class.¡± The Ranger said. At that, I nod. ¡°Well, I will let you get on with your killing.¡± I say somewhat annoyed by the way the conversation went. I earned these items, and I earned my skills. Heck the fact that I spend practically every waking moment working on them should be testament to that. I dust off my outfit, letting the branches and brambles I had been using as Camouflage fall off. ¡°I¡¯ll be out of your way.¡± I say, as I first dash a few yards, then crouch low and feel my mind shift into silent mode. ¡°Whoa she just disappeared.¡± The second boy, the one with the spike in their leg said. I assume he had some type of healing salve or something. ¡°Yeah, she will be someone worth noting later.¡± The Ranger said, loud enough for me to hear. Of course, my Perception was so high now that I could easily hear them even from twice this distance. ¡°Now then, lets tend to your injury. How could you be so stupid as to fall for a spike trap.¡± The Ranger said, bending down to remove the spike. I of course used this time to make a getaway and then once I was out of the village, I sprinted up the field and when I was certain no one was looking I teleported into my little reading nook. I didn¡¯t know why I found myself getting so irritated by those boys. Well, I call them boys, when they were clearly older than me, maybe it is just my grandmotherly instincts kicking in that let me realize they were acting immature. They seemed like the thrill-seeking idiots that die early and often in this world. Still, it was odd that people were taking time out of raids to look for me, calling me a ghost of some kind. On the one hand it is quite flattering, having something of a nickname, even if it is just for being the crazy person in a level 1 dungeon. Still, I was close to a breakthrough, my goal was to stay here and work until I fully understood this language. Each raid got me one step closer. Each raid I could find the diaries of the different goblin women from around the village and get their thoughts. Their names always changed. There were a few repeated names, just as Paul or Peter might be repeated in the real world. But the personalities, the way each similar name wrote and describe the world changed from person to person. It was amazing. I also noted a distinct difference in the way the mechanical engineers, or those seemingly blessed by divine mechanical inspiration changed and all seemed to have different aspects that they focused on. Some focused on mechanoid suits, others focused on enhancing magical effects in their suits. Of course, since no goblin had magic, at least not at tier I, the magical augmentations were the iterations that were the easiest to clear. But what if? What if they were given a chance to grow and develop magic. Would the Goblins learn magic? If so, what fields? Would they be the same or different from what was currently available. So many questions were going through my mind, but it had been worth it. Everything had been worth it. I had finally broken the language barrier. After three months of constantly working to improve my skills, and work
Skill Polyglot: has increased 1 -> 35
Skill Nature Resistance: has increased 1 -> 10
Skill Stealth: has increased 1 -> 64
Skill Camouflage: has increased 1 -> 34
Skill Obfuscation: has increased 1 -> 42
Skill Mechanical Engineering: has increased 3 -> 33
Skill Latens Manifesta: has increased 1 -> 5
Skill Focus: has increased 1 -> 42
Skill Deductive Reasoning: has increased 1 -> 10
Skill Applied Physics: has increased 1 -> 10
Skill Climbing: has increased 3 -> 18
Skill Trap Detection: has increased 7 ¨C 38
Skill Trap Disarm: has increased 10 -> 42
Skill Calisthenics: has increased 5 -> 35
Skill Weightlifting: has increased 7 -> 22
Skill Second Wind: has increased 42 -> 47
Skill Analyze: has increased 19 -> 28
Skill Multitasking: has increased 69 -> 88
Skill Telekinesis: has increased 93 -> 112
Skill Teleportation (Personal): has increased 66 -> 72
Skill Athletics: has increased 11 -> 32
Skill Alertness: has increased 50 -> 105
Skill Magical Awareness: has increased 50 -> 105
That was a lot of skill gains, especially considering I only spent three months doing so. Granted I spent the entire time inside a dungeon, which exponentially increased the rate of my skill gains. But still, with that type of improvement I don¡¯t see why other people don¡¯t do this more often. Of course, I have the benefit of not having to worry about constantly resupplying my rations. Or worrying about damage taken, in fact other than injuring my ankle a few times from a couple of bad tumbles I had been relatively free of injuries this whole trip, knock on wood. Of course the one skill that showed the most improvement was my personally created skill, the one that I spent time working on everyday. A skill I would spend the first part of my day using and the last skill I would use at night. My personally created Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique) skill rose substantially.
Skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Unique): has increased 21 -> 82
Yes, a 60-point skill gain in three months, or roughly 20 levels a month, that is unheard of growth. Of course, with so many skill gains going on, my attributes also saw a marked improvement as well.
Attribute Strength has increased 7 -> 11
Attribute Dexterity has increased 13 -> 26
Attribute Endurance has increased 12 -> 25
Attribute Personality has increased 7-> 16
Attribute Sociability has increased 6-> 16
Attribute Attractiveness has increased 7-> 18
Attribute Perception has increased 24-> 41
Attribute Intelligence has increased 29 -> 43
Attribute Willpower has increased 28 -> 36
All in all, I had to say I was doing quite well for myself, especially considering the fact that now all my Attributes, not just my physical ones were past the ten-point threshold. The only outlier of course being my Strength but considering that I should be able to carry roughly 18 pounds per point of strength, that means I can lift and carry 198 pounds of gear. Meaning that I can move about and even climb freely while carrying a weight equal to my own. With my primary task for the entire trip done, I decided to collect my notes on the language, the research I had gained. Along with the different mathematical equations the goblins were seemingly able to intuit. I took all of them with me, and collecting only the best, I finally left the dungeon. I of course make sure to leave with my Thieves mask off my face. As I exited, I saw the same two guards on duty. Upon my exiting with a stack of books and parchments, they stared at me. ¡°We thought you died.¡± I nodded at that. ¡°I could see why you would think that, but I have been conducting research.¡± I say, then begin to leave, but before I do I make sure to state the current level of the chief. ¡°Level 12 Chieftain, four main guards from 10 to 12. Mechanical Goblin is working on a magical bomb that will produce mana depleting gas.¡± With my obligation to the Adventurer¡¯s guild complete, I decide to drop off my notes on the Goblin language with the Mage¡¯s guild. I hope they will at least be interested in what I have found. I know I won¡¯t be able to save them today, but maybe over time I can at least get people to come around to the idea that not only are they intelligent, but they might have advancements that we should study and learn from. Of course, there is the counter to that argument that this is why they must be killed, before they can become a true threat to the Empire, but that will be someone else¡¯s argument. As for me. I think I am officially done observing the goblins. After this, I intend to try to travel, to see if I can observe other dungeons. I of course intend to do something similar there, maybe even try to befriend some of the other dungeon denizens. I could also likely begin trying to learn to harvest different plants. That was one thing I found myself wanting to do more of, but sadly I found that I either didn¡¯t have the skill or the tools to do such a task properly. Yes, I had the Apothecary gloves, but I hated the idea of getting them dirty by digging in the dirt. Maybe I am a bit weird for being perfectly okay with laying on the ground for hours on end to spy on a race of people widely considered to be monsters, while being a bit squeamish about feeling wet dirt soak my gloves causes me to freeze up in revulsion. Still, I think I am okay with not wanting to be a gardener. While I might be able to cut down some leaves, I still find the idea of digging into dirt with my bare hands repulsive. I make a note that I might want to get tools for this in the future, but that is down on my list of things to do. For now, I am going to share my discovery of the new language with the world, or at least the Mage¡¯s guild. Chapter 9 Reinventing the Wheel Chapter 9 Reinventing the Wheel In hindsight my delivering what was essentially a thesis on the speech and language patterns of monsters, as a seven-year-old girl, went about as well as one would expect, which is to say nowhere. Why is this might you ask? Simple, better and smarter people had already done this years ago. In fact, they showed me the documentation and methods used by others. Apparently, I was not the first, nor likely the last to come up with the idea of grinding out skill levels in polyglot Sneaking and other skills by staying within earshot of goblins. There were a few discrepancies that I noticed, first some of the syntaxes were wrong. Now this could either mean that the original observer didn¡¯t recognize the nuance or that the language had drifted. Now if the language drifted due to this tribe being isolated from others, or if this is just the natural progression of the language that somehow goblins all over the world know the evolving language of their own is unknown. All I knew was that there was a change in dialect, which to my scientific mind caused my own synapses to fire rapidly with thoughts and possibilities. With my initial discovery of the goblin language dismissed I almost felt like my entire time in the dungeon was a waste. Well, no, I will never think that, or allow myself to get into that mindset. It was perfect for what it was, an initial delve into a dungeon where I managed to not only survive but thrive. That to me is worth more than anything. Of course, my trip did point out some of my weaknesses. First, I was very observable to people who had a high magical perception. In retrospect, this should have been obvious as I have the big five magic items. My only solution to this was to level my Latens Manifesta skill, or as the mages call it, hiding in plain sight. To that end I decide that I will start adding in going to street corners and practicing my spy craft. That is another thing about Steampunk and the Steampunk setting, the espionage route. Everyone looking at getting one step ahead of everyone else. The number one way to do this, is of course through information, what better way to get information than from a blind informant that no one would expect. Of course, this is a plan for way down the line. Currently I am just trying to build myself up to be useful in that capacity. While I don¡¯t like murdering things, I don¡¯t necessarily have to in order to thrive in this world. All I need to do is fulfill a niche role that can¡¯t easily be duplicated and boom, I¡¯m golden. Right now, my biggest limitation is the range of my perception, as was noted by the level 22 Ranger, my distance is trash. Of course, there must be some trade off in power offered by Angel¡¯s Sight, but I¡¯d dare say that my viewing distance is at most half, if not less in terms of distance. For my level I have an exceptionally high Perception Attribute, but I was not able to see the ranger until he not only called me out, but then came to me. That was unnerving, as it meant that others could watch me from a distance even without my being aware. There were skills that could help with this, but I didn¡¯t want to run around getting more skills. Instead, I wanted to get to the 125-level skill cap for my skills and then move on. Yes, while I had the unbound Merit, there were still hard skill caps for skills. The average user had their skills cap at 100, while those with the unbound could get their skills all the way up to 125. This meant that I was close to my cap for three of my easier skills: Alertness, Magical Awareness, and Telekinesis. However, I feel that those three would be too easy to level up and will likely increase at their own rate. So instead, I decide to focus on one of my lowest ranked skills, Latens Manifesta and my ability to steal information at a distance thanks to my personalized Unique skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading. With that thought in mind I leave the Mage¡¯s guild, walk around the outside of the building and place my back against the back of the guild while staring forward into the crowded bustling streets of the magic section. Obviously being so close to the Mage¡¯s guild people assume the best magic items could be found in these shops. Sadly, people would be wrong, granted there were more magical items for sale here, but most of the items in these sections were generally lower quality than some of the truly beneficial items. While items like the Toasting Knife, a knife with a heat enchantment that perfectly toasts a slice of bread when cut has its practical applications, it makes a terrible combat weapon, and the enchantment is so weak that it often needs to be recharged within a month. That said, toasted bread is toasted bread. During this time, I focus on doing two main things. First, I focus on seeing the people and items that are being sold and their quality. The second thing I do is I read the open books from the mage¡¯s guild. While 300 meters might not be enough to spot a Ranger who has visual on me, that is plenty of distance for me to view through a wall and read the books from the forbidden section. Three people are in the restricted section all reading different books at the same time. The art of spirit magic is as elusive as it is grand. To delve deeper into the arts of spirit magic, a brand of magic that traverses Light, Dark, and Neutral we must first understand the difference between the spirit and soul of an individual. The spirit is the energy of the soul and in fact often the only measurable component of a soul. The soul is as far as we can tell a constantly refilling sac. While studies have been made into the introduction of soul strengthening techniques to children, most found the practice to be unethical. I however have found a willing subject in the form of my daughter. That was one book and one that immediately called out to me as I knew the longer, I stayed and shoulder surfed the contents of that book, the more I might be able to improve my own starting magic pool. While I was starting at Tier VII in potential that only meant I would be able to learn Tier VII spells, it said nothing about my starting mana pool that I could use to cast said spells, which is exactly what this book seemed to be stating. Looking at the book I could see that it had a unique purple color to it, meaning it was magical and skill related. This meant that if I got my hands on the book, I might be able to gain a unique skill, just like the one I personally created. Of course, there were obvious drawbacks to this, if this was a forbidden skill, I might be forced to take it. This would be similar to the situation I had earlier with the Blasphemous Alchemy skill, but unlike that time when I was choosing to learn it and then stopped learning it, with this type of skill I wouldn¡¯t be able to resist. Of course, I could always steal the book and sell it for 100 gold, or what would end up being less than 100 gold by the time I was done. No, for now I would just try to learn this skill by shoulder reading. The other two books were also interesting, but for different reasons. One elderly man with drooping shoulders had to be reading smut. At least this worlds equivalent of smut. ¡­Grabbing her in his arms, he activated his rocket pack and took off for his private airship in the sky. There they watched the world below them slowly drift away, forgetting their positions of power, as for the moment they were just man and woman desperate to get back their youth that they had lost¡­ And that was where I stopped with that one. The third one was a book denoting computational equations of Nature Magic, showing how it followed the Fibonacci sequence. The book was great, other than it clearly had a base number wrong which then threw off the rest of the spell book. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Of course, looking at the book I almost wondered if that was done on purpose. Would purposefully changing a known true variable make a book unreadable? This book was in the restricted section, but it clearly had a lot of good details, just that one number was off. Even the others were correct, meaning that again it was either done on purpose, an editing note, or maybe if I changed it, I could make the book have power. I was curious, but for now I just decided to book read, while hiding in plain sight. While I focused on reading, I also tried to keep my conscious aware of my surroundings. I noticed a team of children pickpockets running around, doing the old bump and pluck, or whatever it is called. Basically, on kid runs out in front of a group of people trying to avoid bullies. ¡°Come back here!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get you!¡± The chasing kids scream. Thud. The first kid runs into a person then drops to the ground in that quick exchange they stole a coin purse and turning back to the charging kids look visibly frightened. Of course, it is all bad acting, the kids show no signs of anger or true fear, but they are a pack. Then the boy runs down a side alley being chased by the gaggle of kids. By the time anyone realizes something is amiss they call the guards to catch the four larger chasing kids. All of whom made sure to touch several people, including the rich mark. None of the kids have the purse, as that is still with the original child the one who was too frightened to do much of anything. I of course see this initial exchange, but then I also see the way independent observers are slowly moving in, the Pinkertons, or the fairgrounds¡¯ personal police. These are of course independent from the city guards who the citizens call for help initially. All so cloak and dagger, I love it. The kids of course learn to stagger their approach, waiting two hours. During the two hours between shows I realize a few things. First, I read a lot faster than the three mages in the restricted section. Sadly, they all go so slowly that I have even kept up with the smut novel. Don¡¯t judge, it gets good, well once they focus on the science used to enchant items. Then of course there is gratuitous sex for no reason, then back to something of interest, then some more sex. A plot reveal where they have to sex their way out¡­ well maybe not the last part but come on people. There can be more to stories than gratuitous sex scenes. I am so preoccupied with the three books that I almost miss the moment when the group of pickpocketing kids reappears. Fortunately, I get a sense of the four Pinkertons moving as one. That is my only indication that something is about to happen. A small boy that appears to be a bit nervous stumble nearby. I can just tell that he is at odds with what he is about to do. I wonder for a moment what he is going to do, then I catch the brief magical outline of something around his neck. While he could be an Adventurer, I am guessing with his weak frame and constitution that he is part of the Thieves guild. At least he is trying to be part of the thieves guild. But he is too new, too untrained and those other kids have already got the guards riled up. ¡°Hey come here.¡± A voice calls out to the kid. It takes me a minute before I realize it is my own voice. Yes, apparently, I am calling out to this random thief. ¡°Me?¡± He asks pointing to himself in what is clearly a real-world gesture. ¡°Yeah, come here.¡± I say, gesturing for him to come over. Fortunately, he was not part of the other group that the Pinkertons are clearly watching. ¡°Okay.¡± He says a bit hesitantly. ¡°Can I help you?¡± ¡°You¡¯re a regressor right?¡± His posture stiffens at that, and I can tell that I have hit the nail on the head with that. ¡°What how did you?¡± ¡°Relax, the fact that you can hear the word and I can say it is a way to show we are both regressors. Think of it as the unofficial handshake.¡± I explain. ¡°Okay, but why¡­¡± The boy asks. Whistle! Several loud whistles ring out as all four Pinkerton guards who had been hiding as citizens move in to capture the gaggle of kids. ¡°Why did I call you over here, to keep you from getting caught?¡± I say, a slight smirk forming on my lips. ¡°How did you know?¡± I pause, ¡°how did I know what?¡± ¡°How did you know that they were going to make a move?¡± He asks, then his eyes go wide as I can see his heartbeat start to spike as blood flows quickly in his neck. ¡°You¡¯re her. The¡­the ghost¡­¡± He said, somewhat excitedly. ¡°What? How did you¡­¡± ¡°I saw you. Well, everyone saw you. What you did was legendary. Taking down a behemoth, taking down a sky island. Then joining all five guilds, only to go into a dungeon for months at a time.¡± I pause, ¡°you know all that?¡± ¡°Yeah, I watched you for my last few months of chemo. When it was clear I wouldn¡¯t make it, I opted to go the child route, same as you.¡± I shake my head. ¡°Being a child is not all its cracked up to be.¡± ¡°Tell me about it. My Dexterity is now five and I can barely walk without getting into trouble.¡± The boy says. ¡°Well until you get your Dexterity above ten, I would recommend not doing what you were trying to do.¡± I admit. ¡°I know, I know. The only problem is I don¡¯t have enough skills to justify getting more training from the guild. But I can¡¯t just go about without any skills to grind.¡± He admits. I nod. ¡°Have you gotten the Athletics skill yet?¡± ¡°What? That¡¯s actually a skill?¡± the boy asks. ¡°Wait, before this goes any further, what is your name?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m Roth.¡± He said, holding out his hand. I just look at the hand and tilt my head at it. I grew up through multiple pandemics, I don¡¯t touch hands. ¡°Oh, sorry, that might be a bit too forward.¡± He said, then awkwardly lowered his hand. Silence. ¡°So any advice?¡± ¡°Yeah, run around be a kid. Do kid things, climb, tumble. The more you do, the more skills you will unlock and the more you will be able to improve your Attributes. Since you don¡¯t have to worry about food or water do extra things, have fun.¡± ¡°Right.¡± He said, nodding to himself. There was an awkward pause. Then finally he asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± I just shook my head. ¡°Nope, none of that.¡± ¡°Are you working on more skills?¡± He asked. ¡°Clearly.¡± At that he nodded to himself. ¡°Mind if I join you?¡± ¡°Look Roth, I am trying to work on my Latens Manifesta, hiding in plain sight. I can¡¯t exactly do that, with you drawing attention to me.¡± I respond, somewhat coldly. ¡°Right.¡± He said, nodding to himself, before finally getting the hint. ¡°Well, thanks for the assist and all.¡± He said gesturing to the Pinkertons who were taking away the gaggle of kids. I nod. ¡°Nice meeting you Roth.¡± ¡°Nice meeting you too, Ghost.¡± He says, as he leaves. The minute he turns his back to me, I activate my Sneaking skill and hide. I don¡¯t really move; I just change my whole presence in the area. He turns back and scans back and forth, only to dismiss my appearance every time. I don¡¯t know if that will go towards improving Sneaking or Latens Manifesta, or both, but I take it for the reprieve it is. I also realize that while I am not making any money from my streams, others likely are. In particular, I can tell that this boy is likely not the only person who would choose the child flaw. While I felt bad for effectively encouraging people to go to an early grave, this is my retirement, this is what I want to do with my final few years of existence. Though if people are watching me, then I will have to be extra secretive with what I am planning. Currently no one knows my master plans to be a thief. Not much point in being a thief, if everyone knows you are one. Also, I must assume that most all regressors will know about my two traits. Meaning that if I want to get away with something, then I must be extra careful. This means that I might need to work with weapons of some kind, if only to have a failsafe in place, in case things go sideways. One thing I have found is that in this world, things always go sideways, if only for ratings and attention. In a way this is a good thing, as it means the longer that we keep drawing in ratings, the longer the servers will keep running, meaning we can theoretically have an infinite life in here, if we are capable of such a feat. With the knowledge that people are watching me, I make a mental note to be boring. Even more boring that I have been thus far. Aside from my initial day of taking out a Behemoth and a nest of Stone dragons, I have been relatively benign. I intend to keep it that way. For now though, I am going to plan a heist of my own. There are a number of books in the restricted section that all but glow with power. I intend to get my hands on them. There is one that all but glitters with a deep ultraviolet light. I can see multiple layers of warded protections keeping the book safe from prying eyes and hands. That is the book that I would want to get my hands on, if at all possible. But that is a quest for another day. For now, I will learn to hide in plain sight and get my skills up to their maximum Unbound level cap. I have plenty of time to learn to plan a heist within the mage¡¯s guild. I also realize that if things go poorly, then I will likely need to leave the city. Unfortunately, having to leave now would put my plans at risk. While I could likely go to the Underdark, that might be a death sentence given my Shade Touched royalty status. I can only imagine having to avoid daggers in the night from Dark Elven rangers who would track me down and slaughter me on sight, to keep their connection to the throne intact. No, I wanted no part of the Underdark, at least not for now. For now though, I will continue to read forbidden books and gain forbidden knowledge. Even from the smut filled book there are some lessons on how to enchant woven throughout the pages. Come on Rahul, take her back to your lab and¡­ I shake my head, I think I might be enjoying that story more than the others. At least that one attempts to explain the mechanics in a simple easier to understand way. Though I am serious about trying to fix the logic of the Nature book and see if that will change anything about the lacking magical properties of the pages. According to master enchanter Rahul, I would need to rewrite the equation while infusing mana into my strokes. Yes, they used the word strokes, even now I am doing it, blah that is terrible. Anyways, only five years and eight months left until I can start to starve to death. Time to get every ounce of energy out of this time as I can. Interlude I : The Ghost Channel (Five Years of Viewing and Growing) Interlude I The Ghost Channel (Five Years of Viewing and Growing) ¡°To say that people weren¡¯t instantly drawn in by the story of Cassiopeia, AKA ¡®The Ghost,¡¯ would be an understatement. At first no one wanted to even bother seeing another retiree throw away their life on an obvious suicide run. But now we are on her five-year anniversary, and we can see that her legend is only growing. Cass is now twelve years old in game, and on her last year of not being able to starve or die of dehydration, a fact she seems to have taken full advantage of in her trainings. In fact, many are considering her to be the go-to leader in how to actively train constantly. Yet it is her increasing knack for solving in depth problems that has many people impressed by her play. Take for instance her most recent contract working for the Thieves Guild.¡± A Narrators voice says, in front of a time lapsed video segment of Cass, showing her seven-year-old body slowly growing over time and how her clothes constantly change from year to year to meet her body¡¯s enlarging shape. Finally, the video stops with Cass done up in her full regalia, black cloak, black gloves, Thieves¡¯ Mask on, and her tell tale EGGs on, the lenses now able to shift between three colors. She is now in her contemplative blue lens. Of course, the audience knows that the lens is just her way of conveying what her mindset is. White she is clear of any missions and free to be approached. Red she is on a direct mission and do not bother her. Blue is she is on a mission but can be approached as her current task is nearing completion. In this particular scene, we see Cass is on one side of a table, with a tall elegant looking woman dressed in a vertically striped suit. On the other side of the long mahogany table is a well-dressed elderly man who many instantly recognize as Mr. Madolf, the head of Roboticus Industries, the premier leader in leisure ships. Rather than feeling flustered by being outnumbered, the two women appear calm and poised. ¡°Why is it that you have demanded that I, the CEO of my company be here today.¡± Mr. Madolf said, smacking his hand against the table for emphasis. The elegant woman unfazed by the smack began speaking crisply and clearly. ¡°My dear Mr. Madolf, we are calling you here on account of you reneging on a contract you yourself posted in our guild hall. The task assigned was and I quote, ¡®Find out who has been tampering with your equipment.¡¯¡± ¡°I am well aware of the tasks I provide and to whom.¡± Mr. Madolf said, his voice defiant with rage. ¡°Well then you should know that my client here has claimed to have given you ample evidence to show that it was your own design molding that was the case. That the molding was broken in the seventh sprocket tube. She then went on to find that this break in the molding, a patent you prize yourself on has been evident in every single model of creation you have made since your company¡¯s inception. The only reason this actually became an issue is that you are just now getting to the point where your devices you are creating actually require all eight sprocket tubes to be working in unison.¡± ¡°What is the point of all of this?¡± ¡°So, to be clear you admit that my client gave you said information, and that you in fact still refused to pay her for her work in discovering your flawed design?¡± The elegant woman said. ¡°That is correct, the task I assigned specifically asked to find out who had been tampering with my designs. In all this so-called evidence not one saboteur was noted. Secondly, we believe the only way your client could have gotten this information was by gaining illegal access to our industry yards.¡± Mr. Madolf said. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°So, to be clear, you do not wish to have this information for the cost of the original agreed upon 150 gold pieces?¡± ¡°That is correct. I refuse to pay for this, due to the information not being what was requested.¡± At that proclamation the elegantly dressed woman just nodded to herself. ¡°Confirmed, you have reneged on your contract with the guild and will not be able to place a request with the guild directly or by proxy for a period of up to seven years.¡± ¡°What this is outrageous!¡± The elegant woman held up one gloved finger to pause the extravagant mogul in the middle of his tirade. ¡°I¡¯m not finished. Furthermore, you will not have the right to bid on this information when it goes up for auction.¡± ¡°Up for auction?¡± Mr. Madolf screamed. This was the first time when Cass shook her cloaked head. ¡°One second.¡± The elegantly dressed woman said, as she turned to her client. Cass them made a series of hand gestures and signs that the elegantly dressed woman instantly started nodding her head to. ¡°Correction, this is just a cursory notification that your information that you requested and refused to pay for, will be made publicly available to everyone, for free.¡± ¡°For free!¡± At that both Cass and the elegantly dressed woman nodded their heads in unison. ¡°Why I outta¡¯!¡± Mr. Madolf screamed as he got to his feet. Ffft, ffft, ffft. At that three-blow darts flew out of hidden shafts at different angles, one striking Mr. Madolf and the other two striking his hired thugs. With that both Cass and the Elegantly dressed woman casually got up and made their way out of the room. ¡°That was just her most notorious shot, an ultimate fist of defiance in the face of overwhelming oppression. From this one transaction that took months of research on the Ghost¡¯s part resulted in a Biprism first, a quest that was declined by the games themselves. This of course had a cascading effect that ultimately made it so every competitor of Roboticus Industries had the ammunition they needed to bankrupt the industry mogul.¡± The narrator once again cut in, providing a brief clip of headlines showing the different reports that ultimately showed how Roboticus Industries quickly tanked after the evidence of their faulty design process was released. ¡°This also made it so people didn¡¯t want to turn their backs on the Thieves Guild Contracts, knowing that if they did, they would likely be the next Roboticus Industries.¡± ¡°Now as many of her premium viewers might have noticed, the Ghost has appeared to learn to ghost her own channel. As she is now somehow managing to turn herself invisible to the AI¡¯s lenses that are assigned to always watch her. Is this a new skill? A new technological marvel that she has learned to craft, or something else entirely? We don¡¯t know. As a special offer, for those who wish to purchase membership to her channel for a year will now receive a complete backup of her early years. You can see her first time learning to hide in plain sight within the goblin dungeon. You can see her first train heist, where she stole the legendary broach of the ancients, an item that still has not made its way back to its intended owner. A treasure that many believe is either lost forever or sealed away somewhere that Cass will only go back to once her Broke flaw is removed. Is this an abuse of the system if it is? No, actually the game and developers both encourage this type of out of the box thinking. Just think if you can find where she hid these items you too could have a chance at claiming all this great treasure. Items that are worth countless thousands of gold, all waiting for someone to discover where they are currently being held. Are you ready to filter through the years of her past videos to find her secret hiding spots?¡± The Narrator pauses for a second, but then continues. ¡°Remember this is only for a full year subscription in advance, no returns, no money back. Also, we do not have any guarantee that she might ever be rediscovered by our AIs or their tracking features. That said, there could be money made if you are able to either replicate her actions or find ways to counter her current obfuscation techniques. That¡¯s right, five plus years of videos showing the Ghost at work training from her first days, to now all can be yours for the low low price of¡­¡± Click. Jackie Cruise, a fifty-seven-year-old mother of four, turned off the channel and just stared at the blank screen. Pausing for a moment, she just shook her head. ¡°Momma, I hope you¡¯re okay.¡± She said as she pressed her hands to her face and let tears fall. Seeing her mother up on the big screen every day had been her inspiration for these last five years. Now that her inspiration was gone, she didn¡¯t know what she could do. All she could hope was that her mother would eventually get picked back up, that whatever she had done to block her presence from the game¡¯s logic would stop. Then she shook her head, no, if that happens then others could start making plans against her. ¡°Momma, if you are going to do this, then you must keep your head down and never again appear on the server¡¯s radar. That is the only way you can continue to remain hidden.¡± Jackie of course never even knew that her mother had retired. Well retired wasn¡¯t the exact wording, forceful ending of employment due to time served and medical expenses. Basically, her mother was too sick, and the government felt they would save money by forcing her to retire than they would by paying her full salary while getting treatment for her illness that she clearly got while working for the government. At first Jackie had been mad that she wasn¡¯t told of her decision to enter the game that took Memaw and Popop, but after thinking about it she couldn¡¯t blame her. By all accounts her mother was living her best life and appeared to be having fun. Finally taking a deep breath, Jackie let out a sigh and said almost in a prayer ¡°good luck.¡± Chapter 10 The Great Airship Caper Chapter 10 The Great Airship Caper Whoosh! The air ripples past my sensitive ears. Fortunately, I am now able to triple protect them. First with a package for my goggles that covers the ears completely. Second by my Thieves guild mask that now covers my whole face in an oddly breathable material and third by the hood of my Mage guild cloak. All three items cover my ears. What am I doing? Well, I am just standing on the deck of an extreme weather blimp, the kind that can go a dozen or so kilometers into the air to measure barometric pressure, wind speeds, and other meteorological events. In a way I am glad I am blind, as not being able to see the ground is oddly comforting in a way, I didn¡¯t think would be possible. Being up this high is no different than being up in a leisure blimp sailing through the skies, touring the world with billionaire tech-tycoons mingling with one another. Why am I here? Simple, I talked my handler into getting us a flight. Despite his best efforts, I can see Hector trembling due to the cold. Seeing him this way causes a light smile to form on my face. ¡°It¡¯s like you are a monster from hell itself. How are you not cold?¡± ¡°Oh, I am, but thinking about the job is keeping me warm.¡± I admit. Hector just shakes his head and trembles a bit. He has a long telescope in his hands, and he is looking off in the distance. Since he is my handler, he also must do the parts of the job that I cannot. In this case, I cannot look through a telescope, to see further. I know, I know, you get a super cheat Angel¡¯s Sight, but then find out it can¡¯t be enhanced by modern technology, broken. Anyways, I¡¯ve found that I am at that part of my career where going in with a team is preferrable to just running around blindly. Also, I do like to keep a bit of separation between myself and the rest of the Thieves Guild. Apparently, both Pinkertons, AKA people pretending to be the law, and actual lawmen are looking for me. While they aren¡¯t so brazen as to go into the guild proper to look for me, it is getting to the part where my conducting heists is tougher and tougher. Of course, this has only made the thrill of accomplishment that much greater. There is a rush from completing seemingly impossible jobs that is indescribable. For five decades I worked as a numbers person for the government, making sure numbers, forms, and figures all matched up. I uncovered many forms of corruption, of books being cooked, and this is my reward for all that hard work. This right here, the chance to live life as an international superstar. ¡°Yeah well, this is the last time you can find me doing one of these so-called fetch quests. The prep is too much.¡± ¡°You literally had to climb into a ship, and then sleep while the ship made it to the top of its zenith.¡± I said, placatingly. That was the truth. We were day one into what should have been a thirty-day exploit. The Spruce Griffin, the grandest and most heavily armored and protected air ships of the Legrand Empire was making its way here in a way to show of its wealth and dominance to the Maltese Empire. This was the equivalent of trying to openly declare war. Or at the very least a technological arms race. All under the unassuming guise of a grand poker tournament. My first plan was to get in and win the poker tournament, with my sight being what it is, I could make bank. It wouldn¡¯t be a matter of reading my opponents, not when I could just as easily read their cards from any distance when they first looked at them. Sadly, this was shot down, as I had to be twenty-one to enter the tournament. Even to be a card shuffler I had to at least be eighteen. To be a server I had to be sixteen, and despite my want to lie I look small for my race. There is no way my skinny twelve-year-old Dark Elf body could pass off for anything more than a twelve-year-old at best. Which is why we are up here now, trying to go through with this somewhat crazy plan. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to reconsider? I mean this is just the first day of the contract. We still have thirty days left.¡± Hector pleads. ¡°Twenty-nine days and twenty-three hours.¡± I correct, as I can see the shared quest information that Hector is providing. ¡°Right, what I¡¯m saying is there is plenty of time to come up with a better plan than you throwing yourself like a dart at this.¡± ¡°The dart move, I like it.¡± I say, nodding my head to the words. At that Hector just shakes his head in annoyance. ¡°Gah. Never mind. Since I can tell, you are not going to listen. You should at least pay attention to the details. Heading south by south-west, bearing at a 45-degree angle to us. Closest point will be at a quarter mile away, in approximately thirty seconds.¡± ¡°Clearance?¡± I ask. ¡°Two kilometers, she is flying higher than we thought. This gives you just over¡­¡± Hector pauses. ¡°Just over twenty seconds to fly down get my angle of approach and get on board.¡± I nod. ¡°Yeah, crazy.¡± Hector said, still watching with his telescope out in one constant direction. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I love you too.¡± I say to the elderly regressor who has become like a second father to me. ¡°Gah, you are the most infuriating¡­¡± He trailed off as his body posture suddenly went rigid. Seeing his sudden tension I easily jump over the safety rail. ¡°Mark in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1¡­¡± His voice drifts away as I feel his presence slowly disappear. In the first ten seconds I can already feel the drag and pull of gravity increasing as Hector is now halfway out of my large almost kilometer radius of viewing range. Yes, in five short years I managed to triple my viewing radius from a mere three hundred meters to my 930-meter limit currently. Of course, that was due to a lot of perseverance and hard work on my part, but it also means that I have an insane movement radius. Also, my pinging radius for my Personal Teleportation is close. I have the bearing and there is a split second where I am in no man¡¯s land, that section of space and time where I am free of any and all obligations to this world. The moment when I am free of Hector, and free of this possible crime that we are about to commit. Ping. Then out of habit I Ping the area with my Teleportation area and feel something off in the direction I am trying to travel to. Instantly I teleport there. Poof. Plop. I land on the thick plating of helium sacs that instantly deflate like clouds from my sudden and unexpected impact, only for it to immediately begin to heal again thanks to superheated gasses constantly working to refill the constantly inflating and deflating sacs. Giant birds and other beasts often get run into or over by these ships. In such cases it is far easier to just have the ship automatically repair than have the one lone bird be enough to sink such a vessel. Now that I am on the ship, I can see everything, well mostly everything. This blimp is impossibly large. With all types of magical items, magical detection instruments, and heat indexes. I had wanted to go in as just a rich patron, but sadly my appearance all but means I would have to be relegated to filling the role of a Dark Elf ambassador, and sadly I have not made contact with those people. They have tried, don¡¯t get me wrong, they have tried to get in contact with me, but I have avoided their advances every single time. Not because I despise my Elven heritage. In fact, I am rather fond of being seen as a powerful dark elf, they are after all one of the hardest races to level with apparently. Though fortunately their one main drawback, blindness in sunlight is all but a laughable point of contention for me, as I am blind everywhere. But I digress. We have been given a mission. Our mission to steal a set of legendary items that are believed to be on their way over our skies, across our border from the Legrand empire to the Kelsik empire to our west. What this means? Well allegedly if this transaction goes through, then a unified war effort would be fought between the Legrand and the Kelsik empires. The only common enemy both seem to have at this time is us. So, our mission, is a somewhat patriotic mission. Also, there are multiple levels to this mission that can be accomplished. First, we can just sink the ship, that is the most destructive one and one that we ultimately ruled out. The reason why was the only time we would have a clear shot at this ship was during the time it was circling our airspace, meaning that by taking it down we would potentially damage Maltese Kingdom lands. There would also be the times when it would be floating over Kelsik airspace, but that time was also ruled out as that would be too risky as well, as the hand-off would have already happened and the supposed alliance would have already been enacted. The third and final phase would have been to destroy the ship as it flew through our lands and reentered Legrand Air space, but that would all but be a declaration of war. In fact, the more we thought about it, the more our team was chosen to have first strike. Hector said we have thirty days for this plan, and we do, but after today, every option becomes more and more focused on providing the first strike in a war, rather than being able to stop a war completely. That is why I am now standing here, dozens of kilometers up in the air on an enemy dreadnaught on its maiden voyage, with the goal of stealing items worth a veritable fortune, all for the sake of stopping a war from happening on two fronts. Gods I love this GAME! I think to myself as I bounce a little on my feet, trying to get the jitters of the tough first phase of the operation to be complete. Sadly, the first phase, a phase I will now refer to as the dart phase was the easiest part. All they had to do was get a crazy blind woman to jump off a stationary point a dozen or so kilometers off the ground and let her crash into a moving dreadnaught of a war ship that was only ten kilometers above the ground. Still, time to focus. I feel my body trembling and not all of it is from the pure thrill of adrenaline that just coursed through me as I crashed into a solid brick pillow. My Regeneration is kicking in, healing any minor scrapes I would have gotten from the fall, but largely I am still up and in operational shape after that jump. This is good, as this next part is going to be tough. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Phase two: Making my way through the enemy warship, to the vault room. Retrieving the items, then egress. Yes, we decided to keep it simple, my plan is literally to grab as much as I can and run. Crouching low, I feel the effects of Stealth kick in. Why would I need to be Stealthed while on top of a blimp? I wouldn¡¯t. What I would need is to be in Stealth, when I get out of my next Teleportation, which is right about¡­ Now. Poof. The arctic chill that was whipping around me nearly causing me to freeze finally abides and I let out a breath of relief as I am once again inside a nice warmly lit ship. I almost want to stay still long enough for my body to thaw properly, but sadly I don¡¯t have that much time. I can tell the pathing of the guards and Pinkertons. Why do I make a distinction between the two? Simple, Guards have a set pace, patter, and cadence. Pinkertons run counter to that, they back track, stop, wait at busy intersections, before continuing. Basically, to a Mathematician like me, they are the random null variable that always breaks a pretty little data set. This is fine though, so long as I make it to the vault without being noticed. ¡°Hey, I think I heard something.¡± A voice calls out from the nearby hallway. I immediately turn my head inward towards the wall. One thing my Thieves guild training has taught me is that eyes and EGGs both have one telltale characteristic, they reflect light at the worst of times. By my not needing to use my eyes to see, they are mostly a hinderance to me at this point, which is why I just turn towards a wall and avoid trying to draw attention. Of course, I also do so while ducking behind a minor alcove. Scanning my area, I can see a number of blind spots are available for me to teleport to if needed, but I don¡¯t want to do that yet. I already took a big risk by jumping in. Even passive detections can often pick up a burst from my Teleportations. While the detections won¡¯t be able to block my movements, they will know that I am on. Right now, I still have both the benefit of surprise, and the fact that they don¡¯t know what I can do. ¡°Ah it is nothing.¡± The second guard calls out after doing a quick cursory scan of the area. ¡°Next thing you know you will be saying you saw a ghost.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t joke about that, I heard that this is her country.¡± ¡°Yeah, and what of it. You afraid of a pacifist?¡± ¡°That girl is spooky. They say she can read thoughts and ghost through walls.¡± ¡°Yeah and they say she can¡­¡± The two go further down the hallway. By this point I have pretty much mapped out the entire ship. There is a locked vault, surrounded by rows and layers of steam enhanced soldiers of all kinds. Of course, there are traps, everywhere. Smiling, I¡¯d swear my lips were frozen in place if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I can clearly feel that they have momentarily melted. Instead, I look at the giant board like a puzzle piece waiting to be solved. Logically there should be ways for someone to storm their way down the halls breach the containment fields and then cut through the vault door with a micro-torch of some kind. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t tend to carry micro-torches at this height, the pressure in the canisters tends to have violent consequences when being bounced about, like randomly falling for two kilometers, before crashing into the surface of an air ship. Granted that would have been one heck of a way to destroy the ship, it would have likely also ended in the fiery death of yours truly, which is why it is a no-go, leave that for one of the meatheads while still have six other retries. Me, I am just doing this so I can enjoy a nice peaceful existence. Also, the thrill, let¡¯s not forget that, the thrill of it all truly makes this second life worth living. ¡°What are you two talking about?¡± A deep male voice suddenly picks up. I have to look around to hear that it is coming from the air vent. That is the only logical place for such a voice to come from, also it is the only way I can see a direct line from the four people who are now gathered together, the two guards and then the two Pinkertons who are gathered in a large hallway two turns away. Right in the exact hallway I would find myself in, if I made a direct path towards the vault room. ¡°The ghost.¡± ¡°Did you see her?¡± ¡°No, stop it, you know she is dead Chauncey, that is why her feed is dead.¡± Chauncey? I think to myself. Who would willingly come to a second life and go by the name Chauncey. The only reason I know these two are regressors is the fact that they are talking about feeds. Something that the two guards seem to avoid entirely, as their coding would dictate. This means that the two Pinkertons are regressors, which makes sense. If you want people who won¡¯t follow a patter, get people who are people and not automated coding. ¡°Isn¡¯t the vault room set up to counteract the Ghost, anyways?¡± Oh, this is interesting. I can almost feel my body wanting to lean closer. ¡°Yeah they have the vybranium coating, the alloy that is supposed to be resistant to teleportations.¡± At that, I nod in satisfaction. So, this will not be as simple as jump in, jump out. I love it. Of course, I know my mental clock is also ticking. While I did make good time in getting onto this ship. I only have at most thirty minutes before the ship will be through Maltese Empire airways and into Kelsik airspace, meaning I will have to move quickly if I move at all. Logically, this is my chance to turn back. No harm, no foul. They are prepared for me; I know they have countermeasures in place that directly affect one of my two Traits. While it is fairly obvious from my feeds that I can Teleport, I have tried to keep my Telekinesis pretty much low key. Making it seem more like a random luck stat, than anything. Tripping a key guard at the head of a pack, setting off a trap that I skillfully avoided, only to have it blow up in the face of someone else. For a second I contemplate leaving. Then a thought hits me. You know it would be rather rude to leave before the party. These people went through an awful lot of trouble to create this situation just for me. The least I can do is open my presents. With that I let the smile fill my face as I start looking at this logically. Vybranium is a conductive metalloid, meaning it has latent properties that all but make teleportation impossible while they are being powered. Their conductivity drops significantly, when that current no longer pulses through them. Meaning, the easiest way to enter my vault and see my gift-wrapped presents is by shutting off the power. Normally, this is a death sentence for anyone as it would logically only give a person a few seconds to run from the engine room, in the dark, down dark alleyways to a vault door that they would then have to break through, all before power was able to be restored properly. Also, you run the risk of shutting the power off too much and you risk the ship crashing entirely. So I have to find that right way point between creating a distraction, without destroying everything in the process. Ideally, I would avoid this. Ideally, I would just go in, snatch, grab, evacuate and no one would ever know I was here. I would let the news put together the stories of my exploits. While I had momentarily gained a reprieve from being observed by the game, I knew this reprieve would be short lived. But I will get into that a little later. For now, I am fine and able to operate unencumbered by outside interference. That said, this is clearly meant as a shot to get me, or others within the Maltese Empire to act. Yeah, I probably should leave, fortunately, I am already here and there are presents. Presents is my term for what I call the various items I am asked to pick up on behalf of the Thieves Guild. Again, I can take them, but the moment I have them for more than a moment, things go wanky. Take for instance the random sea serpent that appeared out of nowhere when I had clothes and a magic skill book. The random sandworm that ate my Broach of the Ancients from my first train heist. Then there are the countless other items that I have managed to get and get away with, only for the world to eat them in some way shape or form. That is why I love consumables. They are only expensive if I intend to sell them, and therefor never count towards my 100-gold limit. Also, with this, all I have to do is make it so the items don¡¯t get to Kelsik, what I do with them is my business. Normally I try to flag them in some way so Hector and Golum can grab them before a monster does. But those are only bonus rewards. Normally we focus on just information gathering quests, rather than these legendary item quests. But you add in the fact that this is an official Thieves Guild request from the crown and boom, the patriotic bonus applies. What that means is that if we do this, then the guild will let others know it was our team who did the deed, in a roundabout way. This means it is easier for us to move about the city, while doing other missions for the Thieves Guild. Of course, all of these thoughts are just me trying to find a way to knock out the power, jump into the powerless vault door, then jump out. I first check, and then recheck that there is only the one engine room. Ultimately a bad design, in my opinion, as this means that if I wanted to go the saboteur route, I could easily do so with one well-placed explosive. As it is, I just take a moment to work my Telekinetic magic. Yes, over the years I have found that my Telekinetic range is almost as vast as my visual range. The only difference is that the closer I am to an object I wish to manipulate, the more force I can exert on the item. At this distance I can only get a few dozen pounds of force on an particular item. Fortunately for wires and advanced hydraulic systems, that is more than enough force to remove power cables. I begin acting as ghost in the machine. Quickly pulling wires and power nodes in rapid succession. With a current ended, I rip the power cores out and hurl them, adding even more time needed to fix my treachery. In just under twenty seconds, I have disrupted the power supply needed to run the entire ship. Vwoom. There is a deep pulse that goes throughout the ship. ¡°OHH! SHhizzz¡­.¡± The guards who had been speaking in the other hallway attached by the air vents call out. ¡°We lost power.¡± The guards call out. I of course feel the sudden lurch of gravity gaining a severe hold over me, but I Teleport before I have a chance to doubt myself. Poof. I am in the sealed vault and while there was a slight resistance, I know it was nothing compared to truly active vybranium. This is good, as it gives me a chance to shatter the cases for the different items. I can see that there are supposed to be traps on the cases, but it seems the traps are electricity-controlled traps, meaning that destroying the energy supply to the room makes this next part even easier. Also, now that I am here, the amount of Telekinetic force I can release on these boxes is intense, to say the least. Shatter. Three boxes all shatter. Hiss. As they shatter, I can hear the all too familiar sound of hissing gasses being released. Fortunately, my Thieves Guild mask prevents a lot of poisons from being able to sink in. Simultaneously, the mask also unlocked my Skill Nature Resistance, which I also made sure to max out for occasions just like this one. Still the releasing of gasses into an otherwise sealed room is a bit concerning. Fortunately for me, I didn¡¯t plan on sticking around here that long. Reaching out I Telekinetically pull all three items to me. They are in no particular order, a glowing magical book, a magic ring of some kind, and finally a mysterious glowing potion. If I had to guess these were two consumables, and one keepable item. Likely all meant for the ruling family to use on themselves to get stronger, while they sent their people to war. Still if this was all that was here, then, wait. There is something else, something hidden beneath the room. Only now that I am over the room can I see it. In fact, I feel kind of dumb for not realizing the secret room before. Is it somehow hidden to my sight? Did they know a way to hide, or at the very least hinder the range of Angel¡¯s Sight? It appears that they must have, as this floor below me is the true payload. These baubles are just cheap trinkets in comparison to what is under this room. The only problem is, If I can¡¯t see into the room below, how can I know I can get out of the room below? I think I can enter, but something is telling me that what is in there is a huge payload. I can tell that no one is on the lower level, but still my mind goes from stealing these few trinkets, which in hindsight was clearly just a lofty bribe, while the real litmus to war was the payload of magical items below. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t quite tell what is down there. Thinking quickly, I decide to reduce what I am holding I lower my mask and down the potion, then immediately put the mask back on once I am done. I can feel the effects of the elixir already burning within my veins, but I focus through the pain. I have been through worse, and my Second Wind skill is testament to just that fact. I take the book and necklace and put it in my stomach pouch. Why do I have a stomach pouch, well it will become evident here in a moment. I also take a moment to pull out a metallic lighter, one of those strike anywhere metal lighters. If the chemicals that are getting released into the air are what I think then I only have moments to react. Mentally my mind has searched this room over and over, only to find multiple different grooves all leading to the room down below. I open them all up at once, then drop my unlit lighter to the ground. Mentally nodding to myself I realize I feel a bit dizzy, as the effects of the chemicals being released into the room, along with my body¡¯s reaction to the potion I just consumed are having their effect, all while we are still plummeting to the ground in the slow way that only a slowly cooling air blimp can. Apparently, I was too good with disabling the engine room, still this is better than being found right now, I would not be able to put up much of a resistance. Focusing I Teleport out, focusing on the one alcove I found when I first entered the ship. Once there, I mentally find my lighter that is bouncing around the vault room, then Telekinetically stroke the flint wheel, and instantly I can tell something has happened as the dimensions of the central rooms start to change and bulge instantly. That is all the confirmation I need, as I Teleport once more, this time to a spot a few hundred meters below the lowest point of the ship. At which point, I once again feel the ice cold freeze of the cold on my skin. It is like a thousand volts of life have just surged into my body that was nearly being lulled into a false sense of security a moment ago. BOOM! From high overhead I can hear an eruption. ¡°There, I see The Ghost!¡± A guard randomly shouts out. Of course, I know this is the game¡¯s mechanics at play. I have two items both of which are likely worth well over 100 gold each. I reach into my front satchel, and feel for the gold trinket. Yanking it out, I hurl it off into the distance, and watch as I continue to fall past it at terminal velocity. Then the next second I perform a series of imprecise, but evasive jumps. Poof. Poof. Poof. Boom! Boom! Boom! A series of large artillery fire explodes in roughly the area of the falling necklace. I honestly wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the random shots managed to destroy the necklace permanently. That is what the game seems to love to do with my excess items. Shaking my head, I am so glad I took the potion, whatever it was, before jumping. ¡°We got her!¡± The guards who had been manning the cannons said. ¡°You idiots, we are falling out of the sky, prepare the emergency rafts.¡± Once I am a good distance away from the still descending war ship, I once again seal my little pouch, keeping my one stolen book safe. Then Telekinetically I pull for the edges of my Mage¡¯s Cloak. Whoosh! Instantly my rapid rate of descent stops, as I feel my body get pulled up by my most unlikely parachute my cloak. Since it is harnessed to my chest, rather than my neck this type of maneuver is actually possible, though I would not recommend it. This is more akin to one of those form fitty body suits that let you glide super quickly across the ground than anything. Still, free escape gear is free escape gear. In moments I grab hold of my self-modified hand and feet loops for the cloak, which helps me to slow down, glide, or change my impact angle slightly. This added to my Free Falling skill make it so I am one of the few people who even attempts these types of escapes. Of course, the landing always hurts. Always. Thud! Crumple, skid, slide. I feel layers of my flesh burning off, as my momentum first hurls me into the ground, then carries me forward grinding my body violently against the open grasslands that covers most of the outskirts of the Maltese empire. Only after it is over, only after I have finally stopped rolling ass over tea kettle do I stop and realize something. I just survived. HAHAHAHAHA! ¡°YES!¡± I punch a fist into the air, only to wince a moment later when I realize my arm is likely broken, or at the very least sprained severely. Still, I did it. I feel the thrill of victory running through me. I somehow skipped through the end of phase two and completed phase three rather brilliantly, if I do say so. I am in so much pain that I just lie there. Fortunately, I still have my Regeneration merit that is kicking in and doing wonders. Also, I don¡¯t seem to have attracted the attention of any ravenous mountain lions, a sign that the system is okay with my keeping the one consumable item. Speaking of which, I pull out the book. Ouch! Nope! Correction, I tried to pull out the book, only to be stopped by the pain within my arms. Fortunately, I have three or more arms. Well, if you include Telekinesis, I do. With my Trait infused arms I gently remove the book from my aching body, then read lying down. Of course, when I mean I read lying down I mean with my head up facing the sky and the book I am reading lying by my side.
Trait Book Received: Would you like to learn third Trait Telepathy?
I momentarily paused as the true impact of that question filled me. First, I had somehow earned the ability to open a third Trait slot? But how? Then I remembered the odd burning sensation that the potion I had stolen gave me. Now this? Telepathy, one of arguably the weakest powers, or the strongest power possible! All depending on how you used it, for an information broker like myself, this was the best power possible. Without even hesitating, I screamed ¡°yes.¡± Of course, my scream with a handful of broken ribs and likely a few punctured organs came out as a mere croak, but it was enough for the system to accept my command none the less. Pain. White hot pain that felt like a poker stabbing in between my eyes. Then Darkness. Chapter 11 Price of Victory Chapter 11 Price of Victory I awoke some time later, from my HUD, I saw that only a handful of minutes had passed. As for what happened to the juggernaut warship that had been boldly flying through our country, I did not know. All I did know was that I had done my mission, the three gifts that were meant to bribe one of the leaders of Kelsik, while the rest were to be weapons likely used against our Maltese Empire. While I did not know for certain if I destroyed the munitions portion of the shipment, I did manage to devour all portions of the bribe for the Kelsik empire. If things had been different, I could have likely sold all three items that were presumably a set for a massive amount of money. Unfortunately, this game is as cruel as it is amazing. I made a split-second decision of consuming everything I could, in order to make it out with minimal troubles. Granted my exit was by no means easy, but it could have been a lot worse. I remember the way the guns seemed to aim towards the necklace I threw away. Shaking my head, at the waste of a perfectly good fortune I scan the area. I can see, everything within nearly a Kilometer radius of me at this time. Well 930 meters of the required 1,000 meters to make a kilometer. That¡¯s 93% of a kilometer, a passing grade by most standards. Of course, I¡¯m running numbers as a means to stall for time. I am still tired, still sore. Landing was the easy part. Now I need to do two things, remove all signs of my existence here. This means taking the still slightly glowing but used book, hopefully reading the book will improve the Skill related to my recently learned, trait. Just thinking about the Trait sends a shiver of excitement down my spine as it is a stolen Trait. A Trait likely meant to identify thieves and assassins, in other words a bribe meant for a King to find someone like me. Mahahha. I let out a cackle of delight, knowing that I still survived. Then realizing that my chest didn¡¯t hurt from my laughter, or at least I wasn¡¯t filled with unbearable pain from laughing, I get up and begin doing the first part of my plan. Once the area is secure, well as reasonably secure as possible, I am sure traces of my blood, flesh and clothing are littered over the last quarter kilometer of land. Still, I do the best I can, then I begin my second part; making my way to the egress point we established. Mentally getting my bearings I look for the known landmarks and features that make up this portion of the empire. Fortunately, in the area I am in, rivers all stem from one central point and head out. My goal, find a river and follow its path up to its source, a perpetually increasing frozen tower of earth. Well, a tower posing as a giant snow-covered mountain. Yeah, at first when I heard the designs of some natural land formations, I too was a bit skeptical. Using towers with specific themes to add form and symmetry to the game world. Though I have to say the game did these wonderfully. If you are curious, Air towers can only be accessed by the highest of flying islands, and they are what allegedly produces all the clouds for the planet. Those towers are also reverse pyramids that start off small and gradually work their way to larger and larger areas to explore as you make your way to the top. Water towers have the same inverse design, but there you start at the top and work your way down through smaller and smaller towers. Of course, fire towers are just large volcanoes that you travel to the top of. Why is all this information important? It¡¯s not, just me passing the time as I begin running as quickly as possible through the open fields and terrain. In a matter of seconds, I spot my first river off to the northeast of my current position. From there I just follow the marker in my area, making sure to avoid large pockets of monsters, which appear like beacons in my sight. As I¡¯m running, I look for a random spot to stow the book as I don¡¯t want this used book to count as my one item I am allowed to keep. Also, while highly unlikely, anyone who we team up with in the mountain tower could know what the book was and its previous contents. Also, if you think the arrangement is unfair for Hector and Golum both, don¡¯t. All the quest rewards, they collect. Then they make sure to pay my fees to the other guilds based on my current rankings within each, and then we are done. I believe I am up for a promotion in one of them. It will mean something new, but honestly going back into the city at this point is such a chore. Not only do people from different organizations in the game hunt me down, but different regressors also hunt me down. Asking me to sport certain items, items that cost part of my budget. Asking me to say certain phrases, ultimately it is all a big headache. If it hadn¡¯t been for Hector and Golum calling Wonderly home, I would have left a while ago. Well, I would have stolen a few items first, and then made my way to another empire. Also, I know there have been plenty of accusations, but I stand by the fact that I have not had communications with, for, or on behalf of citizens of the Underdark. That said, it looks like we are about to be in a war time environment whether we want to be or not. While I do think being a spy for a war-torn country would always be a fun play, I notice that I stand out drastically. Oh, speaking of which, I pull down my mask, lower my hood. Then finding a cave, I change out of my torn black clothes and wear pure white clothes. I can only tell they are white due to the item descriptions and the fact that Golum and Hector both asure me they are white. With my clothes changed, I find a small unused cave, start a fire. Yes, I have another lighter. In this world smoking is a way many gain daily bonuses to different production related skills. Everything from incense to medical stimulants, to harder hallucinogens can all be inhaled for different effects. Me, I don¡¯t smoke anything, I find that those modifiers have a hefty track time to be expelled from your body. If I want to improve a particular skill, I just grind it out until it is within an acceptable range and then make sure to practice it daily until it is maxed out. Of course, I¡¯ve been told I am the exception and not the standard to these types of practices. Most people tend to save certain skills to build up at later levels as if thinking they can only level so many Attributes per level. While they can, normally, the excess skills should count towards the next level. But never tell a hard-core player that. Let alone someone reaching their 100 Attribute cap limit. Yes, 100 is the cap limit for all but two attributes. Your primary and secondary attributes, those are the only two that can raise to 150 and 125 respectively. Of course, Unbound allows both of those to increase by an additional 25 possible points. My goal is to get my attributes to the 125 mark before I even gain my class. Of course, this is just a pipe dream and one I am falling further and further behind with each day that passes towards my 13th birthday. Sadly, that is a state that I will not be able to pass. Taking a moment to burn my old clothes, I check my attributes to see that they are still lacking.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 39 1 Personality Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. 39 Perception 81 1
Dexterity 71 Sociability 36 Intelligence 83 1
Endurance 60 Attractiveness 32 Willpower 66
While my attributes are quite impressive, they are nothing compared to a classer who has automatic promotions based on their class every level. Then added to that are the bonuses provided by skills and we are looking at people in the higher levels who easily break the standard 100 attribute cap. Again, my unbound gives me the benefit of having a much higher ceiling than others, but few are ever capable of reaching their ceiling. Sadly, I feel that I won¡¯t be able to reach my ceiling either. Still there is a year left of this free ride, where my only concern is finding and grinding out skill gains. Currently I have mastered a total of 44 skills. Again, not to brag, as there are literally thousands of skills available. Many of the basic skills I can still easily get from my various guilds. The only problem is that getting those skills would mean going to said guilds where I am constantly getting scouted. That is why I do all the cloak and dagger through Hector and Golum. Golum for the Mage and Apothecary guilds, Hector for the remaining three. In particular, Hector is what the guild calls a Master Handler, meaning he takes on a number of high-profile missions and assigns them to his team and he then turns in the rewards on behalf of his team. His team is so good at information gathering quests that he now gets first dibs on any and all of those quests that come in. Kind of funny considering he is really only my handler. Many others have asked to join his group, but he refuses as that would mean he would actually have to train someone. He does have one skill that I want desperately, but apparently it is a handler only skill, and one that allows him to hide his team from media coverage. Thanks to this skill, my life and missions have become surprisingly easy as of late. This is another reason why I love the way this world is set up, there is actually a need for handlers. In other game worlds handlers offer nothing but one bureaucratic step keeping you from reaching the top. In Biprism, a handler can specialize in a lot of different skills needed to help their team. If I was an Assassination expert, Hector would no doubt choose skills that would allow me to travel in between borders easily. Since I am primarily an information broker, and acquisitions specialist, keeping my plans and contacts a secret is of utmost importance, as such he spends all his time improving his Government Blackout skill. This is by far and away a brilliant skill for loyal thieves. Basically, it means that my handler gets the quests I take pre-approved by royalty, and in exchange most of our actions are blocked out. Of course, this only applies to jobs done within the Maltese Empire. If I was on the Juggernaut ship when it crossed the international border with Kelsik I would have been picked up by sensors and scanners where streamers to my channel would be able to see my recent caper. Of course, I have no intention of leaving the Maltese Empire, just as I have no intentions of finding a new handler. For what it is worth, if we needed to pop smoke and leave the country we could. I have enough saved Badges to get a good faction standing with another country, where I could then report to the local Thieves Guild and wait for Hector to join me. If I wanted to, I have enough clout that I could apply to become a Handler of my own, where I would learn all the skills needed to erase my past and keep my own subordinates safe from real world streaming, but that would mean that I could no longer do these amazing missions, and where is the fun in that? Also, Hector as my handler has been working on his Fencing skills, and no not the one with a sword, but rather the one where he learns to sell off materials. Golum as my Mage Teacher has also opened up new doors for me as well. In addition to my black cloak, I now have a white soulbound cloak that also offers 1 Intelligence, and Arcane Understanding. I of course use this as part of my Not The Ghost outfit. With my black clothes burned, the book stored, I pull out my new white clothes and White Cloak that follows the Light school of magic that Golum follows. With the two of them acting on my behalf in different parts of the city, I can move about freely without worry about being hounded daily for autographs and endorsements. I can also live a fairly easy life as an apprentice Tower Climber, which is what our current group is going to perform currently. With my identity mostly changed, I even take off my high-end EGGs, and put on my basic EGGs that are little more than adjustable black lenses. That is a nice thing about the Mechanics Guild, they give you completely new soulbound gear when you increase in rank, letting you keep your older items for nostalgia. As for me, I keep them as part of my different personas I try to pull off. I take one last second to make sure my personal equipment is stored properly, even making sure that my silver Adventurer¡¯s Necklace is hanging over my white outfit, I leave the random cave and again follow the river up to its origin. My meeting point for my team, the giant tower that has been covered by a giant snowcapped peak. As I approach, I can tell something is already off. Hector and Golum blaze to my senses and instantly get picked up due to their importance to me. I don¡¯t know if this is a part of my Angel¡¯s Sight, or if it has something to do with my being Shade Touched, but I have found that I can mark people to instantly appear to my sight. In this case both Hector and Golum glow a deep purple. I of course am the only one able to see these distinctions. The reason why everything feels off, is that there is a sort of still tension, as if a scene is getting staged for me. What do I mean by still tension? Well, it is hard to describe. You know how in games or movies there are always those cut scenes where the person walks in at just the right time to witness something important happen? That is what I mean by still tension, it is almost as if the entire area is being staged for me to witness something. The fact that Golum and Hector are part of it means they are either in on it, or they know something is up, but are unable to do anything about it. Regardless of what is happening, I proceed forward and stop when I am a few feet away. Hector and Golum are off to the side huddled together, while three other adventurers, likely the people we are supposed to meet up with are on the other side of the entryway to the tower. From this distance, I wonder what I can do to get more information about what is happening. I look for a place to Teleport, but there are no obvious places where I could land without likely drawing attention. Then I remember my recently acquired Trait Telepathy, and decide that this might be a good time to try such a Trait. The moment I try to turn it on, I use the full extent of my 66 Willpower and focus. A cacophony of sounds, voices, and thoughts flood my mind. Instantly I turn off the new Trait. It is clear that I am both too new to the power and that everyone else is in an agitated state for whatever reason for the Trait to be truly effective. A part of me realizes that this is a trap of some kind, but what type, and why? I decide to go in regardless of the situation. Hector and Golum are my friends. Actually, worse, my entire existence basically requires these two to survive, which means I at least have to go and see what is causing them to be so still. A trap. My senses instantly pick up a well-hidden trap.
Exquisite Invisible Trap (Expert Level to Disarm).
Looking around, I realize it likely had to have been created by a person as no creatures were capable of creating both an invisible trap and one that required an expert to disarm. Seeing the trap, I wondered if this was some sort of initiation attempt by the Thieves Guild? The fact that someone with superior training had designed and set up this elaborate trap was unquestionable. Mentally I disarm the trap with Telekinesis, preferring to stay clear of the trap entirely. As I move, I find yet another Exquisite trap, one that I also disable. Still I choose not to show that I have even taken time to disable the traps and instead just continue to walk at a fast clip towards the entrance of the giant earth tower. By the time I arrive, I have disabled a series of three traps, none of which required me to stop as my Multitasking skill among others lets me think at a higher rate of proficiency and accomplish such tasks with ease. By the time I arrive, Hector and Golum rustle, though they don¡¯t say anything. It is only once I am right upon them that the other three seem to even notice my presence. I of course have a number of skills that help with this, but it is always fun to see them in action, particularly when I am not actually trying to mask my actions. ¡°So this is your ward?¡± A male calls out from the other side of the cavern. ¡°She is.¡± Hector responds, once again reaffirming that this is a Thieves Guild matter of some kind. ¡°Come on, we are already late.¡± The male says. I try to scan the three, but they either took an obscuring potion, or are wearing a permanent ring that hides their basic information from my master level Analyze skill. In either case, I know to be wary of them, for only high-level Alchemists could make that, and such concoctions are held tightly by the Apothecary Guild. The items too are high end Magician guild items that the Magicians Guild wouldn¡¯t want getting out either. In any case, this stinks of a setup, or worse. As the apparent leader speaks, the other two move in a circling motion around us. ¡°Come on girlie. You need to prove your worth to the team.¡± The man said, gesturing for me to go out front.
Poof.
I want to leave but am instantly hit with a message.
Minimum Earth Tower participants met. Closing the temple entrance in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1¡­
I was so caught up by the message that I didn¡¯t even realize I had a chance to escape, until it was too late. Whoosh. I feel a burst of magical energy get pulled past me, as I feel the exit to the outside world get sealed. I am now sealed in here with these three other people. Badump. Badump. ¡°Oh, looks like your parents couldn¡¯t come. Probably for the best.¡± The male continued. ¡°Now it is time we need to talk about what happens next¡­¡± Chapter 12 Locking Yourself Away Without A Key Chapter 12 Locking Yourself Away Without A Key ¡°Oh, looks like your parents couldn¡¯t come. Probably for the best.¡± The male continued. ¡°Now it is time we need to talk about what happens next¡­¡± A quick scan of my personal logs shows two green dots over the names of Hector and Golum, yes I modified the elf¡¯s personal display to say Golum. Anyways seeing their green dots takes away some of the sting from what happens next. ¡°You are locked in here with the three of us. Do you know what that means?¡± The lead Adventurer speaks, apparently designated as the spokesman for the group. I just begin going through contingencies in my head, as I realize the two most likely scenarios for this entire random encounter were not even close to what this actually was. So far, I had been running this as either a combined three tier training exam for the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, Mages Guild, and Thieves Guild all at once. Sort of unlikely, but not entirely unheard of. The second option was also just as likely, as I figured this could have been a good old-fashioned murder to tie up the loose ends on a dangerous political maneuver that had gone sideways. The most likely cause for this being the possible eradication of the Legrand Juggernaut class ship. Of course, reprisals from my most recent mission would generally take time and generally be done at a higher level of visibility if I was being disavowed by my government. The latter also had its plans for while it wouldn¡¯t be too far off to assume the Mages and Adventurers guild would give a joint advancement, the Thieves guild joining would be odd to say the least. Though none of these people actually identified as being from one of the three guilds either. That was why what came next was a complete shock to me. ¡°It means until we decide to let you go, we are stuck in here. This is a team temple, where we are locked in each floor, until every member wishes to move on, or move out. That means you are stuck here with us. We are going to give you one opportunity to come with us willingly, before we make you come with us.¡± The lead Adventurer speaks. I pause, letting the words flow through my mind. Then I am hit by a sudden question, this is a kidnapping? A couple of scenarios come to mind. The most obvious being that I could be taken into custody, chained and then delivered to the Legrand Empire, such a fate is not uncommon for spies. But again, this is all so sudden, too many moving parts had to be made directly after the attack on the Legrand Empire¡¯s ship to make me think that these two events couldn¡¯t be linked. That means this is likely linked to something else I did. The most obvious case is the Roboticus Industry take down, but Mr. Madolf should still be busy, though I guess no one was ever too busy for a little revenge plot. I am running through these scenarios one after the other, then I learn the truth. ¡°We are going to turn you over to your own people.¡± The adventurer says. At that, I pause. ¡°Wait you three are bounty hunters?¡± I ask, realizing why a team of three highly specialized individuals would go through such an elaborate trap, just to capture little ol¡¯ me. ¡°Yes, and we intend to turn you over to the Underdark. We can do this the easy way or the hard way.¡± HAHAHAHAAHAHA! I burst out laughing. I laugh so hard that I nearly double over. ¡°We are serious about this. Your only way to escape is to come with us, now!¡± The Adventurer demands. He tries to sound serious, and he likely is. The Underdark has put out a large missive on my head, especially with me being on the verge of my magical awakening. I am a Shade Touched dark elf who has a severe aversion to killing, due to my ability to feel the spirits of what I kill. Killing just feels odd, and my emphasis on being a pacifist is something that has made me a bit of an anomaly in a game world where killing for fun and profit is considered the norm. Of course, this high affinity with spirits is just a sign of my true power that will be unleashed when I become awakened to my magical gifts at 13. News flash, I already know I will have a max Tier VII potential in magic, one of the rarest thresholds for a magic user, thanks to one of my last Merits I took when I first entered the world finally about ready to come due. The only real question for me is what school of magic I will have an affinity to. My being Shade Touched means I already have a 5% bonus to learning, using, and resisting Death and Spirit magics. This alone has made me very sought after by the Dark Elves, and while attempts to contact me have been made, I generally avoid them. Up until now my interactions with the Dark Elves has been a bit of a fun distraction. They come, I run and hide, then they get annoyed and give up after a time. Then I go about my day as usual. It seems that this level of persistence has evolved, as now people that aren¡¯t Dark Elves are coming after me. Still, this is my one chance to change the terms of this encounter. Being in here with me, I assume a few things, first they need me alive, which is good, kind of hard to turn in a corpse for one of these types of quests. Second, they likely want me to come willingly seeing how outnumbered I am. Third, they just bit off more than they can chew, and I am about to make them choke on it. ¡°No, you only have one way to escape, and that is to leave right now.¡± I respond, then I hold up my finger for emphasis. I wait a second, and sure enough no one has asked permission to leave, meaning they did not take me seriously. At that, I just shake my head. ¡°See, I want you to realize you have this whole encounter backwards, I am not trapped here with you three.¡± ¡°What?¡± The Adventurer asks showing his full capacity for improvisation brought to good use. ¡°No, you three are now trapped here with me.¡± Poof. And like that, I am gone. This is perfect for me, as I have a completely new Trait to try out and master and three willing subjects to try it on. I focus on trying to find sentient minds nearby and am pleasantly surprised to find that there aren¡¯t just the three Adventurers, well the three slavers, because let¡¯s face it that is what turning me over to the Underdark right now would mean. I would be locked in a prison, an elegant prison, don¡¯t get me wrong, but a prison, nonetheless. Then when my time to unlock magic was revealed, I would either be prized and set up to be a likely ruler of the Underdark, meaning I would have to worry about constant attempts on my life, both by would be assassins from the surface, and other Shade Touched dark elves that would want my position. Or worse, I was found to have a school of magic unbefitting of one like me and eliminated. In all not something I would be particularly interested in. Especially as my current role allows me a certain anonymity while still having an amazing time. Honestly the idea of being a hidden princess is a trope I would rather avoid if at all possible. It just sounds painful and boring. Still, I am now 500 meters away in a depression where I instantly sit down and decide to grind the skill that goes along with my new Trait Telepathy.
New Skill Gained: Telepathy has increased to level 1.
Skill Telepathy is a Personality, Sociability, and Willpower based skill.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. What? The Willpower I get, as all Traits are backed by Willpower, but Personality and Sociability as well? Meaning, I can become more social by mentally assaulting the mind of other people and stealing their secrets? This is too much fun! With that, I begin the long process of trying to improve my skills against three willing subjects. *** ¡°Yeah, she is probably in that big cave up ahead. You¡¯ve got her.¡± I mentally transmit to the three as I watch them try to follow my path through the giant cave system on this first floor of the temple. Again, I might have said it before, but Temples have one of two designs. Either they start off super wide and get progressively smaller on the way up, or they are inversed in their design. This being an Earth and Water temple are built with a large area to cover for the first floor. I am guessing it is roughly thirty kilometers by thirty kilometers squared. Meaning the amount of area I can hide in, and away from these three is impressive. Also, I¡¯ve already tagged their spiritual components to be different colors. The Adventurer guy is red, as I think of him as a hot head. ¡°Get out of my head!¡± The Adventurer screams, out loud not really realizing that I can hear his thoughts just fine. Also, see what I mean about being a hot head? Snuffle. ¡°Oh, you awoke the baby drakes from their slumber.¡± I comment in their minds, as I can all but feel the nervous tension cross the minds of all three adventurers who are here trying to find a way to get to me. Skitter. Hundreds of tiny drakeling claws scratch their way across stone as they make their way towards the source of the disturbance. Immediately the three get into a defensive formation. The big Adventurer taking up front with a shotgun and a sword in hand. I have to give the meathead some credit, duel wielding those weapons takes a lot more strength than I currently have. Also, I am terrible with all ranged projectiles, something about needing to accurately see where I am aiming a weapon to hit what I want. Yeah, being blind sucks for my Marksmanship skills. Still, it does have its perks, like allowing me to see the mayhem that this little team does crammed on a narrow ledge of a mountain as they fight a surge of tiny giant rat sized dragonlings coming forward and surging at the group. Shifty, the silent Thief member of the group pulls out a bow and arrow and lobs a projectile over the head of the tank, and into the center mass of the surging drakelings. Boom! Instantly a burst of energy ripples through the drakes, shredding many of them in one fell swoop. I watch all the death and sadly, I can see the spirits of the poor little guys lingering in the area for a moment. Shaking my head at the loss, I just rest assured knowing that I wasn¡¯t the cause of their deaths, nor their ire. Still these types of events are getting harder and harder to avoid, as death is a natural state of Biprism, to grow often means that others must suffer and die. Even now, I can see the angry spirits of the little drakes surging forward and taking invisible bites at the ankles of the three killers. I really hope this is just a side effect of my Angel¡¯s Sight, like maybe I¡¯ve unlocked the next level of evolution of the ability. But I doubt that is the case, especially as I have been able to experience similar things to this since my first day here, when I battled the Stone Dragons and felt the angry spirit of the Matriarch fighting me even from beyond the grave. Logically I know this is likely part of my Shade Touched heritage showing itself in some way. Part of me sees the angered spirits and I wonder if I could empower these spirits by infusing them with energy to attack this joint enemy. Then another part of me is disgusted by such an idea, as that would effectively make me a Necromancer. No, for the moment I feel that avoiding death at all costs is likely the way to go. Still, that is enough of these depressing topics that I can¡¯t really do anything about. Now it is back to the fun topics like psychological warfare against idiots. Finally, after a long few seconds of battle, the three finally kill all the little drakelings. ¡°Poor little guys. They just wanted to bite your ankles and have a quick meal.¡± I say to the three, mentally imposing my thoughts on their minds. This new power Telepathy is too much fun. Not only can I read people¡¯s minds, but I can put my own thoughts out there as well. Meaning I have been slowly grinding up my levels in my Telepathy skill, while slowly grinding away at the resolve of these three adventurers. ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired. End this now and we can go home. We will say we didn¡¯t find you, that you weren¡¯t available.¡± The Adventurer guy all but begs. ¡°NO, we just started playing.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a game!¡± ¡°Then you have the entire wrong mindset to survive here.¡± With that little exchange done, the third guy the thief points up the ridge in a rough approximation of my direction. He is surprisingly accurate, especially considering I didn¡¯t walk or make any movements other than Teleporting directly into my current position. That means his Skill doesn¡¯t actually track me by retracing my steps, rather it must just instinctively know where I am at all times. Seeing it in action, I intend to do a few things. First, I want to see if I too can learn this skill. Second, I want to see what the skills limitations are. As for me, right now I am lying down with my back against the ground relaxing, from 500 meters away at the top of a mountain pass. I am in a secure alcove that seems like it would be nearly impossible to notice by others, which is why I take the moment to relax and just let my mind find their minds and harass them every chance I get. Finally, after hours of constant chasing me over the worst terrain possible, only for me to disappear at the last moment, the trio gets tired and decides to bunker down for the night. ¡°You are going to let old shifty take first watch?¡± I tell the trio as they let the thief of the group take up the first watch. Of course, they are all tired, they have a fire going, which is great for me. As I intend to cause a little mischief. As the three go down to sleep, I start slowly using my Telekinesis, to feed the fire. What do I feed the fire, well all the dried rations the team has in their packs of course. Packs that are resting on the ground. Crackle. The flame erupts slightly for a bit, but then dies down. Shifty, the thief of the group notices the increase in temperature and stares at the flames. His mind lets me know he thinks I am up to something but can¡¯t quite understand what. ¡°Don¡¯t stare at the flames, it will take away your night sight, making it harder to see me when I get close.¡± I mentally tell the thief. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare come here.¡± He mutters. Smiling evilly to myself I take off my EGGs, the hood of my cloak, and my mask. For the first time since I began this harassment operation I have my entire face uncovered. My hair is now a deeper silver, again a sign of my growing latent magical ability. But what is most disconcerting are my eyes, true unequivocal proof that I am not only blind, but Shade Touched. Poof. I appear at the peripheral of the thief, so close that I am almost within his grabbing range. Then I tap, his opposite shoulder with my Telekinesis. I can all but feel the moment of recognition from his thoughts as he turns to look at his shoulder, then quickly looks back to where I was standing, only to find empty air. Poof. HAHAHAA! I laugh loudly from the center of the camp, only now I grab the backpacks and hurl them into the fire. Then disappear. Poof. ¡°Huh!¡± ¡°Wha?¡± The Mage and Adventurer awaken groggily for a minute, before realizing that their packs are in the middle of the flames. ¡°What.¡± Instantly the adventurer tries to strike his equipment out of the fire, while the mage casts an ice spell. The result is even more damage to the bags, and now the adventurer¡¯s pack is still burning while ice is on its other side. This is psychological warfare of the highest order. Being a child still, I don¡¯t need food, a blessing I am thankful for most days, especially on days like today when I can destroy so much perfectly good food without having to worry about negative side effects. ¡°You monster!¡± The Adventurer screams, mostly to me, even as half his body is covered in a coat of frost. Then breaking free, he dashes forward and tries to put out the rest of the flames from his pack that is burning on the ground nearby, while the mage tries to salvage what is left from his. Their bright fire of course is gone, meaning the only source of light is coming from the burning backpack. A backpack that the Adventurer is desperately trying to put out. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do that¡­¡± I pause, then I feel the moment of dawning realization hit the three of them as they realize their fire that had been keeping them warm was now ice cold. The moment they come to that realization; I start in on my taunting once more. ¡°Now that we are all awake, will you play with me?¡± ¡°You BRAT!¡± The normally calm mage guy yells. Seeing that I¡¯ve finally gotten to him, fills me with a sad form of glee that is hard to describe. There are times when you go about your life and you realize that you might just be a monster. This was one of those times. ¡°We will get you.¡± The Adventurer called out. From reading their minds, the Adventurer is the only Regressor. I can tell as he keeps having thoughts about sponsorships and how he would become a top earner if he managed to capture me for this quest. Sadly the streams of other regressors is not something that Media Blackout can stop, but it can be limited to what the other person experiences. And so far as I know the thoughts of people are not made visible to the audience, as such this will likely look bad for the perspective streamer. ¡°It is sad that Moose over there, has a side hustle for me.¡± I share in the minds of all three, and mentally send an image of the Adventurer, while thinking the word Moose. This is a new aspect of the skill and one I either just realized, or just became possible due to my increasing skill level. The Mage and Thief just look at the Adventurer, the one I will take to calling Moose for now. ¡°Haven¡¯t you wondered where he is getting his nice gear? He has money coming in for me, that he hasn¡¯t even told you about. New gear, new equipment. Sure, the backpack hurts, but this is nothing compared to what he will gain in addition to the rewards from this quest.¡± I say, and like that, I spark the wedge of distrust between them all. It is brilliant, the three don¡¯t trust the thief as he let me get into the camp unnoticed where I was able to burn away most of their rations and gear, while his gear is in near perfect condition. Then the mage is on the outs for putting out the flames, while the Adventurer is on the outs for having a side hustle, due to his being a Regressor with an outside sponsorship deal on the line. This is so much fun, and only just the beginning. With my mischief done for the night, I move out, find a secret hiding spot that looks nearly impossible for others to find, one that is quite a few kilometers away and bunker down for a quick hour of sleep. I know Sketchy, the thief can track me, but for the moment I think they have far greater concerns to worry about. Before I close my eyes, I take a quick glance at my friends tab and am relieved to see that there are still two glowing green lights next to Golum and Hector¡¯s images, meaning that even if they were attacked they managed to survive. Realizing all is right with the world, I close my eyes and let my brain slowly calm down from the surge of adrenaline that I am still feeling. I go to sleep and decide that tomorrow I will start trying to explore this floor in earnest, there must be some types of treasures here, just waiting to be discovered. Putting my gear back on, I find a comfortable place to curl up, and instantly fall asleep. Tomorrow I will explore the first floor of a tower, while also trying to occasionally mess with some adventurers, this world truly is amazing. Chapter 13 Finding Happiness In The Misery of Others Chapter 13 Finding Happiness In The Misery of Others ¡°Free food.¡± I tell the overgrown six-legged tiger queen and her pack. Apparently at higher levels of Telepathy, you can move from talking to humanoid creatures and go up to semi-sentient animals. This is a new perk that only came once my Telepathy Skill passed the 100-point threshold, the normal maximum for a skill. So now, in an effort to continue to improve my skills, I am learning to talk to animals. Words obviously are beyond them but smells and images are not. Meaning, if I want to introduce my new friends, the roaming pack of giant steroid infused tigers, with my old friends the three hunters sent to grab me. All it takes is a few choice scents, a general location and the pack takes care of the rest. Then I just get to sit back and watch my matchmaking service go to work. This reminds me of the time I tried to set one of my sons up with the neighbor¡¯s daughter, it didn¡¯t go so well. Fortunately, I¡¯ve learned a few things about relationships since then. ROOOAAARRR!! Oh look, they are greeting each other. ¡°Wha, huh?¡± Moose, the Adventurer says so eloquently as he is awoken from his slumber. ¡°Hey, I invited a few friends over for dinner. Sorry about the last-minute notice.¡± I tell the three mentally, as I try to explain what is happening to the trio who just sat down and began resting for the first time all day. ¡°You¡¯re a demon!¡± Moose shouts, as he stumbles clumsily to his feet as he tries to pull out his weapons. ¡°That¡¯s not very nice. You should at least give them a chance for a blind date.¡± I tell them. Frosty, the wizard of the group, is going to cast his typical ice bolts. Whoosh. ¡°Ah come on!¡± Moose shouts a faint note of pain filling his voice as it sounds like he is legitimately about to cry. ¡°Ah, did Frosty freeze the campfire again?¡± ¡°Not helping.¡± Moose shouts, as he is trying desperately to fend off two of the giant tiger creatures at once. Also, it appears that these tigers either have a lot of health or are immune to frost as they took Frosty¡¯s blast and appear to be moving fine. ¡°Well how is this for helping. One of the kitties is about to sneak up from behind.¡± ¡°Haha. Not going to fall for that one again.¡± Rawaarrr! Just at that moment a third cat lunges at Moose¡¯s exposed back. Moose turns to parry, the blow, using his gun to block the incoming claws, but ends up taking a slash to his right arm. During this time Shifty, the thief of the group, is engaged in battling two of his own tiger creatures. Of course, this means that Frosty is the odd man out, only having to battle one. But sadly, despite the relatively safe numbers Frosty is running. ¡°Oh, smart move Frosty. Leaving your team to die while you escape. A noble cause. Hopefully the other two don¡¯t see this as cowardice.¡± I say mentally to all three. ¡°What, I wasn¡¯t¡­¡± Rawawarrr! The cat that had been chasing Frosty manages to catch up, striking him from behind. ¡°Ahh!¡± He cries out, as he is driven to the ground. Whimper! At that exact moment Shifty manages to turn the tide of his own battle, as he slices one of the smaller Tigers across the side, drawing a lot of blood. ¡°Bite him in the ankle, then help your pack.¡± I mentally tell the tiger and everyone. The tiger seeing my mental image of biting the ankle hard enough to tear the Achilles tendon, reacts almost instantly, then turns to help out its pack. ¡°GAH!¡± Frosty cries out in pain as he was effectively crippled in a matter of seconds. ¡°Freaken help!¡± Moose orders, as he has now taken multiple long slashes across his body from the three cats. Bang. Bang. Bang. Shotgun blasts erupt scaring the cats for a moment, before they regain their composure and begin striking. Again. Finally, there is a moment when the six cats, a few of whom are also wounded pause. Then after a second they all flee in one cohesive group. It is amazing, especially as they use the completely dark night sky to aide in their escape. ¡°HAHAHA! Fuck you bitch!¡± Moose calls out to me, screaming like a mad man knowing that I am likely close enough to hear his cry of defiance. HAHAHA! ¡°You didn¡¯t win. They crippled ol¡¯ Frosty there, then they stole your dinner. Also, now you have to sleep in the dark again.¡± At that, I can feel the energy fade from Moose, the high from surviving a serious battle just ended in a second. ¡°Oh, looks like they got Shifty¡¯s pack this time too.¡± I add. With that, Shifty runs over to where he had been sleeping and all but curses in his mind. Still, I must give him kudos, the man must have taken a vow of silence or something as he does not say a single word. Of course, his thoughts are not very flattering of me, but they are his own thoughts. Though I think I am finally having some impact on him, as for the first time since this game began a week ago, he collapses to the ground and truly gives off thoughts of being defeated.
Request to leave? Do you accept?
Note: All progress in the tower will be lost. Can only go onto the next floor with everyone¡¯s approval or leave the temple with everyone¡¯s approval. Do you wish to leave?
No, I mentally think to myself.
Request to leave?
No.
Request to leave?
No. ¡°Oh wow, new high score. I finally got all three of you to ask to leave at the same time.¡± ¡°Please just let us go.¡± Moose begs, he was one of the first to break. Sadly, I think this is a regressor thing, quitting early. The other two that aren¡¯t regressors took far longer to break. ¡°I gave you the warning. You three thought I was just messing around or something.¡± ¡°I will kill you.¡± Moose says, collapsing into a tight ball on the ground as he begins to huddle together. ¡°We can¡¯t sleep, can¡¯t eat, can¡¯t drink without you contaminating the water.¡± To my defense I just took credit for the water. That was really all them as they took a foreign water supply and drank it, without purifying the water. Anyone who has seen that Clothless and Afraid show should know that if you don¡¯t boil your water, you die of dysentery within the first week. Still, this only adds to my mystique, claim everything that goes right, well poorly. Then anything they get, like managing to take down a wild boar for meat, make sure the vultures and beasts of the wild take their share. ¡°Fine. I tell you what. You all survive the next forty-eight hours, and I will accept your requests to leave.¡± I tell them all mentally. ¡°Thank you. Thank you¡­¡± Moose is all but crying. Oh man, I am so glad he can¡¯t read my mind as I have mainly been avoiding the group for the past few days anyways, only showing up to mess with their sleep cycles. But now that I have the carrot, I am going to let them mentally exhaust themselves. ¡°But know, I won¡¯t make it easy on you. AHAHAHA!¡± I mentally cackle at the trio, and I can all but feel their little shred of hope they all had dwindled away at that statement. ¡°Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be easy.¡± Moose says, as he collapses to the ground panting in near exhaustion. ¡°Ah come on, lying down only makes it easy for the monsters to find you. Like that snake behind you.¡± Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! ¡°Wha, what?¡± Moose shouts as he is instantly up and jumping. Unfortunately, he did jump directly into the path of said snake Hiss-strike. ¡°FUCK!¡± He cries out. Then lowers his shotgun and unleashes a shot at point blank range. BOOM! ¡°AHH!¡± He cries out as ricochet and debris strikes him in the leg. Fortunately, though he did get the snake. ¡°This will be too easy.¡± I say, then with that, I have two leisure filled days where I can move about this area and explore without having to worry about messing with the trio. Of course, I will need to tuck the little tykes in each night, to make sure they feel loved, but really this is my time to explore, so that is what I do. There is a giant lake, so I decide to learn to swim. Fortunately for me, I knew how to swim form my days as a grandmother. So, after I show the basics, I feel my body instantly start to take to the correct methods, as I get a nice new skill notification.
New Skill Gained: Swimming has increased to level 1.
Skill Swimming is a Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance based skill.
Of course, I had the pretty generic Bathing skill maxed out, which increased all my social traits. This was the game¡¯s way of telling us to be hygienic and we could make more friends. Of course, my basic skills didn¡¯t end there, as I also managed to get and unlock the following generic skills: Running, Tumbling, Acrobatics, and writing. From there I also got the generic skills for the different guilds. From the Mage guild I got: Magic script and Magical Forensics. From the Apothecary Guild I got Herbalism From the Mechanics guild I got Engineering. Then from the Thieves guild I got Forging. Honestly, I almost feel like I¡¯ve wasted a bit of my time looking at my lack of meaningful skills. With these two new skills I am looking at a total of 46 skills, of which I can only gain proficiency in two of them. I could probably try to get more skills from the Adventurer¡¯s guild, but most of those are weapons focused. There is a foraging Skill, but that one required survival to be maxed out first. Then by the time I got survival maxed out, I had lost interest in foraging. Of course, I might want to learn to forage, especially as I am soon going to need to be able to sustain myself on food and water. Ultimately, I realize this is likely my last summer of fun. After this, I will need to knuckle down find a job, that pays for room and board, while likely choosing a guild to settle down with. That¡¯s right, no more mad capers, no more high-octane fuel rides. Other than the occasional one-off caper, I might have to turn a new leaf of regal intrigue. Of course, I still have my strike lists, items that I would target from each guild if the empire went to war, or if I ever needed to flee in a hurry, but that was just a dream list. Also, the dream would be that I could actually enjoy the items I stole, rather than having to consume everything on the spot and hoping for the best. I am in the middle of this mind cleansing exercise, when I feel a mind come awake. The mind is both infinite and defined. It is infinite in the fact that I don¡¯t think I could force my thoughts on this mind the way I could the trio. But it is also defined in that I can sort of imagine where the mind¡¯s capability ends. Of course, that ending is far greater than anything I can handle at the moment, but it is still there, nonetheless. Momumbo. I pause, as the first thought I read from the creature is one that I understand. At least my Polyglot skill lets me know that I have heard it or studied something similar to it in the past. Thinking about the problem, I read more and more surface thoughts, until finally I realize where I have heard the thoughts before. Goblin? Or at least a close facsimile to goblin that I am able to piece together the rest. ¡°Hello.¡± I respond with what I think of as a standard greeting to the great mind that I feel before me. RUMMMBLLLEEEE!! The ground begins to shake, as I can feel the mind reacting to my thoughts. ¡°It speaks.¡± The voice of the mind responds in a deep rumbling tone. I pause as I feel my heart beating quickly at the recognition that the voice is giving me. ¡°Hello, what can I call you?¡± I ask. ¡°Should I speak to the flea?¡± The being asks, and suddenly I almost wonder if I have begun speaking to something that I likely shouldn¡¯t. RUUMMMBBBLLLLEEEE! The ground begins to vibrate and tremble. The lake I am in begins to slosh about violently. It is all I can do to paddle quickly and avoid being drowned by waves. ¡°What are you?¡± I find myself asking, though I think I have an idea. My connection with the great mind is allowing me to feel deeper connections. I swear I can almost feel the thoughts of a being so massive and powerful that it almost defies comprehension. ¡°What am I it asks? I am Tortoron The Great!¡± At that admission, I can all but feel the mental imprint of this monster. Instantly my mind thinks back to my arrival five years ago, when I faced off against a Behemoth class monster then. At the time killing the monster meant that the sky zone I was in crashed to the ground. Being inside this giant temple, I almost get the same sense of size and grandeur from this mind. Mentally I realize I am in a temple, but then I realize this is likely not a temple. At least not in full execution, as I think the entire temple is just our going through the different layers of this giant turtle¡¯s body. ¡°I am no mere Turtle! I am a Tortoise Dragon! The mightiest of all dragons!¡± Tortoron states defiantly. Instantly I realize my mistake as I never closed my mental link with the best. Unlike the others who so far have not been able to abuse this weakness, Tortoron seems to be mentally aware that the link goes both ways. ¡°Of course, I know how Telepathy works, though I am surprised that one such as you can wield it so well.¡± The giant creature states. I almost take offense at the statement, but soon think better of it, as this creature¡¯s power level is likely on a whole other plane of existence than my own. ¡°Aye, that it is. Though you are not without your own glory little flea. You slew Gardogazon, a worthy foe if ever there was one.¡± Yep, that proved it, this was a Behemoth. Suddenly I feel very, very small. ¡°Worry not little flea. I do not care that you managed to slay an imposter to the ranks.¡± Rumble. Rumble. The entire time we are talking, the more I feel the ground tumble and shake. ¡°Are we moving?¡± I ask, trying to let my mind wrap around what is happening. ¡°That we are little flea. Every so often it is good to get out and stretch my legs for a bit.¡± At that, I got a mental image of a giant turtle with a snow-capped mountain for a shell standing up and slowly walking around aimlessly. At that, I get an idea. ¡°Is there any destination you are heading in particular?¡± I ask. ¡°No little flea. I just need to move around while I can. Lest I find that I will one day never be able to move about again.¡± At that, I could feel my mind instantly relate to the sentiment. That was part of why I made sure to constantly stay active in this new body, as my old one broke down far before my final days. My mind and spirit were just too stubborn to realize that I had quit on my body far before my body quit on me. Then by the time I recognized it was too long of a time, it was too late. ¡°That¡¯s good. Actually, I know a good spot to rest.¡± I think, then I project an image of the Legrand Capital to the great creature, along with a mental map of the area from here all the way northeast to the opposing capital. ¡°You would want that I would take a nap on your enemy¡¯s empire?¡± ¡°That is one way to put it, but yes.¡± ¡°You would ask that I willingly subject myself to lie down in the nest of fleas?¡± At that question I pause. ¡°Are you afraid of us fleas?¡± ¡°What! I would never lower myself to be frightened of mere insects. I just wished to know what it was you requested.¡± ¡°Then yes, I request you walk to the Legrand Capital and sleep there.¡± ¡°I shall see to your request, provided you tell me of your story of slaying the great flying worm Gardogazon.¡±
Unique Badge Shop Exchange Option. Tortoron the Great has offered you a trade. Trade the remainder of you Gardogazon Slayer badge in order to encourage Tortoron the Great to leave the Maltese Empire and enter the Legrand Empire. Do you accept?
WHAT! I could not believe the message, but I accepted it almost instantly. ¡°Yes. A thousand times yes. I would gladly tell you of my times and trials against the great flying worm Gardogazon and its slimy tongue of doom.¡± I shared.
Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. (Fully Removed)
Then just like that, I could feel my badge that still had a few more stories in it, get ripped from my person as I began telling Tortoron of my mad plan to survive and how I was sent by a trial of worth by the gods in order to prove my worth. Rumble.
Request to leave?
Rumble.
Request to leave?
Rumble.
Request to leave?
With each monstrous step the Behemoth of this tower takes, the more the three Adventurers all but plead with me to release them. Of course, I can¡¯t let them go now, as that will likely cause Tortoron to stop moving towards my intended destination. The Legrand Empire wanted to fight with a mere warship, I nearly find myself laughing at the thought, as I want to see what they think about this Behemoth. Based on the size and power, I think this is likely one of the first world powers. A behemoth so old that they were all but forgotten as part of the background lore of the world. Still the fact that I could communicate with this creature at all spoke volumes to the game. ¡°I must say, I am impressed. You do not wantonly kill like so many other fleas do. With that I will not go through with your plan of destruction.¡± Tortoron says. ¡°What?¡± I mentally reply not quite certain what is happening. ¡°No little flea. The place you speak of is far too far away. I will stop right here.¡± RUMMMMMMBBBBLLLLEEE!!! ¡°Here we are at the half way point to your destiny. Still well within the border of your enemy, but nowhere near their capital. Let this serve as a lesson to them. Let them learn from their mistakes.¡± Tortoron the Great Turtle Dragon said, his voice speaking of sounding excessively tired for such a short trip. I want to argue with him, to warn him that if he doesn¡¯t keep going that it will make him that much weaker in the long run, but I can¡¯t argue with the great beast. Instead, I realize this is a blessing, not only did I remove a potentially dangerous threat from my own kingdom¡¯s border, but it is right here in my neighboring kingdom. A sign that there might be more to worry about than a neighbor at your door. Then sadly I realize this is likely it, my last moment of entertainment before I gain a class, unlock my potential and most importantly the time when I will be forced to eat and drink to survive. Then as if continuing to read my thoughts Tortoron speaks ¡°One year, that is when you will have to eat and drink?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± I respond, my mind acknowledging the game mechanics to the massive behemoth. ¡°That is also when you will see exactly what your magic affinity is?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± With that, I fan feel Tortoron doing the mental equivalent of a head nod as he seems to come to some form of personal decision. ¡°Very well then. Come back to me the day before your awakening day. If you come back to me on that day I will reward you with my own blessing.¡±
Quest Received: Blessing of Tortoron: You have drawn the attention of Tortoron the Great Tortoise Dragon. Go back to his resting in the Legrand Empire on the day before your thirteenth birthday to receive Tortoron¡¯s blessing.
At that, I pause, as I realize that this might be a bit more than I expected. Just getting Tortoron to collapse on the enemy capital was one thing. But now I would have to escape the area, without aid of my Media Blackout until I got back to the Maltese border. Then I would have to make the same trek back in just under eleven months from now to receive a blessing from an original Behemoth? I pause as the complete ramifications of what is being offered hits me. Then I smile as I realize this is exactly what I need as a final hoorah to end my life of being a carefree child and mark the start of adulthood. ¡°Deal.¡± I think. ¡°Very good. I believe I shall nap for a bit before then. See you then little flea. YAWN!¡± With that the giant Tortoron mentally let out a long yawn, as he all but collapsed to the ground. Splash. Oof! I feel my body get slammed about in the now much smaller pool of water. Only once the ground stops rumbling do I realize we stopped moving. My mind pauses as I try to understand what just happened, when I realize that the giant tortoise dragon likely made good on their promise. We have arrived at the capital of Legrand.
Request to leave?
This time, I only take a few seconds to change out of my white healer clothes and switch into my dry black clothes, cape, and tri-focal lenses. Then with my uniform changed and My mind made up. I decide to end the suffering of my three prisoners. ¡°Yes.¡± I say, and with that, I feel my body forcefully being expelled out of the giant mountain that is now clear of all snow and find myself in the middle of a destroyed open field, in the heart of enemy territory. Realizing that I am no longer covered by Media Blackout and that I might as well live off of the infamy. I emerge and CACKLE loudly. MUWAHAHAHA! I say as I pull up my Thieves mask and begin running through the open countryside, before I begin a series of rapid jumps away, trying to get to safety as quickly as possible. I know I will be caught by the feeds that are able to pick up my every movement and action in other countries, but so what. I will gladly take the wrap for this one, especially as no real damage was noted. I just rode a giant Behemoth for a few dozen kilometers before it decided to drop down and take nap in a neighboring country. After all how many people can say they completed a legendary campaign. One where they intercepted an enemy airship on the way to a third-party nation where you managed to steal items meant for a foreign king. Only to then use said stolen items to awaken a slumbering behemoth and convince it to march into an enemy nations territory, even if the result was just the reallocation of natural resources than anything.
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Caper (100). You performed a legendary caper and managed to survive.
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Whisperer (100). You managed to convince a Behemoth to do anything other than attack you.
Thinking back on it, I still don¡¯t know how I managed to do that. Other than my speaking goblin, or at least a variant thereof, which the tortoise dragon apparently knew, I should not have been able to speak with the creature. Let alone convince it to march out of its way. Though given its size the distance covered was the equivalent of a walk around the block for the giant behemoth. Of course, I am not entirely out of the woods just yet. ¡°Stop Thief!¡± A border guard calls out from a flying contingent of airships that has been sent out to investigate the strange occurrence of a Behemoth randomly walking in their kingdom. And there it is, the start of how this will all go sideways. Still, even now I feel a slight smile forming on my lips as I all but imagine the border being a giant finish line for me, and this, well this is just a chase through the countryside. Suddenly I imagine myself being a fox leading the hounds through the countryside. This is going to be fun. Chapter 14 The Chase is On Chapter 14 The Chase is On Zoom. The planes that are chasing me are of the bi-plane design, complete with open cockpits and powered by steam. Now this isn¡¯t to say that the planes can¡¯t go fast, quite the contrary the planes can go at extreme bursts of speed that would be a fulfilling romp for any would be adrenaline junkie. Which is why I so want to be a pilot in the future. For now, I am the prey, an animal on the wild who is being hunted and I can¡¯t help but smile brightly to myself. Rat-tat-tat-ta. A plane lines up on a strafing run and I move. Poof. I¡¯m gone, one second there, the next nearly a kilometer away. I don¡¯t mind exposing Teleportation, by now anyone who has seen my feed is aware that I can do it. I do however choose to keep the use of my other two Traits to a minimum. Of course, that one giant burst all but proves I am the Ghost, but that is fine. I can¡¯t get a little infamy without a little credit to my name. Vrwwoooowww. I can hear the war cry as more and more airplanes keep coming. Then off in the distance I can see search lights all coming into existence. Roof, roof, roof. Ah, and they brought little doggies to play. Maybe those are beastkin of some kind, I don¡¯t know. All I know for certain is that I am moving through enemy territory in what has to be the ultimate game of hide and seek. I am not going to lie; I have a big ol¡¯ smile on my face right now. I am really glad that I have a mask up blocking most of my face, otherwise people would likely see me cheesing everywhere. Rooarr. Of course, this isn¡¯t all conquered territory. While I make sure to teleport over and around the fields that clearly seem to be claimed by different monster herds, the people chasing me don¡¯t seem to have the same exuberance of avoiding the monster trap areas as I do. One second I am running, and then the next I feel all the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Before I even have a chance to second guess myself I am jumping forward over 900 meters and land just in time to feel a thwoom land where I just came from. Only after the jump do I realize I missed a bomb being dropped on me. I am about to ask where the sound was, but then I remember that old military statement of you can only hear the missiles screaming overhead if they are going to miss you. The ones that are actually right on target will never be heard. Tremble. My body trembles from the surge of adrenaline coursing through it at the moment and I realize, that was AWESOME! Yeah, I almost died, but after that, I can say I truly lived! I keep that thought in mind then I continue running west.
New Skill gained: Internal Compass has increased to level 1.
Internal Compass is a Perception, and Intelligence based skill.
Oh nice, something I have always wanted, and now I¡¯ve got it. See this is why running for your life is a good safe way to level skills, meet new friends, and ultimately have a good story to tell. Now all I¡¯ve got to do is survive.
Impromptu Quest: Manhunt: A localized Quest has been released for you. Your Goal: avoid capture for a period of 24 hours to earn a reward. Conditions: You cannot leave the Legrand Empire during this time. You must remain on the run once every four hours from pursuers.
My heart nearly drops at the thought of this, a localized quest for little old me? Then I think might as well call me sasquatch and declare me the hide and seek champion for it is on! With my objective clearly defined for me, I begin changing my angle of movement. I begin moving in a northwesterly direction, all the while using my insanely wide viewing distance to help me try to find underground caverns and the like. I make a series of rapid jumps to get away from my current location as I decide to lay low in a border village. These are often some of the best places for hiding, as I can hide here and not have my four hour timer lapse while I wait. Of course, this is just the first phase of manhunt. There are multiple levels of this, where it can go up tier by tier from localized quest, to provincial quest, then finally to national quest. Of course at that level you are all but guaranteed a great prize, though every resource in the kingdom is likely out for your head at that point. The fun part is, your timer counts, even if you are detained. All the way up until you are brought before the magistrate¡¯s office, meaning that if you are caught an extremely far distance away your timer might still lapse if you don¡¯t have much time left. Also, the quest rewards are instantaneous. At this level, I can likely expect a new rare or unique skill that will help me further evade detection. The ultimate forms of this can be anything from more Traits, to new schools of magic being unlocked, to new class evolutions available. Ultimately, I am curious as to how far I can push this. Of course, there is a downside to this. If I do get caught, then the Media Blackout perk that Hector has will no longer be able to work for me. Meaning that if I wanted its bonuses, I would have to apply for being a spy handler myself, then have a spy who worked for me who did half the stuff I did to earn me the perk points needed to get Media Blackout again. As I get closer to the village, I can all but feel the moment the wild and unkempt lands of the wild change to the hard packed earth of farmland. Even the animals here are calmer. I already have my Stealth and other Obfuscation skills activated as I make my way forward. This helps to mask my presence from the various animals around. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. I also make sure to avoid any direct paths that lead to animals. Instead, I do a wide search of the area, looking for a place to stay in. As I look around there are quite a few options available. There are quite a few sheds that I am certain I could hole up in, but I instantly disregard those types of areas. The reason being, that guards coming to search for me would be more willing to look deeply into those areas. The idea being that it would be easier to completely destroy a hut that was not in use than a house that was filled with people. Me, I have the crazy idea of finding the most packed house, finding a disused basement closet and hiding in there for a bit. See many people with these types of quests think that running is the most important thing. While they are right, the time to get sleep is now. Before there is too much publicity on the quest, before too many resources can be called in, now is the time to find a nice spot, lay low and try to avoid detection. So that is just what I intend to do. Finding a rather large house with no less than seven people living in it, I find a basement room, then finding a spot at what I hope is a dark corner where clutter has been piled high from years of hoarding, I find an open spot in the back, make sure my black cloak is on with my hood up, turn towards the back wall and promptly go to sleep. *** Maybe I¡¯m a monster, being able to fall asleep almost anywhere. I chalk this up to my first few months here being spent developing my skills in dungeons. But sleeping here on the ground in enemy territories is not that bad. I awake to find that a lot of minds are flustered all around. With a start I know that my hiding village is already being searched. Realizing this, I smile to myself as I realize the hunt is on. I likely shouldn¡¯t be enjoying this nearly as much as I am, but this is fun. It¡¯s like hide and go seek on steroids. ¡°Look, my source says she is in a dark place.¡± A voice says from the streets. That or they are close enough that I can feel their surface thoughts with my Telepathy. Fortunately not many people are as mentally aware as the Tortoise Dragon was and able to realize the connection goes both ways. Honestly I am still not sure how the giant mountain of a creature did that, but I am still curious. ¡°Do they have a visual on her now?¡± ¡°Yeah, of course, but all they have is that she is in a dark space devoid of light.¡± With that little tidbit, I know that people are both monitoring my feeds and providing real time updates to Regressors in the game. Shaking my head, I begin looking around the village for additional hiding spots, once this one becomes compromised. I have no doubts that this place will be compromised at some point. The idea is to find a new place to hide that has already been searched, and bunker down there. Of course, this isn¡¯t that easy, as I can tell by the actions and movements of some of the people searching that they are setting up traps for me. This likely wouldn¡¯t be needed for most people, but it appears my skills and infamy precede me. Still this is fine too, as my Detect Trap and Disarm Trap skills are both maxed out and have been for quite some time. The only thing I need to do is make sure that when I enter a new area, I can detect and disarm the traps in the new area, before I am found and before I go to the new hiding areas. There are areas where the guards avoid looking or setting up traps. In crawl spaces, over door joists, in clearly lit rooms and areas. How do I describe, or sense rooms that are lit versus dark rooms like the ones I am in? Well, it is a trick to be honest. Brightly lit rooms have an open feel to them, while dark rooms have a somewhat empty foreboding feeling to them. Almost like there is a residual memory to the area. I am just in the middle of contemplating this, when I feel the moment guards come into the house I am in. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± A defiant mother shouts. ¡°We have reason to believe a fugitive has taken up refuge in one of these houses. We are here to search the area, to see if we can find her.¡± ¡°You think we would hide a fugitive?¡± ¡°This fugitive is very tricky. They could have snuck in, and you would have never known.¡± The guard says. As several military soldiers begin searching everywhere in the house. None even being gentle with what they are looking through, just slamming open closets, throwing out anything that might be stacked. By the time they get to the basement, I am already gone. I go to one of the little sheds that I know has already been searched. I plan on doing this, going back and forth between different rooms that have been checked. Once again, I go for a darker shed, one that seems to be able to block all light from getting in. Then, poof. I am gone. Slinking about, I continually avoid detection. Often letting the guards search around me. ¡°We have searched the whole area. The suspect is not here!¡± One soldier says. ¡°She is here, we just need to keep looking.¡± The officer says. I smile to myself, so far no one has seen me here. The only people that are adamant that I am here are people who are getting outside help, meaning there will be a huge disconnect between them and the rest of their staff. Also, the villagers are not taking this too kindly. This is good to know as it means that so long as I can keep one step ahead of the soldiers, and avoid being detected the villagers will continue to remain discontent with the soldiers. Should war ever come between the Maltese and Legrand empire, this might be a good spot to hide. Or maybe even use as a turned enemy base of operations. Granted someone other than a Dark Elf, like me, should be the one to make that happen, but my mind is alive with possible scenarios going forward from this operation. Also, this is a great way forward for me. The longer I stay here, the more likely it is that I will gain skills and powers needed to be better at evading detection and capture. Roof, roof, roof. ¡°Ah good, the hounds have finally come.¡± A guard says. With that, I inwardly hiss at the idea of dogs. Of course, they will have a harder time finding me as it is not like I have exactly left my scent going into these hiding spots, but the fact that there are dogs at all means that I might be able to be found. Of course this could also be a scare tactic too, as they would need a baseline scent to track me off of. So far to my knowledge I have not bled, nor have I shed anything that would have left my scent anywhere. Then again with my new higher levels of Telepathy, the minds of the dogs are open to me. ¡°Find, must find.¡± One dog the lead dog says, and I instantly want to pet the creature and its cute personality. ¡°Ah, hey there.¡± I mentally tell the dog. Roof? The dog lets out a startled sound as I can see it looking around in confusion. ¡°Come on girl, find the baddie.¡± A handler says to the dog, and just like that I can feel the dog¡¯s mind switch to work mode. There is an underlying goal for the hound, a severe want to not only find but procure snacks. Seeing that thought from the dog, I quickly read the thoughts of the handler to find that he keeps his treats in an open pouch on his makeshift tent. Yes, it appears that the military is setting up a little mobile command post in this village as a means to track me down. I do have to give the people chasing me some credit, as this is a level of commitment I would not have expected from the first day of this type of quest. Generally, the rewards increase for the seekers as well. Overall it is not uncommon for the overall rewards of all people involved in the capture of a suspect to be a magnitude greater than what I would get if I were found. ¡°Snacks are in the back tent.¡± I tell the dog, then I share the mental image from the handler¡¯s mind. Arf arf. The dog barks happily, as it begins pulling its master away. ¡°You found something, well go get it.¡± The handler says, then releases the leash. With that, the dogs run forward, make a quick right turn into the rows of tents and then make a beeline for their handler¡¯s tent and his pack of treats that are open on the table. By the time the handler gets close he finds that his packs are busy tearing apart the unattended bag of treats and devouring them quickly and efficiently. ¡°Bad dogs!¡± At that I shake my head. I almost suspect the handler to continue, to try to get his animals to refocus on me, but that is not the case. He herds the pack of seven dogs into their crates and then immediately goes out to find the commander. ¡°Sir, I have bad news. The dogs somehow found their way to treats and fed. Unfortunately, this means that they will not be able to work for the rest of the day.¡± At that bit of knowledge, I smile. I knew the trained dogs had something similar in the real world, where they would be trained and as soon as they got their treat for the day, that meant the day was over. I always made sure to have a few treats scattered throughout my room to reward the dogs when they came to search me for contraband. The handlers absolutely hated searching my room, as it meant that their dogs could no longer search the rest of the offices. Of course, that was why I did such passive aggressive tactics, to get the handlers to eventually leave my office alone. Not that I had anything to hide, but that I liked my privacy. That said, these dogs were seemingly trained to be like real dogs. Which was good, as it meant I just needed to find and provide the dogs treats each day and avoid their constant searches. *** Over the course of the day, I continually switched places and positions. I¡¯ve moved from place to place every three and a half hours or so, just to reset my timer. Of course, this movement for me is a lot easier and I think that these manhunts were not designed for someone of my skill set. ¡°Please, you have been here all day. You have looked everywhere, twice. Whoever you are looking for is just not here.¡± The mayor of this village pleads with the guards. ¡°She is here, we just need to find her.¡± The regressor who has been in charge of this operation all day states. Though I can tell from his thoughts that he too is getting frustrated. As for me, I have never slept more in my life. Every time it gets close, the guards are so loud that I instantly awake at their arrival. Then finally after hours of this, I am rewarded with a rare skill.
New Skill gained: Danger Sense has reached level 1.
Danger Sense is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
At that I receive the notification that I assumed would come at any time.
Impromptu Quest: Manhunt (II): A localized Quest has been updated for you. Your Goal: avoid capture for a period of 24 hours to earn a medium reward. Conditions: You cannot leave the Legrand Empire during this time. You must remain on the run once every three hours from pursuers.
Then like that, the hunt was on. I now needed to move around more often, but in a village like this, the number of hiding spots available were nearly limitless. Of course, this meant that more resources would likely be called in to look for me. Most NPCs would assume I am nowhere near the area, while all regressors would likely have someone telling them that I never left the area. Of course, more people meant that over time my hiding spots would slowly dwindle down. I was likely safe for the moment, but I decided to leave the village all the same. It was once again night out, and this would be the perfect time to make a getaway in the open countryside. Again, I was having fun. Chapter 15 No Mas Chapter 15 No Mas Jitters. I feel my entire body start to jitter from lack of sleep. Well lack of prolonged sleep. This is day three and I am circling around in a giant war blimp over the Legrand city of Kystav. At least that is what the minds I am reading tell me our current location is. Where am I? Someplace dark that is not easily noticeable to anyone skilled in tracking people¡¯s movements on streams. To be even more vague I switch my location quite often going from the actual helium filled blimps, to compact and sealed storage closets, to empty rooms on the grand estate of a constantly moving blimp. The idea being that an airship in motion is nearly impossible for a crew to search through and re-search over and over again. ¡°She is in an airship. The only problem is that there are dozens of airships in the air at any time.¡± This is the fun part, constantly harassing people and moving about from location to location. Every once in a while I try to take a hidden nook that is particularly hard to get at, where I then promptly pass out and go to sleep.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
An alert goes off in my mind, letting me know that I have been resting in one spot for too long. I am now at the point where I need to move every two hours. Poof. ¡°There it is teleportation magic.¡± A Mana Tracker states, I can tell from how loud the thought is and how it is being repeated by other minds in a wide radius. ¡°They have gone to the starboard section of the ship.¡± Breathing out, I let out a sign. While they cannot stop me from teleporting, I can be tracked by my energy leakage. The last skill I got for the last 24 hours helped me avoid both Beastkin and tracking animals.
New skill Gained: Scentless Passage has reached level 1.
Scentless Passage is a Personality, Sociability, and Perception based skill.
I didn¡¯t quite know how that was a mostly social skill, but I¡¯ll take it. I guess it mostly dealt with the way others perceived me, which likely meant I would no longer stink once I got the skill high enough. This was of course great, but ultimately not helpful in my current situation. Still being forced to move around every two hours is getting taxing. Worse, I now can tell that this quest has been scaled. At first apparently only people my level to level 10 were allowed to have access to the quest. From there it went up to people who were level 20. With this latest one it is people who are thirty levels above my own. This is why I am now being identified by trackers who can tell my magical signatures while just flashing from one part of a ship to another. I should probably move, but there is a cat and mouse movement to this. As I mentioned before we are currently in a holding pattern over Kystav, why this is important? The ship I am on was originally meant to be a passenger liner that went straight from Kystav city in Legrand, to Spade City in Maltese. Why is this important? To be honest I was tired. I had two decent skills that are unique quality or rarer as rewards and that was more than enough for me. I was more than willing to use this ship to get me to the Maltese empire where this ever-increasing manhunt would eventually die down. Yet, I was found out. Mainly due to these Trackers who can find magical frequencies easy. My Latens Manifesta or mage specific hiding skill should help me hide while wearing my magical items. The only problem is that now I am getting to the point where people have different skills used specifically for tracking people like me, rather people who use magic to evade normal detections. It is fun, and likely something that I would be more interested in doing if I wasn¡¯t so tired, but again this is a marathon of an activity. ¡°I cannot smell anything.¡± A snarling worker says as they pass by. Of course, the reason the beastkin player can¡¯t smell me is because I have been leveling up my Scentless Tracking almost constantly over the past day. Well almost a day. Still, I am now just waiting in a hold pattern. Both literally and figuratively. Literally I am in a holding pattern over Kystav, and figuratively I am in a holding pattern hoping that I get a new skill that will make my next plan all the easier to pull off. What is my next goal? Well get off this ship for one. But there are more components to this. More things to worry about. Kystav is a smaller city, though in this case size is relative. Kystav is roughly the same size as the Maltese capital of Wonderly. But since this is a smaller city for Legrand, even though it houses easily more than two million people, it only has two guild halls. Well two guild halls on the surface, a mage¡¯s guild and the Apothecary guild. Why is this important? Well simple, I am working on planning my perfect heist. Fortunately all guilds have roughly the same layout, and the same form of restricted section. Which hopefully means they have similar levels of protections in place that can be mapped out and planned for. Unfortunately, my theory is quickly negated when I realize that the layout of these guilds are completely different from both the Apothecary and Mage¡¯s guild in Wonderly. At least their architecture and design are different from the ones I am used to. This is good as it means I will likely need to scale different heists for different locations. Rustle. Clatter. Bang. I hear rustling nearby and decide to move once more. Poof. Whoosh. I feel the wind blowing through my hair and find myself outside the blimp on its main support balloon. I know people are already moving to try to cut me off, but even on a ship, there are still only so many locations I can logistically hide before I am ultimately found. Also with higher and higher level players allowed to come after me, the more unique skills, powers, or items I have to prepare for in order to make my getaway. Zoomm. The all too familiar scream of biplanes screaming through the air can be heard. I know this is most likely due to communications between the magic trackers inside the ship informing the support pilots outside the blimp of my current location. The reason I know this is the case as there is a time delay between the video feed and the time it is aired. Premium channel viewers get the feeds up to 15 minutes earlier, which still imposes a 15 minute delay, versus the 30 minute delay normally experienced by regular viewers. So the fact that these people are reacting in a near instantaneous fashion implies that they are communicating in some way. Now I know what you are thinking if I can teleport onto a blimp, why not a biplane. I will tell you the truth, biplanes are much faster and harder to predict. When I just I need to predict where I want to be or land. This is a process that is a lot easier for a relatively slower moving object that is much larger to hit, like a blimp, than say a tiny biplane that just by landing on the plane I could be hit by sudden wind resistance and thrown right off the plane. While a blimp gives me a bit more room to gain my footing, and again the fact that it goes a lot slower is a huge plus in my book.
New Skill Gained: Concealed Mana has increased to level 1.
Concealed Mana is an Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
At that, I realize I likely have already received my reward for completing yet another day of the impossible mission. Then sure enough I am hit with the next phase of the mission.
Impromptu Quest: Manhunt (IV): A Regional Quest has been updated for you. Your Goal: avoid capture for a period of 24 hours to earn a medium reward. Conditions: You cannot leave the Legrand Empire during this time. You must remain on the run once every one hour from pursuers.
Seeing that, I realize this is going to get ridiculous. I need to move around every hour, meaning no chance for sleep. Then I need avoid capture by people up to level 50. With all of those contingencies, I decide to call it a day. I have had my fun, almost too much of it. My hands and body are still jittering from a lack of proper sleep and I still need to get away, if I am going to make it out. This is why I have been planning my contingency escape plan. Ratta-tak-tak. Enemy planes are opening fire on their own ships. Hearing that, this is even more reason to go to plan A. Poof. There is a white-hot burning sensation on my legs and ankles. With a start I collapse to the ground and instantly feel warm stinging blood pooling away from me. Then to make matters even more interesting I receive a notification I guess I should have expected.
You are in the restricted section of the Mage¡¯s Guild. Should you be found your status within the Mage¡¯s guild will be revoked.
And like that, I realize my plan for escape just got a lot worse, as I am now bleeding evidence of my misconduct everywhere. Still, I figure if I am caught, I am caught. Physically grabbing a book, I jump to a hidden closet that looks to be an old shower room and start reading. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Poof. Within forty-five minutes my legs have healed enough to not pour blood everywhere. I could of course use this time to leave, but I decide not to. Even when I get the annoying notifications.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Even with the warning, I decide not to move.
BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!
Quest Failure Immanent.
I let the feeling of being flustered rush over me, then let it fall. I guess I am in a dark enough spot that it is not easy to identify my location. Even from people like the Tracker who might have tracked my activities would have a hard time finding my mana signature in the middle of all of these other signatures. Still, I¡¯ve only made it the first hour of this fifth phase of the mission. Finally, after a long time and a few more warnings, I get the notification I had been searching for.
Impromptu Quest FAILED: Manhunt (IV): A Regional Quest has been updated for you. Your Goal: of avoiding capture while moving every hour has failed. Due to your not being captured during the allotted time period, your status as a fugitive will degrade at the rate of one level per day spent on the run. Current ranking lowered by one tier from IV to III.
Seeing the notice, I let out a huge sigh of relief. While I can still be found and will be offered a reward for my capture, my status will no longer increase. Also now I can have the benefit of finding a nice hiding hole and just staying put. The book I have taken is a lightly glowing book, which to me implies that it will offer a skill. Focus on your circulating blood. This will be the easiest way to visualize the movement of your internal energy flow. I read the book, which is an offshoot of what has to be old elven. A language that I also had to learn from reading semi-restricted books. Though these were books I got from the Thieves Guild as a means to improve my Polyglot skill. Still, I take my time reading through the book, making sure to perform the tasks as described. Then finally after reading and then rereading the book I am met with a somewhat appreciated message.
New Skill Gained: Mana Circulation has increased to level 1.
Mana Circulation is a Strength, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower based skill.
Oddly enough, after reading the bonuses for the skill I realize that the skill is not what I expected at all. Rather than it being a way to regenerate mana, which it sort of does. The real benefit of the skill is to infuse your body with energy from your own mana pool. Basically it was a minor form of regeneration, and if your mana was full, which mine would constantly be until my magic schools became unlocked, you could use the excess mana being generated as a form of cheap energy. This was a good skill to have, and one that I knew would likely pay off over time. For now, it just filled my already overtaxed body with jitters. But I could see the potential of this skill so I decided to keep going. Not only did the book detail the form of Mana Circulation, but it also had a few more practical examples of things I could do while casting spells. Ways to use my body to create the gesture needed to cast a particular spell. Yes, this was one of those worlds where gestures were needed to cast spells. Words could be avoided, but they often added a damage and accuracy modifier to the spell. Damage was increased the louder you spoke the spell, while the accuracy modifier related to how close to the real pronunciation of the spell you were. Needless to say those two modifiers meant there were a lot of low level wizards screaming Fireball everywhere. Additionally, the gestures were needed to balance out game mechanics. Just as the barrel of a gun needed to be pointed at an enemy, so too did your hands need to point to an enemy as well. In a way it made sense, also lets face it Force Choking someone to death didn¡¯t have as much of a impact without holding out a cupped hand at an intended target. In all I ended up reading two more books on that first day. I like to think that there are two types of people in the world, those that can spend a few days contentedly reading book after book all day and those that can¡¯t. I fortunately fall in the former category, especially when I know the alternative is to go out into the streets and potentially be captured by vigilante groups wishing to make a name for the capture of a known fugitive. From the closet I found a rag and when I went to return the book I borrowed, I made sure to clean up the residual blood as best I could. Of course, trying to clean a stain while blind is a challenge in and of itself. Still, I think I did a moderately good job. I cleaned the spot until the residual energy was gone. Then I got a second cloth cleaned again. Then I proceeded to burn both in the Mage¡¯s laboratory area. Everything was going well. I even managed to move about is such a way as to avoid having to cross paths with anyone. Which was why it was odd for me to suddenly feel a slight burning sensation from within my bones.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 25 points of damage.
I paused, wondering if I had just killed myself by burning my rags, but those were discarded a while ago and no remains existed, I even used Telekinesis to burn the ashes. And during that entire time, I didn¡¯t recall any such burning sensation, which was why this was odd. Just as I was able to take a breath, I felt a second jolt of pain course through me. This time it was even worse than the first.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 50 points of damage.
Panicking I mentally shifted my consciousness everywhere, only to realize someone was in the closet I had hidden in, when I first began reading. ¡°STOP!¡± I mentally shouted in the person¡¯s mind. That shout did two things, first it gave me the slight reprieve that I had wanted, as the mage who had been boiling my blood through sympathetic magic. ¡°What? You are still alive?¡± The mage thought coldly. ¡°Oh well, I was wondering why my skill was going up so quickly. Who would have thought that having a living test subject would make the skill increase each time.¡± Then with that, I feel even more pain coursing through my body, as I am once again hit with a surge of pain.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 50 points of damage.
To put it in perspective, our total number of health points are equal to roughly ten times our Endurance, which currently puts me at around a maximum of 600 health points. Or rather 475 after these recent attacks, minus the damage I was still suffering from my wounds suffered from the random strafing. I still don¡¯t know if that attack caused the zeppelin, I had been hiding on to crash or not. I assume it did, but that is a minor thing right now. This is blood magic, a forbidden art. Worse, unlike most schools of magics sympathetic blood magic has no range limit, meaning that even if I wanted to flee the area, I would only make it so this schmuck could target me from a distance without any worry of reprisals.
New Skill Gained: Blood Magic Resistance has increased to Level 1.
Blood Magic Resistance is an Endurance and Willpower based skill.
See silver lining. If I let this guy burn enough of my blood away, I might gain a new point in Endurance and Willpower. Yeah, not going to happen. For a second, I seriously reconsider my stance on killing. I mean if I was to kill anyone it would be a Blood mage right? I contemplate this for just a second, before I decide no, maybe maiming someone would be just enough. Focusing on the mind of the individual, I mentally grab hold of their body with a Telekinetic grip. Then slam them. At least that is the intention. ¡°Oh, you are adept at Telekinesis, how interesting.¡± The blood mage says as I feel even more of my blood get burned away.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 49 points of damage.
Whimper. I let out a small, choked sob as I bite my lip and all but collapse to the ground in pain. Still, I am not done. I realize I can¡¯t seem to move the mage, but that won¡¯t stop me from moving an object into the mage. Mentally I feel around the small closet and find an old shelf up high. Grabbing the shelf I slam down, and then mentally hurl the books and other items down on the caster. ¡°Ah! Fuck.¡± The Caster exclaims mentally, as they grab their head in an obvious sign of pain. That¡¯s when I have an idea. He wants to burn blood fine; I just need to make sure his blood is right there with my own. Focusing on the items I grab as many as I can and begin whirling them about violently. Everything from spinning books, to a random frying pan, to two ends of a broken mop. Everything is fair game and I slash it all about violently in the small confines of the room. In all, it¡¯s not much and mostly ends as soon as my flying objects get close to the caster, but it is enough. ¡°I am bleeding. That bitch.¡± The blood mage thinks, as they grab at multiple laceration points on their body. Fortunately, there are now more holes than he has hands. Blood flows freely from him. I can almost even see the way his blood mixes with my own. ¡°You think this will stop me?¡± He mentally screams, nearly delirious with pain.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 48 points of damage.
I feel my health plummet again, this time he too has a bit of his own blood in the mix. ¡°You think this is enough to stop me? The great Galanthir.¡± ¡°Whoa there. Just calm down. We are looking at the same damage now.¡± I plead. ¡°No, I cannot stop. She knows who I am. Besides killing someone is required to reach the next tier in Blood Magic, this is a fortuitous encounter.¡± The mage says. I don¡¯t know if this is scripted illogic from the game, or if learning Blood magic legitimately does this to even a sane individual. Regardless, the guy doesn¡¯t stop.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 47 points of damage.
I am now down to roughly 331 health points, or just over half of my life. Still this is pain like I never imagined. I want to move, to run somewhere, but before I can I am hit with yet more thoughts, and more pain. ¡°This will hurt her as much if not more than me. I must keep going, I must purge her from existence, lest she tell others of my treachery.¡± The mage thinks. ¡°Look dude, we are cool. I don¡¯t know you. We can go our own separate ways¡­¡± I begin, but I am cut off.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 46 points of damage.
On the bright side I can tell that with each casting my Blood Magic Resistance skill is going up, a testament to the fact that the damage I take each time is going down. Of course this is all minor in comparison to the fact that I am a much lower level than this jerk and likely have a lot lower Endurance than the guy. Well 60 is fairly high, oh it just went up to 61 from all my resistances, nice. That means ten more health points, at least that is the general rule of thumb.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 45 points of damage.
I am on the ground, in a ball the pain is excruciating as I can feel every fiber of my being burning away from the inside. I am now down to just over a third of my health. ¡°That must be it. She has to be dead.¡± The deranged Blood Mage thinks. ¡°Are you deranged? Do you have to huff paint chips to become a Blood Mage or something Galanthir?¡± ¡°It lives, worse it knows my name. I must continue to purge the monster.¡±
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 44 points of damage.
There is an intense ringing in my ears as I feel the blood in my body slowly boiling away. ¡°You know you suck right?¡± I mentally think to the monster. ¡°It still lives.¡± The mage is in a lot of pain just like me. They too have collapsed to the ground, but they seem insistent to continue.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 43 points of damage.
¡°You better really hope you are dead¡­¡± I think to the monster. ¡°Die.¡± Galanthir states.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 42 points of damage.
¡°That all you got?¡± I mentally think, spite being the only reason I am still even able to focus at this point. Mentally I calculate my health to be at roughly 121, that is assuming I started off at full health and with the ten extra points of Endurance I gained from Endurance increasing to 61.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 41 points of damage.
I am now down to 80 health at most. Still, I find the mind of the monster still there, still twitching in pain. ¡°What, you going to call it over now? You were so close to your goal.¡± ¡°Grr!¡± The monster growls, yes growls. They have gone so far down that they can only think in guttural sounds, but somehow they are still able to focus enough to cause yet another bout of pain for the both of us.
Boiling Blood you have taken sympathetic damage to your blood for 40 points of damage.
I really hope they are hurting themselves as much as they are hurting me, otherwise this will be my last. ¡°Yo, dork. That it? That the best you got?¡± I mentally think, only to feel a slight shock when I realize nothing is there on the other side. The mind I had been conversing with was gone. Yeah, eat it jerk. I mentally think to myself. Then with my last conscious thought, I find another empty storage closet and teleport into there, before collapsing entirely. Clatter, clink, plop. I hear a few items drop and fall directly on me, but that is okay. I am safe, in a dark spot that no one can find me immediately and now that I am out of combat I know my Regeneration will begin to work properly again. With that thought, I feel a wave of relief take me as some of the blood that had been burned away suddenly grows back. At least that is what I associated with that soothing sensation in my stomach. Relaxing a little, I let out a long sigh of relief and let darkness take me. Darkness. Chapter 16 The Months After Chapter 16 The Months After A month, that was how much time I spent in and out of consciousness after my battle with the Blood Mage. During this time, I realized a few things, first the spell that the Blood Mage used was a ritual and not exactly a spell. Of course, I didn¡¯t realize this distinction until much later in my time when I continued to heal slowly from the wounds I suffered. During that time I just read in dark corners of the Mage Guild and hoped I didn¡¯t get caught. The distinction was the way that the ritual was a consistent attack. Or rather a drain would be more accurate. Essentially what the mage did was found some blood, constructed a spell circle to try to absorb the energy of the blood and then absorb it as essentially free experience. My guess is that this guy did this for all sorts of things, as his personal journal seemed to state.
Day 11 Culled the energy from the blood of four chickens and two goats. Day 12 Consumed culled energy and achieved one Strength and one Willpower.
That was impressive, as it meant that he was forcefully increasing his attributes by first boiling the blood of an enemy and then taking the remaining essence and consuming it. We were caught up in the first ritual, which was the blood boiling phase, where it took all energy, even energy that was sympathetically linked and began pulling it into be synthesized. I of course messed up his little ritual when I had his own blood get added to the ritual. From that point on he was bound to the ritual. This had apparently happened to him before, where he was caught up in his own ritual.
Day 5 A portion of my own blood was added to the ritual by accident. I felt the effects, but continued on with the ritual regardless. In so doing I not only killed the chicken I had been sent to kill for the order, but I found that the contributions were far greater thanks to my own additions. While I do not recommend self-sacrifice as a means to improve my attributes, I cannot deny the initial results. Day 111 I killed my first humanoid today. A fellow mage had made a papercut on a book that still had residual energy left. I managed to take the book that was bled upon and create a ritual circle around it before anyone noticed. The mage who had already left the guild hall died in the streets a few minutes later as his own life force was drained completely.
Of course, there were also his last few entries that made the guy seem like a serial killer.
Day 141 Getting desperate. I have already been scolded for killing off more chickens than needed. I think management is becoming aware of my activities. Day 148 I killed my first street urchin. They were suffering from the plague and I gained a sample of their blood which I said I would take back for processing. Of course, I only took the sample to see if I could attack both the disease and the carrier. Unfortunately the carrier was the only one I could gain energy from. Day 153 The spread of the disease has blessedly stopped, but unfortunately I am now out of possible subjects to pull energy from. Day 162 It has been multiple days since my last fix. I can already feel the stolen powers waning. Each day that I wait, the more attributes I seem to lose. Day 163 I think I might try to find another traveler if things don¡¯t go smoothly soon.
I assume that was when the Blood Mage found me. I mean I almost felt bad when he died from his own incompetence. I even thought that I had spurred him on to continue attacking even when it was not feasible for him to survive. But apparently I was completely mistaken, the ritual would have continued on indefinitely so long as the Blood Mage continued supplying energy to the ritual site. I almost wonder about the fact of how overpowered such a power could be. I mean think about it, if the mage was smart they could have gotten the blood of a dragon or equally powerful beast, maybe even the behemoth that was the moving tower. They could have found that blood and conducted a similar ritual to kill them. As a ritual the range would have to be close, or else the mana costs to maintain the effects would be astronomical. That was another thing I noticed, had I run away I likely could have gotten away as the cost to run the ritual would have increased. So that was on me being blinded by pain and not being able to tell the difference between a spell and a ritual. Case in point, bleeding onto a spot, ritual. Casting from nothing a spell. Of course, I blame my lack of education in rituals. Most people try to avoid rituals as such they aren¡¯t covered as well as they should be. Effectively they are like magic but take a lot more time, and resources to initiate. But the pay off seems to be that rituals can go further, last longer and will effectively only be stopped if you die or the components you are working with burn out. Still I took a full month to recover after that attack. Not that I needed to, I was fairly close to full health within a week after the event. Rather I used the time to practice my skills, well all but Blood Magic Resistance for obvious reasons. While I read up on the differences between spells and rituals. During this time I also realized that the reason so few people knew about rituals was because most of the information about rituals and their creation was housed at one location, Arcanarus University. The only problem was, they didn¡¯t just accept anyone. In fact of all the millions of regressors who went the magic route, only six people had ever been selected to attend. Of the six, three died, or at least they have not exited the university. The university is of course a black site, meaning nothing can be recorded or streamed by people inside the university. For me, this is even more reason to go. For people who make a sizable portion of their income from outside endorsement deals this would be catastrophic for their revenue services. This is the main reason why many of the truly top tier mages have not tried to attend. Also, many of those mages have made their own ground breaking advances on magic and feel that going to the University would be a waste of time for unwanted or unnecessary validation. For the three that did graduate, all three are now considered masters of their chosen fields. Each is able to create many new spells related to their unlocked schools of magic, and many have gone on to do great things. They are the reason why the university is considered to be great for those that do not have an outside revenue as after that everyone wanted to have them as a champion of their products. Of course, I will never have this opportunity, as I took the Dark Horse flaw a long time ago. Which essentially means I can only make money in game on things I do, and not make money from outside endorsements. Of course, I could still get free gear and clothing, but most would be little more than designer clothes that look nice but serve no true function or purpose. By the higher levels everyone is expected to wear gear and apparel that both compliments the build they are going for, and to sure up any weaknesses they might have. Of course, all this is a long way of saying that I wasted my time reading. Well let me rephrase that, reading and learning is never a waste. I learned a lot during that month of down time. I even had the option of learning about Blood Magic, which could have easily led to my having Blood Magic as my school of magic that would be unlocked at the end of this year. It was solely because I didn¡¯t want anything to do with Blood Magic as a possible future calling of mine that I declined all skill options related to learning Blood Magic. Though I did learn a bit of Occult, and Ritual Lore. Both of which were skills that helped with Intelligence an attribute I did not need help with currently. Then once my month was over and I was well and truly over the four days of being hunted. I made my way bac to the Maltese Empire. How I did that was simple, I just hoped a ride onto an airship heading west and hid. From my previous time, I realized that most large transport vessels had wards to prevent teleporting in, but none that prevented Traits like mine. Also, most ships tended to save on alerting runes figuring that warding runes, or runes that prevented unwanted effects would be enough. Meaning that once I was safely on a ship, I could freely bounce around without much fear of reprisals. Once I was back, I met up with Hector and Golum at our mutual meeting spot, right in the middle of the park. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°So you survived your little run?¡± Hector said, excitedly as he held out his arms to hug me. ¡°Yeah, you think a few little hounds could stop me?¡± I reply. ¡°HAHAHA. It¡¯s a good thing you stopped when you did. The Legrand Empire is looking for any reason to go to war. Your little stunt could have been what started a conflict. What was that by the way?¡± Hector asks. ¡°That was a Behemoth, believe it or not. Judging from how old it is, I think it was one of the original ones for the world. One that people never really interacted with.¡± I respond. At that Hector strokes his beard in contemplation, while Golum looks a little confused. At least his posture and energy seem to make it seem like he is trying to form a question, but can¡¯t quite figure out what it is he wishes to ask. ¡°A Behemoth?¡± He finally asks. ¡°Yeah, I am guessing it is something like a Behemoth is associated with every major expansion zone.¡± I say, repeating a favorite theory of the outside world. It was also one that seemed to be confirmed if my first day in this game was any indication, as the death of the sky behemoth led to the death of the sky zone. With that, it almost seemed to follow logic that the zone related to a seemingly never ending tower would also be related to a Behemoth. ¡°So what happened?¡± Hector asked. ¡°I apparently impressed him so much that he gave me a quest to complete before my magic awakens.¡± ¡°So, you have to go back?¡± ¡°Yeah, but not until a week to a day before I turn 13.¡± I respond, as I reread the timer. ¡°So, a minimum of a day before, and at most a week?¡± Hector clarifies. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Any idea why?¡± ¡°Something about a blessing.¡± I respond. ¡°Oh, that is bad.¡± Hector begins, but then continues. ¡°That will likely mean you will have to do some type of run within its tower to find something.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. What¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡± *** So, the time came till I was exactly seven days and four hours early for my appointment with destiny. Seven days was the absolute earliest I could get to the Tortoise Dragon Behemoth, and his body that was also one of the original towers of the game. A tower that had since moved thanks to my sharing a story of how I slew an upstart of a Behemoth with the beast. After all this time I realize that the behemoth only made it half the distance I had originally asked. Half the distance of course being from where it started in the Maltese Empire, and where I originally asked for it to end up at the capital of Miltan in Legrand. Looking back one subtle detail that I missed, or at least that seemed to be glossed over was the fact that the story I used for the Behemoth was already used once to get into one of the guilds. Realizing that, I can¡¯t help but wonder if the reason the Tortoise only went half the distance was because I could only offer half of the full story? That was something to consider, also it spoke about the subtle nuances of this game, where keeping onto a badge, or rather keeping onto a good story might help pay huge dividends in the future. I still had the two badges I earned from my first interaction with the Tortoise dragon, badges that I now intend to keep until a good enough time exists to cash them in. of course, there are still many different things I can do between now and then, but the most important thing right now is for me to make it across the border, through the enemy lines of troops and then straight to the Tortoise Dragon tower. Why do I need to make it through densely packed troops? Simple the Legrand military is making it blatantly clear that it intends to go to war. Even going so far as to prevent cross border transportation. Well at least land based transportation, so far they have not taken up too many resources against air based transports. Not that many transport ships go from Maltese to Legrand anymore, as the two nations have all but taken up embargo operations against the opposing countries. This of course has played right into he hands of Telgran to the North, and Balastion to the South who have effectively taken up the role of intermediaries of trades between our two nations. Both sides making sure to add on a 7% service tax to all transactions between the two countries. Of course since the final product comes from Telgran and Balastion neither side does anything to stop the movement of those goods, as neither side wants to also gain the ire of a second nation during these times. The writing is on the wall that war is going to occur soon. In fact, many of my last few assignments have been related to the war efforts. Go find new war gear from the dungeon. Sabotage the nearby cities in Legrand and make it so troops cannot stay there, while not affecting the populace. These are open ended quests and ones that I particularly appreciate as they allow creativity on behalf of the quest taker. Most of the time simple things like polluting water ways that the troops are using. Ruining or spoiling food supplies, introducing pests to eat the food supplies and so on. Still all good things must come to an end, which is why I make sure to say goodbye to Hector and Golum before I go. ¡°So this is it?¡± Hector asks as he gives me a hug. ¡°Yeah.¡± I manage. ¡°Well good luck. We will still have a place for you, once you get back.¡± Golum says as he too gives me a hug. ¡°My little cobra is all grown up.¡± Hector says, as he wipes away a fake tear. ¡°Seems like just yesterday she was spitting venom and trying to burn down the world around her. Now look at her. All grown up.¡± ¡°Shut up.¡± I say, as I punch him in the ribs. ¡°OH! And she punches like a drunken orc. Ahh!¡± Hector says, wincing over slightly in pain. ¡°Oh, sorry.¡± I say. ¡°Nah, think nothing of it, this should be healed by the time you get back.¡± ¡°Oh, come on old man. I know you aren¡¯t that feeble.¡± ¡°Feeble, you hear this?¡± Hector says in faux outrage as he turns to Golum. ¡°Oh, and you shouldn¡¯t forget this.¡± Golum says as he hands over a backpack. Picking it up, I feel the weight and realize there are a few things in there, but opening the flap just shows a lot of dark objects all tightly packed together, stupid blindness. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Food and water. It¡¯s what a growing girl like you will need to survive a week.¡± Golum answers. At that, I feel my chest slightly tighten as I realize I had completely forgotten about food and water. ¡°Oh.¡± Is all I manage to say. ¡°Oh indeed.¡± Golum said. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, as I give him yet another hug. There is an awkward moment before Golum lets out a long sigh. ¡°I do think it is time you should go. You don¡¯t want to be late for your date with destiny do you?¡± Shaking my head, I reply ¡°no.¡± I take one last moment to orient myself. I know for a fact that all new maps have the Behemoth¡¯s location as northeast of our current location. Orienting myself I take one last breath. Then make three quick rapid jumps in succession. Poof. The idea is to put as much distance between myself and the two people who have become surrogate parents to me during my time here. The movement puts me close to three kilometers away from the Maltese border and within a hundred kilometers of the Tortoise Dragon Tower. By the second jump I see enemy troops, by the third jump I am past the line of enemy troops and well in a clearing. Then two more quick jumps just for safety puts me at what I consider to be well outside of enemy lines. I am a little woozy from so much energy expenditure. I know most people would use this time to stop and eat and rest. Fortunately as these are my final few days of being a child I do not need to fully stop and eat. Though I know these feelings will slowly intensify over time as I come closer and closer to my thirteenth birthday. This is meant to make me subtly aware of the changes my body is now going through and the way I will need to change my play style going forward. No longer will I be able to run around constantly for days on end without food or water. Now I will need to focus on how to survive. In a way it was a good thing I did the manhunt while still a child. While I wasn¡¯t able to last the full seven days or however long it goes, I still was able to earn a number of nice skills that will help serve me in the future. But part of why I was able to last for so long was the fact that I didn¡¯t need to eat or drink. Basically, rather than worrying about starving or dehydration, all I had to worry about was finding the next resting spot an act that made the entire ordeal much more tolerable. I am going to make it a note that others who take a similar path to mine should also try to initiate a manhunt. Of course, my man hunt was due to effectively using a Behemoth as a natural disaster on a hostile territory. Then resisting orders of officers who were called onto the scene. The entire thing was a bit odd, especially the part with the random Blood Mage at the end, but it all worked out. Still while I likely could push myself forward and get to the tortoise tower nearly instantly, I want to take my time. I want to listen to my body, and circulate my mana as needed. Once I no longer feel dizzy, I begin running in the same direction I had been teleporting. Then like clockwork every ten minutes I make a jump. I also make a double jump when I land and find that I am near or close to enemy monsters or forces. My goal is to avoid detection as much as possible while making this run. At this rate I should make 12 kilometers an hour. Over six from running, and then six more from jumping, not including double jumps away from trouble. In the end I calculate that I am just over fifty-three kilometers into Legrand territory and just over half way to the tower by the time my timer hits seven days. Realizing I can now enter the tower and begin my Tortoise provided quest at any time I try to push myself a bit faster. Aiming for just over seven jumps an hour, while still trying to maintain my constant speed of over six kilometers an hour. In the end, I find myself making it to the tower after three more hours have passed. When I arrive, I know I am in the right spot as the entire tower seems to glow with an energy that is hard to define. It is bright, almost too bright for my Angel¡¯s Sight to stand, as it feels like I am staring into the sun by experiencing just how brightly this tower that seems to stretch on into the heavens goes. Still, I find the door, which seems to glow slightly more brightly than the rest of the area. Seeing that entrance, I jump to it, then enter the tower. The moment I enter the tower, I once again feel the message run over me, letting me know that I am in here, but that I will not be stuck or allowed to move on until more people arrive. ¡°Great Tortoron, I have returned as you requested.¡± I call out mentally. There is a long pause as I feel the mind of the great cave suddenly come to life. Then finally over time I feel the monster awaken. ¡°Ah, if it isn¡¯t the little flea. You have been busy I see.¡± The great tortoise said in a melodic sing song cadence. ¡°Yes.¡± I reply back mentally, not quite certain how I am supposed to respond. ¡°Why have you returned so early? Didn¡¯t we just part ways?¡± The tortoise asked, sounding a bit confused, much like an elderly grandparent would when suddenly awoken from a nap. ¡°I came, because you asked me to come before I awoke my schools of magic. You said you would help.¡± I respond. There was a lot of thoughts, then finally tortoise condensed their thoughts in the form of a coherent statement. ¡°Ah yes. Now I remember. I wished for you to free my friend.¡± ¡°What friend?¡± I asked, suddenly confused by the turn of this conversation, which was not going as I had expected at all. ¡°Yes, I can see the confusion. I am thinking ahead. I sense your talent and wish to offer you a unique class, but one that has sorely been missing for a time. With this class you can see my friend and offer her children a way to this plane of existence.¡± The tortoise said. With that, I felt the quest prompt that had been dormant all this time suddenly come to life and flash before my eyes.
Quest Completed: Blessing of Tortoron: You have done as Tortoron the Great Tortoise Dragon has instructed, returning before your thirteenth birthday. Reward: You will now receive Tortoron¡¯s blessing and a unique class. Do you accept?
Unique, at the sight of that word my eyes went wide. Unique classes were just that, individualized and only one. While I might be able to teach a variant of this class to future people, my class and its bonuses would forever be mine. I was about to greedily accept the class, but then I felt a moment of apprehension. ¡°I won¡¯t have to kill anyone or anything for this class, will I?¡± I ask, still feeling odd about killing things due to the way I can see the spirit of dead creatures and even feel their rage and hatred over their deaths. ¡°No little one. It is precisely because you hate killing so much that I offer this option to you. What I ask is that you become a conduit to the spirit realm. If you had wantonly killed like so many of your kind had, this class would be a death sentence to you. As it is, you will be the first of your kind. A person who is able to commune with those who died long ago. A person who can offer the dead one last chance to speak their peace. A person who can help spirits travel to the realm of the living, and vice versa by allowing your kind to travel to the realm of the dead.¡± The Tortoise said. With that, I felt my heart pulse, as I could talk to my parents. At least that is what I was assuming he meant by this comment. ¡°Yes, little one, I mean just that. You can speak to not just your parent¡¯s but all who have passed beyond.¡± At that I froze, realizing what this meant. That there was still a chance for the dead, if I could talk to them, then maybe just maybe death wasn¡¯t permanent? Maybe I could speak to all who chose to make this place their final resting spot. Badump, badump. With that realization, I realized there was no other choice but to accept. ¡°Sign me up!¡± ¡°Very well, then it shall be so.¡± With that, I felt a burning take over my body as I was filled with a surge of power.
New Class Assigned.
Magical Schools Awoken.
Title(s) Gained.
There was so much information going through my mind. I felt the class awaken in me. Then I felt the force of not just one, but two unique schools of magic open within my mind. Then I felt titles getting applied, both of which had to deal with getting a class and schools of magic awakened earlier. Both of which had their effects linked.
Title Bonuses linked. Results forced to increase tier of Spirit Magic. New tier beyond normal starting parameters. Starting parameters overwritten by Title bonuses.
There was more, but ultimately my mind was flooded with pain an energy as I felt the world fade around me as I was surrounded by a sea of all-encompassing darkness. Interlude II War and Magic Interlude II War and Magic ¡°War, that¡¯s right you heard it here first. After a year of secret behind the scenes operations, the Legrand Empire has officially declared war on the tiny Maltese Empire to its border to the southwest. How will this fare for our Regressors on both sides, well first we should go over the basics. In war many of the skills and professions one has available to will change. To be born in a time of war is truly a great time, especially for those who have already been conducting operations behind enemy lines.¡± The Narrator said, explaining regional details of conflict. While war was not uncommon, it was rare to conduct a war when many nations surrounding the two empires at war, were experiencing monster surges. While everything is safe for the moment, should the other nations fall, the monster surges would go straight to the door of each capital. ¡°A brief recap on certain skills and how they change during war time scenarios. Skills like Media Blackout become simultaneously more and less powerful. They are more powerful in that a king can declare certain missions to be part of Media Blackout, and everything from the people assigned to the mission, to the name of the operation will be withheld from us. They are less powerful in the fact that spies who are off duty, are no longer protected by the Media Blackout and can be viewed pretty much at all times.¡± The Narrator states. ¡°Also, classes and class evolutions are more abundant than ever during this time. Depending on how much you have contributed to the current status of your country, you can either get an increase to your Military Rank, granting you the status of an officer. Or you can have a special one time bonus offered to one of your special class perks. This is the true way that kings and queens get regressors to join. There are also the chances of titles and the like, but realistically those are so few and far between that people would be better off holding their breaths than waiting for those to come. Still there are titles that people who perform particularly well can achieve. Also, this is where the next round of nobility can be cemented. If you work hard enough to earn a last name, then you are automatically granted land and a title. Again, though these will often go to the leader of a particular military operation.¡± ¡°Also with a war, we should talk about safe zones. To put it succinctly there are no true safe zones, though guild offices should be considered semi-sacred. The Guild offices in each city have now become non-combat zones. Meaning anyone who enters so long as they were not in combat within the past twenty-four hours, will be granted temporary immunity for a length of time equal to the last time they were in combat. Also, when preparing to invade a city special consideration must be made to ensure the guild halls do not themselves get damaged, lest the invading forces lose right to host said guild within their empire.¡± ¡°For invading cities there are sets of rules that must be adhered to, no massive casualties or wide ranging spells, or artillery strikes that will result in civilian casualties. This means that fighting forces outside anyone can use everything at their disposal. The moment the war enters the city proper, the rules change and everything must be downgraded in scale and severity, lest you get charged with war crimes during and after the conflict, even if you are on the winning side. That said, plundering rights are open to everyone, if you find it in a city you are invading and you can take it, then it is yours. Of course, there are exceptions, but this is the time when raiding the Arch Mage¡¯s home is not only acceptable but also encouraged. The only time the mage becomes off limits is of course when they enter their guild hall. The same holds true for the resources found at the Head Apothecary, Mechanic and Thieves Guild leader¡¯s home. Their resources are freely available to anyone willing or foolish enough to try to assail their abodes and claim their riches for your own.¡± ¡°There are also the rules of capitals being conquered by invading armies and monsters. There are a lot of nuanced rules, but the long and short of it can be summarized in one of two ways. Should a capital fall to an invading army the land that has troops of the conquering army on it, will be annexed into the conquering kingdom¡¯s borders. Should a capital fall to a monster infestation, then the lands regardless of troops will all be annexed by monsters and a new Behemoth class monster will be raised within the capital.¡± ¡°Sound confusing, that¡¯s because it is. But you can read about all the rules and guidelines for the low low price of¡­¡± Click. Jackie Cruise waved her hand ending the feed on the rules for war. Taking a deep breath, she paused to pull up the screen that detailed her mother¡¯s accomplishments and where she was before she went dark again. After the last time, Jackie went ahead and paid for the full year of premium service for her account, meaning she would get the feed fifteen minutes before everyone else did, when she came back. Also, there was the little green light that shown brightly for her, letting her know that her feed candidate was still alive, even though they were in what was effectively a Media Blackout on her. Since this was a premium account, she was allowed to go back and watch her past feeds. Jackie watched as her mother¡¯s feed picked up in the final days of her being labeled a child. At which point she entered the Tortoise Dragon Tower and immediately had her feed go dark. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. This was the problem with rogue types, which is what her mother clearly was going for, they always had ways of obfuscating their presence. In fact many of her mother¡¯s skills that she had mastered over the years were ones that made it almost impossible to gain any kind of insight into what she had or what she did.
Name: Cassiopeia
Race: Shade Touched Dark Elf
Age: 13
In fact, pulling up her Bio read almost like her obituary. Then just as she started reading the text, new content appeared. Content that sent shivers down her spine as she had never seen such a combination of Class and Magical affinities before.
Class: Void Walker
Level: 1
Magic Affinity(s): Spirit (Tier VIII), Shadow (Tier VII)
¡°Tier 8?¡± Jackie said, as the words hit her. The game had up to Tier IX, there were even talks about people making it up to Tier X as the game world got tougher. But to start off at Tier VIII, that was unheard of, unless she had done something legendary in the process, such a feat should not be possible. Seeing the class, and the level of Spirit magic, Jackie began combing through resources. Only to find that there was no information on what a Void Walker was, or what Spirit magic entailed. That was by far the school of magic that was the least practiced as it rarely had any tangible benefits, but also one of the hardest to master. Even practicing the art could cause your meridians to boil and break. Beep. There was a flashing icon showing on her screen, as she looked to see that new footage was being streamed to her personal account favorites. With the stream going, she immediately clicked over and saw her mother. Well not her mother, but the avatar of her mother that she had grown so used to seeing over the past six years appear seemingly out of nowhere. Whoosh! Her appearing randomly was nothing new, as she often Teleported. What made this teleportation odd was the trail of black smoke that followed her. Smoke that people nearby began choking on almost immediately. Scanning back her feed, Jackie tried to find where her mother was, only to find that she was at the entrance hall to Arcanarus, the Magical University of the entire world. Striving forward, she knocked on the doors twice, then waited. And waited. The university didn¡¯t open its doors for anyone, that was part of the mystique of the university, it was by invitation only. So, the fact that her mother was all but ignored was to be expected, as she was a level 1 nobody. Someone who had zero kills to their name and someone who would likely go on unnoticed lest she do something foolish like apply early. That was the other thing, if you applied to the University and were rebuffed, you would never gain a chance to try to enter again. Of course the payoff was severe, graduating from the University often meant you could craft at least one unique spell, and many players who graduated from the school could make a living creating and selling off new and useful spells. Finally after over an hour of waiting an elderly gentleman came to the door, opened it and took one look at Cass, shook his head and then spoke. ¡°Too young.¡± The man looked like he was about to leave, when Cass took her finger letting the tip glow brightly in an odd purple color that Jackie had never seen before for magic. The old man also seemed to be impressed as he paused his momentary closing of the door and watched as Cass using her glowing finger ripped a hole in space and time, revealing a giant glowing monster. ¡°A truly remarkable summons, but not good enough.¡± Cass shook her head. ¡°Not a summons, but the real deal.¡± Cass made a gesture, and with that the glowing monster slithered forward and appeared to be a Chinese Dragon, one of the long flowing dragons that had no wings but could still fly. Seeing the creature the mage looked unimpressed, then made a dismissive motion with his hand. Nothing happened. ¡°Bite his hand.¡± Cass said, with that the monster glided forward like a ghost. The old man began casting spell after spell at the beast. At first it looked like dispelling magic, but when that didn¡¯t work he resorted to flames, ice, even holy magic, nothing seemed particularly effective. Then after a long slow climb up the steps, the monster went over and bit the old man. ¡°AH!¡± The elderly mage called out, as he looked at his hand with shock. Even from the feed, dark glowing veins could be seen appearing from the four small puncture wounds where the dragon bit. ¡°That is enough, you can go back. I will call upon you and your friends if another demonstration is needed.¡± Cass said, her voice cold as she gestured for the spirit dragon to leave. The dragon looked sad for the moment, bowing its head as it looked like it was being told to go into a crate. Then with that, the creature disappeared and almost immediately the glowing portal disappeared in a puff of black smoke. ¡°You, you poisoned me?¡± Cass just shook her head. ¡°That is Spirit mana, a highly concentrated form.¡± Then holding out her hand, Cass called forth the black energy to make it appear like wisps before the man. The man stared at the wisps of magic for a moment, but then paused as he turned to look at Cass for the first time. ¡°Reveal yourself.¡± Still holding the mana in place, a task that was clearly a strain on Cass given the way she was sweating, but trying not to give away any sign of discomfort, she began removing her hood, then her goggles. Upon seeing her Shade Touched eyes, the old man let out a slight gasp, but only for a moment. Taking a second to observe Cass, he then turned his attention to the floating ball of mana. Then reaching out his hand, he touched the floating mana and watching as it turned to slime within his hands. He looked at it in a contemplative manner for a moment, then thinking cast one last golden glowing Holy spell on the mass. This one was far brighter and more intense than the others. Everyone watched as the glowing light looked so bright that it might burn away water, only for the dark purple mana to remain, even after the Purification spell was cast. Seeing that the mana was still there, the man nodded to himself as he seemed to come to some sort of understanding. ¡°Perhaps I was too hasty with my judgement of you. Perhaps we do have a place for you after all.¡± The man said, waving his hand and gesturing for Cass to join him inside the University. At that, Cass let out a breath, as a faint smile crested her lips. Then immediately upon entering the Arcanarus University, the doors closed behind her ending the visual feed of Jackie¡¯s mother. Still, this surely beat a country at war. Also wars were long and drawn out affairs that often took years to resolve. Odds were that even upon graduating, the war would still be ongoing in some level. Besides wars couldn¡¯t get up to more than minor skirmishes between squads, until at least a year had passed. For now the war would be relegated to a few highly skilled teams conducting deep recon and espionage activities. Still, there was something to that whole ordeal just now. What did her mother do? Was that true high end Spirit magic? Was it always so powerful? Also, what did it mean for the state of the world of Biprism as a whole? Immediately Jackie clicked over to see what the talking heads thought of this, as anything new was always worth mentioning. Chapter 17 The Exam Chapter 17 The Exam A strange feeling of awe and wonder filled me as I made my way forward in the university halls. The old man, who I still didn¡¯t know the name of, only the title: Head Butler guided me down the hallways. Each room along the hallway seemed to be an infinitesimal space that stretched out beyond the limit of my Angel¡¯s Sight, while seeming to warp the very fabric of reality. There was more magical power here than likely existed in the world proper. This university, much like the spirit realm that I was now sole commander of were relics of the initial launch of the game. Portions of the game that existed but were never fully explored. That was why I knew I would be accepted here to these vaunted halls. I was after all the only one who had gained the Unique Void Walker class, which means that my version came with all the bells and whistles already attached. The best way to think about Unique classes is like the luxury store model that has the leather seating, the drink coasters that cool your drink, while also being able to convert solar energy into a quick power charger. You know the model that costs far too much for mass production and has to be modulated mostly by hand, but will get everyone to view the vehicle in a new light. That¡¯s what I have. There might be other Void Walkers that can come later, but they will be few and far between. Also, they will likely have to quest for the bonuses that I got for free. Now to be fair not all Unique classes are truly worth the effort to earn or achieve. There are some like the Chameleon Diplomat that sound amazing by allowing people to change their race and build to have multiple personalities and fulfill multiple personas. The only problem is that each new persona has their faction rating set to default ratings, meaning that the reputation for each persona needs to be developed independently. Of course the original class came with a bonus to the rate at which it earned reputation, but none of the others who then chose that class got the bonus. Just like the unique reputation booster for the Chameleon Diplomat, my class granted me a few bonuses that all but prove the class is a death wish for anyone foolish enough to follow in my footsteps. First, there is the oddly ominous tone of my class.
Void Walker: For those that all look into the void and wish to travel the hidden corners of the worlds and find the hidden mysteries of the cosmos this is your class. Just realize that some mysteries were hidden for a reason. Not all truths should be uncovered, and above all not everything should be known. Still, you strive on, looking where others either cannot, or refuse to. The Void Walker is a true hybrid class of Magical Prodigy and Rogue explorer. Needing to travel, the realm between life and death, the Void Walker is capable of traversing to and from the ghost world at will.
Beware, for you walk the forbidden path of life and death. A path that would mean death for any who choose to follow you in your reckless pursuit of knowledge and the unknown.
Unique Class Merits: Death Shroud (3): Wielder of this merit has a tempered body that is immune to the piercing soul damage of the ethereal realms. Wielder can travel to either realm and bring up to two chosen people to follow them into the opposing realm.
This was the Class Merit I used to lure over the small spirit dragon to follow me. Since I could control how long the blessing was shared, I could force the dragon to leave by threatening to relinquish my protective shielding from the spirit dragon. I assume that based upon the wording I could also take people with me into the ghost realm, but I have not been able to test this. Also, I just want to say that the ghost realm is awesome. Effectively it is an exact mirror of the real world, meaning the possibilities are endless with what I am capable of stealing now. No longer do I need to worry about having to jump into and then out of an area. Now I can walk right up to a spot, open a small portal for my hand to slip through and snatch anything I want. At least that is what I assume can happen at later levels of control. For now I am limited to creating full size portals that creatures can use to traverse both ends of the cosmos, going from either the realm of the living to the mirror realm of the dead, or vice versa. Also, with the ghost world clearly visible, I know for a fact that I might be able to contact my mother and father in the ghost world. In fact, not just my parents but I likely might be able to communicate with everyone who ever died. I could solve old murder mysteries by asking the ghosts in question. I could find the hidden locations of relics long since lost to time. The number of quests that are available are nearly endless, and I cannot wait to find out what will happen next. For now though, I need to learn how to wield my magic with some form of proficiency, while also finding a way to protect myself against the ghosts that I will likely have to deal with. I don¡¯t know how I feel about killing ghosts. Logically if I could kill ghosts, then my whole issue with killing people might be null and void, as the ghosts of the dead I slay in the real world would no longer be an issue. Still, I don¡¯t want to go down that path, for that seems like the way towards permanent death, which in a way feels even worse than just regular death. Ultimately this class is showing me that I was right in my want to avoid killing both the people and hostile creatures of this world. This of course was not my only Merit, as I was granted a second Merit and Flaw by meeting the distant friend of the Tortoise Dragon.
Unique Class Merit (4): Spirit Familiar: You have formed a deep spiritual bond with one of the blessed children of the spirit world. Your familiar will be both a guide and advocate to help you navigate your way through the realm of spirits.
This familiar of course is the one I summoned and the one I got to bite the guard who I am now following. Oddly enough, I can feel my familiar waiting just on the other side of the veil. She is there waiting to be summoned at a moment¡¯s notice should I need assistance. Of course, she is the same level as me and will only level as I level, but so far just having a spirit companion that is not bound by the mortal rules of this world is quite handy. Of course, having such a great merit would not be balanced in the game. Which is why I was also given a unique flaw to match the Death Shroud and Spirit Familiar Class Merits.
Unique Class Flaw (7): Void Touched Void Walker: You have been marked as the chosen advocate by the deepest denizens of the void. Your primary class will now and forever be Void Walker. Additionally, both denizens of the realm of the living and realm of the dead will know you are the one who can both teach others your class, while also conducting unique missions on behalf of both realms.
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Yeah, that¡¯s me, supernatural delivery and parcel service member. Still, I look at it as job security, if I want I can deliver messages to both realms at a whim. In fact, that was part of why I was given the class in the first place as I had to deliver a long-forgotten confession of love from Tortoron to his love the great Umbrahina, Spirit Dragon of the Deepest void. In addition to my unique class merits and flaws, I got what I am assuming are standard class spells. The first spell I got and one that was absolutely mandatory was Planar Shift.
Planar Shift (Level 1) (A): Allows user to create a path connecting the realm of the living to the spirit world.
That¡¯s it, probably the most powerful spell in existence and one that most would likely overlook for how seemingly trivial it is. For a thief like me, that spell signifies permanent cash flow. In addition to Planar Shift, I was granted the option to choose two of seven main spells.
(Choose two spells from the following list)
Evocation: Level 1 spell: Spirit Bolt (A)
Mental: Level 1 spell: Spirit Control (A)
Free Form: Level 1 spell: Spirit Mana Control (P)
Abjuration: Level 1 spell: Spirit Shield (A)
Conjuration: Level 1 spell: Spirit Sustenance (P)
Necromancy: Level 1 spell: Spirit Drain (A)
Also, in case you weren¡¯t aware there were two types of spells Active (A), or Passive (P). Active spells were ones that required you to perform an action or incantation to perform. Passive spells on the other hand were similar to skills, in that they were almost always in use, the only difference being that a permanent percentage of your mana pool would be reserved to continually power the spell and its effects. I of course chose the two Passive Spells, thinking that I could learn the others later on. Also with just one spell that I could activate, namely the ability to open a rift between the two realms, my attention could be focused on other aspects of my class. Also my three Traits made it so I didn¡¯t really need to worry too much about having an Active power as all three were active powers that had their own separate pool of energy that was distinct from my mana. Also, from what I could tell all three had pools of energy that were distinct from the others. Meaning if I was too tired to Teleport, I could still use either Telekinesis, or Telepathy as needed. This meant my real mana pool would be constantly available to not only improve, but utilize my skill Mana Circulation, which had a passive effect of being able to improve my physical body as needed. Why did I choose the two Passive spells? Simply put they were probably the best ones available. Sure I could have likely gone the spirit murderer path with Spirit Bolt. Likewise Spirit Drain, would clearly be an attack spell that all but ensured an evil path that marked your spirit with the souls of those you kill. This left Mind Control, or at least the spiritual equivalent thereof, which was a huge no-go for me. Especially with the fact that every mind would both build up a resistance to your spell, and two depending on what you did with the spirit, you could be looking at being haunted by an entity who didn¡¯t sleep and held a near permanent grudge. Again, likely just as bad as the Necromantic and Evocation specialties. The only other one that was remotely interesting was the Spirit Shield spell, but that almost guaranteed that I would need to get into combat to level up the spell. Yes, in order to become proficient, you need to level up your spells. Leveling up your spells is also one of the easier ways to level up your class. Thus the want for the two passive spells that would likely level up on their own, so long as I remember to continually use them. Also, I couldn¡¯t deny a strange sort of synergy between the two spells. The Free Form spell Spirit Mana Control, is as close to a skill as a spell will let you get. This also seems to be a unique class spell that only Void Walkers can get, as I have never heard of such a spell being available before.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
This meant that I could both practice my own circulation of mana, making it spirit mana which I am assuming would normally be a death sentence for anyone who didn¡¯t have the Death Shroud class merit, as I am assuming that this process would be extremely painful for anyone that was not immune. Also my level of Death Shroud also ensured that I would be able to keep up to two others immune to the effects of this passive spell. The second Passive Spell I got was almost a no brainer and one that all spirits seemed to have automatically.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Effectively that spell single handedly answered how spirits could continually maintain their constitutions without ever having to consume real food. The answer was that their body passively converted ambient spirit energy into a form of food they consumed automatically. To me, this seemed perfect, as one of my key concerns over the past few years was how I could avoid starving or dehydrating to death, once the time came. Now with sacrificing my class¡¯s future damage potential, I gained the ultimate way to survive on my own anywhere. The ideal place to survive would be in the spirit realm, but with my first spell made it so I could even survive in the real world without fear of being caught without a meal source. Of course, there was a cost. Both spells required 10% of my Maximum mana, fortunately that didn¡¯t mean a full 20%, but rather 19%. For the first one would be 10% of 100 which would be 10%. The second one would be 10% of the remaining 90%, which would leave 81%. This way a caster couldn¡¯t have so many passive spells active that they couldn¡¯t cast any spells, as there was almost no way one could have 100% of their mana being used up by this combination of spells. In fact, as time goes on, most powerful mages choose to go the way of having more and more passive spells at their disposal rather than active. In fact, many people spend a lot of time learning to convert active spells into passive spells. That is part of what I hope to do with my time here at Arcanarus University. I want to both create more passive spells and effects that can help with my new class, and learn to create rituals. Rituals are sort of the in between zone of Passive and Active spells. They are effectively passive, as they will run continually, until either you run out of mana, or the components used in the rituals burn out. But they also fall under the active category, as there is a clear start mechanism needed to initiate the entire Ritual. All of these thoughts and more pulse through my mind. I feel a form of nervous tension coursing through me as I eagerly await my first true training. This is the premier magical university in the world, and no one knows what happens in these vaunted halls. Which is why I am so intrigued by what will happen next. I follow the old man through many different chambers and hallways, until finally we arrive at what can only be described as a completely wide open universe. I know there are supposed to be illusions of some kind around, but in reality I am just being led into a wide open room that is surprisingly devoid of magic. ¡°Here you are.¡± The butler says, then gestures for me to sit, or at the very least stay in a particular location. ¡°What am I supposed to do here?¡± I ask. He pauses as he looks at me, then nods to himself. ¡°Your first task is to hand over all of your non soul bound magical items and gear needed for survival. This will be counted as points towards your overall entrance exam score.¡± ¡°Entrance exam?¡± I ask, as I do as instructed, handing over my backpack that Golum gave me. ¡°Of course, you are still going to need to be judged and placed. Your goal is to learn to survive here for as long as possible using only your magical ingenuity.¡± The old butler says. ¡°Wait, is this some type of revenge for getting the dragon to bite you?¡± I ask, suddenly very confused and concerned about what is about to happen. At that the old man, just smiles as he states ¡°why of course not. That merely happens to be a happy coincidence.¡± Yeah, he is totally the type to hold a grudge, got it. ¡°Are there any questions?¡± ¡°This is an entrance exam?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What does that even mean?¡± ¡°It means you should do as best as you can, if you wish to make it to be a true student at the University.¡± I pause, as I try to contemplate what this means. ¡°So that out at the front was what?¡± ¡°That was an initial screening process. Now is when we test not only your potential, but how well you will use your magical potential.¡± The butler guy said, then he said one last word of motivation before he disappeared in a poof of magic, ¡°enjoy.¡± Then like that he was gone and I realized this was likely karma on some level for all the times I randomly left an area using my own personal Teleportation. With the old man gone, I could hear a slight hissing sound, as the pressure within the room seemed to be sealed. Then in an instant the level of ambient mana in the room began to ebb and swell. For a second I almost swore that I the now sealed room I was in was being flooded. But rather than being flooded with water, the room was nearly filled to bursting with mana. Then I felt a slight shiver as I felt the strings of mana converging into specific points around the room. Runes of mana began forming randomly, as if the runes were a form of magical chickenpox and the room a sick patient. I tried to puzzle out what was happening, before I realized the room was forming the basis of a ritual. With that realization in mind, I began acting on impulse. I needed to stop this ritual, whatever it was, before it went into full effect. I didn¡¯t know exactly what would happen when the ritual started, but I didn¡¯t want to find out either. With stopping the ritual as my one motivation, I began moving. Using everything at my disposal to destroy the forming runes before they could be linked in some form of diabolical ritual. And thus began my entrance exam to the premier Magical University in the world of Biprism. Chapter 18 The Ranking Chapter 18 The Ranking The goal was simple, survive using magic. At least that was my original instructions were for this examination. An examination that I learned was anything but an examination. I had no food, no weapons, not that I had any to begin with. My backpack and gear was taken from me, leaving me with only my soul bound gear and basic clothing. I was wearing my black clothes, at least according to the mental tags I had on every piece of gear I wore. My shoes were also basic black boots meant to provide minimal water resistance. I never liked the ones that were fully water resistant as those tended to not only keep moisture out, but foot sweat in. Yeah, foot sweat is a thing, and it is disgusting. Of course, this is to be expected from a game that has bathing as a basic skill that improves all of you social attributes. That said right now, I was in a room that was quickly flooding with mana. Despite my best efforts the runes around the room began to fill faster and faster, meaning that regardless of how fast I moved I could not get rid of every rune present. I took to the point of standing in the middle of the room and using my Telekinesis to create little arms that would then be used to wipe out the various runes. Then when that wasn¡¯t enough, I began focusing on only wiping out the bright red runes that I knew for a fact signified the elements and likely basic defenses. With my focus solely on taking out the most dangerous runes, the mana flooding the room began to form and congeal into light blue constructs. Constructs that were purely illusionary from my understanding of the way I viewed magic. Of course, I had six years of experience, using my Angel¡¯s Sight to perceive the world around me and avoid magical disasters. Disasters like being stuck in an inescapable room that is constantly being flooded with violent forms of mana. Whoosh. Despite Phantasmal magic being purely ethereal and only having an effect if you believed in the magic, there was still a slight physical component to the magic. Wind could blow thanks largely to the fact that sound would be created by these ghostly apparitions. Of course, the ghostly apparitions being seen were what I would consider a joke compared to the true horrors of the deep void, but that is a different story. In the moment my primary concern was focusing on taking down the violent runes that could give these Phantasmal energies power, and help improve the illusionary effects. While they would not work on me, as I would know the damage to only come from the elemental runes of the room and not the illusionary forces being generated I did not want to take damage here. Especially not when my ranking at this University was at stake. I decided to focus my mind, so I sat down, and began working as quickly as possible destroying dangerous runes over and over, while avoiding the screaming presences behind me. Everything was a distraction, as time went by I felt my mind getting slower, I felt a strange fog take over letting me know that I was nearing the limits of my body. I was going to ask why, when I realized that this was caused from my own lack of food. Realizing that, I quickly focused on using my two Passive spells. Well in particular I focused on Spirit Mana Control, at least mildly focusing on using this power to convert my natural mana into spiritual mana. From there it was an automatic process for my spirit mana to be absorbed by my second passive power Spirit Sustenance. With Spirit Sustenance now able to work and convert my spirit mana into food that my body could use, I could focus on completing this test. I don¡¯t know what was supposed to happen with this test. In fact, by all measures I was likely failing. Probably by now I was supposed to be able to read the runes and create a flow diagram that countered the processes. Unfortunately I didn¡¯t know runic theory, at least not well enough to try to counteract the processes that were currently active in the room around me. As such all I could do was sit down and focus. This was a memory game. Right wall. Left wall. Ceiling top right. Ceiling top left. Over and over, I would find the new dangerous runes and erase them with Telekinetic limbs, before they could do anything truly dangerous to me. It was a pattern and one that I could see almost before they appeared. I don¡¯t know if this was an effect of my high level of Danger Sense, or if this was something I just could understand from my understanding of the way mana was flowing around the room. Regardless, I felt calm and in control. To help stimulate my body and mind, I used Mana Circulation, to provide sustained energy to my body. Fortunately I never seemed to run out of mana as my body naturally consumed the mana of the room. Then my body took the mana and converted it into energy to improve my body, in addition to spiritual mana that I would then use to feed off of. It was clear that I was at a stalemate with this test as we were at a pace that seemed nearly impossible for mana to sustain naturally and I was still able to keep ahead. It was with this that finally after a number of hours, a voice called out. ¡°Enough!¡± How did I know it was hours? I didn¡¯t know. My HUD, or heads up display, was disabled while in the room. Actually, come to think of it, it might have been disabled as soon as I entered the university grounds. Still, I didn¡¯t care about how long I had already been here. My only concern was surviving. Well surviving and hopefully getting a good enough grade to stay on here at the University. ¡°For this next test, we will test your combat prowess. Your task is to kill as many apparitions as possible.¡± The voice called out. Taking a sigh, I should have realized there would be a test like this. This world was after all developed for murder hobos, and people that were meant to be sociopaths. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel an air of defiance. Sure these were just apparitions, meaning they were likely spell constructs that I would be pitted against. Also I did have combat skills, I did make sure to get both my Daggers skill, and my Dual Wielding skills maxed out, if only for the bonuses to my attributes. But I never really liked the idea of killing. In fact, most of the time I found that I only used weapons as a way to defend, rather than to strike. If anything that was the one thing I liked about Dual Wielding, the fact that one weapon was almost always used for defense. That said, I had a few tricks up my sleeve when it came to combat. ¡°I will warn you, that you can only use your magic to kill your opponents.¡± The proctor said. With that I smile, as my form of combat I created would use magic. Well to be more specific it would use my Telekinesis in a fighting form I liked to refer to as Telekinetic Aikido. Rising to my feet, I did a few quick stretches, before the first apparition appeared. Swish, woosh. The movements of the Apparition were slow and methodical. Looking at it, I figured this was likely based on Attributes that were comparable to where the standard level 1 mage would be. ¡°You will have to push yourself. These apparitions all will have a base 30 in every physical attribute.¡± A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Hearing that, I almost laugh. My lowest Attribute overall was Appearance which was a 32. My lowest physical attribute was strength, which sat at a comfortable 46. By comparison my Dexterity which was at 73 put me so far beyond these apparitions that I could side step and avoid each strike with ease. Of course, I maintained my non-combat stance. ¡°You took too long, now more will spawn every minute.¡± The proctor said. With that, a second apparition appeared in the room and also started swinging at me. Even having to split my attention, the apparitions moved so slowly that I could easily sidestep and avoid their thrusts. This is where Telekinetic Aikido came in. As I ducked and dove under strikes, I would mentally grab the swinging arms of the apparitions, pushing them forward, exposing their sides. Then most importantly I would have them strike each other with slight exertions of force at the right time. Of course, this wasn¡¯t a skill. Well it was a combination of skills working in unison. It was a measure of my Unarmed Combat, and my Telekinesis skills working in unison with each other. With both skills active I was able to dance and dodge my way until the apparitions killed each other, with Telekinetically aided strikes. As after a few rounds of this, casters came. Now normally casters were death for attackers who needed to get in close to an attacker. Unfortunately for the casters, I was able to zip about the battlefield at ease with Teleportation, which I used to extreme effectiveness. I would Teleport away at the last second letting an apparition take the brunt of a Fireball, or a Lightning strike. Then when the casters began to adapt to my Teleporting, I would just Telekinetically move their hands at the last minute. In doing so, I would either cause the spells to go wide from their mark, or inadvertently strike at an apparition that got too close. The entire time I did exactly as instructed, only using Magic to kill the apparitions. Though to be fair, I was not the one performing the killing blow, rather I was just the one who orchestrated the deaths of the others. Finally as time went on people wearing mechanoid suits came out. These were particularly easy to disable, as most just required the removal of a power core. The twisting of an internal wire. Now twisting a wire might not seem like much, but when most suits operated under the pretense of hydraulics, there was a certain need for water pressure to cause the suits to move. Meaning if you twist the correct wire, you stop the movement of liquid and thus cause the machine to break down before it even got anywhere. Of course the mechanoid drivers weren¡¯t done after their suits were disabled, as they would immediately jump down and engage in hand to hand, or combat with rifles. But even these were easy to deal with. Again, it was just a matter of moving away from an enemy, and causing a firing weapon to jerk away from its intended target, namely me, at the last second. Honestly, before I even realized it, I was smiling and having all sorts of fun. ¡°Enough!¡± The voice of the person I was mentally calling proctor called out. Immediately the apparitions that were in the room disappeared and slowly the excess mana that had been flooding the room slowly faded away. Then finally the room I was in connected to another dimension and I was once again in the University. At least that is what my senses told me happened. Who knows, from a visual standpoint this chamber might have just been able to seclude itself from the rest of the world and thus force me to focus on the room I was in. ¡°For this last test, you will be given a series of more and more complicated spell designs. You will be forced to first fix any spell design flaws observed, and then perform the mana constructs in silence. Any questions?¡± I pause, then realize this is likely a part of the test. They tell me to do the entire test in silence, then ask me for the first time if I have questions. It wouldn¡¯t have been so jarring if this wasn¡¯t the first time that I was asked if there were any questions. I just stand there not even wanting to acknowledge the baited question. ¡°Hmph.¡± There is an audible huff, as mana once again forms in the room. First I see a mana construct of myself, then I see ways that I am to channel mana through my body. I am momentarily stunned by the shocking realism of the image before me, but then catch myself as I focus on replicating the tasks shown. The first is a basic flow, with a slightly improper twist of mana at the end. I fix the twist and circulate my mana as shown. With that the figure changes. This time not only do I see the flow, but numbers seem to appear representing different loops and processes that should be done and when. I look at the process and this time fix two loops that have been reversed. Looking at the flow, the mana could have worked in both, but the way the energy moved would have been stopped. My last job involved a lot of math, that might or might not have been directly related to the mathematical arcs of missiles, which needed to take into account meteorological influences that could impact trajectory, decent angles, and impact points. For me, this form of circuitry was just a simple warm up for the day. I flowed from one task to the next, each time noticing how more and more components were wrong with each ascending tests. Then finally I got to one where there was nothing wrong. Well there was clearly something wrong as just looking at it, my Danger Sense all but caused my teeth to vibrate with warning. Yet, I couldn¡¯t for the life of me understand why or how this was a trap. I focused, then finally after a minute, I realized my mistake. The circuitry was correct, but the flow was wrong. Everything was connected in the exact sequences that were needed, but the energy was being told to go backwards. Effectively trying to get mana to flow in my body counter-clockwise, when I had already gotten my body spinning clockwise. Had I started off going the opposite direction this would have been fine. But seeing as everything I had been doing to this point was backwards, or flowing in the opposite direction as this one, I would have caused serious problems. Sort of like being on an elliptical going forward as fast as possible, only to reverse direction without slowing down or being ready for the change. Realizing the trap, I figured I could do this in one of two ways; either I could first flip the rotational pattern shown. Or I could stop everything, including my two passive spells for a moment and then circulate my energy the alternate direction. Realizing I wanted to try the reverse direction at least once, I stopped my passive spells, paused for a second. Then began circulating my energy backwards and casting the Passive spells backwards. After which, I then took the spell formula before me and channeled it directly as seen. There were a few more tests like that, ones that caused me to have to stop and think for a moment about the direction of energy. Oddly enough, I couldn¡¯t help but think that there was a lot of circuitry and robotics in the way Magic was being taught here. But then again that sort of made sense, this was the world of steampunk, where magic and machinery were married in an amazing unison of harmony and balance. I like to think that I did well on all three portions of the exam. But I would be lying if I didn¡¯t think I did my best on the third portion, though the second portion of getting the enemies to strike each other down was pretty fun. Just as I was coming to this conclusion, the same proctor voice called out and said. ¡°Enough!¡± With that the image of myself faded away. Of course, there were no other images that appeared. I had either gone through all of the possible tests, or failed one and they wouldn¡¯t let me go on past that point. While I doubted the latter, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that might be the case. There were a few nuances that seemed like they could go either way, sort of like those problems that can be solved multiple ways, but each way you take leads to a slightly different answer. I know, math can only be solved one way, but that is not always the case with things in the physical world. As a result, I could only hope for the best. ¡°That should be more than enough.¡± A second female voice calls out. This one doesn¡¯t sound nearly as hostile as the proctor seemed. ¡°The results of your examination are as follows. In the case of surviving the test of horrors you rate a B. For while you did show ingenuity for avoiding the true dangers, you failed to adequately deal with the horrors in time.¡± I wanted to protest, as the instructions I was given were to survive, nothing about dealing with the horrors. Though now that I think about it, horrors would likely describe the screaming sounds I heard coming from the illusions that I avoided. Again, if that was a test to show how much I knew about Runes, then that was a fair assessment, as I admit to knowing very little about runes. Instead it was only because of my special sight that I was able to negate the worst aspects of the ritual. ¡°For the second examination, a test of your martial skill with magic, you rate at a C. While you did show cunning and ingenuity in making the enemy strike down themselves you took too long to get through the allotted number of opponents.¡± Well, that was a generous score, especially as Combat was not my strong suit, so I couldn¡¯t really fault that claim. Especially as I mainly had kills due to friendly fire incidents. Though other than crushing everyone with Telekinesis, I didn¡¯t see what more I could do? Maybe open a rift to the spirit realm and push the enemies inside and let the ethereal storms that rage about rip the apparitions to shreds? Still, it was better than failing, so I would take it. ¡°Finally, for your last examination, a test of mana circulatory theory, you rate at an A.¡± The proctor said, a bit of reluctance in their voice. Hearing that, I let out a mental sigh of relief as I realize I didn¡¯t mess up, but rather I had actually gone through every test possible before my allotted time ran out. ¡°Your cumulative score is a B, not great, but good enough to show that you have promise and could benefit from being accepted here.¡± By this point the proctor took on a dull monotone as if they were reading from a cue card and not actually trying to sound encouraging in the slightest. ¡°With this rating we accept you into our ranks as a three-star student. Congratulations.¡± By the end the proctor sounded so disinterested that I could instantly tell he would not be one of my biggest supporters here.
Quest Complete: Arcanarus Acceptance: You have been accepted into the prestigious Arcanarus University as a three-star student. Congratulations. Reward: Temporary Title, Class experience.
Temporary Title: Three-Star Arcanarus Student. You have three chances before you fail out of Arcanarus.
Experience Gained: 500.
Ding.
Level up.
You have increased to Level 2.
You have increased to Level 3.
Yes, the first few levels were by far the easiest to gain, as they were current level times 100. Meaning to go from level 1 to two was 100 experience. To go from level 2 to 3 was 200. In case you were wondering, going from level 3 to 4 would be 300 experience points, meaning I was just 100 experience points away from reaching level 4. These levels of course came with a lot of free Attribute points, but that was a minor thing to consider right now. Still, I was too preoccupied with trying to figure out what would happen next as the proctors were already moving and I apparently was supposed to just know where to go. I figured this would be one of those training scenarios. You know the one where you are supposed to ask for advice on what to do, only to lose further reputation with the proctor. Realizing the trap, I focus on the school and find a spot that looks like it focuses on spirit energy and Teleport there. Poof. With that, I officially began my life as a student at Arcanarus University. No fanfare, no celebrations, just a hard and fast mentality that I either need to apply myself and succeed or fail out entirely. Honestly I wouldn''t want this any other way. Smiling to myself I realized, this was going to be fun. Chapter 19 The Classes Chapter 19 The Classes Learn what you want, when you want. Study what you want, when you want. Perform what you want when you are ready. That was this school¡¯s modus operandi in fact if I could see, I would almost expect this to be the words carved into the blocks making up Arcanarus University. I couldn¡¯t see, nor were any of those the actual motto of the school. The school had an even odder statement in Latin as its motto, ¡°Disce ad terram ante fugis.¡± Which loosely translates to ¡°Learn to land before you fly.¡± In a way, I guess that is as good of a motto as any for an elite magical university. Also, it is one that is basically its own safety briefing. You crash and burn, well they warned you to think about the next step before rushing ahead. Of course, the motto seems like a catch-22, where you can¡¯t actually learn to land without at least trying to fly. Still I think this motto also helps to show the true breadth of what my first few courses here at the university were. ¡°Welcome to magical theory. This is the first of your core classes that every mage must go through. Realize that since you are here there are two things that happened. First, despite being taught incorrectly how to use magic, you still managed to show something truly unique to the evaluator that let you get your entrance exam.¡± A professor began speaking, they were an Orc by build and by diction, but I for the life of me couldn¡¯t tell if they were a male or female teacher. I am sure if I had normal sight I could tell, but as it was, all I saw was the distinct outline, muscular but still slender thankless. Arms that were smaller than one might expect from a male orc, but slightly larger than those of a female. Then finally there was the overwhelming green and brown magical aura that seemed to radiate from the professor. I took the magical colors to imply a deep tie to earth and nature magic, but I could not tell for certain. ¡°The second major thing that happened was you managed to surprise your evaluator, despite being taught completely wrong. What you may have previously learned. Whatever tricks you might have developed over the years, forget them, as they are likely wrong. This class is designed to see where you are, where you are going to go, and how much we have to make you forget to get from point A to point B.¡± The professor said, as several other students who were here shook their heads and focused on reading books before them. They all seemed to be on different sections of the same lesson, though I noticed the words seemed to change as each one read individually. Was this a way of weeding out people? Make it so the books changed from person to person? Or was there something deeper to this? I didn¡¯t quite know, but I decided to try to figure it all out. ¡°Here is your textbook. Memorize it and be able to quote it perfectly to me, and you will pass this class.¡± The orc professor stated, and at this point I could almost swear she was a female, though that was still a bit up in the air. Nodding, I grabbed the book and took it over an empty seat and sat down. The entire time I was moving, I focused my attention on the different students who were reading. Some students looked like they had given up and just held the book closed by force, as if somehow expecting the book to open at a random page. Others seemed to be sleeping, though I guess a nicer term could be meditating with circadian rhythm influences. Still, I chose not to read my own text. Instead, I tried to read the text of everyone else around me. The more I watched, the more I realized something was off with the text books. For they all seemed to have a slight variation related to magical frequencies. Looking at them, I could see how the books would slowly shift, first starting with red for fire. Then moving to orange shielding and kinetic movements, then to yellow, then green, blue, indigo, and finally when it switched to a dark violet I opened my text book. At that, I couldn¡¯t help but see the professor who was silently sitting at their desk give an almost imperceptible nod of their head. With that, I realized I might have passed my first quiz of this class, noticing the patterns of the book. At first this made no sense, until I began to think slightly deeper about what she had said. If this entire class was about where I was, where I was going to go and how to get from point A to point B. If the book was a sign of where I was, basically could I first notice the pattern of magic, and understand myself enough to realize where I wanted to go. In this case, I wanted to pursue my two schools of magic Spirit and Shadow, which was a minor school of Darkness as a whole. This book would help me get there, so long as I focused on the basics. First, I had to know what magic was. From there I would need to know the way my magic appeared in the visual spectrum. Then finally, I needed to absorb the words of this book as they pertained to me. Realizing that I would need to read this book not just once, but at least twice once for Spirit, and a second time for Shadow magic, I began my first class. Swip, swip, swip. Of course, reading was super easy for me, thanks to my unique skill that I have had six years to max out and master, Blind Eidetic Speed Reading. The skill not only was past the standard 100 point cap, but thanks to my Unbound merit was at the 125 cap. I had heard there were ways to increase ones skills beyond even these thresholds, but they would take a lot of research and planning. Still the skill was perfect for me. Not only was I able to read my page, but I was able to read the pages of everyone else around me. I noticed that the longer a page was open, the more the words would change on the page. One person who was clearly meditating, had the words all but dancing around on their page. Trying to read that page was like trying to read the scales on the back of a twisting headless viper. Still even in that chaos there were two or three concepts that seemed to appear randomly around the page. Unfortunately the concepts of conservation of energy, balance of the forces, and harmony of events didn¡¯t seem to pertain as much to spirit magic as they would for nature magic. But there was still some underlying note of universal knowledge that seemed to be important to grasp. So I read everything about Spirit magic. Though I will say that spirit magic seemed to be a lesser-known art form. Tending mostly to deal with ways to interact with and control greater spirits. There were warding circles, summoning circles, and most importantly domination circles. All of these seemed extremely stupid, as there was a glaring pitfall with all of these concepts that were being identified. Namely once the spirit got free, and they would always get free, you would be stuck with an spirit who would be forever annoyed with you. Why you would want to do that, made no sense. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. There of course were other concepts like going to the spirit world, but that was quickly ended due to the way the spirit realm was apparently deadly to non-spirits. Of course, this could be said for anyone who didn¡¯t have an inherent resistance to the alternate realm they were going to. In fact, this seemed to be par for the course with different realms. Even my familiar would get torn up if I didn¡¯t exert my protective barrier to her when she was here. Still there seemed to be some sort of commonality, each realm had people that would slowly be torn apart if they did not have some type of protection. In fact that was what the summoning circle provided, a realm of protection. A better way to think of it would be a mobile break of protection that could be made anywhere to facilitate the safety of an alternate spirit. Reading the other books around me it was clear that elemental summoners had similar limitations. The only difference was that the summoning circle they created was continually made and maintained by the summoning mage as summoning elementals was considered a Passive spell. Similar to the way I could continually both create and feed off of spirit mana, elemental mages used their mana to continually create and feed elemental summoning portals. Portals that would apparently shrink down after the initial summoning was completed, in order to perform the bare minimum of sustainment for the elemental. Of course, this shrinking down of the portal and never increasing it meant that the summoner would eventually lose said elemental over time, as the flow would never be increased to allow for the natural healing processes of the realm they came from to fill them. Realizing this fact, I began to piece together more and more pieces of what this class was meant to teach. This meant that if I summoned my familiar, I would need to worry about the damage they took. Or I might need to create a new portal to heal my familiar, or I might need to learn to let my familiar feed off of my own spirit energy in a way that would heal them as well. There was just so much to comprehend and to try to practice, that I found myself quickly slicing my finger through the air and letting my familiar through, before I fully understood the ramifications. ¡°Wha?¡± People called out. The professor at the front of the room was up on her feet in a second, golden light flying forward wrapping around my familiar and then disappearing in a second. This was the same thing that the butler guy tried to do. This time just like the last the golden energy did nothing to my familiar. If anything, they seemed to purposefully avoid the barrage of spells. ¡°They do not seem to appreciate my appearance here.¡± My familiar said, speaking directly into my mind, before she gave a quick glance towards the source of spells, but then turned her attention back towards me. ¡°Right, well there weren¡¯t any signs that said I couldn¡¯t practice summoning you.¡± I responded back mentally. ¡°You didn¡¯t summon me. You just opened a portal, and I came through on my own. Summoning implies a forced pull on me. Which the dispel magic being cast could easily break, if I was being pulled here against my will.¡± ¡°True, I also think that would be the number one way to get a spirit completely angry with me.¡± ¡°Yes, generally my kind does not take well to such a forced arrangement.¡± ¡°So why do you come?¡± ¡°Probably the same reason why you will come back to my realm, curiosity mostly. Though I doubt most spirits will have my sense of curiosity.¡± My familiar responded back mentally. ¡°Oh that reminds me, do you have a name?¡± At that my familiar paused and truly tried to comprehend that question. After a point I had to share the concept of what a name was, and how it was a way we could identify ourselves. I also pointed out how most people tended to grow towards their name and the original meaning behind their name. There was a brief pause, as she seemed to contemplate that for the moment. ¡°I do not believe we have such a convention of growing towards an external marker placed on you by others. Though I guess if anything you could name me something you wish me to grow towards.¡± I paused at that statement, not quite realizing the true ramifications of a name, or what having or rather bestowing a name could entail. Still I couldn¡¯t help but realize this was likely an important moment, as I would literally dictate the growth of this spirit. I was just as certain of that, as I was that I was now granted permission to name said spirit. Oddly I felt it harder to name this random spirit than it was to name my children. Though in the case of my children I did have a few months to think about the names. Whereas with this familiar I felt a sort of quick turnaround, as in I needed to name them based on what they were and what I wanted them to grow to. They were a spirit dragon, I also wanted her to both be amazing and independent. There was the draw back of trying to have a complex name that tried to be too cute and link together too many distinct concepts. I could also go the boy named sue approach, and name her something that would make her strong despite me, but that seemed confrontational. For a dragon spirit, I ultimately decided to name her after one of my favorite ghosts of all time, mentally coming to the thought I applied it and made it official. ¡°Zero?¡± My familiar said, as they began contemplating the concepts that went into the name. ¡°Yes, you are non-divisible, unique and ultimately a wild card. Now if you do something you will be beyond expectations, while also not forcing you to live up to any preconceived notions.¡± I mentally responded. ¡°Except you are also comparing me to this mental idea of a ghost dog you have from a childhood story?¡± My familiar states. ¡°Well yeah, you must come from something, but at the same time you need to be your own person as well.¡± ¡°Person?¡± ¡°Okay, maybe entity?¡± I correct. At that my familiar seems to come to an agreement with my last thought. Of course, we were exchanging ideas and concepts at the speed of thought. This was a lot faster than most people could react, which was why it was odd to see the professor standing right by my side. She had a glowing eye that all but radiated with power. Of course, the professor¡¯s glowing eye rested squarely on my familiar, which just took the moment to look back. The two just stood there staring at each other for a moment, then the professor turned her attention towards me. ¡°She isn¡¯t taking damage by being here, nor is she part of micro summoning portal.¡± The professor stated. I nodded. The professor paused as she turned from Zero, my familiar, then to me. I could see the same magical viewing energies running over me for a moment, as I could tell she was gaining a magical profile of me. Then after a moment, she nodded to herself and seemed to come to some sort of conclusion. ¡°I can see how you were accepted. Though I will have to inform you that summonings, even if they are your familiars, are not allowed to be manifested in the first year classrooms.¡± At that Zero and I looked at each other and once again at the speed of thought a lot of information was exchanged before she nodded to me. At which point, I infused my finger with magical energy and created a rift that Zero could travel through. Once she was through, I waved my finger back over the hole in space, sealing the rift back once more. Seeing the display my professor paused and stared at me for a moment, before nodding to herself. ¡°Very well then. I expect great things from you.¡± I paused, wondering if she said that to all the students, or if it was something the professor was slated to say to every student, or if she truly meant her comment. Thinking about the statement, I couldn¡¯t help but think that it was ultimately meaningless. If my magic or ability to perform said magic was based solely on the belief of others, I might as well be called a Cleric and go worship in some shrine somewhere. As it was, I was here to learn about the true magical theory that made up this world. With my resolve to improve myself, I paused, mentally recalled every page and passage of my Spirit section of the magic book. Then began reading again from the start. Only when others would change their pages, would I pause for a moment to read their pages, before continuing. At the front of the class my professor pulled out a pen and paper and wrote her own evaluations. Student Potential: Earl Ferdinand Von¡¯Degrum: Talented Pyromancer, unable to understand the concept of the book. Lord Irene Cloy: Talented Mentalist, thinks she can mind read her way to victory. Cassiopeia: Talented Void Walker, understands the basics of the lesson. Likely cheating even now. At that, I pause from reading her notes, trying to keep my poker face on. Of course, I did pause if only for a second, which she likely caught. I could feel her gaze upon me, even though I had my body tilted to the side and away from her entirely. Still, she was observant enough to know I had at the very least been spying on her. For a moment, I thought that would be it, she made a note and then that would be all. It wasn¡¯t like my reading all of the other books at once could be considered cheating. If anything, I figured it would make it so I just managed to stay ahead in class. Then my professor pulled out a separate parchment of paper and wrote a note that was clearly meant for me. If you can read this, then meet me after class. There is something I need to discuss with you, Shade Touched. Reading that last line I paused, as I reached up to my face, only to realize that I still had my goggles off. I paused, only realizing that I had taken them off when the butler guy asked to see my face. Then it was the test, then finally my quick teleport to the advanced spirit classroom. Then finally my walking here. Realizing my mistake, I quickly put them back on, but the damage had already been done. This orc and all of these other students in the classroom all saw me. Worse, my fellow spirit class students, the ones I met by teleporting into their spirit chamber also saw me for what I was. While I didn¡¯t mind being known as being a Shade Touched, I knew it would make things a little more difficult with certain people. I guess in a way I was lucky that I had an orc as my professor, rather than a dark elf fanatic, or worse, a light elf that might harbor a grudge against my kind. Shaking my head, I realized I needed to do better if I wanted to succeed in this world. Especially one filled with unseen magical missteps. A world where magic was constantly growing and evolving all the time. Realizing I was effectively a prisoner in the classroom, I did the only thing I could. I read, then reread the spirit section of my book. Then closing the book, I paused and waited as the colors slowly changed from deep purple, to dark black. Once there, I figured that was either the section on Dark magic in all, or hopefully just my section on Shadow magic. Unfortunately I was not so lucky to have an entire book devoted to just Shadow magic, but the new book on Dark magic did have a lengthy arc on Shadow magic and the basic tenants thereof. I read the entire section, then the entire book, along with my section. Then I re-read the entire book on dark magic again. Only then was it time for class to be over and for me to have a conversation with my professor. Chapter 20 The Proposal Chapter 20 The Proposal I waited in class, until finally every other student left. Making it so it was just me and the overly observant introductory course teacher. Seeing my hesitation, she gave a cursory wave of her hand letting me know I was expected up front. With no other recourse at my disposal, I went forward and tried to figure out what exactly I did to stand out to the teacher. However, before I could make any headway, the professor beat me to the punch. ¡°Just how far can you read, and what are your limitations?¡± The professor asked, no preamble, no beating around the bush, just a straight up question that seemed to speak volumes about how much I was giving away while in class. Honestly, with this, I almost wondered if this was a masters level class on how to conduct a proper spying interrogation rather than a magical theory class. Rather than getting caught up in a lie, or worse, getting caught up in telling someone the complete truth I decide to hedge my bets and answer truthfully in a slightly misleading way. ¡°I can read up to the edge of my line of sight.¡± I say, stating the truth and letting the professor come to her own conclusion for what line of sight is. Hearing this the professor just nods. I am still a bit confused about the exact sex of the professor, again I haven¡¯t had much interaction with orcs, which is why trying to figure out this persons status is odd for me. ¡°Can you see through walls?¡± The professor asks. ¡°What?¡± I ask, completely caught off guard by the question. The professor then waves their hand. ¡°No need, I can see the answer. You know, a quick rule of advise for a Telepath, you leave your thoughts open.¡± The professor states. At that admission, I pause as I wonder what I can do to close off my Trait from others. I didn¡¯t realize that I was leaving my mind open. ¡°Ah, that makes sense. If it is a Trait then you likely never built up the disciplines on how to protect your mind from hostile invaders.¡± The professor said, and suddenly my mind went to the next logical conclusion that I had set myself up for failure by taking the shipment. Then realizing that if I had my mind open, did that mean that the King of Kelsik would have also been open had they gotten this alleged gift? Thinking about that, I had a lot more respect for the leaders of the treacherous Legrand Empire, realizing that this gift could also be a poison pill. Give a gift that shows complete trust, while likely having someone close to the Kelsik leader who could read their mind and denote any chances the Kelsik leader would turn. The plan was as ingenious as it was duplicitous. Gain a loyal ally, that you could move against the minute they tried to back out. Honestly I was impressed, especially if that was Legrand¡¯s plan all along, which knowing them didn¡¯t seem like it would be that much of a stretch. ¡°Oh, so that was you?¡± The professor says with a note of respect to their tone. At that, I realize I am still bleeding my thoughts out slowly, letting this person know that I am a spy who did so many acts for my country. ¡°Relax. I had thought you would be worth mentoring before, but now I am certain. Train under me, become my apprentice and I will not only teach you how to protect your thoughts from other mind readers like myself, but I will also cover your tuition and fees.¡± I pause at that last part, as I realize I am Broke, with a capital seven point flaw. This school costs money? If so what kind? Currency seems to be off the table, as this place clearly doesn¡¯t hold themselves to any singular monetary standard, so if that is the case, then what? ¡°You are smart. Yes, we do not have a monetary standard that we adhere to. Rather we require a certain number of magical creations to be made. Or for you to be vouched for by a professor. In the case of a mentorship, the professor would be the one who would cover any perceived costs to the university.¡± They state. As I think about it, this would solve a number of my concerns right off the bat. First, I would have monetary concerns taken care of, an obvious concern of mine. Second, I would have an instructor that not only knows what I am, but seems to be okay with it? I pause at that, expecting a response and getting one. ¡°More than accepting of it. I will help you reach your true potential here. As that is what intrigued me about you so much to begin with.¡± I pause, then think back to my conversation with my familiar. ¡°You heard that entire conversation I had with my familiar?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± I try to think back to that conversation with Zero, wondering if I gave away too much information. ¡°You didn¡¯t give away too much information, but you did prove to have a set of magical talents that are both unique and can be leveraged. You can not only create a portal to the spirit realm, but also shield people from the damage that would come from being within the realm?¡± They ask. I nod. ¡°Also, I am a female. I can understand how you would be confused by not having met many orcs, but I must say you are one of the few who do not find me exceptionally attractive.¡± Oh great, not only did I insult her by not knowing she was a female, but then she also is a narcissist who can read this thought. This is not going to go well. Chuckle. ¡°Well, I guess that is one way you could put that last outburst. I apologize. You are correct, that must have seemed rather narcissistic of me.¡± And we are still at the mind reading portion. ¡°I apologize, again. This is merely a formality because I want to make sure I get this correct.¡± The professor states. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. I pause, then speak my thoughts as I have them. ¡°Can you even use Spirit or Shadow magic?¡± I know she is clearly capable of reading my mind, which is part of the Neutral set of powers. The only reason I can, is because of the Trait. I also try really hard at keeping my mind away from my other two traits. ¡°Two others? Well, now I know I must have you for my own. To answer your question, the answer is no. I do not have an affinity for Spirit or Shadow magic. That said, you do not need me to be your mentor and have the same schools of magic. In fact, I would argue that such thinking would break your creativity and instill nepotism. Rather I will give you the basic understandings of magic, as I understand them and allow you to apply those understandings to your own development.¡± Hearing that, I couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. She knew how to make a sale, though then again she did have the inside track of reading my mind and seeing what would motivate me the most. Free tuition, free room to grow, lessons on how to keep from letting everyone know I was a thief in training. You know, so many little things that all added up to one inevitable conclusion. Which was why I paused. ¡°Teach me first.¡± I state. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You want to be my mentor, I want you to teach me first. Show me that you can trust me. Show me how to close off my mind, so I do not bleed out my thoughts before this goes any further.¡± I state, then keep my mind clear as I do not want to give away my thoughts on the matter. She pauses, staring at me intently for a bit. I make sure to turn away, though I can still see her entire face. Finally, after a long second, she nods to herself. ¡°Very well. Telepathy, is by its very nature an open ability. Think about it as having hundreds of mental tentacles that are out constantly, that you then deploy to people¡¯s minds to read them. Normally this would be fine, as most people don¡¯t have access to magic to see these mind tentacles. But here, not only will people have magic, they will have wards and other precautions in place to prevent such overt acts. Furthermore, most people will have countermeasures in place to prevent just such efforts to probe people¡¯s minds.¡± At that, I realize something. ¡°That is why you want me as your apprentice, you intend to have me spy on your peers and rivals here?¡± I ask, knowing that in a school like this, competition between professors can be very cut throat. So having someone like me who could read the documents a person was working on with my reading Skill would make me an invaluable resource here. Especially to someone willing to get ahead by what would amount to magical espionage. The professor pauses, as they let out a little smirk at my thought. ¡°Yes, that is another reason to choose me. I will help you hone your craft and skills to another level.¡± I hold up a hand to stall the sales pitch again, ¡°the free lesson.¡± Chuckle. ¡°Right, where were we?¡± ¡°Countermeasures.¡± ¡°Oh right, countermeasures. The way to prevent yourself from having your thoughts read is one of two ways. First, you can either retract all your mind tentacles and make it so you never use Telepathy again. Or you can mentally twist off the mind tentacles until you are ready to use them. Then once you are done, you will just close them off again.¡± ¡°Do I need to say my choice?¡± Smirk. ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡± She said with a slight pause, before continuing. ¡°To keep your mind tentacles active, but closed you just need to focus your mind outward and see all the different minds that are around you. Focus on how easy it is to connect to any mind you find. Then realize that possible connection, that is a tentacle, focus on that possible link and close it off. Imagine twisting it off and having it so it could easily attach to someone, but it won¡¯t until you tell it to. Then when you have done that with one, keep going until you are no longer able to mentally connect to any mind around you. That is when you know you are both cut off from connecting to other¡¯s minds, but more importantly they are unable to connect to your mind.¡± Hearing that, I did as she instructed. I focus on how easy it would be to connect to the professor¡¯s mind, then I instantly try to clamp down on that possible connection point. I don¡¯t even dare try to read her mind, as I assume she likely has a few countermeasures in place for someone like me who would attempt such an act. Chuckle. ¡°You do catch on quickly, another plus for you.¡± The professor says, and I realize I likely avoided a nasty headache by having that forethought. Maybe it was a way my Danger Sense was protecting me? ¡°Danger Sense? How did you¡­¡± The minute she brings it up, I instantly remember the four day tour of the Legrand Empire and how I had to ultimately hide within the walls of the Mage¡¯s guild to avoid being caught. ¡°Oh, in the walls¡­¡± ¡°Stop!¡± I say, as I mentally find the other tentacles and begin clamping down on them angrily. By the second such connection, I get a system message that lets me know I am on the right path.
New Skill Gained: Telepathy Shielding has reached level 1.
Telepathy Shielding is an Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
At that my professor all but jumps in surprise. ¡°Oh, you got the skill so quickly.¡± There is a slight pause as I instantly realize the reason why I learned the skill so quickly, thanks to my Merit. ¡°Oh, you are both Precocious, and Unbound, how interesting. I am liking this arrangement more and more.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t agreed to anything yet.¡± ¡°Oh, I know, but you will. You are a smart girl, wise beyond your years. I¡¯d dare say you also feel a stronger connection to me, as I will encourage you to be you, probably more so than any other professor here would.¡± With that, I knew she was right. I also knew that if I was going to have any chance at an actual dialog where I could speak to her as an equal I would need to block off my mind. Then just as my Telepathy Shielding skill reached level three, I finally felt that there were no more loose connections. Then as if to prove my point, my professor spoke. ¡°Very good. I can see this will be a lot easier than I planned.¡± My professor spoke, speaking as if I was already her prot¨¦g¨¦. ¡°So you have shown that you are of value. I can tell by your methods, and the fact that you teach this class that you try to break people down from what they know and can help me truly understand the magical properties of this world, which I could apply to Spirit, or Shadow magic.¡± I begin. Though I know there is clearly so much more that I am missing. With my gaining a new skill related to Telepathy, that lets me realize that I am likely limited in my way of using my other two traits. Are there ways that I can gain more skills to help with Telepathy, or Teleportation? Also, what different skills I can learn to help with Spirit magic, I mean I already have three spells for that school of magic. Two of which are active all the time. Can I alter one of them to improve my Social Attributes? Or learn to fortify my body with Spirit Mana which will improve my body permanently? I mean I do have Mana Circulation that I have been working on for the better part of a year now, and that has improved some of my attributes. But can I do more? Having this professor before me, lets me realize the true purpose of this university. At least, I am seeing a new facet to this university that I never quite grasped until now. ¡°So, what would the terms of my apprenticeship be exactly?¡± I ask, trying to make it seem like there is still doubt, though I know this is the only professor for me. First she knows all my secrets, so going to a rival would be out of the question, second I like the fact that she seemed to keen on attracting me in particular. I don¡¯t know why, but that hard sell really made me feel appreciated, though I think there is likely more to it than she is letting on. ¡°The terms will be simple. You will come to me when you run into a roadblock that you cannot solve. I will then help you through your roadblock by offering guidance, books to read, resources to utilize. In exchange, I will ask you to run a few odd errands. Acquiring different ingredients or items as needed for my own advancement.¡± She said in a calm tone. A tone that should anyone walking by not know our previous conversation, they might assume this was not a sales pitch to recruit a spy to work for her network. I pause, as I realize there is likely more to this transaction than just wanting a spy to steal information from a rival. ¡°There is more to this, isn¡¯t there?¡± Scoff. ¡°You are perceptive, I will give you that much. Yes, there is also the fact that so long as you are my apprentice, I will not get pressured by higher ups to either take on more mentorships, or teach more classes.¡± She states. ¡°So, this is a way for you to do less while focusing on improving your own fields of study?¡± I ask. ¡°In a manner of speaking yes.¡± I pause, as I realize there is likely more to this than what is being stated here. ¡°Also, I take it one of your rivals is an instructor for Spirit magic?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± She answers. ¡°So by siding with you, I am automatically putting my own future growth in contention, as I will effectively be placing myself directly against one of my professors I will need to gain further insight into my natural affinities for magic?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes. If you want, you can go ahead and talk to them. Just know that I will have your secrets.¡± I wave a dismissive hand. ¡°And here you were doing so well. You already had me, now you have shown that you are desperate as well. I take it I will be your only apprentice?¡± I ask, realizing that there was likely more to this whole exchange. ¡°Yes.¡± She said, sounding even more distraught by the way this conversation was going. ¡°Not so confident when you can¡¯t read my mind.¡± I state, as a matter of fact. She doesn¡¯t respond, but she leans back in a somewhat defensive posture. I realize this for what it is, she is seceding much of the ground she has already gained in our negotiation. ¡°In fact, I¡¯d dare say that what you did was borderline illegal, reading the mind of a perspective student to strong arm them into joining you for an Apprenticeship. I doubt your rivals would like that too much. Then threatening to blackmail said student with the information you stole. I don¡¯t see how this would go that well for you.¡± At that, she visibly deflates even more. Most of her rigid posture bending under the new information she is getting. Seeing her like this, I all but smile to myself. ¡°So I will say this. If I am to become your apprentice, there are a few things that need to be done.¡± At this, the deflated professor suddenly springs to life as I have completely changed the course of how this conversation had been going. ¡°First, we are even. I have dirt on you. You have dirt on me. Mutually assured destruction of careers and future trusts if this information gets out. Second, that skill doesn¡¯t count towards me owing you anything, as that was a free sample. From here on out, we start off with a clean slate. If I need something from you, I expect to be counted on for assistance in the future. Likewise anything you need I will gain, knowing that you will then owe me one.¡± I state. ¡°Wha, yeah, sure.¡± The professor says, standing up and looming over her desk at me. ¡°If you are good with that, then I just have one more question for you.¡± ¡°Okay?¡± She says, sounding a bit flustered by yet another change in the conversation. Still I ask the question that has been plaguing me for the last little bit. ¡°What is your name?¡± Chapter 21 The Teachings of Master Groa Chapter 21 The Teachings of Master Groa ¡°I am Master Groa.¡± Four words, ones that I knew upon hearing them would forever change both my trajectory and quality of life here on Biprism. ¡°Nice to meet you, I am Cass.¡± I respond, then just like that I had apparently sealed my fate and tied my future to who was effectively the first professor I met here on campus.
Hidden Quest Complete: Finding a Master: You have successfully secured a Certified Sponsor for Arcanarus University. Reward: Experience, Continued ability to stay and learn at Arcanarus University, so long as your reputation with your professor Master Groa remains at Neutral or better.
Experience Gained: 500. Ding. Level up. You have increased to Level 4. You have increased to Level 5. Class Evolution Point: New Class Spell or Perk Available.
That was it, my first Class Evolution Point. Just as every person was unique, so too were the classes that everyone had available to them. With this I had reached Level 5, which was considered the first Class Evolution point. The next one would be at level 10, then 25, then 50, then 100, and every 50 levels after that. This really helped identify where and how you would progress in your class. Since my class was a mage class, or magic based class I was granted the option to gain a new class spell. Had I been a warrior, or rogue build then I likely would have gained access to learn a weapons art, or new espionage type technique, rather than the spell. My other option, the class perk is something that will either modify one of my class¡¯s capabilities. An example could be increasing the number of people I can protect from the effects of going into or from the spirit realm from three to seven, or something else along those lines. The perk could also be based on my own personal merits that are assigned to me. In the end, all I can do is choose either the Spell something that I will likely be able to physically activate to protect myself. Or a perk, something that will more or less always be in effect, but only come into place for certain conditions. Both are long shots, as they will be based on two main factors. The first and most important factor will be my past work and deeds. This means that my thrill of being a cat burglar might make it so my next spell would be from the school of Shadow magic and be a way to help me blend into shadows easier. Likewise a Perk could be decided based on the same criteria, all except it would allow me to better hide myself with my existing. That of course is the first course of events that are factored into the assigning of what my new Spell or Class perk would be. The second major factor is what I do for the next twenty-four hours. I can either meditate on a course that I would like this Spell or Perk to go. Or I could perform actions that I wish the new Spell or Perk to represent. Seeing that I just reached level 5 exactly. I could all but feel the moment my new Master became aware of my sudden change. ¡°You just reached level 5?¡± I nod. ¡°What will you pick, the spell or the perk?¡± She asked. I paused for a moment, but then decided that ¡°a perk.¡± Would be the most optimal choice for the moment. I always had the chance to learn spells in the future, or heck that was my sole purpose for being here, to learn to create my own spells. Master Groa just nodded her head in acceptance of this fact. ¡°Have you thought about what you¡¯d wish your perk to help with?¡± I pause, as I don¡¯t really have an idea on where I would want this to go. I know that a perk would likely be best, but I haven¡¯t really given much thought on how I would want to force my growth. I mean to be honest I haven¡¯t even taken much time to think about what I want to do with all my free attribute points. My class and race combination give bonuses.
Race: Shade Touched Dark Elf offers: +1 Appearance every level, and + 2 Willpower every even level.
Why the Willpower bonus isn¡¯t just one every level I don¡¯t really know. Also, the Appearance is an elf thing, as elves are meant to be prettier. I know normal dark elves gain +1 Willpower every other level which then alternates with Intelligence. So, for my race, it appears that being Shade Touched negates the Intelligence bonus and just pushes it all towards Willpower. Light elves gain Appearance, Intelligence, and Sociability. Wood Elves gain Appearance, Dexterity, and Willpower. Humans are some of the best and worst as they gain one free attribute point every level, and a new random skill every three levels. Yes, just randomly they learn something or gain a random point to what they already know, even if that pushes them over their maximum for that skill.
My Class: Voidwalker also gives +2 Free points, +1 Dexterity, and +1 Willpower every level, and +1 Intelligence every even level.
So my bonuses thus far are as follows: Dexterity +5, Appearance +5, Willpower +9, and Intelligence +2. In addition, I also have two free points every level for a total of 10 free points that I can distribute however I want.
Free Points: 10
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 45 (+1) 0 Personality 45 0 Perception 87 (+1) 0
Dexterity 73 5 Sociability 42 0 Intelligence 87 (+1) This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it 2
Endurance 66 0 Attractiveness 32 5 Willpower 73 9
I could have it, so everything is added together to give me a total, but for now I like having the two separated. I like seeing my direct efforts on improving my skills directly affect the way my Base attributes can grow. I am still a long way away from the 125-max base for my attributes. My total would of course be a combination of my base attributes that I have worked so hard to improve upon and the bonuses from my class and race. But that is so far down the line right now that I don¡¯t even want to think about it for the moment. Instead, I focus on the things I can change. ¡°Well first I have to assign the Perk.¡± I state to Master Groa. Tingle. As soon as I speak the word, I can feel my mind slow down and begin to focus on one specific point in my mind. During this I see a myriad of events and choices come about. I see my first few moments in this world, where I fought the myriad of higher level monsters, using natural land formations and events to kill enemies. I even remember the way I swore that I could see the spirit of the dead dragon following me for years. I instantly discarded those thoughts, as I did not want to have my perk in any way defined by my ability to kill other creatures. That is a function of this life that I do not wish to enhance. With those first few memories replaced, the focus shifts to my next major moments. Instantly I am brought to my time traversing the goblin dungeon. I can see the way I went about stalking the different goblins. How I would sit still for hours at a time to just observe their mechanical processes so that I might better understand my own processes and ways to improve in engineering. Focusing on those, I found that those were some of my favorite moments. The thrill of moving around in dangerous places. Moving around knowing that if I was caught, I would likely die. Those were the moments that I lived for. Those were the moments that I truly cherished about this life. There was an innate thrill of hiding right in plain sight and not being noticed. I remember how that feeling of freedom was destroyed by that stupid Ranger who was able to spot me due to my magical signature. While I had improved on that thanks to different skills I¡¯ve gained over the years, being spotted due to my magical resonance is always a big deal. I even remember how that was my major factor in why I had to ultimately give up my time on the run in Legrand, how it was getting too hard to move around while still being unnoticed. With those memories being brought forward, I mentally selected those and mentally imprinted the idea that I wanted to be able to move around without leaving behind magical resonance. ¡°So what would you like your perk to encompass?¡± Hearing those words, I couldn¡¯t help but have a smile cross my lips as I just realized what I wanted my perk to focus on. ¡°I want to be able to move around without leaving any form of magical resonance.¡± Hearing that, Master Groa let a smile crest her lips. Her change was so pronounced that even with her mostly solid face, I could see the way she opened her lips wide like a shark would. ¡°Well then, I think I have your first task as my apprentice. One that should help you with focusing on what you want your perk to cover.¡± *** I should have known that her comment was a little too convenient. Also, I don¡¯t know if Master Groa is a pre-scripted character, one that everyone will potentially have access to if they meet certain conditions, or if she was one specifically designed and tailored for me and my experience. Regardless, she is perfect for me and still checks all of my boxes, even if she has given me a seemingly impossible first day assignment for a level 5 mage. My mental boxes, on things I wanted to improve upon in the game. First, there is the tie to the darker factions of the world. I have been approached once or twice by dark elves, but mostly I am able to avoid them. In fact, given how heretical I can be, I try to avoid all elves. Elves are fairly easy to notice as they all tend to follow the same tall, slender, and athletic builds with very few exceptions to this rule. As such avoiding elven silhouettes is easy, especially when I can generally see anyone coming within a kilometer of me. Or roughly a kilometer, still working on it, not quite there yet. So being able to be exposed to the world of the darker races is a plus and something that could help get rid of my Second Class Citizen flaw, at least in certain cases. I will always be accepted back into the Maltese Empire, a mostly light aligned faction. The Maltese Empire is also my only really safe connection to the world, meaning that if the Maltese Empire falls, I would effectively have to trade in more badges to be allowed access elsewhere. While I still have a few badges I can reuse, I¡¯d prefer to keep those for hidden factions that only happen once in a lifetime. You know, those chance encounters where you meet a random teacher and she turns out to be part of a sadistic cult who sends her students on near suicide runs inside the premier Magical school. Another major factor with Groa as my instructor is that she was right, she will not be able to teach me direct spells, but rather spell theory. Meaning I won¡¯t be forced to learn solely attack spells, when defense, evasion, and misdirection spells are more my cup of tea anyways. Third, and probably the most important reason why I liked the idea of working for Master Groa, she would encourage me to follow my baser instincts and redistribute knowledge and other materials that are just laying about on this campus. It is this last part that lets me realize, I might have a problem. I remember taking some of those personality tests, and I often came up as one of those people most likely to be a grandmotherly cat-burglar. You know, one of those people that would go to a random neighborhood, find a random unoccupied house and break in, look around, then leave. Sadly, those tests proved to be very accurate. Most of the time that I go on heists I don¡¯t actually take anything. Instead I just look around, making sure to read every item possible, in as quick of a time as possible, then leave. Intellectual property theft, or IPT, that was a big concern at my job in the real world. That is also what I spend the majority of my time here doing. Going into places, reading plans and then providing that information to groups who could leverage that information properly. My first case of this was what I did at the goblin cave, where I stole the blueprints and was able to mentally repurpose those. There are of course other grander capers I have done, like taking down the Legrand Airship, and it did go down. I got that confirmed by Hector when I got back. Fortunately, while I did inadvertently kill a number of people from that, all of those that died in that event, didn¡¯t associate the event to me. As for what I was doing now? I am just sitting in a courtyard, that is right next to Professor Maxine¡¯s office. He has a warded window that overlooks the commons. Apparently the wards prevent people from being able to peer into the office, while allowing him to peer out. Surprisingly it appears as though the wards are in effect even when the window is open, as it is currently. Not that this changes anything as no one outside in the courtyard appears to be aware that the window is in fact open. I think there is an illusionary enchantment on the window as well, one that makes it appear that this window is closed at all time. That or maybe the professor is not concerned about anyone peering into their office. I honestly couldn¡¯t blame them, as right now I am actively searching his office for what he is working on and I am not even the closest student to his window. Still, I can see the merit as to why Master Groa would want me to spy on this person.
Notes: Annila Groa has increased her efforts to view my work. She is right that a breakthrough is imminent. Countermeasures taken: Anti-Scrying wards placed. Anti-Divination wards. Mental Resistance rings placed. Anti-Telepathic rings and wards purchased. Anti-Visual wards, and visual distortion wards placed throughout room. Shopping List: Must get more lye for additional anti-mental magic wards.
That part just looked like Maxine¡¯s personal notes on making sure their Intellectual Property was safe. Of course, they did nothing to protect them from Angel¡¯s Sight, nor my skill that allows me to read everything. Seeing this, it is clear why Master Groa likely contacted me specifically as I don¡¯t use magic to steal Intellectual Property, rather I use good old-fashioned skills. Skills that don¡¯t fit normal countermeasures and procedures.
New Spell Details: Astral Planar Detachment (working spell title). Concept: A spell designed to allow a user to project their mental consciousness outside of their body so they can spy on, so they can observe the world from a different vantage point that is not bound by a physical body.
There were a few mark throughs and strike throughs on the wording of the spell. But the intent was clear. The professor wanted to create a spell that would allow them to do something similar to my Angel¡¯s Sight, only probably far more limited in scope. I then saw that they had written down their initial findings for what happened to them while casting the spell.
Initial Test Notes: Complete focus is required. During times of mental detachment, body is observed to be in a slumbering or meditative state. This effectively lets the caster maintain the spell indefinitely, as mana regeneration is on par with the Passive drain the spell requires. Second Test notes: Was able to maintain connection longer, noticed an odd burning sensation the further away from my physical body, that my astral projection moved. Excessive range needs to be compensated for with excess mana. Third Test notes: Noticed Professor Groa trying to spy on my unattended body. Put in countermeasures to prevent such future attempts. Still trying to see what Groa¡¯s big spell is. This time I will not lose grant funding.
And there it was, the full reason for why I was sent here to investigate this random professor Maxine. Also, that is one odd last name, but I will avoid such distractions for now. Especially as I can see the professor making a new note while I am observing him.
Time: Thursday 14:27, beginning fourth trial.
With his hand quickly scratching that line to paper, I watched as the mage first began channeling energy. I could see the gray tones of mental mana at first, but then something odd happened to the process. The mana began to turn and change slightly. I watched as the mana went from dull neutral colors, to a more vibrant color on the spectrum. Then I was particularly surprised when I saw that the professor was able to convert their mana entirely to spirit mana. Once that personal conversion happened, I watched as the spirit. That¡¯s right, not the mental projection, but the full fledged spirit of the professor stood over their body. Then they began to leave the room. They first tried the open window, but then found the wards to be too tough to get through. Seeing that, the mage nodded to themselves, apparently that was a test of some kind to see if the wards on the window could stop a spirit. Of course, that proved the wards worked, but then the next second he showed how ineffective the wards would be against spirits as he was then able to go through the unwarded walls, just as a spirit would, before making his way across campus. I was at first going to call this a day, and report back to Master Groa, especially as that is exactly where I though the professor would go next. There was of course, just one problem. The professor who had been making their way across campus, looked around and then spotted me. Well not just me, but my familiar that was floating around nearby. ¡°What?¡± The distorted voice of the professor said, as they couldn¡¯t help but come closer to look at the phenomenon that was me and my spirit familiar. Zero seeing the professor come closer, dashed off to a safe distance. This was good as it showed a survival instinct in the relatively young creature. Not that I was exactly sure how old the familiar in question was, only that they considered themselves to be a child in terms of the spirit world. Still, with Zero moving away, one would expect that the professor would lose interest in me and also go away. Yet, they continued to stare at me. Then they began moving forward slowly, as if afraid to startle me from making any loud movements. I really wonder if this professor is some type of professional creep, or if they were just spurred onto this series of events based on what was happening. Regardless, they moved forward until they were peering over my body. Of course, as a way to blend in, I pretended to be meditating. ¡°What an odd glow?¡± The professor said to themselves as they peered at me. Then I could see the way their body shifted and began circling around me. At this point I got serious stalker vibes from the creep of a professor. One who apparently stared at random girls sitting in the courtyard. Granted I was doing the same exact thing to him, but in a less obvious and intrusive way, but I needed to stop this, before it became a thing. That was why when he circled around me and moved to my front, I struck out. Vwim. Without even thinking about my conscious action, I cast a miniature portal that was just large enough to snake my hand into the spirit realm, where I grabbed ahold of the professor and held him firmly in place with my left hand. That¡¯s when I removed my goggles with my right hand showing my dead eyes staring directly at the professor, who by this point visibly began to shake. ¡°What? What is this?¡± ¡°I could ask you the same thing¡­¡± I say in a menacing tone. Chapter 22 A Mortal Coil Chapter 22 A Mortal Coil Before I realize it, my hand is snaking out and wrapping its way around the seemingly defenseless spirit of Maxine, my mentor¡¯s personal magical rival here at Arcanarus University. A professor who up until a moment ago had been spying on me, circling around me in the spirit world as if I was some thirteen year old piece of art. Regardless of how you spin this, or what his intentions truly were, the optics for what he was doing are bad. Effectively he appears to either be a stalker, or something less than becoming of an Academic professor. Kind of odd really, I don¡¯t mind real fire breathing monsters that threaten to burn down the world around me. But something about the way the guy glared at me was just slightly unnerving. Also the way he paced around me without any real definition of personal space. I can''t lay a finger on it, other than it was unsettling. ¡°What? What is this?¡± ¡°I could ask you the same thing¡­¡± I say in a menacing tone.
New Skill Gained: Intimidation has reached level 1.
Skill Intimidation is a Strength, Personality, and Willpower based skill.
The system seemed to agree with my thought as it rewarded me with a new skill. Still, I didn¡¯t have time for this, as I turned my cold dead eyes to face the professor. ¡°Let me go, please.¡± The professor tried to struggle, but soon found they were powerless to stop my kung fu grip. I notice that in this form he is far weaker than one might expect. His body tries to struggle, but he seems to be ineffectual against my grip. ¡°What are you doing, stalker.¡± I say, making sure to keep my dead eyes locked directly on him. Not that I need to see him with them, but I know it is helping me improve my Intimidation skill even as we speak. I still have it so I receive the first skill notification, then the others are muted until I go back and look at them. It makes it a lot easier for me to handle situations like this. Situations where I need to focus on everything before me. I am after all dealing with a mage who is at a far higher level than me, and one who could no doubt incinerate me with a thought if they were in their corporeal body. Fortunately for me they seemed to be stuck in some form of weakened spiritual state as they didn¡¯t seem to be taking damage. At least not like I would expect. If anything this spell that the professor has created seems to have a few tradeoffs, namely no burning away of their soul, in exchange for diminished magical capacity. This would normally be fine, especially as the spell was clearly designed to be able to move around in the spiritual realm to effectively spy on people. You know, the more I think about this spell, the more I realize I think it is sleezy. Well, no, the spell itself is fine, the way it was being used, now that is sleezy. I know, I too could probably be called a stalker myself, as the only way I caught this stalker in the act was the fact that I was stalking him myself. But I was doing espionage, while he was completely just checking out a thirteen year old. Well, a nearly eighty-year-old mind that happens to be inhabiting a thirteen-year old¡¯s body, but that doesn''t change anything. ¡°What happened to that dark elf girl¡¯s hand?¡± ¡°Yeah it just disappeared.¡± Two students are talking about me. I realize this is going to look bad here, if I don¡¯t prove my innocence, so I grab with my free hand and cut a rift that is slightly bigger, then I pull. I am expecting some kind of resistance, but there is almost none. Imagine pulling congealed Jell-O through an opening and that is what the process I was experiencing felt like. Literally a light sac of loosely congealed slime that sort of flowed and reassembled after being stretched and pulled. ¡°Whoa!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that a professor?¡± A third voice asked. ¡°This man was spying on me from the spirit realm.¡± I claim. ¡°What no, I was just examining you. You glow.¡± The professor said, using words that likely didn¡¯t help his case of not being a stalker out. ¡°Ahh! Stop, it burns.¡± The professor said, at that I realized he was finally taking damage from his state. It appears that his spell managed to convert his mental consciousness completely over to a spirit, meaning that once I pulled his astral form from the spirit world, he began taking damage. Looking at this, I couldn¡¯t help but be impressed by both the brilliance and idiocy of the spell all at once. The spell proved that mana could be converted from one form to another, but then he went to use that spell to spy on students and staff. Sizzle. As I hold the man, I can hear and see the way his spiritual body is burning away quickly. Seeing him in this state, I am tempted to let him go. Only to realize that his tether, or long thin piece of slime that connected him to his body is now gone. The reason it is gone is that once I pulled him free of the spirit world, the hole I had created to pull him out sealed shut. Once that happened the tether that bound his spirit to his body was gone. This meant that even if I let him go now, which I wasn¡¯t sure I wanted to, he would likely die as I don¡¯t think he can go directly into his body from here. My assumption is that he would first need to go back to the spirit realm and then reenter his body from that realm. Sizzle sizzle. Still, I can¡¯t just let him burn away. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± An elderly female voice calls out in a tone that is used to being heard. ¡°She won¡¯t let me go.¡± Professor Maxine says. ¡°Idiot. If I let you go now, you will die out here.¡± I state, as I use my unique class perk, Death Shroud, to protect the idiot professor from burning away. ¡°Ahh.¡± The minute I do, he lets out an unmistakable moan of relief. ¡°What is going on here?¡± The professor once again states. By this point I can tell that many people are gathering around to see what exactly is happening. ¡°She won¡¯t let me go.¡± Maxine states. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Idiot, I already told you that if I let you go, your spirit will burn away. As you are in the real world without your body acting as a barrier of protection.¡± I state. ¡°Just how did you come to hold him?¡± The commanding professor asks. ¡°This man was spying on me. Watching me, stalking me from the spirit realm, so I grabbed him to show everyone what type of monster exists in this school. One who would sneak up on and stalk a thirteen-year-old girl.¡± I state. Hearing this the woman with the commanding presence turned from me to professor Maxine. ¡°What do you have to say about this situation?¡± She asked. ¡°What, Vice Principle? I wasn¡¯t spying on her, as she states. I was just testing out a new spell and then I happened to notice her and was interested in why she looked so different spiritually than everyone else. So I came over to investigate. Next thing I know she grabs me and then forcefully pulls me here.¡± Maxine says. The old lady, the vice principal, pauses for a moment, then seems to come up with a few other questions that need to be asked. ¡°What exactly did you see coming from this girl?¡± The Vice Principal asks. ¡°I didn¡¯t know at first, but looking at her, I¡¯d say she has a sort of innocence to her.¡± I feel my body cringe as I realize I still need to hold this guy to keep him here. Even now I am using a bit of my body¡¯s converted spirit mana to coat my hand and make it so I can hold this man still. ¡°Professor Maxine. Let me see if I have this story correct.¡± She states as she looks around at the growing number of people that are in the open air area of the campus. ¡°You are accused with stalking a young girl, who then cornered you and is now holding you still after clearly catching you far from your office and physical body. When asked why you would be observing her, your answer was and I quote ¡®she has a sort of innocence to her that you had to check out?¡¯ Is that correct so far?¡± Even hearing that, I couldn¡¯t help but shiver in revulsion internally. Externally I tried to keep a poker face on, as I didn¡¯t want to give away just how bad I thought this was going. I mean, I could see the trap a mile away, yet this professor was either too stupid, or too disoriented to realize the trap that had been laid out for him. ¡°That is correct.¡± Maxine states, ¡°but really it was for research. This is a new spell that I have been developing.¡± He states. The vice Principal just turns to me. ¡°How long would you say he was in your words spying on you?¡± With that, I proceed to go over the full chain of events. ¡°I first felt his spirit originate from that room over there.¡± I say, pointing directly towards his office. ¡°Then he proceeded to walk straight out from that room into the quad here. At which point he looked around and then proceeded to approach me from behind, then stop and stare down at me for several minutes, before slowly making his way around me, all within arm¡¯s reach.¡± I say, as I flex said arm. ¡°Then I waited until he came right in front of me and grabbed him in the act. From there I pulled him through and now here we are.¡± The Vice Principal casts a form of spirit magic, I can tell because of the dark purple color. ¡°He is a spirit?¡± She asks. ¡°That is correct.¡± ¡°How is he not being burnt alive right now?¡± ¡°He was, I just used a class perk to keep him from being burnt to ash.¡± I state. ¡°To ash?¡± The professor states a note of concern in their voice. ¡°Yes, now stop struggling so I can maintain the connection to keep you from burning alive.¡± I reply. At that he instantly stops resisting. No doubt he remembers those first few seconds where he was being burnt and realizes that my touching him is likely the only reason he is still alive, or at the very least the only reason he is not being roasted constantly. Of course, the truth is I don¡¯t need to touch him to maintain the effect, but he doesn¡¯t need to know that, at least not yet. There is a silence that fills the area for a second, before the vice principal asks her next question. ¡°Child, I assume that since you are here and I am not yet aware of your presence, you are a new Spirit mage?¡± I nod. ¡°Have you already found a mentor?¡± I nod again. ¡°Master Groa has taken me on.¡± ¡°That witch?¡± Maxine states, then turns to face the vice principal. ¡°This is all a set up.¡± ¡°A set up? One where you were lured to cast a new spell that no one has seen yet. One where you were all but forced to stalk a thirteen-year-old girl?¡± The vice principal asks, a note of incredulity to her tone. ¡°Ophelia, please you must understand¡­¡± Maxine states, apparently using her first name as she quickly corrects him. ¡°It is either Vice Principal, or Vice Principal Umbra.¡± Vice Principal Umbra states in a tone that clearly some line has been crossed, or a line would be crossed if he was unprofessional with her again. Even the professor in my hands seems to understand the implications of this comment, as he stops moving. During this time the Vice Principal casts some sort of spell. I don¡¯t know exactly what type of spell it was, as it was in one of those odd neutral colors, well I guess shades of color would be a more accurate depiction, not quite silver in color, as it was a duller more lack luster shade of energy. During these next few minutes both guards and my professor come. ¡°What is going on here?¡± Master Groa asks, a note of bewilderment in her voice as she comes forward to see a gaggle of students all gathered around. Then breaking through the line of students, she sees me and my tall but still small frame holding onto the spiritual cloak of professor Maxine¡¯s spirit. ¡°I wanted to ask you that exactly. This student claims that they belong to you, is that correct?¡± The Vice principal asks. ¡°Yes, I just gave her a lesson on protecting her mind. Then I told her to meditate on this, did something happen?¡± Master Groa asked. At that, I couldn¡¯t help but smile inwardly as she told the truth but omitted the part where she told me to spy on her rival. A rival that I was now holding in a way that stated that her rival was clearly in the wrong. Especially as neither the vice principal, nor the professor in question were trying to stop my hold of said rival. For a second I almost wanted to untether one of my mental Telepathic cords to connect to her mind, but I figured that would be bad form at this point. So instead, I just wait for this all to play out. ¡°What would you want a mage who specializes in spirit magic for?¡± Maxine asks. ¡°I am most curious about that myself.¡± The Vice Principal asks. Master Groa pauses for a moment, before turning to face her rival. ¡°I would hope that such a response wouldn¡¯t be necessary. Especially considering you are right now channeling a spell that converts your mental form into a spiritual form, meaning that you are likely converting mental energy into spiritual energy as we speak.¡± At that Maxine looks a little shocked, but then stops himself. ¡°Is there any way I can do this from my own body?¡± Maxine asks. The Vice Principal just nods to a few guards and then points to Maxine¡¯s office. The implications are clear that they are to go and wait for him. ¡°Yes, I do believe we have taken up enough of your apprentice¡¯s time.¡± Vice Principal Umbra says turning to Master Groa. Then turning back to me, she states can you keep your protection on him without making contact?¡± ¡°I can.¡± ¡°What? You mean you could have let me go this entire time?¡± ¡°I could have, but then you could have gotten away before others knew you to be a child stalker.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t, I would never¡­¡± ¡°You just did.¡± Master Groa says, coming to my rescue, and with that I let out a sigh of relief. I really like this professor; she sees an opening and pounces. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t ask for a better partner in crime. ¡°Let him go?¡± I ask. ¡°If you are certain that you can keep his spirit from being burned then yes.¡± Vice Principal Umbra states. At that, I let go. There is a moment of tension as Professor Maxine pauses for a moment. Everyone waits for the next moment with bated breath. Honestly, I don¡¯t quite know what they are expecting to happen if my Death Shroud doesn¡¯t work. Are they expecting him to combust into flames or something? Then after a second of standing still and looking like an idiot, Professor Maxine lets out a sigh of relief. ¡°Phew.¡± He says. ¡°Your body.¡± The Vice Principal states, pointing in the direction of his room. ¡°I don¡¯t know if that will work.¡± I state. ¡°What do you mean?¡± The Vice Principal asks. ¡°He is currently corporeal and trying to enter into another corporeal shell. I don¡¯t think he will be able to re-enter his body from this plane of existence.¡± I state. The Vice Principal looks at me with a note of curiosity. ¡°I do believe you are right, but he should go ahead and try.¡± With that the vice principal points and professor Maxine moves. The entire time he goes, I just turn my focus to the vice principal, as it is clear she knows something about spirit magic. The way she casts spells so easily all but proves this. Only once he is gone, does the vice principal state ¡°sometimes it is good to show not just professors, but students what happens when you fail to plan ahead.¡± Within moments, professor Maxine not only went over to his body, but then came back performing the duck walk of shame. Upon seeing him approach, vice principal Umbra chooses this moment to state the university¡¯s motto in a tone that is loud enough for everyone to hear. ¡°Disce ad terram ante fugis.¡± Then as one the entire student body who is gathered in the quad repeats the phrase back in their own native languages, ¡°learn to land before you fly.¡± The message was all too clear, the professor was at the cutting edge of magic, but pushed ahead too far without realizing the consequences. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do?¡± Professor Maxine said, a defeated tone to his voice. At that the vice principal nodded in some form of understanding, then turning back to me she asked, ¡°since you got him here, could you send him back?¡± I nod. Then with a mana infused finger I cast my only spell and slice open a wide rift between here and the spirit realm. Upon opening the portal, Zero, my familiar, pops his little draconic head out. I am about to dismiss him, but then think better of it. ¡°Zero, could you guide this professor to his body?¡± I ask, then point to the building. Zero looks first to me, then to the direction I am pointing, then finally at the professor. ¡°ROOAARRR!¡± Zero replies. His response is so funny that I almost laugh and ruin the joke. I know for a fact Zero can speak in the human tongues, but the fact that he is choosing to roar like a dragon, or rather like most people think a dragon should sound, means he is clearly playing into the stereotype. That or he just doesn¡¯t want the professor to talk to him. Upon seeing the dragon and hearing its roar, Maxine pauses. A hand coming up to grip his chest where his nonexistent heart would no doubt be pounding if her were in his real body. I don¡¯t know if that is even a thing here. There is an awkward moment of silence as the two stare off, before my dragon bows his head to me, then gestures for Professor Maxine to follow him into the portal. With that, Maxine pauses for a moment then follows my familiar. The second he enters the rift, I seal it up, leaving no traces that anything every happened. There is an odd hush that falls over everyone. No one directly next to us is talking, but people further back are asking each other questions in hushed whispers, at least what they think are hushed whispers as I can hear most of the questions being asked already. ¡°We have him, orders?¡± One of the guards signaled back through a flash of magic. To my surprise there is giant ball of magic that just appeared just before the vice principal. ¡°Have him taken to my office so we can continue with a debrief.¡± While her words didn¡¯t sound ominous, the tone she used did. I wasn¡¯t certain what a debrief meant, but I assumed it wasn¡¯t good. The vice principal pauses and stares at me for a second, then seems to come to some form of conclusion. Then before I even have a moment to think about what is happening, the vice principal acts. ¡°Princess, I am sorry for the manner you have been treated while here.¡± Then with that statement, she bowed her head to me. I involuntarily take a step back and then say the first words that come to mind, ¡°what the¡­?¡± Chapter 23 The Class Perk Chapter 23 The Class Perk Only once everything was over and we were back in the confines of Master Groa¡¯s office did she even turn to comment towards me. ¡°So how do you think you did?¡± She asks. At that, I feel like I had done something very dumb. ¡°For the task, I think I did well, though I might have risked too much for the reward.¡± At that Master Groa nodded in agreement. ¡°Do you remember why you went out in the first place?¡± ¡°To spy on your rival, and find out what spell he was working on.¡± At that Master Groa just shook her head. ¡°That was only part of it. Tell me, what was your over arching goal?¡± At that my head sags as I realize a bit belatedly that the assignment, I had been given was only minor in comparison to the true purpose I was out there. ¡°My true goal was to help foster a class perk that would help me hide in plain sight.¡± At that Master Groa nodded in agreement, ¡°so how do you think you did in that respect?¡± ¡°Poorly.¡± Again, Master Groa nodded, ¡°yes, you won the battle in spectacular format mind you. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I am personally happy with the outcome, but you did reveal yourself not only as a powerful Spirit mage, but also as a Shade Touched dark elf, which of course places you at the position of royalty. Or at the very least capable of someone who is in position to challenge any of the current or future dark elf queens for their kingdom. That makes you a target. So yes, bask in your minor victory. Congratulations, you did as I requested. You managed to not only find the spell that my rival was working on, but managed to take him down a peg in the social hierarchy. This of course means little to you, if you are not able to appreciate the benefits of this, as you will likely have to be on the run. But you can rest easier knowing that once you are gone, I will have an easier time for a while, until my next rival comes along.¡± I wanted to protest, to ask her what her deal was, but she was right. I had been around long enough to realize that I got caught up in the moment. I let my own emotions get the better of me, and rather than planning for the next step, I chose to take as much advantage of that situation as I could. ¡°Do you think I went too far with the professor?¡± ¡°What?¡± Master Groa said, then waved a dismissive hand. ¡°No, he will be punished, but not for the reason you think. Everyone expects people to cheat here. He just made the cardinal sin of getting caught, worse he got caught by a neophyte. He will lose some social standings, enough to make it so I won¡¯t have to worry about him as a rival again for a while, but nothing permanent will happen to him, if that is what you are concerned about.¡± She then paused and said, ¡°actually, you do have to worry about him. While he might not be as jaded as the rest of us here, he will likely remember this and use it as a reason to get back at you. That is another thing you did. Not only did you do a big reveal about yourself, though I guess you being Shade Touched was going to get out eventually, if it wasn¡¯t already thanks to your first day strut. You also made a rival that you will now have to deal with. So congratulations, you both passed your first assignment at Arcanarus University, while making your chances of graduating infinitely tougher.¡± At her words, I was rewarded with a quest prompt.
Quest Complete: Spy on a Rival: You were asked to spy on your Master¡¯s Rival and identify what spell they were working on. You found out the spell, the conversion method, and the spells limitations. Reward: Experience Gained, School Notoriety, Personal Rival (Flaw), One Merit: (Still locked).
Experience Gained: 500. Ding. Level up. You have increased to Level 6.
Well at least I now had the benefit of being an even level, which meant I got the full extent of all my free attributes. I ended up getting: +1 Dexterity, +1 Appearance, +1 Intelligence, +2 Free Points, and +3 Willpower. This meant I had 12 Free Points available to spend. It also meant that if I wanted to use them I should start doing so now. The reason being is that I could only use two Free Points a day to increase any one attribute. This was done to prevent people from hording hundreds of free Points and using them all just before entering combat and dramatically changing the course of a battle. This was also done to allow more realism into the game. While boosts of Attributes could be augmented by focusing on skills that enhance said Attribute, there would still be a slow methodical limit to how much one attribute could increase per day. Still, I had no clue on what I should spend my Free Points on. I mean before I would have easily said Willpower as it was one of the hardest to improve, though my Class and Race both give me a constant bonus to that attribute as I am now sitting at 12 points from Class and Levels alone. While this bonus only puts my Willpower at 85, my lowest Mental Attribute, it is no longer as far behind the other Attributes to be of any real concern. Also, my Intelligence is also important, especially as it has only improved by 3 points, but that is now at 90. Well 91 after the inclusion of my soul bound equipment. All this is to say that I am still new to this class and I don¡¯t know anything about what I will need to do in the future. It¡¯s odd, for so long I looked forward to this day, and now that it is here, I don¡¯t know what to do. ¡°I¡¯d suggest you meditate on how you want your Perk to evolve. I¡¯d say do it here, but frankly I don¡¯t want you causing any trouble.¡± Master Groa said. ¡°Trouble?¡± ¡°Yes, the various information networks are likely already looking for you as we speak. The most obvious place to find you would be here. Which is why you need to find somewhere else to go.¡± I wanted to protest, but she was right. I had messed up. Worse, I had done so in a spectacular fashion. I nod and am about to turn around, when she stops me. ¡°While you were gone, I went through the liberty of enrolling you in different classes. In addition to my magical theory class. You will take the introductory to Spirit and Dark magic classes.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Dark magic?¡± ¡°Yes, I know you only have a subset of the school, but you must understand the basics. Also, who knows, you might unlock more subclasses of Dark Magic.¡± ¡°Has that happened?¡± ¡°A few times, though generally there is a lot of work and effort that has to go into such a development. Though your Tier rating in Shadow is promising, generally that means that you should be able to at least unlock the minor aspects of the school as a whole. I will leave it to the instructor to tell you the truth for that particular school of magic, but the general rule of thumb is you can learn spells up to three tiers lower for magic pertaining to the overall school of magic, as you can for the sub-class.¡± Hearing that, I nodded. This meant that as a Tier VII Shadow magic user, I would theoretically be able to learn up to Tier IV Dark Magic spells. Normally a three tier drop off in potential would be astronomical, but Tier IV spells were often the most desired for the battlefield. Again, there was that whole proportional damage on a battlefield. So while Tier VII spells sounded cool and were a good deterrent for forces marching towards an enemy location. Tier IV spells were the ones generally agreed upon as being accepted inside cities and residential areas that were being conquered. Of course, the idea of teaching myself Dark Bolt, or other attack spells just so I could storm a city was repugnant. No, I was more of the type to enter a war-torn city, steal all the valuables and then let the losses get charged to the invading forces. Still, I must think and meditate. Not only about what I want out of my time here, but out of my class as a whole. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say to my mentor, as I leave her office. Of course, before I even left the room I did a cursory check to make sure the coast was clear. Then I instantly opened a portal to the spirit world and stepped through. Now to describe the spirit world. To be honest I don¡¯t know what it looks like. I¡¯ve heard accounts that it is a sad decaying parody of the real world. That the world is the exact same, just shown in muted tones. Honestly I don¡¯t know about that, nor do I really care. To me the spirit realm is alive and vibrant. Every inch is covered with residual energy. Energy that my body natural converts into a form of sustenance that both fills me with energy and makes me feel alive. I do make my own variant of spirit energy, but there is something intoxicating about the ambient energy just waiting to be absorbed in the spirit realm. I attribute this to the eating out effect. The eating out effect is simple and something mothers everywhere will likely be able to relate to. Effectively it boils down to the idea that I could spend hours prepping food, marinating it, then taking hours to dice, cut, and cook the ingredients. Or I could eat out and pay someone a fraction of the time it would cost for the ingredients and time and enjoy the food more because I was not exhausted afterwards. That is the eating out effect. Basically having someone cook a meal for you means you have not only more time, but more energy and mental capacity to enjoy the meal. That is probably the true difference between why it tastes so much better to eat the free ambient energy of the spirit realm, versus converting my own mana well into spirit energy and then consuming that energy. My problem is that I stand out too much. In a magical school hiding my magical signature will not be enough. I almost need to be able to pretend to be someone other than myself. Also thinking about my reward I gained from my quest, I realize that there is still a Merit I need to unlock. Now the game is nothing if not balanced. For every flaw you gain, you can unlock a merit of equal value. Most of the time people do not take full advantage and just take on a flaw without realizing the game mechanics that are involved behind such a decision by the world. Now I have gained the Flaw Rival, I should also point out the fact that the number related to the Rival is not revealed. Likely this means that I can either work to gain a particularly large merit, such as the True Mentorship of Groa. That is a feat that I assume will be more than a one-point merit, which would then likely cause more tension with Professor Maxine artificially inflating his retaliatory efforts against me to match the bonus from having Master Groa as an Ally. That would also mean I would be forced into more pro-bono quests, as we would be friends and not mentor and apprentice. Right now I was protected by the bonds that bind us as teacher and student. Meaning that in a few days I could come back to Groa, assuming I managed to get another merit unlocked and gain teaching equal to the satisfaction she got from seeing her political rival taken down a notch. This is all super convoluted, but effectively I have been given a wild card. I can either take the sure bet and go for Master Groa who if I do nothing will likely feel guilty and become my ally to protect me from my rival. Or I can work on trying to unlock a new merit that would be worth as much as a rivalry with Maxine. Again, this world is amazing, and something I truly treasure. ¡°You have locked off your mind?¡± Zero asks, pulling me from my personal musings. ¡°Yes, that was one of the first things I learned here.¡± I reply. At that Zero just nods his floating head. Well, his entire body is floating in that way all eastern dragons seem to exhibit. ¡°That is good, it means others will not be able to spy on you as easily. Though it could still use some improvement.¡± ¡°Improvement?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, currently you are using a skill to block off your mind. There is a way to enhance your skills with spirit mana.¡± Zero states. ¡°Can you show me?¡± I ask. At that the dragon just cocks his head to the side. ¡°I have been showing you all this time. It is just that you are failing to realize.¡± With that admonishment, I couldn¡¯t refute his claims. If he was showing me what he was talking about, then that was something I was clearly missing. ¡°Fair enough.¡± I reply, and then try to internalize what he is talking about. I feel that Zero might be trying to offer a hidden quest related to unlocking my merit. If this is what I think it is, then this merit would be amazing. A way to infuse mana into skills, this seems like it would almost be a cheat. Or at the very least a way to bypass most normal standards. This ability added to my Unbound merit would make me a juggernaut with almost any skill imaginable. After a certain point Attributes would no longer be a limiting factor, as my skills would be more than capable of compensating for any deficiencies caused by levels. ¡°Will this scale with different types of skills? For instance, will infusing Mentally dominant skills be easier to infuse with mana than Socially dominant skills?¡± I ask, trying to puzzle out how one would infuse mana, into different skills. Again the fact that Zero was apparently doing this all the time and it never showed to my Angel¡¯s Sight, all but screamed that this was an ability that was considered non-magical in nature. ¡°It will only scale if you think it needs to scale.¡± Zero states. With that, I nod to myself. Got it, so effectively I have the ability to make this merit as strong as possible, my only recourse will be how powerful my rivalry with Maxine will be. If that is the only ramification, then I am all for this being as powerful as possible. While I do not doubt that Maxine¡¯s power is great, he is just listed as a Rival for the moment. This means that he is strictly in the non-combatant section of the spectrum, which is something that I appreciate. Now killing him would lead to an enemy of equal ranking, basically the game¡¯s way of saying I escalated this on my own, as such I will now have to deal with the consequences. Though I have no intention of making an enemy and honestly I like the idea of having a rival, it makes it so I have someone who will actively push me to get better faster, lest they undermine me at every turn. This should be fun, I think to myself as I focus on the idea of sending mana to infuse my senses. At first I focus on the basic skills, the ones that I use almost constantly, those being Alertness, and Magical Awareness. I get to the point where I can see flashes of light pulsing within my mental vision of the surrounding area. At that, I know that I am close to what is being expected, so I take it a step further and begin trying to incorporate more and more of my skills. I try juggling for a bit, focusing on letting the mana infuse my arms and limbs while first rotating three rocks from my pocket clockwise, then counter clockwise. Then with that done I can see the energy seeming to have an actual effect on my movements as well. From there I pull out a parchment of paper and stare at it, focusing on my reading skill to see if it has any benefit to reading. After a few seconds, portions of the text do seem to glow before my eyes. With a start, I realize that the highlighted portion are the top 5% of the document, you know the key words that tend to get underlined while reading new books. These are the sentences that the product you are using thinks are the most significant, not necessarily the sentences that are the most significant to you, but it is a start. From there, I then work on other physical and mental exercises. I focus on using Mana Circulation and Concealed Mana, both. If I can increase any skill with the infusion of mana I would want these types of skills to be improved. Before I know it, I am running the full gambit of skills through this trial, trying to unlock this merit that Zero spoke about. I am so focused on this particular course of actions that I forget about time, and instead just focus on getting as many of my skills through this process as possible. There are obviously some skills like Swimming, Free Falling, and Herbalism that I can¡¯t do due to my surroundings. However, I can work on Acrobatics, Tumbling, and Running to name a few. I focus on improving all of these skills and improving them with mana that before long I get a system message. Though to be honest it wasn¡¯t quite the message I had been hoping for.
Class Perk Unlocked: Skill Infusion: All skills will be infused by the Void Walker essence, allowing the wielder to receive a 7% bonus to their skill¡¯s base level in the mortal realm, and a 15% bonus while in the spirit realm.
At that I pause, and think to myself that this was such an amazing bonus. While I was super happy to receive the bonuses, I realize this is now the way my class will evolve in the future. The Void Walker, a skills based class? I think to myself, but then realize that is part of the benefit of being the first one to have a unique class, you literally got to direct the growth of the class. For a moment, I wonder if I should continue pushing forward with my skill improvements, but then decide against it. Having yet another merit that improved my skills in addition to my one and only class perk would be overkill. No for a Merit I needed something different, something more. The skill bonus was perfect as a constant class related perk. But now I had think, how exactly do you unlock a Merit in the first place? Now that was a question I really wanted to have answered. Chapter 24 The Ghost Story Chapter 24 The Ghost Story After the awarding of my first-class perk, I decide to do what I was supposed to while here on campus. Namely go to class. I think I still have time to earn a merit other than Master Groa as an ally, but I am still at a loss as to how to actually unlock a particular merit. Clearly what I had been doing, the training up of different skills and infusing my body with spirit mana while using the skills was a good way to unlock my perk, but not much more than that. Similarly, my going to the void, a unique way of describing the initial boundary between the mortal realm and the spirit realm, is as good as any place to train. Here in the realm between I can see where all the bodies are buried, literally. Well not bodies, at least not anymore, as everything I see are the spirits of the dead who have apparently been killed over the years. I admit that I am still new to this, and by this I mean interacting with spirits in general. Still seeing so many lost and seemingly vacant souls just roaming about from classroom to classroom. Many going to rooms and buildings that have long since been destroyed, I can¡¯t help but feel curious. My number one question, when seeing so many different spirits roaming about and moving around is first, what¡¯s their story? By this I am generally referring to two main components of anyone¡¯s existence, or in this case a lack of existence. Namely, what happened to them, or how did they die? Then the second question I have is why are they still here? Seeing each ghost, I can¡¯t help but feel that there is still so much to this game, to this world that I have only begun to brush the surface on. Also my goal, or at least something that I feel would be invaluable as an information broker, can I use the spirits as a way to be my own spy network? Looking at my time, I still have a bit until my next class. Namely because I apparently missed my class on Introduction to Dark magic. My next class is in roughly three hours and related to Spirit magic. I don¡¯t know exactly what we will be covering in that class, other than the aforementioned Spirit magic, but I assume part of that lesson will inevitably about dealing with spirits. Seeing as I have both my spirit familiar for assistance and am one of the few people who are able to interact with spirits for any length of time, I feel I am likely one of the few people who are capable of interacting with ghosts. Also dealing with these ghosts might help me understand the way most spirits think and operate, once they move on. Ultimately I chose this class for the ability to eventually find and talk to my parents, at least one last time. With that, and the seemingly abundant choices of ghosts to interact with, I find myself drawn towards the different ghosts. The only problem is which one do I talk to? Do I talk to the all powerful male tyrant who even in death seems to be able to wield lightning? A brief glance at them lets me think that they either died in combat, or by self-inflicted wounds, either way I decide to avoid the spirit murder hobo, as I think that would only lead to a conversation, or a level of knowledge that I would not wish to learn. So I move on, watching the different ghosts that inhabit the school. Until I find what I believe to be the perfect person to talk to. They are dull, lifeless, and female. Imagine a ghost so worn down by being dead, and their constant running back and forth between classes that even in death they appear to be both hauntingly beautiful, no pun intended, and the poster child for someone who worked themselves to death. ¡°Hello.¡± I say, placing myself right in front of the ghost. The ghost is apparently so used to their constant pacing of running from one class to the next that they fail to realize I am there. I can¡¯t really blame them, as they have all the signs of being on autopilot. Their body is moving, but their mind is asleep at the wheel. Also, judging by the number of students around us in the mortal realm, she likely passes through a dozen or so students each trip during regular class hours. Of course, I am the odd one out in this little endeavor, as I am one of the living entities that she is so used to just plowing through on her way to class. I am also an oddity as I am one of the few beings in the spirit realm who have directly placed themselves in her path. Wham. Just as one would expect, when two entities try to occupy the same exact spot, at the same exact moment in time, there is a collision. ¡°Oof.¡± I let out. I had been expecting a impact, but I had apparently vastly underestimated the amount of force a seemingly full sized adult elf ghost could generate by walking. Flutter. Pages and books fly everywhere as the girl who had been carrying a stack of books is now on the floor. During this time, I quickly jump to my feet, and look down at the girl. Holding out my hand, I offer to help the suddenly awakened ghost a hand up. ¡°Wha, what just happened?¡± She asks. ¡°I¡¯d dare say you were so distracted that you didn¡¯t look where you were going.¡± I reply, this is all new ground for me. I don¡¯t quite know how to talk to a ghost, granted this one looks to be on the lower side power wise in terms of spiritual energy, which is why I chose her as my first person to contact. But still I do not want to be attacked for being seen as the cause for why this girl would potentially be late to class, well later to class than she clearly was. Kind of hard to be on time to class when you are dead after all. ¡°Oh,¡± the ghost girl says, as she reaches out to grab my hand. Upon our hands touching I feel a strange tingling pulse flow both from me into her, and from her into me. ¡°Oh is right, what was that?¡± I ask. ¡°You¡¯re an elf?¡± The tall clearly elven female asks. ¡°Yeah.¡± I reply, dropping my hood and removing my goggles. ¡°But you¡¯re a¡­¡± she trails off as she realizes my state. ¡°A dark elf?¡± I state, finishing her comment. ¡°No, well, yes, you clearly are a dark elf. But you are a Shade Touched?¡± She says the last part as a question in elven. Not just any elven but high elven at that. ¡°So I¡¯ve been told.¡± I say, letting a slight smile crest my lips. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be in a royal palace somewhere?¡± She asks. Laughing. I chuckle at the idea of me being in a royal palace. Well, the idea of me being there for any reason, other than trying to steal everything I could from the place. ¡°No, I do not know of these customs. Nor do I really care. I am here to learn magic and explore the world.¡± I say, honestly. At that the girl pauses, looking at me and then peering down as if to inspect if I am some kind of illusion. By this point Zero, my dragon familiar that is a little longer than a large sized puppy comes over and sniffs the elf ghost. ¡°Oh.¡± The elf ghost jumps in fright at the sight of the dragon spirit. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this is Zero, he is my familiar.¡± I say, petting Zero. Zero instantly leans into the embrace and relaxes their posture away from inspecting the female ghost and turns his full attention to me. ¡°Oh, wow. I have heard of such things, but I have never seen one.¡± ¡°A spirit?¡± I ask, confused as when I look around all I see are literally hundreds of ghosts all around. Well dozens at the very least, maybe a hundred or just over, but still a good amount. No, I am not going to count them all, at least not yet. ¡°No, a familiar.¡± The Ghost elf says as she peers forward at my ghost. Suddenly in her hands are all the books and papers that had been splayed about on the floor. I blink, wondering if I missed something, but then realize that those books are seemingly part of her soul. Then to follow up on my theory, I ask that very question. ¡°Are those books and papers part of your soul?¡± ¡°What? These?¡± The elf asks, holding up the stack of books that require both of her hands to hold. ¡°Yeah? You know you are dead right?¡± I ask. ¡°What?¡± The ghost elf asks, and suddenly I wonder if I have broken some sort of unspoken understanding. Never tell the dead they are dead, or some such nonsense. Then she responds, ¡°of course I am dead. The only problem is that I can¡¯t leave.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± The elf looks first to me, then at the stack of books and papers in her hands with a note of incredulity. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± ¡°No, that is why I am asking?¡± I respond back. ¡°I can¡¯t leave, not until I have turned in my work and gotten my doctorate.¡± The elf states. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. I blink, at least I think I would if I could still use my eyes. As it stands, I just mostly focus my gaze in her direction. Then I think about it for a moment. ¡°So, let me get this straight. You are dead. You know you are dead. But you cannot move on until you turn in your final work for your doctorate?¡± I ask. At that the ghost just nods in agreement. Silence. I am just trying to get over this, so again I try to puzzle out the most obvious course of events. ¡°So I take it you died due to overworking yourself and not taking enough breaks?¡± At that the elf shifts the stack of books in her arms and looks slightly embarrassed. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Then you likely could have moved on, but you couldn¡¯t as you had just finished your work and wanted to turn it in before you could rest?¡± ¡°Yes. I spent my whole life for this, without this¡­¡± She says, jostling the stack of books and papers in her arms, ¡°without this, my death would have been for nothing. Everything would have been for nothing. That is why I can¡¯t go on, but I am tired. Oh, so tired.¡± ¡°No, I get that. I only got a masters. I cannot imagine going all the way through for a doctorate only to have your life end, without the validation of your work.¡± I say. ¡°Oh, wow. You are quite accomplished. I didn¡¯t think you were so talented for someone of your age. That is most impressive.¡± The elf states. At that, I realize I let my real-life bleed over here. I don¡¯t have a master¡¯s in Data Analytics here. Here I am just a thirteen-year-old nothing. Though, I can¡¯t help but feel myself getting inspired by this elf before me. ¡°You know what. I¡¯m going to help you get that doctorate.¡± ¡°What? But how?¡± The elf says, a questioning tone to her voice. ¡°You have all the work right; you just need to turn it in?¡± I ask, then make it a point to stare at the pile of books in her arms. ¡°Yes, I just can¡¯t carry it over to the mortal realm.¡± She states. ¡°I can do that. You just tell me where I need to turn in these assignments, and I will let you rest.¡± ¡°You would do that for me?¡± She asks. ¡°Of course. In fact, if you want, I can even let you be the one to do the final turn in, so you can get the credit.¡± I say, realizing I can just use my Death Shroud to help her come out from the spirit realm long enough to do the turn in. ¡°I can¡¯t. I would die. The one time I almost made it across¡­¡± She trailed off as she took her right arm from under her stack of books and looked at her hand and revealed a scar. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that. I¡¯m a Void Walker, this is kind of my thing. Which is why I am here now myself.¡± I state then gesture to my entire body. Seeing my body, the ghost pauses and looks. ¡°I can see that you are oddly unaffected by the spirit realm, but how can I know I won¡¯t get burned again?¡± I am about to tell her to watch me as I take myself and Zero across the veil, but I realize that is likely going to have its own concerns as she could say it is was a benefit of being my familiar. Finally, after a point I just shrug. ¡°Look. I can¡¯t tell you to trust me, rather I just want you to trust yourself. You have gone so long without the recognition you deserve for your life¡¯s work, literally your entire life¡¯s work is culminated in those pages. If you are too frightened, then fine. I understand, I will not stop you. Instead, I will let you madly dash between these classrooms as often and quickly as possible. But if you are tired of this, echo of your former life, then let me help. Don¡¯t trust me, trust in your judgement.¡± I state. There is a slight pause as the entire posture of the ghost seems to go through a change. Over the course of a few seconds, I see her body slowly stand erect, as she then seems to have a confident posture. Even the energy that is pulsing within her begins to shine a little brighter. ¡°Okay. I accept your assistance. Please help me with the turning in of my Doctoral Thesis.¡± The ghost elf states. ¡°Oh, I guess before this goes any further, we should introduce ourselves. I am Cass, well Cassiopeia, but just call me Cass.¡± I state, then hold out my right hand. The ghost elf pauses, ¡°no last name?¡± I shake my head. ¡°Sadly no.¡± ¡°But you are Shade Touched?¡± ¡°So everyone keeps telling me. Oh, speaking of which.¡± I say, as I pull up my hood and once again put on my goggles. The ghost pauses, then looks flustered. I try to understand why, but then she responds. ¡°Well, I am Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri of Deolar.¡± The elf says, giving me her full name and a location. I don¡¯t instantly recognize the location, but that is not important. The fact that she has both a first and last name and denotes a location indicates that she is royalty. Or at least used to be royalty. I am not quite certain, but I am pretty sure that Deolar is one of those lost civilizations that is more of a myth than anything. There is an awkward moment as the ghost elf, Octavia, holds out her scarred hand and offers to shake mine. Seeing the gesture, I pause, then once again reach my own hand back out to grasp and shake hers. Tingle. There is a second tingling sensation, but I don¡¯t have time to think about that, as she is already walking through the different passageways of the spirit world. Fortunately she and I are bound to the same geographic limitations in this realm, meaning if there is a wall we both have to walk around. Of course, the walls in this realm are vastly different from the current walls and blocked passageways in the mortal realm, which is why it can seem that ghosts can travel through walls. They can¡¯t, just the walls that are stopping us in the mortal realm aren¡¯t apparent in the spirit realm. Of course, I could always just teleport through the walls, but that would likely cause this ghost to panic and stop their movement. Instead, I just follow the ghost through their mad panic as they go through multiple hallways and side tunnels. Until finally we are standing before an old classroom. In the room there is just one seemingly old elf, which is saying something as to this person¡¯s true age as elves generally take a long time before they start to show their age. ¡°Here?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes.¡± I pause, ¡°what exactly is your research on?¡± ¡°Biome spheric magic, and ways to convert destroyed biomes into habitable ones.¡± Octavia states. ¡°You mean a way to convert blighted lands into habitable ones?¡± ¡°The blight? I do not think I am familiar with this term. I am referring to the ability to convert any major biome given enough mana and materials. So, I guess in a way these blighted lands could be fixed in this same way.¡± Octavia said. At that, I just shake my head trying to understand the full ramifications of what she said. This could be huge, ways to reconquer or reclaim lands that had long been overrun by dungeon breaks. That is part of the problem. Everywhere that has been conquered by dungeons for a period of at least ten years becomes blighted, meaning that even if you are able to recapture the land and fend off the enemy, the land is a ruined wasteland. Monsters that spawn there are ten times more powerful and wild. There are a lot of benefits that come from living in such a land, but they are all related to killing and surviving in conditions that should kill you. Basically, nothing close to what I want to do with my retirement. Still, I can¡¯t help but hope that this is accepted. For again, the ramifications of this could be huge. ¡°All right. Let me go in first to introduce you. Then I will open a portal and let you deliver your works.¡± I say to Octavia. At that Octavia pauses, as a ripple of nervous tension courses through her, but then she solidifies and nods in confirmation. Seeing her like that, I nod. Then cast my one active spell that I know and whoosh. I am once again in the mortal realm. ¡°What, huh?¡± The old elf all but jumps at my sudden appearance. ¡°Sorry professor. I have been told that you are the premier expert on magical theory covering elemental magics? In particular magic related to biome theory?¡± I ask. At that, the professor pauses and cocks his head to the side. A brief flash of light appears as I sense the all too familiar effects of appraisal magic rubbing against my skin. He pauses as for a moment then nods. ¡°Yes, I am Arch Mage Nimbus, master of the elemental arts here. Though I think you are in the wrong section.¡± The old mage, Nimbus states. ¡°Oh, I have no reason to be here. However, she most certainly has a reason to be here.¡± I state, then point to my right, where I make a long slicing motion into space and open a rift to the spirit realm. The arch mage instantly draws in a surge of power. I think I should have done less with the theatrics as there is a sudden surge of electrical tension in the room, as the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and I realize I am seconds from becoming a Dark Elf version of a Tesla Coil, when Octavia appears. The second I see her, I blanket her with my Death Shroud, and let her come through. Normally seeing a ghost might be a very intimidating process, but there is something so unintimidating about a pretty elf with fair features carrying a thick stack of books, that made the professor stop their summoning of magic. ¡°What is this?¡± The professor asks. Octavia manages to offer a deep bow, despite the massive stack of books and parchments in their possession. ¡°Sorry for the intrusion. I have asked Ms. Cass here to act as my go between. My name is Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri of Deolar, and I have come to turn in my doctoral thesis.¡± ¡°Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri?¡± The old elf mutters to himself, but then pauses as a look of shock fills his face. ¡°Tavvy, is that you?¡± Hearing the odd moniker Octavia pauses and looks at the old elf before her. ¡°Melo? Is that you?¡± She asks as a slight smile fills her face. With each word spoken Octavia seems to take on more and more of a tangible form. Going first from a semi-transparent state to a nearly opaque state by the end. Even the books and parchments in her hands now have taken on the solid look to them. ¡°Melo? I have not heard that name is so long.¡± The old man pauses, as he then grips his chest and decides to sit down behind his desk. ¡°It has been far too long since I last saw your smile.¡± ¡°I know, this work was killing me. But I solved it, I finally solved it.¡± Octavia said, as she came forward and plopped down her stack of books. Boom. With that, the sound of massive weights being dropped could be heard. Master Nimbus seemed to be too occupied with looking first to Octavia and then to her work to realize the significance of what just happened. Frankly I was there, orchestrating it all and I barely realized the gravity of what just happened. A ghost was able to make an item that only existed in the spirit realm become tangible. Of course, such a conversion came with a cost. The books, the parchment that appeared, they were all her, well not her, but her spirit. Her essence was infused in those pages, she had literally dedicated herself to her work. ¡°I found it. The way to fix my homeland.¡± Octavia said, a massive smile filling her lips as she opened the text turned it around and showed it to Melo. Seeing the text, the Arch mage lit up with excitement, then paused as a sad look crossed his features. ¡°What is it? The logic is sound, the theory is there. It will work, I know this¡­¡± Octavia argued. Arch Mage Melo Nimbus just shook his head, as a tired look crossed his features. ¡°It¡¯s not that. I believe you. In fact, looking at this, I can see your brilliance flowing in every page of this script. I just need to tell you that your home, Deolar, it is no more.¡± I knew it. At that thought, both people turned to me, apparently, I had spoken that thought out loud. The two then pause and finally turn back to each other. ¡°So, what are you saying?¡± Octavia asks, a note of fear in her tone. ¡°I am saying that, this spell. This research will not be able to save your home.¡± ¡°I¡¯m too late?¡± At that Master Nimbus just nodded. There is a sad morose tone that covers the room. Seeing this, I can¡¯t help but jump in. ¡°Wait, I think you two are missing the important part here.¡± ¡°What?¡± Master Nimbus asks, his face looking very confused for the moment. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if her kingdom is no more right now. Can this spell work, truly work. If it can, then it doesn¡¯t matter as it means we can retake the blighted lands once and for all.¡± Hearing that, the two of their demeanors changes almost instantly, as they once again look at the stack of work before them. Master Nimbus flips through a number of pages and notes. Apparently the spell is a small leather bound parchment, and the books that are there are part of the reference materials that are cited in her doctoral level spell. ¡°Yes, I believe this could, no this will work. I am certain of it.¡± Master Nimbus said. As he spoke, the glow surrounding Octavia began to brighten. ¡°So, you are saying it is truly a spell worthy of bestowing a Doctorate?¡± I ask. ¡°This spell? No, this is not a doctorate level spell.¡± At that both Octavia and I both deflate with one breath, only to be hit by surprise again by his next statement. ¡°This is beyond a doctorate level spell.¡± Master Nimbus says. With that both Octavia and I once again regain our hopeful appearances. ¡°So I did it? I got a doctorate?¡± Octavia asks, a note of fear, excitement, and something else filling her voice. ¡°My dear, this is a work that will forever change the shape of elemental magic.¡± Master Nimbus said. ¡°Woo!¡± At that Octavia jumped and let out a whoop of joy. ¡°So I did it, you are going to give me a doctorate?¡± ¡°Yes, by the power invested in me by this grand institution, I hereby award you the distinction of having completed a Doctoral Level research in Elemental Application.¡± Professor Nimbus said as he waved his hand. ¡°Yes!¡± Octavia said, as she jumped for joy. As she spoke her body began to dissolve, as a golden light began to fill her body. ¡°Hmm?¡± The old elf said, as he watched. I myself was curious as to what was happening. Then I received a system message letting me know exactly what happened.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Forgotten Doctor: You have helped Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri of Deolar submit her life¡¯s work, allowing her soul to finally travel beyond to the great beyond. Reward: Optional.
I had just received an optional reward; this was something that I could choose. Seeing as this was a quest that directly happened due to my class and class related abilities, I figured the reward options would likely either be a way to improve my class, or likely a way to level quickly. That was normally how such quests went. But first I needed to get out. ¡°Goodbye old friend.¡± Octavia said, as her spirit all but burst from the infusion of golden energy that seemed to be radiating from her. ¡°Goodbye.¡± Master Nimbus said one second. Whoosh! There was an explosion of energy that felt like a warm light filled my body and began saturating me from the inside. I would equate the sensation to being hit with a golden glitter bomb, as the golden energy just showered me and seemed to coat my whole body. But rather than feeling disgusted, I could only feel warmed by the foreign energy source. There was a long pause of silence. I looked to see that the glitter bomb effect only seemed to cover me and the books that were laid out over the desk and not touch the professor at all. ¡°I take it I don¡¯t need to tell you to keep quiet about what happened here?¡± The professor said, as he stared at me, then to the books. Instantly I knew what he was implying, but I stated my assumption just to make sure. ¡°You came to an epiphany on how to create a beyond doctoral level spell. One you have been working on in secret for years and are just now finally ready to reveal it to the public?¡± I ask. At that the old professor just nods. ¡°I knew you were a smart one when you first popped into here. I will also help you with any issues that might arise.¡± The old Arch Mage said. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, as I bow and turn to leave. I can¡¯t help but feel sort of sleezy. I mean this professor is just stealing the life work of a ghost who literally dedicated their whole life to completing that research. The minute I leave the room, I am met with a system prompt.
Quest Reward Update: Spy on a Rival: Merit Ally (III) Unlocked: You have managed to unlock Arch Mage Nimbus as an Ally.
At that, I couldn¡¯t help but feel exceedingly disgusted with myself. I had won, though I knew after this other than myself and my new supposed ally, Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri of Deolar would never be remembered. Worse, with this being a dark site, or a site that didn¡¯t allow recordings, the rest of the world wouldn¡¯t know what happened to her either. As I left, I couldn¡¯t help but wish there was some way I could help the world remember Octavia. I know she wouldn¡¯t get credit for her work, and logically accrediting work to someone who died likely thousands of years ago would mean nothing. But I felt a connection to her, even now I could feel her golden energy still burning into my skin. The golden glow a reminder that I was a terrible person. A reminder that my lifestyle often did have bad moral implications, ones I would have to learn to live with, if I wanted to keep up this lifestyle. Chapter 25 Class Options Chapter 25 Class Options Leaving Professor Nimbus¡¯ office, I realized I still had options. Not options on how to make Professor Nimbus have his Scrooge type moment when he realizes he¡¯s a jerk who is betraying the memory of his past friend, though I still have options for that as well. No, what I am referring to are options for my first class-based quest reward. I had after all just completed my first-class specific quest. Or at least a class that I could only complete due to my unique class.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Forgotten Doctor: You have helped Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri of Deolar submit her life¡¯s work, allowing her soul to finally travel beyond to the great beyond. Reward: Optional.
Now that I had a moment, I opened a quick portal to the spirit realm and stepped through. Only once I was safely sealed on the other side of the veil did I stop to pause. First, I let out a long slow breath. I nearly died there. I only had the one life, which meant had the overly zealous professor Nimbus struck me down before he realized I was showing him a long lost friend, I would have been dead. I think I could have possibly teleported out of the room before I became a flesh version of a lightning rod, but I did not want to take any chances. Fortunately everything went well, despite the fact that I turned over the life work of a long dead elven princess to a peer who will likely steal the work and pass it off as his own. There is still hope that they will have a change of heart, but this world is sadly too realistic. So in times like these you have to ask yourself, what makes more sense: a professor in a dying field of magical study claims to find the doctoral work of a peer who likely died a thousand years ago? Or a professor recovers said work, in a similar field to their own and passes it off as if it was their work from the start? Yeah, I am assuming chicanery will be afoot, unless something happens. I have a feeling something will happen, but I just don¡¯t know what I can do. I also don¡¯t want to have anything tie back to me, as I just gained said professor as an Ally. Meaning, I need to tread carefully. He is an Ally III, but that three at the end isn¡¯t our friendship level. Rather it is a measure of how much more important that Ally is with their standing, physical power, and political power in comparison to me. Now this also means that my Rivalry flaw from professor Maxine is also a three, meaning they will likely see me as a major obstacle that needs to be squashed before they can move on in their careers. The veritable albatross of their professional career, if you will. It¡¯s an odd game trope, only because it is so effective. Again, I know the way most people would deal with a particularly annoying rival would be to kill them. The game of course has counter measures in place to avoid just such an event. Turning the Rival to an Enemy, A.K.A. a brother or jilted lover will come to avenge the professor. Then I would likely be forced into armed combat with said lover, at which point the flaw would again escalate from an Enemy to a Family Feud, then to a Clan, then to a National and so on. Basically things could always go bigger and get worse. For me, I chose to keep the Rivalry for what it was, a cheap non-combative way to exert stress and gain skill increase bonuses. All quests completed under opposition have at least a 50% difficulty bonus. This is why people with a personal rival that succeed do so exceptionally quickly. I sort of want this, but I am not foolish enough to believe that this will be easy. See in order to get that 50% bonus, a few things need to happen. First the Rival has to make an appearance and second they have to try or at least appear to have tried to make your quest more difficult than necessary. This is insanely tough, especially considering I doubt I will have any interaction with this professor. At least I don¡¯t plan on having any interactions that I do not control. That is why I choose to stay in the spirit realm, for the moment this is my realm. For the moment I feel safe here. That is why I chose this place to come to observe my quest reward options. Now this being my first class quest completed, the rewards have been optioned. What this means is I can work this one of a very few ways, ways that will influence the way future quests are handled. Basically, I can either focus on experience and material possessions, or focus on improving class features. Essentially trading in current comforts, for possible future gains.
Quest Reward Options:
  • 1) Experience
  • 2) A Class Spell.
  • 3) Other.
Now with these three options it is clear that I can get a lot of experience for figuring out this particular function of the game. Solving ghost crimes seems like a fun venture, and likely something the developers of the game intended all along but was never fully implemented due to the restrictions from piercing the veil being too much. From the three options before me, I go with my gut and double down on the road less traveled. Of course, I say it is the road less traveled, when in fact it is a well-known concept that in this world choosing the unknown is often the hardest route, as it means I must continue with the quest line. Experience would of course be an instant pay out. Spells might make me do a few fetch quests, where I need to go talk to people find components and then work out a set of spell patterns similar to the ones Octavia used. Also know, that I know her forms. While I can¡¯t use her magic, I made sure to read through every note that was on the professor¡¯s desk. I also might or might not have happened to read every page that got scattered on the ground when Octavia ran into me. While there is obviously no way I could cast elemental magic, I could mimic the patterns and flow of magic described. I am not quite certain what casting such a spell with spirit magic versus elemental magic would create, but realistically other than a few slight nuances, this should be a real spell. Not just any spell but a biome type spell using spirit magic. Now I would think that the functionality should logically be something similar. Maybe a way to convert the different realms of the spirit world. Converting old deserts into fresh biomes, opening up more of zones of the spirit realm that other living creatures might be able to tolerate. Who knows, I might open my own kingdom and name myself queen? At the very least, I could possibly create more areas in the mortal realm where spirits might be able to traverse in peace. Honestly the idea of opening a portal for spirits to help us take back blighted lands from monsters does sound appealing, and a great way to use a previously untapped resource. Really there are so many options as to what I think might be possible by doubling down that I am both tapping the option and saying ¡°three,¡± before I even have a chance to doubt my choice. Ding. As soon as I choose the third option, I hear a ding, though it is slightly different than the one I associate with leveling. Instead this is more of a more drawn out sound that seems to imply I have earn something, but I will need to continue pressing to get it. Just as I have this thought, I have a set of three new options available to me.
Other Rewards:
  • 1) Improve Existing Class Merit (1/1).
  • 2) Earn New Class Merit (1/5).
  • 3) Earn New Class Trait (1/10).
Seeing the options, I drool slightly. This is the spirit world so fortunately no one sees me. No one living at least, but that is beside the point. A Class Trait, I blink or do my equivalent of a blink where I make sure my vision is not going fuzzy or that I am imagining things. A Class Trait. Now to put it into perspective, what I have now are considered personal Traits, which are my Teleportation, Telekinesis, and Telepathy. Those are all personal Traits that I can carry with me regardless of which class I have. So if I suddenly change classes, no harm no foul, I will still have these same Traits available to me. A class Trait is similar, it is a different spell or ability that is linked to my class, but isn¡¯t necessarily linked to the class itself. Basically, I would be able to do something that was wholly unique to my class without, and something that likely wouldn¡¯t require my personal mana pool, nor the use of Spirit or Shadow magic to cast. While the latter is not a problem as I have a relatively high mana pool, thanks to my high base score for my Intelligence and only the one true Active spell to my name. I can¡¯t help but think that another Trait, even one linked to my class would be amazing. Now there are some drawbacks to a class based Trait, but they are not unheard of for people who are the first to unlock unique classes. Basically, if I were to get disenfranchised with this class and switch out, a long and tiring process, this class would basically be lost forever. So, the developers at first made it so these special easter eggs would exist for the class. By allowing class Traits to exist, it made it so I would likely be able to live longer, while also showing how powerful this mysterious new class would be. The idea being that people would come to me to get me to train their children to be little Void Walkers and try to encroach on my personal space, namely the entire Spirit Realm. At this point, I did not want to be a teacher of this class, I also didn¡¯t have nearly enough magical knowledge to pass on how to be truly effective at wielding this class. That said, I was already committed to this class, especially with the way that I am able to hide here any time I want. My only real potential problem in this realm, ironically enough is my Rival, which I now wonder had been scripted or I just fell into the obvious game trap. Either way, my Rival can also access this realm, although they are at a much more diminished capacity while here. While I am far weaker to them in the mortal realm. Sort of a trade off, but one that is completely irrelevant to the options before me. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Of course, I once again choose option ¡°three.¡± Pressing and stating the option out loud. Next to it I can¡¯t help but note the indication, one of ten. I assume this has to deal with solving spirit quests, and my assumptions are verified once the next quest appears before my eyes.
Quest Line Opened: Arcanarus University Ghost Cleanser: Arcanarus University has an infestation of spirits who have been unable to move on to the next phase of their existence. You are tasked with listening to ten spirits, hearing their concerns, and helping them move on to the next realm. Status (1/10). Rewards: Experience, Class Trait.
With that quest available, I couldn¡¯t help but feel I had made the correct course of actions. Also I loved how the game had quests like this to help show different capabilities of a new class. While the game would never directly state I only got this quest and the quest line due to my unique class, it is clear that the only way these quests could be solved would be from someone with this type of unique class. A class that could traverse into the spirit realm at ease and withstand the piercing rot that exists for all parties on both sides of the veil. While taking this quest chain ultimately meant I would forever be stuck with Void Walker as my primary class, I was okay with that. All this meant was that if I got another class, and I was a long way away from that, as you generally had to be level twenty-five or higher in your main class before the option for a secondary class even became available to you. Then you would have to level both, with a minimum of your main class receiving 50% of your experience gained. Meaning that at most only 50% of your experience could go to leveling your secondary class. Most people would make the immediate split right away, as the first few levels were always the easiest to gain in your secondary class. Also with a secondary class, you had to devote a minimum of 10% of your experience towards that class as well. Basically I saw it as a way people who went around reaching some of the highest levels in the game could go around and feel relevant by having a secondary class that shored up some weaknesses. Normally this would be performed by the legendary mechanoid armorer who took on a mage or healing class. Or the mage who took on phantasmal secondary class to avoid taking damage. Or the bard who wished to finally be useful, by getting off their couch, putting on some pants, and getting a real job. Just kidding, bards are people too. Anyways, there were dozens of ways to get ahead in life. Most people with unique classes often chose to keep the unique class for themselves, few ever feeling the need to branch out into other classes, mainly due to the fact that if they did deviate their title of grand master would have a chance of being forfeit. Oh, that is another thing, this world has exactly one grand master for each class. By default, I have that role, but I don¡¯t have the title yet. Or at least the title itself is not active and will not be active until I get to level 50. Once I get to there my title as the number one Void Walker will appear for everyone to see. Now I am not quite certain what this title will mean for me, namely as this title will both scale as I level and be entirely unique to the class it represents. The number one Alchemist can craft full potions by substituting different components with similar elemental substrates. Effectively they can turn lead into gold, but at a rate that is very lucrative and able to effectively print money for themselves. The number one duelist can avoid one type of attack, at first this title was just limited to pistols, a school of magic, or what have you. Now, it is said that the top duelist can negate broad ranges of attack types, like ranged, melee, etcetera. Basically, the wielders of these titles are very coveted. Not only are they the number one target to take down by others with the class, but they are also the one sought after for groups, parties, and above all finding ways to get rich. I am a long way away from both unlocking the class title and using it to get rich. But I can influence its growth and development. Namely I can influence the aspects of my play that I want the title to improve upon by the way I play. With that as my motivation, I am about to start my first quest, when I realize I am nearly late for class. Realizing that there are literally dozens of humanoid spirits around, and that none of these spirits seem like they are going anywhere for the immediate future, I decide to go to class. For now, my class-based quest can wait. I do a quick pat down of myself, making sure my cloak and hood are up, my goggles are still on. With that, not that it matters, but at this point it is the comfort of having my personal disguise on, I let out a breath and go to my first class. Looking at my classroom, I see a lot of blue illusionary magic taking effect over the room. Most of the students are up, standing in the corners, talking loudly to themselves. As I enter, I see a thin blue film over the board, but that quickly disappears due to my Angel¡¯s Sight, and I am quickly able to read the instructions that are written out on the board.
Come in, immediately take a seat at the center of the room and wait quietly for class to begin.
Seeing the note on the board, I do as instructed, going in, sitting down and pulling out pen and paper from my satchel. Honestly I don¡¯t know why I am here, other than this was one of the classes my mentor, Professor Groa signed me up for. Honestly, I am not certain if this was a friend giving another friend an aide, for number of students to attend. Looking around, not turning my head I would never do something so basic as turning my head to observe the different groups of people in a given area, I see that there are a lot of students in this class. More than enough that my being here wouldn¡¯t be done for numbers. So, I hoped there was a reason for this class, otherwise it looked like I would just be wasting my time. After a few minutes a small child walked in. At least their silhouette was that of a small child, but I instantly saw the characteristics that denoted this form to be a mage. Not just any mage either, but a rather powerful Illusion mage, if their blue aura was anything to go off of. The little kid looked around, and by this point I was fairly certain that he was a gnome. Not quite a dwarf, as he was far shorter and a little more rounded than what I have come to expect of dwarfs. Also, dwarfs didn¡¯t manifest illusionary magic to this degree. While dwarfs, like all races, could exhibit any and all forms of magic, gnomes were considered by far and away the experts of Illusionary magic. The gnome let their gaze pass over everyone, and then they paused when they saw me. Seeing that his gaze stopped on me, I let out a friendly wave. Jump. The gnome jumped backwards, shock clear in their body posture as they landed. Apparently not only were they not expecting me to be sitting in the center quietly waiting for them to appear, but they definitely weren¡¯t ready for me to flat out wave to them. After a second, the gnome gathered themselves and came over. ¡°Greetings, Ms?¡± ¡°Cass, well Cassiopeia, but please call me Cass, unless I am in trouble. Then Cassiopeia is fine.¡± I say. He pauses, ¡°just Cass, no last name?¡± I shake my head. ¡°Nope, I¡¯m just a poor nobody.¡± ¡°While you might indeed be poor. You are far from a nobody. The name is Professor Phantasma.¡± He says as he scans me with a form of blue magic. As he does his whole-body posture changes. ¡°Odd, I don¡¯t see why you would be here¡­¡± He trailed off, as he then seemed to remember something. Pulling out a parchment he read.
New Transfer Student Request. Master Groa¡¯s prot¨¦g¨¦, Cassiopeia (NLN). Reason for taking class: Strong shadow affinity, can use lessons in subtle use of magic and application theory.
After looking at the note the professor seemed to pause for a moment as they concluded. Then nodding to themselves, the seemed to conclude. ¡°Very well Ms. Cassiopeia, I hope to see great things from you. Now if you will, I unfortunately have a class to teach.¡± He said, as he took a step back, then reaching his hand up into the air, he rubbed two thick fingers against each other, producing a loud crisp sound. Snap. With that, the dense layer of blue magic that had been covering the room ended. ¡°Huh?¡± As one, the gaggle of students that had been lining the walls of the classroom stopped talking and looked around the room in shock. ¡°What?¡± They cried out. Then apparently a few read the board as they immediately ran to take a seat next to me. A few others take a bit more time, until finally everyone rushes for an open seat. Everyone begins to sit down, until there is just one student standing. ¡°Oh, looks like you are the first one to be dropped from today¡¯s roster Mr. Bridgerton.¡± Professor Phantasma states. ¡°What? What is this? I am a member of this class.¡± The still standing student, Mr. Bridgerton, states. ¡°You were. Now you have been replaced by a student who can follow the directions.¡± The gnomish professor stated. ¡°I was. It said to stand up, introduce yourself to your fellow students and by no means sit down.¡± ¡°Is that what it said though or is that what you believe it said? Think about this, while you find out what other class you wish to attend in my place.¡± Professor Phantasma said. ¡°What? I have been enrolled in this class since the beginning of the semester.¡± ¡°Yet, you failed to pierce through a standard illusionary spell.¡± ¡°Grr.¡± The boy Bridgerton growled. I of course did nothing to look back, though I could feel the weight of eyes on me, while I could also see the direction many student¡¯s faces were facing, all towards me, including Mr. Bridgerton¡¯s face. ¡°Good day.¡± Professor Phantasma said, waving at the student, before a wave of Telekinetic force came from the professor at the same time as a blue mana construct appeared. It was clear that both stream of magic came from the professor, but suddenly there was a gasp from many of the students who likely saw some form of guard just appear out of thin air and push the student out of the classroom. ¡°I¡¯m moving, I¡¯m moving.¡± Mr. Bridgerton said, as he was pushed out of the classroom, where the doors closed behind him and then were sealed shut by an automated ward. All of which was activated by the professor who was standing at the front of the classroom. Only once the boy left, did the professor let out a slight cough. Ahem. ¡°Now that, that is over. Let us begin with our lesson on the use and application of Illusionary magic and its limitations in the real world?¡± At that one student held up their hand. ¡°Yes, Ms. Rudberg.¡± ¡°Illusionary magic is limited based on the disbelief of the people you are casting against. The more fantastical the suggestion, the more a mind will fight against the suggestions.¡± ¡°Correct. Now can anyone tell me what just happened to Mr. Bridgerton?¡± ¡°Two of the school¡¯s phantasmal guards appeared and escorted him from the classroom.¡± Hearing that, I paused, never having heard of phantasmal guards, though so form of guard system did make sense. ¡°Why don¡¯t you think it was illusionary magic?¡± The professor asked. He of course was goading them, as it was all Illusionary magic, well all but the Telekinesis that was used to actually grab and pull the boy out of the classroom. ¡°Because Gabe was clearly being dragged. Everyone knows that Illusionary spells break upon contact with a solid object, meaning that those had to be the real phantasmal guards that appeared.¡± At that, I couldn¡¯t help but let a slight smirk appear on my face as I bit back a laugh. I of course tried to hide my amusement at the way the professor was completely pulling the wool over his student¡¯s eyes with this. Apparently I wasn¡¯t as subtle with my reaction. While my hood hid my facial features from my fellow students who were sitting on my sides, it did not block the view the professor had of me as he seemed to visibly notice my amusement. Rather than call me out on it, he seemed to continue on with his little charade to the rest of the class. At that, I figured I would really enjoy this class. In for nothing else, the way to use Illusions or misdirection would be invaluable, which is what I assume Master Groa intended for me to learn from this whole class. Well misdirection was what I was going to make sure I learned, my true purpose for being here was as the parchment said, to get better at the subtle use of magic and application theory. While I felt I would enjoy the class, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that I had somehow generated another inadvertent rival from the scorned Mr. Bridgerton, the student whose desk I was apparently taking up. Still I felt better about this potential rival than I did the disgraced professor, as that professor could at least interact with my safe haven. This kid, he was nothing. Well apparently not nothing as they had a last name, meaning he was royalty of some kind, but that was irrelevant here. Here the only thing that mattered was the ability to learn and apply your magical abilities to their fullest. Even if the first few classes were designed solely to show you how to protect yourself, that seemed to be the optimal thing to do. As no doubt many would be bullies exist within these walls. Teaching people to observe and then break illusions would be of utmost importance in that effect. Fortunately, my Angel¡¯s Sight gave me the ultimate leg up in that aspect. ¡°Now, who can tell me the components of a visual prism?¡± Yes, hearing about this from other students might make it easier for me to begin applying Shadow magic effectively. While I have not unlocked any Shadow magic spells yet, I also wouldn¡¯t know the first thing when it came to applying said spells. This course in a round about way should help with that teaching, while not forcing me to go into a Dark magic classroom. Once again, I couldn¡¯t help but see the brilliance of my Master coming into play here. ¡°A visual prism is when¡­¡± Yes, I was going to enjoy this class and my time here at Arcanarus University, I could feel it. Chapter 26 The Book Club Chapter 26 The Book Club After class was let out, I could almost feel the tension in the air. There was no real sign that anything was amiss. The students around me clearly didn¡¯t notice that anything was odd as they all seemed to be moving about as if nothing happened, or rather nothing was happening. This meant either everyone was in on this, whatever it was, or I was the only one who felt odd about this whole situation. Given how self-absorbed and entitled most of the other kids here seemed to be, I doubt it was the latter. No comments on my own self-absorbed nature, I know I am, why I can spot it so easily in others, I¡¯m dealing with it. That said, there was something off about this whole situation. Generally given so many students, someone would give away something if they were involved in some type of elaborate prank. Yet no one even seemed to look my way. Then I felt it. Whoom. Before I knew what had happened my survival instincts kicked in and I was through a self-made portal to the spirit realm. Why here? Simple, I always feel safe here, ever since my first time in this realm. This realm is sort of my go to place any time there is an issue. Still, even here in the spirit realm I could feel the odd tingling sensation that set my survival instincts on edge. Of course there was just one problem with my being here in the spirit realm meant that I couldn¡¯t exactly see what was happening in the mortal realm. Maybe if I had real eyesight I might be able to perceive the real world with a sort of blurred filter to it, but sadly once I am in the spirit realm all I can see is the spirit realm. ¡°Something wrong?¡± Zero asks, clearly feeling my mind and creating a mental connection to me. He doesn¡¯t use Telepathy to make his connection. That or if he does, it is not the same form of Telepathy that I am used to. This is more of a subtle use that I think has more to deal with the fact that she is my familiar more so than anything else. ¡°Sort of. I have an odd feeling, like something is off. Almost like I am being watched.¡± ¡°Good, so you noticed them.¡± ¡°Them? As in plural?¡± ¡°Yes, you are nearing that age.¡± I paused and waited for my all too cryptic familiar to continue, but that was it. ¡°What do you mean by that age?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± That was it, all my familiar would say, about as helpful as a Chinese fortune cookie. ¡°That¡¯s it, you aren¡¯t going to give me any magic numbers?¡± I ask, trying to at least get my full buck from this fortune cookie as I could. The small dragon paused and then said, ¡°0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8.¡± ¡°Fibonacci? That¡¯s your big help, the Fibonacci sequence?¡± I ask, but at this point I can see that my little dragon is clearly tired and looks like they are going to go to sleep while floating. I am not sure how such a state is even possible, though I do envy the dragon. Does that mean it is always on its bed? Or that it can summon its bed from nothing? Shaking my head at the little dragon, I decide to just dismiss their antics and focus on what I can change. First, I know that my senses were correct, something is happening, I just don¡¯t know what. Also, my one key insight gained from my familiar on how to deal with this, spirals. Yeah, I did not know what to expect other than the fact that it was likely a trap in some way shape or form. That said being forewarned is being forearmed or something like that. This was not a completely new concept for me, as an information broker, I made my living on selling just such details to people who would be targeted by such traps. Now I just had to remember what those people did. Mostly they would avoid the trap entirely and just attack from a different area that people weren¡¯t expecting. Unfortunately I don¡¯t think that would be the case here, I was on the University, meaning whomever started this trap would likely also be on the campus, with spirals. Gah, stupid familiars and their stupid cryptic warnings. Now to be fair, I know the Fibonacci sequence covers more than just spirals but the spiral pattern is what is found within everything. From plants, to life, to likely magic. As I think about it, I realize that I might be able to apply my own mathematical knowledge and see if there is a way it applies to the implementation of magic. My mind is about to go down this train of thought when I realize I am getting derailed. ¡°No bad brain, focus.¡± I scold myself, as I realize this has come at the absolute worst time possible. I am dealing with an unknown threat, probably one of my Rivals as I am fairly certain that I now have two, but this could be something else entirely. Ultimately, I curse at the sheer inconvenience of this all. This is the absolute worst time for a distraction, I have my class quest where I need to interact with ten different restless spirits and help them move on to the afterlife. I have my classes, though admittedly I don¡¯t have any more today, so that isn¡¯t really an excuse I can use. At this point I realize my ultimate trump card in this, time. If this is a prank or act by a rival then the time window I can expect retribution to occur will be limited. If this is something else, like dealing with spirals, gah why did my familiar put that thought into my head, anyways if this is something else, then out waiting the situation will at least provide an opening that I can exploit. Seeing as I want to waste time, I decide to work on my class quest. Looking around, there are dozens of spirits that I can interact with, there is still the odd lightning master. I opt to not talk to him, unless absolutely necessary, I don¡¯t want to get caught up in electrical discharge of some kind, as Spirit Lightning sounds ten times worse than regular lightning. Not that it is, but it just looks far more devastating than regular lightning. Still looking around it is clear that there are dozens of people, well spirits, that I can talk to and try to help move on with their lives. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Oddly enough, I find myself being drawn to the library. There I find one lonely patron at a desk reading one book. The only problem is that it is clear that the book that they are reading is only half complete. ¡°Oh, come on.¡± A male voice cries out in pained anguish as they point to the clearly empty page. The story is clearly there on the left page, but then on the right there is nothing written, just blank pages. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± I ask. ¡°Wha!¡± The male ghost all but shouts as they jump out of their seat. Fear is evident in their face as they turn to me. ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡­it¡¯s not what it looks like.¡± The teenager says, seeing me and clearly feeling like they were caught doing something illegal. I pause, trying to figure out what is happening here, but then it hits me. We are not just in the University¡¯s library, but we are in the restricted section of the library, meaning that book he is reading is likely considered contraband. ¡°Oh, this has to be good. I want to hear what your excuse is that will prove that you are not in fact in the restricted section of Arcanarus University¡¯s library?¡± The boy closes the book and instantly tries to make it disappear, putting his body between me and him as if to hide its contents. But that means nothing to my all seeing bubble sight. I see the book title and I almost chuckle at the sight.
Master Enchanter Rahul and the Maiden.
Thinking back this was the same restricted book that the one mage in Wonderly city was reading at the mage guild. Well, that mage didn¡¯t stop with just the one book, I believe they read all five books, not that I noticed. I was of course doing far more important things than to spy on books being read from the restricted section of the library. Also, I was on the other side of the wall, so I couldn¡¯t have been exposed to forbidden materials. ¡°Let me guess.¡± I say, holding up my hand while walking around the startled teen to sit at the library table. Seeing me sit down, the boy relaxed slightly, I say boy, the student is clearly in an older body than I currently possess, but he is a boy to me. ¡°You snuck into the restricted section, grabbed the first book that caught your fancy. Then started reading, got caught up in the book, then died not knowing the ending?¡± At that, the ghost that had been standing up from their seat deflated and all but sunk into their chair. ¡°Yeah, I died never knowing the end to that cheesy romance novel. Worse, I think I died by setting off some of the defense wards. As I don¡¯t remember dying. But then when I awoke I found myself here, in the spot that I died with the book I was reading in my hand.¡± At this point the physical posture of the teenager shifted as they continued their story. ¡°I saw the light, but there was the book right there in my hand. I began reading but saw the door to the other realm was shutting. But I just couldn¡¯t put down the book. Then when the door shut, I got to the part where I had finished and realized that the rest of the pages were blank. Now if I read the entire book from start to finish, I will get a new word, but that is such a slow process.¡± ¡°Wait, you gain one word more per readthrough, then have to start over for the next word?¡± I ask. At that the teenager nods their head. ¡°I used to love this story, but now it is just a constant torture. Knowing that only if I push through, I can finish, but there are¡­¡± He holds up the book to reveal over a hundred or more pages left. ¡°Is that it? You just want to know what happens to this book?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, could you get me a copy from the restricted section?¡±
Hidden Quest Found: The Bibliophile: Tobias Jermach Has Fallen In love with ¡°Master Enchanter Rahul and the Maiden,¡± sneak into Arcanarus University¡¯s forbidden section, find a copy of the banned text and provide it to Tobias so he can move on with his afterlife.
Seeing the quest prompt, I hold up a hand to stall him. ¡°Rather than get you a copy. Why don¡¯t I just tell you what happens instead?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I really like the details.¡± Tobias says, clearly not enamored by the idea. Smiling to myself I say, ¡°open up your book to your last page and see if the words don¡¯t appear as I say them.¡± Tobias pauses for a second, but then reluctantly pulls out said tome from his sleeve and opens up to the last read page. Seeing the words I know exactly where he is, as I unfortunately had read this entire story. Then been forced to sit through six additional stories after this. Having read the stories, I focus on my long term memory and the benefits offered from my unique skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading, and focus on the Eidetic part I look at the page that Tobias has somehow managed to unlock this far and begin. ¡°Tell me¡­¡± Seeing the line, I immediately begin recalling the words from memory and saying them just as they appear in my mind. ¡°Tell me you love me and we will flee the kingdom. We don¡¯t need my father¡¯s permission, if you but say the word I will join you to the ends of the world and back.¡± As I spoke the rest of the words filled in, just as I said them. The more words I said, the more Tobias¡¯ face became alight with a deep radiance as a grin stretched out on his face. ¡°You, you do know this story.¡± He said. I smirk, ¡°not just this one, but the six after this one as well.¡± ¡°Six more?¡± He says. ¡°Yeah, but stop interrupting me. This will take forever if you keep stopping me.¡± ¡°Oh, right.¡± Tobias says as they try to sit perfectly still and then focus their full attention on me. Realizing I have him right where I want him, I focus my mind, before I continue recounting the tales of Rahul the Master Enchanter. After a few hours of non-stop talking on my part I finally get the quest prompts I had been waiting for.
Quest Complete: The Bibliophile: You managed to accurately recall every detail of the forbidden story ¡°Master Enchanter Rahul and the Maiden¡± to Tobias Jermach. Unfortunately, they are unable to move on to the afterlife, as they are now aware that six more stories in this series exist.
Seeing the quest prompt, I realize this quest is likely going to be a bit more involved than I thought. I did get a handful of new skills from this though, so that was a good thing.
New Skill Gained: Narrator has increased to level 1. Skill Narrator is a Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness based skill.
I wasn¡¯t quite certain how Attractiveness came into play with that, other than it was a completely social skill thus maybe they though every Social Attribute should be covered in it? Nevertheless, it was a useful skill to have. For my dramatic depictions of the scenes, I also got a few other skills.
New Skill Gained: Acting has increased to level 1. Skill Acting is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, and Intelligence based skill.
Once again, I was not quite certain how Attractiveness played into Acting, other than most movie stars tended to be Attractive? Though I am pretty sure it was a because they were pretty they were forced into acting, rather than they were into acting so they were forced to be pretty. But free Attributes are free Attributes and these skills are clearly available to everyone, so I can¡¯t complain if everyone can get this bonus to their natural appearance. The last skill I got from this, was a bit odd, but still something that I could see being useful in the future.
New Skill Gained: Total Recall has increased to level 1. Skill Total Recall is an Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
I almost doubted the need for Endurance in there, other than the fact that I felt exhausted after just those few hours¡¯ worth of work on these skills. With how mentally exhausted I now felt, I could easily see how Endurance was part of one of these skills. As I was finished, the book that he had read was clearly before him. Just resting his hand on the back of the leather bound tome, he smiled brightly. ¡°Well, it looks like book one is now complete.¡± I say, wanting to end this while I am ahead. I know there is still an ambush waiting for me, or at least there was, and I need to get out of here before I get caught up dictating the next six novels. ¡°Wait. Can you just do the first chapter?¡± ¡°You want a sneak preview?¡± I ask, an incredulous tone to my voice. ¡°A sneak preview? What is that?¡± Tobias begins, ¡°is that what they call me?¡± I pause, completely blindsided by the question, then I think about it, and I can¡¯t help but laugh. I laugh hard. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Sneak Preview? You think that is your nickname?¡± I ask through bouts of laughter. ¡°What? I just thought that people would talk, you know.¡± Tobias said, a note of defense in his tone and posture. ¡°Oh, I do know. And who knows maybe Sneak Preview was what your fellow classmates called you at the time. But they have all moved on. No one knows you, or about you at this point. At most you might be spoken of as a cautionary tale by professors about why you don¡¯t go into the forbidden section of the library, but that is it.¡± I state. Hearing that, the boy¡¯s face visibly shrinks until his lips are pursed together and he has a look of sad contemplation on his face. Since he is a human, his facial features and mannerisms are a lot easier for me to read and understand. ¡°Oh.¡± Tobias says, delicately rubbing his hands across the book. A strange somber feel has suddenly overtaken the library. Finally seeing him in such a state makes me feel bad. Particularly because he is now in this mental state because I put him there. ¡°All right, all right. Twist my arm why don¡¯t you.¡± I begin, even going so far as to mockingly put my arm behind my back. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go through the first chapter for you, but that will be it. After that I will need to sleep at the very least.¡± I say. ¡°What? You mean it?¡± ¡°Yeah, now be quiet. This story isn¡¯t going to finish itself.¡± I say, as I mentally focus on the second story and within a second I have the book open in my mind¡¯s eye as I begin telling details of the next story. ¡°Now this next story has the completely unique name of ¡°Master Enchanter Rahul and the Maiden II.¡± I begin. At this Tobias just looks down before him and in some sort of spiritual magic, a new leather-bound tome appears. Though the leather-bound tome is completely flat and devoid of any pages or parchment. ¡°Prologue¡­¡± Honestly it felt good to finally share my secret love for a smutty series with another person. Even if for a moment before they moved on to their next stage in the afterlife. Only now did I realize I was living up to that sad stereotype, being an old retired grandmother who decides to create a book club. Worse it is about a series dedicated to smut and enchanting. The only bright side is that I can work on leveling a few new skills, and the fact that no one on the outside world will be aware that this ever happened. Chapter 27 Detention Chapter 27 Detention I don¡¯t know if I should be relieved at myself for being able to sleep in a relatively safe and secure location like the spirit realm? Or if I should question my sanity? Honestly the beds, the furniture is almost exactly the same in the spirit world as it is in the real world. The only major difference being the lack of people. Well there are people, but they are all ghosts who for the most part just seem to avoid everyone they can, a sentiment I can appreciate. In fact, most of the time it is just me going around and pestering the ghosts, mainly because I have to for my quest. But honestly I see them and realize they almost all remind me of my children, all slightly lost and needing to finish one last task before they felt truly comfortable moving on. In a way this made interacting with the ghosts far more agreeable than dealing with the living. With the living you always have to wonder about plots within plots, with ghosts they are simple and straight forward. While what they want to accomplish might not be that easy to accomplish, knowing that they only want one thing makes life so much easier. Take for instance Tobias, a good boy, if a little socially awkward, but someone I could easily relate to from just our love of books. Well, a book, at least that is how it started, but now it has grown beyond that. Still, I can appreciate the straightforward nature of such a person and quest. Looking around I might have to rethink my strategy of being here, lest it makes me miss my edge when dealing with people. While the quests that are originally offered often require a lot of skill to pull off, you never have to worry about the double cross that comes with completing them. All this is a long way of saying that I fell asleep in the spirit realm. Honestly I think I might prefer sleeping in here, I remember seeing images of the place when I was still living and thought I would never be caught dead there, yes I went there, but now that I am still living and here, it isn¡¯t that bad. Maybe because I can¡¯t see the dingy and muted shades of grey that apparently fill most of the color spectrum here. As such, this place looks exactly like the real world, with less people and less roaming monsters. Apparently monsters either don¡¯t have spirits, something I know for a fact is false. Or what is more likely, monsters just accept death faster than humanoids can. It is this latter, that I am glad to be the case as this meant my few kills from years ago had already moved on and made peace with their unlives, making my time here that much easier. Still eventually I would have to venture into the real world, and soon I found it time to go to my next class. This was a class I was most excited about, Spirit Magic 101, or Introduction to Spirit Magic theory. This one I decide to go directly to. I am still wondering if a Rival is waiting for me, or if there is something more. Also, nothing says that you are ready to learn about the introduction to Spirit Magic than coming from the spirit world, right? In hindsight, I probably should have known that something would go wrong by this approach, but I was new here and quite frankly I was still trying to understand what to expect with magic. The way I saw it, this world was just so new and amazing that I just wanted to experience everything it had to offer. Now I should point out that I have not yet evolved enough to truly see things on the other side of the veil. Again, I remember reading about some people that could see the movement of ghosts and spirits, but they were often seen as eccentric and erratic. That said, if I could see ghosts in the real world I think I might have an odd problem as well. Though I knew eventually I could learn skills that would help me be able to push my Angel¡¯s Sight to the other side of the veil to view everything clearly, I just wasn¡¯t there yet. At most if I stopped and focused I might see hazy images of objects on the other side. Still there were times when I could see things easily. Case in point, I could see the outline of my spirit classroom, mainly because it all but glowed with spirit energy. ¡°Be careful.¡± Zero said, as I got close to the glowing walls of light. I looked at the glowing energy and could see an odd pattern that seemed to loop back and around on itself. It took me a moment, but I soon realized that everything I was seeing was a circuit. A vast glowing circuit of spirit mana. I was trying to figure out what this was supposed to be, when Zero answered my unspoken question for me. ¡°That is an enchantment designed to keep us from drawing too close.¡± Zero said. ¡°But there as spots where we can easily get through.¡± I said, pointing to the obvious gaps in the wards. ¡°Yes, but they are made so that only smaller spirits can get through. Also, if you look they are designed to tunnel you to one spot. Momma said those are spirit traps and to never enter one.¡± Zero said. Hearing that, I was both shocked and intrigued. ¡°A rat trap.¡± I finally muttered to myself as I looked at the overall design and layout. Just getting close to the hole forced me to get close enough to the current of energy that I could feel the hairs stand up on the back of my neck. But I pressed on, curious as to what this rat trap looked like further in. Honestly it was beautiful, a wall of flowing energy and lights. Dark violet lights lined the hallways, showing the direction I was intended to go. Here the walls were still charged, but not as overly charged as the outer walls, I assume there was a power capacity limit? That or they didn¡¯t want to scare off the intended ghost just to continue to direct them forward. Out of curiosity, I made sure to make a light magically infused scratch at the air, and sure enough I was able to create a sear in the air meaning my one escape spell would still work here. If things went poorly here I could always Teleport around, it was clear that this side was meant to be the dangerous side, while the other side was meant to be the control side. In fact, I was already puzzling through this complex set of wards and realized that like a fine desk, I was seeing the finished outer coating, but the inside was where all the nails and edges could be seen. Of course, my bubble sight afforded to me by Angel¡¯s Sight all but guaranteed that I would be safe from any reprisals or damage suffered from investigating the long flows of enchantments. So I continued forward, all the while seeing the different aspects and tracking them all back to a central control node. Seeing the node, I couldn¡¯t help myself and Teleported right to the node. Seeing the node and its intricate design, I can¡¯t help but feel a sense of curiosity filling me. Here there seem to be safeguards in place from potentially zapping myself with the torrent of spirit energy that is being cycled through this cell. There is clearly a lot going on here, but the primary things I notice is an absorber, or basic mana siphoning component that pulls in ambient mana from both the mortal realm and the spirit realm. Odd that it would require two? I look at it, then realize the reason for two becomes apparent as this is meant to create a spiritual shock barrier in both the real world, for any spirit trying to leave, and to prevent larger spirits from coming in. Then there is a converter, basically a component that clearly changes the state of mana from generic mana to spirit mana. A transformer that cycles the spirit mana around. Then a sort of battery that stores excess mana until it can be cycled again. Touch. Yeah, I can¡¯t help myself, but I touch the device. You only learn the bad lessons once. There is an odd vibration, but other then that nothing. So I like most people would do something stupid again, I touch it a second time, for longer. Vwoom! This time there is a surge of energy that courses through me at an accelerated rate. I feel the hair on my head begin to stand up, as I feel oddly alive. ¡°WOOHOOOHOOO!¡± I can¡¯t help but scream out in delight, as that felt amazing. My body is now thrumming with spirit energy, and I can feel my channeled spells working overtime. I use the excess mana to cycle through my body and mind as I try to figure out what to do with so much energy. Tingle. My Danger Sense begins to pulse, letting me know that danger is imminent. Feeling the moment I turn my attention and focus on what is happening and see almost in slow motion the forming of a bolt of compact spirit mana form from the mortal realm. Then I can see it begin to stick its sharp point through the veil that separates the mortal realm from the spirit realm. Then I see it aim at me, as a thread of spirit energy links out from the clearly destructive spell and links directly to me. Now, it doesn''t take a genius to figure out that this link is likely some kind of homing sequence. Realizing this is likely some kind of defense of the ward, I decide to cast my own spell and get out before the projectile can fully manifest itself in the spirit realm. I am not certain what happens, whether it is the fact that my Danger Sense gave me a warning quickly enough for me to react before anything could happen. But my infused fingers tear a giant hole in the fabric of reality and the projectile that had somehow been formed in the mortal realm and fired in the spirit realm is sent back to the dimension from which it came. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Fwoom. There is a great surge of spiritual static, as the large projectile races through the spirit world and seems to pull in ambient energy to it, the same way a comet would pull in dust particles as it tears its way through space. There is a pause for a second, before a boom, can be heard from the other side of the portal. Vweeruum. There is the sound of electrical equipment slowly powering down, while the bright lights and intensely glowing circuits of the spirit trap that I was on the inside of began to slowly fade away. At that, I decided to leave here and make my grand entrance to the classroom. Of course, I made no plans of appearing right here, right at the site of whatever this was. Instead, I Teleport back to where the entrance to the classroom is, then I open a rift to the mortal realm and appear through. Nothing to see here, nope, just your regular student coming into class, on time I might add. As I enter the classroom, I can see the outcome of my actions. Students are in a panic, avoiding the direction that the spirit bolt that I had sent back to the mortal realm was directed. Fortunately the bolt, which was rather large and powerful, far more than enough to have killed me three times over had barreled forward and taken out an anchor wall for the rune network. While it didn¡¯t look like anything major was destroyed, well other than the wall, a few desks, a lot of books. Okay, I take it back, there was a lot of damage apparently, but I can safely say that it wasn¡¯t my fault. ¡°YOU!¡± A voice calls out, as I enter the room. Their tone and position in the classroom let me know they are likely the professor of this class. Worse, I think I know who this person is. You know, I think they might have the absolute wrong person. I was just a curious spectator drawn in by all the pretty lights of magic, how could I have possibly known this would have happened? ¡°Good afternoon, Vice Principal Umbra, is this the Spirit Magic 101 class?¡± I ask, trying to keep my poker face on. ¡°It is,¡± she replies back with a note of venom in her voice. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, bowing my head slightly. I turn to look at the obvious damage in the wall and classroom. Then choosing to try to avoid causing further contention I find an empty desk at the side of the room. Fortunately for me, there is one still available, most of the students at the center of the classroom are still up, trying to put out fires on various parchments that are burning with an overt chemical reaction that still glows with a form of spiritual resonance, at least for the moment. The entire time I avoid looking at the professor, not that I exactly need to look at her to see that her gaze is on me the whole time. ¡°Cassiopeia.¡± The professor states after a few moments of scowling directly at me, while I do everything in my power to pretend like her glare isn¡¯t a black hole designed to pull everyone¡¯s gazes and attention right to her. ¡°Hmm?¡± I ask, turning my attention from my books and papers that I have and staring directly towards the professor. ¡°See me after class.¡± ¡°Of course.¡± I say with a nod, trying to convey more assurance in my tone than I feel on the inside. There is a pause as everyone stares at me. ¡°Go on, choose some of the empty seats and sit down. We are already late.¡± The professor Ms. Umbra begins. As she speaks, I can¡¯t help but let out a small sigh of relief. Ms. Umbra clearly suspects me of what happened before class. That said, from her demeanor it was not an offense that was grounds for immediate disciplinary action, though her tone all but promised some form of punishment once class was over. Meaning, I had all class to sit and broil over what would happen. I always hate these situations, moments when authority figures have you dead to rights, but you have to act like you don¡¯t know anything in order to not give away incriminating evidence. Rather than stewing in my own emotions, and my not wanting to implicate myself further in what was at least a small part in the destruction of the giant spirit rat trap surrounding the classroom, I forced my mind to listen to what the professor was saying. ¡°Spirit Magic is one of the hardest disciplines for students to master. For many this is often a secondary school of magic that never gets fully developed due to other schools of magic gaining more precedent and priority.¡± At that, I couldn¡¯t help but want to argue, of the two schools of magic Spirit was the only one that made sense to me. I still had no clue what to do with Shadow magic. Also, Spirit magic was the only one that made sense, or maybe I was just the odd one out as usual. ¡°For many, you will find the Spirit world to be a drab and dreary place.¡± At that I couldn¡¯t help but nod my head in understanding. I remember seeing the first few images of the people who braved the spirit realm. Not only were they constantly under attack, but the entire place seemed to lend itself to melancholy and depression. It was a far cry from the rest of the bright and vibrant world of biprism, which is why many tried to avoid it whenever possible. ¡°That said, for our first lesson, we will all focus on a spell that will allow us not only to pierce the veil and view the spirit world, but will also let us see the traces of spirit mana that reside on individuals.¡± The professor said, then they turned their books to a chapter somewhere towards the middle of the text. Reading the chapter, I couldn¡¯t help but feel excited. This was almost too good to be true, the exact spell that I had been wishing for a moment ago.
Chapter 6 Spirit Sight Use: by using this spell the caster is able to pierce the veil between the realms of the living and the realms of the dead and see the traces of spiritual energy.
Actually, after reading it, it wasn¡¯t quite what I had been hoping for, as this seemed more for viewing into the spirit realm, but at the very least it appeared to be a start. ¡°Now this is one of the most basic spells and requires you to cycle your mana through your eyes to be conducted properly.¡± The professor stated. I almost wanted to question that, as I had no true eyesight to speak of, but then I also didn¡¯t want to draw attention to myself. So I waited for the complete instructions and decided I might have to adjust my spell as needed. ¡°This is what is referred to as a channeled spell. Meaning you will need to keep the flow of Spirit mana going constantly in order to maintain access to the sight. This means you will likely need to convert some of your own mana pool into spirit mana, or infuse your eyes with enough base mana that the conversion ratio is easily met. Remember there is at least a three to one conversion ratio of regular mana to a specialty mana, and that is for people that have mastered the conversion. Most of you will likely start out at the ten to one conversion ratio of your base pool of mana to spirit mana. Still, this is a valuable ability to have, both in terms of a skill and getting used to converting your own mana.¡± As she began coaching, I began to understand more and more about what to do with the mana coursing through my body. I was at first sad to think I wasted a spell on being able to convert my regular mana to spirit mana, but that spell was extremely efficient allowing me to convert at a rate of one to one. Realizing that this meant I could effectively cast Spirit related spells near indefinitely, at least compared to my fellow classmates, I felt somewhat better about the choice. Especially as Spirit magic seemed to be all about maintaining channeled spells. Well that wasn¡¯t true, it was just a matter of fact that every spell I had was generally a channeled spell for my own convenience. I was also fortunate enough to already have multiple skills dealing with the circulation of mana directly, meaning the two hardest parts of learning this new spell were gone for me. The first was learning to convert my mana, which was done from one of my first three class spells. The second was how to circulate mana through a particular circuit in in the body. Fortunately, the circuit that I would need to channel mana through my eyes also passed through the brain, on its way directly to my core that was right at the center of my body. Within seconds I was able to have the circuit filled with spirit mana, I know the school likely used some esoteric nonsense to call this path for my mana, like meridians or mana channels, but it was a circuit plain and simple. Once I was here, the professor nodded to herself. ¡°Once you are able to circulate your spirit mana regularly through your meridians that pass through your eyes, you will need to experiment a little. Take the energy and oscillate it, until it pulses at a frequency that is similar to what you are able to see with. Once there, you should be able to start noticing the distortions of spirit magic around you, from there it is just a slightly greater push in speed and resonance to be able to pierce the veil entirely.¡± Hearing that, I couldn¡¯t help but think this was a bit misleading for me, as I think she was describing my natural ability to see magical resonances thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight, at least that is what it sounded like. Though this one seemed to only be able to only track Spirit mana, versus all forms of mana that my sight was naturally capable of perceiving. Still that was a huge help as I could almost tell the frequency needed to pulse my own energy at, thanks to viewing Vice Principal Umbra¡¯s own circuit that she had going. Needless to say, she had her energy pulsing at an insanely fast frequency. Seeing her, and using her as the example, I began circulating the energy faster and faster through my circuit, until finally. Phwoom! The world began to blink rapidly around me, then the next thing I knew Zero was there right beside me. I nearly jumped at the sight, but was able to stop myself just in time. Zero, who could clearly see me and see what I was doing waved his small forepaw at me. Seeing the small appendage, I realized his arm seemed similar to that of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, where it had arms that seemed disproportionately small compared to the rest of its body. ¡°Good, once you have managed to do this once, you will need to hold the spell in place for at least a minute to get the full benefit of this exercise.¡± Ms. Umbra began. Then to add credence to her words I was met with a quest box.
Hidden Quest Found: Spirit Sight. You have been tasked by your instructor to learn the Spirit Magic spell Spirit Sight (P). You will need to hold the spell in place for a period of at least ten minutes straight, or twenty independent runs that consist of at least one minute or more. Reward: Experience, New Spirit magic spell (Spirit Sight).
Seeing the prompt, I focused my mind on maintaining the flow and circuit going. In a way, this was something I was made for. I had the skill Focus maxed out, along with Meditation, and Mana Circulation to help with this very exercise. Also, this was a spell that I didn¡¯t mind learning as it was both a passive spell, or one that I could keep active without having to remember to cast it in a dire situation. ¡°Whoa!¡± Another student calls out, apparently having learned to also cast the spell. ¡°Is this what it always looks like?¡± The student asked. ¡°Yes and no. Normally we have wards set up to both make the viewing that much easier on you, while also keeping curious spirits away.¡± Ms. Umbra said, her words seeming to be directed solely at me. Fortunately I was able to keep focused thanks to my Multitasking skill, but it was a bit touchy there for a second. I almost wonder if the professor was trying to get me to fail on my shortened ten minute timer on purpose. ¡°Yeah, why is the spooky girl surrounded by ghosts?¡± A female student from the back asked. ¡°Also, why is she glowing like a beacon? I mean you are bright, but she is beyond bright.¡± A third student asked. By now it was clear that more and more of the students were able to get this basic lesson. Either the spell wasn¡¯t as hard to learn, they had training, or I wasn¡¯t as special as I originally thought. I am guessing a little of all three, as these other students were clearly of a much higher level, meaning that learning such trivial things like a new spell might not be so difficult for them. ¡°That is both a testament to Cassiopeia¡¯s natural spirit energy reserves and the way she is capable of doing a near instantaneous conversion of her complete mana pool to spirit energy.¡± Ms. Umbra said, before continuing, ¡°also the residual dusting that you see is a clear sign that she has recently spent a lot of time within the spirit realm.¡± ¡°A lot of time?¡± ¡°Is she a ghost?¡± ¡°Enough. Back to your lessons.¡± Then after a few minutes of intense focus, so much focus that I could feel my mind wanting to wander, to think about anything other than cycling mana, but I fought against it at every turn. Then finally I was met with the message I had been waiting for.
Hidden Quest Completed: Spirit Sight. You have learned the Spirit Magic spell Spirit Sight (P). You managed to hold the spell in place for a period of at least ten minutes straight. Reward: Experience, New Spirit magic spell (Spirit Sight).
Experience Gained: 500.
I paused, half expecting a notification of leveling, but then realized this was the first quest I had completed and actually received experience for since the Spy on a Rival quest for my master. All of my experience for the ghost quests were being put directly towards purchasing a Class specific Trait, meaning that this was my first real quest for experience in quite a while. Ding. I almost thought that was the sign I had leveled, but alas I was sadly mistaken as that was the class bell sounding, letting us know we were at time. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel accomplished, my first real spirit class and I already learned a new spell. This was more than I could say for my other classes, though I did learn a few new interesting skills from those. I was about to leave with the others, when Ms. Umbra called out to me. ¡°Do not forget our appointment, Cassiopeia.¡± Gulp. At that, I couldn¡¯t help but feel the knot of worry force its way back up to my throat, before I forced myself to calm down. ¡°How can I help you?¡± I asked, trying to come across as innocent as possible. ¡°You and I will need to discuss your detention.¡± Ms. Umbra said, in a tone that brokered no discussion. A few other students had stayed behind, no doubt to hear what would happen to me. Seeing them, Ms. Umbra quickly got them to leave by saying a few words that sent shivers down my spine on their behalf. ¡°Anyone wishing to share in your punishment should feel more than satisfied with staying behind.¡± Slam. With that the last few students left the classroom, making sure to close the thick metal doors behind them. Gulp. It was now just me and the professor who was just staring at me. ¡°I think we should talk¡­¡± Chapter 28 The Impossible Spell Chapter 28 The Impossible Spell ¡°I think we should talk about your future here at Arcanarus University and where you see yourself going.¡± Vice Principal Umbra states. After hearing that, I felt like a possible argument about avoiding a trapped trap that led to a little redecoration of the classroom might have been taken out of context. ¡°Hmm?¡± I ask, making sure not to sound too committal, instead showing the right amount of intrigue. ¡°I believe in being fully open and honest. That is why I will be straight forward with you and ask the one question that is on my mind. Why are you here?¡± ¡°To learn.¡± I say, almost adding a bit more sarcasm to the statement making it close to a question, but I hold myself back. She stares at me, truly stares at me for a moment. ¡°That¡¯s it? To learn?¡± She asks, somewhat questioning the very nature. ¡°Yeah.¡± I say, so glad I am blind and have my eyes covered otherwise I would be really tempted to roll my eyes. Gods, I don¡¯t know if it is me being in a younger body, that is making me act this way or have these impulses, but they have to stop. Fortunately I avoid rolling my eyes, but I would be lying if I didn¡¯t at least admit that I was tempted. Pausing Ms. Umbra just stares at me for a moment, before nodding her head and continuing. ¡°Very well then. I shall ask, you have no want to establish political connections?¡± ¡°No,¡± I almost want to add the fact that I don¡¯t really like many people. I do realize that I am mostly a Regressor elitist, as those are the only people I have made any lasting friendships with, but I¡¯m not an elitist, right? Well, I guess technically I am, which also plays into the fact that I don¡¯t really care about politics. Also I have been a Second Class Citizen for so long that I don¡¯t really care much for trying to associate with the locals. With ghosts it is different, as it seems that they are just happy to interact with people that they don¡¯t care about racial divides. ¡°I have to say, you truly are a puzzle. Out of every student here, you are the hardest to pin down on personal goals and machinations. Clearly you have fully embraced your gift for Spirit Magic as your antics earlier showed.¡± She pauses, ¡°how did you get to the center of the cage?¡± ¡°The cage?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, it was effectively a spirit version of a giant mouse trap, designed to lure in lesser spirit creatures.¡± Ms. Umbra states. Seeing that I just nod to myself, as that is seemingly what the trap was designed for. ¡°Yeah, it would spring shut behind me, had I entered the main area?¡± I ask. ¡°Indeed, it would. From there we would have used it to summon the spirit to class for a demonstration on the first few chapters of Introduction to Spirit Magic, of course I turned on the trap, never expecting one of our own enterprising students to not only enter the trap, but then consume the proverbial cheese at the end.¡± Ms. Umbra said. ¡°What was that, I almost couldn¡¯t help myself when it came to touching that.¡± I ask. Chuckle. ¡°I dare say I hope you couldn¡¯t resist. If you did, then I would demand the Apothecary Guild come up with a better bait. As it is, I¡¯d think you find out what it is better by trial on your part. Later tonight begin to meditate on different spells that have given you a hard time. In fact, you will find that your absorption of that bait is likely what made your ability to learn Spirit Sight so easily.¡± She states. With that, I realize she is likely correct, that spell did seem to come easily to me. I had thought it was my own Intelligence, but hearing that it was at least a partial byproduct of some spiritual energy lure made me feel a bit deflated by the revelation. Here I was thinking I was a Prodigy, more so than just my base merits. ¡°Do you have any complex spell forms I can try?¡± I ask. ¡°I cannot in good consciousness allow a first year to learn combat spells. Particularly spirit-based combat spells.¡± She says. ¡°What? No, gods no. None of those. See this is what I hate about my Magic Schools, they are almost all about breaking things. No, I¡¯d rather be a healer, but of course that path in life was denied to me.¡± I say, lamenting the fact that I wasn¡¯t born a second class light elf in the dark elven territory, forced to flee for my life. Ms. Umbra pauses as she looks at me with a scrutinizing gaze. I can tell that she is using some type of truth detection spell on me. ¡°I have to say, you are an odd one. With your schools of magic and your heritage, I could have sworn you would have gone to the spirit realm to claim heaps of untold power. Yet, after spending hours there, you seem no more powerful than when I first met you.¡± I think about that, then realize that while I completed two quests since we last met, I only got experience for one of those. Then given the fact that I don¡¯t want to kill things, my leveling is fairly stagnant. I shrug, not knowing what else to say. ¡°Do you know what the average level for your classmates is?¡± ¡°Not a clue.¡± ¡°25.¡± She pauses, letting that number sink in. ¡°That is the level where you have had enough time to learn what magic is, ways to do new things with magic, and hopefully still be able to be remolded. There are obviously exceptions at both end of the spectrum, you are a prime example of that, as you have shown that even a novice to their class can provide merit. Just know that you are well behind your peers. That level gap will only increase as times goes on. Right now, the average Intelligence of your peers is around 75, meaning you have a lot of catching up to do.¡± Hearing that, I almost laugh, but I decide to keep my emotions and thoughts on their underdeveloped Attributes to myself. ¡°You don¡¯t seem to be too worried.¡± She poses. ¡°If I was worried about catching up to my fellow classmates I would not have applied.¡± ¡°Perhaps you are made of sterner material than I first gave you credit for.¡± She states. I nod, not really knowing what else to say to that. Finally, after a moment, Professor Umbra seems to come to some sort of conclusion. ¡°Fair enough. I have decided to grant you your request.¡± ¡°My request?¡± I ask trying to figure out where I made a request. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°Yes, I will give you until two days from now at our next class time to learn a new spell. That should be nearly the entire time you have remaining with your mana bonus to learn this new spell.¡± Professor Umbra says, as she goes back to her desk and pulls out a particularly old tome from one of her shelves. Looking at the size of the time it is small, maybe the size of a thumb width, making it far smaller than our text book, and even smaller than a few of my notebooks I carry around in my back pack. Still, it is a book and a challenge. She holds out the book to me, and I reach out to take it, but she holds fast. ¡°Do you swear to take full responsibility and ownership for this book and ensure that not just it, but its contents are safely secured?¡± Ms. Umbra asks. ¡°I do?¡± I say, a note of confusion filling my voice. But before I can think too much about the possible implications a chime goes off in my mind. Bing.
Hidden Quest Found: The Lost Spell Form: You have been given an impossible task. Decipher the ancient language of the tome before you, and interpret the true nature and purpose of the spell. Reward: Experience, Hidden Skill (X2), new spell. Requirements: Tome must not be lost, damaged, or stolen. Must complete conditions of this quest within 47 Hours, 54 minutes, 39 seconds¡­
Seeing the quest prompt and the timer I realize I have likely been given an impossible quest. One that would require a lot of running around and trying to solve different components or aspects of, all of which would leave me with little to no time left to do the actual quest. I also realize from the quest description that chicanery will likely be afoot. Likely those rivals will show up, or something worse like princess kidnapping dark elves. To cut it all off at the root, I ask an important question. ¡°Can I take this book with me?¡± ¡°Well you can¡¯t very well learn the spell while here. I have a class to teach next.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, taking the offered book, and rather than putting it in my backpack I just hold it in my hand. ¡°Oh, one more thing before you go.¡± The professor says. ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Next time you steal the proverbial cheese from my minor spirit trap, I will make you make and produce the replacement salve.¡± ¡°Is that a threat? I only hear upside to this.¡± I pose. ¡°I will also make you fetch the materials.¡± I pause, ¡°maybe I am missing something, but that just seems like more life skills that I either already have or new skills that I can learn.¡± ¡°You already know Herbalism and Harvesting?¡± She asks. Hearing the idea of a new skill my ears perk up. Pesky dark elf ears. ¡°Herbalism yes. Harvesting no, but I don¡¯t mind learning new things.¡± I say. At that Ms. Umbra pauses and stares at me. ¡°You really aren¡¯t like our normal elitest students we have here. You know, be careful, I just might take you up on your offer.¡± I hold up my black gloves, proof that I am a member of the Apothecary Guild. ¡°These aren¡¯t just for show.¡± At that Ms. Umbra stares at the gloves for a quick second, long enough to Analyze them. ¡°No, they definitely are not. All right, then it is settled. Solve that spell and I will put you to work as my harvesting assistant.¡± ¡°Wait, now I must pass your quest to do this? What happened to stealing your spirit cheese and getting rewarded?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve decided that I will just have to put up more internal traps. Feel free to take the cheese again, just know that this time it will be far better protected.¡± Hearing that, I smile to myself. She was all but challenging me to steal her spirit bait, something that apparently makes learning spirit magic that much easier. Realizing this is likely not over I can¡¯t help but smile. I am not certain about Ms. Umbra¡¯s teaching style, honestly I am not even certain if this would be considered teaching to begin with. But I am ready for the challenges before me. Two new skills, a new spell, and Harvesting along with a recipe for how to make spirit snacks, I mean what isn¡¯t to love. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°No, it is I who should be thanking you Cassiopeia.¡± She says, not using my surname, not that I have one, a purse sign that as usual I am a Second Class Citizen, but that should end within the year. In one more year that one and my Broke flaw will all be removed. I will still have a few, like Orphan which was forced upon me, though I wonder if that is a true flaw or something meant as a side quest for my new class. I apparently let the silence go on for too long as she continues. ¡°You have let me see that there are still those who wish to learn for learning¡¯s sake, for that I truly thank you.¡± At that I nod. ¡°Of course, you mean it though. Harvesting, the crafting recipe for the spirit cheese stuff, and more guided lessons if I solve this book?¡± ¡°Hahaha. Oh, the arrogance of youth.¡± Ms. Umbra says, a light smile cresting her lips. ¡°Yes, should you succeed all those and more will be yours. At the very least I expect to see you in class in two days to return the book at the very least. I know I don¡¯t need to tell you what happens if you do not return a book on time, do I?¡± I pause, as I think this is something important, but I don¡¯t quite know why. Seeing the confused look on my face Ms. Umbra shakes her head the states. ¡°Failure to return a book on time is grounds for immediate expulsion. Returning a damaged book is also grounds for immediate expulsion. Be careful, this is a place of learning and of respect to our equipment and our knowledge that we wish to pass onto the next generation of students.¡± ¡°Right, no dog earing the pages, got it.¡± At that, Ms. Umbra draws in a dark spark of dense magic. ¡°Do not even joke about such a serious offense.¡± ¡°Right, got it.¡± I say, holding up my hands and holding the book out in front of me. Hopefully seeing the book will make her realize that any attacks on me would also damage the book. Seeing my gesture she takes in a deep calming breath, holds it for a moment, then finally visibly deflates. Seeing that she is now calm, I decide to cut my losses and leave. ¡°Well thank you for this.¡± I say wiggling the book. Then with deft movements I cast my only active spell, and rip a hole in the veil between the spirit and mortal realms. Then I leave. Looking back, I can see that my Spirit Sight spell is still active, seeing as it is yet another channeled spell, I pause, only to see that it is a miniscule 2% of my remaining mana. Which puts me at just over 79% for my remaining mana pool. Seeing that the effect is nearly negligible for the spell, I decide to keep it active in addition to my other two spells. I figure at the very least being able to peer into the mortal realm will be worthwhile, which it is. Looking back I can see Ms. Umbra staring at the exact area that I teleported through. I wave to her. She pauses, then waves back. At this point I realize she has her Spirit Sight active as well. ¡°What¡¯s the book?¡± Zero asks, coming over to my side and read the odd script. Looking at the title I see that it is made up of letters that I instantly understand as old elvish, but they seem to be combined into a grouping of words that make absolutely no sense as they are. Seeing the book and given the task before me, I decide to dedicate the next 47 hours to solving this quest. Regardless of being able to read, I open the book to see if there are any pictures or diagrams, I can follow to make this text easier to understand. At near the halfway point is where my first image appears. The image is slightly off for some reason, but I can¡¯t quite understand why. They are using the complete circuit of their body, but there is just something odd about the diagram. Looking at the text, I can see points where one hand first wrote the initial text and drew the drawing, then a second hand came along and seemed to press deeper into the page and complete different aspects of the diagram, completing circuits that didn¡¯t seem to fit. Seeing the oddity, I begin flipping through page after page. While each word is seemingly written in the same odd form of elvish, quite a few letters have been changed by the same heavy hand. ¡°What is it?¡± Zero asks, finally after seeing me stare at page after page of confusing texts. ¡°Something is wrong with this page, it appears as though there are two authors.¡± I say. ¡°Two?¡± ¡°Yeah, there is one that wrote out most of the text and drawings, then a second firmer hand that came by afterwards and began marking through letters and characters.¡± I say, pointing to examples of each. ¡°What do you think it means?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I say, as I try to puzzle out what is changing. I have a feeling that the book is likely a diary of some kind. Also my spy senses were telling me that if this was the diary of a master magician of some kind, then they likely used a cipher, or some other form of encryption to keep their data safe, if it fell into the wrong hands. Why a cipher? Why was this my first thought, well simple it is what I would do with my own thoughts. Especially if I couldn¡¯t remember everything after a certain point. Fortunately I don¡¯t have that problem yet, but I remember how I used to keep notes to myself on different tasks to perform each day. With magic use and experimentation it makes even more sense to continually write down changes, particularly if you are working on perfecting a spell form. Each day you would need to write down pertinent changes and jot down the way those changes to the spell form affected your overall progress. With that in mind, I decided to go back to the front and reread everything. Starting with the cover, I was able to translate the elven characters to this:
Tiov Taovq
Seeing the letters, I began running through the different permutations for the types of cipher it could be. Instantly seeing the text a few forms of ciphers were originally out, like the scytale as that would require this to be a loose set of code that could be wrapped around a stick to line up to show a message. That of course left the possibility of a letter substitution, where one letter would be replaced by another with no rhyme or reason. There were also different variants of letter substitutions like Playfair squares, but most of those would require me to find out certain letters anyways. Meaning the only true way to solve a substitution puzzle would be to try to substitute certain letters for one another. Seeing the title of this book I was able to rule out a few combinations of possible words. Frustrated with my lack of progress, I knew I was onto something with it being a cipher of some kind, it just had that look. Also the fact that someone went through and wrote over one letter words to make them different letters, or appear to be different symbols of the Elven scripts only went to add more credence to this theory. In particular the letters for ¡°a¡± and ¡°o¡± were often changed quite often, or marked out entirely. Yet, I could see the forced changes as if they were clear as day thanks to the way I read. Thinking on it, the two most common one word letters are ¡°a¡± and ¡°I¡±. Now assuming that the writer of this diary changed out every letter for another I can assume that ¡°a¡± would equal ¡°I¡± and that ¡°O¡± would therefore have to equal ¡°a¡±. With that as a possible start I looked at the front cover and did the substitutions.
Tiov Taovq-- _ _ a _ _ i a _ _
Seeing that, and the combinations of similar letters I almost let out a smile as I was fairly certain I had not only guessed correctly about those two letters, but I now knew that this was in fact a diary, as proven by the near obvious translation of the title.
Tiov Taovq Dear Diary
With that, I began mentally going through each page of text and looking for the original works and began substituting all the known letters for altered forms. With three vowels, the ¡°r¡± and ¡°d¡± already known, I was well on my way to making this translation easy. Particularly since I knew where someone who came behind far later tried to hide the work. Focusing, I began copying the completed work page after translated page into my own notebook. Then focusing on the drawings and diagrams, I copied them, but made sure to leave out the false connection points that the second author had added in. Finally, once the last page was translated, I felt mentally exhausted, but I also felt more alive than ever. This was a puzzle, and not just any puzzle, but one that held the secrets of magic within its grasps. Still my mind was well beyond the point of exertion. Packing away both the book and my notes, I decided to take a quick nap, before I would begin my research into the spell again. As was quickly becoming a habit, I once again slept in the spirit realm. Just as I laid down, I was met by an all too familiar voice. ¡°Oh there you are.¡± Hearing the voice of Tobias I groan. ¡°Not now¡­¡± ¡°Please, just one more chapter?¡± ¡°Fine, but then off to bed.¡± ¡°But I¡¯m not tired.¡± ¡°I am!¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Shaking my head, I realize this is likely for the best as I do need to get through this quest as well and every chapter ahead helps, especially considering the fact that I still have six more books to go through. ¡°Chapter 1¡­¡± Chapter 29 Causational Epiphany Chapter 29 Causational Epiphany Have you ever had a eureka moment when you were in the middle of doing something mundane like washing your hair? I almost wonder how bald people get anything accomplished, though maybe they have more time to think about superficial things like deciphering ancient encrypted elven texts because they don¡¯t have to worry about washing their hair? Needless to say, I had an epiphany, or at least I think I am close, which is almost worse. Sort of like knowing you need to sneeze, but catching yourself right before the right moment and stopping the whole momentum of your body. Yeah, I was in the middle of chapter seven of book two, when Rahul had taken the love interest for book two to his secret chambers, where he is priming the protection wards with a reverse current, when I suddenly realize there is something to this story. Something that seems pertinent to my current struggle with understanding the spell book I have been given. The only problem is I don¡¯t know what. ¡°And?¡± ¡°What?¡± I ask, shaking my head, while trying to figure out what happened. ¡°And then what. He just got Victoria to the safety of his workshop when the evil duke came after his bride. You said he reversed the flow of energy into the wards, but then you stopped.¡± Tobias, says recapping the portion of chapter seven that I have already gone through for the moment. ¡°You know the story sounds really lame and cliched when you put it in such clear-cut terms.¡± I say. At that Tobias visibly sags. ¡°Sorry, you are right, that is an accurate description of what has happened so far, but I just realized something. I need to work real quick.¡± I say, holding up my hand as I move away from the clearly depressed Tobias. Honestly, I am so tired right now that I am certain I am missing something, and am glad I decided to take a nap to think about what my next step was before I pushed through. Not that I got the nap, but I was able to use the time I was recalling and reenacting the story of Rahul to help puzzle my way through this cipher. See the decryption was just part of it. I realize that now, in fact I had been so happy to identify the easy cipher that I missed the fact that it was too easy. Yes, they would likely make it so the decryption key was easy to identify, and write down in near real time. The only problem is, if you were going to go through the effort to hide your work and only instill a minor encryption cipher, particularly one where vowels equaled other vowels, you either didn¡¯t really want to encrypt the text and were being forced to. Or, what was most likely the case, that was just the first layer of defense. Thinking about the decrypted text from that perspective, I realize a few things. First, the diagram is backwards, or at the very least it is backwards from what I would need to do. I don¡¯t quite know how I know this, but the more I think about the directionality of the energy current being depicted. Looking at the flow the nodes in the body are off. It is minor, but something that makes sense, particularly if you think about how the author of the diary would be able to view the nodes and their patterns and then jot them down. ¡°They used a mirror.¡± I say, realizing why the energy nodes are all wrong in the body. ¡°A mirror?¡± Tobias asks. ¡°Yes, just like Rahul used to invert the flow of energy into his wards. The writer of my book used a mirror to draw themselves as they channeled mana.¡± I say, then turn away as I try to work the rest of this concept to its final conclusion. If they used a mirror to draw their mana flows, they must first have a spell active that can catch the magic flowing in mirrors. While I am not aware of such a spell, or skill, I am assuming something like that exists. I can do similar things with my Angel¡¯s Sight, but I have never been able to focus outwardly to see the way others circulate their mana. That said, I don¡¯t think it would be impossible, but that is a task for a different time. As I think that particular skill is secondary to what is needed at the moment. Thinking back on it, the deep line that was written by a second author might have actually been their attempt to draw the correct circuit. As on of the nodes clearly goes to the right chest cavity, in a node that clearly depicts where the heart should be. Yes, for all you would be magicians the heart is a major node point and the lungs are minor node points that are connected to the heart. The brain is also a major node point, with the eyes being secondary sub-nodes connected to the brain, along with the ears. But I¡¯m getting distracted, because even flipping the image for a mirror the flow still makes no sense. Even with a reversed image the flow diagrams are still off. Then in my sleep deprived stupor I realize something that likely should have been apparent earlier. ¡°Dextrocardia?¡± I say, blinking in surprise as this is the only thing that seems to make sense. ¡°Dextro what ia?¡± Tobias asks, apparently still listening in on my personal epiphany to myself. ¡°Shh.¡± I say, holding up a finger for silence, but then answer him anyways as I still need more time to work this problem into existence. ¡°Dextrocardia, where the heart is on the right side of the body, versus the left side.¡± Silence. ¡°Okay, so why is that important?¡± I shake my head almost in how stupid of a question it is. ¡°It is important in that this spell doesn¡¯t work the way it is drawn up, because there is supposed to be a straight line down from the heart to the right lung secondary node, then to the appendix node.¡± I say, mentally recalling the diagram from memory at this point. ¡°Okay, so just rework it.¡± ¡°Re¡­rework it?¡± I say, ¡°It can¡¯t be reworked, because the power you can gain from a straight line down is faster than it would take for me to traverse my body going to the right lung, where I would all but be forced to pierce the right kidney, on my way to the appendix.¡± I say, demonstrating the fact that the natural method would require at minimum one extra node. ¡°So what is the purpose of the appendix in this circuit?¡± I pause, I know what the appendix does, and I know that the appendix node has a sympathetic bond to that purpose of final decomposition. But I never thought of the purpose for the different nodes actually serving a purpose. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°This¡­¡± I begin, as I start to pace to help my mind to think. ¡°This¡­¡± Again, I was onto something, but what? There was a complex network of circuits and nodes within the body, but I never factored into account what the sympathetic nature of the nodes might be able to provide a spell. Earlier my newly acquired spell Spirit Sight had to go through my eye nodes first and then merge into my brain node. Thinking about this, the spell made it so I could infuse my eyes with spirit mana, which would then have the newly heightened input flow into my brain, where my brain would then interpret the new input from my eyes. From there the mana would flow back to my core, or stomach area and flow back up in a continual loop. With the knowledge of that spell, I began trying to puzzle out what this spell was doing. Even after a vague description of the spell workings and its process, there was no real clear cut definition of what the spell did. To understand this, I had to go back to my Anatomy class days, with my Biology minor and think about the purpose of the appendix, something I also had to look into when Tom, my youngest, had an appendectomy. There it was posed that the appendix was where good microbes for the body were stored. With that knowledge and the fact that these microbes were directly related to the human gut, where the core of our magical centers were located, I couldn¡¯t help but feel there was a connection to this. This meant this spell needed to reach the appendix for something, before getting channeled back into the core. I am still working out this problem when Tobias keeps yammering on, but I accept his talking as a means to help. ¡°Well how much faster would the flow go from the heart to the lung to the appendix, versus going from the heart to the lung to the kidney to the appendix?¡± ¡°About twice as fast.¡± I say, mentally going through the math and process in my mind. Hearing that Tobias nods to himself, ¡°so the solution is easy, just split your current, run it through both lungs and kidneys then have them merge in your appendix at the same time, if a certain level of flow is needed.¡± I am about to dismiss the idea as idiotic, but then I pause as I run through the process in my mind. ¡°Have you already done this?¡± I say holding up the encrypted diary. ¡°What?¡± No, I was never part of the Spirit school of magic, I was more of a generalist anyways, but the core basics for all classes are roughly the same. Circulation, Focus, and Power are the three components that go into any spell. Remember it is not just a matter of circulating your energy correctly and applying enough energy that will make it so this spell works. You also need to clearly imagine what the spell is doing, in order to get it to work properly.¡± As he says that, I nod to myself as suddenly a lot of different components of what I have been doing subconsciously make sense. That is when I am met with a system message.
New Skill Gained: Spell Theory has increased to level 1. Spell Theory is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
With that I nod in acceptance, before trying to puzzle out the next portions of the spell. Realizing I am still close, but at a relatively dead end, I decide to read through the rest of the diary, but sadly only that section seems to be about that one spell. The rest was the actual diary portion. Reading the text it was clear that the diary was written by a female, and not just any female, but a dark elf mage.
1248-A Today, I managed to destroy and consume the soul of another one of my enemies. I have already grown stronger than most of my contemporaries. It has been confirmed my being shade touched means I am able to fully absorb the broken pieces of souls around me.
Reading that, I feel my heart begin to pound in my chest as I realize this is likely a set up of some kind. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Tobias asks, clearly seeing the distress on my face. I pause, but then I ask a question that is on my mind. ¡°Did you ever run into Vice Principal Umbra?¡± I ask. ¡°No.¡± Tobias says with a shake of his head. I let out a breath, of course it would be too easy for him to know of the vice principal that gave me this book. ¡°Though there was a dark elf magician named Doctavia Umbra who applied for a teacher¡¯s assistant position. She was hot.¡± Tobias said, and I disregard his comments about her appearance, and instead focus on the seemingly pertinent parts of his comment. ¡°A dark elf, was she Shade Touched?¡± I ask. ¡°No, I don¡¯t believe so, no one went near her, let alone touched her.¡± I just shake my head at Tobias. ¡°What, it was funny.¡± Huff. ¡°No, I was given this by her for a reason. I think I might know why, but I am not certain I should go ahead with my research.¡± I say, holding up the valuable diary. ¡°Why would you stop yourself from at least determining what was in the book?¡± Tobias asks. ¡°Because it likely contains a spell that will allow me to consume the souls of slain enemies.¡± I state. ¡°Okay, but are you going to learn that spell?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then why would you stop before you can prove one way or another what the spell does. Just because you know what something does, doesn¡¯t mean you have to memorize it, like the time when Rahul learned the dark rune set. He figured out what they were, and then stopped himself.¡± Tobias says, quoting a good portion of what happened in book one of the series. I am about to point out that his avoidance of the knowledge only lasted until book five when he needed to reverse craft a cure to one of the dark runes, meaning he first had to learn the rune and then a counter for it, but then realize that would be a huge spoiler. Also, it would negate the whole lesson the book was trying to convey. ¡°You know, you are right.¡± I say, as I begin breaking down the aspects of the spell. I have worked out the channeling aspect, which has helped me fix the power quotient for the spell. Now the last thing I need is the focus aspect of the spell, what is the purpose of this particular spell? From context clues of the diary, I assume it is some form of super soul absorber spell. But then thinking about the design and layout of this spell I realize that can¡¯t be the case. The spells and powers described far later in the diary have nothing to do with this spell, I am almost certain. This spell seems to be a way to cycle mana back and purify it is some way. That is the only logical reason for using the appendix I can think of, at the moment. With that as my hypothesis I begin replicating the diagram and altered spell flow. Then something clicks in my mind.
New Skill Gained: Spell Deconstruction has reached level 1. Spell Deconstruction is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
With that marker letting me know I am on the right track, I begin to channel the energy and feel a sudden surge in the quality of my spirit mana.
Hidden Quest Updated: The Lost Spell Form: You have managed to reconstruct a variant of the spell you were given to analyze. You have found the spell Spirit Mana Potency, continue channeling spell to unlock new spell. Rewards: Experience, Hidden Skill (X2) (Already Unlocked), New Spell: Spirit Mana Potency, ready to be learned. Additional Requirements: Tome must not be lost, damaged, or stolen. Must complete conditions of this quest within 39 Hours, 22 minutes, 07 seconds¡­
Once again, there was no description of what Spirit Mana Potency did, but I could tell that while being a channeled spell, it seemed to be one that would increase my mana pool. Well not necessarily increase it right off the bat, but it would force me to cycle my mana into a more refined mixture in my body that would effectively increase my mana pool. While this spell would be a channeled spell, I also had the feeling it would likely grant more of a percentage of mana back after it was complete. Focusing on the new current flowing through me, the converted spirit mana within my body circulated around my body, through my lungs, down through both sets of kidneys, then converged into my appendix, which then cycled that seemingly purified mana back into my core. The more I thought about this, the more I realized I was likely missing a lot of functionality with spells and their creations. While this channeled spell likely meant I couldn¡¯t cast Shadow magic, I didn¡¯t care, at least not for the foreseeable future. Right now I only had Spirit magic spells, and since one of my channeled spells was literally the act of taking my regular mana and converting it all to spirit mana, I didn¡¯t mind. This also meant that all that converted spirit mana was being used to cycle through my body in a condensed manner back to my core, which is likely why this spell was called Spirit Mana Potency, while I believe references to what the diary¡¯s author had was just Mana Potency. I¡¯m hoping that with mine being specialized towards spirit mana that my version will be better, but I have no way of truly knowing until it is complete. Seeing that I am close, I continue to cycle my mana while realizing that with a bit more study, I can likely unlock the Spell Creation skill that I originally came to this school for. With that, I should have enough knowledge and theory to be truly dangerous, at least when it comes to Spirit magic. I will likely need to sit in on a few more channeling classes like Master Groa signed me up for to begin to unlock spells for that school of magic, but that is far lower on my list of things to learn right now. After a few minutes of this circulating of my condensed mana, I decide to sit down as I realize that with a ten plus hour timer for this spell to become memorized, or a total time cycled of twice that, I will likely need to be comfortable. ¡°So I take it you learned the basics of the spell?¡± Tobias asks, sitting down in front of me. ¡°Yes, thank you. I don¡¯t think I could have solved this nearly as quickly without your help, so thank you.¡± I say, and truly mean it. Tobias nods, ¡°so how long until you are able to internalize the spell?¡± ¡°Ten hours.¡± ¡°Eww¡­¡± Tobias says, as he all but grimaces in sympathetic pain. ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Well since you have time, and will likely need something to keep you awake for the next ten hours, we should probably talk about something¡­¡± Tobias says, pausing long enough for me to catch up, but not long enough for me to stop him before he states his next comment. ¡°So, read any good books?¡± I chuckle, but then nod to myself, he deserves this much. ¡°So, Rahul had put himself between Victoria and the Duke¡¯s evil henchmen¡­¡± Chapter 30 One of My Kind Chapter 30 One of My Kind Ten hours. Ten long hours of nonstop talking and narration on my part. I like Rahul, but maybe not this much. Well who am I kidding, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I was clearly missing sleep to learn this spell and narrate the story, I would likely be on cloud nine. Especially as our book club got a new member, Sabrina Bane, who either liked the story, liked my narration of the story or both. It was clear from her reactions that she did not care for Tobias, an incident that sparked no end of internal laughter at my point. Seeing the odd teenage ghost try to get closer to the girl, only to get shot down at every turn and glared at until he stopped his never ending advancements. With the addition of Sabrina, I managed to find a deeper want to continue and push through the narrative. After ten hours, not only did I get to the start of book three of the Rahul saga. While I wasn¡¯t certain if Sabrina would count towards my total of spirits needing to be consoled before they could move on, both Tobias and I found her a welcome addition. Also, this helped improve one of my favorite pastimes, skill grinding. I was working hard on increasing my Narrator, Acting, and Total Recall skills. I figured that having to do so in front of two people should earn double the experience towards these skills, so at the very least my associated attributes would increase at a faster rate. There was also the fact that I was in the spirit realm, so all of my skills should be at an artificially higher level here thanks to my skills related class perk. Needless to say I felt like I was doing better, I never look at the skill growth, that just jinxes it. Instead I just keep focusing on ways to improve on the components of the skill that seem to highlight to me. Taking the William Shatner breath to add dramatic effect, speaking with a full lung of air while giving details of a particularly long fight scene. All of these went towards making me give a slightly better oration of events. Still, this was all exhausting, especially as I was running on fumes near the end. Then I heard it, in all its glory.
Hidden Quest Updated: The Lost Spell Form: You have managed to reconstruct a variant of the spell you were given to analyze. You have found the spell Spirit Mana Potency (P) and managed to learn it completely. Rewards: Experience (Awarded), Hidden Skill (X2) (Already Unlocked), New Spell: Spirit Mana Potency (P). Additional Requirements: Tome must not be lost, damaged, or stolen. Must complete conditions of this quest within 29 Hours, 22 minutes, 06 seconds¡­
Experience Gained: 500. Ding. Level up. You have increased to level 7.
This of course meant that I got +2 Free Points, +1 Dexterity, +1 Appearance, +1 Willpower, leaving me with now 14 Free Points to spend. I almost want to do a minor dump, but again can only add two attributes per day. So I decide to spread the wealth, spending two attributes on each Mental and Physical Attribute, leaving me with two Free points to spare. The minute I feel the surge of energy infusing my body and mind, I am met with a mental timer telling me to find a spot to rest, as these changes will take time.
Physical Adaptation occurring. You must find a safe spot to rest. Time remaining until you pass out from exhaustion: 4:59, 4:58¡­
That was more than enough encouragement for me, as I was beyond exhausted at this point, having pushed myself mentally beyond the threshold of what I could withstand in a single day. When I awoke, I found that the world around me had changed, that or maybe my understanding of the world had increased? My spell was probably one of the most overpowered spells in existence.
Spirit Mana Potency (P): You have unlocked a deeper understanding of your own internal being and have managed to increase your overall mana limit by 25%.
An amazing spell, one that pushed my spirit mana limits back up to over 99%, despite being my fourth passive spell I was set to channel. Honestly I had never heard of such a spell, one that increased mana potency, though it did seem highly focused in that I could only use this power with the spell. Now all I needed were more spells that I could cast other than tearing holes in the veil between the spirit and mortal realms. Of course, all of that was secondary to what I found waiting for myself when I awoke. As it turns out, Sabrina was apparently a social butterfly of the local spirit realm. When I awoke, I found not just her, and not just Tobias, but a whole gathering of spirits. ¡°Um, hello?¡± I asked. ¡°Hello. I know you we''re on book three of your ¡°Rahul and the Maiden¡± series, but would you mind starting over, for us?¡± Sabrina asked. At that, a gathering of nine ghosts, including Tobias or Sabrina, who all seem to be wishing for me to continue. Well not continue, to start over from the very beginning of the series. Sighing reluctantly, I took a mental look at my timer and saw that I still had 22 hours remaining before I needed to turn the book to Ms. Umbra. Realizing I still had time, I focused and with a reluctant sigh, I started over. ¡°Prelude, it was a dark and dreary day¡­¡± As we go on, I give each character a voice and certain inflections that I make sure to keep mental track of, as I go along. Already knowing the course of the entire series, I even know the voice to give the main villain, the one we only hear in whispered conversations in the distance. Sadly, this is almost as fun as robbing the Legrand Airship was, also a lot less dangerous. *** A mere Five and a half hours later, I am finished with book 1 again. Fortunately, these books are not that long, and I can easily describe the runes as detailed in the book, drawing them is a different matter entirely, but speaking to them is relatively easy. The minute I am done, a few of the spirits speak out to me as one. ¡°Thank you.¡± They say, and with that, I hear a chime.
Quest Line Update: Arcanarus University Ghost Cleanser: Arcanarus University has an infestation of spirits who have been unable to move on to the next phase of their existence. You have been tasked with listening to ten spirits, hearing their concerns, and helping them move on to the next realm. Status (3/10). Rewards: Experience, Class Trait.
I pause, realizing that I just went up by two ghosts, even though my gaggle of ghosts were still here. Hmm, never thought I would use the term gaggle of ghosts, but that is apparently where my life has gone. Stolen story; please report. Shrugging to myself, and realizing that the books get increasingly shorter from here on out, at least on the story aspect, the hidden rune lessons end up taking more and more of the book. But that is a side component and one these ghosts don¡¯t seem particularly fond of learning about. Shrugging to myself and realizing I have just over sixteen hours to go before class, I decide to not only try going through the full gambit of stories, but to do so at as fast a pace as possible. Book 2 should be a breeze, as I just did it last night, taking my time to not have to talk to much. Now that I had the motivation of nearing my class quest completion, I decided to push through as quickly as possible. *** After book two, my tracker went to five of ten. After book three, my tracker went to six of ten. Book four I was at seven of ten. Book five I was at eight of ten. Book six I was at nine of ten. Then after book seven, the last in the series, Sabrina and her entire entourage all disappeared. Yeah, I was still at nine of ten, with just Tobias and his stack of seven books remaining. ¡°What is it?¡± I ask the boy. At that, Tobias just lowers his head in shame. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go now. I finally have the series I¡¯ve been dreaming about here, and an entire lifetime to read it.¡± I held up one finger to protest, but then lowered it. I couldn¡¯t really blame him, I mean that did sound like an amazing after life, just sitting around reading all day. ¡°Honestly I would,¡± I begin, but then pause as I realize that is not entirely the case. ¡°No wait, I wouldn¡¯t. You have been given a gift. Your entire series given to you. Now it is time to go on and create your own story. To live out your own fantasy. You have been living in Rahul¡¯s imaginary shadow for too long now. Isn¡¯t it time that you moved on and lived your own adventure?¡± Tobias paused and thought about what I said. There was a moment of silence as he seemed to contemplate everything I had mentioned. ¡°I¡­ I just, I can¡¯t¡­¡± Tobias says, his voice breaking as he clutches the books tightly to his chest. I want to shout at him, to scream at him, to tell him he is being ridiculous, but I can¡¯t. As much as I want to admonish him for wasting my time, he didn¡¯t. I am now just one more odd ghost quest away from being complete. Granted I had to narrate nine stories to get eight ghosts, but that was a fun breaking of the cycle. I also liked the fact that I didn¡¯t have to break the rules and restrictions of Arcanarus University¡¯s Library policies on accessing the restricted section, particularly not for reading about Master Enchanter Rahul. ¡°That¡¯s fine. Well, for what it¡¯s worth. I do have to say thank you.¡± I tell Tobias. ¡°Wait, you aren¡¯t coming back?¡± He asks, a slight tone of loneliness filling his voice. Shaking my head, I reply ¡°no. Though I do have to say thank you. I got to share my love of a good series with not just you, but a whole group of people. For that I am extremely grateful.¡± I pause, as I look at my mental timer. I have five minutes before I need to be at class to do my turn in of the diary. Seeing the timer, I nod to myself then say. ¡°Farewell.¡± With that, I turn my back on Tobias, seeing him raise one hand to try to stop me, but it is already too late. I am already opening a portal to the mortal realm. Going to class, I can¡¯t help but feel the same sense of unease, as I did the other day. It is an odd grading sensation, one where I feel like my back teeth are slightly hollow and causing just enough of a distraction to make it, so I never quite feel at ease. I enter the classroom, with the borrowed tome in hand. As I enter the classroom, I can feel that the wards in the room have been fixed, no not just fixed but improved in some way. I try to look at the runes, and am shocked to see that they now include anti-teleportation runes within them. I guess they either learned from my earlier display or made the runes for me specifically. I instantly shake off the idea of having specific runes set up to block my personal brand of Trait based Teleportation, first that seems excessive, and second why would they want to block me while in a classroom? Shaking my head, I carefully enter the classroom and seeing Ms. Umbra make my way towards her. Holding the still undamaged book up, I move forward to hand it to her. ¡°Oh good, you returned the book on time.¡± Ms. Umbra says, once again generating a second quest completion notification.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Lost Spell Form: You have managed to turn in the diary of a legendary Dark Elf Spirit mage, while also learning her sacred spell. You also managed to turn in the book undamaged and on time, earning yourself additional rewards and the continued ability to stay at Arcanarus University. Rewards: Experience.
Experience Gained: 500. Ding. Level up. You have increased to level 8.
With this level up, I gain not only the same +2 Free Points, +1 Dexterity, +1 Appearance, +1 Willpower that I gain with every level, but I also gained the even level bonuses of +2 Willpower and +1 Intelligence. I now have four free attribute points, but I decide to hang onto them for the moment, particularly as applying them now will almost definitely mean I will have to pass out in class. The last thing I want to do is get caught napping in the class of the vice principal. With the book turned in, I almost expect the nervous tension I had been feeling to dissolve or dissipate slightly, but that is sadly not the case. If anything, the sensation of unease only grows as the class continues. This time the instructor continues. ¡°The Spirit realm is inherently dangerous. Every time one of us enters not only do we risk permanent and everlasting soul damage, but we also will find ourselves surrounded by dozens of hostile ghosts. In fact many scholars have theorized that the spirit realm is a personal prison, or mirror into the personal Hell that awaits us, when we die.¡± Ms. Umbra says. ¡°Last class I had on our spirit mouse trap, but sadly the trap was disabled before class began.¡± Ms. Umbra said, giving a pointed glare towards me, before continuing. ¡°Fortunately, we were able to reset the wards and are now ready to try to catch a wandering spirit.¡± With that she applies power to a few runes that look strangely familiar, and in no time, I feel the electrical thrum of mana circulating around me. ¡°Now we will add the spiritual bait.¡± Ms. Umbra says, once again looking at me and all but daring me to try to take the treat from the trap. I of course don¡¯t bite, but I am tempted as the substance in the vial she has all but screams to me with spiritual energy. ¡°This is condensed spirit mana extract, highly potent and indeed toxic to most of us. It is said that this is the closest we can get to mirroring the effects of the spirit realm here. I am using a special beaker to contain the liquid, making sure to not pour any of the liquid onto my body. I am also using a mask, as the fumes from this substance are also enough to cause severe internal damage if you do not take proper precautions when dealing with this substance.¡± Ms. Umbra says. As she speaks, I can almost feel the call and pull of the energy coming from the bottle. I also try to clamp down on my own personal emotions towards this substance as everyone around me seems to be having the exact opposite reaction as they are all leaning back and away from the open vial. ¡°Now we will just continue our lesson, while we wait for a minor spirit to come through. This is a layered spirit trap and one you will go further into detail on how to construct your own in later classes. But a brief rundown of the wards are, there are dense protective wards on the outside that fend off larger spirits, a channel where only the weakest of spirits will be attracted, then the honey pot layer where our vial of spirit essence is capable of bleeding through the veil to the spirit world and drawing in an unsuspecting spirit that we can then summon and converse with here.¡± Ms. Umbra said. At that, I am at a slight loss for what to expect, as I can¡¯t help but feel that I ruined the first day of class when we would have likely found and summoned a random spirit. Apparently the first few chapters that we were to cover were all related to just understanding spirits. No sooner is the trap on and armed, than I start seeing a ghost begin to make the trek through the narrow tunnel that I found the other day. Of course, I couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for the poor spirit. My familiar Zero, was once again at the far end of the cage, just looking in, but this poor spirit was clearly walking into a trap. The odd thing was the more the spirit moved, the more I couldn¡¯t help but feel that I recognized the spirit in some way. ¡°No, no, no.¡± I said, almost silently to myself as I suddenly realized the shape of the poor weak ghost. A ghost that was clearly carrying a stack of books. ¡°Ah, looks like we have one coming now.¡± Ms. Umbra said, a slight mirth filled tone filling her words. ¡°If you turn on your Spirit Sight, you will be able to see what I am talking about.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± The students who hadn¡¯t kept the channeled spell on did so, and were now treated to seeing Tobias walking forward almost in a dazed state towards the open vial at the center of the classroom. ¡°You will notice that they have an almost sleep walking quality to them. This only works for weaker spirits, but it is something to be aware of. This condensed spirit essence is akin to a spiritual version of an opiate, with believed mild hallucinogenic effects.¡± Ms. Umbra says. As she speaks the silhouette of Tobias takes step by languid step forward, then finally he enters the main chamber. Zztt. There is a flash and discharge of mana, as the entire room lights up for a moment with brilliant streams of mana. At least it lights up to my Angel¡¯s Sight, I am not certain how this looks to everyone else. ¡°There, now we have them.¡± Ms. Umbra says a slightly sadistic smile and tone filling her words. ¡°Now we just summon the wayward spirit.¡± At that, Ms. Umbra enacted multiple different sets of runes. ¡°This first set of runes I am enacting are what is known as the spiritual seal. This is effectively a door that prevents the spirit from being able to escape from our trap.¡± At that, the spell that had hold of Tobias broke and he clearly looked panicked, as he looked about and realized not only was he trapped, but he had no way of getting close to the spiritual catnip that had lured him into this trap in the first place. With that, Ms. Umbra began igniting and applying energy to a second set of runes. ¡°This next one is a spiritual vortex that will create a seal around the spirit allowing us to pull them into this realm with minimal damage to the spirit. Know that this will likely kill the spirit as most spirits cannot last in this state for long, so we will have to make our interaction fairly quick.¡± Badump, badump. At that statement, my heart began to race, as I could only imagine Tobias being burned away slowly because he found himself part of a spirit trap. Whoom. There was a thrum and surge of mana, as Tobias instantly appeared in our realm. ¡°Ahhh!¡± Tobias began to scream as parts of his soul instantly began to burn away due to contact with our plane of existence. ¡°Now class, as you can see. The flaking and boiling away of skin. Just as spirits have this when coming to our realm, we will experience a similar effect when going to the spirit realm.¡± Ms. Umbra said, speaking as casually as if she was talking about the weather, and not burning away the immortal soul of a person. ¡°AHHHHH!¡± Tobias continued to scream out in agonized pain. Seeing that, and realizing that Tobias had only been summoned here to be burned away to a crisp, like a vampire brought to baptismal waters, I acted. Without thinking too much about the process needed, I mentally targeted Tobias and cloaked him with my Death Shroud. Within seconds the flaking away of astral skin stopped, and Tobias who had been crumpling to the ground suddenly stopped and began breathing in deep panting breaths. ¡°Oh my, this is strange¡­¡± Ms. Umbra said. ¡°I wonder what has happened?¡± ¡°What has happened! You ruined my books!¡± Tobias said, holding up his stack of books that seemed to have taken the brunt of the astral damage meant for his body. Panting wildly his eyes started to glow a bright red, as his body began to grow in size as rage clearly began taking control of his body ¡°He¡¯s becoming a specter.¡± Ms. Umbra said, as she began turning on a few more runes, but when nothing happened, she seemed to look around in a panic. ¡°Quickly class, out of the room. I will hold it off¡­¡± Then just those few words, complete pandemonium broke out. Chapter 31 Not Fleeing the Burning Building Chapter 31 Not Fleeing the Burning Building Generally when your magic teacher has a look of panic on their face and suggests that you do something, it is often considered best practice to do as he or she indicates. In this case, the order was to escape the room. Something I could do rather easily, for me, escape was always a top priority, meaning I could, or at the very least I felt I could leave with but a thought. I had multiple ways of escaping, one was of course Teleporting? the second way would be to rip open a hole in the veil and flee to the astral realm, at least until Tobias calmed down. Then the third, well that was just me running out of the classroom tripping and pushing over my fellow students as they were now doing to each other. Honestly the sight of junior future mages of the world tripping and fleeing a classroom in terror would be somewhat comical, if it wasn¡¯t for the overall serious nature of what was going on here. I mean we had the elite of the elite wearing multiple hundred platinum level items. Items that to just own would mean I would have to go around in my nickers, due to my various flaws, and here they were pushing each other down to flee from a the terrible wrath of a spirit that had, up until a moment ago, been completely calm. I wonder if there is something about how much stronger a spirit gets, the closer they are to their spiritual completion point. Basically, does getting closer to achieving their goal that they stayed behind for make them stronger? According to the way Ms. Umbra is acting, I would assume so. She is quickly applying mana to various runes. I can see a few light up, but then ultimately go to the section of the wall that was broken two days ago. I¡¯m not an expert on runes, but I assume that whatever happened to the wall isn¡¯t entirely fixed. ¡°Get out.¡± Ms. Umbra says to me, ¡°I will hold the monster off until it dissolves.¡± I was about to argue with her, to tell her that with my Death Shroud protecting Tobias, he would not be going anywhere. Unfortunately, before I could say anything to that effect. WHOOOM! Tobias used one of his beloved but now holy books, grabbed it with a hand, infused it with a sickening shade of spirit energy then hurled it at the professor. In a second the book went from being corporeal, to an incorporeal state where it was comprised entirely of spirit magic. Seeing the projectile coming from Tobias the Specter¡¯s hands, Ms. Umbra cast a defensive shielding that cast to life a split second before the book would have hit her. Unfortunately, the shield she cast was to block physical attacks. I am not certain if it is an aspect of my Death Shroud that allowed Tobias to make purely spiritual attacks that could manifest in the mortal realm, whether this was just the effect of years or likely centuries of training in combat against living opponents, or what. But at the end of the day, the reasons for why what happened next didn¡¯t matter, all that mattered was what actually happened. In the end, the attack could be summarized as the followings. A powered Specter used a super charged attack on an immobile target that did not dodge, or attempt to get out of the way, only going so far as to put up a token defense that was incorrectly aligned for the danger it faced. Then the unblocked, undodged attack hurled forward and through the spirit of Ms. Umbra doing an irrevocable amount of spirit damage to her in a second. I saw it, the moment her soul got shredded by the burning book attack. Her soul like a densely packed webbing of spider webs was whole and intact one moment, then splintering and wafting away the next. Ms. Umbra dropped to the ground as if her entire body and nervous system had been stopped for a second. In a way, it looked like it had. Holding out his hand, Tobias made a gesture and the book that had burned its way into and through the professor suddenly began returning to his hand. ¡°The professor.¡± A student shouted, this was one of the students who had been close to the exit but had been trampled down by his classmates, and was just now getting to his feet. ¡°Go, get help.¡± I said, ¡°I¡¯ll distract the ghost. I apparently didn¡¯t have to do too much more talking as that last student left then closed the doors, sealing me away in the classroom with the raging Tobias and the unconscious professor. Again, it was so odd to see someone so powerful just taken out by an attack like that. Still, I only had one chance to do this, ¡°Tobias Jermach!¡± I said in my best disapproving motherly tone. After four kids, I had this down to a science. Hearing my words, the specter paused, the intense burning red rage in their eyes slowly fading. I¡¯m not certain how I saw the red, was that a deeper form of spirit magic? Like did it go around the color spectrum from red and then then transfer back to red? Or what? Shaking my head I figured it was likely something to do with the game¡¯s rendering abilities. Trying to add more tension, I mean a completely black shade was one thing, then to have that shade grow with size, malicious intent, and then add in glowing red eyes, that did say a lot. Still all of that had nothing on a mother who raised four unruly teenagers. ¡°You let your book get ruined. But I know what you are missing. Book Seven, Master Enchanter Rahul and the weave of destiny.¡± I said, and as I spoke the cover of the top book, the likely murder weapon of Ms. Umbra, well future murder weapon as Ms. Umbra was still alive right now if barely, the book began to heal itself. Seeing the book reform itself Tobias paused again, staring down at the precious book. ¡°Now open it, so we can see where we are. You know what¡­¡± I say, then Teleport to the other side of the room, to the still open bottle of intense spirits. ¡°Mmmuuhh.¡± Tobias said, his words all muffled from the transformation that he had just gone through. I smelled the nectar and felt a wave of exhilaration going over me. This bottle was either as powerful, or slightly more powerful than the one I had consumed from the spirit world the other day. Apparently, it was enough to get Specter Tobias to come forward and almost demand a whiff. ¡°You want some?¡± I ask, shaking the bottle. ¡°Rahh.¡± Tobias said, growling in affirmation. ¡°Good, now just one second.¡± I said, popping over to the side of Ms. Umbra. Poof. I poured a few drops of the spiritual concoction in her, not enough to kill, but hopefully enough to begin healing some of the spirit damage that had been done. I didn¡¯t know the exact properties of this, but I knew the entire concoction was a spirit¡¯s dream. I also knew from experience that I could take the concoction without too much issue. So, giving a few drops to the professor would not be terrible. Also for the moment, I had Tobias completely calm, as I moved around too quickly for him to focus on me at any one space for too long. The second I let a partial mouthful of the liquid flow into Ms. Umbra¡¯s mouth, I stood up and was next to Tobias. Poof. Tobias turned looking around the room only to find me on his far side. Again, I wasn¡¯t doing anything hostile, I was just disorienting him. ¡°Want a drink?¡± I ask, holding up the vial. Tobias lunged for it, poof. I was now on his back side, and quickly opening a portal back to the spirit world. ¡°Nah-ah-ah. Naughty, come on, lets go home.¡± I say, waving the vial before going with it through the open portal. Tobias seeing me on the other end of the portal just paused for a moment, before charging forward and all but barreling through the portal. Whoom. I was thrown through the air to the ground, landing with a hard thud. My hand had giant claw marks on both sides, as apparently Tobias¡¯ way to get the vial was to try to claw my hand off. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Ahh.¡± I winced in pain, as I spun up and got to my feet. Clink, shatter. The sound of crystal hitting the ground and shattering into hundreds of tiny shards drew my attention back to Tobias. Looking up Specter Tobias had just finished the vial and was clearly growing in strength from having consumed the contents of the vial. Thinking fast, I began speaking and saying the only thing that I knew would work. ¡°Prelude. It had been a long winter. Snow covered the mountain pass, making travel all but impossible. Each day that passed the amount of snow that piled up also seemed to increase. The food had to be rationed and supplies were limited, yet for master enchanter Rahul and the runaway bride, former Princess Elizabeth they were happy¡­¡± I say, getting out the introductory paragraph as quickly as possible. Hearing the words of his belove story come to life, Tobias paused, opening up the book and following along. Each missed word that I spoke suddenly coming back being infused with the energy of not just the potion, but of memory as well. As he held open the page, I stopped dictating the entire story, and instead focused on filling in the missing words. In my mind I was easily able to overlay the burnt text over the real thing and just speak into existence the missing words. Slowly, page by page began to reform until finally book seven was recreated. Then the missing parts of book six, then five and so on. It took hours, but the more I spoke and worked with Tobias, the more his rage filled eyes began to fade. Even his size began to shrink. He was still fused with the energy from the spiritual catnip potion, but he slowly began to shrink down to his normal size. Finally after what must have been hours, the last book was healed and back to mint condition again. ¡°Phew.¡± I say, whipping away some imaginary sweat from my forehead before continuing my internal thought out loud. ¡°I do love that story, but maybe not that much.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± Tobias says, a bit defensively as he clutches his newly healed stack of books to his body. ¡°Look, I¡¯m not knocking them, they are a great series. In fact, I should be thanking you.¡± ¡°Thanking me?¡± ¡°Yeah, I got to share my love of literature if only for a minute. Not just with you, but with a whole group of people. Granted they are now dead and moved on with their afterlives, but they were people that we bonded on a deeply personal level with. On the level of reading.¡± I say. ¡°So, it¡¯s a good thing I didn¡¯t move on?¡± Tobias asks. I shake my head. ¡°Sadly no. Before today, I would have said, you should stay here as long as possible and I would gladly come to visit you. But you were a specter, meaning not only did you give up your chance of achieving your goals, you almost fell completely. I¡¯m not certain what would happen to you if you had completely lost it, if you weren¡¯t able to recover your books, but that was pretty scary. I mean you killed someone. A professor doing nothing more than trying to entrap and burn away a spirit, then selflessly sacrificing themselves so their class can get away to safety. You know what, she might not actually be that blameless in this whole string of events. But the fact still remains, you had a chance out and you stopped it. Now you have the same chance again, and if feels like you are going to once again blow it for some indescribable reason.¡± Hearing that Tobias¡¯ face dropped as his shoulders sagged. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to go on. I mean I finally have friends. I finally felt like I belong. I got all the answers I wanted and more. For the longest time I had been content to just know what happened in the first story, but now I have this, and well it is a lot to take in. Hearing that, I nod in understanding. ¡°I understand. But just because you go on doesn¡¯t mean we stop being friends. I am a Void Walker, you know what that means right?¡± I ask. Hearing that Tobias just shakes his head in a sad gesture. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Well, that sucks, I don¡¯t either.¡± I begin, I had been hoping to get more hidden knowledge out of Tobias, but it seems he is not that type of spirit. Regardless, I continue my speech. ¡°Still, I think it means I can go to any portion of the spirit realm and find everything, even the legendary palaces where all souls who moved on are said to reside. Would you truly deny me that right? To see you resting comfortably in a golden library filled with all the world¡¯s books?¡± I ask. ¡°More books?¡± Tobias asked, but then paused and looked at his stack in his arms. ¡°But I already have all the books I could want.¡± ¡°And you will have them there as well. But who knows maybe volume eight and beyond are already there waiting for you.¡± I pause, then correct myself. ¡°Waiting for us. If you go, I promise I will try to find you.¡± ¡°You mean it?¡± ¡°I do, besides I have a vested interest in finding that area, my parents are there as well. I want to see them, to make sure they are living their best lives as well.¡± Tobias paused, for a second, then nodded to himself. As he did, a golden light began to emanate from him. ¡°Thank you Cassiopeia Spiritlight, may you continue to guide others through the darkness of the void.¡± Then with that, Tobias began to glow brighter and brighter with golden light, until finally he was brighter than the sun. Then in a scene that never ceases to amaze, he grew brighter and then burst into a hue of golden energy and light particles. Once again, I could feel the warmth of yet another soul fusing with me.
Quest Line Complete: Arcanarus University Ghost Cleanser: Arcanarus University has an infestation of spirits who have been unable to move on to the next phase of their existence. You were tasked with listening to ten spirits, hearing their concerns, and helping them move on to the next realm. While multiple ghosts have been able to move on thanks to you, many more remain. Status (10/10). Rewards: Experience, Class Trait: Spiritual Doppelganger. Experience Gained: 500.
Spiritual Doppelganger: Your body and soul have been forever marked by the bodies and lives you have touched on a deeply personal level. With this, trait you can take on the form of any spirit you have helped move onto the afterlife. Maximum number of personalities you can duplicate (10/100).
I was sort of floored by the idea that getting ten ghosts to move on to the afterlife was not more than 500 experience, but I stopped myself. I spent the experience on the Class Trait, and that class trait was amazing, Spiritual Doppelganger, that meant that I could effectively take on the form of any spirit. I know I at least had Octavia the elven princess, then there was Sabrina Bane, who was, well I am still a little confused as to what race she was. Then there was Tobias and a few others males if I ever needed to pass myself off as a male student. Needless to say, this was a perfect infiltration power, I could pose as anyone and so long as I was believable get away with it. The ghosts here at the university were nearly perfect as no one would know or remember them outside of these walls, meaning the more I helped everyone, the more disguises I could use in the future. I could still help out 90 more ghosts and get a disguise for each of them, this was almost perfect. Realizing the class trait and its seemingly endless uses I was so exceptionally happy that I chose to go the hardest route, of gaining a class trait. Sure, I could have likely been well into my mid-teen levels, but this was a chance to establish a baseline that would help me survive the higher levels. As it was now, I was both protected and hindered by a lot of game mechanics and rules. I couldn¡¯t be directly targeted by a level 1,000 King. My being a level 8 Void Walker would mean nothing. Instead, the 1,000 king rules level 900 guards who rule level 800 guards and so on, until there are level 50 guards who oversee level 25 guards who act on behalf of the king and make my life miserable. This is all to say that normally the world is scaled, and that if I want to survive my antics I need to be able to go toe to toe with a level 25 guard and survive a hit, or my personal favorite approach avoid combat entirely through misdirection. Also, don¡¯t get the system wrong, if you are attacked by and kill a level 25 guard, the level 50 guard can then act on their subordinate¡¯s behalf, then the level 100 guard can act on behalf of the level 50 guard and so on. So there are deterrents for killing higher level guards, which again is why I am focused entirely on the process of avoiding hits and attention entirely. I am about to call it a day, when I see a last flashing light that all but demands my attention. Focusing my mind of the final system prompt, I am almost floored.
Hidden Quest Complete: Surname Unlocked: Most people gain a surname either through deeds or titles, or both. You happen to be the former. Through your efforts to help shuffle spirits off into the realms beyond, you have garnered a reputation as a beacon of light for spirits, which is now reflected in your surname: Spiritlight. Rewards: Experience, Surname (with bonus effects).
Experience Gained: 500. Ding. Level up. You have increased to level 9.
Names have power: Surnames doubly so. Your surname of Spiritlight will give you an automatic 10% boost in all social interactions with spirits. Even spirits that are normally hostile will at the very least appear neutral to you, so long as you do not do anything to attack or anger the spirit.
With the level up, I could feel a surge of energy coming to me. I also knew that I was now a level away from a crossroads of sorts. Next level was my last class perk for a while, it would also mark one of the times when I would be able to change the molding of how my class would forever be seen and viewed by others. Of course, I would get the shot at another class perk or spell, but I could also push for a legendary class quest that would help me cement my class as one of the all-time great classes. Still, this was a lot for a day. Only now did I realize that my hand was still clawed up from Specter Tobias¡¯ claws as he reached for the vial I had been holding to lure him away. I could feel my Regeneration working slowly, but it seemed that this was mostly considered spirit damage, which was on a whole different level than mere physical damage, which reminded me of Ms. Umbra. Using my still channeled Spirit Sight, I looked around and saw Ms. Umbra was still unconscious and alone in the classroom. Seeing that she was still down, I cut my way over to her, and picked her up. I must have seemed like an odd appearance, my small thirteen-year-old body picking up a tall skinny adult. Fortunately this game worked on in game logic, and attributes and not true physics, meaning that my strength of 47 after my bonuses and recent improvements meant that I was able to lift over 940 lbs easily, which meant the unconscious professor was easy to lift. With her in my arms I attempted to teleport out of the classroom. Poof. Pow. Wham. At least I attempted to teleport out, but found that I had crashed into a literal warded wall. Looking at the wall, I could see that many new runes were created, and I saw the rune that seemed to specifically target me and my Trait based magical Teleportation, this was a new development, alarm bells were suddenly going through my mind as to why the professor would create such runes directed solely at me. Just as I am pondering this trail of events, a horde of guards come in. Wham. I notice their forms as being the same tall silhouette that elves have, looking at the long form of Ms. Umbra it is hard to imagine her as being anything other than an elf, only her long flowing robes made her lithe body hard to determine. Still it was clear that she was both an elf, and if what I had been told was accurate, she was clearly a dark elf. Also these elven guards who came bursting into the room also had the form of tall elves, but the magic they had was spirit and dark magic combined. Now not to go with stereotypes, but I don¡¯t know many self-respecting high elves or wood elves that use spirit and dark magic, let alone have it flashing as a first response. Seeing the guards, and the runes, a thought comes to mind. This was a setup. The whole thing, sending me on a nearly impossible quest where I had to prove myself by understanding the ancient diary of a dark elf matriarch. The wards specifically designed to keep me in this classroom. Everything. It had all been designed to keep me trapped here. Fortunately the door and the section of the section of the classroom that had stopped my progress was slightly hidden from the guards who were charging forward to the center of the room to see where the residual magical resonance still lingered. Realizing I only had seconds, I realized I had two options. The first was to go into the spirit realm alone and try to get out from there. Or the second, was to take a hostage with me into the spirit realm. Moving my hand quickly I carved open a portal and moved. ¡°Over there!¡± A guard shouted, my magic apparently being enough to spark his awareness. Realizing, I had to move I darted through the portal, using the professor¡¯s body as a shield between me and any incoming projectiles. Thump, thump, thump. Apparently, using the professor as a meat shield had ben the right course of action, as she was instantly pelted with multiple projectiles. As soon as we are through, I see the effects of the spirit world slowly burning away her mortal shell. I could just leave her here, and let her rot the same way she would have done to Tobias, but I can¡¯t. Even unconscious the entire thing looks painful. Focusing on her, I use my now freed up Death Shroud on her. With Tobias now gone, I am once again able to coat two people or spirits. With the immediate danger taken care of I drop the dying body of the professor and let out a long sigh. Then looking at her body, I realize I am likely going to have to do a lot, to save the life of the professor, the professor who literally created a trap to capture me. With her here, I feel that growing sense of unease come back, and suddenly I wonder, if she was what my Danger Sense was trying to warn me about all this time. Chapter 32 Sometimes You Just Have to Sit back and Watch Justice Happen Chapter 32 Sometimes You Just Have to Sit back and Watch Justice Happen Now I have never been too big on Karma, as a thief getting into the Karma game is a bad business. That said, there are certain things that go beyond day to day Karma, somethings that mark your soul for all eternity. When those events happen, they leave an ugly mark that apparently even shines in the spirit world. Ms. Umbra was unconscious, but more then that her soul was pulsing brightly. I could almost imagine that pulsing being the pulses of Karma pulling slain enemies forward from the depths of time and space. I almost imagine it being a beacon in the darkness, one that summons for enemies that you have wronged throughout your life. Enemies that would have a deep cosmic tie to stick around and ensure you died horribly. Seeing the pulses, quite a few strands shot off out infinitely wide into the ether, until they seemingly struck a target and then pulled. No less than a dozen of these threads shot out, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of danger. Not for me directly, but for the unconscious form on the ground. Then almost in direct reply to my thoughts on this being linked to Karma, I am met with a system message.
New Skill Gained: Insight has increased to level 1. Insight is a Perception and Intelligence based skill.
That was it, but enough of a sign to point that I was heading in the right direction with my thoughts on this being linked to Karma in some way. Seeing the strands, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight sense of danger and malice coming. This wasn¡¯t the type of malice one would have from being short changed on a deal, getting out played at cards, or many other reasons for revenge. This seemed to be the deep Karmic threads that are born from the act of killing. Seeing the threads, I realized I likely needed to move quickly to awaken the professor. I still had questions and felt that I could still get them, so long as three things happened. First, I needed to stay here in the spirit realm as this was clearly a place where I held power. Second, the professor while needing to awaken, didn¡¯t need much else. Third, I needed to make sure that whatever was coming was not going to kill her before I got my answers. With those three points in mind, I began tending to the wounds that the professor got while exiting. Darts, literal darts with big fluffy ends and everything stuck out from the side of the vice principal. I pulled on and looked at it and couldn¡¯t see much. There wasn¡¯t a glow or trail of magic on the dart tip. Well, there was the faint glow of magic, but it was from the blood of the professor that now coated the dart. ¡°Aye, that¡¯s deep sleeping poison.¡± A voice calls out from behind me. Hearing the voice and the menacing vibe that seems to be radiating from the spirit behind me, I pause. Holding up both my hands I turn to face the speaker. ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Hello there.¡± The speaker says in a friendly tone that lets me think of a slight accent. ¡°Can I ask what you are doing over the body of the professor?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not what it looks like¡­¡± ¡°It looks like you are trying to take out the darts laced with a sleeping poison from the professor.¡± The obviously high-level spirit states. I mean I am terrible at this, but the spirit¡¯s relative level of strength is far greater than my own, of that I am certain. ¡°Oh, well. In that case, yes, it is exactly what it looks like.¡± ¡°Can I ask why you would be doing such a thing?¡± I pause, not quite knowing how best to answer this question. I know judging by the bonds that drew this spirit here so quickly that they likely have a vested interest in killing the good professor, but can I be absolutely certain of that? I mean, did she have a guardian spirit? You know what, the odds of that seem slim, especially with the way she was clearly willing to summon and burn away spirits. Realizing that, I decide to tell the truth. ¡°I really just had a few questions for her. She had me in a setup, specialty wards set up so I couldn¡¯t escape and everything. My only real concern is, how much has she done and do I need to leave the University.¡± I say, effectively detailing my few main questions I had left. ¡°So she set you up too?¡± The voice says. Tingle. ¡°What is this about a set up? Oh, and if it isn¡¯t the ever-vindictive Jacquelinne Umbra.¡± A second voice says, appear right out of nowhere, right by us. ¡°Jacquelinne?¡± I repeat, staring down at the old dark elf and realizing that was a terrible name for her. ¡°You are wrong, her first name is Lillian.¡± The first spirit said. Poof. There is an influx of energy as another one of the cords snaps shut, revealing a third spirit in its place. ¡°Ah, my dear sweet Bethany Umbra, how my daggers have missed you.¡± The third spirit says, as he quickly produces two daggers out of nowhere. At this, I take a step back from the body, making sure to drop the poisoned dart. Whatever this is, if this is some type of black widow convention of all former lovers of the professor coming to exact revenge or what I don¡¯t know. All I do know is that there is a lot of malicious intent being bandied about that seems to radiate off of these spirits in waves.
New Skill Gained: Emotional Insight has increased to level 1. Emotional Insight is a Personality, Sociability, and Perception based skill.
That message was enough to let me know that I was in fact onto something when I realized that these emotions the spirits all had were all but palpable to my senses. Poof. A fourth spirit appeared, this one seeming to radiate power and malice in equal measures. ¡°And what do we have here?¡± A female voice calls out, this one all but drips with honey and venom at the body of the unconscious professor. There is a wave of spiritual energy that surges out from the overpowering form of the new female, that I think is an elf, and more than likely a dark elf. Gasp. ¡°GGHUHHH.¡± Professor Umbra lurches up, as air is seemingly forced into her lungs by magic. Panicking she looks around to see us all gathered around staring at her. Zero is beside me, wrapping herself around me as she stares off at the professor. ¡°What is this¡­¡± Umbra begins, but is quickly cut off. ¡°I could ask you the same thing. Here I was expecting to have to wait for the moment of my vengeance, but here it is you are served up on a silver plate for me.¡± The female says, her voice both enchanting and frightening in equal measures. ¡°Mother?¡± Professor Umbra asks. ¡°That is right, did you miss me, Petra?¡± ¡°Petra?¡± The three males chorus, having also listened into the byplay between the two. ¡°What, what is this?¡± Vice Principal, and class professor Petra Umbra asks, looking around wildly. As she moves, she feels the tug and slight pull of resistance from the two-remaining darts in her side. Seeing the darts, she pulls them out and examines them for a moment, before having her eyes scan around wildly and finally lock onto me from well behind the group of angry ghosts. Seeing me, Petra hisses out with venom clear in voice. ¡°You.¡± If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. At that the other four ghosts that have been summoned here all turn to me. ¡°Yes, we have to ask, how do you play into all of this?¡± The most powerful of the spirits presents, the mother, asks shifting her gaze and stance slightly to engulf me. ¡°I have to say, that you are clearly alive, but for some reason I don¡¯t feel the inherent need to rip your soul from your mortal shell and eat it raw for all its power.¡± This is all done as she saunters her way forward to truly look at me, or as a way to grab ahold of me easier. I don¡¯t exactly know which. I just pause, as I stare at her, while she stares back at me. I¡¯d like to say I did this out of bravery, but that would be a lie. Here in this moment, I was going through a myriad of different options in my head of what I could do, and everyone of them ended up with me dying. After a second the ancient elven spirit twists her coldly malicious face as if trying to peer deep into my soul, before speaking. ¡°You are Shade Touched, and yet your soul is not tainted as one who is shade touched should be.¡± She then paused as her eyes seemed to go deep into my body, then she jerked back with surprise. ¡°You managed to unlock my secret?¡± The elf said, as she turned from me to Petra who had been slowly trying to slip away from the people that were spell bound watching me and this unfathomably powerful monster interact. And she was a monster, one from the deepest pits of the void. A monster who apparently had strong Karmic ties to her daughter Petra. ¡°You let the family secret of Spirit Mana Potency go to an outsider?¡± She says, before lashing out violently with a ball of highly condensed spirit mana. Oof. The spell hit Petra¡¯s shoulder, then spiraled through and behind her causing the formerly assassinated spirits that had been behind her to jump out of the way as well. Silent screams. I don¡¯t know what was more horrifying, the complete look of pain on Petra¡¯s face, or the fact that her voice has been seemingly removed, as an apparent side effect from her mother¡¯s attack. An attack that seems like it might be justified given the amount of malice and contempt that the mother seems to have rolling off her in waves. ¡°Stay down. Unless I need to demonstrate what happens when you attempt to defy me. There will be no poisoning my well or killing me in my sleep this time.¡± The mother says, and with that I felt a slight chill run down my back. For the moment I was safe, as the mother seemed to not be enraged by my presence. I could almost feel her contempt for the other ghosts present, and particularly her daughter. Oddly Zero wasn¡¯t around, mentally I scanned the area looking for him, but he was well and truly hidden from this monster. Not that I blamed him, had the events been turned I feel that I would also be trying to avoid the situation he found himself in, but for the moment that meant it was just me here alone with my wits. I knew I could likely rip a hole in reality and escape, but that would take time to go through, time I was fairly certain I didn¡¯t have. Also, if I ran, it would all but assure that this monster would be waiting to ambush me the moment I reentered the spirit realm. With her threat, Petra who had been whimpering, regained control of her mind as she at least stopped heaving like she was screaming. Instead, now her body just trembled as she stared on in fear at her mother. Her mother seeing this change in Petra¡¯s demeanor nodded to herself and let a malicious smile fill her face. ¡°Yes, now you seem to understand. Don¡¯t worry, I will get to you in time.¡± She said. Then turning her attention back to me, she stared once more and I could almost feel the pressure of foreign mana pressing against my body. With but a slight pulse of the power she used a moment ago on her daughter, this monster could rip my entire spirit apart to shreds. Staring at me, she also nodded to herself. ¡°You did well. You saw the design flaw that nearly crippled Petra here, and you managed to make it your own.¡± Hearing that, I remember the diary that I had been learning from, the ones with the second more deft hand that came behind and marked through symbols and designs. ¡°Dextrocardia.¡± I said, as I nodded. ¡°Dextro what?¡± The mother asked. ¡°Dextrocardia, your heart is on the right side of your body. Meaning you had to rework all your spells to compensate for your abnormality.¡± I say, feeling the tension lessen slightly as the mother leaned back to look at me. ¡°It must have been tough. Honestly, I don¡¯t know if I could have done the same, if I were in your shoes.¡± I begin. ¡°But you did¡­¡± The mother said, a coy look on her face. She knew I was flattering her, but she liked it all the same. ¡°I did, but I only followed your footsteps. I followed the path you laid out for me.¡± I paused, as I realized something, ¡°I mean, the path you laid out for her.¡± I say, pointing to Petra. ¡°YES!¡± At this revelation the mother snarls her answer. ¡°Yes, all I wanted was for her to live up to a smidge of her potential.¡± ¡°But she wasn¡¯t shade touched,¡± I say, speaking facts. ¡°No she wasn¡¯t, which meant if she wanted to rule, she would have to try twice as hard as me. As us. She wouldn¡¯t be able to just steal the power of her slain foes the way we can.¡± At that I paused. ¡°What?¡± The mother paused, an amused smile on her face. ¡°You don¡¯t know? Haven¡¯t you been indoctrinated yet?¡± I shake my head. At this, the mother turned towards Petra. ¡°What is the meaning of this? Have you lost all semblance of the code, since you ran away and secluded yourself in this prison? Did you think these walls would protect you from the wrath?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s what this was. She was to be captured. I gave her the book as a decoy, knowing that if I made it so she had to return the book at a specific time I could set a trap for her.¡± Petra says, climbing to her feet and apparently no longer suffering from the silencing effect that had plagued her a moment ago. I¡¯m wondering if it is an at will thing that the mother can do, some type of silencing Trait or a spell? That might be an antiquated way of dealing with casters, though silence spells are generally ineffective at lower levels, mainly because all lower level spells are easier to picture in your mind as they are generally a concept. Though thinking about it, having the ability to silence someone just might be good. As a mother I could fully get behind having an ability that would cause the kids to be silent for a moment. Inflicting pain to my kids, was a bit much, but the silencing ward, that was something I could fully get behind. ¡°I have say, that is a pretty nice trick.¡± I say, distracting the mother away from Petra and her betrayal of me. ¡°What was?¡± The mother asks, seemingly intrigued by me. ¡°The whole silencing thing. As a parent that has to be handy.¡± I say, gesturing back to Petra. ¡°The ability to just stare at them and get them to remain quiet, that has to be something. Was that a spell?¡± I ask. Chuckle. The old elf chuckles in a manner that is both frightening and seductive. I almost feel myself being drawn in by her laugh and I don¡¯t have any inclination that way. The males that were surrounding Petra also seem to be taken in by the mirthful laugh, as they seem to have a slightly glazed look come over their faces as they stare at the mother. ¡°No, my dear. That is not a spell. It was a Trait that I had to barter for.¡± ¡°You can barter for Traits?¡± ¡°Oh my dear, you can barter for just about anything, if you are willing to get your hands a little dirty.¡± The mother said, as she held up her hands and I could see black pulsing lines that appeared within her. Black pulsing lines that screamed of corruption and violence. Chuckle. ¡°Oh my dear, you have a lot to learn if you are frightened by the mere sight of my hands. No, rather than being frightened of my hands, you should be frightened of what I did to make my hands appear to be so.¡± At that, there was a look of challenge in her stare. It was the face that all but dared me to ask, to push my understanding of this world and its dark corners just that much further. And like a sucker, I was drawn in to ask. ¡°What did you do?¡± ¡°THIS!¡± She said, then she was gone. Or at least that was the way she appeared at first, darting and dancing between the different male guards who had been holding Petra in place during this whole conversation. I watched as she would disappear one second, only to reappear the next, her hand slicing through the chest of one of Petra¡¯s former assassinations. The second her hand was through, the spirit began to crumble to ash, as a bright ball of energy filled her hand. Taking the balled up energy she opened her mouth and smiled wide as she placed the ball inside her mouth and swallowed like it was some oversized hors d¡¯oeuvre. The minute the spirit was swallowed a swell of energy engulfed the ancient spirit, as bands of karma shot out from her off into the void. ¡°Now I will show you what it truly means to be a Shade Touched. This is why our kind are so revered, this is why we are put through such tortures and training. So we can do what must be done to unlock our true power.¡± The matriarch said, as she then appeared behind the second lover, once again ripping her hand through his chest. The third apparently being fairly intelligent tried to run. Cackle. Of course, the running only caused the mother spirit to think of this as a game, one that she apparently delighted in. As she ran down the third guard just as quickly. With both her hands now full of balled up spiritual essences she smiled. Petra used this moment to get up and try to flee herself. There was just one major problem with her trying to escape, namely the fact that she ran away from me. Though I guess when fear has that big of a hold over you, logic is secondary to escaping. The mother turned, now almost completely feral with a lust for power as she put both glowing balls into one hand, then charged forward to strike down the fleeing prey before her. Her mind too far gone to realize that the target she was stalking after was her own daughter. Poof. The mother disappeared and then reappeared right before Petra. At that moment, I realized how the mother was able to move around so quickly. She was Teleporting, likely doing the same type of Teleporting that I used. Suddenly a few more pieces fell into place, Petra being aware of not only my ability to Teleport, but a way to prevent it. Did this mean that all Shade Touched dark elves could Teleport? Meaning that by my taking it and not assigning myself a race, I all but guaranteed this starting race and racial characteristic? Also, a slightly more troubling thought was the fact that should I ever be challenged by a Shade Touched princess, I would be going up against a fellow Teleporter, meaning that most of my escape plans would be mute. These thoughts and more filled my mind, all of these thoughts were ultimately distractions of course. These were all just thoughts trying to keep me from realizing the true horror before me. The fact that this mother was killing her child and then consuming her spirit energy whole. Of course, in a way it was sort of karmic justice, as the daughter clearly killed her mother. Now it all came back full circle. Munch. Three more balls of spirit energy entered the monster¡¯s mouth. Followed shortly by three more sets of karmic bands that lashed out into the ether. Each band summoning forth four more spirits for a total of twelve spirits. The mother was feral at this point, nearly mad with the lust and lure for power. RARRR! She lashed out and snarled at the ghosts that appeared. At this point, I found Zero, coming just to the edge of my vision and gesturing for me to go to them with their claws. Seeing the fact that my familiar finally decided to show up and help, I listened, and found myself slinking away. I didn¡¯t want to draw the feral monsters attention by Teleporting, as I had no doubt that they could not only track me as I could them, but they were also much better at Teleporting than I was. Instead I backed away slowly, never keeping my eyes, as dead as they were, off of the monster. This way I wasn¡¯t retreating, I was just getting more distance. I worked my way back through different corridors and passage ways, until finally I was next to Zero. ¡°A lot of help you were.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have your Spiritlight, I would have been targeted and eaten just as easily as those others.¡± Zero said. At that I paused, and wondered if my last name was really enough to keep me from being slaughtered right now. It did put me at Neutral with all spirits, which likely was why the mother was so intent on studying me. ¡°What should we do?¡± I ask after a few seconds. Zero just shook their long snout of a head and spoke, ¡°nothing. We just need to get back and try to avoid the spill out.¡± ¡°Spill out?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, the Matriarch is getting too powerful too quickly. Her spiritual body will soon no longer be able to contain the pressure.¡± ¡°What happens then?¡± I ask, suddenly feeling like something big was going to happen. ¡°You¡¯ve heard of the blighted lands?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Well, you are about to see how they begin.¡± Then almost as if on cue, the matriarch swallowed the twelfth and final soul present, still more bands of karma were sewn, but it was too much. Then in an instant a surge of fiery rage filled energy fire out, coating the land and everyone present. Even from this distance I can feel the burning tang of acid coating me, this is a far different effect than what I previously experienced with the other souls going along in a burst of golden brilliance. This time, there is a painful burn associated with the soul remnant, but at the same time I am met with a system message.
Spiritual Doppelganger limit increased (11/100).
Before I even have time to think about this, Zero cuts into my thoughts with their own advice, ¡°I think we should go.¡± Hearing that, I look to see that the spirit realm of the university is suddenly growing wild with broken and charred earth. The mirrored building that we are in begins to crumble to dust around us and only begins to spread out in a circle of destruction from the Shade Touched Matron¡¯s spirit. Or at least the dark silhouette that marks where she erupted. Seeing that, I can¡¯t help but agree. ¡°Yeah, perhaps we should.¡± I say, quickly opening a hole and gesturing for Zero to follow me. Of course, Zero always has one of my Death Shroud spots permanently taken, meaning that when they come over to the mortal plane they are not affected by the damage the world normally inflicts upon spirits who get a little too curious with their investigation of other realms. Of course, this was just the start of the type of fallout we would have to deal with. Epilogue I Epilogue I Jackie Cruise had been at home when the holo-vid call came. Even now, she still had to sit down and look at the recent call listing to see if the call had been legitimate. A few seconds later a contractual email was sent to her, letting her know that no, it was not a prank. Contract Form and Non-Disclosure Agreement with Tri-Random-Star Audio. ¡°They want to use mother¡¯s voice as the audio visual story telling of the computer generated series, ¡®Rahul and the Maiden I ¨C VII.¡¯¡± Jackie said, still reading the contract and trying to understand how life had gotten here. Apparently since she had no real legal claims to her image and likeness, that benefit went to the sole executor of her will, which so happened to be Jackie. This was a lot of money, and it was going to her, but she had no real commitments, not truly. Then she remembered her grandchildren. Ring. A few seconds later, Tammie, her eldest and mother of two children about to enter University answered. ¡°Momma, everything okay?¡± Hearing that Jackie nodded. ¡°Yeah, I know it has been a while since we last spoke.¡± Tammie just nodded, it had been. ¡°Sorry, I just¡­¡± Tammie began but Jackie just shook her head and cut her off. ¡°No, I am just as much to blame for this. Still, I know the twins are getting ready to go to University?¡± Tammie said, ¡°yeah, they lost their scholarships, but they will still go.¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Hearing that Jackie just nodded that was the way of things now. Money drying up all over the place, while the costs of certain necessities kept rising. ¡°Well, it seems like Grandma came through again.¡± ¡°Oh, the estate is finally cleared up?¡± At that Jackie grimaced angrily, ¡°no, your uncle Rob is still not giving up his claims to it, but there is another source of revenue that we now have access to. Apparently, your grandmother has taken on a career as a professional narrator for dirty adventuring stories.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°It¡¯s true. She has not only memorized seven complete tomes but has been recorded reading all of them out loud to a book club.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes, apparently she did so well with her reading of the random stories the AI of the world generate that they changed up her entire class quest line for it. Just to get her to read all seven books.¡± Jackie paused, before continuing with the next part, ¡°and she did.¡± ¡°What? No way? Gramma who said it was inappropriate for me to read ¡®Fifty Shades of Tungsten?¡¯¡± ¡°The very same one.¡± Laughter. The two started laughing at the antics of their grandmother who seems to at times be both too serious, and too impetus for her age at the same time. ¡°So she is still alive?¡± Tammie finally asked. ¡°Somehow, yeah.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t she get lost in that prissy magic school?¡± ¡°She did, in fact that is where this recording happened.¡± Jackie explained. ¡°Wow, we are so not telling the boys about this development. If they knew that Grandma who was paying for their ride just went there to read and perform smutty novels to her friends, wait, how does that even work?¡± Tamie asked. ¡°You know. I don¡¯t really know. Somehow it is grandma though, through and through. Put her in a world where she has to kill to level up and gain power and she goes complete pacifist.¡± ¡°Yeah, why is that?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, something about being able to feel the ghosts of those monsters she killed.¡± ¡°Likely scared her. Though if you have to stop after killing one monster, stopping after killing a behemoth and dropping an entire sky island to the ocean below.¡± ¡°Or that time when she almost sparked a war with Legrand.¡± ¡°Oh, you know that happened right?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Yeah, that war between the Maltese empire and Legrand happened. It has only been a few minor skirmishes so far, but it will soon intensify.¡± ¡°Huh. Wow, you know ever since grandmother went dark, I stopped paying attention to Maltese entirely. Do you think she will go back?¡± ¡°Probably, I mean she does have a lot of leeway there.¡± ¡°Huh, wow.¡± A pregnant pause filled the air. ¡°Thanks for calling mom.¡± ¡°Yeah, I should probably get going. I will let you know more when the royalties come in. But seeing as I am the source of this, I figured the income would go to the boys. I think that¡¯s what she would want most.¡± ¡°Thank you. I think I will have the boys write her a thank you card at the very least.¡± ¡°I think she¡¯d like that. Which reminds me, I should probably do the same. Wouldn¡¯t want her to think that we forgot her.¡± ¡°No, though I do hope she learns to relax a little.¡± ¡°This is her retirement, now she can finally do all the things she always dreamed about.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think she ever dreamed about diving out of a burning war blimp as if traverses your nation while trying to go to a second nation.¡± ¡°Yeah, shame that an apparently experimental Trait and Elixir were listed as part of the damages.¡± ¡°Yes, it is.¡± ¡°Actually, there is one question I have for you.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Are you thinking about joining her?¡± Prelude II Prelude II A howling gale flooded the hallways of Arcanarus University, in a moment what had been a place of untold training and magical glory imploded on itself. Hundreds of students perished overnight, while hundreds more went missing in the spirit tower that erupted on its campus, the first ever spirit tower recorded in Biprism. ¡°Everyone knows the rewards that come from being the first to conquer a tower; new spells, new skills, if your class is exactly suited for the tower in question then you could look at a class evolution or more. The sky is the limit for what a new tower offers, just being the first regressor to enter will earn us a delving title, one that is based on how long it takes others to enter the tower.¡± Mannis, the leader of the Regressor Kingdom guild, a guild as the title might explain is entirely built by and for regressors. ¡°That¡¯s just the problem, ¡®aint it?¡± Vinny began, ¡°how do we even get into Arcanarus University to begin with?¡± ¡°Simple, we fight our way in.¡± ¡°Fight our way in? Like with guns and mechanoid suits?¡± ¡°Exactly, Vinny, together, we can be gods. Stealing lost tomes of knowledge and secrets of the newly spawned tower, we will live like kings.¡± ¡°Uh, don¡¯t we have to survive that first?¡± Doxton said, who despite the way his orcish character sounded while speaking the common tongue was actually quite intelligent. Of the three main leaders of the Regressor Kingdom, Doxton likely had the most to gain from raiding Arcanarus University, as he always prided himself on his spell theory and knowledge of how to form spells. While he had never quite learned the Spell Creation skill, he knew he was close and knew that searching the right tomes in the library would likely allow him the insights he had so desperately been looking for. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡°We, do, but the tower is new. Right now, it is still building up and if we enter the tower will be based on the average level of the first group that enters. Meaning if we want it to be based around us, we should enter as quickly as possible, lest it be designed for someone else entirely.¡± Mannis said, citing the world lore as if he were reading it from a book. Mannis¡¯ class also benefited from a high intelligence, but he was a Hybrid Infuser, one who crafted peak end mechanoid suits, then powered them with magical spells and effects. He was one who prized himself on being near peak at two different but equally robust disciplines. For him going into the ultimate magical academy in the world would be like raiding the world bank, and the hidden temples of Egypt all at once. Untold fortunes and power awaited him, if he but reached out to grasp what was right before him. ¡°So when do we go?¡± Vinny asked. ¡°We? You need to stay here. I will be taking an expeditionary force to Arcanarus first.¡± ¡°Ah, come on.¡± ¡°No, Vinney, he is right. You are too low of a level to do anything but lower our reward for reaching the end.¡± Doxton chided. At that Vinny reluctantly nodded. He had taken the slow and methodical road to leveling, which put him at far less risk of danger, but also meant that key moments like this were forever lost to him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will reward you with a quest to keep the guild up and operating in my absence.¡± Mannis said. At that Vinny nodded, it wasn¡¯t much, but it would be a way of earning some passive experience while the rest of the elites were out exploring the new zone that opened up. ¡°Question, if it is a tower, how does that work?¡± ¡°A tower is potentially infinite. Going up to ten times the number of floors the original entrant climbs. Each level will gradually increase in difficulty starting with being equal in level to the tower climber when they first enter, then increasing in difficulty by 1% each level, until one of three things happens. First the explorer turns back due to lack of rations, two they find a safe jump spot and get teleported back to the beginning, or three what is most common, they die.¡± Mannis said. ¡°Ah, but how far can you truly go inside a spirit tower? Won¡¯t it sort of be wasted on you?¡± ¡°Vinny, that hurts, but you aren¡¯t wrong. I have a few healing salves that should help, but mostly I expect our diamondized spirit-fused suites to keep us protected.¡± At that Vinny nodded, ¡°I guess I just have one last question then.¡± ¡°Go on?¡± ¡°Where exactly is Arcanarus University?¡± Chapter 33 The Tower From Nowhere Chapter 33 The Tower From Nowhere Zones rise and fall all the time in the world of Biprism. That is the great thing about this world, something that I truly love about this place. The thought that your actions, great, small, or indifferent can bring about wide sweeping changes to the world you walk upon. The fact that just sitting back and watching a giant shadow spirit gorge themselves on power can create a plague that then molds itself with the overly abundant energy of the numerous mages of Acranarus University and form a world where unfathomable monsters can dwell. I had heard and read about this, zones like Arcanarus University were often made, only to be torn down years later. The idea was that while the world was constantly evolving, growing and changing, certain core zones needed to be reforged constantly, until they met a certain need. From a system resource standpoint this constant changing of environments made sense. If a system was sitting idly, but required a lot of resources to be portioned off, in the unlikely event that they would be used, the zone was a waste. Also, from a content generation standpoint these changes made sense. Arcanarus University had been created as the one time pinnacle of magic creation and theory. Yet, it had been so hard to enter, and the fact that the entire zone was a media dead zone made it so understanding what happened here was nearly impossible. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel slightly let down, I was still missing the one skill that this entire university was allegedly founded upon. The skill that would all but guarantee a degree and a cushy career path for the rest of my life. Particularly if I ever decided to settle down and just remain stationary for a time. Of course, now that my knees worked again and I had seemingly boundless energy I had no intention whatsoever of slowing down or stopping. In fact, I wanted to make the most of this time while I could. I was in a dark elf body, which meant I was likely going to do something stupid enough to perish far before my exceptionally long lifespan will come to an end. In fact, it is estimated that most elves either die early, or have the slowest progression rate. Why the slowest progression rate? Simple, we live forever and therefore don¡¯t need to push ourselves quite so far. I guess I could fall in this latter category, as my growth rate could be considered quite slow, especially for a regressor. From a character standpoint I could still be considered a prodigy, level 9, and 500 experience away from being level 10 with a unique class and my second class evolution perk available. I think all of this, while the world transforms around me. Ghosts, students, and faculty alike all cry out in pain as the world around me shifts back and forth from the spirit realm to the mortal realm and back. Constantly a thousand times over. Charred skin and flesh burn and rot away from everyone around me. It is a sickening sensation, one where I feel a constant wave of vertigo washing over me due to the constant shifting between planes of existence. Of everyone present, only Zero my miniature dragon familiar, and I are immune. The only reason I can think of our immunity is my unique class ability Death Shroud that covers me and up to two others of my choosing. I just so happen to always keep one slot permanently reserved for Zero, for cases just like this. Well not just like this. In my wildest dreams, I don¡¯t think anyone could realistically think that this was something they would expect. That the veil between the two realms would be ripped apart by an influx of power and corruption. I have heard about the blighted lands, but I had never seen one get created. Let alone one get created from the spirit realm. Normally these came from zones or areas that were supposed to be important, but people ignored them, or didn¡¯t follow the quest lines properly. In a way, this blighted landscape is likely my fault. I know professor Nimbus has a spell that could end the blighted lands, but that is an elemental spell. I am uncertain how that spell will fare in the spirit realm, but it is definitely worth a shot, especially if it means we can clear up this calamity spawning around me. With that thought in mind, I begin to head towards the elemental magics department wing of the school. Of course, there is only one slight problem once I get to the center of the school. The moment I get there, I am hit with a deluge of system prompts.
Hidden Quest Complete: Finding the Arcanarus Spirit Tower: You were the first to find and then enter the Arcanarus spirit tower. Rewards: Experience, Title, Growth Title.
Experience Gained: 500. Ding. Level up. You have increased to level 10. Class Evolution Level Attribute Bonus (Even Levels): +2 Free points, +1 Dexterity, and +1 Willpower every level, and +1 Intelligence. Race: Spirit Touched Dark Elf Level Attribute Bonus (Even Leves): +1 Appearance every level, and + 2 Class Evolution Point: New Class Spell, New Class Skill, or New Class Perk Available.
Seeing the notification, I couldn¡¯t help but feel excited. Not only did I gain my normal bonuses for even levels for my class and race, but I also met my second class evolution point. I didn¡¯t quite know what the class skill would be, other than basically allowing me to create a skill similar to my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading skill that allows me to overcome the one disadvantage I have, or rather had, thanks to my being blind as a side effect from taking the amazingly powerful merit Angel¡¯s Sight. That skill, not only allowed me to attribute the skill to increasing a number of important attributes, but it also lets me read everything within my zone of sight, which is sitting at just over a kilometer right now. Meaning my going to a school with numerous tomes of ancient and forbidden magical workings was a godsend. One that I now can¡¯t help but feel was slightly ruined thanks to my starting a book club. A book club that might or might not have inadvertently led to the complete destruction of Arcanarus University. I can see it now, book purists using this one little event as a way to say that the Rahul and the Maiden series was too scandalous, that Tobias the founding member of the group was the whole reason this chain of events happened. In a way, they would likely be correct in their assessment, as Tobias did go feral, or turn into a specter when he was trapped and summoned by Ms. Umbra, my former Dark Elf instructor of Spirit magic here at Arcanarus University, at least here where Acanaraus University used to stand. Of course, there is more to it, there always is, but so far my first week at Arcanarus University was pretty memorable. Again I started a book club to review an adult themed story line, some might call it smut, but they just don¡¯t understand Rahul¡¯s true genius when it comes to rune crafting. Anyways, I had a mentor, likely lost the mentor somewhere in this rubble. Had two rivals and an ally, all three of which are again likely in this spirit realm. And I just got to level 10 of my Void Walker class for finding the entrance to this tower that spawned from the ashes of the fabled Arcanarus University, the once heart of all magical knowledge and advancement on the world of Biprism. In other words, it was like my son Robert¡¯s first time at college. He went out spent too much time partying, missed classes and then well he didn¡¯t burn down the university, but there was a bonfire apparently. So yeah, in all this was a lot more fun than going through and getting my Masters in the real world. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Seeing the possible evolution points I paused and thought to myself. A skill would be something I could likely use to create any Spirit Magic based effects I could think of, there would also be the fact that I could link them to a number of attributes. For a class skill I assume the skill I could create would be amazingly complex and diverse. My first such skill I got as part of completing a legendary quest at level 0, while still in my first few hours of being on the server. Of course, I cheated to make that happen, and a lot of luck fell my way, but that skill proved to be invaluable. I honestly think I would have gone crazy not being able to read for these last seven years. That said, a surefire bet would be the perk, as it would be something that would always be in effect. My previous class perk that I got for making my level 5 threshold was one that increased my Skills by 15% in the spirit realm and 7% in the mortal realm. Honestly it is something that has likely helped me out a lot more than I even realize as it is always in effect. I could double down and try to focus my will over the next 24 hours on creating another trait that would be as effective, or I could go with the unique spell. This again would be something I would choose and create. Right now, I might be tempted to create a spiritual version of that Blight Land Cleanser spell that Octavia created, and Professor Nimbus stole. Or was going to steal, honestly I don¡¯t know if he had enough time to get out with the discovery of ¡®his¡¯ spell. Octavia was of course the first spirit I helped to move on to the afterlife, by granting her the ability to achieve her goal as a true spell creator and help her earn her posthumous doctoral degree. She was also one of the many faces I could distinctly imagine and change into with my new Class Trait Spiritual Doppelganger. Of course, my mind is just rambling as I was hit with a random curve ball that I had never heard about before when reaching a class evolution point. I believe this is largely because most classes are designed and created by people that care only for themselves and not future generations who might take on the mantle of their class. While I don¡¯t want to necessarily teach others my unique class, I feel that there is some merit in making it so this class and its evolution points are ones that not just myself but future generations of players will want and be able to use to excel. With that, I decide to once again go with the vanilla route of perk, except when I open my mouth my mind said the complete opposite of what I meant to say. ¡°Skill.¡± Tingle. There was a gentle tingle sensation that flooded my mind at this point as I could already feel the effects of the empty skill form filling my mind. Whether consciously, or unconsciously, the effect didn¡¯t matter. This was my chance to make a skill that would set the Void Walkers apart from all other magical classes. Not just spirit based magical classes, which mostly consisted of Necromancers, Dark Paladins, Dark Machinist, and Necromantic Apothecarists, but something that would separate us from all other magic classes in general. Realizing I had been given a gift, I decided not to squander it, and base my goal for this new skill to be similar to the legendary skill that was supposedly only available here. Or rather, in these now haunted halls that used to be Arcanarus University. In my mind, I begin focusing my efforts on envisioning a skill that will allow me to create, adapt, and meld Spirit magic into any form I can conceive. I know there will be limitations, I know that the skill will likely be limited in some ways, but I don¡¯t care, the more powerful the skill is, the less Attributes it will be able to influence to grow. But that will be secondary to what can possibly lay before me, if I am able to envision this skill correctly. The Holy Grail of magic related skills, and I will attempt to create it for my class. I am not the first to attempt such a feat, as I might have noted, such skill creation potions are not completely unheard of. Others have come across them before, but there is always a limit to how much the skill can grow and work with you. My own skill had ten limiters, meaning I spent four on my skill description, and the remaining six on related attributes. Thinking about it, I almost chuckle to myself as I made sure two of the attributes that were influenced by the skill were both Personality and Sociability, at the time I thought those skills would have nothing to do with reading. I just knew I needed more skills that would help me to be sociable. Then thinking about the skill, I can¡¯t help but think how it directly related to my creation of a book club whose core members were instrumental in burning down a university. Goes to show, reading is power. Shaking my head, I decide to proceed. The minute I move forward, I am met with a new system prompt, telling me of a new quest.
Hidden Quest Started: First Arcanarus Tower Climber: You have found the start of a unique tower. Your actions today will forever have a lasting impact on the landscape of the world of Biprism. You have come across the first ever spirit tower in existence. As the initial discoverer of the Arcanarus Spirit Tower you will have access to many firsts. Chief among them determining how far into the heavens this tower climbs and what the final reward you seek will be. Think of the rewards that you wish to achieve.
I pause at the message, as my mind feels like it is momentarily floored by the announcement. But apparently there are enough of my surface thoughts available for the system to read that I am met with a quest update.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber: Your goal of getting a recognized degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the fiftieth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Arcanarus University Diploma, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate. Floors completed (0/50).
Seeing the quest prompt, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was a bit of a copout, as I had been wanting something similar to this, I felt that if I got my class skill correct, I could already have this. Though I do have to admit having the Title of being a true Arcanarus University graduate did sound appealing.
Initial Difficulty set: Base level 10, focus spirit magic. Note: Each level will increase by 1% difficulty level. Number of floors is potentially infinite; the only limitation is when you are unable to proceed.
Seeing the messages, I felt this was almost perfect. I was level 10 now, but my Attributes made it so I was closer to a level 40 magic class and my physical attributes put me on par with being able to avoid a level 30 brute force combatant. Meaning that I could easily go until level 100 or beyond, before things started getting exceptionally difficult. That was also assuming that I stayed at this level. While I didn¡¯t intend to kill anything, or anyone I found along the way, I did intend to try to solve random puzzle challenges and skill related quests that pop up from time to time on each floor. Afterall the last time I was in a tower was when I made friends with the great tortoise dragon that ultimately gave me this class. So I fully intend to make the most of this time while I can. I also make a mental note of how my initial cut off point is the fiftieth floor. Generally people turn around at some point due to running out of resources, like food going stale, water canteens puncturing or getting broken. As for me, I won¡¯t have that problem. My two passive spells make it so I can survive in any realm, indefinitely.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Of course, those two spells are constantly on and have been in use since I got this class, meaning I have yet to try real food. Or at least be forced to need to eat real food in order to survive. My childhood was filled with times when I avoided eating entirely to save money, on account of my being Broke, fortunately the game developers made it so children under the age of 13, or those without a class, didn¡¯t starve. The minute I got my class, I chose the two complementary spells that all but guaranteed I wouldn¡¯t starve. While this has hampered my potential future growth in other ways, like the lack of combat spells, or even any real active spell other than my Planar Shift spell that allows me to cut a hole in the veil of reality and travel to and from the spirit realm at will. Unfortunately, I have no other active spells, even the two additional spells I learned while here at the University have both been channeled spells. One was a spell that allows me to see through the veil, which allows me to see if an ambush is lying in wait just on the other side of the veil. The last is a mana purifier spell that only works on purifying the amount and type of spirit mana that I have in my body. This effectively gives me a much larger mana pool, without any real spells to cast. Though I do know that my personal mana pool has a direct mirroring effect on the amount of energy my other Traits can pull from, if I wish to use them. Meaning the larger my base pool of mana is, the more times I can use Telekinesis, Teleportation, and Telepathy, my Traits that are quite literally the reason why I am able to still live today. After making sure I run through my mental tally of everything I can do, I take in a deep breath, let it out, then begin my journey into an uncharted tower filled with ghosts, wandering spirits, and all of the University¡¯s old books that have now been converted to a spiritual form. Basically, my idea of a perfect spot. Chapter 34 The Crazy Train Chapter 34 The Crazy Train I emerge to find myself in the middle of a new world. Behind me is the glowing exit point, a spot that shines like a beacon of light and hope in the world around me. But around me is the start of a Tower, a world of worlds upon worlds. Each floor is both complex and unique, in this case the world is filled with what reminds me of a desert landscape. All around are cacti, dust, sand, barren lands, and a train. Yes, a train. Well the tracks to a train, I assume that with the tracks there will be a train, eventually, but for now there is nothing. All around me is nothing, then as my senses slowly expand ever outward, I notice more and more of the surrounding area. There are monsters in the fields, the sky above, and what appears to be a deserted train station far ahead. At times like these, when just entering a new zone I¡¯ve noticed a few things. The first thing is that my senses slowly take time to build out to their maximum range. A way most people could probably relate to this would be the equivalent of being in a completely dark room, then suddenly turning on a blindingly bright light to illuminate the world around you. While the light allows you to see almost immediately, there is an adjustment period. There is that time needed for your eyes to adjust to their new environment, and your mind to be able to process the new sensations your eyes are feeding it. That is the same for me and my Angel¡¯s Sight, I can see the world around me in highly visible details. The only problem comes when trying to focus on individual spots or areas. It takes time for my mind to focus and adjust to understand the sensations around me. Right now, I am what I would consider the half spirit-realm. Really this would just be an intermediate phase of life and death, where spirits and creatures of both walks of life appear to be able to survive, though I use that term loosely. All around me I can see that living creatures are dying, slowly, only to pass on, to be reborn as spirit versions of themselves, where their spirit form then deteriorates and dies. Seeing everything unfolding around me, I watch as a nest of scarab beetles die, to get reborn, and then die, only to come back as some form of stone statue of themselves. This is an odd realm to say the least, I don¡¯t know if the decreased damage the living and dead take here is a blessing or a curse. Logically it could be a blessing for the living adventurers who come here, trying to explore the worlds and then survive. But it could also be a curse, in that rather than a quick and in comparison merciful death, now the individual in question has to deal with not just their physical death, but their spiritual one as well. ¡°What do you make of this Zero?¡± I ask. ¡°I don¡¯t know. This is new.¡± Zero my familiar, and spiritual companion says, projecting their thoughts directly into my mind. ¡°Shall we go to the train station?¡± I ask. ¡°Something is out here?¡± Zero asks, a faint note of curiosity in their voice. ¡°Yeah, just over there. There appears to be a way station for the train tracks.¡± I say, gesturing first to the spot off in the distance, then at the tracks next to us. Seeing the tracks, I can see how they make a seemingly direct path towards the way station, the only real deviation is two turns in the track where the tracks clearly plow through spawning nests of creatures. Looking at the tracks and the nests, it seems almost purposeful the tracks construction. Almost as if the tracks were made with the sole intent of charging into spawning areas, where any distracted creature would stumble onto the tracks, and be subsequently destroyed. Seeing that I couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the stability of such a train that was required to go through such a violent and rugged landscape. In the cases where the tracks made detours through spawning nests, Zero and I instead took the straight path that completely avoided the different monster summoning areas. Screech. High overhead, the caw of scavenger birds could be heard, giving more signs of life to the land. These scavenger birds were not immune to the death and destruction of the mixed lands, as I could see the way their skin and feathers burned and flaked off from just flying around. Unlike the scarab beetles and other slowly dying creatures however, these birds seemed to be thriving. For as soon as a scarab¡¯s physical body died, a bird landed and almost immediately began digesting the body. This happened all over. Then when the spirits of most creatures died, the spirit versions of these same scavenger birds hungrily ate the dead carcasses as well. These were what the game referred to as plausible ecosystem maintainers. If not for the birds constantly flying overhead, the number of dead and dying corpses would be immense. Thus by having these birds around and flying about so vigorously, it was clear that there was at least some basis for how the zone around me was able to maintain its fairly empty and desolate state. As I walked, I also saw the stone scarabs eventually begin to shake free, only to then emerge once more as a level 2 or level 3 variant of their former selves. At which point the cycle of death and renewal struck once more. The predatory birds also had a similar system, those that ate the body of a slain enemy grew in size and level. It was clear that this zone was quickly evolving, logically I knew this was the way the zone would eventually expand to a level 10 zone. I had heard rumors of such events, the slow and steady progression of creatures. By level 10 it was assumed that the creatures of this spiritual wasteland would be able to regenerate the near constant damage they were subjected to, under the harsh conditions of this zone. It was also clear, that in time there would be quite a few packs of creatures to worry about. The first would be the scrab beetles, a very symbol of life and death, then there were also the roaming packs of scavenger birds that seemed to rule the sky. While there could be other creatures that also survive and will eventually add to this landscape, those other creatures will have a harder time adapting. Now I know scarabs have no point in being in a clearly western zone, as scarabs are generally thought of as being from the middle east, but here, they seem to fit in seamlessly. Especially considering the fact that there is nothing that states that this area has to be the American west. Instead, it is just a sort of hodgepodge of different plants and species from around the world that all fit the general motif of the zone, while not inherently being of the natural biomes in life. At times I managed to see animals that at least became aware of my presence, but none seemed to go out of their way to antagonize me. I didn¡¯t know if this was due to the perceived level disparity, as I was a level 10 and these creatures were clearly in the process of evolving to reach my current level. That or this could have been further evidence of my quest appointed surname Spiritlight coming into play, as it made me inherently neutral to spirits. Regardless of the case, I was left alone on my long but ultimately uneventful journey to the train station. Logically I knew I could just Teleport to the station, but that somehow seemed to be cheating. Not that I am against cheating, I fully expect and support cheating wherever and whenever possible, but to deny myself this walk felt like I would be cheating myself. The sun, if there was one, it is hard to tell, was neither too hot, nor too cold. There also wasn¡¯t the tell tale signs of night or day, I almost thought about asking Zero if it was nighttime, but ultimately decided against the ask, as it was ultimately pointless. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. The reason why it was pointless was the fact that I could see both nocturnal and diurnal animals out and about. Fast moving birds that I instantly understood to be the colloquial roadrunner birds existed, the more they ran, the faster their feathers burned, giving rise to think of them as some form of elite speed demon creatures. Likewise, the coyotes who are traditionally nocturnal were out and about. While coyotes were not strictly nocturnal, the fact that they were out was a sign that these environments were suitable for them. Again, there was a so much to take in and try to understand about this zone. Also it seemed from a glance that the roadrunners and coyotes were the creatures that this zone was specifically designed for, especially considering most of these started off at level 5, but that just meant they took slightly longer to die. The only ones that seemed to be doing better, were the ones that turned and ate their dead and fallen comrades. Shiver. I watched as the young fell over, burned to death by the constant pain inflicted by the spirit realm on the living coyotes. Then how the elder coyotes hungrily tore into and then devoured the flesh of their dead and fallen children. At least that is what my mind associated with their small forms, but I decided to think about other things on my walk. Instead, I just wanted to take in the purpose of this zone. What was it? Why was it here? These things should be readily apparent to me, especially as it was a zone designed for and catered around me and my unique playing style. That would explain the reason for the dichotomy of life and death being so prevalent in this zone. Also the fact that everything sees to be so intertwined of life-death-life also seems to mirror my recent play style. As I get closer to the train station, I begin to allow my mind to drift over and focus on the board. There is a list of departure times, a singular destination, and most importantly an open ticket. Of particular interest is the train schedule:
Living Line: Destination: Magical Wastelands
Spirit Line: Destination: Magical Wastelands
Seeing the two options, I realized this was me given my first task, of choosing how this zone would evolve. Clearly now the zone itself was in turmoil, as the creatures could only live on scavenging the dead. There was no way for this zone to survive on its own for now, which meant that I had to make a choice. My first choice, in this new tower was likely one that would impact every floor hereafter. Approaching the stand, I could feel the energy of the ticket booth. A booth that seemed to glow with magical energy. Just approaching the ticket counter, I felt a strange surge of energy. My approach apparently took too long, as the ticket master was dead. Not just their human form, but their spirit form was nowhere to be seen either. Looking around, I realized that if I wanted to choose a ticket, I likely needed to break into the ticketing section and choose to take a seat on one of the two lines available. Poof. For the first time, I Teleport in the new realm. My feet landing over and around the dead corpse of the ticket booth operator. For a moment I wonder why the birds didn¡¯t eat this ticket master, but then I realize the same bars that required me to teleport in, likely prevented the same predator birds from entering and feasting on the corpse as well. Kind of morbid, but it¡¯s okay, I am meant to fix this, by choosing. Clearly this zone and likely this tower is experiencing similar conditions all over, reaching down I choose the only train that seems like it would be perfect for me. Reaching down, I tug on the glowing ticket, and instantly see the words on the ticket change.
Soul bound Item Obtained: Spirit Line Ticket: Description: You have within your possession the golden ticket for any train system in the Arcanarus Tower. This ticket provides first class seating on all trains, and a first-class meal for you and a friend. In addition, you are offered 1,000 Gold for your gambling needs. Note: Your character is a minor and therefor unable to utilize the 1,000 Gold gambling funds until you become legally of age.
And there it was, a sign that my Broke flaw was still at play, I had 1,000 gold apparently waiting for me, but only once I became of age. Meaning that I had to wait the final year, at least, until I turned 14 in order to be able to avoid the pitfalls associated with my Broke flaw. This was something I was well accustomed to by this point, but it still stung. While I don¡¯t think I would have been wealthy by an stretch of the imagination, being poor for so long has helped me realize the importance of certain things. Most important, are the use, collection of, and implementation of soul bound items. This meant that this ticket was likely a godsend. Not only would it respawn on me the next day after I lost it, but it would also not count against me towards my 100 gold limit that the Broke flaw seemed to limit me to. If this was not the case, then something terrible would likely happen, like the train getting attacked by giant monsters, me being mistaken for a thief, or other issues that often arise as part of the complications following my Broke flaw. Honestly, I have to give the game credit, it always had ways of making sure the effects of this flaw were in enforced at the words times. In fact, I wouldn¡¯t doubt that the original script for this zone had nothing to do with providing a Gold enforced spending limit, that or if it did the amount would be minor and likely enough to be covered by my flaw. Meaning the game took my flaw into consideration and artificially inflated the amount, then made it so I was unable to access the funds, due to my technically being a minor. In these cases and circumstances, I considered myself to be faux rich, I mentally knew the money was there, teasing me, but just out of reach. It was an evil game, but I did ultimately appreciate it keeping me honest, as this also meant that my Merits that I purchased with the points I gained from those flaws were also always in effect, but those merits didn¡¯t have expiration dates, unlike the flaws. With the taking of the ticket, I also generated a system wide message.
WORLD NOTICE: Arcanarus Tower Change Notification: The Arcanarus Tower has now officially become the first full Spirit Tower.
CHOO-CHOOO! Just as I was processing the implications of the world notice, a loud drawn-out steam powered whistle fills the air, all but screaming for my attention. Chuga-chuga-chuga. The mechanical grinding of steam powered mechanics at their finest could be heard peeling out over the vast open wastelands. The train followed the trail of the train tracks, from somewhere far off in the distance, to the starting point, through the now dead and dying camps of spawning spirit monsters, then finally to stop right in front of the platform. By this point I of course had made my way out of the ticketing booth with the dead and decaying mortal body. Using Teleportation, I managed to make my way out of the ticket booth without leaving any real forensic evidence. There was of course my magical teleportation resonance, but that would be hard to search for, also given the fact that the body of the ticket master clearly died from spirit damage rot, or the slow poisoning caused by being exposed to the spiritual realm, I doubt anyone would come looking to make a point for restitution against me. Instead, I just waited patiently for the train to arrive. Whoosh. The moment it arrive, it let out a steam powered burst of air, that allowed the train to come to a complete stop with the door perfectly waiting in front of me. Honestly I was fairly impressed with the driving skill of the conductor, as that level of perfection was rarely achieved. I know, it¡¯s a game, but still the mobs of the world all have varying levels of competency at their jobs, this ability to stop at an exact spot, showed that at least for the related skill of mechanical operation, steering, and likely a few other skills I was not aware of, this conductor was top notch. This would of course be one of the classes and jobs I could learn, to drive, pilot, steer, or control multiple variations of different mechanical engines and devices. Of course, being a train conductor sounds exceptionally boring, until you realize that it is often a pre-requisite to unlocking the ability to drive, steer, pilot, and control most mechanical vehicles to include planes, blimps, and mechanoid steam based robotic suits. With this I could almost see myself settling down for a few weeks to become a train conductor, if only for the future benefits of what those related skills would offer. But then I realize I would have to be a train conductor, likely one of the most dangerous jobs. Not only would I have to worry about the occasional monster on the tracks, damsels getting tied up on the tracks. Yes, there are women, men, and even children who can be tied up on the train tracks, all of whom can be saved by train operators, there is often a quest involved where we would then be expected to take the rescued damsel to their home, only to find the home destroyed by the very same bandit gang that tied them to the train tracks. A lot of hassle for someone who could become an in-game lover, friend, confidant, or ally. In the process you would likely gain at least a rival in the former lover, the bandit leader, or the filing clerk you somehow offended while filling out the paperwork. Basically, you could gain a lot, but it would cost you just as much. Still for the moment, I had no intention of becoming a train conductor, at least not yet. For now, I just wanted to enter my train, take in the atmosphere and see what these magical wastelands had in store for me. ¡°Good evening, miss. May I see your ticket?¡± The ticket inspector says, tipping his hat and bowing slightly to me. I hold out the glowing soul bound ticket, and immediately when he holds the item in question, I can see his entire demeanor and expression change. ¡°Oh, a VIP, I take it this will be your plus one?" The ticket master says, gesturing to Zero. This is sort of odd, as I normally don''t think about Zero in that way, but since this is the spirit realm, needing to think about Zero as my companion makes sense. "Yes." I respond. "Then right this way, right this way.¡± He says, gesturing for Zero and me to go to the right, towards the front of the engine of the train, and likely to the luxury cars. ¡°You two are in luck. This is one of the safest trains around, we have anti-theft, and anti-monster defenses set up that are sure to make your stay extremely comfortable and uneventful.¡± And just like that, I could feel the warning alarms going off that something big would happen shortly. Chapter 35 The Gambler Chapter 35 The Gambler Zero and I are escorted through luxury car after luxury car. Each car dealing with a different vice. The first is a cart with numerous scantily clad escorts. The second, an even more luxurious car is filled with a number of free standing art stands and a number of robed models ready to apparently pose for different exhibits. The next is a cart where rather than drawing on a canvas, the body of the person seems to be the intended canvas. I don¡¯t quite know what to make of that car, as it seems to be a mixture of the previous two, maybe? Shaking my head, I don¡¯t quite know what to make of the car and instead just decide to proceed onward, following my ticket agent. The fourth car, is one that immediately catches my attention, as it is a gambling hall. I pause, instantly trying to take in everything that is going on around me. Seeing my sudden stop the ticket master says, ¡°I am sorry miss, but you are too young to be on this floor. If you will follow me.¡± He says, gesturing for me to follow him. Reluctantly I pause, wondering why such a car would exist if I am not supposed to go to it. Still I follow the man, after this, there is what clearly appears to be a smoking car, if the thick cloud of smoke that all but assaults your senses upon entering is anything to be aware of. Then there is an deeper vice car, with people getting high on what appears to be opium. Then more and more cars, until finally we get to the middle and then the luxury passenger cars. It is at the last car, just before the conductor that our room is set. ¡°Here you are madam.¡± The ticket inspector says, holding up my ticket, before pulling out a tool to punch a star shaped hole in the ticket. Once the hole is punched, he hands back the ticket and then leaves. This hole punching is an antiquated form of making sure people can¡¯t reuse tickets. Of course, since this ticket is soul bound, this hole punch will be repaired by tomorrow. This does a number of things, first it tells me that this train ride will not take longer than tomorrow to complete. Also it means that if I want to do any exploring, I will have to do so quickly. With that in mind, I get into the cart, close the door behind me then look around. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zero asks, in an oddly feminine voice. I cock my head to the side, having never really heard Zero speak out loud. Or at least not in a while. ¡°What?¡± Zero asks again, a note of curiosity filling her face. ¡°Nothing.¡± I say shaking my head. ¡°I need to change.¡± ¡°Change into what?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Change into whom.¡± I correct. Then focusing on my new Class Trait Spiritual Doppelganger I focus on the first form available and stop. It is the form of princess Octavia, the first spirit I helped to move on and one of my best choices for going on with my plan. The minute I change into her, my body begins to expand. All of my soul bound items like my magic SWAG Cloak, my EGG Engineering goggles, my Apothecary gloves, and even my Adventurer¡¯s necklace all expand to fit my new form. My other clothes unfortunately don¡¯t stretch out or expand with me. So instead of wearing a relatively loose shirt, I try to buy clothes that will last a year or two with proper maintenance, the shirt is now tight as my previously underdeveloped chest is now regular sized, if not slightly larger than usual, causing my midriff to be shown off. My pants that had been loose for ease of movement are now tight. Also rather than being slightly long on me, they now make it look like I am wearing capris. Fortunately my elven hips don¡¯t grow too much, but they are now quite snug in my pants. I instantly unfasten my belt, so that I can get circulation into my lower extremities. Then pause. My shoes are also bursting at the seams, which forces me to instantly kick them off, lest they be ripped entirely. Overall, the entire process of changing could have been done better and with more thought put into it. That said, I wasn¡¯t quite expecting to be able to change my body, while my cloths would remain the same. If not for the fact that I am frugal and constantly trying to buy clothes in the next few sizes up, so I can keep and maintain them for a while, I would be completely nude right now, save for my cloak, which does still cover my chest, thanks to the no choking design. I also realize that I am now showing off a lot more skin than I generally intend to, as a few inches of my stomach, and ankles are now showing. Thinking about my ankles I shake my head, simply scandalous. Oh well, there is nothing I can do. Looking around the room, I try to see if there are any clothes I could wear, and shifting my focus to the closet I am pleasantly surprised to see that there are in fact clothes available for me. Opening the closet, I see a long bathrobe, a complimentary t-shirt, and a pair of fuzzy slippers. Pulling out the slippers, I place them on. They are not fashionable, nor appropriate for my general line of work. Though for the purposes on this train, they might be perfect. Making a mental note, I plan on getting either more soul bound clothes that will scale with me, or getting a second set of adult clothes. I also make sure that I get clothing for males too. I could only imagine trying to go around as one of the male figures I have acquired, while wearing clearly feminine clothing. Though again, that too could likely be fixed by getting more soul bound items which would likely have to change due to the gender of the person I was portraying. Ultimately this is a very powerful Trait, though I will need to disguise myself better. Then thinking about the look and not wanting to have my current body tied back to my normal visage, I take off all of my clothes, save for the capri pants, and put on the complimentary t-shirt. So now I am down to just a t-shirt, capri pants, slippers and my underclothes that are still blessedly controlled by the game and will be forced upon me until I turn of true legal age. With my change complete, or as close to complete as possible I sigh to myself, then turn to Zero. ¡°So, how do I look?¡± Zero cocks their head to the side and analyzes me for a second, before responding. ¡°You look like a rich elven princess trying to slum it, but poorly.¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Hearing that I pause for a second, before nodding to myself. ¡°Perfect.¡± With that, I begin walking out of my room. Everything I have is within my soul space. At least, that is where all my soul bound items are, my ticket, my EGGs, my SWAG, my Adventurer¡¯s Necklace, my Thieves¡¯ Guild mask, and my Apothecary gloves are all inside my soul space ready to be pulled out at a moment¡¯s notice. Everything else, like my torn and almost destroyed shoes, my regular shirt, and most of my other belongings are on my room. Now the only thing I have on me is my coin purse, that has the most I feel comfortable holding at one time, 10 gold coins. With that paltry amount of coins, I decide to go and learn a new skill. No, not naked artistry, I mean gambling. I want to see how good this disguise is at letting me pass myself off as an adult. I am an adult, at least three, maybe even four times over, but in this game world I am mostly seen as a child. While I have used this flaw as a boon in the past, I can¡¯t help but hope that this Trait will help me get past the last few limitations. In this case, spending the last of my gold on learning a new skill that I hope to have mastered by the time my character is an adult. Going through the different cars, I can¡¯t help but feel the way people ogle me as I pass by. Most try to be subtle about it, only waiting until I pass them to stop and stare, but I can see it all. Honestly, the level of realism in this game is beyond compare, as I could almost swear that most of these people are actual regressors like me. Though I know I am still the only one here thanks to my ever growing title that is still being accumulated. I also see the timer for my Skill counting down. I have it, the skill I want, written down and immortalized before me.
Class Skill Perk: Spirit Magic Spell Creation (3/10): With this skill you intend to set the class Void Walker as the premier spell creation class for spirit-based magic spells. You intend to have this skill be based on the following Attributes (Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) (7/10).
Time remaining to make the skill permanently related to your class: 23 hours, 05 minutes¡­
Yes, that skill was my pride and joy, it was a direct representation of why I originally went to Arcanarus University, and since the implosion of the university, this spell would likely remain out of reach forever. While the one originally offered by the school was an omni-or all magic skill, this one was perfect for the Void Walker class. Also by just focusing on Spirit Magic, I was able to get that component down to just one of the ten skill hooks. Then a second a third hook were for the Spell, and Creation portions of the skill. I could have had one more component go to round out the skill description, but there was nothing that fit. Also getting the first portion down to three allowed me to get the skill to cover seven different attributes for the remaining seven out of ten hooks. Oddly enough the system didn¡¯t seem to argue with me over the different attributes chosen. Instead it just asked if I was certain with my choice, which I was, after which time it began the countdown timer. Now all I could do was stare at it. I could go into the skill design, mess around with it to see what I could get for four hooks in the skill title, but any changes would reset my twenty-four hour timer. This was a security feature of the game. Basically it allowed the Class Architect, that was the term for the first person of a class, the Class Architect, for the way we design and build out the class; as a class Architect, I was given 24 hours for each major change to ensure I didn¡¯t have any buyers remorse. This was both annoying, and remarkably reassuring, as it meant the class architect had time to sit back, think, and hopefully ask others. I of course had no one else to ask for assistance from, as both Hector and Golum wouldn¡¯t quite understand. Also, with this being my second skill I created, I had a slightly better idea of what the system would and would not accept. Also, with this skill being mostly magical in nature, I was forced to take all Mental Attributes as part of the base package, not that I minded, but it showed the game still had certain balance features in mind. I realized I was likely hindering our class in terms of spell power, at least at first, but this skill should help us evolve past that. So long as people could learn the skill and focus their minds on what they wanted to create they should be fine. I would also be the first person to try out the skill so I could see if I totally screwed us over, or if I made us one of the most overpowered classes based on raw spell potential. Still all of that was a minor distraction to the world that was going on around me. Right now, I was pretending to be Octavia, why use the same name as the actual spirit whose form I stole, simple. The name is right there, right in my mind. Also this means that I don¡¯t have to come up with a different alias, as this form is already an alias. Granted, it would likely be a huge set back to force me to get rid of this shell for a different one, shuddering to myself I imagine going around as Tobias, and instantly nix that decision. That would be a form I would take only if I absolutely needed to have an alias I didn¡¯t mind burning. For now, I was Octavia, spoiled rich girl trying to pretend like she was slumming it, while slipping away from her honor guard. This would explain the way she only had the bare minimum of clothing on this luxury liner, along with the complimentary t-shirt, and slippers to help further her disguise. With this I made my way into the gambling car. Walking up to the window, I pulled out my ten gold coins, which were promptly exchanged for gambling tokens. As soon as I received the ten tokens, I let out a sigh of relief. This meant that my disguise worked, and that my new class Trait was more than capable of making me look older. With that, I pretended to look around the room. There were a couple of blackjack tables, but I had my eye on¡­perfect. Looking around, I spotted off in the corner a table where people were playing Texas Holdem. Seeing the table, I immediately began my walk over, but I pretended to look at all the different tables. I still couldn¡¯t see for the life of me. Though I could tell that my eyes in this form were normal, well as normal as I could expect. They felt more alive and less powerful and glowey than my normal eyes. Yes, glowey, as I can all but feel my normal eyes radiating waves of energy all but screaming to the world that I am a Shade Touched. That reminds me, I still don¡¯t know what the true capabilities of a Shade Touched dark elf are. As per the battle in tower, Shade Touched elves could consume energy of enemies they slew. They could also consume so much energy that they eventually burst and create a new dimension. If that was the case, I did not want anything to do with gorging myself. I am certain that the amount of energy that could be consumed was likely based on the level of the Shade Touched individual. Meaning that my level 10 body would be diced and sliced if I gave into such temptations. Which, I can assure you, I do not have any inclination towards. ¡°Oh, this looks so interesting.¡± I say, my voice sounding almost too bubbly and light for my ears. The sound is so jarring that I almost break character, almost. Still, I manage to recover, and portray the dumb rich elf girl. ¡°Do you all mind if I sit and watch for a few hands?¡± At that the others all turn to each other. I notice the way the dealer looks to one player in particular, but then stops themselves before their instincts could give them away. Still the tell was there. In fact, I felt I was reading a lot from these people based solely on the way they were interacting with each other. The person at the end, they were clearly the highest roller, as everyone at one point turned to him. The other three just sort of nodded. But it wasn¡¯t until the high roller turned to the dealer and asked, ¡°is it okay if she sits in?¡± The dealer paused, for a moment, but then responded. ¡°There is nothing against company policy for having someone spectate at the table, though it is frowned upon.¡± ¡°I intend to join, just as soon as I understand the rules of this game.¡± I say, trying to act innocently. ¡°Very well, you can watch a hand or two.¡± The dealer says, once again giving a sidelong glance to the middle player, not the high roller. Then the hands are dealt. Instantly I notice my suspicions are confirmed, the dealer and the player seated in the center of the table are in fact in cahoots with each other. The way I can tell is based on the deal. The dealer uses a top level deal for the regular players, and a bottom level deal for the middle player. I am not certain those are the terms for such cheating mechanics, but that is the best way I can describe them. The dealer sends each player the top card for every deal, except the ones to the middle player who is dealt the bottom card each time. The movements are so smooth and natural, that I almost miss it. The only reason I know anything has happened at all is that the image at the bottom of the deck changes three times. I also realize that my Angel¡¯s Sight is going to make this super easy, as I can see the cards that each player is dealt before they get them. This makes me trying to predict the possible outcomes extremely easy. With this system, I won¡¯t even need to look at my cards, as I will know what my cards are as they are dealt. I am so focused on this, that I almost miss the next comment that is made. ¡°What do you say we make this interesting?¡± The high roller in the back asks. At that everyone pauses and turns to him. He is the big blind, but it seems that in addition to the two-gold buy in, he has something else in mind as well. ¡°In addition to the two-gold buy in. What do you say that we wager 1,000 experience points as well?¡± With that, a system notification is sent to my mind.
Player: Johan Vagner has asked to raise the stakes of this table. In addition to the two-gold high blind, a 1,000 experience buy in per hand is also requested. Do you agree? Yes, or no?
At that notification, I felt my heart begin to pound rapidly, as I knew I had to be part of this game now. Chapter 36 The Wager Chapter 36 The Wager Just as I had expected, within a few minutes of watching the hand play out, I was greeted by the system message I had been waiting for. This was of course the system message that told me I was now ready to officially try to gain levels, money, and experience via skills.
New Skill Gained: Gambling has increased to level 1.
Gambling is a Personality, Sociability, Attractive, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
With that skill, I knew that I could make a few levels here in this lower tier zone with relative ease. Also, the buy ins were rather low, all things considered. A thousand experience, and five gold to get a mathematical 20% chance at the pot. With five players, I know I logically only have a 20% chance to win every single time. But with my real world knowledge of stats, probability and statistics, I know what the true likelihood of getting a successful play are. Better still, I even know what the burn cards are, the cards that are meant to be discarded by the dealer. Nodding to myself, I inform the dealer that ¡°I think I am ready to play.¡± I say, as I bite my lower lip. I¡¯m trying to play the semi-clueless blonde who is out spending family money on this night out. The high roller at the end saw me, and likely thought of me as a mark. Thus after I showed interest, he was the one who suggested the sudden change in prices. Changing from just gold to gold and experience. My level 10 did put me at a high level for this zone, especially as most of the monsters were still adjusting from level 1 to level 10. This was fine, as it just added a new dynamic to the game. Logically I knew that losing levels in such a way would be painful, not only would I lose the experience, and levels, but I would also likely lose my forming skill. Still, this was a potential price I was willing to pay. At my comment to join, the dealer gave a cursory glance to the members at the table. ¡°Any objections to the lady joining?¡± ¡°Not I.¡± A chorus of over eager gamblers said. Hearing that, the dealer nodded, then turned his attention back to me and began describing in detail the terms of the particular style of Texas Holdem we were playing. ¡°This game is Swap Holdem. In this, everyone is dealt two cards face down, called your hold cards. You can then either exchange one or both of those cards to get better cards. There are two blinds the big and small blinds. Big blind pays the five-gold entry fee, and 1,000 experience. The small blind pays three gold and 500 experience. This will be broken up into three phases, the flop, where three communal cards will be displayed. The turn, where an additional fourth communal card will be displayed. Then finally the river, where the fifth communal card will be displayed. Betting can happen before and after every phase of play. Once a final wager is made, everyone still in will reveal their hold cards at which point a winner will be determined based on the best five cards either in their hand or available to the community as a whole.¡± It is clear that this is supposed to happen for every regressor, as this is basically the game stating how the game is played and what you stand to lose by participating. Honestly, the fact that the game was swap holdem was even better for me. With five players, that was already ten cards that were known quantities, followed by flop and burn which was four more cards. Then another burn and the turn, and the burn and then the river. This meant that at minimum, assuming there were no swapped cards, I would know not only the hold cards that everyone had, but also the three additional burn cards. Meaning I would know at minimum 18 of the fifty two cards that had already been played, with up to 28 if we all did the maximum two card swap. Compared to the seven cards that most people had access to, this should be easy for a mathematical data cruncher like myself. ¡°As you are new, you will have to bet the big blind.¡± The dealer informs me. I nod, knowing that this was the task associated with all new players. Placing my five gold piece chips down on the table, I nod. I also see a system prompt appear before me.
Do you wish to wager 1,000 experience points to complete this transaction?
Seeing the prompt, I mentally hit accept.
Warning: You are in the process of potentially gaining or losing experience points. For the remainder of while you are at this table, you will be treated as a level 10 Void Walker. The minute you leave this table is when your changes to your experience will be applied. Note: Should you leave while at a deficit, you will lose levels and be subject to de-leveling sickness.
Seeing the warning, just brought home how strenuous of a task this was. I currently had 10 gold and 4,000 experience to my name. By wagering five gold and a thousand experience, I was risking one fourth of all the experience I had accumulated. The gold was not much to me, as I could gain or lose that constantly. Experience though, now that was something entirely different. Just as I was level 10, so too were the four other players around the table. Making a total of 20,000 experience available assuming everyone but one player went bankrupt. That would be enough experience to push one of us up to level 20. With that as a goal, I decided to focus on the game at hand. With that, the dealer gave a shuffle, which only let me see a few position cards. My focus was on the center, of the deck, where the cards would be most likely to be dealt from. Just as in the previous hands, the dealer was in cahoots with the center player. There was clearly an ace on the bottom, the Ace of Spades, which if the patterns were correct, that would once again go to the center player once the cards were dealt. Then just as expected the cards were dealt out, with the center player getting not only the Ace of Spades, but a Jack of clubs as well. Two face cards that would instantly put his at one of the top hold hands. The rest of the cards were as follows:
Me: Ace of Diamonds, 10 of Hearts. Player 2 to my right: 10 of clubs, 4 of Spades. Dealer-cheater: Ace of Spades, Jack of Clubs. Telepathic Cheater: Ace of Hearts, 10 of diamonds. High Roller: Ace of Clubs, Jack of diamonds.
Seeing the cards, I decide to discard both of my cards for two new cards. Why? An ace, ten off-suite is a powerful hand, but when all the aces are already out, and three of the four tens have already been played, I realize it is likely for the best that I take my chances on two new cards that are not already in play. The idea is that I can only work with the cards in my hand and the community cards, so I like player two make a trade. Player 2 to my right only trades in his 4 of Spades, after which he is then dealt the ultimate karmic slap of getting a 4 of Hearts. I on the other hand am dealt what others might consider a good but bad hand, but for me it is nearly perfect. The final cards that are dealt are:
Me: 2 of Spades, 2 of Hearts. Player 2 to my right: 10 of clubs, 4 of Hearts. Dealer-cheater: Ace of Spades, Jack of Clubs. Telepathic Cheater: Ace of Hearts, 10 of diamonds. High Roller: Ace of Clubs, Jack of diamonds.
I also know the following cards have been burned. Ace of Diamonds, 10 of Hearts, 4 of Spades. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. The best part is, I know all this and haven¡¯t even looked at my cards. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to look at your hand?¡± The dealer asks. ¡°Oh, are we allowed to?¡± I ask, playing off the part of a ditz. ¡°I just saw that no one else looked at theirs so, I thought we didn¡¯t.¡± At that the dealer gets upset and turns over my hand for all to see. ¡°You had a good hand, you should have kept it.¡± ¡°Oh, well can I trade in these?¡± I ask. ¡°No, you can only make one swap.¡± The Dealer says emphatically. ¡°But you should look at them.¡± ¡°But I can¡¯t exchange them, right?¡± ¡°Right.¡± ¡°I also can¡¯t back out of this, as I am the big blind right?¡± ¡°That is also correct.¡± The dealer says. ¡°So, there is no point of looking at them.¡± I say coming across as confused. ¡°Whatever, I tried. You all saw me trying to reason with her?¡± The dealer says, talking to the other four players. ¡°Yes, we saw Larry.¡± The High roller states. At that, I inwardly smile as I can almost feel my Acting skill increasing from all of this. Player 2 who was the small blind debates for a second, then fiddling with their large stack of chips, they decide to ¡°Call.¡± Moving in the remaining gold chips and offering up the additional 500 experience points. Everyone else also calls, seeing that they have great hands, and can all but smell the fresh blood in the water. Honestly, I almost feel guilty for what is about to transpire. Three cheaters, and a person who appears to be at the wrong table at the wrong time. Then again, it was only after they looked at me that they joined in on the gambling. With the first part out of the way, everyone called to stay in. Meaning for my five gold and 1,000 experience points I would get to see the flop. Now mathematically speaking this was one of the most important moments of this hand as it represented 60% of the total cards that I could have in play by the end of this game. The cards dealt, first there was the burn card, King of Diamonds. Then there were the three cards for the flop, which were the Jack of Spades (pulled from the bottom), the 2 of Diamonds, and the 10 of Spades. This was arguably the best hand I could have asked for. With all the Aces out, everyone that was hoping to pair their aces were in bad shape as they would be drawing blind. With the 2 of Diamonds, I also have three of a kind meaning that unless something drastic happens I have the nuts to this hand. Even if a second Jack is dealt, which the bottom card just so happens to be the final Jack of Hearts and will likely be dealt at some point, given the way the dealer is moving. This is perfect as it will give the two Jack holders three of a kind, and barring the final card being a 4, I don¡¯t have anything mathematically to worry about. Meaning, now is the time for me to play up my noob status. ¡°Play goes to big blind.¡± The Dealer says, with that he gestures for me. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s me. So I have to do this to stay in?¡± I ask, as I push my final five chips in and wager 1,000 extra experience points. At that, everyone pauses. I get a prompt coming up, asking me if this is what I want to do.
Are you sure you would like to increase your bet by 5 gold chips and 1,000 experience points?
Mentally I select yes, before anyone else can object. At that, everyone pauses to stare at me in dumbfounded pity. ¡°Oh wow. This is bad. You realize that losing that much will set you back quite a few levels when you lose?¡± The third player who is cheating with the dealer asks. ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t lost yet, have I?¡± I ask. ¡°I mean I still have two cards remaining to get something¡­¡± At that, the player to my right lets out a pitiful moan. ¡°Oh, I am so sorry, but I need to call.¡± ¡°Same.¡± ¡°Same.¡± ¡°Same.¡± With that, I saw the prize of the pot grow to 10,000 experience and 50 gold coins. Seeing the wager, I try not to jump for joy, I have them, and I know it. ¡°Deal is set.¡± The dealer says as they burn away another card, this time the 7 of Spades. Then just as expected, the turn card is the fourth and final Jack of Hearts. Seeing the card both player three and the high roller let out minor smirks of excitement before quickly covering their expressions. Seeing this, I begin to understand their Tells, or their minor character modifications that happen to them when something exciting happens. To them they have a made hand, as each has three of a kind in Jacks, and a high card Ace. That would be enough to split the pot under most circumstances. Also now, I don¡¯t even have to worry about the run of 4s, meaning my hand of a full house is king. ¡°Deal goes to big blind.¡± The dealer says. ¡°I can still wadge my 2,000 experience points?¡± I ask, while mentally pushing forward the remainder of my experience points.
You are about to go ¡°All In¡± are you sure this is what you want?
Seeing the prompt, I immediately send the yes command. After that I can all but see the way the dealer¡¯s expression changes entirely. ¡°Tell me dear, who is your father?¡± The fourth player with the mentalist¡¯s help asks. Likely trying to get their partner to read my mind. Judging form player four¡¯s point of view, they are likely doing well as they have two pair. As he asks, I can feel mental probes trying to connect to my mind, but after my instruction from Master Groa, I am easily able to block the connections. After a second of this, I can all but feel the minute the mind tendrils go to the other players. ¡°You know what, I am out.¡± Player four says, then adds to their display ¡°I cannot in good conscience take this girl¡¯s last money and experience.¡± I of course know the real reason why this player is out, not out of feeling pity for me, but rather the fact that they are losing out to two people with three Jacks, so even if the final card is ten, which it can¡¯t be, they would only have a minor chance of the final card being a Ten and completing their own Full House. Player 2 also seems to be hesitant for a moment, before remembering that they also have two pairs 10s and Jacks. While they are seemingly hesitant, I the only person who has not looked at their cards yet is the only one who actually increased the bets. He looks at me, ¡°I¡¯m sorry to do this to you. Hopefully this will be a lesson for you in the future.¡± Player 2 says, and I almost chuckle at the words coming out of his mouth. Fortunately, I turn my smirk to a mouth agape confused look. ¡°What for?¡± ¡°I call.¡± Player 2 says, then pushes forward 2,000 of their own experience. After that Player 3 and the high roller both also call. ¡°Player 1 has been called. Since you are ¡®All in¡¯ you must now reveal your hand¡± The dealer says. ¡°Oh, these?¡± I ask, pointing to the two never been looked at cards. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± I say, as I turn them over revealing the pair of 2s I started off with. ¡°What the?¡± Five incredulous voices call out at once. Even the dealer and already folded player 4 are commenting. ¡°That¡¯s good right?¡± I ask, pointing from my 2s to the 2 on the table then the two Jacks. ¡°Yeah, that is really good.¡± The Dealer says. ¡°Of all the beginner¡¯s luck.¡± Player 3 says, almost glaring angrily at the dealer, as if the dealer didn¡¯t get him three of a kind. In fact, player 2 could have had a better Full House, had they traded away their 10 rather than the four. So many different ways this all could have gone, but ultimately it ended up with a pot of 18,000 experience and 50 gold going to me. There were other side bets that went on, but I wasn¡¯t able to partake in them. Instead, I had to watch as the remaining three players all battled each other with the remainder of their gold. In the end, the hands were just as expected, though the High roller did attempt to pull a card from his sleeve, but with a slight Telekinetic force I kept his hidden card up his sleeve. He wrestled with his arm for a moment. ¡°Trouble with your wrist there, old timer?¡± Player 3 asked, staring at the man and his card that was clearly not moving. Of course it wouldn¡¯t move as I was holding it firmly in my mental grip, as this was the only way I could lose, the high roller flipping out his Ace for a 4 or other card. ¡°No, sorry, just my arthritis flaring up.¡± The old man said, as he reluctantly turned over his two real hold cards and split the final pot with player 3. ¡°Well, I think I am going to call that a night.¡± I say, greedily sucking in the experience points. ¡°You can¡¯t just leave after one hand.¡± Player 3 says. I just look at him and shake my head. ¡°Sorry, my daddy¡­I mean the people I am with will start to look for me here shortly, if I don¡¯t go back.¡± ¡°Who is your dad again?¡± The High Roller askes. I just smile and quip back, ¡°not you old timer.¡± ¡°Ouch.¡± Player 3 adds.
Quest Complete: Deal Me In: You completed and won your first game of poker. Rewards: Experience, 50 gold chips, Badge: Beginner¡¯s Luck.
Badge: Beginner¡¯s Luck (50): Achieved for winning your first hand at poker.
Seeing the title and the experience flood into me, I can¡¯t help but smile. I also like how the hand of poker was treated as a quest, as a way to exchange experience. ¡°Well toodles.¡± I say, getting up with my winnings. ¡°Oh come on. It is bad manners to leave without giving us a chance to earn back our money.¡± ¡°Oh, is it just the money you want? You can have that. I was just here for some quick entertainment.¡± I say, spreading out the 10 gold chips to each player. Again, I knew things were going to go bad, if I didn¡¯t play this right, especially with my Broke flaw feeling like it was about to rear up its ugly head. With that I saw the log prompts come up.
Minus 10 gold pieces.
Minus 10 gold pieces.
Minus 10 gold pieces.
Minus 10 gold pieces.
¡°Hey, where is my cut?¡± The dealer asks mockingly. ¡°I¡¯d take it from the player you are cheating with. I did just give him back his 10 gold coins. So you are likely entitled to a percentage of that give all the bottom cut cards you¡¯ve been dealing him.¡± I say, then smile and quickly abscond away. ¡°Bottom cut cards?¡± Player 2 asks. ¡°He has been cheating!¡± Player 4 states, no doubt getting the direct feed from his mentalist partner. And just like that, I distract others as I make my way out. Making sure to note my quick increase in experience and levels.
Experience Gained: 14,000. Ding. Level up. Level increased to 11. Level increased to 12.
¡­
Level increased to 18.
With that one quest line, I gained eight levels, eight! Pausing to myself I feel a rush and surge of adrenaline coursing through me, most of it is the high of competing and winning at such a competition, another part has to be the way the experience is actually being added. From that one burst alone I am now looking at an increase of 16 Free Points, 16 total Willpower from both my class and racial bonuses. Then 8 Dexterity, 8 Appearance, and 4 Intelligence. This also means that I have 24 Free Points to spend, which I intend to increase everything by 2, the maximum I can do in one sitting. The only problem is, I need to be in a safe space for that. While I could logically do that here, I have no doubt in my mind that people will be looking for me. I have a feeling that everyone but player 2 will be after me here shortly. While I am still wearing this disguise, I decide to cut and run. Ducking into the first bathroom I find, I go in shut the stall door. Then with a focus of will, I Teleport to my room. Once there, I quickly change forms, making sure to put on my old soul bound items while I change back into my normal 13-year-old self. Well at least my 13-year-old avatar, as I am anything but a 13-year-old at this point and that little escapade just proved it. Smiling to myself, I put away the slippers and the t-shirt, making sure to place them in the burn pits for the fact that they now smell like opiates and smoke. With that done, I look to myself and realize that I got away with it, that everything was going to be all right. Shutter, lurch, BOOM! The metallic engine that has been powering us forward smoothly suddenly slams to a stop. WHOO, WOOO! At that, the alarm blast goes off, all but signifying that there is danger on the tracks. At that I wonder if I just jinxed myself, then I stop myself as I realized I obviously jinxed myself by thinking I got away with my scheme. ¡°Things, just never go smoothly do they Zero?¡± I ask, turning to my spirit companion, only to see blood gushing from their forehead, as they lie on the ground in a motionless state. Seeing the normally floating dragon in such a state, I realize instantly that they likely crashed into the wall, when the momentum of the train stopped. But then looking at them, I can¡¯t help but have one thought come to my mind. ¡°How?¡± Chapter 37 The Great Train Robbery Chapter 37 The ''Great'' Train Robbery Zero was bleeding, not just a little either but they had a huge gash on the top of their head. I put my hand up to staunch the bleeding and instantly felt a giant tingling sensation. This was the blood of my familiar, someone who I supposedly shared a deep personal connection to. Yet, I felt numb, well numb until their blood was coating my skin. The minute their blood covered me and I desperately pressed my hand to their head, I just couldn¡¯t help but feel a connected surge of energy, followed by pain. Using Telepathy, I mentally reached out and tried to connect to their mind, but they were gone. Again, there was something about the hit to the head that was apparently dangerous to the tiny familiar. That or it was the fact that we were in the spirit realm, meaning the damage that was taken affected them on a deep personal level. BOOM! Then just like that, there was an explosion. I should have expected something like this, I mean the ticket counter all but said something like this would be scripted with all that, never had an accident talk. Shaking my head, focus my eyes and using my Angel¡¯s Sight I see multiple tropes going on all at once. There is the train heist, which this is an amateur group at best, no flair for the dramatics, no breaking in through the skylight. No stealing countless hidden jewels while no one is looking. Instead they are all straight forward, smash the train¡¯s engine, blow open a gaping hole in the side of the opium den, then apparently gag on the released vapors. You know what, I am losing even more respect for these thieves, the more I watch. Especially as they only decide to put on their Thieves¡¯ Guild masks after they are inundated with smoke. I am half tempted to go around robbing this train and its people now, all in an effort to blame these thieves. They are the perfect cover, who would expect a second thief using the first group as a distraction. No, if anyone found out about the other robberies, they would just think that a master would have worked in cahoots with the terrible thieves to mask their movements. Shaking my head at the tragedy of it all, I focus on the only thing that matters right now, Zero. There is something in Zero¡¯s blood, as it feels like it is a dense pool of spirit magic. Feeling the energy, with the pools of energy fused blood coating my fingers, I can¡¯t help but feel that there is something potent and powerful to the energy. Something that I could take for my own, and of course at that revelation I feel something shatter within me.
Hidden Quest Line Opened: Awakening the Shade Touched Bloodline: You have found something truly remarkable in the blood of your familiar. Consume the blood to awaken your bloodline. Rewards: Experience, Attribute Bonuses, Bloodline Trait.
And there it is, the carrot to see how much of a villain I can be, well villainess if I want to be technical. I feel repulsed just by reading the quest prompt. Reading it, I realize the horrors that Ms. Umbra¡¯s mother had to have gone through, what she willingly put herself through for this bonus. I am sickened and appalled by the very notion of doing this sort of thing to anyone, let alone Zero my faithful companion. I reject the quest line so quickly that I am instantly hit with a warning message.
Warning: You are choosing to avoid the awakening your bloodline quest. If this continues, you might never be able to awaken your bloodline heritage. Do you wish to continue with this path?
¡°Yes!¡± I hiss out, as I can barely believe it is still asking me this. At that, I feel something shatter from deep within me.
Quest Updated: Quest Awakening the Shade Touched Bloodline: has now evolved to: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline. You had within you the blood of the Gods of Darkness. Due to your inability or reluctance to take the gift that has been bestowed upon you, your blessing will now be a curse. For failing to take the power of the Dark Gods¡¯ power, you will be cursed until you can remove the markings of your tainted bloodline from your body. Reward: Experience, New Skills, removal of socially detriment flaws.
Quest Conditions: You must purge yourself of the corrupted Shade Touched essence that permeates your entire body. During this time, you will be seen as a cursed agent to all elven kind.
Seeing the random quest prompt, I couldn¡¯t help but feel this was payback. A final test of the system to allow me to remove my Minority Status Flaw. I had to give the system credit, this was an effective way of making it so I didn¡¯t just age out of the flaw, or that I didn¡¯t go to the Dark Elves and live like a queen, well murder-hobo-princess in training. The fact that it is just choosing now of all times to thrust this new series of complications on me, well that is to add importance. I can already feel some flaws taking place within me, but I can¡¯t quite determine what they are. I also wonder if this will affect my form of Octavia, making my Spiritual Doppelganger image of her appear poisoned as well. This also brings to the point that some, if not the majority of the invading thieves will undoubtedly be elves, just to make this whole act even more difficult. ¡°Give us all your money!¡± The gang of thieves are going one by one through all the luxury cars. This part they look like a well oiled crew, as no less than four people enter any train car. Two disable the males, while the other two first threaten the females and then get the females to gather the valuables while the men stare on. Of course, since all the cabins are set up for a maximum of two people, the use of four henchmen is easily double what anyone can expect. I only have seconds myself before a group of four armed men make their way down to our car. Fortunately we are the last, but being so close to the engine, we are also likely to be seen as the number one target to hit. Despite my position and status all being a sham. If I had kept the forty gold from earlier, this would likely be the event that would have been used to take it away from me. Still, now that I had given it back, I wondered why this event line was still happening. Did it happen because I gained too much experience? More than tripling my original experience value? Honestly, I didn¡¯t know, nor did I care. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Right now, the only thing that truly mattered to me was Zero. Zero, and their seemingly bloodline awakening blood. Mentally I also make a mental note that if Zero could awaken my bloodline, then their blood might also be able to awaken the bloodline of other Shade Touched individuals. With only seconds before the armed robbers make their way to my door, I cast my only real spell I can. With my glowing hand I swipe out into the air and cast Planar Shift. I do find the situation at hand rather odd. Normally I cut open a hole in reality to evade people and complications in the mortal realm. Yet, with this tower being designed as a spirit tower, it seems that I will need to rethink many of my strategies. Especially when I get my next system message.
You have left Arcanarus Tower. Current floor: 1. Progression 99%. Your progress for completing the tower will be finalized in 30, 29, 28¡­
And there it was, yet another way the system was going to end up biting me in the keister. Exhaling loudly, I wait. With my Spirit Sight spell active I can see the way the four mobs enter and search my room. They clearly seem to be drawn in by the items I wore and then discarded, like my t-shirt and fuzzy slippers. Seeing the interactions with the items, it is clear that the crew has a tracker of some kind. Yet, they look around and are about to leave, when shrugging they take my used complimentary t-shirt, and fuzzy slippers. I realize this is likely the game world¡¯s way of telling me I purposefully missed an easy encounter. I can¡¯t help but think that the system is right, as I am level 18 now, and likely a good eight levels above all of the would be thieves that came to steal from us. Still, I could care less. One I was used to nice things getting taken away, stupid Broke flaw. I made a mental note that I would never take that same flaw again. Also, with the system effectively letting me get rid of my Second Class Citizen flaw thanks to this new quest chain, I figured there might be a quest line coming up to remove my Broke flaw soon as well. Maybe something along the lines of The Legendary Score, or something equally as clich¨¦ and enticing. But all of that would be secondary. Right now, I was focusing on healing Zero. I am even going so far as to pinch the skin around her wound shut with my fingers, while also trying to apply pressure. I did take a few forced first aide classes in my past life, classes that I assume will have some bearing on Zero, especially as she is bleeding ghostly fluids. At just under ten seconds left on the time, the crew of four leave my car, having ransacked it of everything of value. Again nothing is there, I don¡¯t use food or water since I have my Spirit Sustenance spell constantly going. At this point I produce so much that I could almost feed Zero. Wait? What? I think to myself as I realize I might be able to use my existing spell in a new way. Or at least a way that I haven¡¯t tried this far. With that I am about to try, only stopping when I see the timer for my being out of the tower get down to 7 seconds, at which point it begins to flash red. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I get it.¡± I say, once again opening another rift in the veil between the mortal and spirit realm and pulling Zero through with me. At one second the timer pauses and just blinks for a few heart beats. What, I beat it? I almost yell, but then realize that is exactly what the system likely wants. Me to create a loud sound that would once again attract the attention of the robbers. Instead, I just focus on the random thought I had a moment ago. The thought of trying to alter my Spiritual Sustenance spell slightly, as a way to replenish the vital nutrients that Zero is losing. I try, but nothing happens. With a frustrated sigh, I realize the dilemma, my skin is keeping in my personally energy inside my body. Normally this is a great thing, as it means I am not wasting mana. But for this particular instance, such an event is less than optimal. Sighing to myself I pull out one of my two concealed daggers. Yes, I have daggers, after I mastered the skill and my dual wielding I find it stupid not to carry them. I mainly focus on defensive strikes and evasions, but they are still accurate in my palm. With that, I focus on my own hand and cut a line. Yes, it is stupid to cut the palm of your hand, so many nerve endings, so many better places to produce ample blood, but this is one of those spots in the game where going with the clich¨¦ spots works. Also, the formulation of my Spiritual Sustenance requires me to circulate the spell throughout my entire body, around my whole body in a circuit that ultimately ends up in my left hand, the hand that I so happened to slice open. Why is this important? Simple, if I want to continue pulsing my energy around, I need to be able to direct it cleanly and accurately throughout Zero¡¯s body. This means I can use the last node in my left hand as a sort of directional point for how fast, and in which direction I circulate this infused energy into Zero. There of course is another reason why I don¡¯t mind cutting my hand, even if it is a stupid spot to cut. Namely my Regeneration merit makes it so such feats are ultimately minor in the grand scheme of things. So long as I can get out of combat and rest, I can heal from almost any wound. I almost make the cardinal sin of wishing I could convert my Regeneration merit to be broader, but stop myself before that thought gets too far. The system is already messing with my Second Class Citizen flaw, I do not want to see what it would do with my Regeneration merit. But I pause, as I realize the system is if anything balanced, giving and taking in equal measures. Can it be something so simple? I find myself asking. I know logically, the game cannot take away Zero, as they are part of my class. Then an icy chill runs down my spine as I realize the seven-point flaw that got me Zero in the first place.
Unique Class Flaw (7): Void Touched Void Walker: You have been marked as the chosen advocate by the deepest denizens of the void. Your primary class will now and forever be Void Walker. Additionally, both denizens of the realm of the living and realm of the dead will know you are the one who can both teach others your class, while also conducting unique missions on behalf of both realms.
Seeing the class flaw, my mind is instantly drawn to the similarities between this and my recent class quest. Not only am I Shade Touched, but I am also Void Touched as well. That was when I met Zero¡¯s mother, one of the most powerful spirits of these whole realms. The Goddess who upon her death would spell the end for all spirit realm quests and adventures. Or at least these particular spirit realm quests and adventures. I could only imagine what the consequences of drawing the ire of such an unfathomably powerful creature would be. The spirit realm is my safe haven in the storm, the place I go to when I want to lie low for a while. If I lost Zero, I just knew that my life here would get exponentially tougher, if not deadly. Shaking my head, I decide to do something stupid. Either this will work, and I will be rewarded, or it will fail miserably, and I will end up with a lessened version of my Regeneration merit, and a still dead Zero. Again, I wonder how. How could such a small creature crash their head so hard as to apparently cause minor skull fractures that might or might not be leading to internal bleeding right now. Again, I wasn¡¯t a doctor, I barely knew how to take care of humanoid living patients. Given that this is a spiritual ghost dragon of an underdeveloped child, I can¡¯t help but feel am well out of my depth. Sending my energy into Zero, I focus on the stream, guiding it straight towards the core. Well not to the core first, as I technically have to angle it through the brain in a way that bypasses the eyes, and then goes to the core. Why this odd circuitous route? Simple, it is the only way that can get to the core from the larger brain node. I am relieved to see that magical nodes and pathways work almost identically in spirit creatures, particularly spirit dragons, just as they would for humans. Still, this is only the beginning, as I can tell that the amount of spiritual energy inside Zero is painfully low. At the very least they will need my sharing of my energy with them for a while, even if they regain consciousness. Whoosh. A few minutes, or maybe hours into my channeling, I hear the door open. I don¡¯t even send my senses out to investigate who is at the door. At this point I don¡¯t really care if it is the criminals or not, if the criminals have come back, I will end them. If it means saving Zero, I will. I am as certain of this, as I am certain that I will not stop until Zero is healed. ¡°Whoa there.¡± The voice of the ticket master says. Only after looking up, do I realize that I have inadvertently grabbed hold of dozens of loose items, the candelabra, a book stand, a few pens and have not so subtly brandished them with my Telekinesis. ¡°Sorry.¡± I say, letting my mental grip over the items go. ¡°Who is¡­¡± The ticket master asked as they moved forward, only to pause in recognition of the small form within my arms. ¡°Is that the princess?¡± I pause, having never heard of Zero referred to that, but I guess she technically is a princess spirit, at least her mother is one of the major gods of a realm. ¡°Yeah.¡± I say. ¡°Um, okay. I will be right back.¡± ¡°Wait, we can¡¯t pay¡­¡± I begin. ¡°Nonsense, you are our most valued passenger. Now just wait here for a few moments, while I go search for a doctor.¡± With that the ticket master leaves. By now I take a moment to see what has happened. Everything of value is gone, a few valuable trinkets that could have likely been won during different quests. A few items that could have been purchased from various shops were all gone. Everything was missing from the train. Logically I knew I could hunt down the thieves and get some or all of the stolen items. But that was a distant cry right now. For the moment I was being tested to see if I was still worthy of keeping Zero as a familiar, and this was a test I swore I would pass. Chapter 38 A Spirit Walk, Or Just Walking Chapter 38 A Spirit Walk, Or Just Walking ¡°I have some good new and some bad news.¡± The train¡¯s doctor began. ¡°The bad news is that your familiar is beyond my help. The good news is that there is a doctor at the Magical Wastelands who can help.¡± I pause, letting that comment sink in. Then to add insult to injury, I get a quest prompt.
Quest Activated: Saving a Friend: You have been given the task of making your way to the Magical Wastelands so you can find a cure for your injured companion Zero. Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), and the chance to save Zero.
Quest Conditions: You need to make it to the Magical Wastelands (0 of 50 miles) within 3 Hours, 59 Minutes¡­
Yeah, they gave me a quest letting me know we were about to be on our way. Whoo WHOO! ¡°Oh, and look at that. We are about to be on our way.¡± The doctor said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we are sure to make it to our destination on time.¡± The Ticket Master said. ¡°We have never been stopped from making our final destination.¡± And just like that, I knew I was going to have to leave the train with Zero strapped to my back. *** Fifteen minutes and ten miles, that was as far as we made it before we were stopped again. We were going at a fairly decent pace, all things considered. Forty miles an hour, while not groundbreaking was a decent pace to go. My quest notifications were proof to how fast we were going, as everything was constantly being updated.
Quest Conditions: You need to make it to the Magical Wastelands (10 of 50 miles) within 3 Hours, 44 Minutes¡­
Everything seemed fine, in fact at this rate we should be able to make the rest of the time in an hour. This would give me approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes to search around and find this healer that the train¡¯s doctor noted. Yet, it was not fated to be, such a time and pace were nearly impossible to keep up in a world that was defined by controversy. There was movement of a giant herd of animals roaming across the train tracks in a way that reminded me of migratory birds flying in an echelon formation. It didn¡¯t help that this herd in particular was particularly massive. Judging by the number of wild animals I would predict this flock of creatures had no less than a hundred large creatures all running in a perpendicular path to the train tracks. Looking at the number of creatures that had passed, and the number still remaining it was clear that at the very least the train would meet the trail end of that formation. With my Angel¡¯s Sight, I wasn¡¯t the only one who noticed this, as the train conductor did as well. Which was why the did likely the stupidest thing, or likely most scripted event. They reached up for their wire that would allow steam power to flow into and through the train¡¯s giant warning horns and let out a long bellow to the creatures. WHOOO-WHOO! Of course, the sound was meant to be a warning, the equivalent of trying to spook the creatures into going one way or another. Either continuing on, or turning around entirely and trying to avoid getting steam rolled by the train. Unfortunately, neither of those two events happened, as these were wild monsters living on a monster infested fields of existence. Rather than being startled by the sound, the animals all paused for a half second, long enough for the flock of one hundred large truck sized creatures to identify the creature that had issued a direct challenge towards their flock, and then begin charging. SCREEECHH!! It was a stampede. As they turned, I could feel the ground begin to rumble, as sign that I needed to act quickly. Fortunately I had not been sitting by idle all this time. I knew I would have a few minutes, at least I hoped I would, so I used my time to prepare a papoose out of my complimentary quilt for Zero. The design was simple, effectively swaddle Zero, by wrapping them a few times in the quilt. Then cutting arm holes to push my arms through. Then strap down that with a bit of rope, for extra reinforcement. Then I just sat on my bed, waiting for this moment, or something similar to happen. No doubt this scenario was set up for passengers to go on a murder spree, killing off dozens, if not the entire herd of creatures that were now charging as one towards the train. Once they were taken care of, there would be some time when we would have to protect the train as it was fixed from any damage sustained during the battle, then be back on our way, until the next triggered event. If everything went well and I killed the waves of monsters fast enough, I would likely be able to arrive just in time to rescue Zero with seconds left to spare. I of course had no intentions of making it so I was subject to such laws. The minute I saw the giant herd of creatures begin to appear I stood up. Then when it became abundantly clear that we would not be able to avoid the creatures, I prepared myself to move. Then when they turned as one to charge at the train I Teleported past the last creature of the thundering herd. Rumble. The ground shook as hundreds of tons of wild animals charged forward, towards a common threat. Honestly, I wished the bison like creatures well. That is what they were, now that I was able to stop and get a good look at these creatures, they were clearly larger version of bison. Well bison with an extra pair of legs and what appeared to be the ability to craft earth related spells while charging forward. That or the rock armor they created around themselves was somehow both magical and a reflexive action taken by the species. This was interesting to me, as it meant that spirits in the spirit realm could also wield other forms of magic. While this shouldn¡¯t be too surprising, I did need this little reminder that other forms of magic would exist throughout this tower. Especially if these creatures were found on the first floor. Even though it was a basic earth armor type spell, the fact that magic was in use was undeniable. In a way, I wondered if all the different realms had their own particular brand of mana that was more prevalent. For the mortal realm, the most abundant form of mana had to be gray, or what is commonly referred to as basic mana. I say this now, as I have not seen gray mana in use since I got here. Not that I have seen much mana, other than these shield spells, but the fact remains, I have seen a lot of spirit magic related spells, most of which are simple sight based spells, or scanning spells. In fact spirit based spells were so prevalent, that I almost began tuning them out due to their mundane nature in this tower. ¡°Huh.¡± I manage as I watch the swarm of a hundred or so fully enraged and challenged herd animals turn and charge as one into the train. BOOM! There is a distinct sound of steam and mechanical parts breaking under strain as the animals all charge as one into the giant beast. In a way, I wonder how effective this strategy is, say for instance could these creatures take down a dragon with a similar tactic? Looking around I don¡¯t see any spirit dragons, meaning either having a dragon in the first floor of a tower would be too much, or these creatures likely killed any such opposition long ago. I would bet on the former, but I couldn¡¯t fully refute the latter as a viable option either. I pause to watch the mayhem for a second, in this case, I get to see a literal train wreck happen in slow motion. Or seemingly slow motion as I see the moment two unstoppable forces collide and smash into each other. The first few magic bison easily get crushed into paste, but their deaths are not in vain, as their sacrifices slow down the train just enough for the second, and third wave to fully force the engine into coming to a complete stop. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. At this, mayhem ensues as the train has come to a complete stop, while monsters charge forward assaulting passenger cars and disembarking passengers alike. Seeing that carnage, I nod to myself and begin Teleporting away in rapid succession, trying to put a lot of distance between myself and the monsters as quickly as possible. Surprisingly, the rapid use of Teleportation in so short of a timeframe is fairly easy. Or at least it is easier than the last time I remember having to do so. The most memorable time that I had to use Teleportation so many times was just before I earned my class, when I had to run through Legrand space, to make it to the Tortoise mountain. During that run, I was able to cast the ability a few times, then run, then cast a few more times. This time, I don¡¯t even try to run as I just disappear and reappear over a kilometer away with each jump. I think about this, then realize a lot of this sudden ease of movement is likely due to the fact that my Willpower has skyrocketed since I opened the leveling system. Now I get bonuses from both my Class and Race every level, meaning my base 76 Willpower is increased by my cumulative 38 Willpower points from my class and race, putting Willpower at easily my highest Attribute category at 114. With each jump, I see my tracker telling me my distance remaining until I reach the Magical Wastelands is constantly counting down, at roughly one mile every two jumps. 11 of 50, 12 of 50 and so on. Seeing those markers, I take that all as encouragement to keep going, until finally by mile marker 40 of 50, I decide to stop jumping. Not truly because I am tired, but because I want to keep a few jumps in me, in case I need to race past large swaths of angry monster packs. Just as I noted earlier, the train tracks weave through mounds of what are clearly monster spawn sites. Only after not seeing a monster spawn site, or residual monsters following the train tracks for a mile or two, do I take a moment to walk and let my mental energy regenerate on its own. Now is the time when I walk, each step causing Zero to bounce gently against my back. Due to the way Zero is bouncing, I decide to walk, not run. At this time, I still have over three hours and thirty minutes to walk the remaining ten miles. Of which, I feel I can easily Teleport at least five of those, but that is my ace in the hole. During this time, I just use the walk to let my mind wander and expand. It takes me a few minutes to realize something that should almost be both obvious, and unimportant due to its obviousness at the same time. But the realization of the thought causes me to chuckle. I realize I am literally going on a spirit walk, with my spirit animal in the spirit realm. After that thought, my mind travels to the next thought. If you are a spirit, then a spirit walk isn¡¯t as grand as mortals might think, it is just walking. This is my thought process as I go first a mile, then two, pushing my counter to mile marker 42 of 50, when I realize my mental energy is once again full. Those two miles took over ten minutes each, leaving me with just over 3 hours and 22 minutes remaining. For a moment I contemplate walking the remaining eight miles, but ultimately, I decide to stop that train of thought. There might be something I can gain, a skill like Callouses from walking with rocks in my shoes for such a long time, or some other crazy meaningless skill, but I decide against that. Currently I am going to be offered a skill by getting Zero to a medical examiner. My goal is to get some type of healing or healthcare related skill that I can then use to help treat Zero and other spirits in the future. That is the goal at least, so I flash ahead the last few jumps in a row. In the end it takes fifteen final jumps to find the area that we are looking for. Part of why it took so long is I got lost on a jump when the train just disappeared. Yep, straight up was there one second, then gone the next. Only after back tracking did I find the area where I was supposed to go, a spot where the train tracks drive like a road runner cartoon into the side of a mountain, and then disappear. Shaking my head, I go to the tunnel, wait a moment to see if anything is coming and then when I realize the coast is clear, I walk through. The path winds upwards, and upwards through the inside of the mountain, until finally I find a wall of intense magical energy. I know the area for what it is almost immediately, it is the barrier between floors of a tower. I pause, realizing that this will be the first time I ever got higher than the first floor of a tower. Then after a moment¡¯s hesitation, Zero shifts slightly on my back. Her unconscious form all but reminding me of why I am here alone. With her on my back, I decide to press forward, walking through the dense layer of energy that glows like a beacon to my altered senses. I feel a moment, where it feels like I walk through an invisible bubble of slime coating, then after a brief second that sensation passes and I feel the sudden surge of mana blast past me as the world around me disappears for a second, only to reappear slowly around me. After a few moments, I feel my senses slowly expand ever outward, until I can feel the exit to the mountain. Not even risking traveling through the mountain, I decide to jump. Poof. Within a second, I appear where it would take me hours of countless cutbacks and switchbacks to appear. I could all but imagine the number of near death experiences that were awaiting me on a train that decided to traverse that dense network of train tracks.
Arcanarus Tower Floor 2. You are the first to reach this floor of the tower, as such your interactions will have the most impact on the world around you.
That was the message, I received. Seeing the message, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that it was both a grand moment, and one that ultimately meant nothing to me, as I had an important mission to do. I still needed to save Zero, who was clearly meant to be used by the system as a plot device. While I hated the idea of forcing pain upon people to drive an agenda, I knew I was ultimately powerless to stop it. Still, I did dislike the idea of being manipulated in such a way. Fortunately, the town where I was supposed to go to was just a few yards away from the end of the mountain pass. Seeing the town, I couldn¡¯t help but feel skeptical about its importance, though there were two different train tracks that intersected at the heart of the town. Buildings lined both sides of the two intersecting train tracks, with a placement of all four guild halls being at the four corners of the two, caused by the train tracks. Seeing this zone, it was clear that this was meant to be a staging city, or at least an area that could be expanded out by regressors and travelers alike. Right now it just had the bare bones of a city in the making, but the overall design was there. I also knew that this was likely a choice for how this zone and likely the next few floors of the tower would develop. Which guild hall I went to next would show the way this zone should grow. I also knew that the different guilds all had different ways I could attempt to heal Zero. The Mage¡¯s guild had of course mages that would be on hand to heal anyone in good standing. The Adventurers guild would have healing battlemages on hand or traveling that could be asked to help. The Apothecary guild would have healing salves that I could likely make to save a my spirit companion¡¯s life. Then there was the engineering guild that could help me create spirit infused mechanical wonders that would likely be used to save Zero. Basically, just like healing humans, the spirit realm used the four main guild halls to revive the dead and dying spirits. Seeing my options, I paused for a second. I was strongly caught up between going to the Apothecary Guild and the Mage¡¯s Guild. I figured the Apothecary Guild would allow me to learn new recipes that could be used on all spirits, or at least on spirit familiars. While the Mage¡¯s guild would have magic. Ultimately I decided to go to the Mage¡¯s guild, why, well simple this was the tower designed from the dead and dying remains of Arcanarus University, the formerly premier university of Biprism. If there was any place I could learn rare or interesting new spells it would be here, in this tower. Also, with me being a Tier VIII practitioner of spirit magic in the spirit realm, I figured this would likely be similar to what a Tier VIII healing mage could do in the mortal realm. Basically, if I was going to learn to use my magic effectively, this was the place to go. Also, I had a strange feeling that this was ultimately what this quest line was trying to teach me all along. With that thought, I make my way to the guild hall. The town is so small, and my remaining time is so vast, that I don¡¯t feel bad walking the last mile or so. This is done as a conscious choice, as I also don¡¯t want people to know about my Teleportation trait, as I figure that is likely a good ace in the hole. I am also relatively certain that no one saw me use it to make my way out of the train tunnels to here. Walking down the street, I see a few people, but they all take one look at me, then turn away in fear. Not good, I think, as I pick up my pace. As I go past shops, I can see little faces pulling away drapes from the windows and peering at me. At that I sigh, as I realize I will likely need to spend more badges to increase my reputation with this town. At least, if I want to come back. I see multiple groups of guards walking in large circular loops. One is going on this vertical train track, and another is on the horizontal train tracks. Shaking my head, I realize I don¡¯t have time to try to avoid them, nor fight them, nor bribe them. Sighing, I decided to reveal my ace in the hole and Teleport right to the entrance of the Mage¡¯s guild. I normally wouldn¡¯t mind playing cat and mouse with a few guards, as most of their movements were simple timing sequences, but I didn¡¯t want anything to happen while I was still carrying Zero on my back. While I could monitor for threats from all sides, it was still not good to tempt fate in such a manner. Poof. Ding-cling. Appearing right in front of the door, I open the door to the Mage¡¯s Guild hall, instantly triggering the bell letting people know someone has entered. The hall is empty, with just a simple registration desk at the front. I am already wearing my SWAG, letting the guild receptionist know that I am a member in good standing. ¡°Good morning, how can I help¡­¡± She trails off as I get close, then turn to show Zero¡¯s unconscious form on my back. ¡°Right this way¡­¡± Fortunately, she is quick on subtle hints, and begins ushering me to follow her quickly. ¡°Carlton! Carlton!¡± The receptionist screams, while taking us down a healing wing and to the first room on the right. ¡°What is it¡­oh¡­¡± A mage, apparently Carlton, asks then trails off seeing me and my bundle. ¡°Here, let me help you with that.¡± At that I feel the healing mage take my bundle from off my back and help me place Zero on the examination table. ¡°I can heal them, but it will cost you.¡± The healer says.
Quest Updated: Saving a Friend: You have managed to get your familiar Zero to a doctor¡¯s office on time. How would you like to pay for your visit?
Extortion, this was freaking extortion. Still, I bite down my frustration and try to answer calmly. ¡°What!¡± My question must come as a slap to the face, as he visibly shakes his head as if he had been struck. ¡°I take it you can¡¯t pay the standard guild fees?¡± He asks. ¡°How much.¡± ¡°Twenty gold.¡± At that, I roll my eyes. Again, my Broke flaw coming back to bite me. ¡°No, I cannot.¡± I try to say in as calm of a tone of voice as possible. ¡°I can teach you, but in exchange I will need to you to act as my apprentice for a time.¡± ¡°Apprentice?¡± ¡°Yes, I need someone to help me with my healing.¡± He says. I look around, seeing that the Mage¡¯s guild hall is practically deserted, with only a few people in each section. Even those I figure are likely the heads of different departments, rather than regular guild members. ¡°Not here, but for the Adventurers. I am a healer there as well, but going back and forth between the two buildings is becoming tougher.¡± He says.
Quest Updated: Saving a Friend: You have managed to get your familiar Zero to a doctor¡¯s office on time. Now the local Healer is offering to heal Zero, but in exchange you must pledge to be his apprentice for a week. Rewards: Experience, New Spell (Spirit Healing), Skills. Do you accept?
Seeing the quest, my eyes bug out as this is likely perfect for me, almost too perfect. ¡°Go on.¡± I say, crossing my arms, but willing to hear out this entire process. If this quest chain was just a circuitous way to teach me Healing magic type spells, even if I can only use it to heal spirits, I will be okay with that. ¡°Well, you see. I am getting on with my age, and need a disciple¡­¡± Chapter 39 The Disciple Chapter 39 The Disciple The town we are in, aptly named Crossroads, is apparently not doing too well. ¡°The roaming guards I saw make it a point of contention to lock up anyone they come across. Still I am going to need you to go across the streets to get some of my supplies from the Apothecary shop. I will warn you, they will make you do an entrance exam, if you aren¡¯t already.¡± Kiran, my new healing instructor for the week explains. Thinking about this comment, I realize I might have been off on my assumptions of the people and why they were staring at me. At the time I thought it was because I might be going through a weird bloodline evolution, but apparently at least part of their staring was due to the fact that they likely wanted to warn me about the dangers of this city in some way. ¡°I have a standing in all four guilds.¡± I explain. ¡°Good. I will warn you, that there is an alleged fifth guild that exists somewhere in this city. I urge you to stay away from them at all costs.¡± ¡°A fifth guild?¡± I ask, knowing full well that he is likely referring to the Thieves Guild, a guild I am more than in good standing with. ¡°Yes, they are said to run this city from the shadows, that the tyrant mayor himself is all but a puppet for that shady organization, and that they are the reason this town is so dangerous.¡± Instructor Kiran explains. I nod. ¡°So, repeat everything you need to get for me, and why?¡± Kiran asks, trying to make sure I paid attention to his lecture. ¡°We need Refined Bonemeal Paste from a lizard creature, due to the cranial fracture. The internal swelling of the brain will need an Anti-Coagulant. Due to blood loss, we will need a Lactated Electrolyte Injection due to hypovolemia. I will likely need to create all three, then test them together to ensure that the toxicity level doesn¡¯t rise above 75, ideally I would want that as low as possible, which will be based on how well I can create each potion.¡± I say, reciting the three different items needed to be created. I found it very odd that the game actually introduced toxicity ratings into this world. Basically, this is the game¡¯s system for telling if a concoction of pills won¡¯t mix well together. You know, that whole this works fine by itself and with most others, except when added to ¡®X¡¯ substance. Meaning the easiest to make of each will likely lead to death of Zero. I already have it in mind that I will need to make at least medium tier potions and elixirs to help Zero. Why did we go for elixirs, rather than healing medicine? Well healing spells can only fix so much in the game, when it comes to brain damage and other forms of injury, the Apothecary guild is required, especially if there is brain swelling. The logic is that by healing Zero¡¯s brain now, we would be forcing the brain to stay at its enlarged state. So, in order to treat Zero properly, we will first need to reduce the swelling, then we can cast true healing spells. Also we don¡¯t want to fix the bones, as that might make it harder for the swelling to go down. Ultimately, it was all up to these next few steps. ¡°Very good. It seems I was not wrong in taking you on as an apprentice, now here take this.¡± Kiran says, as he pulls out a large satchel. The minute he hands it over I am met with a system prompt.
Quest Update: The Healer¡¯s Apprentice: You have been tasked with retrieving three different elixirs needed to heal your friend. Your Instructor has given you a satchel of rare ingredients that you can use to either make or barter for the potions needed.
There we go, so there will likely be someone at the Apothecary Guild who will have a mixture of potions needed to save Zero. Judging by the weight of the bag, I can tell that there are a lot of supplies, likely enough to get me to easily be able to master the basics of the Alchemy skill. I already have Medical Healing, and Herbalism maxed out as far as skills go, meaning Alchemy should be fairly easy to learn and pick up. Right now, my biggest distraction for that is that I don¡¯t have any recipes. But looking in the bag, I see a book. Grabbing the book, I pull it out and am able to read it at once.
Beginner¡¯s Guide to Alchemy.
Seeing the book, my jaw drops. ¡°Yes, that is my old book. I figured you could use it, as you are beginning to follow in my footsteps.¡± Kiran says. ¡°This is yours?¡± I ask. ¡°Was, and yes. I think you are the perfect person to have it.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve seen plenty of people over the years. Especially those of our kind. I never thought I would meet another person so against killing, but here you are, and I can see that you even put me to shame.¡± Kiran says. At that I realize a few things. First, he is not just an elf, but a dark elf. Second, he like me has taken on the pacifist life, something most people of this world, let alone Dark Elves don¡¯t adhere to. Hearing that, I feel a faint connection to him, in a way I never thought possible. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t even realize.¡± I say, as I feel sort of shocked by the confession. ¡°You can¡¯t recognize one of your own kind?¡± He asks. I shake my head, and then remove my EGGs, so that my odd eyes appear. ¡°OHHH!¡± Kiran says, then quickly glances around and ¡°you must never reveal your true nature. Especially not here.¡± Hearing the sudden tension in his voice I nod and put my EGGs back over my eyes. Once my eyes are covered again, he relaxes slightly, but then still has a slightly tense demeanor while looking at me. ¡°So, you are Shade Touched?¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Was, well I am trying to purge myself of it.¡± ¡°To purge yourself, of the Darkness¡¯ blessing?¡± He asks. I am sad to say that I can¡¯t quite pick out how he feels based on the range of emotion he displayed in that one sentence. ¡°Yes, I had a chance to awaken it, by consuming Zero, and I refused.¡± I say, placing a gentle hand on Zero who is now passed out on the doctor¡¯s table. At that he nods his head a few times, as if coming to a decision, then finally he states, ¡°very well then. I cannot say that I have ever heard of someone purposefully denying their bloodline like that, but I commend you all the same for it. With this, I am more than happy to have taken you on as my disciple. This is why I will make this deal with you, if you make it to become my Apprentice, I will help you with you clear your bloodline.¡±
Quest Update: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline: You have found someone who is both a healer and an Apothecary who has offered to take you in and help you remove the curse of your bloodline.
I pause, seeing the message, and then realize something. ¡°Wait, do you not find me repulsive?¡± I ask, remembering the prompt of my bloodline. The same one that states that all elves will find me repulsive. ¡°I did at first, but I saw the way you cared for Zero. Just the dirt on you two shows that you two came quite a long distance together. Anyone willing to do that for someone else couldn¡¯t be terrible. Also, I swore I would never turn away someone earnestly seeking aide. Then I offered the chance to cure Zero if you helped, and you readily agreed to help. How could I turn down such a pupil, despite what my personal convictions were telling me. Though it is for that very reason that I must urge you to be careful while going about the town. I figured you would have been able to notice, but this is a town run by the dark elves.¡± Kiran states. At that I pause, and wonder if it was my understanding that the guards were dark elves that caused me to break character and teleport to the entrance to the Mage¡¯s guild. Pausing, I think to myself, but then come up with a plan. ¡°In that case, can I borrow a set of clothes?¡± I ask. ¡°I am sorry, I gladly would share with you, but I do not have anything in your size.¡± I shake my head, ¡°no, your clothes.¡± ¡°My clothes? Well¡­I¡­¡± He pauses as he looks at me. ¡°Is this some type of joke?¡± ¡°Hardly. I can even pay.¡± I say, holding out one of my gold coins. As much as it pains me to do this, I know the clothes are more important than keeping money on hand. ¡°I have an old pair of healer¡¯s clothes that I was meaning to get rid of. They aren¡¯t fancy or anything.¡± He offers. Translation, they are just clothes to wear, and are not meant for fighting in, meaning they don¡¯t offer any stats, or enhancements, and will be torn apart by taking any damage. Fortunately for me, I deplore taking damage. ¡°That is fine.¡± I say, still holding out the gold coin. At that the doctor pauses for a moment, but then nods his head. ¡°Fine then.¡± He takes the gold coin, then walks over to a closet at the end of his office and pulls out a well worn set of clothes off the floor. Yep, they are going to smell like sweaty doctor, so awesome, still this is what I need for this quest, so I will take it. ¡°Thank you. Now do you have a place where I can change?¡± I ask. ¡°They aren¡¯t going to fit you.¡± Kiran says, as he takes me to a side door and gestures for me to go inside. ¡°Thank you,¡± I say as I enter the room. Once inside he closes the door for privacy, giving me the chance to choose which of my elven possible choices I have for my Spiritual Doppelganger. Honestly, I don¡¯t quite know which one will be best. I think the clothes are unisex enough that I could go as a male or female. Right off the bat, I remove a few choices, most notably Octavia, as she is a light skinned elf of some kind. I figure going as her will cause some form of friction in a town ruled by dark elves. I also forgo the Ms. Umbra mother form, as she is supposedly like me in that she has the same dead eyes saying she is Shade Touched. Just going from one Shade Touched, to another seems like it would be in bad taste. This leaves me with the nine other choices. I decide against Tobias, again just going as him will feel weird. Not that going as anyone wouldn¡¯t feel weird, but I don¡¯t know if now is the correct time to go as a male for the first time. For the first part, my Acting skill is only so good and will likely not be able to help me understand the mannerisms of males. Finally after a few seconds I take on Sabrina, the girl who really brought the book club to life for me. The woman who made it so I could complete my odd quest of helping people so easily. Focusing on her, I draw her image to my mind, and am about to force my body to change again, but I stop myself. Realizing my past mistakes, I quickly remove any and all outer garments that are not soul bound to me. Then I begin channeling the form of Sabrina into my body. Creak-pop. Instantly I feel my bones begin to crunch and elongate. I have a feeling that this would be exceptionally painful without my Regeneration merit, as it is, it is only mildly debilitating. The entire process takes minutes, but under that form of white hot burning pain, it feels more like hours. Finally, after a long agonizing few minutes, the transformation is nearly complete. I know I still need to be in a secluded space and cannot expect to do this transformation in any type of expedient manner. Whoosh. Kiran opens the door to find me panting wildly on the ground. ¡°I uh¡­¡± he says, as he looks embarrassed for a moment, then shuts the door behind him. ¡°I am so sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡± Then I see him going I collapse to the ground as exhaustion takes me. My stamina is at zero, again, these are all things that will likely improve with time, but for now the process is painfully slow, and just painful all together. The process finally recedes, and I can feel a slight tingling sensation cover my body, as I assume the pigmentation is fading away. Then rising to my feet, I put on the doctor¡¯s uniform. Fortunately, it is unisex, well mostly. The outfit is one that was clearly made for an elf, given how skinny it is. I thought that Sabrina was the skinny enough to pull it off, which she was, except for one noticeable area. The chest area is a bit too tight, causing a slight bulge as Sabrina¡¯s boobs are huge. Maybe it is a species thing, or maybe I am just too used to the slender form of elves. I mean Olivia had a larger chest that I am used to as well, but these are just odd. After years of not having to deal with such a weight, I almost feel my sympathetic back pain kicking in at the sudden weight that I will have to adjust to. I take a few minutes to move, and fortunately I soon learn how to balance with this new body, but it is just odd. I am glad I don¡¯t need my eyes to see, as I don¡¯t think I could see my feet while standing otherwise. Sorry, getting distracted, I just want to get this all out at once, before I go on a mission. I also decide to make this part of my new process. Spend a few minutes going around in the new body. After a moment I am ready. I also swap out my black Mage guild SWAG for my white one that I also earned. I decide to put away the EGGs, but keep my gloves, and Adventurer¡¯s necklace. The Thieves Guild mask is also kept on my neck, but just in its retracted state. Since this is a place run by the Thieves Guild I can¡¯t help but think being able to prove my affinity with them might come in handy. With my wardrobe change done, I realize I still don¡¯t have shoes. Fortunately as it turns out elves apparently have longer feet than humans, meaning my shoes that were stretched out by going to Octavia¡¯s form earlier are just the right size to house Sabrina¡¯s feet. No wonder humans are so clumsy in this game, they have small feet and are top heavy, anyone would be off balanced with those types of proportions. Though I do have to admit, this is sort of neat, and I make it a plan to start trying to observe differences between different races. I know I have a dwarf body that I can also try out, but not today. Just going around as Sabrina would be enough. Now that I have taken a moment, I decide to come up with a personality that would cover Sabrina. I decide to take most from her own personality, and then fill in the rest as needed. She will be fiery, independent, and above all gregarious. After I come up with her personality that I will portray, I realize something that is quite disturbing. I don¡¯t know if it is bad, or terrifying that I am now talking about myself in third person, or that I am talking about myself in third person as a different personality? Is this what all doppelganger¡¯s do? I assume it is about par for the course, to be honest. As I don¡¯t think many would want to give away their true identity by having the same vocal inflections for each body type they portrayed. Feeling more confident with myself, and my ability to portray Sabrina, I gather up my things and my satchel. Then exit the room. As I go out, I see Kiran, who is desperately trying to avoid looking at me at all costs. ¡°I am so sorry, I just heard you screaming and there was a clattering a popping sound and I¡­ I went to check and saw¡­¡± He began, but was speaking at a mile a minute, nerves clearly getting the better of him. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± I say, my voice sounding a bit huskier than I realized. At that Kiran turns to look at me, but then pauses. ¡°Wait, is that still you?¡± He asks, while scanning me with some form of magic. ¡°It is still you, but you¡¯ve changed.¡± He says. Seeing him and the spell he cast, I try to dissect the spell and instantly come up with one possible answer, ¡°Spirit Gaze?¡± At that Kiran nods. Spirit Gaze is an upline evolution of my Spirit Sight spell. I am almost tempted to ask him if he would teach it to me, but realize he is already being too generous with his teachings. Also, I have a feeling that this is likely a lure to diver me away from my true goal of Spirit Healing. I saw him use that on Zero, but Zero¡¯s spirit body needs to recover before we can go further. Silence. ¡°Are you ready?¡± Kiran asks, basically calling me out. This is fine as I can¡¯t help but agree with his assessment, I am just wasting time. Taking a moment to gather myself, I take in a deep breath, then let it out as I nod and turn towards the door. ¡°I believe so.¡± Drring. The bell sitting over the entrance to the Mage¡¯s Guild gives off a chime as I exit, letting the world know Sabrina-Cass is about to make some waves and some potions. I make it all of one step down, before I stumble due to being awkwardly top heavy, then correct myself. My hand lurches out to grasp the railing, the only reason I am able to pause myself and regain my balance. Gods, how do humans deal with these things, I think to myself as I grab my chest. Cough. At that, I turn my head in the direction of the sound, a reflex created by years of practice, though I already see that I have captured the sight of two of the roaming guards. ¡°Sorry, I tripped.¡± I say, trying and failing to pull off the independent Sabrina. The two guards look like they want to say something, but then just shake their heads and begin to leave, following their route down the main vertical street of this town. Yep, just as I planned, make them think I am just an awkward clumsy human, this will be too easy, I think to myself as I make my way down the rest of the steps. I don¡¯t trip again, but I do remember to use the handrail. Then walking across the street, I get to the Apothecary door, take in another deep calming breath, then enter. Chapter 40 Potion Making 101 Chapter 40 Potion Making 101 As I enter the Apothecary Guild I am first met with a number of different cascading smells that all seem to be used to both hide the others, while simultaneously fighting for dominance. It is odd, there are hints of vanilla, and honey used to cover the distinct scents of rot and decay. Scents that can only be described as burnt hair and wet dog go hand in hand with lilacs and grapes. ¡°Hello, how may I help you?¡± The receptionist at the front desk greets me, when I appear to stand for too long at the entrance. Judging by the voice I can tell they are a male and their silhouette and frame let me know they are a human, that or a wider and more round elf. They too have an odd mixture of smells that seem to come from them, an odd mixture of mothballs and incense. ¡°Yes, I would like to sit in on an Alchemy lesson.¡± I say. Groan. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, is there a problem?¡± I ask. ¡°We don¡¯t have an Alchemy teacher here. The most you could get in a back water town like this would be sitting in on one of the masters in back and seeing if they are willing to teach you.¡± The receptionist states. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Any time, Ms?¡± ¡°Cass..¡± I begin, but then cut myself off as I realize I am in the form of Sabrina. ¡°Sabrina, Sabrina, Sab¡­ ah here you are.¡± They say rummaging through a card deck of members. ¡°Ah, I see. You are a transfer from another guild, and your fees are a bit out of date.¡± The Receptionist states. I inwardly grimace at this. While I did luck out that Sabrina was already a member of the Apothecary Guild, I lost miserably at the fact that she had outstanding dues. This made sense given that she was dead and likely couldn¡¯t pay said dues. ¡°How much exactly?¡± I ask a bit hesitantly. ¡°Well, you should just be thankful for the fact that if you leave the Guild for a long time, there is a flat one gold re-registration fee.¡± He states, his tone all but showing he was going to hit me for a one gold renewal fee. Grr. ¡°Fine.¡± I say, somewhat reluctantly. I did have cash on hand just for this reason. This game was terrible about gouging me for petty things like this all the time. I hold up one of my nine remaining gold coins and watch as my buffer to poverty, as I like to call it, slowly gets whittled down even more. ¡°There you go.¡± He says, changing Sabrina¡¯s status within the guild to once again show as active. ¡°Now any skills you gain here will go towards your membership renewal and will not count against you, when trying to continue your membership.¡± That of course was all just a way to remind me that the guilds were all still charging me, and that I needed to make sure I stayed within good standings of the guild. Hector should still be handling this for me, well the actual me, as according to him and our personal deal, he will cover these fees for the next ten years, so long as he doesn¡¯t die, or lose his ability to enter said guilds to pay my fees on my behalf. This receptionist and the Mage guild all but seemed to prove that he was doing his part of paying my continued fees, while I am away. Of course, he is getting paid by the Thieves Guild to do this as well, that is where the ten years is coming from. My status within the Thieves Guild of going on every snatch run, and never getting caught has got me quite the high ranking within the guild. People have gone about asking me specifically for retrievals, which comes with a marked bonus in contract fees. To be named personally, is a huge honor, and something that very few thieves get. I am chosen primarily for the fact that I do two things, first I don¡¯t get caught, and second I don¡¯t kill. Not every Thieves Guild contract is an assassination, most are the lower hanging retrievals; a family jewel gets taken by some unscrupulous noble, and they want me to get it without drawing attention to the fact that the item was taken. I am perfect for those types of challenges, as most thieves would break the cardinal rule and steal more than just the item in question. This of course causes most nobles to send out their guards to the people they know they acquired items from in the first place. So while those thieves might return the item, it is only a short lived reprieve as the same item often ends up back in the hands of the same noble shortly thereafter. My way means the item isn¡¯t noticed as being missing, as most people will assume it was simply misplaced, especially when it is inside a perfectly full vault of treasures. Of course, I don¡¯t take the extra gold because of my flaw. I have found that if I steal just the item in question, the quest goes by a lot smoother, and I can often get on with my life in a little under an hour. Just thinking about the Thieves Guild heists I have pulled off in the past makes me feel alive. It is at this time that I also make the mental note to go and find the Thieves Guild, especially if they seem to be a major player in this town. I will of course go there as my real self, only to then realize that I likely can¡¯t go, at least not until I done with this whole Bloodline curse thing. Realizing that I am distracting myself from what is currently important, namely brewing potions to lower Zero¡¯s internal brain hemorrhaging so she can be healed properly, I make my way past the receptionist desk and go to the back where all the labs are. With my Angel¡¯s Sight, I can see many different Alchemists hard at work all over the place. At this, I decide to see if I can get the skill I need for free. I am cheap after all, and while I might have been willing to pay for said services before paying my renewal fee, I find the idea of spending even more money appalling. So, I begin slowly laying out my ingredients in the manner I see others around me doing. There seems to be a system to the placement of said ingredients, as if having them out in a form of ritual format is necessary to this whole process. I don¡¯t believe this to be the case, but I feel that doing things in a set way, at least at first, is the number one way to unlocking new skills. Once a skill is unlocked, and only after you begin learning can you deviate from the ritual nature of the skill. Basically, you have to crawl before you can walk, and only while crawling can you realize the different mechanics needed to begin changing so you can stand. With this mentality, I first start seeing the similarities that everyone has, then I start trying to see the deviations that everyone has. Another thing to go off of, is the Alchemical mixtures they are all trying to create. While everyone is in their own independent lab, they are all visible to my eyes, meaning I can see them. In a way, so long as I can split my focus properly, I get to see a dozen teachers all working at once in unison. Once I have my ingredients laide out in the starting way that most others around me do, I ignite my burner, and am preparing to make my first ingredient sacrifice to the flame of progress, when I am met with a system notification.
New Skill Gained: Skill Alchemy has reached level 1.
Skill Alchemy is a Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing that message, I let out a sigh of relief. Then I take a few minutes to observe the different Alchemists all around me going through their different processes. Why wait, well now that the skill is unlocked, I can have it go up by observing others, at least for the first few levels. Realizing this, I turn off my burner and begin reading the different recipes that everyone is brewing, or at least trying to create.
New Recipe Learned: Minor Detox. New Recipe Learned: Mid-Level Detox. New Recipe Learned: Detox. New Recipe Learned: Greater Detox.
Seeing the different alchemists all performing the same variations of the recipe showed me a few things. First it showed how minor variations of ingredients and times needed to mix the different components changed the overall efficacy of the recipe. It also showed that for whatever reason this town had a major need for Detoxification potions, seeing that I made a mental note to check on why exactly that was. Then just as I was thinking of that very question, guards came into the guild and spoke to the receptionist. After a few moments, a bell rang overhead. The bell meant that everyone who could come should come. At that everyone who had completed any number of detoxification potions, quickly grabbed them up and brought them to the front room. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Curious, I creep along the walls and try to listen in to the conversation that is going on in the other room. ¡°Next.¡± One guard calls out, as he takes the supplies from the person who was working on the Greater Detox potion. The inspector grabs the vial and holds it up to check for purity. Seeing the potion, I use my own Analyze skill on it, to see what it states.
Item: Greater Detox potion, weight 1, efficacy 67%, Effect: can remove a substantial amount of toxicity from a person or location at a rate of 1,000 times efficacy rating.
Looking at the efficacy rating, I couldn¡¯t help but assume it was going to be thrown away. Even the fact that it was made from a Master, or at least someone pushing themselves to be a master in the field didn¡¯t increase the potency of the potion. ¡°Pass.¡± The guard said, as he took the terrible potion and put it into a box. ¡°Next.¡± At that, the master was paid an unknown amount and then went back to his shop, where he continued to begin his next batch of terribly inefficient Greater Detox potions. The next person came forward with regular variants of the Detox potion.
Item: Detox potion, weight 0.8, efficacy 58%, Effect: can remove a substantial amount of toxicity from a person or location at a rate of 100 times efficacy rating.
Seeing the lower efficacy, I thought for certain that this one would be discarded, but to my surprise there was another, ¡°pass.¡± Given as bottle after bottle of the sub-standard Detox potions were accepted. Now to put it into perspective, I was no expert, not by any stretch of the imagination, that said, I had come across a few potions in my time. In fact, I used to collect them to earn money. When Hector and Golum caught me doing that, they made sure I threw away anything that was below 85% efficacy, as the lower the efficacy meant the greater toxicity poisoning one could expect from the potion. Given that these were being accepted so readily, meant that whoever, or whatever they were using the potions on was suffering greatly from toxicity poisoning. Just as I had this thought, the system let me know that my assumptions were indeed correct.
Hidden Quest Found: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads: You have found that the guards of crossroads have an open contract with the Apothecary Guild to create Detox potions. You can either create Detox potions to turn in for money, or you can investigate the cause of why so many Detox potions are needed in the first place. Reward: variable.
At that quest prompt, I realized I could go one of two ways, either I could contribute to the symptom, i.e. just create Detox potions blindly for a means of continual fast cash, or I could investigate what exactly the potions are being used for. Shaking my head, I decide to do neither for now. Zero is in trouble, while the doctor has their condition mostly stable, I want to heal them as quickly as possible. With that in mind, I go back to my table. Judging by the way the guards seem to be content with staying in the reception room, I focus on my own tasks at hand. Pulling out my four different recipes that the doctor gave me, I focus on memorizing their contents.
New Recipe Learned: Refined Lizard Bonemeal Paste. New Recipe Learned: Mild Blood-Thinner Potion. New Recipe Learned: Plasma Volume Expander Elixir. New Recipe Learned: Toxicity Strip.
Those are the four recipes that I will need to help heal Zero. The first one is one that I only have one lizard skull bone for, which is why I will decide to do it last. Granted that one skull can be used multiple times, as there are more than enough components of it to make multiple attempts at the paste, I can¡¯t help but feel that it being a paste will dry out too quickly compared to the two other liquids. The Elixir will of course be the most complex of the three, but I will make it second. That leaves the blood-thinner as my only real option to begin with. But before that happens, I start by making my Toxicity Strips. These are simple items that basically tell the ph level of the different items being tested. I can use these to get both a baseline of where I start off at with each individual recipe, then how two mix with each other, then how three mix with each other. I make sure to make a lot of these strips. First, they are important, second, they are easily meant to help grind out the initial levels of my skill. Which is why I make sure to make as many of these as possible.
Item Gained: Toxicity Strip (x100)
Surprisingly, I make all one hundred strips right off the bat.
Badge Beginner¡¯s Luck (50) has increased -> Beginner¡¯s Luck (75).
Huh, well look at that. I guess this is the game¡¯s way of rewarding me for being overly cautious? Or at least letting me know I did something unexpected. Granted it was just focusing on each task specifically, and then executing without letting my mind wander, but it seemed that this success was being chalked up by the system as falling under Beginner¡¯s Luck. In a way, I guess it made sense to lump them all together, my first hand at poker, my first 100 alchemical creations, luck was luck. I also wasn¡¯t going to refute a perfectly good badge increase, particularly when I could likely keep using it to increase new skills with some form of subtle background manipulation magic going on. I wasn¡¯t going to refute this, also if anything it made me want to go out and learn new skills and try doing new things immediately. But I stopped myself, focusing on the immediate task at hand, namely saving Zero. With the testing strips out of the way, I began focusing on creating the blood-thinner, the item that seemed to be the easiest of the three that I still had ingredients for. Focusing on the recipe once, then twice, I let out a breath and then began. Come on beginner¡¯s luck, don¡¯t fail me now. I thought to myself, as I began carefully adding the ingredients. It was in the mixture phase, the moment when I was to add in a solid green onion to the mixture that I noticed the problem. There was a gaping hole filled with a few particles of dirt, at the center of the object, one that threw off the mass and distribution of the item. As soon as the onion and the errant dirt were in the mixture and began burning away, the added agents caused reactions to happen both quicker and slower than expected by different elements. I wanted to stop, as the solution began bubbling, while the recipe never said anything about bubbling. That was likely a sign that the dirt was causing undue reactions, thinking quickly, I decided to see what could counteract dirt in this particular instance. I knew the dirt wasn¡¯t much, but this was a small potion, I didn¡¯t have enough ingredients to make infinite tries at this, so I thought about the nature of earth and how that would cause a solidifying effect. Not something that I necessarily wanted with a blood thinner, realizing this experiment was likely a wash, I try to come up with something that is less substantial than the earth. With that, I immediately am drawn to the alternate of water. Realizing that there is plenty of water around, and that diluting a blood thinner might not be the worst of ideas, I grab a beaker full of water. I am about to pour in said liquid when I pause. Remembering back to my time trying to channel spirit mana directly into Zero, I decide to try something. My logic was that this mixture was already a wash, that the ingredients were wasted and that nothing valuable would come from this mixture. Realizing I had nothing else to lose, all except the possible experience, and maybe a limb, though that was unlikely I channeled a minor amount of spirit mana into the beaker. Looking back on this moment, what I failed to consider was just how potent my spirit mana was. I mean I was after all constantly refining my mana over and over again with my Spirit Mana Potency spell that had effectively been active since I first taught it to myself. This of course meant that over time I was cycling purer and purer spirit mana into my body, the longer I had this spell active. Not that this purity of mana increased my overall percentage of mana available, but that the mana was far easier to focus and wield. I also noted that my other spells were seeming to work slightly easier. For instance, my Spirit Sustenance spell seemed to be leaving me filled with more and more energy as the days went on. All of that was supposed to be a reaction that I should have well been aware of, still I poured the ingredients like a moron. Whoosh. The moment I did, a thick purple mana filled fog began bubbling up from the mixture. I only added a few drops of the substance, but that was apparently more than enough to create a volatile mixture. Well not quite volatile, as there was no explosion, at least not at first. Yet, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was something to the way the mixture expanded out and began coating everything. I of course, did what any sane scientist would do in the exact same situation, I panicked. Jumping up from my seat, I shuffled back, only to see the magically infused gas cloud billow up and over the table. It began covering everything quickly. The Toxicity Strips that I had neatly arranged on the table began to first get covered, and then spark to life as they began reading the toxicity level of the gas cloud. Panicking I ran forward and scooped up a handful of the strips, before they could be fully affected by the cloud. They were one time use only strips, and losing them all here and now would be catastrophic. As it is, I manage to save just over twenty of the precious items in my hands, and dart back to the back of the room. I am about ready to just pop out of the lab entirely, but the cloud seems to stop there for a moment, and I swear I can almost see the cloud breathing in its discontent that it didn¡¯t get a hold of me. Finally the gas cloud dissolves, leaving behind a faint purple film on the table and coating the remaining strips with its toxicity level. I make a note to pack away my remaining 20 or so Toxicity Strips for now, then go over to inspect what I had done. Looking at all the wasted strips, I can¡¯t help but also feel angry, as all of my carefully laid out ingredients are also covered. I don¡¯t think it is a complete wash, at least I hope not, as all I likely did was coat the ingredients in a layer of film that looks like it can mostly be washed off. I am about to go over, when I realize something is odd about all the ingredients.
Item: Spirit Energy Coated Green Onion.
That¡¯s it, that is all my top tier Analyze skill gets me. I also note that the Toxicity Strips that were coated with the spirit energy fog all show up as completely neutral. Of course, they are now useless as they have all been used, but I have close to eighty tests that all reveal the same thing over and over. The fog while infused with spirit energy is not toxic. I also look at the potion I created, the one that generated the fog in the first place and realize I have created a new concoction.
Item: Spirit Purifying Distilling Water. Weight 0.5, efficacy 92%. Effect, when heated will create a gas that coats everything in a spiritual energy cloud.
Seeing that, I realize that I created something entirely new. Only now do I also realize that I have a completely different item from the blood-thinner as I still have to complete the other three steps needed for this recipe. As it is, I am done messing around with this mixture, turn off my burner, and move the half filled vial to a different table. After which, I grab cleaning supplies and clean up my table. During this, I am met with a new system message.
Hidden Quest Found: No Accidents, Only Happy Mistakes: While the title is not true, you prove that it was. Rather than blowing yourself up with your experimentation, you managed to create a completely new recipe that might be perfect for the spirit realm. Reward: Experience, New Alchemical Recipe, Spiritually imbued ingredients.
New Recipe Learned: Spirit Purifying Distilling Water.
Reading the quest description, I can¡¯t help but wonder if this was supposed to be found, or if it was an accident. I did end up wasting a good deal of my Toxicity Strips from this little fiasco, but I can¡¯t help but wonder if this is the system pushing me in some direction. Also the fact that the cloud has a neutral toxicity score bodes well, as that is what I have been told is the most important part about my generating the three different concoctions for Zero. Looking at the mess before me. I ultimately decide that Zero¡¯s life is not the time nor place to begin testing new chemical properties on ingredients. With that, I spend the painstaking time needed to first wash, then dry each and every item so the spirit film that coated them is no longer there. Only once that is over, do I scan the items one last time for any signs of spiritual energy residue. Once they all come back as being back to their base forms do I go back and this time working from a different table, begin crafting one of each item needed for Zero, this is going to be a long day. Chapter 41 A Cure And Uninvited Guests Chapter 41 A Cure And Uninvited Guests About mid-way through my creation of my Plasma Volume Expander Elixir, I received an urgent message. An urgent message that almost caused me to lose focus. The reason why I almost lost focus, was the fact that the alert seemed to bypass all of my filters. Aside from initial skill gains, and quest updates, I shouldn¡¯t get any messages. Generally I only get quest completion notices when I either do something, make a discovery, or otherwise end at a stopping point. Nowhere in that, do I get updates to my quests, while in the middle of a critical portion of a quest. I also have a status called working mode where to help avoid distractions during missions, or times when I would otherwise be indisposed, I have that setting enabled, constantly. It is just good business to make sure I don¡¯t get distracted while in the middle of an operation, or while I am making potions and elixirs that will save my friend¡¯s life. I don¡¯t know why I feel such attachment to Zero. To be honest, I think it is just a matter of needing a friend. I always envision Zero as that floating equivalent of a dog that offers good, but sporadically available advise. Sort of like having a resident expert on a lot of technical issues who will either help direct you in profound ways or take a random nap at a most inconvenient time. Still, they were the closest thing I had to a true companion in the game, the fact that they were sentient was a bonus. Finally, after a few hours of focused induced sweating, I was done with the potion and elixir. I had to say I felt a slight sigh of relief. There had been a lot of hiccups getting to this point, first the creation of a new recipe entirely, where I learned to create Spirit Purifying Distilling Water. Not a waste of resources, as I had ultimately made a successful potion, just not the potion I had wanted to begin with. The second time was a charm, as I managed to make it almost flawlessly. Well it had flaws, the darn thing was barely a success at being above 51% efficacy, but it still counted. It likely didn¡¯t help that I sneezed during the final extraction point, causing a burst of purple spirit mana to burst from me. Yeah, it was not pretty. The third time was much better at 93% efficacy, this time I decided to lock my doors while wearing my Thieves¡¯ Guild mask. The mask helped protect my apparently delicate nose from being accosted by different fumes. Then just now, despite the near loss of focus from the random alert, I managed to do it.
Item: Plasma Volume Expander Elixir, weight: 1.2, efficacy: 78%. Effect: When consumed, this elixir will help alleviate problems caused by blood loss.
Looking at the way this elixir seemed to go against the Blood-Thinner potion, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was something more nuanced to the delivery of this. Logically, I was thinking the order of delivery should be potion first, followed by applying the Bonemeal Paste, which I still have to complete, then finally this Elixir. Basically, the thinner would allow blood out of the cranial cavity, the paste would heal the bone, then finally the plasma volume expander would help reform blood that might be missing from the body, while magical healing spells are applied. The moment I come to this realization; I am hit with a new skill notification.
New Skill Gained: Medicine has reached level 1.
Skill Medicine is a Perception and Intelligence based skill.
While there is no hard and fast rule for these skill notifications, I generally take them as a sign that my thought process is accurate, and that the system is letting me know this is the overall goal. It is this last system update that distracts me, as I feel inspired by this new skill and immediately try to finish my relevant task at hand, I am so close to finishing this quest that I can all but feel it. Also, I have to say, I am having fun. I took some chemistry in college, but it was never like this. Of course, here I have the added problem of having to monitor mixing compounds for the impact and effect of magical properties that could completely destabilize a compound, but that only made this process so much cooler. I mean, I literally created a random new recipe by adding spirit mana infused water. Of course, that did cause me to sneeze purple snot, but all in a day¡¯s work I say. In fact, I plan on trying to create more potions like that in the future. I have that thought for a second, before I imagine the purple gas cloud as being a warning sort of, I got let off easy this time, next time it will be a death cloud? Maybe that is too much, I think if I dealt with my Shadow magic side, I could eventually get there, but not for Spirit Magic. Honestly, I think Spirit magic has gotten a bad rap. Granted this is primarily due to the way Necromancers and other Death Cultists have used Spirit Magic to rip the souls out of people, but there are a lot of good things that Spirit magic can do. Honestly, I find that I am rather happy with my being forced to be a Spirit magic savant. I think all of this, as I slowly grind the lizard skull bone into dust, then add in the requisite components. Then I see a faint green glow fill the paste, letting me know that it can be used for healing.
Item: Refined Lizard Bonemeal Paste, weight 2.1, Efficacy: 97%. Effect: Applying this paste to an injured or broken bone will help provide nutrients, heal and set the bone, and provide sedative effects on the targeted area.
There, I was done. I go to wipe off a bead of sweat from my hand and realize I still have my Thieves Guild mask up. Realizing my mistake, I quickly take it down and scan the area. Fortunately I am still in my room and all of the other alchemists all appear to be in their own sections still. Not that I think I have much of a concern being found out as a Thieves Guild member, seeing as how prevalent the Thieves Guild seems to be in this area, but one can never tell. Still, I put away my mask, then begin packing up my different potions and solutions. Especially making sure to put a stopper in my Spirit Purifying Distilling Water. I don¡¯t know why, but I feel that that might be necessary. I am putting everything away, when I realize I didn¡¯t even test the combined toxicity rating of the three items I made. Since I have the paste, I apply a portion of that first, then I apply the elixir, then finally the potion. This is in not the order of how I will apply them to Zero, but I just want to see their overall toxicity rating together. As I apply the three items together, I watch as the rating rises and rises, until finally it stops at an exceptionally high toxicity rating.
107% Toxicity.
Seeing that, I collapse into my chair. That is ridiculous, I had been given a maximum threshold of 50%, but if I was judging by this readout, these items in this order would be enough to kill anyone by 107% damage. I want to argue, the items I made were all high-end products. I could expect something like that from my sneeze potion, the one that ended at 51% efficacy, but I had used the 78% efficacy. Then I thought about something, realizing the strip might be an idiots guide to making sure you applied the quest items in the correct way. Realizing that, I pulled out a different strip and tried applying a portion of the items to this strip. Unlike last time, where I applied them in order of ease to grab. This time I applied them the correct way, the way I envisioned them working. So, starting with the blood-thinner, then going to the bonemeal paste, then the elixir. I watch as the toxicity rating climbs and climbs, before eventually stopping.
32% Toxicity.
At that I paused, as I realized that was exactly the combination of my three ingredients¡¯ missing efficacy; 7 from the potion, 3 from the paste, and finally 22 from the elixir. Realizing this tidbit helped me realize these strips were a miracle of the system. Now I could use these strips to help make sure the way I thought about doing things was correct. While it agreed with my assumption this time, that didn¡¯t mean that I would always be right. Seeing the result, and then realizing the true purpose for these Toxicity strips, I suddenly felt horrible for wasting so many in my accident earlier. Thinking back to the vapor cloud created, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if that was a sign that I created a perfect gas cloud, as it had zero toxicity rating. Still, it was likely best that I cleaned everything up, but it did make me wonder about what would have happened to the items I created. Thinking about it, I go over to the trash heap, and pull up one of the previously tainted toxicity test strips. Seeing that the strip is still relatively intact and still glowing purple, while showing a toxicity rating of 0%, I decide to try out this batch with my currently planned delivery of items. Once again, I apply all three in the correct format, and once again I am met with the same exact toxicity rating.
32% Toxicity.
Seeing that I definitely think there is something to trying out the new mist to help in the future, but not right now. Right now, I want to deal with tried and true methods of healing that are known to produce the desired results. With that, I pack up the rest of my gear, give one last cleaning to the lab, unlock the doors. Then I think about walking out, but ultimately I decide to just Teleport across the street to the changing closet I was in earlier. Poof. Once there, I make the transition from Sabrina, to regular old me. Immediately my doctor¡¯s pants fall off, as I am suddenly too small for the regular human sized clothes I was wearing. But this is fine, as I quickly change back into my regular clothes, and black Mage¡¯s Guild SWAG cloak. Then again pack all my belongings and head out to join Dr. Kiran. ¡°I have returned.¡± I say, holding up the bag with the three items I created. ¡°Oh, good. You are just in time.¡± Dr. Kiran says, ¡°hurry. I don¡¯t think the patient can wait much longer.¡± This is of course all theatrics, as these types of quests move at the speed of plot. So long as I didn¡¯t leave the floor entirely Zero would survive, only to be cast in an immediate state as soon as I arrived. I mentally realized this, but then soon found myself getting immersed in the scene playing out before me. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Quickly apprentice, tell me the order that I need to apply these?¡± Dr. Kiran says. I know he will apply them however I state, which is why I take a breath and am about to begin, only to suddenly be interrupted. BOOM! The ground shakes, and I freeze. Dr. Kiran is there, just staring at me with the same look of determination, waiting for my response. Did he not hear the explosion? Did he not feel the ground shake just now. ¡°Come on. You need to focus; your friend¡¯s life is at stake. If you want to be a medical examiner, then this is the time.¡± ¡°Right.¡± I say, shaking myself, chalking up the blast from outside as being a way to test my ability to focus. Probably a good test to have. ¡°First, we will apply the blood thinner potion. Then once that is applied we will wait for the blood in the brain to drain out, at which point we will apply the bonemeal paste. Then finally once the bones have been set, elixir.¡± At that Kiran nods. ¡°Very good. As my apprentice, it is about time you learned to do this. So, I will watch over you, while you apply the blood thinner potion.¡± Dr. Kiran says. BOOOM! Distant screaming. I am beginning to think that what was outside is not just a scripted part of this training, but rather a full scale invasion. A group of seven people are casting high level spells and going toe to toe with the town guards and the citizens. Well toe to toe would imply that there is an equal exchange of force going on. That is actually not the case here, as the people are being obliterated. Weak cough. Zero coughs weakly, drawing my attention back to the present. Mentally I cut off the range of my Angel¡¯s Sight to only show the inside of the guild hall. I know we are safe here as this is one of the few permanently safe places during a war. Now the people going to war could theoretically come in here and target me directly, but that would get the wrath of every high level Mage to go after them when they came in close proximity. No one wanted to deal with being blind sided by angry Mages, Mechanics, Apothecary members, or Adventurers. That was why even those who went about conquering cities often avoided the guild halls. First, they were impervious to damage and the place where citizens would go to, also it was just bad business. This was also a way the game avoided complete genocide, and wholesale slaughter of entire nations. Knowing that I was safe here, I decided to focus on the task at hand. Going to Zero, I carefully opened their muzzle, then poured in the blood thinner potion. Instantly, I could see the weak pulse in the neck begin to pulse faster and faster. ¡°Good, now you need to cast a circulation spell on him.¡± ¡°Him?¡± I ask, suddenly confused. ¡°Yes, he will need you to circulate energy throughout his body.¡± The doctor said, pointing to Zero. ¡°Wait, I thought he was she?¡± I ask, suddenly confused. ¡°I can most assuredly tell you, that he is no female.¡± Dr. Kiran states. At that, I try to be a bit immodest and do a double check, but there are no dangly bits. I apparently spoke this out loud, as Dr. Kiran just chuckled and answered my question. ¡°Hehehe. Oh my, of course there are no dangly bits as you say. He is an imperial style dragon, meaning all of their reproductive organs are internal and only come out when they transform.¡± ¡°Transform?¡± ¡°Yes, he is far too young to transform now, but will likely be able to do so when he becomes of age. At that point, he will be able to take on the form of a human and then reproduce naturally.¡± ¡°Naturally?¡± ¡°Have you not had the talk of the birds and the pollenators?¡± ¡°First, stop. Yes, I have, and stop, please.¡± I say. ¡°Very well, you just seemed to be a bit confused is all.¡± ¡°I am confused as to how shapeshifting dragons became a thing.¡± I respond. ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever wondered about the dragonoid race? How they all appear to be different species and dragons?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± I trail off as that thought just makes me think of dragons as being the bards of breeding, but quickly stop that train of thought. ¡°Don¡¯t we have a dragon to save?¡± I ask, trying to get us back on task. ¡°Right, I do believe enough time has passed for you to begin casting the circulation spell.¡± ¡°What circulation spell, I don¡¯t know what you mean?¡± ¡°Just follow my lead, and watch as I cycle mana through my body, and out through my right hand, the healing hand.¡± Dr. Kiran states. Healing hand? I mentally think, but am already going through the motions. The minute my hand is up, I am met with a system prompt.
New Skill Gained: Magical Theory has increased to level 1.
Skill Magical Theory is an Intelligence based skill.
Seeing that, I realize that this is likely part of my quest chain rewards. It did say that I would learn skill(s), meaning at least one or more. I so far have learned two, which is phenomenal, as these two skills seem to be higher end ones, or at least ones that are not commonly available. Also, these skills will hopefully open up further training opportunities, and future quest lines. With the right hand being the healing hand, I assume the left hand is either the damaging hand, or the hand used to pull out impurities from the body. I watch as the doctor cycles mana throughout their body, then they seem to focus the beam of energy into a spiraling beam that strikes Zero and gently flows into her, no wait, his body. Again, so odd this dragon physiology thing. The spirit energy flows and pulses along, the body going first to the heart, then up to the brain, where it spirals about a bit, then eventually pushes dead or dying cells out. ¡°Phew.¡± Dr. Kiran says, after doing the blood flow portion for a few minutes. ¡°I am not as talented in Spirit magic as one like you is. Meaning I have to work twice as hard to achieve a fourth as much.¡± He says. Translation, I should be able to do this spell easily, so long as I am able to mirror the pattern and spiral delivery method. ¡°Does the spiral deliver make it easier to direct the energy in another body?¡± I ask. ¡°I am surprised you noticed that, but yes, yes it does.¡± Dr. Kiran states. With that I nod, in understanding. ¡°Now you try.¡± Dr. Kiran says, needing to slump down in a chair to rest. ¡°Me?¡± I ask, though I am already moving over to stand next to Zero. ¡°Yes, I think we just need one more time to clear out his head. Then we can apply the paste. Assuming there are no complications, we should be able to then apply the elixir, constantly taking short rest breaks to make sure we help circulate his blood stream. After that, they should come about on their own.¡± I did just as I saw, and just as instructed. Even going so far as to circulate the mana throughout my body in the same spiral pattern. With my maxed-out Mana Circulation this process was surprisingly easy. Then it was just a matter of learning to clumsily circulate my energy into Zero¡¯s blood, then using that connection to the blood and control over spirit energy to circulate the blood through the body. As I did it, I could feel a greater understanding open in my mind, as my ability to control mana seemed to increase exponentially. I circulated the blood once, then twice. Over time I found that I had at least partially infused my mana into all of Zero¡¯s blood stream, making the complete circulation of blood easy to achieve. Then before I knew it, I had missed the message letting me know I had learned a new spell.
New Spell Gained: Spirit Energy Circulation (A): The first step towards becoming a healer of Spirit Magic. You have learned to infuse your spirit energy into the blood of another being, allowing you to circulate the blood of that person. Warning: This is a spell that can be used for healing or attack. Using this spell as a means of attack will forever mark your spirit as a Karmic Betrayer.
That was odd, although not entirely unexpected. I got the warning, as every doctor gets, that their spells can be used for evil, but doing so will mean the permanent marking of my soul. With that, I felt like a mantle of trust had been placed on me, and a burden to uphold it. No doubt people would scheme of ways to use this spell to hurt or kill others, even monsters. As for me, I had no plans of enacting any of those possibilities. Instead, I wanted to focus on becoming a traveling hero. Honestly, I liked the fact that healing, at least in my case was not limited to the school of Life magic. I even thought I could find other ways to expand this simple concept of a spell to the other schools of magic. If it truly was something so simple as adding your magical aspect to a particular person and then manipulating that energy, then this could revolutionize healing, making it so anyone with any affinity could at least do this much. ¡°Good job. Now, I will ask that you apply the paste. Hopefully with your mana roaming through the patient¡¯s body, you can see where the fractures are. Be gentle, but make sure you apply the paste there. If you want to make it so the patient will have the fastest recovery time possible, make sure to keep that circulation spell going as long as possible.¡± Hearing that, I nodded, and immediately began focusing on applying the paste to all the different portions of the skull that were fractured. While the impact point was clearly on one side, there were cracks that seemed to go all over the skull. The entire time, I applied the paste, I made sure to keep control over the spirit mana I released into his body. It still felt weird to think that, but I was becoming more and more used to it as time went on. I watched as the paste did its job, while I skillfully circulated the excess blood out of the area with minimal effort. ¡°Very good. Now just apply the elixir and your introduction as my Apprentice will be complete.¡± Dr. Kiran said. Hearing that, I was both inwardly delighted that I was going to be a healing apprentice, while I was also sad that I would lose a bit of my agency for the next bit, while I was stuck for at least a week learning to be a healer. Still, this was an invaluable experience that I couldn¡¯t turn down. I poured in the elixir, all while circulating Zero¡¯s blood. By the time the last of the healing properties of the elixir took effect, all but helping to expand the platelets in the dragon, which helped them retain heat and other actions I was only beginning to slightly understand, I was met with a string of system messages.
Quest Complete: Saving a Friend: Managed to save and heal your familiar. Rewards: Experience, Skill (already learned), deeper bond with Zero.
Experience Gained: 500. Ding. Level up. You have now reached level 19.
I felt the immediate satisfaction of leveling up right then and there, feeling the increase of my attributes, while also feeling a deep pulse and connection to the ball of life still lying on the operator¡¯s table.
Quest Update: The Healer¡¯s Apprentice: You have created three different elixirs needed to heal your friend. Reward: Experience, Healer¡¯s Apprentice Badge.
Requirements: You are now the apprentice to Dr. Kiran. In order to complete this task, you will need to follow Dr. Kiran and learn from him.
This was honestly one of the coolest rewards I could ask for. The reward would get me a Badge, meaning I would have a system verified check that I had in fact made it as a Healer¡¯s Apprentice. Still, all of this was exhausting. So, exhausting that I needed to sit down and rest. To my delight, and somewhat horror, I found that I could still manipulate the blood circulating in Zero¡¯s body, even from the other end of the room. ¡°Wow, it seems I was not wrong in taking you on as my apprentice. Your Spirit Magic Potential alone, means we can try new things that I have only dreamed about.¡± Hearing that, I felt a slight sense of pride. This likely meant I would get a chance to learn new and exotic spells. More spells that were only listed as possible, but had never been made into actual existence. This was after all the tower that was made from the ashes of Arcanarus University. It was supposed to be the place of magical knowledge. With my apprenticeship to this doctor, and my new class skill that would become available in¡­ I checked how much longer I had to wait.
Class Skill Perk: Spirit Magic Spell Creation (3/10): With this skill you intend to set the class Void Walker as the premier spell creation class for spirit-based magic spells. You intend to have this skill be based on the following Attributes (Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) (7/10).
Time remaining to make the skill permanently related to your class: 1 hours, 18 minutes¡­
Seeing that, I realized I had gone through a lot over the last day or so. Honestly, I don¡¯t remember the last time I slept; everything was just a long thrill ride of gambling, brewing elixirs, and learning healing magic. I never felt closer to my wild college days than now. ¡°I think I am going to pass out.¡± I finally say, realizing everything is coming close to an end for me. Now that Zero seems to be doing better, and that my multiple quests are over or updated, I find myself needing sleep more than ever. ¡°That is fine. I think I am going to take a quick walk.¡± Dr. Kiran says. I nod, taking the moment of rest when I can. My eyes are already closing on their own, before I realize darkness is taking me. BOOM! Then what feels like a second later, I am rocked back to life, as I feel the entire guild building shake. ¡°What was that?¡± I ask, but at that point I am hit with another system update.
Quest Cancelled: The Healer¡¯s Apprentice: You were supposed to learn from the now deceased Dr. Kiran. This quest has been cancelled because your instructor is now dead¡­
At that, I could only collapse and look at the radius. There he was, well what remained of Dr. Kiran, just a silhouette of dirt and ash as the band of murder hobos continued to kill anyone who walked out doors. ¡°Freaking murder hobos!¡± I cursed, but then ultimately collapsed from exhaustion. It was all too much, and my mind and body both decided to finally call it a night. Chapter 42 The Replacements Chapter 42 The Replacements Bring. Brrinnnggg. Brrriinnnggg. A chiming sound was going off, that was so loud that I couldn¡¯t help but wake up. ¡°What, huh?¡± I blurt out as I reach out wildly trying to swat at the alarm clock, only to realize that I am not in my room, that there is no such thing as an alarm clock, and I somehow fell asleep in a chair. I was apparently a lot more tired than I expected, if I fell asleep in a chair. Also my body, despite being so young is telling me that sleeping in a chair was a bad idea. Of course, I am young which means that just stretching is already causing the knots in my muscles to go away. I so do love this younger body. Bbbrrriiinnnggg. Oh, right, the noise that awoke me. By now even Zero is stirring. I look around the room, to see a glowing magical light coming from the cracks of a cabinet. I have a particularly hard time finding most items that are inside other items, but when magic is involved, they all but glow to my sense. In this case, the glowing magic ball is no different, as I can easily find it. Moving over I open up the cabinet to find and touch the magic ball. The minute I do, I can see the magical image of the person at the far end of the ball. This is the great thing about my Angel¡¯s Sight, the fact that this is all magic, means I can see it clearly, well more clearly than the general silhouettes that I see on people. So in this case, I see a rather old human male with tan skin, silver hair and deep set bags under his eyes appear in the ball. ¡°Oh, good there is a survivor.¡± The voice of the old human calls out from the other end of the ball. ¡°I, what?¡± I ask. ¡°You are a survivor, oh, and I see you were to be the Apprentice under Dr. Kiran.¡± As the voice speaks, the details of what happened last night? Earlier today? I don¡¯t know. Honestly everything is one big blur to me. I check my timer to see that I have unlocked my new class skill.
Class Skill Perk Gained: Spirit Magic Spell Creation: With this skill you can create spirit-based magic spells, so long as your Magical Theory and Spell Theory are adequate to generate the spell you wish to make.
Skill Spirit Magic Spell Creation is an Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing the description, I realize that the new skill Dr. Kiran taught me Magical Theory was likely a prerequisite needed for this very skill. In fact, seeing the skill, it was clear that this was likely a function of the original Spell Creation skill that was so coveted. Everyone just saw the final end goal, and wanted that, never really understanding that there were different components needed to get to this final point. Also, this meant that others would need to be trained under me, if only so they could take advantage of this skill. This skill also makes me wonder about the underlying mechanics of the game. Since I wanted this skill as part of my class, is that what caused this whole crazy chain of quests designed to get me to save Zero? Thinking about this, I also realize that the system is jerk, as there were times when it wanted me to absorb Zero¡¯s energy to gain immediate power. I am glad I didn¡¯t do that, but doubly glad now, as that was likely a test to see if I was deserving of this skill. Had I been willing to sacrifice Zero, then the system would have likely given me this remarkable skill, but I would forever be crippled in it as I was missing the prerequisite Magical Theory skill to make the spell truly invaluable. This of course brought up the question, what was the difference between Magical Theory and Spell Theory. One obviously focused on the actual process of spells and how they were formed, how they circulated through your body. But Magical Theory seemed to imply that there were a few certain fundamental aspects that governed all magic. The fact that Dr. Kiran was teaching me to heal with my right hand, meant that there were at the very least benefits to that. That I could use Spirit Magic in far more ways than I originally thought, so long as I knew the basic principles of magic and went along with them. Or if I fought them, I would have to likely pay a price in the terms of spell time, mana cost, accuracy, or range. The more I thought, the more I realized there was likely some truth to this whole chain of events, that I was just on the cusp of understanding. ¡°Hello¡­ Hello.¡± ¡°What? Oh, sorry, I was just a little distracted.¡± ¡°No doubt, I can fully understand with everything that has happened. It appears that renegades have gone through and destroyed the town to rubble. Right now, we need people to help out wherever possible. Could I enlist your aide in helping new settlers rebuild the town? We need a dedicated healer, and unfortunately you are the only person we have available at the moment.¡±
New Quest: Not The Healer They Wanted¡­: Due to an unfortunate string of events, the town of Crossroads finds itself at a perilous point in its development. You have been asked by the Mage¡¯s Guild Head Healer: Robert Vittal, to stay in Crossroads for the time being and be a dedicated healer. Rewards: Experience, Badge: Super Healer (150), New Skills, Increased Relationships with each faction you heal.
Seeing that quest, I couldn¡¯t help but see that it was clearly an upgrade to the mere Apprentice badge I had been offered. Also, this would likely help me out even more in the long run, of course there is only one problem. ¡°I would, and will, but there is just one problem.¡± At the comment that I will, I feel something click into place in my mind, letting me know my answer has been accepted. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I barely passed the apprenticeship," I say honestly, as I don¡¯t have much in the way of actual healing experience. ¡°Not to worry, I am granting you ownership of everything in Dr. Kiran¡¯s office, along with access to the restricted healer¡¯s section of the mage¡¯s library. Know that this does not grant you complete access, but you are allowed to look for answers to questions you seek.¡±
Status updated: Mage Guild Membership has temporarily risen to Acting Lead Healer of Crossroads Mage¡¯s Guild. Temporary access to Dr. Kiran¡¯s notes, medical supplies, and office is granted. Temporary access to the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild Restricted Section on Healing is also granted.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Okay.¡± I say, seeing the notice. ¡°Very good if there are no other concerns.¡± ¡°Uh, wait, there is one.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± He asks, looking slightly annoyed at the disruption again. ¡°Sorry, I am just a member in good standing with all of the other guilds, could you let them know that they can come to me for healing as well.¡± ¡°Already noted, but thank you for thinking of our sister guilds, in times like these we all need to come together. The fact that you are willing to immediately think of others is a boon we wish to encourage here at the Mage¡¯s Guild.¡± The head Healer for the Guild, Robert Vittal said. Silence. ¡°Well, if there is nothing else, then I really must be going here. Thank you for this, and please stay with us.¡± ¡°Oh sure,¡± I say not quite understanding the last statement. Click. Only once he is off, does the full ramification of his last statement make sense. He wants me to stay on and help the rebuilding process of this town. While destroying is easy, and often rewarded by quick grabs of power, true power comes from being at the core of a developing town, when it tries to logically build its way back up from rubble. This quest is perfect for me, as it means I can learn at my own pace, reading books and manuscripts to take in knowledge quickly. Also, this was the games way of trying to reestablish a balance, a quest chain had been taken away from me, but a better chain was now made available so long as I filled out the prerequisites. Namely, I had to learn to be a doctor myself based on what I read and learned. Then apply that in real time to people who would come in needing assistance, thus further reinforcing what I had learned, while also giving me new knowledge and different evolving skill sets to build from. Seeing this, I couldn¡¯t help but smile to myself, as I decided I was going to devote myself fully to this. In real life doing this would be impossible, this would be the equivalent of being made a doctor after just gaining access to the hallow net, sure you could use Boolean logic to find what you needed or wanted, but that would only be half of what learning was. The other half would be taking what was presented to you and being able to apply it to the real world. I figured I had a bit of time before I would officially be needed to provide healing to people. Just now the higher ups in the different Guilds were learning about what had happened and were now sending out gear and supplies. In the game, this is what our guild fees and dues went to. Logically the guild had spent a lot of time and resources into setting up this outpost here as a fall back place for people to exchange knowledge or sell items found on higher levels of the tower. By having one city, a hub at the base of a tower, it meant that people would be more willing to come here in search of food, or other resources needed to delve deeper into the tower. Also places like this over time would eventually become key trading places where knowledge of what lay on higher floors would be made available to the public. All of this was needed, if this tower was going to be built up. The tortoise spire tower used to have a town, but it was ransacked so many times that the people eventually stopped coming and the tower became a ghost tower where only the heartiest of explorers would go. Crossroads was close to that, in fact, if I left the town likely would be left to go to rubble. As it was, since I, a regressor, was here, I was forcing the game to allocate resources to this town. Resources that logically had to come from the guild who would bring their family and friends with them, in order to rebuild. When they came to rebuild their families would need housing and different shops that they would then build and move into as time went on. Basically, the indestructible nature of Guild Halls all but assured the towns would rebuild, eventually. I also knew that the game made sure that regressors like me, those willing to stay and help the rebuilding process were vital to a town, as this meant other regressors and adventurers could come here and not have to deal with the devastation brought by other murder hobos that seemed okay with ruining everything for everyone. This was likely the best part of the game, for me at least, it gave us all an option to exceed and be rewarded for what we would naturally do on our own. Me, I would naturally want to learn more, and helping out never hurt. For people that just wanted to adventure they could easily do that, while never getting caught up in the politics of rebuilding a city, and the possible political ramifications of that. In fact that was how the Maltese empire was founded, a group of regressors banded together after high level adventuring parties rode through and decimated Wonderly village, though at the time it was named something else entirely. Still the group of regressors all worked in consort with each other, and built up the city to be a political powerhouse. Since the six regressors all worked so hard to build the city up, they were raised in social statuses each time the city increased in size and power. Then finally their work was so recognized by the system and by fellow regressors that they were eventually elevated to the six original royal families of Maltese. I am not saying I intend to do that here, but that is what could happen. I could be the sole ruler of a tower empire, an empire that I would be uniquely capable of ruling. I would be lying if I said that this train of thought didn¡¯t have a bit of an appeal to me, but that was not my life. That was not what I wanted from this life anyways, at least not at the moment. For the moment, I just wanted to learn an invaluable trade craft, healing, and magic spell creation, and turn that into fun and profit. Also being queen would be so boring, stealing from yourself never sounds as much fun as stealing from an oppressive regime. Sadly being queen means that I would eventually be seen as the very oppressive regime that I would in turn wish to steal from. That is why I do not see this lasting for long, though as an Elf, I am granted an exceptionally long life span. Also with my spell theory, I could likely become a healing powerhouse. Just as I am having this thought I get a new system message.
Quest Update: Not The Healer They Wanted¡­: You have agreed to become the resident healer for the Crossroads branch of the Mage¡¯s Guild. In order to become a true healer, you must take on certain basic knowledge levels. To become a true Apprentice Healer, you must find five items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (0/5). To become a Journeyman Healer, you will need to find ten items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (0/10). To become a true doctor of healing, you will need to find twenty-five items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (0/25).
The minute the glass ball in my hand goes dim, I notice that multiple items around the room are now glowing to me. Before the items in the room had been under the fog of war mentality, meaning that unless I had been given them directly, or I pilfered them, or they were otherwise noted as being of importance, they would remain dull and lifeless, now that I was given the task of becoming an Apprentice healer and beyond, they all glowed to me. Also, it didn¡¯t hurt that this room was mine, at least for the time being. Of course this was only temporary, as another healer likely will come along and test my resolve to see both how much I have improved since I was given the task of becoming the healer the town needed. If I learned too little, then I would immediately be cast out from my role and thanked, though likely receiving far fewer rewards. Of course, the true rewards lay in reading these glowing texts before me and ingesting the new knowledge that each one potentially offered. With so many tomes of knowledge I knew new skills were just waiting around the corner. Also, some of these tomes would hopefully help me improve my Magical Theory and Spell Theory skills, which would be needed to increase my new Class skill Spirit-Magic Spell Creation. Those three skills were my primary reason for staying here at the Mage¡¯s Guild, well that and the fact that since I had an office here, I was effectively granted asylum from having to leave here and be subjected to being attacked by random murder hobos that were still roaming the streets. The minute they killed Dr. Kiran, their ability to enter the Mage¡¯s Guild became impossible as any affiliation they had with the guild would at the very least be temporarily revoked. This membership revocation was done to protect regressors like me from having to go back out into a war-torn street that they had no chance of living. Thinking about it, this might also be the system¡¯s way of helping me survive a little longer, as the system had no problem with letting me get killed by my own stupidity to various creatures, though it did try to protect players who generally avoided violence. Also right now, my staying alive had a direct impact on this tower, as I was the only way this tower could grow in number of levels, and therefore grow in importance. Currently the tower would be capped at almost the minimum level of floors as I had only conquered the first floor, at least according to my quest log.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber: Your goal of getting a recognized degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the fiftieth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Arcanarus University Diploma, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate. Floors completed (1/50).
Honestly, with my new class skill that Diploma doesn¡¯t look nearly as exciting as it used to, but that is fine, I still have it as a quest and it is one that I intend to complete. At the very least, the Diploma will be a good badge worth having and telling others about. ¡°Hello?¡± A groggy Zero speaks up and talks to me. ¡°Hello, how are you feeling?¡± ¡°Like I got runover by a train.¡± Zero says, as he just clasps his head. At that I stare at him. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Did you just tell a Meta Joke?¡± ¡°A what?¡± ¡°A Meta Joke, a terrible joke that you then get me to explain first how it was a joke and then how you would find it funny.¡± ¡°What? I still don¡¯t get it.¡± At this I inwardly groan, as I can all but tell that this is a meta joke. ¡°You said, that you feel that you got run over by a train. That is a bad joke as you literally got your injury from sleeping in our train car, then getting slammed into the wall, where you cracked open your head. Now, that I am explaining it to you, can you at least see the irony?¡± ¡°Oh, haha. I guess that could be considered a pretty good joke.¡± I just shake my head, then go about pulling out the glowing objects in the room, there are fifteen in all, meaning that if I learn them all and internalize them I will be considered a Journeyman Healer at the very least. It is at this time that I realize why access to the restricted section of the library was added, as I will likely need to go there for the final ten, or more, items. Still, this is a good start at the very least. ¡°What is all of that?¡± Zero asks. ¡°This is my training material. I am going to be this town¡¯s resident Healer, at least for the moment.¡± I tell my familiar. Zero nods his snout, but then instantly clutches his head. ¡°Ow.¡± ¡°Yeah, you likely still have some minor injuries.¡± I say, ¡°lie back.¡± He does, and with that I begin once again circulating the blood in his body, while applying more healing paste. So it was that my first patient on my way to becoming a true healer was my familiar. Chapter 43 Self-Taught (One Week Later) Chapter 43 Self-Taught (One Week Later) As it turns out, magic is simultaneously more complex and simpler than I thought. It is more complex in that it is not just enough to cast a spell, as a spell is the final evolution of countless hours of practice, time, understanding, and dedication. Also, it is simpler in that there are no true mathematical formulas, or mnemonics that will help learn or cast a spell faster. Unfortunately, all of the math, my true bread and butter, that is involved in the true understanding of magic, only happens at the spell creation phase. This means that if I want to be able to cheat the system, then I can¡¯t use the cookie cutter spells that everyone has available to them. Instead I need to be able to create my own mathematical formula of energy, mass, and intended effect, or EMIE for short. EMIE is what I am taking to be the true principles of spell creation. This is also the easiest way for me to distinguish Spell Theory from Magical Theory, as the two had been fairly interchangeable in my mind before this realization. Of course, the realization of EMIE also gave me 25 levels straight to my Spell Theory skill, letting me know I was on the right track. Basically, EMIE is the way to determine how a structured spell will work. There are also certain factors that play into EMIE, which are part of Magical Theory. The factors that play into Magical Theory, are Distance, Vocalization, i.e., if a spell is chanted or just willed into being, number of intended targets, and finally interpretation. Interpretation is likely the hardest to understand, as it is the one that can fluctuate from caster to caster. Interpretation is probably the broadest of the categories, as it covers everything from knowledge of how the body circulates mana, to the mana release point, to the visualization of the final aspect of the spell. See Interpretation is also why the spells are labelled, for without this labelling of spells two people could theoretically cast the same spell with minor differences between the two. This is great for a game world, that wants you to be able to take and adapt the world around you to fit what is needed, but terrible when trying to institutionalize knowledge. Looking at some of the notes in the forbidden section of the library, relax, these were all in my healer¡¯s section that I was granted access to, but these notes all seem to point to the fact that Arcanarus University was destined to fail from the beginning, as it was too open ended. There was no true end that would be offered by studying one class as ten students could attend the same class, be taught the same set of basic spells, only each would apply their own spin to the spells. It is this spin that made me come up with my reordered acronym to help learn Magical Theory. Mentally I rearrange these four different components to spell DIVA, Distance, Interpretation, Vocalization, and Acquisition. I think this acronym goes best with the fact that all mages ultimately turn out to be DIVAs in some way, make no doubts about it, I fully include myself in this category. I fully admit I want everything to go my way. Oddly enough, the system liked my interpretation of DIVA the best as I was granted a 50 level bonus to my Magical Theory skill just for coming up with this acronym as a way to help me interpret what I am needed to do when casting spells. Take for instance healing, normally something that only life mages would be able to cast, and while Spirit is not completely compatible with regenerating tissue, we can do other things. The one thing I have learned from reading everything, and I do mean everything, my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading is a very overpowered skill, especially considering it is both regularly 25 levels over the base 100, thanks to my Unbound merit, but also thanks to my first class perk Skill Infusion, where all of my skills are increased by 15% due to my being in the spirit realm. This means that my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading skill has been able to work overtime, allowing me to read not just the fifteen articles related to health in now deceased Dr. Kiran¡¯s office, but also all of the books allowed to me in my Healer¡¯s Section of the Mage Guild¡¯s library. Of note, I have easily read through nine more volumes of body related skills here, learning many different components of the body. When I entered the forbidden section of the library, I found out why they were forbidden, as each one practically gave a new skill.
New Skill Gained: Anatomy has reached level 1.
Skill Anatomy is a Perception and Intelligence based skill.
New Skill Gained: Biology has reached level 1.
Skill Biology is a Perception and Intelligence based skill.
New Skill Gained: Chemistry has reached level 1.
Skill Chemistry is a Perception and Intelligence based skill.
Those were the skills that were readily available to me, once I comprehended the material being presented. Granted, I didn¡¯t know if this was a carry over of some of my remedial lessons in Biology and Chemistry from my collegiate career that were needed to pass or my Masters in Applied Mathematics, or if this was a sign of my new body and mind being able to take on anything, but the knowledge flowed in like I was a sponge ready to absorb everything. In the end it didn¡¯t matter, as the skills I learned just further helped to increase my overall Intelligence which I would then use to learn more things quicker and easier. It was an amazing system, and one that I was fully using to its full benefit. I did the calculations, and right now with my base attributes being so high, even if I maxed out all three skills to their maximum 125 level, I would only gain a total of four attributes each in Perception and Intelligence. Once I got near the end, to having the base attributes up to 124, it would take an entire skill to be learned and then pushed to its maximum value, before I could gain that last Attribute increase. Of course, I was a long way from even considering myself close to that. As it was I hadn¡¯t even cracked 100 in any base Attribute, but I was close and with my recent bonuses
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 45 2 Personality 49 Perception 91 2
Dexterity 74 21 Sociability 46 Intelligence 93 11
Endurance 68 2 Attractiveness 38 19 Willpower 78 39
There it was, my base score for each individual attribute, along with the bonuses I received either by leveling, or by applying some of my Free Attribute Points. Speaking of which I still had 26 Free Points remaining, but have not had time to apply them. Well, okay, I have had time, namely this entire last week, but there were books to read, and rather than being boring, I found them all quite fascinating. The more I read the books, particularly those on human anatomy, the more I found myself able to visualize and picture different spell formulas that could help the body. Since I wasn¡¯t life attuned, I couldn¡¯t just click my fingers and say heal, as that would be too basic of a solution. There was a give and take, rather I had to target the parts of the cells that I wanted to revive or regenerate and then encourage them to grow. Spirit, it seems is far more advanced of a concept than I originally gave it credit for. I would attribute most of what Spirit magic can do to a living body, as willing the cells to react in a predetermined manner. What does this mean, well it is the placebo effect, logically I can¡¯t actually heal as I am not a true healer, but I can trick someone¡¯s brain into believing that they should get over something, be it a cold, a nerve injury, or something else entirely. This of course was me thinking to the future, on how I can take my knowledge learned here and apply it to the physical world. As it stood, I was a Spirit mage in the Spirit realm, this was equivalent to my saying I was a Life mage in the Mortal realm, meaning my spell form was law here. I had learned to treat a few minor spirits that wondered into my shop over the last week. Most were just minor injuries, someone cutting their hands while removing rubble, someone getting the spirit version of tetanus by stepping on metallic debris. Of course this was what I attributed to the system reinforcing what I had read, as it was always the day after I had learned something new, that a patient with a similar injury to what I had just covered would come in and seek assistance. Most of the time I just used the Willpower based variant of my spells, Spirit Heal, which as the title suggests is just an overall function of me sending an obscene amount of mana at an injury, and focusing on the targeted wound to heal. This is part of what helped me come up with my DIVA model for Magical Theory. I could touch the wound, which would reduce the cost tremendously, but my conversion was still poor. I didn¡¯t keep track of my actual mana, as the game never allowed such cheats, instead it just offered a system of how tired you felt after a certain action. This was where I began testing out different hypotheses for my spells that I wished to ultimately create. The first spell I taught myself was the aforementioned Spirit Heal, though that is likely not the games final version of the spell as mine is grossly expensive. No chanting, no conversion needed, just a straight force of my will to exert itself over the material world around me. I almost wonder if this will be enough to have a direct effect on the mortal realm, but I am not there yet. Instead, I am still using my training wheels. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Of course, all this training has left me extremely close to my goal of finishing my new quest, as I am currently just one tome away from finishing the quest to become a healer and I have no less than a dozen books to choose from.
Quest Update: Not The Healer They Wanted¡­: You have agreed to become the resident healer for the Crossroads branch of the Mage¡¯s Guild. In order to become a true healer, you must take on certain basic knowledge levels. To become a true Apprentice Healer, you must find five items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (24/5). To become a Journeyman Healer, you will need to find ten items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (24/10). To become a true doctor of healing, you will need to find twenty-five items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (24/25).
Note: Time remaining until replacement arrives 22 Days, 17 Hours¡­
Why stop at 24 of 25? Simple, that will mark the true end of my beginner phase of this quest. I also noted that the steady stream of people that have come in seem to directly correlate to my level of progression in this quest. When I read my first five indexes is when I received my first patient. From there it was a steady stream of approximately one patient every four hours. Then once I reached the Journeyman status, in between readings I would be hit with a new patient once every two hours. Judging by this steady increase, the system itself was telling me that it wanted to prove I met its requirements for being recognized as a system doctor. Honestly I don¡¯t know what this entails, I know I will get the badge, but I assume something else will likely accompany such a distinction. With my Regeneration, I blessedly never needed to seek too much medical attention, meaning I never knew if there was a way to distinguish a true system recognized doctor, from a person who was just handy with Life magic. Of course, with my recent understanding of magic, I am no longer so certain if needing Life magic is a prerequisite. I know there have been Alchemists who were sought more often than healers, as potions and medical elixirs would follow you into the field, where healers wouldn¡¯t. Also, I have to say that bad healing is what caused my parents to lose their first lives, they had gone in seeking to be healed, and the doctor closed the wound, but failed to cleanse out the poison and dirt that was still in the wound. My parents not knowing any better left, not knowing the truth of what happened. Being the exceptionally poor, especially after paying most of their money to the guilds for failing a contract, to the healer for healing their wounds, and to the family of the team members they lost, they found that they had to immediately leave, hoping that their wounds would fully heal by the time they got to their destinations. Of course, the wounds were infected, which would not be healed by a standard heal spell, thus they ended up dying cold and alone in some abandoned dungeon. That had been a hard day for me. That was also why I was so insistent on taking Regeneration, despite having so many options to heal myself. My Regeneration all but ensured I would not fall victim to the same death my parents had. Now all I needed to do, was find a way to get these ghosts and spirits to be able to heal from poisons as well. Again, this was where spell theory and knowledge of anatomy came from. Bring. The bell for someone entering my healer¡¯s shop went off. ¡°Hello there, I take it you are here for healing?¡± Zero, my familiar, and now acting medical assistant says. ¡°Yes, I have seemed to contracted something.¡± A somewhat distinguished voice says. ¡°Right this way my good sir.¡± Zero states, as he takes the man to one of the beds. Now this next part will determine how I need to interact with the patient. ¡°For your conveniences, we will lower the curtains to protect your privacy.¡± Zero states, as they begin lowering the curtains both around the patient, and the curtains I would need to enter the room. This is my cue that my patient is an elf of some kind. Given the general population of the area, we had to come up with this protocol as there was an exceptionally high number of dark elves present in the area to begin with. ¡°Good morning. I will be your doctor today.¡± I say, speaking to the patient through the thin curtain. I know this can be most disconcerting for many patients, but it is a must, particularly with my bloodline curse still active within me. ¡°What? Why do you hide from me?¡± The man asks. ¡°This is both for your protection and my own.¡± I state, ¡°there are a number of contaminants going around that we are trying to reduce the spread of.¡± ¡°Oh, I guess that makes sense.¡± The man says, relaxing slightly as he stares at me. I know my silhouette is still visible from behind the curtain, showing me as a shadow against the curtain. They can see me holding a pad of paper that I am writing down the patient¡¯s information on. ¡°To begin, can I have your name?¡± ¡°Rhermand Ulskard.¡± ¡°Well met, and what is the purpose for your visit here today?¡± I ask. At that Rhermand just pauses for a moment, before answering, ¡°I¡¯ve had a fever that I cannot seem to shake, my muscles are aching, and I have these weird rashes that are breaking out on me.¡± He says this last part while holding up his hands. ¡°Very good, and what do you expect to happen by coming to this visit?¡± ¡°I expect to be better, of course.¡± He says, the last part as if it is a stupid question to ask. ¡°All right, there are a few things that I will first need to do. With your consent, I will first probe you with a stream of my mana, to help me gain a baseline of your overall health and condition, then from there I will try to come to first a diagnosis of your problem, then offer a solution if one is possible.¡± I say. Silence. ¡°Do you give me your consent?¡± I ask. This is important, as it apparently makes it so the spells I cast go from being seen as harmful attack spells, to beneficial healing spells. This is part of that Interpretation aspect of magic casting. From my understanding when you enter into a party with someone that is designated as the healer, that is implied consent to be treated with healing magic. Here, there is a partial implied intent to be healed by the fact that the patient is here in my temporary clinic, but getting full consent will make it so this next phase is easier. ¡°Yes.¡± Having his consent, I nod to myself then begin talking him through what I will do. This is similar to vocalization and will grant me up to a 25% boost to my overall spell efficiency. ¡°The first thing I will do is channel out my Spirit Energy Circulation spell into you, this helps me do a number of things. The first thing it does, is it lets my energy enter into your bloodstream. This is harmless and will clear up before the end of the day. But in the meantime, it will allow me to see how your blood and energy are flowing throughout your body, and more importantly show me where any dangers lie.¡± I say all this as I continually release a stream of energy into my patient. From this distance, the efficacy of the base spell will be lowered, which is why I have taken to describing what I am doing to the patient. This creates a twin link of my will to his will, so long as he wants me to help, his own will can be added to my own to help the healing process. After a few seconds of channeling energy I have a fairly good idea of what is going on. There are cells that have seemed to balloon out within his body, growing both enlarged and borderline malignant. This is not the first time I have seen something like this from people of this town. ¡°You are part of the group that was taking Detox potions?¡± I ask, though I am already fairly certain I know the answer. ¡°Ye, yes, how did you know?¡± The elf asks. ¡°You aren¡¯t the first patient with your symptoms that has come here seeking aid. Let me guess, you too were unable to get a steady supply of Detox potions after the renegades came through and destroyed the city?¡± ¡°Yes, I was part of the group that was buried in the¡­¡± He trails off as he realizes that he was about to reveal a trade secret. ¡°The collapsed mine out back of town?¡± I ask, trying to get the dark elf to reveal more. Each time I heal one of these particular types of patients, I get one step closer to solving the other quest I was given.
Quest: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads: You have found that the guards of crossroads have an open contract with the Apothecary Guild to create Detox potions. You can either create Detox potions to turn in for money, or you can investigate the cause of why so many Detox potions are needed in the first place. Reward: variable.
Now I could cheat by using Telepathy to cut ahead to the end of this quest, but that would likely mean an end to my steady stream of patients. Just as I don¡¯t want to risk becoming a full fledged doctor at the risk of one patient an hour, neither do I want to risk either quest line drying up. That is why I just apply what I learned from the last patient to the next patient, implying that it is no big deal. I also have to make sure I am somewhat careful, as this could backfire if some particularly zealous guard tries to stop me from speaking entirely. ¡°What? Yeah¡­¡± The guard trails off. ¡°Well don¡¯t worry, I have this down to a science by now. What will happen is we will flush the toxins from your system. In order to do this, I will cycle my mana through you in such a way that all of the toxins begin to congregate into your non-dominant hand. Then when they get to a decent sized boil, at which point Zero will lance open the boil, letting the toxic residue flow from your body into a metal pan. Once the last of the toxins are removed from your body, I will then seal the wound shut and send you on your way.¡± ¡°Just like that?¡± The dark elven guard asks, a bit of incredulity filling his voice. ¡°While I might make it sound easy, the process will be anything but, for me at least. All I need from you is to hold out your non-dominant hand for Zero, so that we can begin the cleansing process.¡± The guard does, holding out their left hand. Zero takes the hand, flips it over and then holds it over a sterilized metal bowl. As Zero and the patient are doing this, I have already begun the process I was talking about, cycling the blood of the individual, thanks to my already saturating my own personal mana within the patient. Then making it so the dead, damaged, or rotten cells all filter down the guard¡¯s left arm, where they eventually make their way to the left hand. ¡°When will this¡­¡± The guard begins, but just as he speaks, the first bulge in his finger begins. Seeing the bulge Zero does his part, of lancing the boil, and instantly a pulse of dead and rotting cells come out. ¡°Oh gods¡­¡± The guard says, jerking his head way, he would almost have removed his arm had Zero not grabbed his wrist quickly. ¡°We request that you do not move your arm, lest you wish to pay for cleaning of our bedding.¡± I state. With that, the guard pauses and doesn¡¯t resist Zero¡¯s guidance. It takes under five minutes total for me to cycle out the contaminated blood from the target. Then once that is complete, I need to do two things. First, I need to seal the wound, which is a simple application of spirit mana and willpower, to the targeted index finger. Then, I need to get the target to regenerate their blood. This is a slightly trickier component, as I basically need to force cell mitosis of the blood cells at a controlled and limited rate. Too much would be the same thing as creating cancer, or at least a magical variant of cancer. The alternate is to create a one time spell split that will leave both the parent and child cell healthy and functioning. Again, this second spell is a form of Spirit Healing, but the Implementation of the spell, and intended targeting is tougher. I also don¡¯t want to necessarily double the amount of blood, but keep it at a healthy limit the body can hold. While doing this, I have thought about things like over-healing, where I produce more than the standard number of blood cells, allowing the body to relax on blood cell production for a time, so the body can rest, but that is a different aspect that I am not ready to test out fully. For the moment, I am just here to treat this patient of their current ailments and nothing more. ¡°There, done.¡± I say, as I wipe away a bead of sweat from my forehead. I turn to head out my back passage to my little reading nook, and by back passage I of course mean use Teleportation, when I am stopped. ¡°Wait, can I at least have your name?¡± ¡°Cassiopeia Spiritlight.¡± I say, as I say my name, I feel a slight burst of power and pride. I know this is likely the game¡¯s feedback system letting me know that my legacy has grown. Silence. There is a moment of silence that lingers between us, when I am certain that there is nothing further required, I offer my final farewell. ¡°Have a good day.¡± Then I Teleport? before I can be stopped again. Finally with this last patient, I feel confident in my ability to finally finish my training as a doctor. I watch from a different floor of the Mage¡¯s Guild entirely, as Zero helps the patient up, then walks them out. Any payments are not to be made with me, but to the receptionist, this way I am another step removed from the anger of regressors and indigenous people alike. Yes, they are indigenous people, at least that is name of them, or at least what regressors often refer to them as. Once Zero returns, he seems somewhat excited. ¡°That is your twenty-seventh successful treatment.¡± At that I nod, I am tired, but it is not an unmanageable state anymore, that is another reason why I feel that I am ready to move on with my quest. ¡°So, are you finally ready to become a real doctor?¡± Zero asks. I nod. ¡°What, really?¡± ¡°Yes, though we will have to do it, just like I said.¡± I say, ¡°are you really ready to help?¡± ¡°Right away.¡± Zero says, as they dart off to the healer¡¯s portion of the restricted library. He goes and pulls the final four books down. There are actually over a dozen books that still glow to my Angel¡¯s Sight, all but screaming at the fact that I can use any one of them to increase my medical knowledge and become a recognized doctor. Nodding to myself, I realize I am ready for this next step. I know just reading this information will not be enough, that I will be pushed further and harder than I ever have in my life, but it will be worth it. These four were chosen as they are the ones that glow the brightest, they were also part of a series that seemed that it needed to be done all at once. Handing me two, I place them down on either side of me, and sit down between them, ready to turn page after page in unison. Zero likewise takes the two remaining books and places them both by his sides as well. ¡°Together?¡± He asks. ¡°Together, on three, two, one¡­¡± With that, we open all four books, and my mind instantly begins reading in line after line of text.
Analyzing a Patient¡¯s Energy Resonance and Altering your Mana to Meet their Need I
Analyzing a Patient¡¯s Energy Resonance and Altering your Mana to Meet their Need II
Analyzing a Patient¡¯s Energy Resonance and Altering your Mana to Meet their Need III
Analyzing a Patient¡¯s Energy Resonance and Altering your Mana to Meet their Need IV
Instantly I feel a burning sensation fill my mind as the painful scent of sulfur fills my nostrils letting me know I am trying to do too much too fast. Still, I force my mind to continue. I don¡¯t know what will happen when I am registered as a doctor, and unfortunately I didn¡¯t see this four book volume of related medical texts until it was too late. Now I am left with the desperate function of reading all four books at once, while hoping that this will be enough to get me a requisite skill that I can use for healing. Fortunately, even as I push my mind beyond its mortal limits, and I feel the system giving me the warning of my taking personal damage, I already feel the effects of my Regeneration kicking in to heal any and all damage I might be inflicting on my mind by forcing it to expand too far too fast. Flip, flip, shuffle, flip. We both turn page after page in unison. Zero timing his turning of the pages to my own, to make sure I don¡¯t miss anything. Then finally when it is all over I feel an intense spark of pain in my mind as it feels like a white hot knife is being jabbed between my eyes, but that is all worth it, as I was still able to push through the pain and read the four books simultaneously. Then when we got to the end, I felt a burning sensation in my mind, before something burst. ¡°Cass, Cass¡­¡± The distant voice of Zero called out, as I felt my mind going far off into the distance. A blinding bright light engulfed me, as I was engulfed in what felt like a supernova of light and pain. Chapter 44 Doctorial Trials (Three Weeks Later) Chapter 44 Doctorial Trials (Three Weeks Later) I have had three full weeks of a constant stream of patients coming in, all needing to be healed in different ways. Apparently not only are a number of people getting hurt by rebuilding, but due to the town being decimated, the number of adventurers, even the local towns people, have not been able to keep the local animal population in check. This of course has led to more and more animals spawning and growing higher in level. This led to a bunch of higher level adventurers and builders being called in during the massive rebuild, while the higher level adventurers were also called in, temporarily raising the level of the zone to be that of the monsters that were not kept in check. This is all very odd behavior. I have never seen a zone that would start off at one level, only to increase once it got wiped out. I am not certain if this is the tower¡¯s direct response to the challengers or not, but basically everything I have seen has told me it is time to stay here in my little room and let the dust settle around me. This was of course fine when I had books to read, unfortunately I have since read every book in my section that has been allotted to me. I don¡¯t know if I will get more, if I decide to stay on, once I am recognized as a Doctorate of healing. As it stands now, I have blown away the minimum standards, needed.
Quest Update: Not The Healer They Wanted¡­: You have agreed to become the resident healer for the Crossroads branch of the Mage¡¯s Guild. In order to become a true healer, you must take on certain basic knowledge levels. To become a true Apprentice Healer, you must find five items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (50/5). To become a Journeyman Healer, you will need to find ten items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (50/10). To become a true doctor of healing, you will need to find twenty-five items of scientific knowledge related to healing that will help you advance (50/25).
Note: Time remaining until replacement arrives 0 Days, 1 Hours¡­
If there was a minimum number of patients needed, to be healed then I should have met that quota a long time ago. Yes, I have had to heal everything from diseases caused by wounds being left to fester, rot from fungal spores left to mutate, a few STDs that I fortunately did not have to observe, though the gagging sounds Zero made while lancing some of those boils were particularly amusing, don¡¯t tell him I said so. Then there were other minor actions that were also needed to save the lives of the various citizens of Crossroads. I have to say the best skill I got was the one that helped me break through into the Doctoral standards for this quest. Apparently the four books were part of a rare set that were all needed to gain one specific skill.
New Skill Gained: Energy Resonance Alteration
Skill Energy Resonance Alteration is an Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
With so many different components going into it, I just knew it was the skill I was supposed to get from this quest line. First the books didn¡¯t really appear until I had already read 24 articles related to anatomy. Second, that skill is seriously over powered, and likely the rationale given to why certain people without Life magic can heal others. Basically, the skill is a godsend, I first channel my mana into a willing patient, just as before. But now once my mana is there, I can change the frequency of my mana to match that of my patient¡¯s natural life force and energy. This is a long and likely overly complex explanation, but basically because of this changing of my energy into that of my patient¡¯s, I can essentially trick the targeted body into healing itself. Also, not going to lie the number of Attributes affected by this skill are impressive, that is also how you know it is an ultimate skill, as it uses at least nine hooks meant it was an elite level skill, three hooks for the title, and six for the different attributes it increased. It was after I got that skill, that my number of patients increased, just as I had expected, going from one every two hours to at least one an hour. When I took a nap for bed, I would be awoken in the middle of the night with immediate medical needs. That or, I would be swamped so that I averaged over 24 patients a day, yes, the game was that petty apparently. Though honestly, I didn¡¯t mind, well I did mind when I had to focus through the fog of sleep deprivation. Also, while I hadn¡¯t lost a patient yet, there were several blunders I had. First, I misdiagnosed a simple rash, for an STD. To my defense the rash was caused by a bit of ointment that the patient happened to be allergic to. I am not going to ask how, nor why said ointment made it to their crotch area, but that patient had to come back a second time. Only then did they finally remember a severe allergy to vanilla extract. I then cleared up the rash a second time, and suggested they use a different ointment for their activities. Again, I was spared having to look at anything thanks to the curtains, also my lack of vision made it impossible for me to see anything anyways, so I was safe. A second, more tragic misdiagnosis was the time when I missed the clear signs of abuse. To my defense it was a male that was the victim, not that this makes what happened in any way all right, but I totally missed the signs. A male dark elf was being abused, and it took Zero asking me something on the third time he came in for it to click. ¡°Isn¡¯t it odd that he keeps falling and hitting his face, three times in a row?¡± Zero said. Of course, I was so out of it from constantly reading new books, to trying to catch a few minutes of sleep, that I missed it. I also missed the way this male would look around frightened. He saw that I was a female, and all but trembled the first time seeing me. In fact, it wasn¡¯t until he realized I was in the form of a child that he relaxed at my presence, even then it was only mildly. Yeah, this game made sure I was prepared to be a doctor, to notice the signs of abuse, so it sent a test to me, one I nearly failed. Fortunately, after Zero¡¯s notification, I immediately went to the Mage¡¯s Guild and spoke of what was happening. I was far too low a level to do anything, but the level 450 mage that came in to help with the rebuilding process was not too low. In fact, not only was he high enough, but he was able to solve the problem without getting me or the victim involved at all. I don¡¯t want to know what happened, but the next time the patient came in, it was a week later for a wellness visit, he was fine and looked really relieved to see me. It was that moment, seeing their happiness from my taking action that I felt truly rewarded. Not that the quest completion and subsequent level up didn¡¯t hurt things either.
Hidden Quest Complete: A True Healer: Being a true healer isn¡¯t just about healing the symptoms a patient exhibits, but the core problem as well. You managed to heal the core problem of a patient in need of more than just physical healing. Rewards: Experience, Increased Reputation.
Experience Gained: 500 Ding. Level up. You have reached level 20.
With that my Willpower went up by three, Free Points by two, while my Dexterity, Appearance, and Intelligence all went up by one. This of course left me with 28 Free Points waiting to be spent. I know, I should use them, but it¡¯s kind of hard. Logically I should use them on Attributes that don¡¯t get touched at all during my leveling process, which would be Strength, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Perception, but Intelligence is also important and it only goes up once every other level. I¡¯ve wanted to increase those Attributes for some time, but I haven¡¯t had a moment of down time since I accepted being the healer of this rebuilding town. I have to say the number one line of patients are those needing the Toxins purged from their bodies, they are such an easy task now that I can get through them almost mechanically. Apparently many of the Apothecary members who had been crafting the detox potions either died during the slaughtering of the town, or had the resources needed to create the detox destroyed. In either case, the number of dark elven guards coming for treatment just continued to increase. Finally I tried to probe the mind of one of the dark elven guards, particularly after they stopped answering my questions. That was often a sign, either the system thought I had enough clues, or wanted me to make the next move on my own. Since I was in the middle of dealing with my bloodline curse, I of course opted to abstain from delving further into the guard¡¯s problems. Well verbally at least, I did try using Telepathy on one of the guards, only to find that they had a form of mental shielding in place. I could have tried to fight my way through the shielding, but if I was found out doing that, then I would have been seen as a combatant and I didn¡¯t want that, especially as these people were coming to me for medical attention. So I stopped, after the one attempt, however that one attempt was apparently enough as I have not heard them come or go for the last day. I honestly hope they are all okay, and I hope that whatever they were doing to be exposed to such high levels of toxins was gone. Of course, I knew such an event was not likely to happen. The fact that I hadn¡¯t seen them in the past few days, and the fact that the end of my Trial period as a doctoral candidate also didn¡¯t go out of notice. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Note: Time remaining until replacement arrives 0 Days, 0 Hours, 32 Minutes¡­
¡°Zero, prep all the beds.¡± I say, after checking that the timer is coming close. ¡°All of them?¡± ¡°All of them. In fact, ask if we can borrow a few extra beds for the next few hours.¡± ¡°Hours?¡± ¡°Hours.¡± I confirm. I can all but feel the tension building. In a matter of minutes Zero does his magic, as my trusty assistant. As the time has gone on, some of my status as healer has gone onto Zero, who has proven himself quite handy with his four clawed paws and his long body, making it so he can provide different assistance to two patients at nearly the same time. I have a feeling that we are going to need all of his flexibility and ability to float in place in the coming hours. Bbbrring. The bell to the guild office rings outside. ¡°Hello, how can I¡­ oh, right over there.¡± The receptionist states, her voice noting an obvious concern. I don¡¯t need to even look as I see two injured people coming in, one that is slightly less injured than the other is carrying a gravely injured person. ¡°Set him down at the first bed,¡± I say, while pulling a cord that pulls back the curtain for a bed. The healthier man places the second person down, only for me to realize they are unconscious. ¡°Do you give me consent to treat yourself and your friend?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes.¡± The man says. ¡°Very good, now sit in the bed next to him. Know I might have you move as time moves on.¡± I say as I begin splitting my attention and casting two different channeling spells at once. Instantly I feel my mind link to the new bodies, and then my Energy Resonance Alteration skill kicks in, allowing me to begin healing both parties equally. These are both dark elven males, I almost don¡¯t need any warning as to who the ambulatory patient is, as they are one that I have seen a number of times here. ¡°Reymel, I hope this isn¡¯t a typical visit?¡± I state, while causing his injuries to heal up. Fortunately, they are mostly superficial, and his body just takes a minor bit of coaxing to begin healing. Reymel of course was the abuse victim that I helped save, well Zero saved him, I just informed the authorities on his behalf, though I guess I did get a level from helping him. ¡°No, not like that. This is¡­¡± he trails off, as he doesn¡¯t want to state the true reason. ¡°The mine?¡± I ask. At that, there is a slight pause, as I know his friend is currently suffering from severe toxic poisoning, in addition to deep lacerations; while Reymel only has a minor portion of toxic build up that I purge from his system before sealing up his wounds completely. It will likely stink, but his clothes are dirty and blood covered anyways, I don¡¯t think that it will matter much in the long run. This is slightly odd though, as I don¡¯t remember Reymel ever showing signs of toxic poisoning. ¡°What happened to you, you are showing signs of being poisoned?¡± I ask, instead shifting the focus away from possible secrets, and towards Reymel to help me heal his friend. At the very least I use the open wounds on his friend to purge the toxins, before also healing the wounds, then trying to regenerate the blood. This is a long complicated process that will take time and focus, but still I need to know just how bad things are. Are these the only two or will there be more. ¡°It¡¯s Tarnavia, I had been under her protection.¡± He says the word protection like it is the worst thing to come out of his mouth in a long time. ¡°But ever since you saved me, she has put me on the deepest lines, before she was reassigned elsewhere.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± I trail off, that is fucked up. I mean that is really, really messed up. She demands sexual favors, then when outside authority is called in to stop it, she takes out her anger on the victim. I make a mental note to go check out this Tarnavia person. But for the moment, I can only deal with the present. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± ¡°No, it is fine. I would much rather be down there being exposed to it, than to be exposed to her, and all her¡­¡± He trails off, an act I am immensely grateful for, as that is hard to stomach. ¡°I will stop her, this I swear.¡± I say. ¡°You already did, she is fortunately gone, but the new person they brought in to replace her isn¡¯t as skilled with maintaining order, thus the collapse.¡± He said. ¡°Collapse?¡± I ask. Bbaringg. Just as he speaks the Guild hall bell rings again, this time there are three more people. ¡°Zero!¡± I shout. ¡°On it.¡± Zero says, coming from the right wing of the guild hall, what was he doing over there? Well no matter, he is here and able to help. ¡°Reymel, how do you feel?¡± ¡°I feel really good.¡± Reymel says. ¡°Good, I am going to put you to work. Start directing patients to the different beds. Those that are healthy, make them walk to the back, those that are in bad shape, place them here next to your friend. And do what I tell you, can you do that?¡± I ask. Reymel pauses for a second, but then shakes his head and answers, ¡°sure thing.¡± With that, I got a new skill notification.
New Skill Gained: Leadership has reached level 1.
Skill Leadership is a Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Wow, I never thought that I would ever earn that skill, but there is a first time for everything. I guess technically I did have two different people under me following my directions. Still this was no time for getting lost in my own thoughts about the system telling me I what I was doing. I needed to focus. Realizing I would likely need to be seen by at least a few of the dark elves present, I decide to go for a mask approach, no not my Thieves¡¯ Guild mask, but rather a doctor mask that makes it look like I am covering my face to protect myself and others from the spreading of germs and diseases. I also keep my EGGs on, along with my white Mage¡¯s Guild SWAG cloak. Basically, if I need to burn my persona here, due to being exposed as a dark elf that is Shade Touch and actively being cursed by their bloodline I will deal with the consequences. In this case, I am trying to save lives, and that is more important than my reputation. Even if I am outed, I will say it was a good cause. Besides, I hope that the people I treat will have some decent courtesy, and give me at least a day¡¯s notice before trying to hunt me down. After the next three, I place them down, begin treating them by linking my mana to theirs, and then once again changing my Energy¡¯s Resonance to match that of my three new patients, then I begin working with them as well. There is just enough time to begin the channeling process on all three, when I hear the ringing again as more bodies come in. I triage, which by the military definition means I heal the least injured first and put them to helping me. Now it is not just Raymel and Zero, but a score of others that help. Even the guy that Raymel brought in gets up and begins helping out as well. This of course frees up beds, meaning more and more patients can come in. The bell over the door rings, no less than a dozen times, each time I am met with more and more patients. I am on fumes, nearly ready to collapse, when a woman comes in. Scanning her, I can see that she is completely healthy. ¡°You need to get out of here if you are healthy. I cannot see you for a wellness visit.¡± I say, trying to think of any reason why someone who looked so healthy would come here. ¡°Oh, you have me wrong. I am here to proctor your final exam. Though I take it before then you could use a bit of help.¡± ¡°I have help.¡± I say gesturing to Zero and the other miners that tending to their friends. ¡°Oh, well I could help cast a few healing¡­¡± She then trailed off as she went through the lines of people all to find that they were all healed. ¡°You healed all of them?¡± She asked. ¡°Clearly.¡± I say, just a little exhausted. ¡°Tell you what, you can handle any new patients that come in. I think I am fairly tapped out for the moment.¡± I say, then I immediately go back and begin talking to Zero and Raymel. Only after that interaction does my brain really understand who she is, but I don¡¯t care at this point. I feel that I will likely have to move on anyways, I have a whole tower to climb, and I will clearly be able to pass any test I am offered. Once it is all said and done, I sit down and let out a long contented smile. ¡°Here.¡± The Doctoral examiner says, holding out a cup of warm liquid. ¡°What is it?¡± I ask. ¡°A doctor¡¯s only friend, whiskey.¡± She says. I laugh, ¡°I am underage.¡± I say. She looks at me for a second, then scoffs. ¡°Anyone who is able to survive that,¡± she says gesturing to the miners who are in the process of leaving one by one, now that the rush is over. ¡°Is more than ready to have a break with the good stuff.¡± I smile, though through my mask it likely doesn¡¯t show. ¡°Thank you, though I do have to admit that this was rather fun.¡± ¡°I was going to give you a test on the biological properties of different races, but it seemed that you covered a majority of the known races with that fiasco. You had dark elves, humans, orcs, and I believe one or two regular elves if I am not mistaken.¡± She says. I just nod, I honestly had no clue. Honestly after the fifth patient, they all just became dark blurs to me. ¡°Though I have to say, you healed them both of injuries and of toxin related poisonings?¡± ¡°Yeah, there is a mine that has something going on with it, before the renegades went through and burned the town to the ground, the guards had a standing order with the Apothecary Guild for Detox potions. I never found out why that was, only that rather than getting new potions, they all came to me for the last three weeks to be healed. During that time, I learned to purge the toxins from their bodies rather easily. Then when they came today, it was just a matter of linking with them, healing their wounds, and purging their bodies of toxins.¡± I say, as if it wasn¡¯t a big deal. ¡°You did all of that by yourself?¡± ¡°I did have Zero, and a few of the guards help, when they were done being healed.¡± ¡°Yes, I saw, this Zero, that is your familiar I have heard so much about?¡± ¡°I guess? I don¡¯t know what you might or might not have heard about him.¡± I say. ¡°Oh, all good things, it is just¡­ wow. I had come here prepared to fail you out of spite, saying that you were too young to hold this post, but clearly I was mistaken. You have shown a level of competence and expertise needed to not only be declared a true doctor, but I am willing to offer you this position as a full time job.¡± She says, then with that I am met with a quest update and a new choice to make.
Quest Complete: Not The Healer They Wanted¡­: You agreed to become the resident healer for the Crossroads branch of the Mage¡¯s Guild. During your time you took it upon yourself to become a true doctor of healing, you were required to find and internalize twenty-five items of scientific knowledge related to healing, you not only met but exceeded that standard (50/25). Rewards: Experience, Skills (already gained), New Badge: Healer of Valor (250), chance to gain a position of power within Crossroad¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guildhall.
New Quest: Crossroad¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guildhall Healer: Your exemplary service has earned you the chance to become the full time lead Healer for the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild. This will be a contract that will last exactly one year, after which time you will be allowed to once again explore, or transfer your status to another Mage¡¯s Guildhall with a Healer Vacancy. This position comes with its own perks, to include but not limited to continual daily quests, monthly spending funds to improve the clinic, and full access to the Mage¡¯s Guild Library (even all parts of the restricted section).
I had been so close to saying no, until I saw that last line about access to the Mage¡¯s Guild Library, and wondered if they had Rahul¡¯s newest adventures? Chapter 45 The New Business Venture Chapter 45 The New Business Venture When tragedy strikes that is when you find out how strong the members of a community truly are. Our town of Crossroads had been dealt back-to-back tragedies. First a group of exceptionally high level regressors came through and destroyed the town. Next, the guards who had been dealing with corruption amongst their ranks were also devastated when the toxic mine that they were guarding collapsed in on them. I managed to save the lives of everyone, not just healing the damage from the collapsing mine, but also removing the toxic build up, but there was still a toll to pay. The guards who had already been forced to consume barely above standard Detox potions and elixirs, were all slowly going blind. Even Gul Basine, my temporary magical healing instructor, and the person who served as my Doctoral Examiner, had no clue on what to do for the citizens who were all slowly going blind. All this did was make it so I was met with a new quest update.
Quest Update: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads: You have found that the guards of crossroads have been slowly poisoned for so long that their bodies are no longer able to combat what they have been exposed to. Find out what made all the guards go blind. Reward: variable.
Yeah, it is odd as I think this quest is somehow being tailored specifically for me. First, I can heal my own toxic poisoning by now, that is assuming that it would have been to much for my Regeneration to handle in the first place. Second, the major concern, going blind is not really a true concern of mine, as I am already blind. I am making it a mental note to go down and check on the toxic mine, but only once things in this town have settled. As you can no doubt guess by now, I decided to stick on as the healer for Crossroads. There were many compelling reasons, first Zero was still recovering. While he would have gone with me, I knew he would have done so at half strength. Again, I chalk that up to more of game shenanigans, but it was still effective. Second, the moment I accepted the role of being the true lead Healer for Crossroads, I was met with a series of messages.
New Mage Guild Access acquired: You now have full access to the complete restricted section of the Mage Guild¡¯s Library.
That had been enough for me, books and more books available to read. MUWHAHAHAH! Also don¡¯t judge me for wanting to read it is one of my passions, the fact that I now have free reign to read every book in a Mage Guild¡¯s library only makes this moment extra special. While our library is small, apparently if I stay on with the Mage Guild as a Healer, I can take trials where I prove myself, and then can get promoted to a bigger city with more books to read. As it is, I can already sense a number of books that have different skills, or at least the way to unlock different skills available. This is perfect, a chance for personal growth, new incentives in the form of skills, basically my own mini-Arcanarus University, while getting paid. Oh, that is the other thing, I apparently will be getting paid for this position. As it stands, I have asked for my money to be held in a trust by the guild, what this means is that barring minor spending limits, I will have gold to my name, but be unable to spend it while the gold is gathering interest on my behalf. Again, I think this is more system shenanigans as that is exactly one month after my Broke flaw will lapse, meaning as soon as this one-year contract is expired, I will be able to reap the full rewards of my time as a paid Healer for the Mage¡¯s guild, which is apparently a set wage and a percentage of the healing revenues that come in from paying customers. So not only can I withdraw up to 100 gold, my current maximum, but all my extra money will go to me once this is over. Of course, the money and books are just a start of what this new position offers. As a respected member of the community, I now have voting rights to how this town will be developed.
Town Building Notification: Lucky¡¯s Card Hall is requesting the rights to build a gambling hall in your town of Crossroads. As you are now seen as a pillar of the community, you are granted a vote in whether this establishment will be allowed into your town.
Yes, I am now a partial city planner, in that I can help direct and build different buildings, I can also help with the placement of such facilities.
Note: The placement of Lucky¡¯s Card Hall will be important to determine its overall influence on the city. To have it at or near the heart of the town will increase taxes generated by up to 10%. Having the gambling hall near the heart of town will also require the hall to provide up to 15% of the city¡¯s policing force, along with 25% of the cleaning crew to make sure the area is clean of litter and other debris. Gambling halls overall have a +15% in Contentedness for residents, while also generating a -10% for Morality of your town residents.
As you can no doubt guess, I am going to vote for this building. It should be noted that the main person who can vote down such an establishment is the morality police, which I am apparently the defacto leader of, as I am the town¡¯s new official healer. Apparently healers, are generally seen as spiritual people, and I am a Spirit magic wielding healer, so everyone naturally assumed I would be the sticking point for this motion to go through. I had fully been willing to vote the establishment in, even going so far as to beg them to build it in the open lot right next to our Mage guild hall, this would mean we would get the maximum revenue increase, along with the maximum protection, and cleanup benefits the hall offered. I was fully onboard, so imagine my surprise when they came to visit me. *** Brring. ¡°Hello, whom are you here to see?¡± The Mage¡¯s Guild receptionist asked. ¡°I am here to see the Healer of this fair town.¡± A gnome said, in what had to be the worst imitation of a crime boss I had ever heard. The gnome was not alone, as he was flanked by two muscle bound guards at his side that all but screamed of wearing enchanted magical suits. ¡°Um, she is right over there, though I would ask that if you are going to see her, then your friends stay out here.¡± The receptionist said, her tone denoting that she felt this was not a social gathering, nor a medical consultation. ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± the gnome once again said in their deep mobster voice. Snap. Yes, he actually snapped his fingers, then he continued the cliched role, ¡°boys, why don¡¯t you stand here and make sure we are not bothered during our consultation?¡± With that, the two guards took up position on either side of the door, while the gnome entered my little wing of the guild hall. ¡°Hello, how may I help you, sir?¡± Zero, my familiar and acting receptionist asked. ¡°Yes, I seem to be having an acute case of affluenza, I need the doctor to see if they can help me.¡± The gnome says, patting their hand over their chest. Hearing that, I of course, just shake my head, as I don¡¯t think he knows what that means. ¡°Um, right this way.¡± Zero says, looking over the small gnome, but ultimately deciding to direct him to an examination table. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Once at the table, there is an awkward pause, as most of the tables are regular height, meaning for regular humans, elves, and generally taller people. ¡°One second, let me get the stool.¡± Zero says. ¡°No need.¡± The gnome says, as he jumps onto bed with a dazzling showcase of skill and precision. Of course, the move showed me that he had an arsenal of magical tools and weapons strapped to his side. While we generally don¡¯t make our patients get rid of their weapons, having so many does seem to speak to a degree of paranoia. ¡°Here you go, for your troubles. Why don¡¯t you go take a lunch break, you look like you could use one.¡± The gnome says, then hands Zero a stack of gold coins, and before you ask, I know due to the sound and the markings on the coins. Holding the coins in his outstretched clawed hands, Zero just looks at the stack for a moment, then back to the patient. ¡°Um¡­¡± He begins, but I cut him off. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Zero, this patient is correct, you have done more than enough for now. Go get yourself a lunch and then come back.¡± I say, coming from my spot in the back. Of course, with my vision range, and my heightened Perception, I have been able to see all of this. ¡°As you wish.¡± Zero says, taking the gold and then pocketing it somehow. I still don¡¯t know what he does with gold he is given, whether he places it in some pocket dimension, or what, but he is like a black hole when it comes to coins. As I walk out from the back, I am covered in as much gear as possible to cover my face and hide the fact that I am still showing signs of my bloodline curse, this has been enough so far. ¡°It¡¯s funny, but I thought you would be taller?¡± The gnome says as he stares at me. ¡°I could say the same, but that would likely come across as a cheap shot.¡± I say to the small gnome who would barely come up to my mid-thigh if we were standing next to each other. ¡°Hehehe. Good one. I like you, you are just as the Guild says.¡± Silence. He pauses, letting that statement linger in the air for a moment, seeing that it is now up to me to continue this conversation, I do. ¡°That I¡¯m a good healer?¡± ¡°No, the other guild.¡± At that I know what he means, someone has apparently been speaking out of turn for the Thieves Guild. Still, I can¡¯t let him get me to admit my own criminal contacts, so I try a different route. ¡°That I am an Adventurer who will explore any dungeon or tower without ever scoring a true kill. That I am a Mechanical Engineer who has brought in plans that will revolutionize mechanical suit engineering.¡± By that last one, I am of course referring to the schematics I brought back from my first dungeon run, where I spent months learning from goblins. ¡°No, and no. I am referring to someone who has a history of completing some of the most challenging tasks, while never leaving behind any evidence that they were there. I am of course referring to the Ghost.¡± He says, drawing extra attention to the word Ghost as if it would get me to react. I of course had been expecting this, and using my always increasing Acting skill, I don¡¯t even flinch when my Thieves Guild moniker is brandished. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°The Ghost, the most notorious cat burglar under level fifty.¡± He states. I just stare, while inwardly I bristle at the comment, cat burglar, as if that is all I amount to, someone who resorts to petty theft to pass the time. I steal what is required and nothing more, that is a skill dang it. ¡°What exactly have you come here for?¡± I ask. ¡°Well as it so happens, I have a business venture I would like to take. I want to build a gambling hall within this great city.¡± ¡°We are little more than a town.¡± I correct him. ¡°At the moment, which is why we need to build the infrastructure needed to lure in people. I have a dream of having a high end luxury gambling hall built in this city, to help draw in the people needed to make this a place of business and relaxation. Of course, unfortunately my type of establishments have been given a bad rap.¡± ¡°You mean due to the morality hit on the populace, which directly impacts people¡¯s willingness to commit crimes?¡± I ask. At that he looks taken aback. I of course had the alert that someone was willing to put in the gambling hall. I also saw all the modifiers, apparently the further away from the heart of the town the hall was placed, the more it would directly impact the morality. Meaning the further away from the town center, the higher percentage of negative morality we could expect to see in our population. ¡°Exactly, that is why I propose building this establishment as close to center of where this town will be.¡± He states before continuing, ¡°there is a lot just at the end of this main strip that would be ideal for our purposes. Since it would be on one of the two main roads, it would not increase the morality penalty, while allowing a perfect spot for future roads to be built.¡± At that I nod, as I see his plan. He wants to build the gambling hall at the end of the first street, all but saying it will be the final shop before the second street comes in. This will be an important spot, particularly if he imagines the town growing into that of a city, as he claims. ¡°That is a lofty goal, and what are you willing to do for this? You know that if you are too successful, you might change the entire landscape of our fair city, building it around gambling and corruption, rather than the four pillars as we have it, currently.¡± I am of course referring to the four guild halls, which are seen as the four pillars of any community. Also, what I am speaking about, the idea that the city will eventually shift its focus away from the four guild halls to a gambling hall, or other higher end establishments is not unheard of. That is how New Vice City was formed, and likely what this guy is trying to do, but at the grass roots level. ¡°Well that is why I am here, what would it take for you to first agree to such an establishment being in your fair city?¡± He asks. At that, I realize this is a hidden quest that will likely not be mentioned by the system until later. ¡°You want me to compromise my morals, for what, a few perks at your establishment?¡± I ask, trying to feign being offended. At that the gnome pauses, ¡°what, don¡¯t tell me you suddenly got a conscience, but yes. Effectively, what would it take for you to vote for this establishment to enter your city¡¯s zoning district?¡± There, now I have him. He has just asked to be in the city¡¯s zoning district, which goes far beyond the limits of the two main streets of town. ¡°Well to just get into our zoning district, I would need to ensure the establishment in question met a few of my personal requirements.¡± ¡°Go on¡­¡± ¡°First it would need to have a Swapem Holdem table at all times. This would need to be the heart of your establishment, where only the true high rollers would be allowed to go. I of course, would always need to be able to be dealt in, when I had time from my busy schedule.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it, a premium Swapem Holdem Table, and you to have access to said table?¡± He asks. ¡°There is one other concession I would like for you to make.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°At that table, anything can be bet, money, experience, etcetera.¡± I say. ¡°So a true premium no limit table designed for high rollers who have delved the higher floors of the tower and come back with too much money, experience, and time, I like it. Done.¡± He says, holding out his hand. I reach out my own hand and shake his hand.
Hidden Quest Found: Friends In Low Places: You have made a deal with a gambling establishment to vote yes, when it comes to allowing the establishment to enter the city¡¯s regional layout. Rewards: Premium Swapem Holdem table, VIP accommodations at said table, and there to be no limit to what can be wagered on any particular hand.
With that, my reward for that portion, just voting to have the establishment within the city was a go. Now it was time for me to tighten the screws a bit. ¡°Now that we have the fact that you will be able to have an establishment within this zone. I guess the next major question can come down to just three simple words. Location, location, location.¡± I say. At that the gnome, looks flabbergasted, as they realize the terms we just established were for me to vote yes. Which we could theoretically vote to have this gambling hall well out in the boonies of this zone, well in the middle of monster spawning areas. While the gambling hall itself would be able to fight back the monsters, not many adventurers would be keen on going to a high end establishment out in the middle of nowhere. ¡°And just what location do you have in mind?¡± The gnome offers. ¡°Well, I guess that all comes down to you. Personally, I don¡¯t like the idea of your establishment being at the intersection of second street. I think that would be a tremendous waste of resources on your part, as you would no doubt spend a lot of time and capital into getting your establishment seen as the new center of the city. Meanwhile that will cause problems and infighting over time. Instead, I have a separate proposal, but it is one that might turn out to be costly.¡± I state. ¡°What exactly are you proposing?¡± ¡°There are not one, but two lots directly to the left of our guild hall that are open for commercial business. That would be more than enough to set your establishment up as the premier center that you are claiming, unfortunately, it being so close to the Mage¡¯s Guild will mean you will likely at the very minimum need to provide protection services for the guild to be there, along with making it worthwhile to have such an establishment within viewing distance of not just the train station, but all of the future commerce of this city.¡± I say, this time making sure to use his own word of where he sees this town going against him. I can see that I¡¯ve got him intrigued by the way his eyes flash wider for a moment as I mention the two open lots right next to my guild hall. ¡°You are saying, that I should reward you for placing a gambling establishment within walking distance of your Guild hall here? Not only that, but you expect me to post guards to secure this side of the street from vagrants and other riffraff?¡± ¡°That will be a minimum for me getting others to buy into your being there in the first place. Then you might need to offer me something that makes it so I take a personal interest in championing this little business endeavor.¡± I say. At that, he pauses and looks at me for a long moment, then a long smile crosses his features as he states. ¡°You know, I knew I liked you upon seeing you. Unfortunately I am one of the few who actually likes doing so.¡± He begins, at this I can almost feel the dagger coming for me, as he continues. ¡°You see, I have it on good authority that there is a particular Dark Elf that has taken on a blood curse recently. While the guild has of course put a squash to that information being disseminated too widely, it is a well known secret that a certain Shade Touched healer is fighting against their heritage of killing and consuming souls. Going so far as to go full healer even.¡± He states then stares directly at me. ¡°So blackmail, you keep my secret for this vote?¡± I ask. ¡°What, nonsense. Had I intended to use it as a club, I would have come out with that from the start. Instead, I wanted to offer you something far more beneficial to all of our arrangements.¡± ¡°All of us?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, see I can¡¯t have you championing for my cause, only to get outed by blood thirsty elves.¡± The Gnomish businessman states. ¡°So what do you propose?¡± ¡°Why, simple, I wanted to offer you a way to purge yourself of your cursed bloodline, while also securing my new location.¡± The gnome says. At that, I am met with a new quest message.
Quest Update: Friends In Low Places II: You have made the offer of championing for the new gambling hall to be established in the two vacant lots next to the guild hall. In exchange the owner of the establishment has offered to help you with you purge yourself of your cursed bloodline. Rewards: Experience, Possible Cure to your Bloodline, others.
At that message, I pause. ¡°Do we have a deal?¡± He asks, once again holding out his hand. ¡°Deal.¡± I say, and feel a slight surge of magic overtake me as I realize this will likely force me to go deep into my bag of tricks as a thief, as this is clearly a Thieves Guild initiated quest, which might give me just the jolt of excitement that I need here in this small town. Chapter 46 The Blind Book Club Chapter 46 The Blind Book Club It is amazing how little time it takes to get settled into a new routine. Especially when you are starting not just a new job, but a new career path. I had spent weeks holed up in my own little wing of the Mage¡¯s Guild. It was mine, it felt like mine, it even began to have scents that I associated with me. It was odd in a way, I have had rooms before, little bolt holes in walls where no one would find me, and I could rest free of the elements. Yet, this was the first time I felt like I truly had a home, a place that was mine. Having Zero there, just made it that much better, as he was my accomplice in all things. Together we were a team, I would study and read, while he would practice painting and other crafts. Apparently, his use of dragon claws to hold a paintbrush was a new artform. His claws even giving his ability to carve grooves to add deeper color striations into the canvas that much better, that much crisper and clearer. Of course, I was the one who had a hard time understanding the intricacies of his art work, at least at first. Which I think made him depressed. He knew I was blind, that my way of seeing the world was entirely different than the way others would, which was why he began delving into mana infused paints. Apparently that was when his artistic skills began to flourish, as he was both the only producer of said paints, but that was also the only way I was able to see painted canvases. How does artwork normally look to me? Well if I had to describe it, I would have to say that it is like trying to take as many words as possible, lower the font size so they blur together, then reduce the line distance, then blur the light until there is little one can distinguish about the words other than black lines flowing under other black lines. That is my normal experience with art. The only difference between normal art and an art piece that is part of a Thieves¡¯ Guild acquisition request is that the items involved in an acquisition request glow to my senses. I know this is likely the game cheating for me and my Angel¡¯s Sight in some way, shape, or form, but it is a 25 point merit, meaning it should provide some benefits. Finding quest items and solving problems with the supernatural insight is just one of the perks it offers, despite its many drawbacks. That said Zero¡¯s new artwork glows to my senses in a way that I can actually see the brush strokes. Granted they still look like doodles my kids would do when they were teenagers, far from grand showcase masterpieces that would go to a gallery or plaza, but they were something. Seeing the paint, I too dabbled at the craft, using Zero¡¯s infused paints, I would also try to paint, if for nothing other than learning a new skill. Which I did, and then some.
New Skill Gained: Painting has reached level 1.
Skill Painting is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception based skill.
New Skill Gained: Artist has reached level 1.
Skill Artist is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception based skill.
Yes, as it turns out the game finds artists sexy as well. That or the game is trying to encourage the perception that all artist are naturally more beautiful and personable, I don¡¯t quite see it, get it a sight joke, but anything for free social stat increases. I can see that there is a social nature to having art, as the paintings created by Zero now sit in our entrance hall to greet guests while they wait to be seen. There is of course the ever-growing toxic poisoning nature of the mines. Zero and I have both made inquiries about what is happening over there, but so far our inquiries have turned up nothing. Meanwhile I am healing more and more guards, while the initial group of guards, those who were apparently stuck in the mines for a time have all gone blind. No, it is not due to my healing, but apparently it is a side effect from being forced to take too many poor quality potions constantly. The buildup from poor quality potions, along with constant exposure to toxic environments made it so the dark elves all went blind. ¡°Thank you, Doc.¡± Reymel says to me, having come in again for his weekly checkup. I keep trying to find ways to reverse the blindness, but I think this is a system generated quest line that I have not quite unlocked. I can¡¯t quite explain it, but it seems like every time I push myself and my understanding the disease that these people are afflicted with alters ever so slightly. What is worse, is that the former guards and miners only have nice things to say about me and my efforts. None of them feel that I am the reason they are blind, which is sort of nice. But in a world of magic, where the sky should be the limit, I feel that I should be able to solve this. ¡°Are you sure there is nothing else I can do?¡± I ask Reymel, feeling absolutely guilty on the fact that he and the others are still blind. ¡°Well, there is something¡­¡± He begins, but I can tell by the way his posture stiffens slightly that he is somewhat embarrassed to speak what is on his mind. ¡°Go on, just say it.¡± I say. ¡°Well, now that I have this condition.¡± He says, gesturing to his eyes, just causing my guilt and anxiety over not being able to heal him come that much more to the surface. ¡°I have found it is really hard to read.¡± For a moment I think about sharing my skill with him, but then I realize that my skill would be worthless to anyone who was blind that didn¡¯t also possess at least the fifth and final stage of Angel¡¯s Sight. That said, I can fully understand his want to read, it is one of my true passions as well. ¡°I bet that is a terrible existence.¡± I agree. Scoff. Reymel lets out a long sigh. ¡°I probably shouldn¡¯t say this, but me and a few of the others, we had a book club.¡± ¡°A book club?¡± I ask, my mind tingling with the sensation that I might be able to create another study group. ¡°Yeah, we would gather around two or three times a week and just talk about the current book we were reading.¡± Reymel says. Say what you will about gender stereotypes, but a male who admits that he has a passion for reading should have at least five more points to their Attractiveness, before elven racial bonuses get applied. ¡°Well, I could read to you, but I will warn you I have some standards of what I am willing to read out loud.¡± I admit. I don¡¯t want to get labeled as a smut queen, also this way I can avoid reading those murder hobo exploit stories. ¡°Then I cast Fireball, leveled up, and learned to cast Greater Fireball earning me even more experience from killing Indigenous Persons and Monsters.¡± I know it sounds like I am exaggerating, but only by a small margin. ¡°Well, maybe I should find someone else to ask then¡­¡± Reymel says, a faint look of sadness crossing his face. ¡°What?¡± The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°No, come on, I¡¯m curious now. What book did you want to read?¡± I ask, suddenly wondering if there is some elite skill tome that they might have. ¡°It is an educational primer for rune research.¡± Reymel begins. ¡°Oh, that doesn¡¯t sound so bad. Maybe a bit boring and stuffy, but I could manage that.¡± I say, then the more I think about it, this is exactly the quest line I want. One that opens up more hidden skill quest lines, all while pretending to be a good person by reading to people who are visually impaired. I do find it ironic that I, a noted blind person would be the leader of such a group, the blind leading the blind book club and all that, but I honestly don¡¯t mind. ¡°In fact, if it is about trying to learn skills then sign me up.¡± ¡°Well, it is not just about rune research.¡± Reymel begins. Badump. My heart beats at that suggestion, could he? No. No one ever admits to that, not in public. Well we aren¡¯t in public, we are in a secluded, silenced room in the Mage¡¯s Guild. Here we are still covered under the clauses of client patient confidentiality, meaning what we say here will stay here, unless we want to talk about this. Biting my lip, I decide to go out on a possible limb, but I want to do so as discretely as possible. ¡°Are you perhaps referring to a story that poses practical applications of employing runic defenses to fend off evil counts?¡± At that, Reymel¡¯s face drops for a second. ¡°Yes, I take it you might know of the series about a person with a similar name to my own?¡± He asks. At that I start smiling, as it is clear we are talking about the same series. ¡°I don¡¯t know, unless we are talking about Rahuuull,¡± I say curling his name at the end with a lilt, ¡°then I don¡¯t know who you could be referring to.¡± ¡°Rahul and the Maiden? You know about Rahul and the Maiden?¡± He all but shouts excitedly, while reaching out to grab my hands. ¡°Shh, keep it down.¡± I say, not wanting to draw too much attention to us. Mentally I scan out, and while people apparently heard the sound, they don¡¯t seem to have picked up on what was said. ¡°This is fantastic, ever since Tarnavia left, I have not had a partner¡­¡± ¡°Whoa, going to stop you right there. This goes a bit beyond my comfort level.¡± I say jerking my hand free from his grip and holding a finger up to stop him, not that it does much good as I remember a second later he is still blind. ¡°Right, I¡­ well, I just got a little excited.¡± ¡°Well, I am happy to read books one through seven.¡± I say, as those are the ones I know by heart at this point. ¡°Just to seven? But what about the Marquis? The seduction of the Duchess, then the intrigue caused by his meeting the princess?¡± Reymel says, but I don¡¯t know what he is talking about. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°Why stop at book seven? That is where the series finally gets good.¡± Badump, badump. At this, I reach out and I grab his hands. ¡°You are telling me that you know what happens after book seven?¡± ¡°Know what happens? I just got book eleven in the series, but alas, I cannot read it due to my condition¡­¡± *** ¡°Cass, Cass! Cassiopeia, wake up!¡± Zero is there patting his claws against my head. ¡°Wha? What?¡± I ask, suddenly stirring. ¡°You just passed out.¡± Zero said, finally talking out loud and not directly to my mind. I shake my head and slowly the world around me comes into focus. Looking around I am in my patient room, but Reymel isn¡¯t here. ¡°Was it all just a dream?¡± I ask, as I slowly get up and take a few steps, before sitting back down in the chair. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about. You had a conversation with Reymel, and then you went and passed out.¡± Zero says. Hearing that, I realize there might have been something to that dream. ¡°Where is Reymel now?¡± I ask mentally looking around the area trying to find him. ¡°He went to get help, but I felt you collapse through our bond, so I got here right away.¡± Zero says. ¡°Oh,¡± is all I manage to eloquently state to that. ¡°How long have I been out?¡± ¡°Under a minute.¡± Scuffle. Click clack. There are the sounds of numerous feet stomping, along with the unmistakable sound of a walking cane tapping the ground in front of someone. Focusing on the form with the walking stick, I instantly recognize him as Reymel. ¡°There she is¡­¡± The receptionist states. I am sitting down on one of the examination tables. ¡°Are you okay?¡± The receptionist asks going over to me. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I say, as I try to take in my condition. ¡°She just fainted, during our visit.¡± Reymel says, clear worry in his voice. ¡°Are you okay? Do you remember what you two were talking about?¡± The receptionist asks, but the Guild Master is right there behind her as well, listening into everything I am saying. ¡°Yeah, we had a conversation about things I could possibly do to help. At which point there was the suggestion of creating a book club to help out all the miners and guards who are now going blind.¡± I state, making sure to leave out the true reason for my collapse, hopefully, that there might be four more novels to the best series ever. ¡°Yes, Ms. Spiritlight offered to take on the creation of a book club, when she passed out.¡± Reymel said. ¡°Ms. Spiritlight, I feel that you might be pushing yourself too hard.¡± The Guild Master says. ¡°The fact that you are passing out during working hours, is a testament to how hard you are already pushing yourself, I cannot in good conscience let you take on more responsibility, not with your health at stake.¡± The Guild Master begins. ¡°But its books that we are talking about¡­¡± I say weakly, as if that is somehow enough to justify taking on even more responsibility. As it stands, I am already pushing fourteen-hour days, every day. I could swear there were child labor laws, but those are only for people that don¡¯t have a class. Apparently, I can pout well, as the Guild Master takes in my expression and finally lets out a defeated sigh. Deep sigh. ¡°Perhaps you are correct. We have been pushing you rather hard since you got here. Perhaps it is time to allow you to relax a little with some leisurely activities. Also, I think a book club is a fine idea. At first we had been trying to keep you safe from certain nefarious elements that have apparently decided to move in brazenly right next to our fine establishment. Almost as if they are mocking our very institution, it was for that reason that we had increased your hours. But I can see now that this was likely the wrong way to combat this problem.¡± The Guild Master states. I of course know exactly what he is talking about. He is referring to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall, which led by business man and Thieves Guild front gnome, Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly, that somehow got all the required votes to move into the two vacant lots immediately to our left. It was a rather tight vote too, but somehow, they got the required votes needed to not only move in, but have a prime location right on main street. Shortly after that motion passed, I received a new item, by happenstance.
Soulbound Item: VIP Membership Card to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall.
Yep, apparently there was a random raffle, where Lenny a gnome businessman that I happened to have a conversation with, gathered everyone¡¯s name from our town, put them all into a tumbler and drew seven names at random that would be granted permanent VIP membership status. While, it was never proven who the seven people that passed the reform to allow the card hall into town, I can guess who the other six voters were, as I was of course the seventh vote. This raffle clearly a well disguised way to show their commitment to buying off my vote with the stipulations I had requested. ¡°I guess, so long as you do not have to leave this establishment, then I can allow this club to happen.¡± The Guild Master states. At that, I feel a slight twinge of apprehension fill my mind, ¡°am I a prisoner?¡± I ask. ¡°What? No, this was for your protection is all.¡± The Guild Master says, a bit too defensively. ¡°So what, I am just supposed to be caged in here until what? You feel I am capable of fending for myself?¡± ¡°No, not that.¡± ¡°Then when would you feel safe allowing me to roam about. I am Healer, I should be going out to the community. Not everyone can come to the guild hall, shouldn¡¯t we make it a point to go out and scan the community as a whole to help make it better?¡± I ask. ¡°That¡¯s not it, the last Healer we had, the very one you learned from and replaced, he died in these very streets.¡± ¡°While frequenting the card hall?¡± ¡°What, no, of course not. The hall wasn¡¯t there at that time, and you know that.¡± ¡°Neither were the guards that are set up to protect the hall from renegades or people who might wish to cause undue trouble?¡± ¡°Right.¡± ¡°Guards that as part of the card halls charter will be a secondary police force, should any incident like the one that happened when Dr. Kiran died occur again?¡± ¡°Well, yeah.¡± ¡°So we now have more security, we have different safety measures in place with your being stationed here as well, right?¡± I ask. The Guild Masters for all four guilds have all temporarily increased to level 450+, with the Mage¡¯s Guild being the highest leveled at level 479. I know this is all for a temporary surge, but I¡¯m trying to see if there is a way we can keep this Guild Master here. Other than making me work ridiculously long hours, he has brought a level of safety and stability to this town that I greatly appreciate. ¡°Yes.¡± The Guild Master says a bit defeatedly. Then finally after a second. ¡°I just worry about you, is all.¡± ¡°And I thank you for that. It is that care and concern that made me want to put my hopes into this town, to stay on despite the hardships we have endured. I also want to give back to the community, while not feeling like a prisoner.¡± I say. At that the Guild Master lets out a long sigh, and with a slightly deflated posture. ¡°I understand. I can also see now how my trying to make you feel safer has put you under undue stress that likely caused your fainting. As of right now, I am cutting back your hours to half shifts, until otherwise noted.¡±
Quest Update: Crossroad¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guildhall Healer: Your hard work and dedication have paid off, proving your loyalty to the town and its citizens. As such your hours have been cut in half from 14 hours a day to 7 hours a day.
At that, I let out a long sigh, and relaxed myself, then I realize the important question. ¡°So, we are going to start a book club?¡± I ask, turning my Reymel. ¡°I guess we are going to start a book club.¡± Reymel answered. Then to accentuate his statement, I am met with a new system message confirming his comments.
Hidden Quest Found: Crossroad¡¯s Book Club: You have founded the first book club of the town of Crossroads. Rewards: Experience, access to rare book series.
¡°Wooo!¡± I scream excitedly, as I all but jump off of my examination table. Chapter 47 The Daily Quest Chapter 47 The Daily Quest At one point early on in my career, I had to work twelve hour shifts. Now this wasn¡¯t the same as the fourteen hour shifts I had been assigned at the Mage¡¯s Guild hall, as these were twelve full hours of work. With the Mage¡¯s Guild hall during the downtime, that is when patients weren¡¯t coming in seeking treatment I was allowed to do pretty much what I wanted. I could go to the restricted sections of the library and read. I could practice on different aspects of my magic, or practice on different skills that I now freely qualified for as a member of the guild¡¯s elite staffing. So that¡¯s what I did. Now that I am effectively on half days, or only having to be bound to my guild office for seven hours, I am reminded of that time back in my old life. Back when I had to work twelve hour shifts constantly, doing mental equations due to having so many people quit or leave. Then when we brought up the complaint to management, that our then half day, where we only had to work six hours on one day a week was being taken away, the then leader spoke up and said, ¡°the way I see it you have a half day every day, those twelve hours that you are not on shift, those are yours to do with as you please.¡± So that became our rallying cry when we finished a new shift, ¡°I¡¯m about to take my half day.¡± Or ¡°I don¡¯t know why more people don¡¯t join us, they do use that as part of the sales pitch, right? Join us and get a half day every day? Who wouldn¡¯t want that?¡± I remember those moments from my past, and realize that I once again get my half day every day. Of course, just as it has been given, it can be taken away just as quickly, this is why I have taken great pains to keep my nose clean. Well at least to give it the appearance of being clean. When I came up with the idea for the blind book club, and how we were giving back to the community I was at first encouraged. Then when it was realized we couldn¡¯t host so many people on Mage Guild territory, I found a solution. Working with a recently established business owner and future pillar of the community, I managed to get a room big enough to accommodate all of us for a few hours. Unfortunately given the content of the books, I didn¡¯t quite feel comfortable just reading the books out in public, particularly if children could just come in. This was yet another point in the favor of the establishment that I had chosen. ¡°Tell me why again you feel it necessary to host your book club at Lucky¡¯s Card Hall?¡± The Guild Master asked. I had of course been preparing for this, which was why I had answers to any question he could offer. ¡°Logically Lucky¡¯s checks all the boxes. We will read books before the place opens for business. It is an establishment that has rooms where we can seclude ourselves and discuss the content freely without fear of being judged. It is right next door, so I don¡¯t have to worry about not being able to be found in case of an emergency. They have guards on staff that will help guide and protect me going to and from their establishment.¡± I can see that he is trying to come up with some form of argument as to why this is still a bad idea, but he appears to be coming up dry. ¡°I just don¡¯t understand why you would need such privacy for a book club, what exactly are you reading?¡± Shaming, he is trying to shame me. Now if I was a real thirteen year old reading these works, I might have backed down. Yet, I have lived through a lifetime of such arguments and recalling my granddaughter¡¯s own remarks when I caught her doing the same, I feel a slight smile as I remember her arguments that were used against me. ¡°We are reading and discussing ways to push our minds and our senses beyond what is deemed acceptable, not to break away from societal conventions, but to understand why those conventions are in place at all. To not explore the depth of thought possible we lose sight of why boundaries exist in the first place. By reading about worlds where those boundaries are pushed back and expanded upon, we can begin to grow not only ourselves, but understand the framework that was provided to us by the original founders of a community. Without freedom to read and explore thoughts we are doomed to stagnation, and worse likely regression.¡± I pause, taking in a particularly deep breath after that, as I realize I might have gotten a little too impassioned. Panting. I think I said all of that on one breath, at least that is what it feels like as I stare at the Guild Master. He pauses for a moment, then basically said what I did when confronted with such a well-articulated response. ¡°Very well, I can see that you have thought about this, and I will not speak out on this matter anymore.¡± He says, giving a slight bow. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, as I bow myself, though my bow is mostly a sigh of relief. But I did get a new system message at that.
Hidden Quest Updated: Crossroad¡¯s Book Club: You have founded the first book club of the town of Crossroads. You have taken care of the most important part, where your group will meet. Working together with local business owners, you have secured a safe location where you and others can meet and discuss books. Continue to meet and read about ongoing series.
This questline has changed from a Series to a Daily task that can be accomplished.
Rewards: Experience, access to rare book series.
Then just like that, I saw the new text prompt to make sure I was reading it correctly.
Daily Quest (Repeatable): Crossroad¡¯s Book Club: You have founded the first book club of the town of Crossroads. Meet up with at least three other members of the club and read for an hour to receive full benefits of this quest. Conditions: People (0/3) Time: Minutes (0/60). Rewards: Experience (60), access to rare book series.
I nearly jumped for joy at that. I had somehow managed to create a repeatable quest line of just reading for sixty minutes a day to three people. Honestly, it was a dream come true. Daily quests are tough, and most are super annoying and provide little experience for a huge time commitment. While I wasn¡¯t overly impressed with the amount of experience, the fact that I could do so repeatedly meant that if we met early enough, I could easily complete the same quest four or even five times in the same day. Yes, the quest was designed in such a way that I could not only complete it daily, but multiple times each day. Also, the time to reward aspect was nearly perfect, especially considering this was supposed to be a level 10 zone. While I have not gone out exploring the recent changes too much, it seems that the town of Crossroads has drastically gone beyond that level ten status, and gone on to be as high as needed to secure this area within the new tower. I still didn¡¯t know what exactly was happening, but I was fairly happy with the way things were progressing. I was a valued member of the Mage¡¯s Guild, even having a new badge denoting myself as a Doctor, which should grant me easy access to any country, despite my still dwindling Second Class Citizen flaws. I was also in the process of trying to meet up with Lenny, the gnome boss member and owner of Lucky¡¯s Gambling Hall. Also, big surprise, Lenny¡¯s building is now the official Thieves Guild Hall for the Crossroads. I didn¡¯t exactly know where the other one was, but its entrance had been destroyed when the regressors went full murder hobo on the town. While the guild hall itself wasn¡¯t destroyed, its entrance being destroyed was apparently enough for the guild to consider moving. Then once they were given a prominent spot at the heart of the town, everything just fell into place for Lenny. This was good, as it also meant that Lenny became the new defacto leader of the Thieves Guild. The former leader was a dark elf who had died in the previously mentioned raid. Of course once Lenny took over, he was granted access to all the Thieves Guild records, which is when he found out I was not just another pretty face suffering from a bloodline curse. *** I was just leaving the club¡¯s room. Reymel of course kept taking his books home with him, despite my begging and pleading to bring them right back. ¡°Think of it as insurance, this way I know you will come back tomorrow.¡± Reymel said. He wasn¡¯t wrong, I would definitely come back tomorrow, if only to find out what happened next. But it was driving me crazy, knowing that the ending was so close. Also, Reymel was right, the story only got better, still I wanted to know what happened next. It also didn¡¯t help that I needed as many hours of reading possible to get to the 183 and a third hours I needed to earn the approximate eleven thousand experience needed to go from level 20 to level 25. Why was level 25 so important? Simple it was my next class evolution. Also, it was the point where I could learn a second class, but that was not in the plans for the moment. For now, I just wanted to get to level 25 and see what options were available. I knew for a fact that some people had the option for physical adaptations. Some holy paladins chose to go for angelic wings, to counter the dark paladins who went with devil wings to fly. Yes, flight, personal flight. It was often a skill and one that was not that common, but flight could be what I am given as a class evolution choice. Of course, there is again just the mild annoyance of the 183 and a third hours of reading needed to get there. Granted after these last two sessions, I am now down to just 177 hours. Yes, I am pacing myself at three hours a day, which is terrible as I am now so close to finding out what the ending of book eight will be, but I now have to wait until tomorrow. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Leaving so soon?¡± Lenny the gnome asks. At that, I pause to look at Lenny. By now he knows the truth, that I am totally blind, and that this is just an act I put on for others, but it is good to keep practicing. Also, I can¡¯t help but notice that this does improve my Acting skill as times goes on. ¡°Yes. How are the tables?¡± I ask. ¡°Hah.¡± Lenny just scoffs. ¡°We are still rebuilding. In fact, you are lucky we are able to accommodate your club at all.¡± Hearing this, I can tell that there is an angle to this, that he is trying for something, but I don¡¯t quite know what that angle is. ¡°Oh, well then thank you.¡± I say, giving a bow. ¡°You know, things would work a little faster if I had competent help.¡± ¡°Sorry, but I am terrible with a hammer and nails.¡± I state, and honestly Carpentry is one of those skills I have not gotten yet, not that it is even on the top 100 of my skills lists to earn. ¡°Not that kind of help, though now that you mention it, we could use a few more construction workers as well. No, what I am referring to is a number two.¡± At that, I pause, as I can all but feel the system message being generated now. In the Thieves Guild the number two, well in any guild really, the number two is the patsy. A good number two is the jerk that enforces the rules, and makes it so the guild leader doesn¡¯t look like a jerk. The enforcer goes around making sure guild dues are paid on time, they file the paperwork that will generally terminate a member who acts against the guild, and generally do a lot of the grunt work. For the Thieves Guild, such a person needs to not only be ruthlessly strong, but able to take a dagger to the back. As that is who the number two will tick off, the guild members, many of whom are aspiring assassins. ¡°Good luck with that, I truly do feel for you.¡± I say, sidestepping the position and task all together. ¡°Now come on. At least hear me out.¡± ¡°In case you haven¡¯t noticed, I am dealing with a lot of issues on my own.¡± I say, obviously referring to the fact that I am still trying to keep my head above water at the Mage¡¯s Guild as their acting Healer. I have learned a lot, and have found workarounds for most of the cases I have come across. My most important cure of course comes from my learning to cleanse toxicity from the denizens of this community. It is still happening, though now that we are no longer dealing with Detoxifying potions, the process is a lot easier to get ahead of. ¡°I know. Which is why I figured I¡¯d tell you my options, before you truly close the door on this deal.¡± He states. At this, I can feel the proverbial noose tightening around my neck as I am certain he is going to state something that I don¡¯t want to hear. ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°Well, my current choices come from the members of the community here, many of whom were under the leadership of the old management. To me, this sets off red flags as it means they likely feel entitled to a promotion at the very least, which the guild is pushing me towards. Of course, that also means that the number two for this guild will be a dark elf. Someone for whom I know you have troubles with.¡± He states, referring to the fact that for the moment I have been saved from the conditions of my bloodline curse mainly due to technicalities. The biggest one being that while all the members of my book club have been dark elves, they cannot see my face and eyes and thus are not aware of my currently cursed condition. Also I have my face and eyes covered when I treat others and when I enter into town, to avoid being noticed for that very reason. ¡°So it¡¯s extortion? Either I take the position, or you tell this number two?¡± ¡°Me tell? Who do you think I am. No, I am just giving you a courteous understanding of the processes here at the guild hall. When anyone is promoted to leader or assistant leader of any guild hall they gain all access to all local member¡¯s current conditions and standings.¡± Lenny begins. I pause, as I realize I didn¡¯t have an issue with this during the last regime, I even go so far as to state that. ¡°That is definitely the case, particularly as none were aware of your condition then. However, I had to request a few items needed as part of your cleansing process. Items that are at the very least considered to be controlled substances by the guild. When asked why I needed such controlled substances, I had to then update your card with your current medical standing. While only the main branch manager and I have this knowledge, a new number two will have access to this registry.¡± He states. I pause, hearing that, and realizing it was a perfect trap. ¡°Wow. I do have to say, I am impressed. The levels you went to get this all-in place are masterful indeed.¡± I say, as I guess I should have expected some type of coercion from Lenny given our original conversation with each other. During that time, he had mentioned that he would help, but I was not quite expecting this level of sophistication and schemes within schemes. ¡°I assure you that I did not mean for this to get to this point. In fact, I had hoped to make a simple request on your behalf and keep your condition anonymous. Yet, the items needed for your particular bloodline curse are quite intricate. Normally, we would tell you just to purge your bloodline and be done with it, but that does not seem to be the case with yours. Instead, we would need to convert your bloodline.¡± ¡°Convert it?¡± ¡°Yes, we need to convert it, or else it could have a direct impact on your very soul. As a Shade Touched, you were chosen at birth by one of the darker gods of the realms.¡± Lenny says, waving a hand as if I somehow forgot that we are still within the spirit realm. ¡°To remove such a mark especially while here, will require you to alter the bloodline completely.¡± ¡°How would I do that?¡± ¡°Glad you asked. You see, normally you could go on a massive quest gathering hundreds of different rare and hard to get items. Then find a magical way to burn away certain parts of your bloodline and have them replaced by newer components that you want your awakened bloodline to have, and hope they stick.¡± And at that, I feel the sales pitch coming. ¡°So, if that is what I would normally need to do, then what do I actually need to do?¡± I ask. ¡°Well, if you were a guild assistant, you could directly create your own personal questline up for anyone to grab and perform as needed. Then you might have to ask your guild leader to find a formula of purging and way to absorb the different ingredients you have acquired. This might also require connections to the Apothecary guild, which your handy guild master could also cover for you¡­¡± ¡°I have the Apothecary angle covered.¡± I say, cutting him off. At that he pauses and then looks at me. ¡°That¡¯s right, I forgot you are a penta-corn.¡± ¡°A penta what?¡± ¡°A penta-corn. Like a unicorn, but for all five guilds. We refer to your kind as a penta-corn, as you can go to any guild hall and pose as anything. That is partly why I want you to act as my number two.¡± ¡°I am no enforcer.¡± I state, flatly. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to be. In fact, I have more hired muscle than might normally be necessary. No, what I need from you is the ability to find information, something that I understand is your specialty.¡± Lenny states. ¡°I just don¡¯t see myself as being a number two for any guild, let alone at this point in my life.¡± I state, still not feeling convinced. ¡°That¡¯s just it, I have my real number two coming, though he is already out on a deep cover mission. I just need you to cover for three months, six tops. What do you say?¡± Lenny asks, a slight pleading look on his face. How often do you see that, the Thieves Guild leader begging you for assistance.
Hidden Quest Found: Thieves Guild Second In Command: Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly is in a bind as the new Thieves Guild Leader. He has his people coming in, but they will not be here until much later. He needs you to fill in as his personal informant for the next few months while his people get free of their current tasks. Time three to six months. Rewards: Experience, Skills, help with your personal Bloodline Quest, personal reputation with the Crossroads Thieves Guild manager, variable.
Quest Conditions: Time remaining in months: (0/3) standard reward, (0/6) maximum reward.
Seeing that message, I couldn¡¯t help but see this as a good thing. It seems that the system was all but giftwrapping a possible solution to my seven point flaw. I had a feeling that quitting after three months would be enough to alter my bloodline curse enough to no longer be the full detriment that it was. While the six month would no doubt be a way to take the same level of proposed advantages and alter them to something more suited to my personality. This was potentially huge, as it was taking a power that could literally absorb souls for power, and change it to something equally as powerful, while likely just as unique. ¡°Okay.¡± I say. ¡°Okay?¡± He asks. I just nod, and repeat ¡°okay. I¡¯m in. No killing, no enforcing. Just strictly information gathering.¡± Chime. At that, I feel a mental chime go off in my mind as I get yet another system message.
Quest Updated: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline: You had within you the blood of the Gods of Darkness. Due to your inability or reluctance to take the gift that has been bestowed upon you, your blessing is now a curse. For failing to take the power of the Dark Gods¡¯ power, you will be cursed until you can remove the markings of your tainted bloodline from your body. You have entrusted your secret with Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly and in exchange for working for him, have been promised to alter your awakened bloodline so it is no longer a curse. Reward: Experience, New Skills, removal of socially detriment flaws, (Optional: fully awakened beneficial bloodline).
Quest Conditions: You must purge yourself of the corrupted Shade Touched essence that permeates your entire body. During this time, you will be seen as a cursed agent to all elven kind.
That message is it, enough to show me that this is the true way forward and that if I stick around for the full six months, I will have a new fully awakened bloodline that will be considered beneficial to me and my play style. ¡°Good. Now that we have that out of the way. Now I need to know what your capabilities are.¡± At that, I just smile. ¡°Well, did you know that two of your enforcers are stealing from you right now?¡± I ask, referring to two people who are set to guard a supply shed that is out back. There are only two guards there, one is clearly on duty scanning the area, while the other is sneaking back and taking just a portion of the supplies there. ¡°What? Show me now¡­¡± With that Lenny grabs me, then directs me to lead him to where this is happening. I do, and we catch the first guard standing there, with a shocked look on his face as he sees that the door is wide open, and his partner is nowhere to be found. Lenny just gives a glare. Now I don¡¯t know what type of glare it was, honestly it didn¡¯t project well, but when a level 400+ anything just stares at you, your general inclination is to do what this guard did and just clam up. "Hey, I got it..." The second guard says, excitedly coming form behind the door, with a vial clearly in his hand. ¡°You¡¯ve got what exactly?¡± Lenny asks. Looking down, the second guard sees that he clearly overlooked Lenny and his small stature. ¡°Uh, boss¡­I uh¡­¡± He trails off. And like that, I found myself offering a new line of services for the Crossroads Thieves Guild. Chapter 48 The Daily Grinds Chapter 48 The Daily Grinds I don¡¯t know what I did, how I got so blessed, whether it was just a matter of hard work, the system trying to keep me here in this spirit tower, or something, but I soon found myself with not one, but two daily repeatable tasks. The first we already remember was to read for the crossroads book club.
Daily Quest (Repeatable): Crossroad¡¯s Book Club: You have founded the first book club of the town of Crossroads. Meet up with at least three other members of the club and read for an hour to receive full benefits of this quest. Conditions: People (0/3) Time: Minutes (0/60). Rewards: Experience (60), access to rare book series.
I made it a point to try to spend three hours a day working on that repeatable quest each day, especially as reading for three hours and basically being paid to do so is just amazing. Yes, I have been so used to the Broke flaw that I now associate experience with getting paid. Kind of sad really, but that is going to change here in a little under ten months, when I turn fourteen and that stupid seven year curse will finally be lifted. Of course the system might give me an option, offer me another seven point merit to purchase, but I will refuse. I am tired of being poor. Well anyways, back to being paid, well Cass¡¯s currency, cold hard experience, I got myself a second line of daily quests. *** ¡°You know, you did me a huge favor today. I don¡¯t know how you knew, nor how long you knew, but I want to reward your type of actionable intelligence. With that, if you find anything that I can act on, I will reward you.¡± Lenny states, after we have a moment to talk in his office about catching the two enforcers that were stealing from his supply sheds. Then just like that, I am met with a new daily repeatable quest line.
Daily Quest (Repeatable): Thieves Guild Information Specialist: You have found yourself filling in as Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly¡¯s personal information gatherer. Each time you find out a piece of information worth sharing, make sure you tell Lenny. Conditions: Actionable Information Provided (1/1). Rewards: Experience (100), access to rare consumables needed for your Bloodline Quest.
¡°As token of my thanks, I wanted to give you this.¡± Lenny says, pulling out a wooden box. Judging by the quest description, I have a fairly good idea of what could possibly be within the box, but I ask just to be certain. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°That is a nullifying agent for your curse. Normally this is very powerful, something you would give to a dictator of a noble, with a terrible bloodline. Just take it, slip a little of it into the noble¡¯s food and boom, their bloodline is suddenly reduced. These are minor effects but take enough of these and you will nullify the bloodline completely.¡± Hearing that, I can¡¯t help but have my pointy ears perk up at the details. ¡°How many would I need?¡± ¡°For a standard active bloodline, probably twenty to fifty. For a powerful bloodline, about seventy-five. To nullify a powerful bloodline like yours, I¡­I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m guessing a hundred, but that is just a guess mind you. You would also need to take them relatively quickly. So, I would suggest you hang onto this vial until you have all 100 or are close to getting them all.¡± Hearing that, there was a lot to unpack in that statement, but I began as quickly as I could. ¡°So, to be clear you don¡¯t think one everyday for a hundred days would be fast enough?¡± Scoff. ¡°No, you would need to do it in at least half that time.¡± ¡°So two a day minimum?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, sounds about right.¡± ¡°I take it, you have all one hundred then?¡± I ask. At that, Lenny changes position, ¡°now if you are intending to steal from me, I will have you know¡­¡± I cut him off with a hand gesture. ¡°Nothing like that. I just want to know that if I start this with you, that you will be able to provide the necessary components on your end. Nothing more.¡± Lenny pauses and looks at me for a moment, but then nods. ¡°Fair enough. Yes, I can and will get enough of these for you when you need them.¡± At that I nod. I want to press to see if he has all 100 here and now, but that might raise more questions than he is willing to answer. Especially since he just basically accused me of possibly trying to steal his supplies, as if I would do something so stupid as to betray the Thieves Guild, though now that he mentioned it, I did have my questions. Taking the item I inspect it.
Item: Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing Market Price: 1s ¨C 10 gold.
Seeing the item¡¯s description, I feel something form in the pit of my stomach, as I realize that is a lot of range. Also, there are a few things I should point out. First is that the Market Price is the set of the game that says the lowest and highest value that you can set for any item. For consumables this is a must, as someone can literally go into a town, buy up all the healing potions and could sell them for hundreds of gold coins otherwise. With this, there is a maximum, so even if someone goes into a town buys up all the potions, they can still only get ten gold coins for them. Simultaneously, someone wishing to get rid of stolen goods quickly, still has to set a price of one silver piece for these as well. You can¡¯t just give away stolen goods, and generally this is where most people get caught, by having so many items that they cannot get rid of, they are eventually found and linked back to a previous crime. If you have stolen items in your inventory, then they appear as red texts, and if a guard scans you while in possession of said stolen goods, it turns your hands and face red. Some weird anti-thieving magic that dates back to the beginning of civilization, no one knows how it works, even those who go on to become guards just say it is a class specific Trait that they have to unlock and earn. Now why is the Market Price important to me? Simple, since I now have this consumable, and it has a Market Price that can go up to the cost of 10 gold, then the system equates this item to be worth 10 gold for terms of determining my overall wealth. Why is this a problem? Because when you are Broke you cannot have nice things, at most you can have a nice thing. That is my problem, also I am close. I still have eight gold on hand, and a few changes of clothes, a set of daggers, and other items. I try to keep a buffer of being able to gain ten gold worth of stuff just for times like this, but I know that right now everything I have will put me over that magic threshold where stuff goes sideways at my having too much. With that, I eye the box, the fact that this quest is allegedly repeatable and then decide to go for broke, at least in terms of my new quest line. I know, that if I left this room with that item, bad things would begin to happen, until either my clothes were ruined, the elixir was destroyed, or something. Pulling the box forward, I take in a deep breath, then picking up the vial, I let out my breath. ¡°Magnificent isn¡¯t it?¡± Lenny states. I nod, then before I can stop myself I uncork it and let the contents flow into my mouth.
Item Consumed: Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. You have been cleansed of status effects related to your bloodline for the next 23 hours, 59 minutes¡­
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. I feel a slight tingling sensation over my body, it is like the time I took an energy drink and felt like my skin was burning away. Then after a second, I am met with another system message.
Quest Updated: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline: You had within you the blood of the Gods of Darkness. Due to your inability or reluctance to take the gift that has been bestowed upon you, your blessing is now a curse. For failing to take the power of the Dark Gods¡¯ power, you will be cursed until you can remove the markings of your tainted bloodline from your body. You have entrusted your secret with Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly and in exchange for working for him, have been promised to not alter your awakened bloodline so it is no longer a curse. Now he has offered you a solution in the form of a Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. Requirements: consume 100 vials (1/100) of the Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing within 50 days (1/50). Reward: Experience, New Skills, removal of socially detriment flaws. (Optional: Consume more vials at a faster rate to fully awaken beneficial bloodline).
And there it was, my carrot. From completing my daily repeatable quest for the Thieves Guild I would not only gain 200 experience points a day, but also be able to be free of worrying about being spotted as a shade cursed, which in a growing town of predominantly dark elves, myself included, this is a big deal. At least that is what I take the description of the potion to mean, though I do ask to be certain. ¡°Does this mean, I am cured of my bloodline curse?¡± I ask. ¡°At least temporarily. If you would like, I could offer you a trial.¡± Lenny asks. Badump. At that, my heart races. This is potentially a game changer, right now I have had every inch of my face covered, but if that wasn¡¯t needed, if I could go about freely, that would be a godsend. Granted it would make me completely beholden to Lenny, to make sure I kept supplying him with information, but that was a minor thing. ¡°What do you have in mind?¡± I ask. Snap. Lenny snaps his fingers in an odd way that produces a slightly louder decibel. At the sound, the door to the study opens and the orc butler enters the room and asks, ¡°you called?¡± ¡°I did, bring in one of the dark elven prisoners.¡± Lenny states. ¡°Any one in particular?¡± ¡°No, also be prepared to end them.¡± Lenny says. ¡°Very good sir.¡± At that I gulp, audibly. I don¡¯t want to have the death of anyone on my hands, and it seems like this is what I am going to have happen here, if this goes sideways. ¡°You don¡¯t mean it, do you?¡± I ask. ¡°Don¡¯t have to what?¡± Lenny asks. ¡°Kill him? You don¡¯t have to, not for this.¡± I say, gesturing to my still covered face. ¡°I do, you see in addition to being a valued member of the Thieves Guild, you are now my number two, meaning that I need to take care of you at all costs.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need to kill him though.¡± I protest. At that Lenny just shakes his head. ¡°Think about what you are saying. Here you are a pillar of the community, a community comprised mostly of dark elves. If word got out of your condition, then you would do what exactly?¡± I don¡¯t say it, but the answer is obvious I would run. ¡°Judging by that look on your face, I can assume you think you would run. While that might work for the short term, that would mean you would forever be burned by both the Thieves Guild and the Mages Guild, you have signed legally binding contracts with both organizations now. To leave before the time was up would be political suicide. It would be better to be fired for gross incompetence, than to just leave.¡± He states, and as he speaks, I realize he is telling the truth. It would be better at constantly failing at my tasks and positions for so long that I was fired, rather than personally leaving and breaking my oath with the guilds. While I could with time build my trust back up to eventually take on roles to help both guilds in the future with the former, by being an oath breaker, I would never be allowed to come back. Realizing he is right, I let out a pained filled breath, as I realize if this goes wrong then this elf¡¯s life, or lack thereof, will be on my hands. Realizing that, I almost don¡¯t want to go through with this. ¡°We don¡¯t have to do this.¡± ¡°Yes, we do, this man is a thief, someone who stole from me. I will need to make an example of these two, trust me a quick death here and now will likely be merciful compared to what I will do to them.¡± Coughing. The orc butler coughs in a way that says he has been here for a while. I knew they were there, and I also knew that Lenny was giving that speech not just for me, but for the prisoner. ¡°Please boss, it was just the one time, I swear.¡± The man states. I shake my head; it wasn¡¯t his first time. Focusing my mind, I try to mentally rewind all of the interactions and activities. People watching is one of the few things I have done since I got here, and a few of these events seem to be scripted, happening multiple times a day, as if they want me to catch them and report them. Given this new quest line for Lenny, I all but think that this must be the case, as I realize this man had done this before. I had seen him stealing the same supplies to help his wife, or at least a female bedridden elf that he was obviously close to. Someone that he was willing to steal from his boss multiple times a day for. ¡°My assistant here seems to think differently.¡± Lenny says, apparently catching my little head shake. ¡°What? She¡¯s lying. If you search my house, you won¡¯t find anything.¡± ¡°The bedridden girl in your house. She is the reason you are stealing supplies.¡± I say to the elf convict, that suddenly looks flustered. I then turn to Lenny, ¡°he is right, you won¡¯t find the supplies there, he has been feeding them directly to that woman.¡± At that Lenny just stares at me for a moment, then turns back to the elf. ¡°Well, what do you have to say?¡± The man looks like he is about to protest, but then tries to get up and make a dash for it. Wham. Before anyone can react, the orc butler gives a hard chop to the base of the neck, disabling the man almost immediately. Then moving forward, the orc reaches down, grabs the scrawny elf with his hands still bound behind his back, and pulls him back up, no longer letting him sit by himself. ¡°Fine. I admit it, my wife, she is sick. Has been for a long time.¡± The elf states as tears run down his eyes. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you bring her to the Mage Guild for healing?¡± I ask. ¡°Hah! As if they would ever let us in. We were blacklisted, well Margara was, and because of that, I¡­¡± He trailed off. ¡°What did she do?¡± ¡°She read a book if you could believe that. A stupid romance novel if you can believe that, what it was doing in the restricted section of the Mage¡¯s Guild Library I will never know, but it was there and she read it despite knowing the consequences.¡± So that¡¯s what happens if you are found reading those books. I always wondered, if it was just being banned from the Mage¡¯s Guild that was, well no that would be terrible. Had it not been for my odd eyesight and ability to read quickly, I likely would have been kicked out long ago myself. I nearly laugh at the idea, a blind person getting kicked out and permanently banned from the Mages Guild for reading. Anyways, back to the moment. ¡°I will heal her.¡± I state. ¡°What?¡± The elven security guard asked. ¡°I will heal her, this Margara of yours.¡± I state. ¡°But she is banned from receiving benefits of the Mage¡¯s Guild.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t heal her in the Mage¡¯s Guild. I will heal her at your house.¡± I state, I can do at least this much. Phew. At that, the man visibly relaxes, but then realizes there might be a catch. ¡°Why would you do this?¡± ¡°I need you to answer something truthfully. Your answer could and likely will determine your fate.¡± I say. ¡°What? I heard you talking about possibly killing me quickly, what is it?¡± He asks, as panic begins to fill his voice again. Taking in a deep breath, I try to calm myself, before reaching up to my mask and EGGs. Then with a quick movement I remove both at once and turn my face directly towards his and ask. ¡°Tell me what you see, when you look at me.¡± There is a moment of shock around the room as everyone just stares at me. Finally the guard shakes his head for a moment, ¡°you mean the fact that you are a girl? Someone who looks like they just came into their power? Is that it? I am not someone who will judge you. I see the robes of the mage¡¯s guild. We all know of the new healer. We had noticed you were short, but now it all makes sense¡­¡± He trails off. Short? They think I am short? I pause, as I realize they are likely right, but still, being called out for not having hit your growth spurt, that kind of hurts. Humans stop growing at around age 17, and I believe elves stop growing at around 21 years of age, meaning that I have just under eight years remaining for growth myself. Still, I am tall, for my age. Sorry, it is a complex, in my past life I was always short as well, I didn¡¯t think I would harbor such insecurities in this life, but I guess you never outgrow your past, ouch, bad choice of words. ¡°Very good Mr. Moxley, you may go.¡± Lenny said, gesturing to the security guard who was bound and being held in place by the orc butler. At least I think he was talking to the security guard, for all I know Moxley could be the name of the butler. ¡°That¡¯s it? I can go?¡± He asks. ¡°Oh no, far from it, I will still need to make an example of you two. In the meanwhile my associate here will go to your house and heal your wife. Then after enough time has passed, I will let her heal you.¡± Lenny says. ¡°Why, why are you telling me all of this?¡± He asks. ¡°I want you to know why you should try to survive, to hang on just a little while longer. First you have your wife to look into, then you have your own recovery next to her. Then when people go to you, and ask you to do something stupid, like steal from me, you might be the word of caution. Let them know to come to me, and we will work on a solution together, rather than trying to solve things on your own.¡± Lenny said. As he spoke, I genuinely felt a sense of Machiavellian compassion coming from him. The way he spoke, it truly seemed that he was sad at what he would need to do next. ¡°Thank you, boss.¡± He said, as he was being hoisted up by the orc. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t thank me yet. In fact, in four hours from now, if you can still say that, I will let you go early. But you will not be thanking me for what you are about to endure.¡± Lenny said. At that the orc hoisted the elf off the ground and moved him out the closed doors. Slam. The double doors slammed shut, sealing us inside the room together. ¡°I take it you are pleased with the effects of this elixir?¡± I nod. ¡°Very much so, thank you.¡± I say, and I meant it, as this was the first time I could go around in public as me and not fear being attacked. I didn¡¯t know how amazing that feeling was, until just now. ¡°Then I take it, our business here is done?¡± Lenny asks. At that, I cock my head to the side and hold up one finger in protest. ¡°What? I do believe you are missing the point where I gave you the actionable information, that let you know why your trusted guard was stealing supplies from you.¡± I say, making sure to use his own words against him. Heh. ¡°So you did.¡± Lenny says, giving a slight smile and nod of respect. At that, I receive a system message.
Daily Quest (Repeatable): Thieves Guild Information Specialist: You have found yourself filling in as Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly¡¯s personal information gatherer. Each time you find out a piece of information worth sharing, make sure you tell Lenny. Conditions: Actionable Information Provided (1/1). Rewards: Experience (100), access to rare consumables needed for your Bloodline Quest.
With that, I realize he was just testing me. ¡°Would you like your next elixir?¡± ¡°I would like you to keep that one, until I arrive back here tomorrow.¡± I say, wanting to make sure I keep a steady supply of these on hand at all times. ¡°Very well, then barring nothing further is needed, I will see you tomorrow.¡± He states. ¡°Well, you could go. Or I could tell you about the other forms of corruption that are going on in this town. But if you are too busy, then I will just tell you at a later time. Hopefully it will still be actionable by then.¡± I say as I turn away and begin walking to the door. ¡°Wait, what is it exactly that you know?¡± At that I smile and turn back, ¡°well you might want to sit down for this.¡± And like that, my gift of grabbing pieces of gossip from people watching was finally going to pay off. Chapter 49 Police States And A Treatment Chapter 49 Police States And A Treatment As it turns out, I am probably worse than big brother, when I want to be. As it turns out, Lenny true to his word took all my details and rewarded me for them all. At first he sent runners and spies to check out the first few. Then he sent more unscrupulous people to investigate the potential blackmail components. Finally, after 13 additional information dumps, I finally got the message I had so desperately been wanting.
Daily Quest (Repeatable): Thieves Guild Information Specialist: You have found yourself filling in as Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly¡¯s personal information gatherer. Each time you find out a piece of information worth sharing, make sure you tell Lenny. Conditions: Actionable Information Provided (1/1). Rewards: Experience (100), access to rare consumables needed for your Bloodline Quest.
Ding. Level up. Your level has increased to 21.
I had consumed my second vial for the day, and had it so Lenny would keep a ready supply of the potent consumables ready for me. Mentally I went through everything that had just happened. After reading to my book club for three hours and gaining a total of 180 experience, I then left to find out about this new quest line with Lenny that I then completed a total of fifteen times, two initial, plus thirteen additional times. Also of note, I now have a retainer at Lenny¡¯s where I can get any of my remaining thirteen Strange Elixirs of Bloodline Cleansing. This is good as it means I don¡¯t have to worry about finding more dirt between today and tomorrow, and I have a week¡¯s buffer to work with. Well almost a week, six and a half days¡¯ worth, but that half should be enough to find more dirt. Also, the potions themselves work for twenty-four hours. Given that I need to take two a day, at a minimum, I decide I will take one on my way into my book club, and one on my way out to reset the timer to be three hours later. After that, I will share any new gossip I have found, and then be on my way. But first I need an escort. *** ¡°You sure you want to do this?¡± Lenny asks. ¡°Yes, I promised him I would and I will keep my word.¡± I state in a tone that brokers no arguments. I am still enjoying the feel of the wind on my face. With these potions my eyes have healed slightly, apparently, they no longer look like cold dead things that speak of the dark cosmos and ether. Now they are a dark purple, still indicative of a royal dark elf, but one that has been removed from the Shade Touched bloodlines. This is good, as it means I am now recognized as a noble, but not a princess who will need to be pitted against other bloodthirsty elves to have her bloodline either activated or stolen. ¡°Very well then, you will go with Glenn, my personal butler.¡± Lenny states. Glenn of course is the giant hulking brute of an orc who all but manhandled the security guard elf. If Lenny was over level 450, then Glenn had to easily be over level 300 as well. The only real difference being that Lenny was an assassin type build, while Glenn was a warrior type build. While Lenny tried to hide it, sometimes his motions were just too quick, especially when he thought no one was watching him. Of course, I never insinuated that I could monitor his movements at all. In fact, I even went the next step of making it seem like everything that happened within guild halls was somehow blocked to me. I still had more dirt on various people around the town, but those were going to be emergency turn ins. For now I didn¡¯t quite have it in me to explain how I knew what was going on inside the secure guild buildings, without some serious shenanigans to my name. Especially when it was well known that due to the recent run-ins with high level renegades destroying the town, I have effectively been on lockdown at the Mage¡¯s Guild. This was part of why Lenny was assigning me Glenn as my personal bodyguard for these official healer functions. As I was technically under Lenny¡¯s care while out and about. That was part of the terms and conditions that were given to Lenny by the Mage Guild leader. ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Glenn said, in a very dignified accent that spoke much to a sophisticated upbringing. Hearing him speak, I couldn¡¯t help but be impressed. I all but knew that his speech was part of a skill, it almost had to be. Also, it was clearly a social skill, meaning that my learning it would help out my low Social skills. I also had to do something with my ever-increasing number of Free Points. Currently I was sitting on 30, if I knew what I wanted my overall build to be in the future this would have been easy. Logically my class build was built towards Willpower, but given that I was gaining two points in Willpower every level, using Free Points on Willpower seemed wasteful. As did spending Free Points on my other Attributes that I would need to increase. Finally, I decided to spend my 30 points on a three-way split between Perception, Endurance, and Strength. Why those three? Well Perception was directly tied to nearly half of what I was doing currently. Endurance just because I needed to be able to last longer, and finally Strength was because I knew eventually I might need to lift or break something that would require a massive amount of physical force. I also know that Strength based skills are ones that I don¡¯t seem to practice very much. I could likely go with weight lifting, or something equally boring, but that would be a waste of my time, currently. I much prefer running, jumping, and climbing to just weightlifting. The only problem is that I have already maxed out those skills, and thus my related Strength gains from those skills are capped. ¡°Are you ready to go?¡± Glenn the orc butler asks, in a very dignified accent. ¡°Why yes my good sir, I do believe I am.¡± I say, trying to mirror his impeccable diction. Then without warning, I was hit with a system message letting me know that my intent to actually learn this new skill was received and accepted.
New Skill Gained: Proper Diction has increased to level 1.
Skill Proper Diction is a Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness based skill.
Yep, a purely social skill, but I can use a lot more of these in my life. I know I won¡¯t be able to justify spending any of my Free Points on these attributes, and unless I get a class or race upgrade that improves my social attributes, my working on skills that improve these attributes will be my only way to improve them in the short term. Seeing the skill and wishing to capitalize on it, I decide to try to keep working on the proper diction and mannerisms that I think royalty should possess. ¡°I bid you adieu Lenny.¡± I say with a slight curtsey, as I follow Glenn out of Lenny¡¯s office. Then I follow Glenn at a calm and respectable pace through the town. I almost feel that I should be using an umbrella, though I don¡¯t know if I have one that will go with my White SWAG cloak from the Mage¡¯s Guild, something to think about. Maybe I can get one of those gun firing umbrellas that are all the rage? Then thinking about it, I realize that I would likely rather have an umbrella blade. Maybe one with multiple blades, the obvious one at the far end. Then the cast away model where I pull out the handle and then have dual wielding daggers. Again, I am proficient in the blade, as I knew having a way to at least defend myself would be important, though I have long since given up improving those aspects of my style. For now, it is a lot easier to play off the sweet innocent child look. As we walk, I am the one who is actually guiding us, but Glenn manages to walk at such a pace and distance that he seems to be able to anticipate my every command and therefore makes it look like he is in fact the one escorting me. Though given that we are going to the house of one of the guild¡¯s employees, Glenn might actually know the location and just adjust his pace to mine. Regardless it is a nice stroll. The sun burning down on my skin is the only indication I have that it is still daytime, though the somewhat cold breeze lets me know that it will soon be nighttime. The more we walk, the more new locations become available to my all encompassing bubble of perception. I can see the way the town is spreading out, each train coming in seeming to bring no less than two new families who wish to set up a family. Even families wishing to relocate from upper floors are coming, though they are apparently seen as second class citizens. It isn¡¯t anything official, it is the way they are all forced to build little shacks on the outskirts of town. The more we walk, the more I can¡¯t help but realize that the house we are going to now seems to be near the same area of town, though this house seems to be of good solid construction. While the shacks the next lane over look like they are one good attack away from toppling over. As we walk, Glenn doesn¡¯t seem to react, though I know that some of the people we are seeing are orcish in nature. I want to talk about it, to ask him what he thinks, but I decide against it, especially not in public. Finally, we get to the house. Knock, knock. ¡°Who is it?¡± The battered voice of the security guard speaks up, sadly I still do not know his name. ¡°Mr. Polimus, it is the healer, she has come as promised to tend to your partner.¡± Glenn states, once again his formal manners and diction are nearly perfect. I nearly want to clap at hearing him talk, maybe give him a phone book to read. I know, I just dated myself with that reference, but still, he can speak in a way that even I want to listen and I have a short attention span. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Come in.¡± Wait, what? Oh right, the sick woman that he wouldn¡¯t take to the Mage¡¯s Guild is here. Glenn opens the door, and I immediately make my way towards the patient, being sure to avoid obstacles and random items that are strewn everywhere. It is clear that she has likely been sick for a while, as the place is in disrepair. While it might have been messy before, it was clear that having to take care of the sick woman was creating even more piles of clutter. Not saying all men are messy, just this one clearly thinks taking care of his partner is more important than giving her a clean house to live in. My personal notes of the living conditions aside, I immediately go to the woman, and realize there is something odd about her. I look at her, but again my eyes can¡¯t see anything, all I see is there is a strange alien energy that is coming from a wound in her body. Pulling the sheet back, I try to reveal the area and see if I can get a better view of the energies, once the bed covers are gone. Almost immediately upon removing the covers a few things happen all at once. First, there is a giant bright light that seems to erupt from her chest. Groan. At the sudden exposure to the elements, she begins to moan out in pain, that is the second thing. The third thing is that the guard, Mr. Polimus, begins to dart towards us as if to try to cover her up. Fortunately, before he can get to me Glenn is there, blocking his path. ¡°I can explain.¡± Mr. Polimus begins. ¡°You have a Blight Touched, here? And you let our only town healer come here?¡± Glenn demands, even with when giving a scolding, he sounds so dignified, it is amazing. But wait, what is this about a stain touched? I apparently asked that question out loud as both Glenn and Mr. Polimus turn to me in unison. ¡°You do not know?¡± Polimus asks. ¡°Of course, she doesn¡¯t, up until now we have been shielding her from this.¡± Glenn spits out angrily, ¡°now we have all been exposed.¡± I almost want to ask what it is they are talking about, but instead I just begin trying to connect my magic with the patient¡¯s. ¡°I do have permission to treat you?¡± I ask the woman who looks like she has been sweating a lot and has not had a bath in quite some time. ¡°Mmm¡­¡± She mumbles something, as her weak body tries to react to me while the other two are still talking behind me. ¡°I¡¯m going to take that as a Mm-hmm,¡± I say as I begin channeling my healing energy into the fragile girl. Instantly I notice that there is a spark of life, as the wound she has begins to pulse and come to life. For a second, I feel the form reach out and grab onto me. Instantly I do what anyone would do when you stick your magical tendril into a random girl and you feel something grab your tendril, I panic and try to pull out immediately. The only problem is this thing will not let go. ¡°What are you doing!¡± Glenn all but screams, causing me to panic as I shake myself and turn to look at him. ¡°What?¡± ¡°We just said she was Blight Touched, meaning she is part of why the lands will die out. And now, you have been infected with her corruption.¡± Blight Touched, where have I heard that before? I think for a moment, then I remember Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri of Deolar, my first real doppelganger body and the one who got her doctoral thesis by coming up with a way of curing the blight. I remember she had created a weather spell that would help cure the Blighted lands, not that this was the same, but I couldn¡¯t help but feel that the name was not that dissimilar. I also realize that this is likely the sign of something bad, as the Blight is something that should be impossible to stop. Yet, clearly there was at least one spell that dealt with stopping the blight from expanding on the land. As a healer, well a spirit healer, I feel that I am likely one of the best suited for healing this disease, at least the way I am seeing it, as this is clearly a spirit linked spell. Focusing on the tugging sensation, I close myself off to the tendril, this is not unlike the way I close myself off mentally from other Telepaths. Just take my mental links and twist them shut. I twist my own mana feed shut as well, while at the same time trying to create more of my own strings to strike at and prod the mysterious entity. I don¡¯t think it is sentient, but rather it is able to move and react to outside stimuli. I say this as I get the other tentacles around the sides of the alien energy source and just hover, but nothing happens. Again, either not sentient enough to sense its surroundings, or unable to reach scan its local environment for more sources that it feeds on, and it clearly feeds on mana. That is one thing, this creature, or entity, whatever it is, it feeds off of magical energy. The sad part is, everyone has at least a Tier 0 in magic energy, this is just enough to make it so magical items will innately work with you. It also means that if this is a magical sucking entity, which if the way it used my tentacle like a straw and suddenly began to pulse slightly brighter was any indication, then I think this is definitely a magical entity. Oddly, I am curious to see if I can overfeed it or do other things. Of course, I cannot do this to a patient, but maybe if I was somehow able to transfer it to myself I could work on it in my lab. No, I instantly shoot down that idea, for the moment I want to see if there is a way I can rid this patient of this. Focusing on the circulating energy source, I find its resonance, then I try spinning my own tentacles backwards in an opposing resonance frequency. I don¡¯t quite know if this will work, but I believe that was something that Octavia noted as part of her research. Well it was, the main premise of her spell that she created, I also remember the spiraling patterns she gave to the magical spell she created. She had a slightly different process, as it was designed to clear an area of taint, versus a direct location, but I think the only difference in this case would be scaling. Remembering this, I find the resonance and then modify the energy until it is a small trickle. GRRIINNNDDD! Instantly I feel the pressure and torque of resistance of my spell jabbing into the magical blob. The magical blob turns and almost seems to focus on my tendrils, even going so far as to reach out and touch them. The moment it does, the parts of its own tendrils begin to flake and burn away, as they get consumed by my own magical resonance. ¡°Oh!¡± The woman says, as her eyes open up and she leans forward to stare at me. ¡°Stop, you are hurting her.¡± Polimus shouts. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine, she just¡­¡± the patient trails off as they seem to look a little embarrassed. Only now do I realize that the blob is near a somewhat sensitive area of her chest and likely causing a few odd sensations to be felt by her. ¡°Sorry.¡± Say, as I fully intend to keep this going. ¡°No, it is¡­oh¡­¡± The woman says, turning her head away and blushing. ¡°What? What is it Jalinka?¡± ¡°Perhaps we should give the doctor and her patient some space, during this delicate time.¡± Glenn says, as he grabs Polimus by the shoulder and all but forcibly pulls him away. Instantly Polimus winces in pain, but they are gone, which is good as it allows my patient, Jalinka, to relax for a moment. From there it is just a matter of time and will. Gradually I increase the amount of mana I am feeding into the motion, I wanted to make sure that I wouldn¡¯t hurt the patient. But now that I am fairly certain she is safe, I go on with little to no concerns for her health or actions. Then after a few moments, as the piece gets smaller and smaller, I begin to first make my exit points smaller, then finally I go so far as to cleanse my own dead tentacle that it grabbed onto immediately. As soon as that happens I feel a tingling sensation run up my entire body, and instantly feel like I am being tickled in my mana core. I didn¡¯t even know such a thing was possible, but now I do. I can also see why Jalinka felt so awkward as that seemed to leave a tingling sensation all over, all over. ¡°Wow, that is¡­¡± I pause as I stop knowing that my own magical appendage is now cleansed as well and that I can stop with this process. ¡°Yes.¡± She says. Deep calming breath. ¡°Okay, so that just happened.¡± I say to myself as I begin to stand up. ¡°How do you feel?¡± ¡°Me? I feel great.¡± She says, once again removing the quilt and then touching her side. That glowing mark is gone completely. I now realize why it was glowing, the disease, this Blight was magical in nature and likely got its color from draining Jalinka¡¯s personal reserve of mana. At that I nod, though I feel a slight rush to my head as I am clearly exhausted. ¡°You, you did it?¡± Polimus says, as he rushes past me, nearly spinning me about like a top to meet his partner. Fortunately Glenn is right there to grab me and support me. ¡°Easy. That looked quite intensive.¡± ¡°Yeah, but it was sort of fun.¡± I say. ¡°Fun?¡± Glenn asks. ¡°Yeah, you know going out seeing a new shiny toy, breaking it with magic, fun.¡± I say. Glenn just shakes his head at my comment. Apparently, I was done, as that was the cue for the system to reward me.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Blighted Bride: You found Polimus¡¯ bride to be stricken with the Blight. You managed to heal her of her affliction. Rewards: Experience, New Spell, Reputation with the town of Crossroads. Experience Gained: 500
Then just as the quest noted, I did get a new spell.
New Spell: Spirit Blight Purification (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
That was an awesome spell, I also felt alive knowing that I was given full credit for the creation of this spell, meaning that I so far was the only one who could use it. Unless I told others, or sold the way to use the spell to others, no one would get it. Well unless they deconstructed my spell and did a similar process, which would be tough for most people, especially those without Angel¡¯s Sight, but I guess still do it. I could feel both my Spell Theory, and Magic Theory going wild at that but nothing truly beat the way the two lovers were now embracing each other. ¡°Thank you.¡± Polimus said, then lowered his head. ¡°I,¡± he pauses as he is clearly at a loss for words. ¡°It is I who should apologize, as I am unable to heal you of your own wounds. Though I know that if I did your employer would only proceed to put them back on.¡± I say as I give a glance at Glenn. Glenn for his part just gives a curt nod, ¡°Tis so I am afraid. Your husband and his conspirator have been made examples of what happens when you cross Master Bigsly.¡± I shake my head, having nearly forgot little Lenny is named Bigsly, such good irony. Anyways, I am now tired, though I do think I could do this again. ¡°What did you do?¡± Jalinka asks, at which Polimus just lowers his head sheepishly. ¡°I did something I shouldn¡¯t have.¡± Polimus stated. ¡°Mr. Polimus has been given an opportunity to redeem himself, mainly at the behest of our resident healer, Ms. Spiritlight.¡± Glenn said. At that Jalinka just glares at Polimus for a second. Then turns to me and asks, ¡°is there anything I can do to repay you? I don¡¯t have much.¡± I just wave my hand, somewhat dismissively, but then realize I can likely use this for more free experience. ¡°Yes, actually there is, could you please direct anyone suffering from your condition to the Mage¡¯s Guild for treatment?¡± I ask. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± I reply. With that I make my way out of the house, so the two lovers can get reacquainted with each other. ¡°You do know that you are asking to take on a lot, right? The blight has spread to almost all new citizens looking to start a new life.¡± Glenn states in a matter of fact tone. ¡°Well then, would it not be best for them to start off their new life in good health?¡± I respond, as I make my way down the streets back to the Mage¡¯s Guild. This was my first time leaving the Mage¡¯s Guild, well first time I was allowed to go somewhere other than Lucky¡¯s Gambling Hall, which is so close to the Mage¡¯s Guild that it might as well be an extension. Silence. Finally, after thinking about things for a few moments, I ask, ¡°would you care for a game of cards?¡± Glenn pauses to look at me, ¡°I my dear I am not a card player, that said, if you would like I am sure the master will make sure to open a table for your enjoyment. Especially after I tell him of your recent developments.¡± Huff. I sigh at that, as I realize that I too might need to tell my guild Master about this as well, which will mean no cards as I will have to be back to tell him everything. Then I get an idea as a smile crosses my lips. ¡°Does something amuse you?¡± ¡°Why yes, my dear Glenn, will you also make sure to have Mr. Bigsly inform the Mage¡¯s Guild of this new development, but have them keep the source a secret, for at least a few hours? Surely this would be worth some recompense.¡± I say, again trying to put on the same casual charm that Glenn does naturally. ¡°Why my dear, I do believe Master Bigsly will be more than happy to take your information and reward you as normal.¡± With that, I got a system message letting me know that I had once again repeated my daily repeatable task.
Daily Quest (Repeatable): Thieves Guild Information Specialist: You have found yourself filling in as Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly¡¯s personal information gatherer. Each time you find out a piece of information worth sharing, make sure you tell Lenny. Conditions: Actionable Information Provided (1/1). Rewards: Experience (100), access to rare consumables needed for your Bloodline Quest.
Seeing the message, I couldn¡¯t help but smile to myself. That was 100 extra experience, a full seven days of my being able to take two potions of Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing, all while being able to play a game of cards, this was the life. Chapter 50 My First Real Patient Chapter 50 My First Real Patient Before I knew it four days had passed. Four days of constant healing, using my newly created spell, and fulfilling my daily repeatable tasks. Each day I made sure to read to the blind for three hours, inform new information to Lenny, and most importantly cure everyone of the Blight. From a personal goal perspective, I was doing quite well. Four days of constant consumption of Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing vials meant that not only was I able to move about freely as myself, without fear of being seen as either an elven princess, or as a cursed one of the Dark Gods. In fact, looking at my overarching quest, I felt relatively pleased with myself.
Quest Updated: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline: You had within you the blood of the Gods of Darkness. Due to your inability or reluctance to take the gift that has been bestowed upon you, your blessing is now a curse. For failing to take the power of the Dark Gods¡¯ power, you will be cursed until you can remove the markings of your tainted bloodline from your body. You have entrusted your secret with Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly and in exchange for working for him, have been promised to not alter your awakened bloodline so it is no longer a curse. Now he has offered you a solution in the form of a Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. Requirements: consume 100 vials (10/100) of the Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing within 50 days (5/50). Reward: Experience, New Skills, removal of socially detriment flaws. (Optional: Consume more vials at a faster rate to fully awaken beneficial bloodline).
Not only was I keeping pace with what was outlined in the quest, but I also had a surplus of Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing waiting to be consumed in the future. I now had a 16 vial, or eight-day buffer. This of course also meant that I leveled to 22, ding and all that. I was still three levels away from my current goal of being level 25, where I would be offered a plethora of options, everything from the ability to gain a possible second class, to getting a new class perk, skill, or spell, or maybe even a new Trait if I played my cards right. Of course, the Trait would be available to everyone who took the class, but I wouldn¡¯t be expected to be called out as an official trainer of my class until level 50, meaning I would have 25 more levels to go before being hunted down for my apparently unique class that could survive the spirit realm. Also, I was finally able to spend some of my accumulated Free Points, spending eight on Strength, Endurance, and Perception. Which after my new level still leaves me with eight more Free Points to spend.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 46 10 Personality 55 Perception 96 10
Dexterity 75 24 Sociability 52 Intelligence 97 13
Endurance 71 10 Attractiveness 41 22 Willpower 81 46
Free Points 8
I have to say, all in all I am fairly happy with my success so far. I am curious about my skill growth, but I have this weird compulsion that looking at the skills and their progression rate, or lack thereof, will jinx it. I attribute this to staring at a pot of water and waiting for it to boil, it never happens when you look at it, only when you turn away and get distracted by something will it boil and generally then it is too late. This might also be why cooking is not one of my skills that I have learned so far, mainly because learning to eat has never been an issue before. And with my current set of spells, it isn¡¯t a problem for the foreseeable future, no more burnt pots for me. I also got a new repeatable quest from my working with clearing out the Blight from the lands.
Hidden Quest Found (Repeatable): Curing The Blighted: You have found a way to remove the blight from individuals infected with the curse of corruption. Cleanse everyone you can of the Blight and be rewarded: Rewards: Experience (100), variable.
That experience is nice as I can get that from my daily hours at the Mage Guild, meaning I can now get experience for working throughout the day. I did notice that there was a huge discrepancy between the first time I cleansed someone, and when everyone thought it should be part of my daily routine. Going from 500 experience to just 100 experience each was a bit, but at least it was steady. Also, this showed that the community was getting better. I also noted that there was an increase in people who were cleared of the Blight being extra frisky. What I mean by this is that people who are healed, seem to have far less inhibitions than normal. Maybe it is having survived a near death experience and trying to move past it, or maybe it is something that is a residue of the Blight, but people that are cured often cheat. The most alarming case of this was Jalinka, my first patient. Not that I was spying, but as a medical professional I felt it was in my best interest to watch her and make sure she was recovering well. She apparently was doing really well in that, while her partner Mr. Darren Polimus was at work, yeah his last name was Polimus, totally confused me too. Still, while Darren was at work with broken bones and what not, his partner, the person he suffered such injuries for, was out being amorous with the neighbors and the other guards from the morning shift. That was one of my first pieces of information that I shared with Lenny. That was when I found out that Lenny was not someone to mess with. Apparently, Lenny took this as a direct attack against him. *** ¡°You¡¯re sure of this?¡± He asked. ¡°Yes, she is there right now with one of the day shift guards as we speak.¡± I said. At that Lenny just stared at me for a moment. I realized I might have said too much, but rather than question me on it, he took action. ¡°Glenn gather the boys, we need to pay a house call.¡± ¡°As you wish, sir.¡± Glenn said, again adding a whole level of sophistication to this scene that I still had a hard time not envying. I mean Lenny got to talk to him all day, and that trembling baritone, whoo, just gives me chills. I mean looks may come and go, but that voice, it does something for me. I am of course far too young, in game, to think about anything like that as being official, but I am slowly but surely getting to the point where I might have to entertain such ideas eventually. I know, my childhood is over, and now I am adulting for a second time. Still, it doesn¡¯t have to all be bad. With that, I do wonder if I can get Glenn to play the parts of Rahul, or at the very least listen to him enough that I can pull of his deep timbre and confidence that he exudes. In fact, thinking of him as Rahul has given me ideas. I might want to retell the stories to my group with Glenn in mind, when I play the part of Rahul. ¡°Just wait here, we will be back, but this is personal.¡± Lenny says. ¡°Why is this personal? I have told you dozens of accounts of adultery before, why is this one so special?¡± I ask, not quite understanding the immediate need to act on this one with apparent force. ¡°Simple, it is a matter of principle. My employee risked his life, career, and health to nurture that woman back to health. Then while still dealing with the injuries he has sustained, she goes out and does this behind his back, with more of my men. I will not stand for this. Also, you have my permission to finally heal Darren Polimus.¡± Lenny states, then turns to Glenn. ¡°Glenn, bring Darren back here to be healed, let him know that he has suffered long enough.¡± ¡°Very good sir. Anything else?¡± ¡°No, I need to take care of this, before I say anything that might come across as mean or indifferent.¡± Lenny states, as he goes over to his coat rack, pulls off his glowing magical jacket and puts it on. He even grabs a glowing magical walking stick as well. Seeing the stick, I wonder if Lenny is more of a mage than an assassin? Maybe that is his second class, some form of magician, as that staff is really just an intricately crafted wand. Odd, I always thought that staff was just for show, but now I can tell it is clearly to be used for magic. Also, with the revelation that Lenny is either an Assassin-Mage hybrid class, or a dual classer, I realize he might be exceptionally high in levels. As his overall level would only be based on his highest level, meaning his secondary class that was also providing attributes would help augment his personal capabilities. Seeing that, I pause and wonder if a secondary class would be right for me as well. I did want to take my time and slow down with my primary class, at least for the interim, as I didn¡¯t want to be given a Title that would automatically label me as a class teacher. Not that I was close to becoming level 50, but I definitely did not want to be there any time soon. Also, a second class would help me even my growth out from an Attribute perspective, especially considering I was severely lacking in Social and most physical Attributes. Stolen story; please report. Thinking about it, a second class wouldn¡¯t be so bad. I could always change how much experience I put towards that class, and I would still get my racial bonuses for leveling, meaning one point in Attractiveness and what effectively boiled down to one point of Willpower every level, or as it was, two points every even level. Those levels would drastically help out my magic ability, not that I needed much more assistance, but at higher levels having a high Willpower pool would be invaluable. Also, this would keep my level lower, which would mean I would be welcome in lower level areas for longer periods of time. ¡°Follow me.¡± Glenn said, after Lenny left his office. From there I was escorted to the infirmary room, or what was really just a room with a bed, and a few cabinets filled with bandages, gauze, and a few minor potions for healing. The budget for healing supplies had been cut down drastically for the time being, as there was a Mage¡¯s Guild next door with a healer who came over daily. ¡°If you would please be so kind as to wait here for my return.¡± Hearing those words, I couldn¡¯t help but blush a little. ¡°My dear Rah¡­Glenn, I would gladly wait for you.¡± I catch myself. If Glenn noticed my slip, he didn¡¯t say anything. Instead, he just gave a sharp nod and left. As he left, I did a quick scan of the area, made sure no one was watching then shaking my head, I gave myself a soft slap on the checks. ¡°Get your head in the game girl, you don¡¯t have time for all of that.¡± I was still in a 13 year old body, this was not right, I chose the flaw and now I had to stick with it. A few moments later I saw Rahul, I mean Glenn, coming down the hallway with Darren. Even walking he seemed to have a faint limp in his right leg, and leaned a little to his right as well. He was clearly in pain, but moving about as quickly as Glenn was. Seeing the man and the pain he was suffering from; I couldn¡¯t help but feel bad for him. Seeing him, I also did a quick mental check for Lenny. Lenny of course had a group of no less than twenty people all surrounding the Polimus estate. Whoom. I couldn¡¯t quite tell if there was a knock first, but the door was kicked in and Lenny was inside instantly. Jalinka and the man that she was currently occupied with, heard the sounds and had just enough time to turn to the door, to see Lenny roll in. ¡°Ms. Spiritlight, here is your patient.¡± Glenn said, his voice sending shivers down my spine as I feel like he caught me watching something completely inappropriate. ¡°Right.¡± I say, gesturing for Darren to get onto the bed. ¡°Thank you for this, you are a godsend. First, you fix my beloved Jalinka, and now this. I¡­I can¡¯t express how much I appreciate all of this.¡± Darren says, as he gingerly gets up onto the cot. Hearing him, I can¡¯t help but wince inwardly as I realize this entire guy¡¯s suffering is all my fault. Everything, the reason he was caught and beaten. The reason why his partner is now awake and amorous enough to demand satisfaction from other guards, the fact that I could have very well ruined this man¡¯s life, all from my abilities, it all weighs heavily on me. ¡°No, don¡¯t worry. No thanks are necessary. In fact, it is I who should be thanking you for allowing me to work on improving myself and my skills.¡± I say. Then awkwardly begin healing the man. It takes a while, as I find that many of the bones have already begun to reset incorrectly. First, I force the body to reject those connections. I do this by finding Darren¡¯s personal resonance and doing sharp precise anti-motions to the incorrectly healed areas. Then once effectively rebroken, I take the wounds and begin moving the bones into proper alignment with my Telekinesis, then begin telling the body to heal. I know this isn¡¯t exactly how Healing magic is supposed to go, but I do find that sometimes skipping a few steps is a lot easier on me and the patient. Before I know it, I have used my magic to once again heal someone, and only after I am done do I feel immensely satisfied with myself. ¡°How does it feel?¡± I ask. ¡°Pretty good.¡± Darren states. My mind is solely focused on my patient, which is why I jump in a start when the door slams open. Wham! There in the doorway is tiny Lenny, dragging behind him a fully grown, if distinctly beaten dark elf guard. A quick mental scan shows that the body being dragged on the floor is the same guard that was caught in the middle of coitus with Darren¡¯s now healed partner, Jalinka. And this is where things get awkward, I mentally think to myself as I realize Lenny is likely here to get me to heal this man. ¡°If you would be so kind as to heal this man, I believe I still have more questions for him.¡± Lenny said, his voice brokering no room for interpretation. ¡°Carlton? What happened?¡± Darren asks, clearly recognizing the guard. ¡°This man was caught going somewhere he shouldn¡¯t, taking things that were not rightly his to take.¡± Lenny says, then turning to look at the body, he lifts up the man by his collar and shakes him, ¡°isn¡¯t that right?¡± Mumble. ¡°What? I cannot hear you. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± Lenny says shaking the clearly injured man violently by his collar. ¡°Rrr, right bozz.¡± The man stammers out. At that Lenny nods, satisfied with himself. ¡°Darren, you have done well. Why don¡¯t you take the night off.¡± ¡°You? You mean it?¡± Darren asked, somewhat hesitantly. From his perspective this was likely a dream come true, not only was he now healed, but he got to spend the evening with his partner. ¡°Yeah, let it be known that I value loyalty above all else.¡± Lenny states. ¡°Yes, I know, and I will do everything in my power to make amends to you and more.¡± Darren said, a warmth of joy filling his voice. ¡°Go on, get out of here, you¡¯re gonna¡¯ make me blush.¡± Lenny said, as he gestured for Lenny to leave. Not having to be told a third time Darren made his way out, as he left, he made sure to avoid the apparent blood trails in the hallway. Then he paused slightly as he exited the building, looking at the street and then apparently following the blood and dragged body trail that led straight to his house. All I could see was the image of him bursting into his house, to see the blood trails lead to the bedroom, where his partner was desperately cleaning up the blood stains in the bedroom. As soon as he entered, it was clear that Darren had understood the situation, as he began immediately yelling. Well the volume was tough to catch, but by his wild gestures, it was clear he was in an agitated state. Only now did I realize the true depths of Lenny¡¯s plan. ¡°You wanted him to know?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, a man has the right to know two things. First, if their partner is not being faithful, and second, that I will always have my employees backs when it comes to infidelity. Now please heal this scum, so I can begin again.¡± Lenny demands. Wham. With a quick jerk of his small arm, the full sized body of the dark elf flies forward and crashes onto the cot. Groannn! The dark elf lets out a long groan of pain at the way he is being manhandled. Seeing him and hearing his moans, I can¡¯t help but shudder in revulsion. ¡°Look I will heal him, but please do not make me do this multiple times. I don¡¯t want to be involved in torture or constant dismemberment. If I heal him, I want your word that you will stop all violence against him.¡± I meant it, I just couldn¡¯t. This was an ethical line I did not want to cross. Lenny just stares at me for a long moment, then states, ¡°he is level 258. You know that by participating in this, you would be entitled to roughly 25,800 experience, or roughly one tenth of the overall kill?¡± I balk at that amount, as I realize that would be more than double my current pool of experience. It would also be more than enough experience to push me all the way to level 32, a total of ten levels. Still, that was too much, I would feel revulsion with myself if I let such an act happen. Shaking my head, I respond with my conscience. ¡°No, I cannot facilitate this. Either let me heal him and let him go, or I will leave. I will not be a willing participant in this.¡± I state. ¡°I knew you were too weak for this line of work.¡± Lenny states, shaking his own head in disapproval. ¡°If you think standing up for your morals and values is weak, especially when standing up to people that are hundreds of levels higher than you, then you clearly miss the true value of strength.¡± I say, then taking a deep breath, ¡°in fact, if this is how you truly feel then I think we are done here.¡± ¡°Done?¡± ¡°Done.¡± I repeat. ¡°Do you think you can just walk out of here?¡± Lenny asks, the underlying threat is clearly evident in his words. If I try to leave he will stop me. ¡°I don¡¯t need to walk, for you are forgetting one thing.¡± ¡°Oh, and what is that?¡± Lenny asks, a slightly amused look crossing his features. ¡°I am The Ghost.¡± I reply. Poof. Just like that Lenny, Glenn, and a badly abused level 258 guard all stare at the area I just disappeared from. I of course am watching all of this from my secure location in the Mage¡¯s Guild, my personal sanctum. Shaking. I am literally trembling with fear and adrenaline, that had been too close. I could all but feel the malicious intent radiating from Lenny going from the guard to me. At that, I saw the true monster that was the guild leader, an assassin who clearly earned his levels in pools and pools of blood. Almost worse than a murder hobo, it was a shame, I lost a lot of respect for the man in that situation. ¡°Oh, good, you are back.¡± Zero says as he energetically finds me in my room. ¡°Wait, is something wrong?¡± I apparently am still trembling, looking down and realizing my current state, I pause and shake myself. ¡°What, no, I am fine.¡± I say, using my Acting skill to fake being calm and poised. Zero pauses as he looks at me for a second, then eventually just shakes himself. ¡°Well that is good, as we have a patient here ready for you.¡± ¡°Right.¡± I say to myself, as I realize I will never get a break here. Hearing my acceptance, Zero leads me out to our table, where I see my first after hour patient in a while. ¡°Tell me, why wasn¡¯t she sent home and told to come back during regular hours?¡± I ask. ¡°She is an outsider, she just came to be treated for her unique symptoms.¡± Zero states, making sure to emphasize unique, as that had been our code for talking around people having the Blight. ¡°Okay.¡± I state, as I grab a clipboard and head into the patient room. Since I haven¡¯t had to deal with the flaws from my bloodline curse recently, we have taken down the curtains and allowed others to see me directly. Thinking about it, I might have to put those back up here shortly, gods why does life have to be so complicated. Still, that is an issue for another time. Entering the room, I see that the patient does in fact have a large calcified manifestation of the Blight within her. ¡°You have come here to be treated for the Blight?¡± I ask, once it is clear that it is just me and my patient in the room. ¡°Yes, I heard you had come up with a solution, so I came here directly.¡± The woman states somewhat excitedly. ¡°You came from outside the Tower?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°How did you hear about me? I only came up with a cure five days ago.¡± I am still curious how someone from outside the tower could have already heard about me. Given the way mail works, it would be days if not longer before this information made it out of the Tower to the other Mage Guilds, then from there to the citizens of the world. ¡°Honestly, it was a family member who told me.¡± ¡°Your family?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, fortunately my granddaughter is a huge fan, especially of your book club. That was why she was tuned in when she first saw you heal that NPCs Blight.¡± ¡°My book club?¡± I ask, suddenly feeling like the rug was being ripped out from under my feet. ¡°Yes, she is a huge fan. In fact, apparently you have one of the most requested afternoon time spots, congratulations. Though I do have to ask, what is it exactly that you are reading? I couldn¡¯t get my granddaughter to tell me.¡± ¡°Uh, um¡­nothing, just a series I found here.¡± I say, gesturing with my hand to the Mage¡¯s Guild, in particular back towards the library section. ¡°Well, you are apparently very good at reading as well.¡± She states, ¡°as a fellow regressor, I ask that you heal me.¡± ¡°Oh, right.¡± I say, then I realize she is also alive, which means she is suffering from the continual spirit damage. ¡°Oh, you are suffering from being exposed to the spirit realm?¡± I ask. ¡°No, I have a potion I took, I will be good for the day. I am just glad I found you so quickly.¡± She states. ¡°Yeah, me too.¡± I state as I go over to her. ¡°I take it by you being here, I have consent to heal?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hearing that, I nod and immediately begin focusing on healing the blight within this person. To put in comparison to the others, this one patient had more Blight than all fourteen other patients I have treated had combined. Honestly, I didn¡¯t know how she had survived this long with the symptoms. There were masses in her arms, legs, neck, all throughout her torso. Just everywhere was a new section of rot to clean out. Finally after an hour, I had removed the minor stones throughout her body, and had the major stone in her torso mostly broken down into multiple solid but manageable masses. Phew. ¡°All right, I hate to say it, but I will need a rest.¡± I admit, as I all but collapse into a nearby chair. ¡°Wow, I feel like I did a year ago.¡± She states. ¡°How long have you been dealing with this?¡± I ask, waving my hand to indicate her general state. ¡°Oh, for the last three years. I got it fighting a blighted invasion back.¡± She said, shaking her head. ¡°Stupid thing, started as a simple scratch. I tried to take care of it right away, but apparently once its in, its in. Then well, I had regeneration, resistances, even went around searching for cures, but nothing. I didn¡¯t want to die and have to restart from level 1, so I kept going. I even made contingencies on the off chance that I did pass away, you know money and items being transferred to me. But nothing is quite like your first life.¡± She states. She sounds familiar, but I can¡¯t quite place my finger on it. Given that she is this powerful and was able to hold off the worst cases of the Blight for three years means she had to have been powerful. Still this was a lot to take in. I know I should press on her identity, but all I can feel is a slight nervous tension from what she had said about her own granddaughters, for if her granddaughters had heard the words coming out of her mouth, then her own granddaughter might have as well. Still, I am a professional and end up working on her over the course of the night. Finally, after staying up all night and working on her constantly, I am met with the message I had been waiting for.
Hidden Quest Found (Repeatable): Curing The Blighted: You have found a way to remove the blight from individuals infected with the curse of corruption. Cleanse everyone you can of the Blight and be rewarded: Rewards: Experience (100), variable.
Experience Gained: 100
With that, I felt a huge wave of relief wash over me. Phew. Seeing that, I nearly collapse back into my chair that had served as my resting spot for most of the night. ¡°Oh wow, I¡­I didn¡¯t think this was actually possible.¡± Mallory states, that was her name apparently. I nod my head. ¡°Look, I know I am not able to give you items, as I was informed you have the Broke flaw and all. But I do know that I can leave things in certain areas.¡± Mallory states. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t want to have the Mage¡¯s Guild get invaded.¡± I state. ¡°Oh I know, I am just really forgetful is all.¡± Mallory says as she pulls out a box from her inventory and places it on the floor next to her. ¡°I hope I don¡¯t forget that, it is very important.¡± Seeing her antics I can¡¯t help but chuckle slightly. ¡°Again though, I can¡¯t thank you enough. I will unfortunately need to leave, I only managed to get a number of the Spirit Realm Protection vials.¡± ¡°You did?¡± ¡°Yeah, I wasn¡¯t the first to have gotten word of your ability, but I appear to have been the fist one to find their way through the tunnels of the first floor to here.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Oh, so there will be more of you?¡± I ask. ¡°You can guarantee it, honestly thank you so much. If there is anything I can do for you, just ask.¡± She states. Hearing that, I pause, but then feel the need to ask a question that has been plaguing me since we first met. ¡°Actually there is one thing.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°You said your granddaughter listens to me. I take it that means she likes it as well?¡± Chapter 51 A Seclusive Celebrity (One Week Later) Chapter 51 A Seclusive Celebrity (One Week Later) It has been one week, and Lenny and I still have not spoken. No, I have not gone against my contract with him, my contract clearly stated that I was to be an informant to him. He did come to the Mage¡¯s Guild almost immediately but I was in the middle of healing Mallory at that time, so Zero had sent him away. ¡°Please express my deepest apologies to Ms. Spiritlight, I might have gotten a little carried away.¡± Zero said, using a deep but squeaky octave to imitate Lenny, honestly I had to give the funny voice props for being mostly accurate. ¡°He also wanted me to hang onto these for you, so you didn¡¯t feel obligated to go see him. He made sure they were mine to then give to you as you requested.¡±
Item Box Contains: 14 X Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing.
There it was seven days¡¯ worth of my medicine. Seeing the box, I made sure to state. ¡°Tell Mr. Bigsly that I appreciate the gesture, but I no longer feel comfortable being at his establishment. In keeping with our business arrangement, I will provide the required information to any representative he sends.¡± This was likely perfect, and I was glad I made this plan immediately. I had been angry, exceptionally so, but little did I know what the next week would entail. Mallory wasn¡¯t just the first, she was also correct in that many others regressors were coming. As the first discoverer of the cure for the Blight, Mallory had been offered a quest reward of 100,000 experience and a cure for her crippling disease. When I balked at the claim, she even went ahead and showed me her quest screen just to prove herself.
Legendary Quest Completed: Cure For The Blight: After many years of searching, you finally found a cure for the legendary Blight that has plagued so many. As the first outside discoverer of this cure you have been rewarded with a first-time finder¡¯s fee. Rewards: Experience (100,000), New Badge.
Optional Quest Line (Repeatable): Spread the Hope: Now that you have discovered a cure to the Blight and found that they are at a stationary location, spread word of this to the world. For those that you inform of your discovery and who go on to be healed will earn you a reward. Reward: Experience (5,000), reputation.
¡°A hundred thousand experience? A hundred thousand?¡± I said it twice, trying to comprehend what I was hearing. Chuckle. ¡°Hehehe. Yes, I could see how you might think that was a lot, but it was just a level and a half for me.¡± Mallory says. At that I pause and stare at her, when I look at her all I get are a string of question marks.
Mallory ???
That is it, and the only reason I got Mallory was because she said that about herself. ¡°Still, I only got a hundred, and I didn¡¯t even get a badge.¡± I state, then curiously ask. ¡°Can I see the message about the badge?¡± ¡°Haha. Sure.¡± Mallory says. Then she just lets me view the message about the badge she just earned. This is a loophole in the showing of the badge, as technically showing the badge would constitute using it, however the message of her having received the badge was fair game for display, especially as these logs would go away within a day, if not saved in some way.
New Feat Recorded: First Blight Healed (500): Having heard the rumors of a distant healer capable of healing the Blight you followed your sources to the heart of the spirit realm and found the cure you so desperately sought.
Reading the message, I couldn¡¯t help but think the badge made the whole process sound overly dramatic. ¡°Wow, it does sound impressive when you put it that way.¡± I say. ¡°Haha. Yeah, almost sounds like the information came to me in a vision. But seriously, if you need anything let me know. Also, is there any way I could get you to come out and join my guild?¡± ¡°Unfortunately, I have three different contracts binding me here. Well one binds me to the tower, then two others bind me here in this town for the next year.¡± I state. ¡°The tower? So, you were the one to discover it?¡± She asks. I pause, not wanting to give it away, though my pause was apparently enough for her to gain her own conclusion. ¡°That makes sense.¡± Mallory continues, then stares at me. ¡°Tell me, you are a regressor right?¡± ¡°Yes, I am a regressor.¡± I state, making sure to use the word that helps separate us from the local indigenous people. ¡°Yeah, I know, my granddaughter even told me as much. She also said that you were a rare class, but all attempts to tell me what the class were, were edited by the system.¡± ¡°Edited?¡± ¡°Yes, and trust me, at this point our subscription is high enough that I could even get messages out here if I stayed here long enough.¡± Mallory said. At that I paused, realizing that it would likely be well over a year since I got to hear from my own family. That would be the time when I would be allowed to leave here and move on up the tower. ¡°So I have to ask, what type of class does one such as yourself have to be able to stay here without the use of potions? That is the case right, I do not see any issues with your being here. In fact, I also see that you don¡¯t need to eat or drink.¡± She continues, staring at me. I pause. ¡°I am a unique class.¡± I admit. At that, Mallory raises a hand to cut me off. ¡°Say no more. Thank you Cassie Cruise, I am forever indebted to you. Know that should you ever need anything call me.¡± With that she held out a business card. Reaching out my hand, I gently grab the card, and feel it bind to me upon contact.
Soulbound One Time Use Item: Midnight Hunter Guild Recruitment Card.
Details: Midnight Hunter Guild Recruitment Card Personal Invitation to Join Recruiter: M. Charges Remaining: 1/1
¡°Soulbound?¡± I ask, wondering how such a thing was possible. ¡°Yes, we have found that often times great adventurers might damage, bend, or lose recruitment cards, so for those we especially want to keep, we came up with this process. The Soulbound card will always be with you, and can be called anytime you want.¡± Mallory states. I pause as my brain finally makes the connection to the Midnight Hunter Guild, they are one of the elite guilds, silent and extremely high level, all of them. I know that Mallory has to be exceptionally high, as in over level 500 high, as one hundred thousand experience was only enough for a level and a half for her. Seeing that, I can¡¯t help but wonder, ¡°why me?¡± ¡°Haha. First, I like you, you don¡¯t gripe or complain, you come up with novel ways of healing, coming here to the spirit realm to find a cure to the Blight, of all things. Then you are in the Arcanarus Tower, which as we know spawned recently from the Arcanarus University. If I am not mistaken, I think that conversion was done by you. Especially as my daughter said that was when your feed first came back on.¡± ¡°She was watching me even when my channel went dark?¡± I ask. ¡°What? No, she went back to track you, when she first found your book series available on Audio Platforms.¡± ¡°Audio?¡± ¡°That was just where people were talking about your recordings. The real ones have apparently gone platinum.¡± ¡°Platinum? You mean, millions of people are listening to me reading smut?¡± I ask, suddenly feeling an intense pressure. ¡°Oh yeah, and apparently again it is great. I might have to pick up a few of these books myself, that or just get you to come to the guild hall and read them for us.¡± Mallory jokes as she pats me on the back. I pause, not quite knowing what to say exactly. ¡°Relax, you don¡¯t have to if you don¡¯t want to. But please give us a chance, we are always looking for good up and coming talent. The fact that you managed to heal me, at my level, while only being a level 22, that is an accomplishment in and of itself.¡± At that, I blurt out, ¡°so that was why it took so long.¡± Laughing. Again, it seemed that she had been given a new lease on life, because she could not stop laughing, which I guess is what exactly happened to her. ¡°Yes, you literally cured me for multiple thousands of hit points.¡± ¡°Thousands?¡± I ask. ¡°Thousands,¡± she admits with a nod. All right, I really need to get going, but again thank you. ¡°Also, don¡¯t worry about murder hobos and the like, we will start policing who is allowed in the tower.¡± ¡°Policing?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, as of right now, you and by extension this tower are under the protection of the Midnight Hunter guild.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Uh, thanks?¡± Chuckle. ¡°See ya cutie.¡± She says, leaning down and giving me a kiss on my forehead.
Divine Blessing of the Dawn Bestowed: You have been kissed by a Valkyrie of Dawn, you are cured of all diseases and status effects for a period of 14 Days, 7 Hours, and 26 Minutes¡­
If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°What in the world?¡± I ask, seeing the exceptionally large timer. ¡°That is a monthly blessing I can bestow upon one individual. I haven¡¯t used it recently, but I wanted to make sure I used it on you. Oh, also, you really should check out that package I forgot.¡± Mallory said, as she then began skipping out of my office. Her skips continued to increase in speed and bounce, until she got out of the guild hall, onto the streets and there she bounced once then launched herself into the air. Only to jump out of my kilometer range of vision within a matter of seconds. Only after she left did I feel the full weight of what I had just witnessed. Badump, badump, badump. My heart began to race rapidly, as I realized just how close that had been to a possible nightmare. Mallory, she was a Valkyrie of Dawn, the Valkyrie of Dawn, someone that was one of the first regressors here. In fact, it was her exploits that made my parents dream about their retirement here. And now I got to see her in person. No wonder she had survived so long with the Blight, I mean her class was pretty much immortal, or at least it appeared to be so. Though given how badly her body was being riddled by the Blight, it seemed that she might have actually been close to death. Also, after seeing her move, I could see why she was the first one to get here, despite being one of the people who found out about my ability slightly later on. That said, she did mention the box, so curious, I open the box that she left to find not just a case of needed ingredients, but also a personalized note.
Item Box Contains: 20 X Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. 1 X Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. 1 X Personal Note.
Glancing at everything, I decide to read the personal note first.
Item: Personal Note. Oh no, I seem to have misplaced my box of stuff again. If found, please do not try to return, rather please put to good use. -M. P.S. Use the Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing last, you will thank me for it. P.P.S.S. My Granddaughter is a huge fan of yours, there I said it.
Seeing the note, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as a slight tear came to my eye. It was rather heartfelt to receive this gift, this absolute treasure. It was clear that the daughter had been watching me for quite some time, especially if she knew that I needed the Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing, as I had only started taking that five days ago. Realizing the great gift I had been given, and realizing that I was likely still being recorded, I decided to use my fame for something positive. Choking back a tear, I said. ¡°Thank you, Mallory, and thank you Mallory¡¯s Granddaughter.¡± *** That was of course a week ago. Since then it has been a never ending stream of my curing Blighted individuals. I will say one thing, Mallory must be keeping her promise, as everyone that comes to the guild hall is very polite. ¡°Greetings Ms. Spiritlight.¡± The exceptionally high level warrior says, as he gives a complete ninety degree bow. ¡°Uh hello to you too.¡± I manage. ¡°Might I leave this box here, while I humbly ask for you to help cure me.¡± The warrior asks. This box is also a tradition, it seems that everyone that comes in now has the memo to bring me Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. ¡°Yes, you can store them over there.¡± I point to the pile of boxes that have built up. ¡°I will have you know that it is my policy that I will be responsible for removing any items that are not claimed within twenty-four hours of forgetting them.¡± I state, making sure that I am not breaking any rules or policies, rather just removing clutter from my office working space. This seems to be a way that the system does not mind, as the items are still owned by the other individual, I just remove them. Technically I could be called up for stealing, but since they are consumed consumables, these fall into that legal gray area that all colorblind people, like me, tend to love. ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± The warrior says as he puts his crate down. There is a stack of them by now. I make sure Zero inventories everything and catalogs the exact moment that the boxes are put down, so we can follow the orders of cleaning the workspace of forgotten or dismissed clutter. Once the large bulky man puts the box down, I then direct him to sit in the table. ¡°So what brings you in today?¡± This is a formality that I must cover, there is only one reason that he is here, it is to remove that giant glowing mass from his chest, the glowing mass that everyone apparently refers to as the blight. ¡°I have the Blight, I was told you could fix it?¡± The warrior asks, clearly confused. I nod. ¡°Is that it? No other conditions?¡± ¡°What? No¡­¡± He is not the brightest tool in the shed, but at least he knows the golden rule, not to be rude. ¡°Very well, being as you are here seeking medical attention, I take it I have your permission to cast my variant of healing magic on you?¡± ¡°Var, variant?¡± He stammers. ¡°Yes, I am not a typical healer. Typical healers deal with the school of Life Magic, mine is a more Spiritual based effort.¡± I state. ¡°Spirit? You mean you are one of those hippy gurus?¡± I nearly chuckle at that, ¡°my dear, I would not consider myself to be one of these hippy gurus, that you are referring to. Rather I have been blessed with mastery of a unique school of magic and have pushed myself to the utmost limit of understanding not only magic, but the governing processes involved therein. Now if you would be so kind as to let me heal you, or kindly cede your spot to another, I would be most appreciated.¡± ¡°Just what spell exactly are you planning to use on me?¡± Sigh. There is always one like this, though I see by the way he tightens his body that he is lying. He is not as dumb as he is trying to appear, but rather, he is searching for answers. ¡°Look, I see that you are on some sort of phishing expedition here, just tell me what you want to know, and I will either tell you, or not.¡± At that, the warrior pauses, then after a moment tries to get back into character, ¡°I uh, I don¡¯t know what you mean?¡± ¡°There, your accent changed. Practicing while being flustered is a must if you want to do this convincingly in the future.¡± I chastise. He pauses, then finally defeated reverts to a regular sounding voice and asks. ¡°Can you tell me the spell you are using at least?¡± ¡°The spell, that is it? Then you will give your consent and be done?¡± I ask, nearing my limit and almost kicking him out with his box of goodies. ¡°Yes.¡± I pause, then letting out another sigh, I reply. ¡°I guess as the patient it is only your right to know the processes and procedures being practiced on you. As such, I will show you my spell that I intend to use with your consent.¡±
Spirit Blight Purification (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
At that the man pauses, then I see his lip tremble slightly as he reads the information before him. ¡°You created this? You didn¡¯t just find it on a scroll somewhere, but this is something you created?¡± ¡°Clearly, that is what the words designed by mean.¡± I say a little impatiently, ¡°now do I have your consent or will you be sent out of here, despite having that lump right at the middle of your core.¡± I say this last part as I point to the proposed lump in question. The warrior pauses, it is clear that he has a lot more questions, but seeing the display before him, he can¡¯t help but stop himself. ¡°Yes, you have my consent, please treat me.¡± ¡°Finally.¡± I say, as I place my hand on the target. Again, touching is not important, but it does add a 20% bonus to efficacy and mana usage, which is why I use it, particularly on these higher level people that keep coming in. Midway through, Glenn comes in. ¡°My dear, is this a good time?¡± Glenn asks, this is generally the case, if I do not give my updates within a certain time, Glenn or another guild representative will come over. ¡°Yes.¡± I say, not quite taking my attention away from the channeled spell going on throughout the meathead warrior¡¯s body. ¡°Very good. Do you have any updates to report?¡± Glenn asks. ¡°Yes, the mayor is currently being extorted by guild members, not sure if this is licensed or not, but figured I¡¯d bring awareness. Apparently, a few of the elite town guards are in on this exchange. The cured are all still sleeping around, though don¡¯t report that to Lenny if he is going to be angry about it. Then finally, there appears to be a new discovery in the underground mine, as a lot of activity is happening there as well.¡± I say, relatively light day. ¡°Very good. We will verify these and get back to you with your due rewards.¡± Glenn states. ¡°Thank you, Glenn, always a pleasure.¡± I say with a slight smile. ¡°Madame, I assure you, the pleasure is all mine.¡± Glenn says, then he offers a stately bow, before turning about and leaving the guild office. Badump, badump. I don¡¯t know what it is about him, but he does something for me. ¡°You know all that from here?¡± The warrior asks. I pause and look at him, I know he is a regressor and therefor trying to hide myself or my capabilities at this point is nearly impossible, that is why I openly give my updates in front of my regressor patients. ¡°Just what do you know about me?¡± I ask. ¡°Not much. I know you can cure the Blight, and that the Midnight Hunter Guild has placed you under their protection.¡± He states. I nod. ¡°Probably for the best.¡± I state. ¡°What is?¡± ¡°Oh right, not that I am trying to change the topic at all, but I am supposed to warn you that by being cured, you will find an increase in libido and male hormones. Be careful.¡± ¡°Libido?¡± ¡°Yes, your sex drive will be increased, you might find your impulse control has been diminished.¡± I state. ¡°I know what libido is, but how is that related to this spell?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, I also assume it will help improve your mana well and spell capacity, but I haven¡¯t been able to test that theory yet.¡± I state. ¡°The spell will improve my mana well?¡± ¡°Well not the spell itself, but the Blight, I think most people will begin to realize that the longer they had the Blight, the more their base mana well would grow as a direct result of that.¡± I say, stating my theory, before I continue. ¡°This is all theory at this point, but if you could, make a note of it when you go out. Ask others to start tracking if there is an increase in mana size and density.¡± ¡°Density?¡± The warrior asks. ¡°Do you not know what being dense means, or is this a deeper question?¡± I ask, really trying to hide my sarcasm at this man, who goes from extreme ends from appearing to be a complete simpleton, to being an intelligent information gatherer, only to revert back in an instant. The warrior clinches his muscles tight for a second, then forcefully causes his body to relax. ¡°No, I am not fully aware of all the intricacies of mana. Also, mana density is not a phrase I am familiar with.¡± He then pauses, ¡°but now that you mention it, I suddenly have gone from Tier 0 in all schools of magic, to Tier 2, now that I am cured. Hearing that, I nod, then look at my own updates.
Hidden Quest Complete (Repeatable): Curing The Blighted: You have found a way to remove the blight from individuals infected with the curse of corruption. Cleanse everyone you can of the Blight and be rewarded: Rewards: Experience (100), variable.
Looking at the message I nod. I also realize that I missed quite a few messages over the week, including the one where I leveled up.
Experience Gained: 100 Ding. Level up. Your level has increased to 23.
Apparently, that happened a few days ago. I don¡¯t quite remember when, but most of my patients have all been a blur to this point. I guess it is true, you only remember the annoying or exceptionally nice ones. This patient was worth noting as someone I¡¯d wish to avoid in the future. There were a few more awkward statements exchanged by him, but it was clear, at least I hoped it was clear that I was done with him, now that he was cured. ¡°Right, I¡¯ll be seeing you.¡± He said as he got up. ¡°I hope not.¡± I replied. ¡°What?¡± The warrior asked, turning back to look at me. ¡°I hope you have a great day.¡± I say, as I wave at him. He pauses and stares at me, ¡°I think I should take back my box.¡± He says in a I¡¯m going to take back my ball, kind of voice. ¡°Please do, I would hate for you or anyone associated with you to come up with an excuse to come back here.¡± I reply. He stares at me for a second, then looks defeated as he turns away from the box he laid down. It was clear that he was only pressing me to see how committed I was to my cures, but I just could not stand this man for whatever reason, something about him just rubbed me the wrong way. ¡°You really don¡¯t like me, do you?¡± He asked. ¡°Fortunately, I don¡¯t have to like you, I just have to treat you, which I already have. Now please leave, with your box, I do not want you or anyone related to you coming back.¡± I state, knowing that others are likely watching and taking note. Hopefully this will be a lesson for others like this one in the future. ¡°Can I ask what it is about me that you don¡¯t like?¡± He asks, as he jiggles his pectorals, I guess that is supposed to be a thing now, but all I can do is force myself not to vomit at the display. ¡°Yeah, your creepy. I don¡¯t know if you are used to getting a free ride due to your looks, pedigree, or whatever, but you have a terrible personality, you waste my time and yours trying to be coy about gathering information. Information that I would have given for free mind you, despite the clear attempts at deception. Just making it so I felt sleezy telling you what I would have told anyone that came in through that door. You do have a right to know the spell I will be using on you, I would not have withheld that information from you, yet you went on making this big display that was not only annoying but has now put me in a bad mood. So, congratulations, you win, you worked twice as hard to get the regular information everyone is entitled to, I hope you are satisfied with yourself.¡± I pause, then say ¡°oh and congratulations on the two-Tier magic increase.¡± I state. Then I gesture for him to leave. At that he nods slightly, before leaving the office, his box of items clearly visible under his arm. Only after he left, did Zero come over and offer any form of reproach about the whole situation. ¡°Are you sure treating him like that was the wisest of moves?¡± He asks. ¡°It might not have been the wisest of moves, but it will hopefully set a precedent.¡± ¡°What about him set you off?¡± I pause, trying to think about it for a moment, then I realized what it was that had been bothering me so much about the whole encounter. ¡°He tried to play psychological games with me, while I am in my official capacity as a healer. Furthermore, he did so in such a terrible way that I couldn¡¯t help but call him out on it. Then when I did, he moved to take his offering back, basically he got a free service and then had the audacity to appear entitled about it. The whole encounter just rubbed me the wrong way.¡± I say, while still being somewhat agitated by the encounter. ¡°So, what do you want to do now?¡± Zero asks. Mentally I scan the area and see that no one is around. ¡°What time is it?¡± I still have a hard time telling what time it is, thanks to my being physically blind. ¡°Almost noon.¡± I nod, I know Mallory has been really good at not sending patients in to close to my reading time. That means the next time I can expect to see an outside patient would be after dusk, or roughly 7PM local time. That will give me enough time to read for three hours to Mallory¡¯s granddaughter, and my other hundreds of viewers as well, apparently. Knowing that I am free for the afternoon, due to how long it took me to heal Mr. Muscles, I instead decide to treat myself. ¡°Well since we have a few hours, before the end of shift. What do you say we go about cleaning out some of this clutter.¡± I say, as I mentally rub my hands together with greed. ¡°Sure thing. Since most has been unclaimed for over twenty-four hours, we are entitled to dispose of it as we see fit.¡± Zero reminds me. I nod. ¡°I take it you have already done an inventory of everything over 24 hours?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, everything but those three boxes from today,¡± He says, pointing to a stack of three crates, ¡°are from over twenty-four hours ago. I have been slowly moving them and their inventoried contents over to that new stack on the right, once they have reached their free storage limit.¡± I nod at that, seeing the stack of eleven boxes. ¡°So what is in them?¡± ¡°Quite a lot actually. There are 145 vials of Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing, 5 vials of Heightened Bloodline Awareness, and finally, one vial of Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing.¡± Zero states succinctly. I freeze at the number, realizing that I have been healing a lot, but this is a lot of rewards, I mean that is what? Roughly ten vials per patient? More? Then the others the heightened awareness, and finally the Greater cleansing, those I feel all should be taken last. My pulse is racing as it seems that this bloodline curse will finally be expunged. Mentally I look at my current quest standing that has only covered the consumables I¡¯ve had from Lenny to this point, I still have ten of those as well, and likely at least two or three more from today¡¯s efforts with Glenn. Pausing I pull up my quest tracker and look.
Quest Updated: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline: You had within you the blood of the Gods of Darkness. Due to your inability or reluctance to take the gift that has been bestowed upon you, your blessing is now a curse. For failing to take the power of the Dark Gods¡¯ power, you will be cursed until you can remove the markings of your tainted bloodline from your body. You have entrusted your secret with Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly and in exchange for working for him, have been promised to not alter your awakened bloodline so it is no longer a curse. Now he has offered you a solution in the form of a Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. Requirements: consume 100 vials (24/100) of the Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing within 50 days (12/50). Reward: Experience, New Skills, removal of socially detriment flaws. (Optional: Consume more vials at a faster rate to fully awaken beneficial bloodline).
Seeing my current status, I nod happily to myself as I make it a mental goal to use these next four hours effectively. ¡°Zero, cancel all appointments for this afternoon. I will be spending the remainder of my shift cleaning up my workspace.¡± I say, greedily rubbing my hands together, an extra wide smile breaks on my face as I realize I didn¡¯t need that meat head warrior¡¯s box anyways. ¡°Very good, I will put up the cleaning office sign.¡± I nod, then taking one deep breath, I begin cleaning out the boxes and boxes of forgotten items. ¡°Thank you Mallory, thank you Mallory¡¯s granddaughter,¡± I say looking up into the air, knowing that my feeds will catch the gesture and the words. Then grabbing the first vial, I hold it up and say, ¡°bottoms up.¡± Chapter 52 Bloodlines Chapter 52 Bloodlines I felt bloated, yet somehow, I also felt like I was being forcefully scrubbed from every inch within my body. A few times, I had to stop drinking long enough to force my stomach to settle, then after a few minutes I would be able to consume a new set of potions. Once I hit the 100 mark for consuming Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing, I was met with an indication that I could turn in my quest at that time. I of course still had quite a few boxes of potions available to me, along with the recent shipment from Glenn who gave me my last weeks¡¯ worth from the Thieves Guild. Finally after hours of consumption, I had finally finished off all of the vials and was glad that they were only a tiny mouthful each. Otherwise I would have had to have drunk gallons of fluids, rather than just the well it was still likely gallons of fluids, but less. Rumble. For someone who never eats or drinks, my stomach was protesting loudly. I even felt a slight bulge in my gut from the sudden influx of liquids. Taking a moment to sit down, I turn to Zero and ask, ¡°so what do we have left?¡± At that Zero who had been recording everything, and cleaning up after I was done, familiars are freaking fantastic, he spoke and said, ¡°you just have the five vials of Heightened Bloodline Awareness, and the one vial of Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing.¡± Hearing that I nodded and looked at my personal quest.
Quest Updated: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline: You had within you the blood of the Gods of Darkness. Due to your inability or reluctance to take the gift that has been bestowed upon you, your blessing is now a curse. For failing to take the power of the Dark Gods¡¯ power, you will be cursed until you can remove the markings of your tainted bloodline from your body. You have entrusted your secret with Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly and in exchange for working for him, have been promised to not alter your awakened bloodline so it is no longer a curse. Now he has offered you a solution in the form of a Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing. Requirements: consume 100 vials (180/100) of the Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing within 50 days (12/50). Reward: Experience, New Skills, removal of socially detriment flaws. (Optional: Consume more vials at a faster rate to fully awaken beneficial bloodline).
Note: Quest Turn in Possible, would you like to turn in now?
I hit delay on my acceptance, as I did not want to go through the final process before I had consumed everything. Nodding to myself, I waited until I felt like drinking a bit more would not make me nauseous. Then trusting in Mallory¡¯s note to use her special vial of Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing last, I decide to go with the five vials of Heightened Bloodline Awareness. ¡°Give me the Heightened Bloodline Awareness.¡± I say, as I sit down. Nodding Zero goes over to a box on the side and picks it up. Gurgle. My stomach rumbles slightly at the idea of having to force down more liquids at this moment. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°I think it is my body¡¯s natural reaction. Basically I have never eaten or drunk anything for years, and now I¡¯ve forced a lot of fluids into my stomach all at once, things are bound to happen.¡± But I also wonder if this is my body¡¯s way of telling me that I might be doing things incorrectly. As I feel almost nauseous while holding the box in front of me. ¡°Actually, can you give me the vial of Greater Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing, first?¡± I ask. ¡°Sure thing.¡± Zero states, then swims over in the way that only a floating dragon can and grabs the one box from Mallory. There at the heart of it is one last large vial of powerful liquid. Seeing the liquid, I can tell that it is just glowing with potential. Shrugging to myself, I reach out a hand to that vial and feel the tension in my stomach slowly dwindle, and then stop immediately upon grabbing this Greater Elixir. Realizing that my body is not protesting this potion, I decide to take it and am instantly flooded with a strange tingling sensation that happens all over my body.
Cumulative Status Effect: Bloodline Purge has initiated. Focus on your ideal form that you would like your bloodline to alter to.
What was in that potion? I find myself thinking, I try to say the words, but the message fumbles on my lips as I am forced to slide out of my chair. Mentally my mind goes to a puzzle room. ***
Power Sequence commence: Arrange the power structure into its most powerful form. This will determine the quality of the power of your bloodline. Note: Timer will begin once you first begin manipulating the different components.
Mentally I smile, as this was always one of my favorite ways to pass the time. These are mind games, where you are given three dimensional puzzle pieces that can be woven together in multiple ways. My parents got them for me as a kid, as they were all the rage for a while, and I never stopped manipulating them, even when I became an adult. Seeing the pieces, I look at them, then realize there are many different structures I can make, but I also realize that these are likely the way to mimic my own body. There are a series of larger and smaller nodes, along with dozens of small links that look like they can stretch as needed. Letting out a breath, I first focus on what I want this to look like, as I can do a strict one for one of my body, or I can use this to heighten certain portions of my body more so than they already are. Take for instance, I can take away nodes for my hands and feet and add them to enlarge my core or mind. I could increase the node for my appendix and thereby increase the way my body converts and filters mana. In fact, there are several different things that I can do with this, that I must be careful with how I want to lay it all out. Fortunately for me, I have already done something similar to my own body, mainly through the way I converted the old Dark Elf Matriarch¡¯s diary to recreate her spell of Spirit Mana Potency and I reworked it, so it could flow properly in my own body. With that functionality in mind, I decided to focus on what I currently was as a magician, and where I wanted to eventually go to. I did want a bigger core, and a bigger mind, and eyes that were also doubled. I also wanted to focus on my sympathetic mana filters, thus keeping my kidneys and appendix at the same size, if not larger. In the end, I decided on a structure that got rid of a few key components, while focusing on others heavily. I ultimately gave up on the idea of a spread build, as that would be too limiting, and meant that I would be a more of a generalist, rather than a specialist. With that in mind, I freed up the four minor nodes for my hands and feet. Then realizing that my hands and feet were gone, I decided to take away the major organs of the heart and two lungs. This gave me three major nodes that I could double.
In the end, my final mental build went like this:
Core X 2 Major Nodes Mind X 2 Major Nodes Appendix X 1 Major Node, X1 Minor Node Eyes: X2 Minor Nodes Kidneys: X2 Minor Nodes, each
Now I could have been entirely greedy and gone for all four major nodes in my core, but I felt that would be too limiting, also without an enhanced mind, I wouldn¡¯t be able to process the information. Also, I was going out on a limb here by giving a major node to my appendix, normally an organ denoted as being unimportant in most magic practices. Yet, the more I understand about the body, the more I realize there seem to be two things that truly drive invention. First the intended sympathetic nature, and second the actual sympathetic bond that can logically be formed between an organ and a concept. In this, I see the heart and lungs as mostly meant for anerobic activities, but right now my focus is on and has been on improving my magical capabilities. If I was the warrior from earlier, I might have done a complete reverse of this build and just gone for increased heart and lungs and doubled the minor organs to the hands and feet. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Once I have what the different organs I will focus on are, I then need to work on my build. I decide to focus on my core at the center, then build down with two lines from the core down to the two kidneys, then have the kidneys both converge onto the appendix. Then the appendix goes back to the core. I pause and then while mentally noting a line to the brain and to they enhanced eyes and then the enhanced brain, I decide to also create a direct bidirectional link from the core to the brain. Then in a moment of insight, I also decide to create a double connection from the appendix to the brain. Why is this? I think sometimes the ability to bypass the core could be critical. Since it is all a filtered system already, I do not think that much will be lost from this process. Thinking about what I want to create, I think about it for a moment and am pleased with my design. It might not be perfect, but it is seemingly perfect for me. Now, here is where having all my years of knowledge on such events comes in handy. The first thing we are asked to do is to first build this design, then the next step is to map it to our body, this whole process takes time. I intend to bypass all of that, and do the next few steps all at once. Mentally, I prepare myself, then when I am ready, I move.
Hidden Quest Updated: Recreate Your Bloodline: You have broken free of the shackles of your prior bloodline and have been asked to reforge a new one. Take the pieces arranged before you and make them into a workable circuit.
Timer has begun: 1, 2¡­
Mentally I acknowledge the timer, but I¡¯m already working and cheating. Telekinetically, I reach out and grab the pieces I want to merge. Merging two sets of the larger nodes together, then once they are together I pull them into my body at the correct spots. Then the one large and one minor. Then Finally the three minor organs. Only now do I realize that I have an minor organ, so I apply it to my appendix, stupid math. Then once that is over I begin connecting everything, all the while multiple sets of Telekinetic hands are grabbing the pieces and moving them into my body like precision clockwork. I connect everything just as I outlined. I test the circuit inside my body with a current. Then once it works, I relax and say ¡°done.¡±
Timer stopped: 17 seconds.
Not bad I think, I would have been faster, had I not forgotten to double check the number of nodes I was taking away. My problem was that the appendix itself was already a minor node, but I counted that as one of the hands or feet nodes that I took away. Still 17 seconds was not bad.
New Feat Recorded: Fastest Bloodline Cultivator (500): you not only managed to create a wholly unique bloodline, but you managed to do so in a record time.
Seeing the badge, I couldn¡¯t help but feel proud at the accomplishment. The system at least seemed to recognize that the design worked.
Conceptual Bloodline Phase: You will now determine how you see this bloodline being used. Starting with the following three choices, please choose one or all options that you see this bloodline helping: Physical, Social, or Mental.
I pause, wondering if I want to add social into this? With an increase in perception and the mind I could argue that that would help Social aspects, but I ultimately decided against that route. I wanted magic, I needed magic. The entire build was a way of avoiding all physical connections, and I knew while I wanted to be more social, it was just too taxing overall. No, in the end, ¡°Mental,¡± was the only option that made sense with my build that I chose, and ultimately where I saw myself heading for the foreseeable future. With my choice made, I felt intangible restrictions coming down over me and seeming to hold me in place. In an instant I knew that many of the possible futures I had a moment ago were gone, and I was now forced to go down this smaller path.
Conceptual Bloodline Phase II: You have chosen the Mental path for evolution. Now you must choose your intended specialty, please choose one or all options that you see this bloodline helping: Magic, Analytical, Strategy, Hidden Lore.
I paused at that; Magic was the only obvious choice. Analytical I felt I already had a handle on, Strategy was for way above my pay grade. Though Hidden Lore, now that was something that screamed to me. I wondered how my bloodline would help with that but didn¡¯t want to spend too long. In the end, I decided to make my first hybrid option, ¡°Magic, and Hidden Lore.¡± With that, I felt even more restrictive bands tighten on me, though these were somehow comforting. Rather than leading me in directions I didn¡¯t want to go, it felt like I had the main path lit up with streetlights now, making my future paths that much easier to see and explore.
Conceptual Bloodline Phase (III): This is the final phase, using just three words or phrases, speak into existence the overall goal of what you want to define yourself as, or with.
At that I blinked, I don¡¯t think I have ever seen one of these go this far, nor had I been prepared for such a loose question that would have such an immediate impact on me. I admit seeing that I froze, as I realized this was all going to determine the bonuses that my bloodline would likely give me. This was so important in that I don¡¯t think I would be able to go through a second cleansing trial. Worse, I could feel the timer already starting and likely judging me on my choices. Realizing the longer I took the less of a reward I would get, I spoke honestly about what I wanted to be and my current goals were. ¡°Magic. Healing.¡± Those two came out right away, then I blanked out for a second, as I couldn¡¯t think of any other word that would describe what I wanted to do with this bloodline. I mean there were plenty of things I wanted to do, but not things that I felt a bloodline would be able to help with, at least not as I had now limited my options. So, I then decided to go with a phrase for the third choice, ¡°and Magical Healing.¡± Chime. There was a mental sound that went off in my mind letting me know my three choices had been accepted. I almost felt that I had wasted that last one, until I realized that just because I had chosen Magic and Healing as my first two options did not mean that the system would interpret that as Magical Healing, which could be argued as a completely separate idea. One that would likely be supported by the first two, but also wholly unique.
Bloodline Awakening Sequence complete. Sending you back to your body now.
*** My body was still sliding down, as I felt my consciousness slide into my body and begin to immediately take control. Zero was on his way forward, racing to catch me, but I was already able to reach out and grab myself before I slid too far. ¡°Are you okay there?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± I manage as I pick myself up and wiggled my way back into my seat. Sliding. The second box that had been on my lap began to fall forward. Fortunately, Zero who never stopped moving forward, reached out and grabbed the box of Heightened Bloodline Awareness vials from smashing into the floor. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, reaching out for the box, but Zero seeing me decides to just put it down on the ground for the time being. Seeing that, I pause, then nod in acceptance, that is a good point.
Quest Completed: Curse of the Shade Touched Bloodline: You had within you the blood of the Gods of Darkness and managed to remove it and replace it with something befitting the Light. Reward: Experience, New Skills, removal of socially detriment flaw- replaced with equal costing merit.
Experience Gained: 1,000. Ding. Level up. Your level has increased to 24.
New Skill Gained: Acupuncture has increased to level 1.
Acupuncture is a Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
New Skill Gained: Diagnosis has increased to level 1.
Diagnosis is a Perception and Intelligence based skill.
New Skill Gained: Magical Energy Observation has increased to level 1.
Magical Energy Observation is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Flaw: Second Class Citizen (7) has been replaced by Merit: Healing Hermit (7)
Merit: Healing Hermit (7): You managed to undergo your bloodline evolution while still under the effects of Blessing of the Dawn. During this time, you also asked for blessings in Magic, Healing, and Magical Healing. Your request was heard, your actions measured, and you were found acceptable. New bonus Magical ability for Spirit magic has increased by one full Tier, Healing skills increased by 25%, and all attempts to perform Magical Healing in any form are increased by 25% (good for efficacy, mana usage, impact, and focus).
Note: Due to your increased Magical Ability in Spirit magic, your magical Tier rating for Spirit magic has risen from your current Tier VIII to your new Tier IX.
While the name of the new Merit was a bit lacking, its effects were amazing. One full tier of Spirit magic, meaning I was now able to cast up to Tier IX spirit magic spells. While that had little direct effect on my overall power currently, it meant that I would not be hindered by limitations on spells used or created. I half wondered if this was a direct result of my own solving of the Blight, and linking that reward to my over curing of my Bloodline curse quest all in one go. Regardless of the reason, I felt both elated, and exhausted, all I wanted to do right now was pass out and go to sleep. Ding-dong. The clock chimed, letting me know that an hour had passed. ¡°Well that is it for today. I take it you are off to your book club?¡± Zero asked. I was about to say no, but then paused as I realized without this book club, I would not have been able to finish my bloodline quest so easily. Sigh. I let out a long huff, then force myself to get up and read to my club. Aided a little by the fact that I know I apparently have thousands of followers watching, one of whom happens to be the granddaughter of Mallory, a woman I greatly appreciate. ¡°Yeah, I guess.¡± I say, as I head out, and continue on with my daily grind. At least I am still getting closer to level 25, and all the options that might come available from there. ¡°Good luck.¡± Zero says, as he takes my final box and moves it over to the side for later. I do wonder what those Heightened Bloodline Awareness vials can do for me, but I figure that is a question left for a later day. Interlude III Thirteenth National Treasure of BiPrism Interlude III Thirteenth National Treasure of BiPrism ¡°Yes, you have seen the evidence with your own eyes, regressor Cassie Cruise, A.K.A. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, has done the seemingly impossible. She has personally created her own cure for the Blight.¡± The news narrator says, as he goes through some of the major developments for the day. ¡°Now we have top bigwigs from all over the world, coming out of retirement and desperately trying to get to the Spirt Tower of Arcanarus. Some say this is just a ploy by the game¡¯s algorithm, allowing the first known cure for the Blight to originate from a low level no one from the spirit realm.¡± The announcer pauses as they let this information settle. ¡°The first cured was Mallory Redding, A.K.A. Marauding Mallory, who up until recently had been a streaming favorite due to her death-defying battles. Only slowing down recently due to her contracting the Blight, something that up until Cass¡¯s arrival was seen as a death sentence. Now Mallory like so many others is reporting that the rumors are true, that now that she had the blight for three years, her magic tier rating has in fact increased. While she would not comment on the extent of the increase, we have seen that she was practicing Tier XIII spells.¡± The scene cuts away from the announcer and shows a follow of Mallory out in the middle of the wasteland that now exists outside of the Arcanarus Tower. Out there, she can be seen focusing her mind for a moment, before a vast dimensional gate of blinding golden light appears, only to open causing a glowing chariot of fire to charge forth racing forward and burning everything in its path. The chariot that had been flying in the air burns everything both above and below in a destructive golden light. The chariot makes one lap around, then a second lap, seeming to follow Mallory¡¯s commands, then proceeds to go back into the still open gates that they arrived from. ¡°HAHAHAHA!¡± A clearly exhausted Mallory cackles with delight. While it was clear that the spell had been taxing on her, she was apparently more than happy with her results. ¡°Yes, that was at least the Tier XIII spell Apollos Chariot, a spell previously thought to be impossible to cast due to its Tier rating being beyond what anyone could ever handle. Yet, there it is, indisputable evidence that the impossible is now possible. It should be noted that Mallory is not the only one who has noticed an increase in their magical abilities. Everyone who has gone through and been cured by Cass of the Blight, have all experienced the same phenomenon. Everyone who has had the Blight and survived have all had their magic Tier ratings improved by at least two tiers. As you can expect both the cure, and the reward for the cure are spreading like wildfire. Warring nations have stopped, due to suddenly wishing to fight the Blight. What was previously seen as a death sentence, being sent to fight the Blight on the front lines, is now being seen as a reward. The regressors ruling the Maltese and Legrand empires have both offered a temporary treaty, as they both wish to go out and fight in the Blight filled lands directly. Yes, before what people had lived in fear of, the fear of getting the eternal wasting disease, is now curable thanks to one relatively new player on the scene. Speaking of, there has been a lot of conjecture recently on as some of you might have noticed last night during her daily reading session, a segment that has continued to grow in readership, those of you that didn¡¯t just listen to the narration, but actually paid for the full viewership, might have noticed a slight change. And no we are not talking about the way she is now seeming to mimic the voice of Glenn the Thieves Guild bodyguard for the voice of Rahul, though that did seem to go over quite well with a lot of listeners. No what we are referring to is her seemingly new appearance.¡± With that the image on the screen once again changes, going away from the announcer to Cassiopeia Spiritlight. The image shows her with bright purple skin, deep one color emerald green eyes, and light blond, nearly white, hair that seems to flow nicely with her deep purple skin color. ¡°For those of you that have not seen the recent changes to our Blight healer, and reader of romantic fantasies, it would appear that she has managed to not only cleanse herself of her previous Shade Touched bloodline, but managed to awaken an entirely new bloodline never seen before. The solid green eyes, are the first we have ever seen on any Dark Elf, even those that are touted for being exceptional healers. The vibrant purple skin shows that her bloodline has awakened. For those of you that do not know what she looked like prior, or those who wish to see the changes, we will place up two more images of her that help show how drastic the changes were.¡± With that the one image of Healer Bloodline Cass shrinks from the full screen, as an image of her with dark hair and red eyes appears. ¡°This is the look she had while undergoing her recent cleanse of her previous bloodline. We will not show what she looked like during her time as being cursed, mainly because we do not have a good image of what her eyes actually looked like at that time. We will show you however what she looked like while still fully under the markings of being a Shade Touched dark elf.¡± Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. At that a third image appears showing a slightly younger Cass, this time with black eyes that seem to glow with white sparkles, just looking at the eyes seems to denote a sense of otherworldly power. ¡°Why is this a big deal? Why are we spending so much of tonight¡¯s segment talking about this one level 24 no one? Simple, everyone who is anyone is going out to meet and likely try to recruit her. There is the fail of Winston Palmer, former billionaire and lead frontline warrior for the Juggernauts Guild who tried and spectacularly failed at trying to get information out of Cass. If you want to see a recap of his attempt to outwit Cass, please click on the paid link below. That said, the Midnight Hunter Guild has set up a small rotating police force for the tower. If your family wishes to go to the tower, but is having a hard time finding Spirit Protection potions, look no further, for a handy markup you can get one day¡¯s worth of supplies to go and see the healer. Go early, because the line is already quite long and getting longer. Also, if you plan on going in with only your own supply of potions, don¡¯t. Part of the markup for housing the guard and recently constructed entranceway to the tower is made from profits of an entry fee being charged to would be explorers. This entry charge also requires an oath be made that they promise not to harm the town of Crossroads, nor hurt Cassiopeia Spiritlight in any way, shape, or form. No doubt the spell displayed earlier today, Apollos Chariot, was meant to show the full might and capabilities of the Midnight Hunters guild. Even when she was injured no one wanted to mess with Marauding Mallory, and now that she is healed and apparently stronger, that sentiment is doubly so.¡± There was a slight pause, as the screen once again changed to show a team of four high leveled adventurers on a different level of the Acanarus Tower. Each person¡¯s skin clearly glowed with unnatural energy, as each person seemed to be suffering greatly from the effects of some unknown ailment. ¡°What does this mean for the intrepid group of explorers who charged head long into the tower trying to get the first clear bonuses? Well aside from suffering two Blight related casualties already, the survivors have all holed themselves up on the 52nd floor, trying to look for a doorway or exit that seemingly will never come. What is worse, is they have all themselves contracted the Blight, ironically, there is now a cure for this, in the town that they so nearly destroyed. How will this¡­¡± Click. Vanessa Redding, chairwoman, COO, and owner of Redding House turned off the news, glad her subordinate messaged her about it. Seeing the news report, was both inspiring and scary. It was inspiring to see that her grandmother was not only cured, but stronger for her years of suffering. Tier XIII, that was amazing and if Vanessa wasn¡¯t mistaking her grandmother was holding back, only showing a sliver of her true power in public, until it mattered most. That meant she was likely even more powerful, still to think that the Blight would be such a benefit. Well the Blight itself was terrible and nearly cost her and the family everything, particularly when her grandmother¡¯s stream started to lose memberships and sponsors left and right, no one wanted to see a hero slowly wither away and die before their eyes. Fortunately, they had diversified, Vanessa¡¯s mother was still there, still pulling in viewers, but she was a pale imitation of what grandmother was. Now that grandmother was back, her viewership was skyrocketing again, there would still be time before she was up to her pre-crash level of earnings, but that was only a matter of time, particularly with stories like this showcasing her newfound potential. The fact that she seemed to get along so well with this no one, this random healer was only a boon. Yes, having the only known healer of the Blight in her guild would be invaluable, but they had something deeper a connection that was nearly impossible to define. Of course, Vanessa had tried to reach out, Redding House was always willing to sponsor the small people who could become big. That was when she found out the sad truth, that this fool of a woman had taken the flaw Dark Horse, meaning a direct sponsorship from Redding House would be out of the question. This was terrible, especially as she so loved to hear the woman bring to life the characters of Rahul and the Maiden. Then something about the conversation the two had caused Vanessa to pause. Pulling up the recent clip of grandmother¡¯s interactions with the healer, she played the part that was sparking an idea. ¡°Yes, my granddaughter just loves your storytelling.¡± Hearing that Vanessa just shook her head in annoyance. Of course, she did enjoy the stories, they were fantastic, and Cass¡¯s ability to bring them all to life was nothing short of exceptional, but to call her out like that in front of billions of viewers. Still Vanessa kept playing, forcing her way through the initial embarrassment that welled up inside her. ¡°Oh, my. If my granddaughter heard that I was reading that, oh wow. I would be so embarrassed.¡± Cass said, as her face went through a few levels of cuteness. Pause. Vanessa paused the clip right there, then shouted ¡°exactly. Come on grandma.¡± Then shaking her head, she realized why she stopped right there. If she couldn¡¯t employ Cass directly, there were ways that she might be able to help out a future family asset. Click. ¡°Dave.¡± Vanessa said, clicking to life a button on her old mahogany desk, a relic of a bygone era. ¡°Yes?¡± The voice of Dave called through the intercom. ¡°Get me all the information you can find on Cassie Cruise and her family. Let¡¯s see if we can bring them over to Redding House.¡± ¡°As you wish.¡± Vanessa paused at that, then realized she would need a mental break. Click. ¡°Dave, also please note that I would not like to be disturbed for the next three hours. Oh, also if you would, please bring me my dinner.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± With that Vanessa realized she had nothing better to do, but to get caught up on her new personal pastime. Calling up the most recent segment of the Blind Reading Club, Vanessa preened excitedly for a minute then settled down as she pressed play. The minute she did the voice of Cass, channeling a new deeper and richer sounding Rahul could be heard. ¡°My darling...¡± Pause. At that, Vanessa had to pause the production once more. ¡°You truly have outdone yourself this time, Glenn was an amazing choice to mimic for the part of Rahul.¡± Vanesa said to herself, once again shaking and taking another moment to ready herself. ¡°Okay, here we go." ¡°¡­You are far too innocent and pure to fall for the likes of me. I only wish that one day, I could find myself to be half the man you truly deserve¡­¡± Chapter 53 The Death and Rebirth of Mr. Charles Ashcroft Chapter 53 The Death and Rebirth of Mr. Charles Ashcroft Now I will never say that my life is in any way shape or form normal, I mean I live in a ghost town, situated on the second floor of the ghost tower of what is the remains of Arcanarus University. By all accounts I should be accustomed to strangeness, and by most accounts I am. Given my sight, I am not distracted by the apparent translucent images that the majority of the citizens of the town of Crossroads have. To me, the citizens of this town are just as real, as any true citizen of the world, regressor or not. Yet, I do have to say that for years I had a stigma surrounding my eyes. For years my eyes were a sign that I was a Shade Touched, as they glowed black with otherworldly sparkles of light. They were a sign that I was essentially marked for death as a Dark Elf, well not death directly. But rather I was marked for royalty, my eyes denoted that I should be taken in and subjected to a battle royale with other Shade Touched candidates, and if I survived I would be named a future queen of a fledgling Dark Elf settlement. Neither the act of ritualistic killing, or being made a leader of such a society was of any particular interest to me. As such I hid my nature, for years I hid my eyes behind my Engineering Guild Goggles, or EGGs as they are most often referred to as. They are the signature look of steampunk, and the number one factor that helps to separate this world from others. With my mathematical background, I always found the idea of using gears and pistons to generate force exceptionally fun, but I have now learned that math is a fundamental building block for most things in this world. Even looking back, I see that math is a core component of my spell creation, and ways I can use my magical prowess to turn the world in my favor. Of course, all of this is a sidetrack from the current issue at hand. My current issue is that over the last few weeks, where I was taking Strange Elixir of Bloodline Cleansing, I never had to cover my eyes. Thus, when I underwent my bloodline awakening, I decided to continue without my EGGs, something that had up until a few weeks ago been a necessity. This was my first time going out since my transformation. Granted, I never went that far, in my case I merely went from my healing wing at the Mage¡¯s Guild, to the building next door, Lucky¡¯s Card Hall, which so happens to be the Thieves Guild headquarters for our town. Lenny¡¯s guards line the streets, and no less than two are set to escort me to and from the Mage¡¯s guild. This is a precautionary measure, and part of how I was able to sway the town to allow a gambling establishment to be close to the heart of our fair town. Yet, this time something seemed off about my guards, as they seemed to twitch and make constant glances at me when they thought I wasn¡¯t looking. Even after the awakening of my bloodline I am still blind, and can only see by my Angel¡¯s Sight, which allows me to view the world in a 360 degree bubble around me. From this bubble I can see that the guards are gawking at me, oddly enough I can almost understand why. My inner light appears to glow both bright green and a brighter shade of purple, though I don¡¯t know exactly why. Still the green nature of my aura apparently has played out in my eyes, as my eyes are now a radiant green. At least if Zero, my familiar, is to be believed. I don¡¯t know what the green eyes means exactly, but they are at the very least a sign that I am no longer Shade Touched, so I don¡¯t care and for the first time in six years I do not feel the need to wear my EGGs while walking around in public, it is quite freeing. Now, I had been able to walk around freely before, but that was when I was on a timer, as I constantly had to keep track of my last dose of elixir, and make sure to take a new one. Now that I had not only altered my bloodline, but managed to awaken my new bloodline, I didn¡¯t have a timer in my mind telling me how long I had remaining of my freedom. This was my sort of personal test to myself, to see if I had done enough to avoid both the curse of avoiding my old bloodline for so long, while also doing enough to have a completely new bloodline available to me. Knowing this was my first time out since my changes, I was of course paying extra attention to my surroundings. In particular, I was paying extra attention to the way people interacted with me, particularly when they thought I wasn¡¯t watching. This was why I noticed how the two high level dark elven guards that were escorting me from the Mage¡¯s Guild to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall, gawked at me, when they thought I wasn¡¯t looking. Of course, being wary of them, I was ready to Teleport back to my room in the Mage¡¯s Guild at a moment¡¯s notice. Fortunately other than being creepy, and giving each other a few glances before looking back at me, nothing happened. This was good, as it meant I was no longer seen as a threat to elves, well at least not to dark elves, regular elves were a completely different story as I have not had a chance to meet one of them. The minute we enter the hall, I am met with a number of changes. I had been avoiding going to the guild hall ever since Lenny tried to get me to be involved in the torturing of one of his guards who was sleeping around on one of his co-worker¡¯s domestic partners. Apparently that was a huge red flag for Lenny, and while I do appreciate his want to uphold the sanctity of a domestic partnership, I do not feel that torture, or killing is an acceptable punishment. As such I had been conducting all of my Thieves Guild business through Glenn, we even made due with moving our reading meetings to my office at the Mage¡¯s Guild. There was of course just one problem with this arrangement, as my office was terribly compact, also the acoustics of my office caused a weird reverberation when I tried to use some of my new voices I had been working on. This was why I was entering the Thieves Guild Hall for the first time in almost two weeks. I did notice the changes, chief among them was the fact that everything was finally nearing completion. For the longest time the building had been under construction, and while some tables had been opened, they were only part of the floor. This time, it seemed that the entire floor was open. To follow this thought, I saw a banner that overlooked the floor.
Grand Opening Swap¡¯em Holdem Tournament.
Seeing the banner, I smiled, it would appear that Lenny is trying to make amends with me, as he knows my game of choice is Swap¡¯em Holdem, as my unique disability gives me an unfair advantage while playing this game against others. Not only do I know what cards everyone else has, but I am also able to identify the cards that are burned, basically I know all the probabilities and outcomes while everyone else is effectively playing blind. ¡°Good evening.¡± A deep rich voice calls out to greet me, as a cascade of shivers runs down my spine. It is Glenn, and despite talking to him daily, I still cannot get enough of his voice, I like it so much that I even unlocked a new skill.
Skill Gained: Mimicry has reached level 1.
Skill Mimicry is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
While I am not as good at using the skill as I would like, I do feel confident enough to at least try out my new voice for Rahul, which I intend to base entirely off of Glenn. ¡°And a good evening to you, Glenn.¡± I say as I give him a courtesy. I don¡¯t normally act in such a way to anyone, but while around Glenn, I almost feel a need to try to appear more sophisticated. I know, it is sad, I am in a child¡¯s body and by all appearances I likely come across as a child pretending to be noble, but I can¡¯t help myself. ¡°Madame, I have to say, you look quite elegant today. I would even say that your security detail would agree given that they haven¡¯t left your side, even though they were supposed to wait for you outside our establishment.¡± Glenn says, a sharper tone coming to his words, though he never raises his voice at all. At the admonishment, the two dark elf guards nod sheepishly, before turning around to leave. Though I would be lying if I didn¡¯t notice them turn around to give me one last look. There is a pause as Glenn stares at the two until they are fully outside the establishment, only once they are gone does Glenn let out a breath and relax his posture. ¡°Sorry that you had to see such a display.¡± ¡°No, that is quite alright.¡± I say, and I even catch myself smiling at the act. Glenn pauses as he looks at me, then after a moment he shakes his head. ¡°Madame, I must apologize for their actions, though I fear they will likely not be the only ones to make such a reaction.¡± ¡°You think so?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, you were beautiful before, but now I feel you have gone beyond the scope of comparison. You all but radiate a vibrancy that is undeniable.¡± Glenn says, as he clearly seems to be flustered by my appearance. Badump, badump. His words cause my own heart to flutter. ¡°I am sorry. It is unbecoming of me to be this way.¡± Glenn says, as he gives a bow, before quickly turning about and leaving. ¡°No, wait.¡± I say, then I realize this is exactly like one of the scenes I was reading in Rahul and the Maiden VII, the one where the Duke¡¯s daughter is rescued, and taken back home. Then once she is cleaned up of her wounds, then he is able to see her in her true form and beauty. At the time, I thought it was a clear play for the money and wealth on display, but here, the scene played out the exact same way, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel a compliment based on the way Glenn had to leave. So that is why Cryalla fell for him after all, I thought to myself as I realized my reason for being here and went to read to the blind. I know, it might sound like I was being charitable, and in a way I was, but I just loved these books so much that I couldn¡¯t stop reading them. The fact that Reymel had more copies of as yet unread portions of the story were just icing on the cake. I also saw that the enchantments got more and more complex, but they all seemed to build off of each other. When I had time I promised I would try to break down that complex nature of rune crafting and compare it to the actual practice of real runes. There were some overlaps, but I somehow felt that the versions used by Rahul were functional, even if they were wholly unique from what was considered to be the standard practice for rune crafting. However the ones used by Rahul seemed to be more protection and combat based, versus the standard runes that were used to enchant functional items, like weapons and the like. Still, I had far too much on my plate to even begin to cover runes and their general makeup. Sadly, my delving into runes would have to be done at a later date and time. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. *** I left my reading club at the standard time and made my way to my debriefing room. This was the room where I would normally exchange my information for more Strange Elixirs of Bloodline Cleansing, while I no longer needed the elixirs, the experience was nice, and it was also part of my job requirements as the number two of the Thieves Guild. Still rather than finding Glenn, as I had been hoping for, I was instead met by Ellia, while I knew she was a higher up in the guild hall, I had never had to deal with her directly before. ¡°Oh, is everything okay?¡± I asked Ellia. ¡°Yes, I was asked to fill in by Master Glenn, as he had a very important matter arise that he had to attend to right away.¡± Ellia said. ¡°Oh,¡± was all I managed to say to that, as I still didn¡¯t know what to think. CHOO-CHOO! The sound of the train coming into town could be heard bellowing outside, as a soft and gentle rumble began to shake the ground. ¡°Do you have anything to share today?¡± Ellia asked. ¡°Well, no, nothing other than what I already shared with Glenn earlier.¡± I reply somewhat awkwardly. Hearing that Ellia just nodded, ¡°very good. We were able to confirm your earlier statements. I was informed to give you these.¡± With that she held up a box of items while I also received a mental notification that I had completed my daily quest, twice.
Daily Quest (Repeatable): Thieves Guild Information Specialist: You have found yourself filling in as Lenny ¡®Lucky¡¯ Bigsly¡¯s personal information gatherer. Each time you find out a piece of information worth sharing, make sure you tell Lenny. Conditions: Actionable Information Provided (2/1). Rewards: Experience (200), access to rare consumables needed for your Bloodline Quest.
Seeing the elixirs, I decide not to take them, as I am uncertain if they will deteriorate my current bloodline that I have finally managed to activate. ¡°Thank you for that, but I will no longer require the elixirs.¡± At that Ellia just looks at me oddly for a moment, before putting the box down. ¡°Very well, that is all I need from you. Though I am to inform you that tomorrow at exactly this time is when we will be holding our grand opening Swap¡¯em Holdem tournament, in case you somehow missed all the signs and fliers.¡± I nod, ¡°thank you.¡± Then with that I left. I was about to leave the building when I saw that my two guards had been changed out, rather than the two men that had escorted me over, I was now met by two high level female dark elf guardians. Upon seeing me, one of my guards began to blush slightly, while the other one just turned about and began walking away. Only once their back was to me, did their decorum slip and a slight blush also filled her face. I was about to ask, but upon turning to the first blushing guardian that was by my side, I could see that she got flustered for a moment and quickly turned her head, as if she was caught staring at something she shouldn¡¯t have. In a way, I guess I had caught her staring. ¡°Is something the matter?¡± I ask. ¡°What? No.¡± The blushing girl said, as she turned back to look at me, only to lock gazes with me, at least that is what I think she did before turning away again.¡± Again, as a dark elf I don¡¯t have pupils or retinas so everyone assumes that as long as I turn my head in their direction that I am in fact looking directly at them. Joke¡¯s on them, as I am looking at everyone, but regardless there is something odd about this. Unfortunately, I am unable to ask anything else, before someone comes running up right towards me. Instantly my first guardian protector darts in front of the would-be charging suspect, while the second guardian wraps her arms around me in a protective gesture. ¡°Thank goodness lady Spiritlight, there is a patient that just came from the train that desperately needs your assistance.¡± The would-be suspect states. I recognize him as one of the Mage guild pages that are sent about the town. Upon seeing the missive, we begin to quickly make our way to my office. ¡°This is her?¡± A perfectly healthy elven companion asks, they are about to come near me, but think better when seeing the way my two guardians are protectively surrounding me. ¡°Oh,¡± they say trailing off as think better about physically moving. ¡°Please help them, they are dying.¡± I nod at that, as I can already see the Blight has rotted this patient for years. The damage and extent of the injuries to this patient are beyond compare as this patient looks like they have been on death¡¯s door for quite some time. Looking at him, I can almost see how his spirit has grown beyond that of his mortal shell. It is so odd seeing this man in this way. They are near death, at least that is what it looks like, but I only see this as an extra challenge. I know this patient likely risked a lot just by coming here as I can see the way the spirit resistance potion is not having the same effect on this body as it was for others who came before them. To put it simply they are dying. Realizing that, my heart begins to pound as I feel more excitement from this, than I have with anything in a long time. The first thing I do is find a way to tie down the soul back to the body. This is done by using a lot of Spirit magic tendrils to grab hold of the spirit, first. Once the safety net is complete, I begin going to town on removing portions of the Blight. In the background I can hear Zero talking with the caretaker, but that is far away, right now the only thing that matters is this patient. ¡°Oh!¡± The man cries out, in the form of a light gasp after I break apart a particularly tough patch of Blight that resides over his heart. With that, I feel the spirit rise up like a helium filled balloon that was let go slightly, fortunately my previous working is there to catch his spirit before it can go anywhere. Realizing I am still safe, so long as I keep the one spell channeled, I continue my work. Minute after minute, hour after hour I work. I go so long that I don¡¯t even focus on taking breaks, oddly enough I don¡¯t need to. I know that when I worked with Mallory I had worked half as hard and had to take multiple breaks. Now, whether it is understanding what I am doing, familiarity with my spells and this condition, or a sign of my new Hermit Healer bloodline at work, the end result is the same, I am unstoppable. Or at least, I am able to focus with such single-minded clarity that only when I am over halfway done do I realize how much I have accomplished. Of course, I don¡¯t just stop at halfway, as I continue to keep cycling more and more drilling tendrils at the Blight, the more I create, the more scraps burn away to dust before my eyes. I mentally wonder how much of that energy I am just wasting, how much of this Blight could I harvest if I had a means to do so. I figure that if I could somehow charge a battery with this release of energy, then this man¡¯s body alone would have been enough to charge three or four. At least that is how many more batteries he would have filled in comparison to Mallory¡¯s far simpler healing event. Still that didn¡¯t matter, the only thing that mattered was little by little, cleansed piece by cleansed piece I was getting closer to healing this person. I had not lost a patient, and while I was not one of those romantics that swore they would never lose one, I made it a point to not lose anyone that I could. That was why I went with so many precautions and safety measures before I even began. I knew this would be a lot on the frail body. Even now I could see how the spirit of this individual far exceeded the physical body it inhabited. Additionally the magic used to seal him was temporary at best, once the body was cleared, then the real work would begin. But I had time for that. Gasp. A faint wheezing sound could be heard as he audibly began breathing through his recently cleared right lung. Then a few minutes later he had the left lung cleared as well. Every so often Zero would come in and wipe down my forehead to get all the sweat that was pouring down my face. This was a new event and likely due to my residual consumption of so many vials of liquid. Still I didn¡¯t let the sweat stop me, especially as it didn¡¯t stop my seeing the patient. Instead I just continued to focus. At one point I knew I had worked past midnight as I saw that both Zero and the caretaker were both passed out in the waiting room. Shaking my head, I just kept going, I knew that if I stopped now then the patient¡¯s chances would go down to nothing. In fact, I was fairly certain the patient had died a long time ago, and it was just my stubborn refusal to accept fate that kept him there. I¡¯m joking of course, he was alive, his body moved just as it was supposed to, especially once free of the Blight. Again, the only problem was that he didn¡¯t seem to stay. Finally, it was clear, the body was completely cleansed of all signs of the Blight. There was just one problem, the spirit kept trying to float away. ¡°What?¡± I said, as I looked at the man¡¯s spirit. The body was moving, if barely, but that meant nothing if the spirit went away. ¡°HEY!¡± I shout at the ghost, trying to get its attention. Snap, snap. I even snap my fingers in his ghostly face, but that still does nothing. ¡°What, huh?¡± The caretaker awakens due to my antics, but I don¡¯t have time. ¡°Charles?¡± He shouts out, as pain fills his voice. It doesn¡¯t look good, that fact that he, a mortal can see both the body and spirit of his friend is likely something that only happens thanks to this being a spirit tower, and how truly close to death this man is. Still, I am not done. Taking one last deep breath, I begin to crochet his soul into his body. Weaving a long thread of spirit energy, I course it through his soul, then his body. The more I do, the more I force his actual spirit to begin to realign with his body. The head is easy, as his skull is the correct size as his face. While some of his features have shrunken in time, the skull itself is the correct size. From there I focus on the outside of the neck, then the shoulders, then the arms, the torso, the legs. All the while I weave hundreds and thousands of feet of this spirit thread throughout his body. Then finally I am done, and I tie up the two ends, the beginning and the end with one intense fusion of spiritual heat. Then I sit back and wait. And wait. The body is still moving, but there is something wrong. ¡°WAKE UP!¡± I shout, and calling forth spirit energy into my hand, in an effort of complete frustration I lash out and strike the corpse. Smack. It was uncalled for, at least that was the thought that went through my head immediately after the act, but then something miraculous happened. ¡°Wha? Huh?¡± The corpse, I mean my patient, Charles, began stammering and twitching. Slowly, he began moving, as his atrophied body could hardly keep up with the changes he was showing. Seeing that, I let out a long sigh of relief, then collapsed. Instantly Zero was there to wipe down my head. While the attendant went to check on his patient, this Charles fellow. Of course, I wasn¡¯t alone, apparently the attendant had been speaking to not just one but quite a few people. One of whom happened to be the Guild Master. ¡°I see you have once again managed to do the impossible.¡± The Guild Master said. ¡°What?¡± I ask, my head swimming with how tired I am suddenly feeling. Now that I no longer have my single minded object of my attention, my brain begins to feel like it is scrambled. ¡°You successfully brought someone back from the dead.¡± The Guild Master states. I am about to argue with him, when I received multiple system prompts.
Hidden Quest Complete (Repeatable): Curing The Blighted: You have found a way to remove the blight from individuals infected with the curse of corruption. Cleanse everyone you can of the Blight and be rewarded: Rewards: Experience (100), variable.
Hidden Quest Complete: Raising the Dead: You managed to do it, to be the first person to bring back a person from the land of the dead, back to the living. Who knew the answer lay not with Life magic, but with Spirit magic this whole time. Rewards: Experience, New Spell (already learned), reputation. Experience Gained: 1,000
New Spell Gained: Resurrection (C): A Tier IX spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, to bring a spirit back from the dead.
Seeing the messages, I felt vindicated, no even better, I now had a means to bring back my parents. Should I ever find them, I knew it would only be a matter of will, before I brought them back to life. With this, I could do almost anything. Of course, my options weren¡¯t done there, as there was still one more message that remained.
Hidden Spell Completed: Master Tier Spell Creator: You have pushed yourself to the limits of standard capabilities and beyond by creating a Tier IX or above spell. Rewards: Experience, a Badge, enhanced class Perk options.
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that was at the ranking of Tier IX or higher, wait until people ask you what it was.
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead, your way just happens to be a bit more humane than the others.
Experience Gained: 1,000 Ding. Level up. Your level has reached level 25. New Sub-Class option available. New Class Evolution criteria met. You may now choose one of the following to gain for your class advancement: A new Spell, A new Skill, a New Class Perk, or a New Class Specific Trait.
Seeing that message, my heart began to race as I realized a Class Specific Trait would be invaluable, and something that was likely as helpful, if not more than my Spiritual Doppelganger Trait, but my only question was what should I make it? Also, what was up with the messages from the badges, was it trying to start something? Chapter 54 The Class Choice, The Proposal, and The Tournament Chapter 54 The Class Choice, The Proposal, and The Tournament
You may now choose one of the following to gain for your class advancement: A new Spell, A new Skill, a New Class Perk, or a New Class Specific Trait.
The choices were all there staring me in the face, but logically only one made sense. It was the option that had been denied to me all this time. If I needed a new spell I would just create one, a new skill, well that was something that I had already done twice. The Perks were also nice, since this was my level 25 perk it was likely something to be impressive, maybe truly getting Unbound in my attributes, but I was so far away from that at the moment that even that seemed like a novel concept. No, what I needed now was the thing I always craved, more power. ¡°Trait.¡±
You have chosen a Trait as your class¡¯s next evolutionary marker: Choose from one of the following main categories: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Healing, Death, Electricity, Phantasm, and Spirit.
I pause as those categories are all rather broad. I notice it is missing a few categories like Light, Shadow and other, though Phantasm could probably cover most of those. Instantly I rule out Death, Fire, Spirit and after a seconds pause Electricity. Granted Electricity could likely be used to fuel robotic suits, overload sensors and the like the vast majority of what I could use Electricity for would likely be offensive. There are more than enough ways to kill someone without a special class defining power. Similarly I rule out the remaining elements, while Water might let me breath underwater, it doesn¡¯t have much more use for me at the moment. It is not like I need to drink to survive. Same thing with Earth, there is just not much purpose for it at the moment. Air might be able to get me to fly, but it is also just as likely that I will get a movement power, or worse some type of cyclone attack power. How annoying would it be to have a cyclone power, especially in my line of work, my notes would go everywhere. That really just left Phantasm and Healing, but Phantasm was a bit too nebulous, to many random facts. Could I get another power similar to Spiritual Doppelganger, or would I get a different power entirely? I didn¡¯t know, nor was I willing to take the chance. Ultimately, I was left with one class Healing. Now I know what you are thinking, why Healing, don¡¯t you already do that? Well I do, but hear me out, currently I heal by converting energy from my main pool of energy. As I¡¯ve said before, each Trait has their own well of energy to draw from, meaning that if I doubled down on Healing, I would be able to heal people twice as quickly, also I wouldn¡¯t feel nearly as drained, as I currently do given that my reserves for each would be just as full as each other. Really Healing was the only option for me, that or maybe I shouldn¡¯t make impactful life choices immediately after a twelve hour long surgery session, where I invent a brand new Tier IX spell that had been thought of as a superstition at this point. Also, I do find the idea of a Spirit magician being better at all aspects of healing than even the most powerful of Life magic practitioners. Not only can I resurrect, yes apparently a deep spirit related power, but with this I would be able to heal more effectively. By the fact that I was low on cognitive energy, and the fact that I was banking on the fact that I would have twenty-four hours to reconsider my choice, I went ahead and followed my gut. ¡°Healing.¡±
You have chosen your Class evolution to be a Trait related to Healing Magic, is this correct?
¡°Yes.¡±
Calculating.
Checking recent Accomplishments, Merits, and Flaws.
Denoting two badges related to healing: Master Tier Spell Creator (500), Resurrector (250).
Applicable Merits: Precocious (7), Unbound (7), Hermit Healer (7), Angel¡¯s Sight (25)
Applicable Flaws: Blind (7)
The lists were impressive, I noted that it counted a lot more merits than flaws, which was good. But looking at my sheet I had overcome a lot of flaws. I had over the years, and mostly when I first started had a total of nine flaws: Of which, only Broke, Dark Horse, Orphan, and Blind still applied to me. I left my Bad Starting Location and outgrown my now obsolete Child flaw. Similarly, my Second Class Citizen, and my Unique Class Flaw Void Touched Void Walker were both removed thanks to my recent bloodline cleansing. This meant I got to keep both Zero and my Death Shroud, for free thanks to that prolonged effort, thinking back on it, that might have been why that quest chain was so prolific. Of course, my last flaw my Rivalry flaw was destroyed at the same time as my Ally merit was, when the Arcanarus University imploded. All in all, I was doing well, Broke was the last one that would age off within the next ten months and then after that, I would be down to my three flaws that I couldn¡¯t get rid of. I was so busy lost in my own musings that I almost missed the calculations made by the system.
Healing Trait accepted with a 160% bonus applied. Original Class Trait awarding Healing has been improved to Omni-Healing.
Class Trait Omni-Healing: Heal any living creature with comparable magical energy.
I paused for a moment trying to understand where all the bonuses came in. I know I didn¡¯t have a 160% bonus to healing normally, but only after a moment of hesitation did, I realize that I still had a few days on my divine blessing from Mallory. Did that also play a factor in determining this event? If so, that means I might need to hit up Mallory once more when I get close to level 50, though I doubt I will have as amazing as a response then. Also after seeing the Trait I was given, Omni-Healing, I was more than sure I had made the correct decision. I was a little shocked that I didn¡¯t have the 24 hour timer that I normally got, but in this case the system chose the power I got, based on my response. Right now, I still feel that there would be a moment I could challenge this, but I didn¡¯t want to, honestly this was likely better than what I had hoped for. Though I also feel a certain spark in me die, as I feel I had just been handed the test answers at the back of the book. No longer would I have to focus on trying to find new solutions to solve problems, now it seemed that this would just hand me the answers. Honestly, I hoped it wasn¡¯t like that, I hoped there would still be the puzzle needed to solve and help heal each patient, just that this would help me adapt to my individual patient. Also, the wording seemed rather open ended, as it seemed to imply that I could heal elementals, not that I knew what could truly hurt an elemental, but this spell did seem to imply I could do that very thing. Still, before I could get too far into what this all meant, I was met with yet another system message.
Class Void Walker (Unique) has evolved to Void Healer (Unique-Legendary).
Class level bonuses have changed From: +2 Free points, +1 Dexterity, and +1 Willpower every level, and +1 Intelligence every even level.
To: +1 Dexterity, +1 Willpower, +1 Intelligence, +1 Perception, +1 to either Sociability or Personality (personal choice), every level.
That was a huge change, I went from just nine attributes every two levels, to ten attributes every two levels. Well that wasn¡¯t much of a change, but it looked like it would begin to add up. I still had a backlog of 14 Free Points to spend, I had been thinking about putting them all into Perception, but now that I was going to improve Perception every level, it just meant that Strength and Stamina were the only attributes I had that would not improve once every level, as my racial bonus also gave me +1 Attractiveness every level. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°What happened?¡± The Guild Master asked, his words pulling me from my own chaotic thoughts. ¡°I just evolved my class.¡± I state. ¡°No, I think you still have time before the changes to your body become permanent. As it is, you are still showing signs of the bloodline¡­ oh wait, you said your class, not your race? Is that correct?¡± The guild master asked. ¡°What?¡± I ask, shaking my head as I realize the mad professor really just let a large nugget drop there. ¡°You said your class had evolved and not your bloodline, er your class?¡± He corrected again. He was not being too subtle, but then again I didn¡¯t need him to be subtle at this moment, I needed to be told everything as I was still a little loopy from my marathon healing operation, so keeping up now was a little tough for me. ¡°Wait, so you are saying that in addition to my recent class change, I can expect a bloodline race evolution?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, honestly it is odd that you were allowed to evolve your class while you are clearly going through a racial change.¡± ¡°What do you mean a racial change? I am still a dark elf, right?¡± ¡°How do I put this, yes and no. Yes, you will still have the base characteristics of a dark elf, the purple skin, the sharp ears, the monochromatic eyes, they will all be indicators that you originally began as a dark elf. But your recent changes have only just begun. Your skin is now a much lighter shade of purple, an indication that you recently awoken your bloodline. Your hair and eye colors have also changed, as your hair is now a very light blonde almost a shock white in color, as your eyes are now a sparkling emerald green. I don¡¯t believe I have ever witnessed another dark elf with quite the same distinguishing features as you now possess. In fact, I don¡¯t know if you realized but most males have a hard time looking at you without being attracted. That is why you were assigned a new set of female guards to guide you back to the Mage Guild.¡± He pauses for a moment, at that, I remember the way that Glenn suddenly left and wonder if he too, but no, there was no way, he was an orc, there was no way he would be attracted to me? Right? Oh well, I guess I will just have to ask him about it later. I guess in a way it made sense that my race would also change now that my bloodline was active. But I don¡¯t know, I kind of expected more? Though I guess in a way this would need to take a day, just like most upgrades. Also, was this the reason that my class upgrade was fast tracked, basically I couldn¡¯t have dueling timers going off, so in order to stop problems from occurring the Trait for my Class was given automatically? If so, I was appreciative of that, as waiting for my choices to sink in is always annoying. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what my class upgrade would entail, also I really wondered what I looked like? Not that I am vain, but I do wonder what I look like now. Then again, I wondered what I looked like earlier as well. BOOM! An earth-shattering quake vibrates outside the building to show a lone figure standing outside the Guild Hall for a second, their landing clearly causing an impact crater to form. ¡°What was that?¡± The guild master says, but before he can move to inspect the cause of the disturbance, the disturbance comes into the guild hall, running and turning the corner. Huffing. The divine being that I clearly see as Mallory of the Midnight Hunters Guild is there, her chest heaving as she looks like she has run the entire way here. ¡°You okay?¡± I ask, suddenly moving forward to inspect her. She blinks for a moment, then stares at me as if seeing me for the first time. ¡°Cass?¡± I smile then reply, ¡°the one and the only.¡± At that Mallory cocks her head to the side for a moment, before moving forward to inspect me. Her hands come up and begin touching me. I normally dislike such attentions, but when they are a level 700 killing machine, I tend to give them a lot of leeway. ¡°Darling, what happened to you?¡± I pause, at that, then run my fingers through my still sweat soaked hair. Though my hair is drying out by now, but I can¡¯t look that good at all. ¡°Oh, yeah, the surgery went a little long and I apparently had a lot of fluids I could sweat out. Not the most pleasant of experiences.¡± I admit. ¡°Okay,¡± she says as she then leans down to stare me in the eyes. ¡°Are those contacts?¡± ¡°No, they appear to be my new permanent eye color.¡± I admit. At that, I can see her eyes open wider. ¡°Wait, why are you here?¡± I ask, then look outside to the crater she left in the stretch of ground that separates the train track from the sidewalk of this town. ¡°My granddaughter, she said get to you immediately, then the reasoning was edited. I assumed it was something life threatening, so I got here as quickly as possible.¡± She says, looking around and noting my patient, the now gaunt Mr. Charles and his servant. ¡°Charlesey? Is that you?¡± She asks, clearly seeing the man and somehow recognizing him, even in his emaciated form. ¡°The one and the same.¡± Charles, my recently revived back to life patient answers. ¡°I thought you died a long time ago?¡± ¡°Hehe, can¡¯t say it wasn¡¯t for a lack of trying. That Blight got me good. Had it not been for the little doctor here, I would have been dead twice over.¡± ¡°Twice?¡± ¡°Yeah, brought me back to life and everything. I even got a badge for it.¡± He said with pride, as a wall of text appeared before him.
New Feat Recorded: First to Be Revived (500). You were the first patient to ever be resurrected back to life.
Seeing that Mallory gawked for a second. ¡°No way, just seeing that, I want to buy you a beer just to hear how you got that one.¡± ¡°Hehe. Well, sadly from my end it would be a relatively boring story. All I remember is agreeing to Mitch¡¯s idea of coming here.¡± He said, gesturing with one hand towards the person who was by his side the entire time. ¡°After that, I remember meeting your guards, before being carried onto the train, then being taken here. There was one point where she cleared my lungs enough for me to breath normally, that nearly woke me from the dead. I remembered looking down at myself, nearly frightened by the body I was hovering over.¡± At that the healed man, Charles, looked at his bony hands and just shook his head, as he faked giving himself the shivers from looking at his emaciated body. ¡°But who healed you?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°The good doctor here.¡± Charles stated. At that Mallory blinked, then turned to face me. ¡°You healed him?¡± I paused at that, ¡°I am a doctor after all.¡± I said, feeling somewhat annoyed by that statement. Shaking her head, ¡°right, but you can only do Spirit Magic right? How did you bring him back to life?¡± At that I smile and show off my new spell that I created.
New Spell Gained: Resurrection (C): A Tier IX spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, to bring a spirit back from the dead.
Reading the message Mallory paused, opening her mouth wide like a fish, before shutting it again. Then her eyes went wide, ¡°that¡¯s why my granddaughter urged me to come. You just did this, right? You just created a tier IX spell on your own?¡± ¡°Yeah, who would have known that Resurrection was a Spirit Magic spell this entire time.¡± I admitted. At that, everyone paused. Apparently, the guild master was the first to notice everything. ¡°To be clear, you created that Tier IX spell just now, while you were operating on the patient?¡± ¡°Well I didn¡¯t exactly have time to stop and read a manual on keeping a spirit tethered to the body, now did I?¡± At that, the guild master pauses, then after a second, he too looks flummoxed. ¡°I guess you are right in that you didn¡¯t. Though, you say, you had to tether the spirit to the body?¡± ¡°Yeah, I used to crochet, and well apparently that is a skill needed if you want to resurrect people. Who would have known.¡± I say. Cackle. Mallory is cackling wildly, ¡°oh girl, you are far too much. Mary me, right here and now. I just need you in my life, that much is certain.¡± I pause looking at her with confusion clearly etched on my face. ¡°Is this just to keep me in your guild?¡± ¡°Oh yes, well that and more. Girl, you are amazing. Again, come to us when you are free. In fact, let us know if you want someone to power level you, we can help you clear any number of floors on this tower.¡± She admits. While I don¡¯t want to have to go on a murder spree to clear the different floors of this tower, her words do make me realize another way I could be power leveled by so many high level people being around. ¡°Actually, if you are serious about the power leveling, then I might have an idea we can try?¡± ¡°Oh, and what is this idea now?¡± Mallory states. ¡°Next door, later,¡± I pause trying to realize if it is day or night out, but then remember that it is at least early in the morning, ¡°today, there will be a Swap¡¯em Holdem tournament. If you or some dozen or so members of your guild happen to be there, I will be more than happy to alleviate all of you of your money and experience.¡± ¡°Hahaha! See, that¡¯s why I think you are perfect for our guild. I will get some of my people to show up, but don¡¯t feel bad if they win.¡± ¡°Oh good, I would hate to just steal their experience and cash. Since they are going to try, it will make my victory that much sweeter.¡± Chuckle. ¡°Girly, I think I¡¯m going to like seeing what you do in the future.¡± Mallory said, as she then began to leave. ¡°Toodles, I will see you later.¡± Then just as oddly as she came, she disappeared. Rumble. This time giving another burst off from the ground in the same exact impact crater she created when she entered. ¡°Well, it seems she still hasn¡¯t changed.¡± Charles said. At that, I couldn¡¯t help but smile, ¡°at least she is having fun. Now if you all will excuse me, I believe I have a nap to take before I need to get back to work.¡± ¡°Right, about that, why don¡¯t you take the rest of the day off.¡± The Guild Master said, before continuing. ¡°In fact, just take off for the next few days, that should give me enough time to work this paperwork.¡± ¡°Paperwork?¡± ¡°Yes, now I have to document how you created a second new spell, this time it is a Tier IX spell for Resurrection of all things¡­¡± He mutters to himself as he leaves. At that, I realize the reward for what it was, a clear dismissal to leave the hall and attend the tournament next door. Of course, I still had time before it was to start, but most of that would be fixed with taking a shower, followed by a much-needed nap. Chapter 55 Tournament Sign In Chapter 55 Tournament Sign In It is amazing how a quick power nap and chance to do what you love can change the entire course of your day. Up until a few hours ago I had been dead exhausted, nearly inconsolable, fortunately I didn¡¯t have too many patients. That and the patients that I had were just people that had to be cured of the toxicity in their blood streams. Their purging was a lot easier to handle than curing the Blight and sadly, I got just as much experience from cleansing them. I also found that curing someone of toxicity was not the same thing as healing them, as my newly acquired talent of Omni-Healing was unable to do anything for the cause of their condition. Granted once I performed the task of cycling their blood for them, and was able to cure them that way, I was then able to use my Omni-Healing to cure their residual wounds and damage to their bodies, but nothing about the underlying cause of the damage they suffered. On the one hand I was glad that Omni-Healing wasn¡¯t just a one stop shop for fixing everything, as it still seemed the game would require people to know what they were doing, well if they wanted to be truly successful. I could have logically just healed them, and thereby let the toxicity rating continue to build up, causing more and more cumulative damage that would then need to be healed, but that was stupid. Sadly, I feel that is what a lot of healers probably do, focus on healing the hit points, versus healing the whole body. Needless to say, I was able to heal seven patients in my final two hours of work. Granted they had all waited all day, and let me rest, an act of kindness on their part that I was more than grateful for. That was why I made sure to heal each of them. Fortunately with my second pool of energy for Omni-Healing, I was able to work through all seven patients with a breeze, for a total of 700 experience. Then my three hours of reading for an extra 180. Then finally I told Ellia about my newest piece of gossip, the fact that I was now a resurrector. Granted the thieves guild likely already knew, but as I could confirm it, I got credit for that discovery. In all, I was looking at a total experience pool of 31,580. Or to put it more succinctly I was 1,580 experience over what was needed to get to and keep level 25. Seeing as I just got this level, and was still going through changes, I didn¡¯t want to lose it. There of course was only on problem, this meant that I only had 1,500 experience points that I wished to wager. Had this been before my sudden level increase, I would have gladly wagered 25,500 experience or however much experience I had between level 24+ to level 10. Since level 10 was the last class evolution point, I didn¡¯t think going back to there would have been too much of an issue. But now losing my third class evolution, and likely all the prerequisites to get a Class Trait as part of my class evolution, now that would have been too much. So rather than risking everything, I decided to play it safe. I entered the minor division of Lenny¡¯s grand opening tournament. Spending nearly everything I had to my name. ¡°75 Gold and 1,500 experience?¡± The receptionist asked. I nodded. I could tell the receptionist likely thought of me as a cheapskate, but honestly my Broke flaw had more ways of finding me and taxing me than I could count. In fact, the only way I was able to get so much gold was because I took out a loan against my monthly earnings from the Mage¡¯s Guild. Yeah, a loan, on account of bad credit. So now I needed to pay back the 75 with interest, or let the interest accrue the longer I tried to earn money. ¡°You know this is just enough to enter into the lower bracket?¡± The receptionist asked. Once again, I nodded. In a way this was good, as it likely meant my level of competition would be weaker. The true card sharks would be at the advanced tournament, of course, there could be a few others who chose to enter the lower tournaments thinking it would be easier pickings. No doubt, that is what this receptionist was thinking of my paltry entrance. Given that I had a permanent seat at the big table, it was clear that I truly liked Swap¡¯em Holdem. ¡°A moment.¡± A deep baritone voice called out from behind me, sending chills down my spine. I had known he was there, watching, my Rahul made flesh, but to hear him talk so suddenly, now that was something. I turn to face him. ¡°Would you perhaps be needing financial assistance?¡± Glenn asked. I turn to face Glenn, not that it matters to me, but people do get unnerved when the blind person just stares off into the distance seeming to talk to themselves. ¡°Thank you, but I do not require any assistance from Lenny.¡± I reply, figuring that Glenn no doubt is here representing Lenny¡¯s future interests. ¡°Madame,¡± he says, his voice causing my heart to flutter. Gods, why does he have such an amazing voice and presence. ¡°I assure you, that I am here for no ones interest save my own.¡± Hearing him, I almost believe him, his statement that he is only here to represent himself. ¡°Terms? I am a good deal away from the minimum needed for the high table. Both in terms of gold and experience.¡± ¡°What would you say to a sixty to forty split?¡± ¡°How about fifty to fifty, you get any gold I might earn, while I get the experience?¡± I counter. ¡°I do not see this as being a problem, though I do have one caveat.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± I ask, while raising an eyebrow in a gesture clearly asking him to go on. Guh. He stammers for a moment, mouth fully agape and everything at my subtle gesture. I almost lose character at the moment and laugh, but I got the normally stoic Glenn, the muscle for Lenny¡¯s branch of the Thieves Guild to get flustered. It was a look that looked oddly cute on his strong face. He of course regains his composure almost instantly and states, ¡°all I ask is that should you win the whole thing, you repay the experience.¡± I nod, ¡°fair enough, though should I win the whole thing, I hope that you will return my 75gold pieces.¡± ¡°Deal.¡± Glenn said, as he held out his gloved hand. I gently slide my own gloved hand into his and smile mischievously at him. At that, he faulters for a second time. That is when I am met with my first system message. While I hadn¡¯t been expecting this to be the first system message of the tournament, I can¡¯t say I was disappointed by it. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
New Skill Gained: Seduction has increased to level 1.
Skill Seduction is a Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing the skill and its description, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Strength? Was it because they made it so you had a strong personality to be seductive? Or was it more of a more primal understanding one that spoke to the fact that strength was inherently seductive and those who had a lot of strength were even more seductive. Regardless of the rationale, I was happy that it was a skill that would improve all mental and social based Attributes, along with Strength. Still to see it written there on his face, made me feel somewhat special, I am not going to lie. It was one thing to have a slight crush on someone, but to know that they clearly found you attractive was something else entirely. I have to admit that seeing the way he looked at me, I did feel stronger, though more of a mental strength than anything, but it was a form of strength that felt good. Not the power over someone, but the fact that I now felt empowered by the attentions of another. In my regular life I had never been too exceptional, at least I never remember being so. So, this was all new to me, but now that I had it, I couldn¡¯t blame the addition that others might have felt. With that, I make it a note to keep this skill use to minimum, or maybe with that special one.
A deal has been made.
To enter the High Stakes Tables for the Swap¡¯em Holdem championship, Glenn Bloodfang has offered to sponsor your remaining fees and experience costs. In exchange for 75 gold, and 1,500 experience, you will be asked to turn over all financial winnings to Glenn Bloodfang, while all experience gains will be awarded to you, the contestant.
Cost: 75 Gold, 1,500 Experience.
Exception: Should you win the whole Swap¡¯em Holdem tournament you will regain your initial prices of 75 gold pieces, while Glenn Bloodfang will regain his 23,500 experience he put up for your entry.
Seeing the costs, I almost do a spit-take. With my 1,500 experience the entire entry fee was 25, 000 experience? I start shaking just at the thought of that. ¡°You are trembling.¡± Glenn says, pulling me close, and hugging me tightly. At first I resist, but after a second I relax slightly as I take in a deep scent of Glenn. This is amazing, breathing in deeply I smell a deep scent of sandalwood and vanilla. Then after a moment¡¯s pause, he speaks up again, ¡°don¡¯t worry about winning or losing. In this I just want to see you have fun.¡±
Warning: You are wagering 75 gold and 1,500 of your own experience. These will be withdrawn from your person immediately. Should you exit early or fail to place, you will not gain any of this back. Do you wish to proceed?
That was my warning, letting me know that if I didn¡¯t want to risk that much, or rather, if I didn¡¯t want Glenn to risk that much on me, then I should give up now. Still, I didn¡¯t like the idea of being beholden to anyone. The fact that this entire thing made me feel confined to Glenn for 23,500 experience was a little disconcerting. I barely liked the idea that I still had to stay at the Mages Guild for eleven months, the idea that I would be bound to Glenn personally, well that was something entirely different. Also, if I was bound for that much experience, how much of his gold was he wagering on me? No wait, best not to know answers to questions that you really don¡¯t want answered. Still, this is what I want. Breathe in. Breathe out. Taking a long calming breath, I focus my mind and realize I can do this. I might not win, but with my Skills I should be able to at least place high enough to earn back the experience wagered and gold put up by Glenn. After that, well I hope I can earn more than enough experience to at least make it so Glenn doesn¡¯t regret helping me. Then with a slightly nervous intonation, I answer the prompt ¡°yes.¡± Chime.
You are now Contestant number 823 in the master level of No Limit Swap¡¯em Holdem Tournament.
Warning: Know that in an effort to cut down on cheating a multitude of anti-cheat devices will be enacted, to include but not limited to Skill Restrictions, Power Inhibitors, and Attribute Limiters.
Seeing the warning, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that it was a little late. Had I known I wasn¡¯t going to be able to use my Skills I would have never joined, I mean the only reason I can read anything at all is because of my Skills. Still, this can¡¯t be right, can it? ¡°Glenn?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°What does it mean that I will have Skill Restrictors, Power Inhibitors, and Attribute Limiters in place?¡± I ask, trying to keep the fear from my voice that I most certainly am suddenly feeling. ¡°Oh that, these are fairly standard practices for gambling halls. We place a series of three bands magical bans on you that you then wear throughout the entire tournament. These bands will cut off all accesses to skills and powers, meaning you will not be able to influence, or interpret the play of others. Also, to make sure everyone is on the same page, you will have an Attribute band that limits the rewards gained from class levels, this way it is solely down to the base user and their standard chances of succeeding. You will find this practice to be common in all card tournaments, and is the one that is least disputed.¡± Glenn says, as he opens up a box of three magically glowing circlets. I recognize their design almost immediately, they are similar to the ones that are placed on people who are put under arrest, as they make it so even a level one policeman could handle a level 900 Mechanoid Master. Still the idea of being bound is concerning. I will effectively lose all my bonuses from levels, but I feel that my base Attributes should be more than enough. ¡°Know that these only affect skills, and powers that go outside of your body. Any internal spells you have will continue to function properly.¡± He states, as he pulls out the first ring that seems to glow with a deep inner red light. ¡°This is the Attribute inhibitor.¡± Click. It snaps into place over my arm and instantly I feel slightly lightheaded. I lurch forward, only to be caught by Glenn¡¯s strong hands. ¡°Easy there.¡± He says, as he holds me upright for a moment, then once he realizes I am able to stand on my own, he eases back. I look at my stats and realize that Glenn was right, my Attributes feel like they have been cut in half, well most of them. Glenn was correct in his statement that I still had my base Attributes, which I assumed were far higher than most other people¡¯s were, but that didn¡¯t mean much in the grand scheme of things. ¡°Here is the magic inhibitor. Again, this will just affect spells going outside of your body, any internal spells you have will still operate, but spells to enhance sight and other activities will still be in place.¡± Click. With that, he puts a blue glowing band on my body, that instantly begins to cause an odd pulsing resonance that does break apart my external spells. To my surprise I notice the impact almost immediately as the band stops my Spirit Sight spell from working properly, I can still feel the energy being used and applied, but the effects of the spell appear distorted. ¡°Very good.¡± Glenn says, as he gives a slight nod of approval. ¡°And lastly, we have the Skill disruptor. Again, this one should only be able to disrupt your external skills. Any internal skills you have like Mathematics, Probability, or anything like that will not be able to be affected by this.¡± Hearing that, I pause, as I realize that is likely why Glenn is putting so much faith in me. He likely thinks I have one or both of those skills. That said, now that I know they are a thing, I totally want to get them, but I just haven¡¯t had a chance to learn them in game. With this Glenn pulls out the last and final bracelet, a green glowing bracelet that he gently slides into place and click. The moment the final bracelet clicks into place I know I am in trouble. I can still see, despite being blind my Angel¡¯s Sight, still lets me perceive the world, despite my vision going murky. There of course is just one problem. My skill that I had been banking on to win this whole tournament, Blind Eidetic Speed Reading, the gift from the gods that let me read at a prodigious rate is gone. Well, it isn¡¯t gone, I can still see that it is there, but so long as I have this bracelet on, it might as well be gone. ¡°There we go, fits like a glove.¡± Glenn says reassuringly to me, as he pats my arm right over top of the bands. The only problem, I realize that I can¡¯t even interpret how Glenn is reacting to me. I mean, I see his expressions, but the majority of my understanding of people came from my Emotional Insight skill, one that is also currently dead. ¡°Right this way.¡± Glenn says, a gentle tone to his words, as he begins guiding me to the main table in the back. This of course is my table that I specifically asked for. Clap, clap. Glenn claps his hands, and instantly people off in the distance begin to move. ¡°We had a special chair made for this special occasion.¡± Glenn begins, as a few Thieves Guild members go and grab a special chair that had been made just for this occasion. I can see this, just as I always have. I can even see things in the other rooms, but I can¡¯t read anything. Everything that had been visible and legible a moment ago was now a blank black strip. It was terrifying, for a moment I have a flashback to my first few days here, ones where I was forced to go on without the ability to read. Fortunately I had done a nearly impossible task, killing a zone behemoth and had been rewarded with a personalized skill book, one that let me read everything, but now thanks to this stupid arm band, I was now blind. I also knew that my spells wouldn¡¯t work. Out of curiosity, I tested my Telepathy, and was somewhat alleviated to see that this Trait still worked properly, meaning I could read someone¡¯s mind and see what they thought their cards were, as well as the cards on the table. This of course still meant that I had one glaring problem with my play strategy. I still had no way of knowing what my two hold cards would be. ¡°Here you go.¡± Glenn says, as he gestures for me to sit down in a lush leather chair. Sitting down, I feel a bit of my tension leave my body as this chair was nice. ¡°A chair worthy of a queen.¡± Glenn says, ¡°unfortunately, I do have other matters I must attend to, but I do hope you enjoy tonight.¡± Kiss. With that Glenn kissed my hand. I would have so swooned for that gesture had I not been inwardly panicking at the idea that I still had no way to play this game effectively. Other than showing my cards to someone else, I would be at a loss. It was at this point that I came up with the ultimate solution to my problem, I decided that if I couldn¡¯t play and win normally, then I would do the next best thing, I would cheat. Chapter 56 Cheating and Other Life Hacks Chapter 56 Cheating and Other Life Hacks Yes, I was in a Swap¡¯em Holdem tournament, I had no way of knowing what cards I had as my external skills were cut off from me. Similarly, my own personal magic and level derived attributes were also denied to me. Worse, it was implied that this would be standard practice for all card playing tournaments. So, I of course was left with but one option, to cheat. Or not so much cheat, as find a way to bypass the restrictive nature of these cuffs. Feeling them against my skin, I could see how they worked. Both from a resonance point of view, and from an innate understanding of the input that my Angel¡¯s Sight was still able to provide. I was of course sitting down in my chair, and focusing on what I could do to win this. I needed to win, or at least place in one of the top fifty or so spots so that the money and experience that Glenn put up for my behalf would be returned. Of course, to get up that high, I had to know what my personal cards were, something that was currently denied to me. I had a cheat, as the bands stopped spells, but not traits. Also, I don¡¯t know if there would be enough room on my arm to block all of my traits, not to brag, but I have been hoarding those for rainy days such as today. I could likely still use Telekinesis, on the charm bracelets but that would be a last resort. The reason that physically altering the bands would be a last resort is that I was told that altering the bands in any way would be grounds for disqualification. However, there was no wording in place about creating a spell that would allow me to bypass the restrictive nature of these bands. There were a couple of ways that I could do this, but I felt the best way to go about my plan of not being constricted was to create a tunnel that I could use to bypass the protective nature of these charms. Feeling the charms against my skin gave me greater insight into the nature of their disruption capabilities. All three charms were magical in nature, meaning they all had a magical frequency and resonance that separated them from others. I also still could use all of my internal skills, meaning anything that didn¡¯t require the input from outside of my body would be easily accessible. By this measure, I felt that bypassing the skills bracelet would likely be the easiest one to bypass, as it seemed to be the one with the most area to cover, meaning that it was spread out too wide to truly be effective. Of course, the only way I could create a spell that could disrupt the Skill Inhibiting bracelet would be to first bypass the Spell Inhibiting bracelet. I still had access to my important skills that would make such a task possible. I had maxed out my Spell Theory and Magic Theory both were at 125. Similarly, I had other needed skills at similarly high levels. Spirit-Magic Spell Creation, my class evolution skill was sitting at 116, a level only possible thanks to my Unbound merit. My Spell Deconstruction skill was at 82, and while it wasn¡¯t as applicable, it was close enough to being applicable for deconstructing the effects that these artifacts were doing to me. I also had my ultimate ace in the hole for magic related skills Energy Resonance Alteration, which was also maxed out at 125. What did all of this mean? Well for starters, all of that meant that I was likely wasting my potential trying to scam people at a card tournament, but aside from that, I knew that it was only a matter of when, not if, I would be able to break these bands.
You have the small blind and must pay in, even if you do not wish to play this hand.
Big blind fee: 25 Gold, 25 Experience.
Apparently, the system read my thoughts and knew I would sit out until I had figured this out. Of course, there was no reason to even try right now, with my inability to read my own cards, so I of course did what anyone would do. I inwardly sigh and pay my dues, vowing to work harder and faster to not keep losing money. Pushing forward the minimum needed for the big blind, I push my cards forward indicating that I do not wish to be part of the hand anymore. From there, I go about focusing on the resonance frequency of the spell inhibiting band and begin to worm my way through the defenses. Basically, the idea is that I will create a tunnel through the bands that will allow me to both maintain a stable connection, while also letting my full consciousness out from behind the band. I think of this like building a tunnel. I could just create a hole long enough to crawl through, but if I wanted to do work, I need to make one large enough to at least stand up comfortably in. From there I could then excavate, search for natural resources, or whatever other reasons people can come up with, as to why they build tunnels. As for me, the important part is just building the tunnel, which is as simple as recognizing the spiraling nature of the frequency being used by the band to disrupt my spells. Then create a resonance that runs exactly counter to the frequency, while being able to gently slide along the same paths that the bands follow. This is done by¡­
You have the big blind and must pay in, even if you do not wish to play this hand.
Big blind fee: 50 Gold, 50 Experience.
I nearly vomit at the sight, 75 gold right there, and wasted between the two hands. All I had, well worse, all I had managed to borrow from the Mage¡¯s Guild as an advancement on my future salary. An advancement that came with an interest rate to boot. Seeing that, I shake my head, and then try to think back to where I was, right, the direction of the bracelet traversal spell. Well, first I need to much these cards. ¡°You win.¡± The dealer says, pushing back my coins, my experience and the money from the small blind. Apparently, everyone mucked their hands, so they were out. Well good, now I was back to where I was before these blinds started. With my pot back to its starting size, I go back to my train of thought and try working out this puzzle of a new spell. Why go with the flow of the band? Simple, I don¡¯t want to break the cuffs, and while I logically could break these bands if I went hard enough, the goal here is to create an opening large enough to be effective, while also not alerting anyone to the fact that I was trying to cheat. Then after a few seconds of work, I found the correct inverse frequency needed to easily slip past the cuff¡¯s dense outer layer of protection. Then once found, I then channeled more energy into the spell construct to make the tendril of mana I was creating thicker. Finally, once it was a large enough size, I then began slowly weaving it through the spiraling nature of the band, there was a lot of resistance at first, but once I slowly vibrated the other flows of energy away, my channel was open. My proof that I had been successful was when my Spirit Sight spell that I had been channeling all this time, suddenly flashed back to life. In my case, Spirit Sight allowed me to see what was happening in the real world, and thus I could see the backdrop of similar scenery that was also different from the world we had around us. I like the spell, as I felt it always kept me grounded, letting me know that I was still here in the spirit realm. Also, with the spell only costing 2% of my overall mana, it was nothing to maintain. With that first spell complete, I took a moment to pause and let out a slight breath of relief.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Escape Artist: You have managed to come up with a means of bypassing the security measures of spell restraining bands, while not fully breaking them. Rewards: Experience, New Spell, variable.
Experience Gained: 500.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard spell inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Wow, 500 experience, that was what I got from healing five patients of the blight, or from eight and a third hours of reading. Though I could only get this reward once. Encouraged by that, I then decided to break the Attribute inhibitor next, as that one would unlock my class derived Attributes. While breaking the skill cuffs would be enough to let me compete in the tournament, as I would finally be able to see my cards, I knew I would not focus on sliding past the Attribute inhibiting band if I unlocked the Skill band first. I was too easily distracted and would end up reading what other people were doing to bluff their way through hands and ultimately never focus on the missing attributes. That was why the second band I slid past was the Attribute Inhibiting band. After the first one, this one was slightly easy, As I just created a spell that went out, and began burrowing into and through the restraints of the Attribute Inhibiting band. Now that I knew what I was doing, the whole process was a lot simpler and I managed to do it in seemingly half the time. I did have to pay into the small and big blinds again, but that was nothing. Well it was something but I was still even, or at least that was my way of thinking about it since I one my big blind hand by everyone bowing out. This time two others stayed in, so I mucked my hand and went about completing my next step of freedom. Whoom. The instant I managed to break through the Attribute Inhibiting band I felt my mind awaken as my increased attributes all came flooding back to me. This time just like last time, I received a system message informing me of my status.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Escape Artist (II): You have managed to come up with a means of bypassing the security measures of Attribute restraining bands, while not fully breaking them. Rewards: Experience, New Spell, variable.
Experience Gained: 500.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Attribute Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Attribute inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
With that I let out another sigh of relief, as that spell just happened. I tried weaving a third spell from my second one, but it seemed that I was at my end, the first bypass was just enough to squeeze my spell past the Attribute Inhibitor bracelet. Now that both were up, I had nothing else to do, but to channel a second exact copy of my Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass spell, that I then used as a tunnel to finally bypass the Skill Inhibiting band. While the Skill Inhibiting band was the easiest to bypass, again due to just how broad it was in its protections, I still had to sit out another round of hands, where I once again had to muck my big and small blinds, but it was worth it.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Escape Artist (III): You have managed to come up with a means of bypassing the security measures of skill restraining bands, while not fully breaking them. Rewards: Experience, New Spell, variable.
Experience Gained: 500.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Skill Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Skill inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
Instantly, I could begin to see the world around me as I had for years. I could read every card, I could see every word written, and better still, I could comprehend it all. I was down 40% of my mana due to the four constant spells I had to channel, but that was a small price to pay for having a clear Attribute and Skill advantage over my competition. When I saw my first two cards come towards me, I nearly cried, despite their being normally terrible cards.
7 of Spades, 9 of Spades
Seeing the hand, I decided to see where it would go. While everyone else had a face card, I had both a straight and a flush draw, seeing that, I decided to call. ¡°Hmm?¡± The player to my right reacted to seeing me randomly call a hand. ¡°What?¡± I ask. ¡°Nothing, are you done with your power nap?¡± I just turn my head in his direction, then with a coy smile, ¡°yeah, I sat through enough hands. I think I know how this is played.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know how to play?¡± A male at the far end of the table asked. ¡°Don¡¯t let her fool you, that is her chair, as she is a gold card member here. She even had the chief of staff escort her.¡± A third male states, clear disdain in his voice as he stares at me. I shrug, not really able to refute the claim, also my plush chair all but screams that I am being treated with a different level of attention than the others who are gathered. Instead, I just knuckle down and begin trying to earn back first the money and experience I lost due to my time coma like state, while I tried to come up with a way to bypass my bands. I also let out a slight sigh of relief at one momentous thought. On a whole, I back up the 1,500 experience I first wagered to get into this competition thanks to my creation of three new spells and subsequent completion of three hidden quests. I also felt that it might be better to have spells to bypass these types of security cuffs in the future, especially as these are the types that are used by law enforcement against perpetrators of crimes. While I hope to never get caught, it is always nice to know that such restraints would not be much use against me in the future. I do realize that there is a slight flaw in my current usage of these spells, that is, if I wanted to use another spell, I would need to create a third version of the Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass spell that I would then channel energy through, which meant 50% of my reserves would be used up from just bypassing the bands. Granted I only had a few other spells that I might use after that, most notably my veil traversal spell Planar Shift, and any of my more intensive healing spells like curing the Blight, or Resurrection. Of course, I don¡¯t plan on having to deal with any of those cases here and now, but if I did, that is what I would have to think about. ¡°Raise.¡± I say as the flop comes and reveals I am now four fifths of the way to a straight flush, as both the eight and ten of spades drop, along with a queen of hearts. ¡°I¡¯m out.¡± ¡°Out.¡± And like that, I win the hand. I am still down one big blind, but I have no doubt that I can make that up. Though my next hand is nothing to write home about, especially seeing the cards that others have. Even after I switch out both cards, I still end up with worse or matching hands to others. Realizing I have a statistically low chance of success, I decide to sit out, and just take a moment to think about what I accomplished, and how I can use this to prepare for the future. Then I realize this is likely a perfect opportunity to prepare for the possible worst case scenario. With that in mind, I go ahead and channel a third version of the Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass, this way I have the option to create an external spell if needed. That now makes close to 50% of my mana reserves that are being used constantly. I do have proficiencies that should help, but it is better to think about my overall capabilities at this point. Fortunately my Dual Casting skill, and Multitasking skills make running so many spells all at once easy. Then again, I do have no less than four spells active at any given time, while this is double that, my Attributes are more than capable of keeping this level of effort going indefinitely. I feel I am getting better, as I have the new spell up and woven through my Spell Inhibitor band before the next hand even gets dealt. It didn¡¯t hurt that the two people that are going at it, have been taking their time trying to do false readings on each other. I can tell based on their expressions that they are not able to read anything and instead are trying to do the math in their heads. Seeing them, I wonder if I am giving too much away with my face. I know I am able to now see and interpret everything they are doing, which is a huge deal when it comes to being successful at poker. I decide to make sure I keep my face bland and neutral, relying on my Acting skills to help me through this endeavor. Then chuckling inwardly to myself I realize I also have my Seduction skill I could call upon to help win an important hand, though that skill would likely give me away as a cheat almost instantly, as it would be a skill that would influence others, and thus an external skill. Nope, I had better keep that skill hidden and under wraps, for now. *** Unbeknownst to Cassiopeia Spiritlight, three bosses were all watching Cass from a hidden chamber of the Thieves Guild Manager¡¯s office. This was a special room that overlooked the floor and blended in seamlessly to the background. From a visual cue, no one could see a difference between the one way viewing walls and the regular walls that lined the ceiling. Cass could see these people, but they had been stationary for so long that she had dismissed them as being unimportant to what was happening in her immediate area. Her entire focus was spent on not only reading the conditions of her table, but trying to see how others played and reacted at other tables around her. This was why she was completely oblivious to the conversation that was happening right now, about her. ¡°So, she did it?¡± The cultured voice of Glenn asked, as he held up his lorgnette spectacles to better peer at Cass. ¡°Yes, I can see five, no six active spells that are able to bypass the restraining cuffs.¡± Ellia spoke, as her own magical lorgnette were alive and seeming to glow with power. ¡°Do you think she will be capable of what needs to happen next?¡± Lenny, the leader of the Thieves Guild asked. ¡°If you mean, will she be capable of doing so, then yes. As for whether she will be a high enough level, well that entirely depends on her placement here at this tournament, now doesn¡¯t it?¡± Glenn answered, with a calm demeanor. ¡°Is there any way we can fix it for her?¡± Lenny asked. Chuckle. ¡°You mean, other than make it so she is the only one who is able to wield their full set of Spells, Attributes, and Skills? While everyone else is set in a bling fugue? Then no.¡± Ellia answered. ¡°I still don¡¯t like it, there are a lot of variables that can happen.¡± Lenny says, as he watches the first player get eliminated from the tournament, followed shortly by two more. ¡°Speak for yourself, it is not your money or experience that is being wagered with this.¡± Glenn responded. ¡°Yeah, I have to ask about that. What made you go in like that for her?¡± At that Glenn paused, as he himself didn¡¯t quite know why he did either. He paused trying to understand his motives, but finally just shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± At that Lenny just nodded in understanding. ¡°Be careful, you know you can¡¯t get involved with someone like her.¡± ¡°I know.¡± Glen responded, and he did know, but there was just something that caused him to want to be in her strata. This woman, Cassiopeia was a rocket flying high, and while Glenn was currently far too high of a level to have any form of meaningful relationship with her, who was to say that in the future things wouldn¡¯t change. ¡°Well good. Now we should all get back to our tasks.¡± Lenny said. ¡°Right.¡± Ellia and Glenn both said in unison. Then like that the impromptu meeting of the Thieves Guild¡¯s senior leadership was over, well almost every member of the leadership, as the lead information broker for Lenny¡¯s whole operation sat on the showroom floor right now, showcasing her current and future potential. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got. You and I have a date with destiny.¡± Lenny said, when he was sure no one else was around to hear him speak to himself. Chapter 57 Sometimes You Just Can’t Win Chapter 57 Sometimes You Just Can¡¯t Win Despite all my advantages, despite all my scheming, sometimes luck is just a harsh mistress. What I am referring to is the fact that sometimes your hands are just plain bad, that or they are good, but just not good enough. When you get down to the final two players, odds are roughly even that either player¡¯s hand will win. After a certain point not even skills, nor knowing your opponent¡¯s hands will save you. I was at the final table, there were just three of us, and my two opponents took every angle they could to defeat me. A hard raise here to make me pay to see the flop, a patience tax on the turn, a dagger strike on the river, they all added up. I tried to recoup my losses, but with two people seeming to go against you, it was tough. Also the small and big blinds had risen tremendously by the final table. Small blinds were 5,000 gold and 5,000 experience, while big blinds were 10,000 each. I kept trying to tell myself that they were just numbers, but that didn¡¯t take away the sting of losing. Then when I did win, it was never enough. I know, the whole gambler¡¯s fallacy, there is a psychology that states people will win money, then lose too much because secretly we all want to feel the complete rollercoaster ride of emotions. We all want to feel the thrill of victory, and the crushing wave of defeat. As for me, I didn¡¯t want any of that. If I could, I would have cashed in at fifth place, where I stood to gain 90,000 gold and experience. Or fourth place where I stood to gain 125,000 gold and experience. Now I was at third place with a minimum of a quarter-million gold and experience on the line. Of course, getting up one more spot would be an astronomical climb as second place was a million, and first was two and a half million. Unfortunately, my hands kept sucking. With both people actively ganging up on me, it was tough. What¡¯s worse, is that on any hands that I sat out, they would use that to redistribute their wealth with each other. Basically, resetting the tally for anyone that I might have managed to whittle down. I asked if such an act was cheating, but apparently there was no way to tell if they were losing on purpose, or if it was just a case of overestimating their hand¡¯s worth. In any case, the end result was, I had to constantly fight against the two opponents. At one point I had more than both, a slight margin of victory, but that was fleeting at best. The two seemed to have a pact to stay in until the end, knowing that if the two of them stayed, they had a sixty-six percent chance of winning the hand. I mean they weren¡¯t even playing by the same rules that got them here. Before they would evaluate the chances of their starting hands and fold at the first sign of a bad bet. Now, they didn¡¯t do that. Now, it was all in from the start to finish. Worse they made me pay to chase, to see if my cards were coming next. If I didn¡¯t press, if I had the nuts and they had a bad hand, that was the only time they would fold. I changed tactics, going meek, aka letting them bet for me. I went strong, over bidding on all hands, a costly endeavor, but it did pay out sometimes. I even played fast and loose, they had a counter for everything I threw at them. There was only one way to explain what was happening. They were cheating. Worse, they were seemingly able to do it better than I was. Of course, I was cheating, that was the first thing I set about doing while here. But to have my own tactics thrown at me so brazenly was, well it was hard to swallow, but that was the way of things. Sometimes the best you can do is finish third. How did that demotivational poster go? ¡°Winners: for every winner there are dozens of losers, odds are you are one of the latter.¡± Well, as it turns out I was one of the losers.
Quest Complete: Lucky¡¯s Grand Opening Swap¡¯em Holdem Tournament: You managed to place third overall in a competition that boasted 857 contestants. Rewards: Gold, Experience, New Spell(s), Badge.
New Feat Recorded: Gambling Guru (100): You placed fifth or higher in a gambling contest involving 500 people or more.
That was a great badge to have, as it showed I had perseverance at the very least. The spells of course were the ones that I self-created to manage to get to this point. Then of course there was the fact that the gold was written with strikethrough text. I knew why, but the cold logic of the system was always great at twisting the knife of poverty.
Congratulations: For coming in third you win 250,000 experience. Warning, all Gold has been given to Glenn Bloodfang.
Still a quarter of a million in experience. Just running that in my head, I realized it was a lot of experience, so much that I could do a number of things. First, I could buy leveling improvements. Basically, I could make it so each level I gain will get me newer and better Attribute rewards. I could also get a second class and start power leveling that class like there was no tomorrow. I could also do the smart thing and apply it all towards my class, which would push me to level 77. I of course pause, knowing that Glenn put up 25000 of his own experience for me to enter this competition, well 23,500. I did have the initial 1,500 which would have got me a chair at the table and a quick exit due to not even being able to see my cards. No, the only reason I placed so highly was because of Glenn¡¯s sacrifice and personal belief in me. ¡°I need you to come with me.¡± A burly enforcer demands. I can see that there are a number of other guards all around me as well. I know most have been here the entire time, escorting contestants that lost off the floor. I assumed that was what this was, but the guard with me had a note of hostility that was unmistakable. ¡°Okay.¡± I say, as I follow the guard. Rather than taking me to the right, to the winner¡¯s counter, where I would do the final turn in and actually receive my reward for my quest, I am taken to the left, towards the interrogation chambers. How do I know these are interrogation chambers? Simple, I saw others get taken here before and know what they are doing in here. Basically, this is the room where people who are suspected of cheating are sent. I knew it was too good to be true, a third-place finish was amazing. I checked to see that I still had the badge, which meant that this was my story to tell, regardless of what happened next. The spells were also mine, meaning I now had to fight to keep my quarter of a million points of experience. Taking in a deep breath, I let it out and mentally prepare myself for what will come next. ¡°Please take a seat.¡± The burly guard says, as we enter a room. There is a table with two chairs set up. Obviously the man wants me to sit with my back to the door, but I walk around the table and sit at the far end of the table. It is a petty powerplay, but one that the guard seems to take in stride. ¡°Do you know why you are here?¡± ¡°No.¡± At that the guard nods. ¡°You are suspected of gambling while underage, getting illicit support from staff in order to rig an official gambling tournament, and tampering with restraining bands that were meant to be used as a means of leveling the playing field. How do you plead?¡± I had to admit, they had me on all three accounts. Technically Glenn sponsoring me could have been considered gaining support from staff. While I didn¡¯t tamper with the bracers directly, it is clear that they have no restraint or effect on me. Then finally, I am still young. Despite having a class, I should no longer be hit by this flaw, but gambling is a big no-no. So of course, they would likely crack down on me, who has the avatar of a minor. This is likely the game¡¯s way of showing a moral lesson to the audience that I know is watching me. Realizing I have a stacked deck against me, and now not only is my experience gained at risk, but I might actually be facing real jail time if I get convicted of any of these three charges. Or course, there is one thing that I have to do first, I have to affirm my innocence, lest I be automatically charged with having accomplished all three felonies. ¡°Not guilty.¡± ¡°Noted.¡± The guard, having pulled out a pad of paper checks a box, and then proceeds to hammer out the complaints. This is a common tactic, and one likely used to intimidate most people. I say most people, as most of the time people don¡¯t know what is on the sheet of paper that the guard is filling out, that lack of understanding often breeds nervous tension. I on the other hand can read the form he is filling out completely, and I almost laugh at the sight of everything. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Question: Answer: Yes No
Did they plead guilty: Check
Did they refute their age:
Did they refute their support:
Did they refute their cheating:
Seeing the page, I realized this was all up to me to solve. Taking a deep breath, I focus and begin with my best counter argument I can offer. ¡°My first question is, what is the proper age for a ghost? Or a human in the ghost realm? I have been here for months, working as a doctor for both humans and ghosts alike. Doesn¡¯t that mean that I have just as much rights as a person who was killed yesterday, but happened to have been over a thousand years old, but still just a new born spirit, for all intents and purposes?¡± I ask, trying to find if there is actually an age limit on the spirit realm. This is a good topic to ask about, as I don¡¯t know who exactly would have jurisdiction here in the ghost realm. ¡°Do you not admit to being young, only thirteen years of age?¡± The guard asks. ¡°And where is it stated that being young is illegal? What are the rights and restrictions of persons in the spirit realm?¡± At that he paused and then after a moment he nodded to himself. ¡°I see, suspect appears to be hostile.¡± He said, while he took a long time writing into his little book. Fortunately for me, what he wrote seemed to contradict his statement. I guess this would be so I would try to argue or further refute my claim.
Did they refute their age: Yes, argued that they were not bound by mortal laws while in the spirit realm. Argument found to be irrefutable.
Seeing as I had made my point and they seemed to agree with me, I decided to press on. ¡°As for the second false claim, the allegation of receiving illicit support from staff, this would imply that having someone sponsor you in the tournament was illegal. I did not see any documentation that such a claim was illegal, nor did I find any markers noting that such practices were discouraged. In fact, the subject of our mutual partnership was discussed in front of the administration table. Don¡¯t you think if we knew this to be illegal that we would have not spoken about it so blatantly. Furthermore, if it was a known rule, don¡¯t you think the registration official who took my name and sponsorship would have noted that something was wrong, particularly when Gleen Bloodfang was the one who personally provided the missing funds? Furthermore, Glenn Bloodfang was purposefully absent from the floor after my sponsorship, more than likely to avoid just such an accusation.¡± I press. At that, the brute of a guard just shook his head and uttered, ¡°suspect admits to purposefully providing plausible alibi to avoid conflict.¡± Again, while his words said one thing, what he wrote was entirely different.
Did they refute their support: Yes, claimed was a partnership, no evidence to believe otherwise.
Phew. I was almost there, now all I had to do was refute the last claim. ¡°And finally, what grounds do you have that I cheated? I have never taken off these bracelets, nor tampered with them in any way. I have not received outside help or influences.¡± I state. At that the guard pauses and looks at me, then down at my bracelets that I clearly show off. It is clear from a glance that they all still glow with a deep resonating light, one that shows they are all still active. At least that is the way my vision shows them. My vision, Angel¡¯s Sight, also shows that I have six channeled spells going through them at this point. At that, the guard pauses and stares at me for a moment. ¡°So, you don¡¯t have an argument for not using skills during the tournament?¡± I pause, smelling the trap and trying to avoid the entire set up. ¡°Everyone was using skills out there.¡± ¡°Everyone?¡± ¡°Yes, probability, math, I know I particularly relied upon my Second Wind skill to press through especially after the first few hours. The fact that I finished at all was a testament to how good my conditioning and other skills helped me last so long.¡± I reply. He held up a dismissive hand at that. ¡°Yes, yes, everyone knows they can use internal skills, that is not a problem. What is a problem, however, is that you are being charged with using external skills during the tournament, something that was in fact expressly forbidden.¡± I can see his eyes glowing as he is using some type of Truth Detection skill on me. I need to be careful with how I answer, which is why I purposefully go on the offensive for the first time. ¡°We all tried it, I mean who wouldn¡¯t try it, but how could I have done so, with these bands still on me and still in working order?¡± I ask. The guard just looks at me stoically for a moment, then finally he presses. ¡°That is all you have to say?¡± ¡°What, that I think the burden of proof resides with you proving that I did in fact use these skills you claim?¡± ¡°The burden of proof is on you now, just state that you didn¡¯t use any external skills that would have given you a distinct advantage during your tournament run, and this whole thing will be over.¡± Harumph. I let out an indignant huff, as I crossed my arms and just stared at the man. ¡°That is it, that is all you have to say?¡± The guard presses. ¡°Yes, that is all I have to say. I have already proven my innocence. Now you all are here trying to steal a prize money from me by any means necessary apparently.¡± I say, a note of indignancy filling my words as I lay it on thick. At that the guard just shook his head and began scribbling in his notepad once more. ¡°Suspect is overly belligerent and banned from future tournaments for a period of no less than eight years.¡± At that, I saw that his markings were indeed close to what he wrote.
Did they refute their cheating: Indeterminate Guilt. Conclusion, refund initial entry fee, ban suspect for the maximum allowable time of eight years.
At that, I got a new system notification.
Hidden Quest Partially-Failed: Prove Your Innocence: You were unable to conclusively prove your innocence in the case of your cheating during a sponsored gambling tournament. Due to your age, and believed illicit activities, you are to be banned from participating in any future tournaments for a period of seven years and nine months. Conclusion: Forfeiture of Prize Money and Experience, Badge acquired; entry fees returned, minimal experience awarded.
Experience Gained: 2,000
New Feat Recorded: Been Caught Cheating (500): You are banned from all gambling facilities for a period of no less than seven years and nine months.
Seeing the message, I feel like a piece of my soul has gone missing. I knew I should have gone for the body of Olivia, but no. I for whatever reason forgot that. While I wouldn¡¯t have gotten the sponsorship from Glenn had I gone with the body of Olivia, I didn¡¯t even think about my age causing concerns. Again, I am pressing 80 years of age cumulatively by now, so I often forget the apparent age of my body. I know this is just a way for the game to avoid future liability suits. Also, again I serve as the moral argument for future generations of kids wishing to follow in my footsteps. They needed to come down hard on me, showing that children are not allowed to gamble, and that gambling doesn¡¯t pay in the end. In the grand scheme of things, I have to agree with that sentiment. While I did get 2,000 experience from the completion of the quest, 1,500 of it was what I originally put up for collateral to enter the tournament. Sighing inwardly, all I have are three new spells, that can bypass security cuffs, 2,000 total experience, from completing the three spells and gaining quests from their creation, and a final 500 for just getting my case dismissed without actually having to face jail time for any of the charges presented against me. Not that I was too worried about being thrown into jail now, especially not with my ability to circumvent the security bands, I have a feeling that getting into or out of prisons just got that much easier. That said, there was one nice thing that came from the whole evening. Once my 2,000 experience points were provided back to me, I finally had enough to go up another level.
Ding. Level up. Your level has increased to level 26.
I also had my first choice to make for my new class.
Choose one Attribute to increase: Personality or Sociability?
Seeing that, I scoffed for a second and looking at my two scores I had to pause for a moment.
Personality 59
Sociability 56
With them the way they were, I went ahead and chose Personality, pushing it up to a cumulative 60, and hopefully getting some type of bonus. I then figure the next few levels will all go towards getting Sociability up as well. Though I do find it odd that I have improved more Personality related skills than those that focus on Sociability. I guess it makes sense as I am not very sociable, but I have been told I have a loud personality, so in a way this makes sense. Odd though, but somehow surprisingly accurate. ¡°You are free to go.¡± The guard states, after pressing an envelope forward. Taking the envelope, I am instantly met with a new system message.
Gold Earned: 75
I realize this was their way of showing how the money was returned. Odd that it was the Tournament guard who gave it back, but those are the breaks. Putting my envelope into my pocket, I walk out of the interrogation chamber, then going to a dark corner, I Teleport out, not wanting to deal with anyone. It had been a long couple of hours, no wait, days. I had brought a man back from the dead, played in an epic tournament, and now had to go back to work, despite having been granted a 48 hour pass. Yes, I had played poker for over 48 hours straight. It had been a thrill, but fortunately it was now over. I just hoped that today would be a slightly easy day. With the envelope in hand, I walked from my office to the Mage Guild Secretary, the same person I scheduled the loan from. ¡°Here.¡± I said, placing the envelope with the full 75 gold coins I borrowed. ¡°Thank you for your return.¡± She said, as she counted it. ¡°You seem to be five silvers short.¡± ¡°Five silvers?¡± I ask, ¡°I only had the funds for a day, no two days, tops.¡± ¡°I am sorry, but five silvers is the minimum fee we can charge for a guild loan of that amount.¡± The secretary asks. I know this is my Broke flaw coming back to bite me, but come on, five silver? Painfully, ever so painfully I reach into my extremely light coin purse and pull out five silver, well three silver and two hundred copper pieces. Yes, it was petty, but so worth it. I like to carry more deposits of smaller forms of currency, it makes it appear that I am offering more, particularly when I plop down a jingling coin purse, sadly, I now have developed a sixth sense for how certain sets of coins all jingle. I am surprised that more thieves are really bad at identifying the two. Anyways, with my debt to the guild paid, I feel even more drained. I knew I was going to take the hit, the odds of me winning the tournament overall were excessively small, but for a moment I had a shot at it. Sigh. This world is tough. Chime. The door to the mage¡¯s guild opens, and a hunched over person enters the Mage¡¯s Guild. ¡°Hello, welcome to the mage¡¯s guild, how may I help you?¡± The receptionist asks, while deftly sweeping all the loose coins from her desk into her own pouch. ¡°Yes, I have a terrible curse. I am afraid that I will not last long if I am not cured. I have heard that there is a miracle healer here?¡± The old man asks. As he speaks, I can see the black mass in his body, it is indeed something sinister, as the infection seems almost alive and tearing into his body. Seeing the man, my brain instantly switches from being near exhausted to ready to operate. ¡°Right this way.¡± I say in my best overly cheerful voice, trying to force the tiredness from my bones as I get ready for the demands of a new day. Chapter 58 When You Know You’ve Been Conned Chapter 58 When You Know You¡¯ve Been Conned Rage, the slow simmering rage of how you realize you are the ultimate pawn of something greater. All the clues were there, and only now that I am finally removed from the situation does it all really begin to make sense. Now that I have a patient, and an operating table, I¡¯ve taken a few moments to realize what happened. I was punished for doing well, I had just achieved so much, and mentally I was so used to having everything taken from me by this stupid system that I expected it. Hell, I even agreed to it, realizing that I would take a huge financial hit by withdrawing my funds early, in order to be able to join the tournament. Then there was the marathon of card duels, outthinking my opponents, carefully maneuvering myself, all to have it taken away. I knew it was too good to be true, at that point, I was in a dream. I felt like I was in a fog filled haze, which was why when I was taken back to be interrogated, I all but expected to go to jail for my actions. They had me on all three charges, at least that was what I thought. I was underage, but again we are in the spirit realm, on a tower no less, who is to say what is old and not old enough to be a child here? To hold me accountable to mortal laws would likely make some terrifying beasts of the nether get annoyed. Then there was the accusation that I somehow colluded with Glenn to get that far? As if somehow I was unable to accomplish great things on my own? As if I needed some man to help me? Grr! It was infuriating. ¡°Then, there was the fact that they were able to take away my earnings because I somehow circumvented their stupid cuffs. I wasn¡¯t the only one mind you, but no, they went after me all the same.¡± I say to Zero, the only creature within earshot of me. Well there is the patient, but he is currently passed out thanks partially to the curse that is tearing apart his body, and partially because of the sedatives I gave him due to his constant moaning from being in pain from his curse. ¡°You mean, you are mad because they accused you of breaking the cuffs that are still bound around your wrists, right now? The cuffs that should be preventing you from doing anything that you are doing at the moment?¡± Zero asks, gesturing to the very cuffs. At that I look down and realize he is right, the cuffs are still on. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare take their side!¡± I hiss, ¡°or you can leave as well.¡± Then thinking about the bracers, I realize that while I can operate with them on just fine, I don¡¯t want to waste 50% or more of my mana reserves just to work normally. So focusing on the cuffs, I reach out and Telekinetically click, the latches that hold the bracers. Clink, clatter, clop. The three bracers fall to the ground, and I feel a strain remove itself from my mind as I deactivate my newly created channeled powers. ¡°Oh, that feels so good.¡± I say, as I gently massage my head. That was likely another reason why I was so tired, those spells were a constant drain on me. While they didn¡¯t seem like much at first, I am sure they had a cumulative effect on me over the course of the 48 hour marathon. ¡°Do you think just removing those cuffs was that good of an idea?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Last warning.¡± I hiss, as I begin to feel the crash of so many emotions going through me. I had seen it all, the highest of highs, what I thought was the lowest of lows, to go straight to a security concern. Then to have everything taken away. I had felt numb, even the extra guild tax had seemed like I deserved it in some way, it was hard to explain. But now that I have had time to reflect, I realize I was played. This was the second time I had been burned by Lenny¡¯s place. The first was when I disagreed with the treatment of someone who committed an act of infidelity towards another co-worker¡¯s partner. While I completely agree that cheating is terrible, it was clear that Lenny went too far. Then now this, I was in a tournament and given a chance to shine, and I was cheated. While I know the professional gambling tournament is a separate entity from Lenny¡¯s place, I can¡¯t help but think that it was allowed to act as it did on Lenny¡¯s establishment without his permission. I was done. I would move the book club, I would give zero my information to pass on. I was done with the lot of them. I felt well and truly betrayed. Fortunately, I still had work to focus on. The patient before me was interesting to say the least. This was the first time I had seen a living curse. Odder still, the curse seemed to be sentient. It was like a mouse that would scamper and run through the body. I would set up basic traps, but the curse would bypass most or chew a hole through some of my flimsier designs. Honestly, I was rather impressed with its ability to try to avoid me. ¡°So, what are you going to do now?¡± Zero asks. ¡°I think I am going to create a lattice framework with a glob of healing energy at the center. The idea will be to have the curse squeeze its way into the tube, to grab the cheese.¡± I say, as I imagine a more sophisticated mouse trap, one where I replace the cheese with healing energy. Fortunately, I should be able to do this handedly, as I will use my now free spirit reserves to create the narrow funnel that the curse will have to squeeze through. Then I can use Telekinesis to help hold the edges shut, as I create an intense globe of healing energy at the very core that should prove to be irresistible to the life consuming curse. ¡°What no? I mean with the guild? Are you going to return those?¡± Zero asks, gesturing to the bracers that are on the floor. ¡°Why would I? I am banned from going near the tournament for seven years after all.¡± ¡°You know that sounds very childish.¡± Zero exclaims. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you do something productive for once and you turn those in for me, while I try to save this man¡¯s life?¡± At that Zero pauses as he just stares at me. ¡°Well go on, I don¡¯t need you there staring at me.¡± I say, as I begin creating my funnel trap inside the patient¡¯s chest. Fortunately there is a lot of loose skin for me to work with, that I am able to make the funnel long, narrow and filled with an interwoven design that also has slightly barbed points, especially if the creature tries to escape out the way it came in. The idea is that it will be smooth in, but any attempt to escape will cause severe damage to it. I focus on the trap for so long that everything seems to fade away around me. I am just here to create this one giant trap of spirit magic. Finally, after a long time, the construct is complete. I pause for a moment, only to realize that I have other patients who are waiting for me. Of course, I think to myself, never a moment¡¯s rest. I also realize that this is likely what the system wanted, to distract me away from the fact that I had been robbed. Well, I was not worried about that anymore. I was going to get even, I was owed a quarter million in experience, now it was up to me to figure out how to get that experience back. ¡°Hello?¡± A patient asks, coming back while I am in the middle of operating. Granted I was taking a moment to let my mana pool replenish, but still he should know not to come back here. ¡°Please wait out in the lobby. I will be with you shortly.¡± I call out to the patient. Then realizing that I could use some assistance, I call out for my familiar. ¡°Zero?¡± Nothing. Mentally I realize he likely went to deliver the bracelets back. Expanding my senses I see him there talking with Lenny and the others. Figures, he is likely in on it, too. No, that is not fair. I am lashing out because I am tired, and angry, and I want someone to focus my rage on. Unfortunately, that person is Zero. I make a mental note to apologize to Zero, but of course I can¡¯t do anything until after this patient. Well, these patients, as I am apparently taking too long on this one. Who knew trying to solve a supposedly incurable curse would take time? Realizing I was going solo, heh, what else is new. I use my Omni-Healing to create the brightest and most condensed core of health magic I can, right at the heart of the tube. The curse moves around cautiously, seeming to feel its way around the perimeter. Fortunately, I had prepared for that, as I made the outside have hundreds of tiny prickling spines that would jab into the mouse like ball of semi-sentient energy, the closer it got. Skree. I swear I could almost hear it cry out in pain as a part of its outer skin had been ripped off by a few barbs that were impaled when it got too close. With that, the curse became a little more slower with its approach, to tempt the curse more, I made the ball slightly bigger in size. Now the ball of healing energy was the size of a curled up finger. This caused the curse to shiver in delight at the smell of fresh health. I knew this was a lot of health as it would be more than enough to heal the visible wounds the patient had twice over. By all accounts, that much healing on this body would be a waste, but I figured it would take at least double this to get rid of the curse by normal means. With the new size, the curse begins to slither round the tunnel, occasionally hissing in pain as it gets too close. Then once it is slithers around to the front, it finds the nice smooth tunnel I created for it. It is soft and smooth going in, so it goes in quickly. Only noticing something might be wrong, once it is a few inches in, and the tunnel it is going down suddenly shortens. Then it tries to back out, only to be met with sharp barbs that dig in deep to the skin. SKRAH! It hisses in a high-pitched whine. I want to try to spring my trap on it, to try to crush it with Telekinesis, but it isn¡¯t in far enough, I still need more. So, I wait. After a second, it wiggles its way free, as the outer layer of the curse that was caught and pulled away begins to dissolve like smoke. ¡°I will peel you like an onion.¡± I mutter to myself, as I continue to reinforce the case, while also moving the glowing ball of health further down the tube. I even cause the ball to vibrate. That is the trick, the slight vibration, that is enough to get the curse to surge forward. Though surge might be a relative term, as its progress is painfully slow, particularly as it gets to the final section, the section I thought of as the area where the head would go. By now the curse has had a few outer layers of magic taken off, and I can almost swear the magic has taken on the form of a snake. A long thin snake that has sharp teeth and is willing to strike at the ball of health. Then just as it rears back to make its move, I cancel my spell. Well, my healing spell. In a second, the ball of brightly glowing health dissolves into nothing. Hiss. The curse lunges forward, not realizing that its prize is now missing and all it gets is a barbed spike of pain to chomp down on. The moment it latches on, that is when I use Telekinesis to try and seal off the ends of the tube, while using my spirit energy to seal the ends shut. Then realizing that the now fully sealed curse needs to be removed, I use my spirit energy to create an incision in my patient¡¯s abdomen, right along the path that the long tube occupies. Then swiftly using Telekinesis, I pull out the spiritual prison. As I do, the curse inside violently smashes about, wriggling and thrashing wildly, trying to force its way free. It does, in a way, its movements help me get it out of the body of my patient faster. With the curse now removed, I begin using Omni-Healing to its fullest on my patient, trying to get him back up to full health. All the while, I use Telekinesis, and the residual mana from my personal well to try to constantly seal, tighten, and bind the monstrous curse tightly in place. ¡°What is happening?¡± The same patient that just barged back here earlier asks. Hiss. At that moment, the curse hearing the voice of a fully awake patient, thrashes violently and rips a hole into the side of my containers. Hahhisss! It cries out, in a high pitch sound that instantly causes my ears to bleed. Fortunately I have had to deal with a lot of pain, and my Regeneration is already working to fix the worst of the pain. I still can¡¯t hear, which is likely a good thing, as the curse is violently trying to free itself. There is an odd effect, now that the curse is truly free and exposed to the air, it begins to disintegrate rapidly, as layer after layer of its skin flake off and begin to dissolve in the air. This is a good thing and a bad thing all at once. It is good that it is now dissolving, as it proves that without a host to sustain itself, the curse will quickly burn apart. It is bad in that the curse is now getting smaller and smaller in size, meaning I am having a harder time keeping the snake-like curse inside the trap I set for it. Hissing Strike! The curse realizing that it is dying, sees the patient before it, and lunges towards the unsuspecting patient within a second. Reaching out my hand futilely I try to warn the patient to stay back, while at the same time I reach out Telekinetically and try to grab the creature in my best Darth Vader impression. Whoosh. The snake like curse stops inches away from the patient¡¯s face, as it is there, it begins dissolving into thin air. Layer after layer is being burned away before their eyes. The patient is frozen stiff as panic grips them, holding them into place. This is bad, as I don¡¯t want to have to carve out this same curse from yet another patient, with that in mind I mentally buckle down and squeeze the curse tighter and tighter with my Telekinetic Death Grip. GAHH! The curse gives out one last his of pain, as it finally dissolves into nothing. Panting. Phew, that had been fun. Scarry as all get out, freaking snake curses. Also, I take it back, I had been so wrong. That was never a giant mouse, that thing was all snake. While my trap did work, I can¡¯t help but wonder if there were better designs that I could have gone with. Then again, that one had been effective, if not just a little out there. Now that I had a moment to process the fact that the seemingly living curse I had been battling with for hours was destroyed, I turned my attention to the impatient patient. The one who had the privacy door wide open leading to not just him, but all of the other patients in the waiting room. Each one apparently had a view of the door, and all showed different degrees of terror as they no doubt had seen my final battle with the curse. ¡°I ask again, that you wait in the waiting room. I swear I will get to you, as time permits.¡± I say. At that the man just nods, ¡°sorry. I just heard the sounds and wondered¡­¡± He trailed off as he looked around. No doubt he could see the trail of ash that lined the walkway from the patient to just in front of him. Then with a slightly frightened shuffle he tried to leave, but didn¡¯t stop staring forward at me, the patient, and the floating trail of ash in the air. With one awkwardly groping hand, he reached back to find the door frame, then seemed to pull himself out of the room, then ducked out of the way once he was clear. I paused, a slight sense of impatience filling me, as I just stared at the patients in the waiting room. No one moved, everyone seemingly trying to stay still enough so the still smoking ashes won¡¯t come back to life and find them worthy to be the next target. ¡°The door.¡± I say, a bit of annoyance creeping into my voice. ¡°Right.¡± The man calls out from the side, then quickly darting around, they run around the door, then close it, using the full weight of their body to ensure the door remains closed. I just shake my head, if they were that afraid of the monster, then why seemingly go out of their way to try and play with it. With that, I turn my way to the patient, and am met with a message letting me know my work on them is complete.
Impossible Quest Complete: The Cursed Remains of Ebinar Ghould: You managed to cure a patient of Death¡¯s True Curse. Rewards: Experience, New Spell, Skills.
Seeing the message, I realized that everything was done. The spell was likely the one about creating the spirit magic trap. The skills, well I likely learned some in that, I kind of wanted to know, but my mind was fuzzy. I suddenly felt woozy from over exertion. With a start, I realize that my personal wells are down to nothing. Only now that I have a moment do I truly allow my mind to relax long enough so that I can take satisfaction in something going right, even if the rest of the day was complete shit, this moment was right. Then, sitting down, I take in one deep breath, then I feel the world go dark as I exhale, as true exhaustion takes me. Chapter 59 Royal Blood Chapter 59 Royal Blood I was floating deep in my own consciousness. When suddenly I was surrounded by a stream of lights, red, gold, green, silver, purple, dark purple, and even a few colors that were not on the spectrum. The colors that were not on the spectrum were deeper ones, ones that were only experienced by feel, rather than by sight alone. It was the hidden colors that called to me the most, the ones that I knew I shouldn¡¯t see, but somehow knew that I did. Only after a moment of this did I realize that I was dreaming. That was the only reason I could only experience the normal color spectrum. In this dream I realized what I had given up for my Angel¡¯s Sight, the world I was now seeing within my mind was vibrant and beautiful, so much so that I almost felt tears coming to my eyes. Unlike most dreams that disappear at the time of comprehension, ones that evaporate like smoke on the wind, this one lingered. If anything this dream seemed to grow stronger in its resolve at my own revelation of its existence. Of my existence within it. That was when I was met with a message that let me know this wasn¡¯t truly a dream, but rather part of the evolution I had been hoping for.
Choose one.
While the words were vague, the intent was clear. I was to choose one of the colors before me. Holding out my hand, I tried to sense which colors would mean anything to me should I choose them. While I did feel a slight compulsion to go towards the gold and green, those sensations were muted. As was my attraction to the ultraviolet. There with my hand hovering over them, I felt the true meaning of those colors, they were straight bonuses to a particular branch of magic. Choosing gold no doubt would likely lead to the deeper blessing type powers and arcs of magic. Similarly green was life, by choosing it I was almost certain that I would get life magic. While the ultraviolet no doubt would further increase my connection to spirit magic. I was as certain of this, as I was that this was no mere dream, but an awakening sequence for my bloodline. The system message further pressed this for me. Had it been three days ago, before the failed tournament, before my most recent curing of a cursed patient, I likely would have chosen green. The idea that I could wield life saving magic would have been too much of a temptation to resist. Yet, this wasn¡¯t the case anymore. I had Omni-Healing, a Trait that I felt would eventually allow me to do more than I ever could with mere life magic alone. While green might also offer further benefits, like the ability to cultivate plants and tend gardens, that was not a life I wished to live. I¡¯ve had my gardens, I remember raising my children and grandchildren in the small field we held out back of our house. That was a time with them, while I did like the idea of having a garden again, I didn¡¯t want to lessen that memory I had with my children by trying to recreate it here. Additionally, creating a garden would tie me down to one place much more than I would want. As it was, I already felt bound by my two competing contracts with the Mages and Thieves guild that kept me here for a year and up to six months respectively. No, I didn¡¯t want life magic, nor did I want recreate my past here. This place, my new life, it was for the future, for my future. With that in mind, I almost thought about choosing spirit magic, as I felt it would easily push me to Tier X in that school of magic. I trembled to think of the different spells I could learn to create with that level of power, but I ultimately stopped on that one as well. That would limit me to being one of the premier masters of spirit. While I was one of the premier masters of spirit magic, at least the kind that doesn¡¯t involve going around killing hundreds of people with magic, I felt that this too would stunt my growth. Instead, I closed my eyes and focused on the other sensations. Inwardly I cursed my sight, while it was wonderful to see again naturally, I felt so dizzy by it. My senses were far too limited with just my eyesight. Though I figured that was part of the challenge of this test by system. Most would only see the colors and feel that they would be forced to limit themselves to those colors. The real test came with trusting yourself. With that in mind, I kept my eyes shut and began moving. Fortunately the room I was in was a flat surface, one that if my eyes were not deceiving me stretched on for an eternity. I knew that this was wrong, that it couldn¡¯t stretch on for eternity, well not the way I think of eternity, rather it would stretch on as far as I needed it to go. With that in mind, I just started walking, slightly ahead and to the right, I felt a strong pull that seemed to call to me. As I got close I could feel an invisible cloud of energy that resonated with me on a far deeper level than any of the magical schools offered did. The only problem was, as soon as I got here, I felt another one that had a greater pull on me further away. Now I could stay, or I could go to the next one. I knew this was also a challenge of the system, seeing how much I knew myself and trusted in my own instincts. Would I take the first hidden quest result, or would I go further. Obviously for something like this, I would go further. I tried to cheat. Mentally feeling the distance to the next spot that was calling to me, I tried to Teleport.
Function not available.
Seeing that, I decided to start moving forward. The minute I stepped away, the world around me grew darker. I paused having never felt this sensation before, at least not in a long time. Opening my eyes, I realized that the light in the room I was in vanished. Looking back, I tried to see what was happening, only to find that the light from the different schools of magic were also gone. I was in the dark, which was funny as I had been closing my eyes the entire time, and now that the light was gone, I suddenly felt vulnerable. ¡°Come on Cass, you¡¯re better than this.¡± I say to myself, while shaking my head. I almost let the psychological trick work. Closing my own eyes again, I focused on the resonance that was calling to me from far away in the endlessly dark cavern. The minute I took the next step forward, I was greeted with another system message.
Time remaining: 14:59¡­
A timer. Badump, badump. I hate timers, I hate tests, and worst of all I hate tests that could forever change my future the most. This was apparently all three. Still I knew this for what it was, a challenge to make me doubt myself, to get me to turn back to what was right there, the easy road. I didn¡¯t know how long it would take me to get to the new location, I felt it had to be a long way away, but distance was an odd concept in this challenge zone that existed solely within my mind. Regardless, I decided to run. Eyes closed, it was an odd experience, but I somehow managed to do this easily. Maybe it was the years of feeling like I was constantly detached from my own sense of sight, and the way I constantly ran into objects and obstacles when I was first learning to walk around while blinded that this act was easy. Well, let me qualify that, this was not easy, but I had an easier time adjusting to the idea of running with my eyes closed than others likely would. Flashing lights. There were flashes of lights that pulsed and seemed to burn my eyes. Even with my eyes closed the effects were painful, and I could imagine that if I had my eyes opened this would have caused me to be even more disoriented. As it was, these flashing lights were little more than an annoyance, one that I pressed through quickly, not letting my silly crippled sense of being forced to see distract me. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Finally, after what felt like forever, being surrounded by dozens of flashing lights and various obstacles I arrived. By now the pulse of this thing, this concept was so intense that I could feel it shaking the ground. By the time I got close to it, I could feel the invisible object that had been calling to me over what had to be a mile¡¯s worth of distance resonating within me.
Time remaining: 8:37¡­
That was the marker I needed, I had made it. Better still there were no other pulses that called to me on a deeper level than this one invisible object did. Reaching out to the object, I was met with another system message, just as my hand made contact.
Before claiming me, you must first name me.
At that, I nearly laughed, as I almost missed the whole purpose of this event. This was a spirit quest, or something similar to it, one where I was meant to awaken a deeper portion of myself and find out who I truly was, deep down inside. I was supposed to name this concept, or at least the part of me that I wanted to strive forward to improve upon.
Time Remaining: 8:33¡­
I was still being timed, which was supposed to cause me to panic, to likely try to come up with a deep seeded convoluted explanation of who I was and where I wanted to go. I knew this for the trap it was, as I didn¡¯t want to go into something grand like the greatest healer ever. While I knew this would help me in my immediate timeframe, it would do little to help me overall. Instead, I decided to keep it simple, one word to describe everything I felt that was so beautiful about this world. One word that expressed my awe and wonder about what I would was capable now, and what I hoped would still captivate me going forward. I wanted a word, a concept that would be something I was proud of not only now, but also in the future. Something that if my kids and grandkids should one day join me, they too would be able to join without any restrictions. I wanted a concept that would also help them out in their quests to find themselves and their own places within this world. That was why I went with one word. ¡°Magic.¡± Chime. With that, the invisible object that I was touching began pulsing and forcing its way into my hand, then from there it worked its way up my arm, and into my chest and head. There was a pulsing sensation as I felt portions of my mind and core break and shatter. No, shatter is not quite the right word, more like shed their way free. Like a reptile that was molting skin as it invariably grew, so too were my mind and my core shedding themselves free of their previous sizes. I could feel how my blood and body were pulsing faster, thicker. I felt waves of energy flood my body, as I felt a deeper understanding to magic than I ever had before. Even the skills I had learned to this point were nothing, in my mind I had it, a moment of crystal clarity. I could see formulas and spell structures that were so complex that I knew there was no way I could complete them, at least not currently. I saw the way to use mentally enchanted platforms to first empower an area and then begin casting. I saw many ways I was being wasteful with magic, forcing magic to work, versus guiding it. Times when I could have cut out entire snippets of healing movements to work faster. Ways that I could expand my knowledge of Planar Shift could be changed and altered to shift through this tower quickly. How I was only bound by my own mental limitations that I imposed on myself. I saw it all, and for a moment I felt the true meaning of creation running through me. How I could change the world to meet my wants and dreams. Then just as quickly as that moment of insight came, it was gone. Poof. Finally, the event I had expected to happen a while ago happened, my dream ended and I found myself awakening. I was still in my big, overstuffed office chair. One that had been made for either a queen or someone far more rotund than myself, either way I had been able to curl up in the large chair and take a nap with my head on the armrest. Waking up, I saw a series of system message, but they were the same ones I had gone to sleep with. Though now I was able to see them for what they were.
Impossible Quest Complete: The Cursed Remains of Ebinar Ghould: You managed to cure a patient of Death¡¯s True Curse. Rewards: Experience, New Spell, Skills.
Experience gained: 500
New Spell: Curse Removal [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can remove any curse that is Tier VIII or lower. For tier IX curses, a contested battle of wills will need to be conducted to determine a victor.
New Skill Gained: Occult (Curses) has reached level 1.
Skill Occult (Curses) is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Only after I acknowledged those prompts that I went to sleep with, did my prompts arrive, letting me know that it wasn¡¯t actually a dream.
Hidden Quest Updated: Royal Racial Bloodline Established: You have conquered the final steps of awakening your evolved bloodline and merging that bloodline into your base racial template, creating a new sub-species of Dark Elves. Your new sub-species will be known as Royal Arcanist Elves. As the matriarch of this rare and unique bloodline you will set the maximum potential that all future progeny of your lineage can achieve. Current Bloodline Ranking: Royal. Bloodline Potential: Limitless.
Current racial bonuses: Attributes: +1 Appearance, +1 Intelligence, and +1 Willpower every level. Royal Arcanist elves are the true pinnacle of elven magical ingenuity, and what elves are capable of when they devote themselves to mastering the different schools of magic. Racial Merit: Magic School Proficiency: All schools of magic increased by two Tiers (maximum of Tier IX). (Upgradable). Racial Merit: Magic Proficiency: All skills related to the use of magic are increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable). Racial Merit: Magic Trait Proficiency: All magic based Traits are further increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Racial Distinctions: Royal Arcanist Elves are inherently magical creatures. Due to their unique connection to magic, others who are sensitive will automatically be able to identify the true nature of the elf. Racial Flaw: Magical Beacon: You are easy to notice by sensitives and true practitioners of magic. Minus 20% to Stealth and Evasion type skills when being actively sought by a magical practitioner. Furthermore, the eyes are the gateway to the soul of the Royal Arcanist Elf, if they focus on the arts of healing their eyes will be green. For those seeing power, or other combat the eyes will change based on preferred school of magic use and for what purpose. Racial Flaw: Magical Eyes: Your eyes are the true gateway to your soul. With this flaw people can see what type of a monster you truly are. Current Status: Green (a True Healer). Additionally, Oracles, Seers, and practitioners of Divination Magic are now receiving word of your arrival. Your kind have been prophesized about for generations as the usherers of a new wave of magic. Many will fear you, while others will seek you and your kind out for guidance, and a means to grow stronger with what is set to come. Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier IX).
Current Bloodline Lineage Status: Lineage Rank Royal Progenitor.
Note: As a bloodline Progenitor, you are seen as the maximum ranking that members of your lineage will be able to achieve. To have an increasingly stronger bloodline, you will need to both improve your own bloodline potential, and sire lots of children (currently unavailable due to age restrictions).
So, wow, that just happened. I take a moment to read, reread, then re-reread the information before me. I felt both thrilled and simultaneously distraught at the idea that I had somehow unlocked the equivalent of Royal Blood. To be clear, this did not make me royalty, but rather noted that I was seemingly at the fourth tier of bloodline evolutions. The bloodline ranks went something like: Awakened, Exemplary, Noble, then finally Royal. There were something like seven, or possibly more by now, but at least seven when the game first started. To think I went ahead and jumped all the way to the rank of Royal was impressive. In this case Royal was more of a concept, someone so powerful, or with a strong enough bloodline that offered enough benefits, that if I became a ruler that nation would be able to be prosperous. Basically any kingdom or empire I joined would have the chance to not only have my bloodline, but future generations might also be able to have a mixed bloodline. Though if my bloodline mixed with anyone who was not also at the Royal level, my blood would supersede the other bloodline. This was supposed to show how it was hard to find true royal dynasties, as one slight mix up, one slight deviation and the mixed bloodline would not work, and instead it would just be the same powerful bloodline being extended to everyone. Of course, that would involve having kids, something I physically could not do right now, thanks to my age. How often have I said that? Thankfully I am still too young to be forced into such a predicament. Though, I also realized that much of what I did from here on out would have to change. Or at least the way I went about things would have to change. I was the equivalent of a magical wish giver, one who could apparently either awaken, or enhance the magical potential in people. This also meant that I would be perpetuating generation after generation of stalkers, as those people who I then awakened would be able to track me down and then get me to awaken their children, or if they felt enough time went by, then they likely would think I could re-awaken or further improve their own magical capabilities. Yeah, this was going to be bad. I also noted that my magical Tiers were now capped at Tier IX, meaning that an easy way to increase that would be to further evolve or improve my bloodline. The only problem was that this would likely mean that I could then improve other people¡¯s bloodlines to match my own. While I felt that this would mean I would no longer have to worry about money or future earnings. There were now further complications that I needed to consider. Especially as I still had plans on stealing back what was rightfully mine from the poker tournament committee that had robbed me blind. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Zero asked, a note of worry in his voice. ¡°Yeah, just thinking¡­¡± I reply, and I was. I now had to think about how to steal my experience back from the Tournament officials, while still keeping a low profile, despite the magical shining sign saying, that not only am I here, but that I grant magical power ups. This was going to be interesting, to say the least. Maybe I would just let ride, let bygones be bygones and forgive them¡­ Chapter 60 The Plan Chapter 60 The Plan Needless to say my being a magical beacon made any immediate plans to operate against the professional traveling Gambling Tournament committee, ultimately useless. First I had no idea of my limitations, how far out I could be detected and so on. With all of those hinderances in place going after one of the most lucrative and therefore best armed and maintained criminal organizations in the world was off the table, for the moment. In fact, I was willing to dismiss the entire thing as a flight of fancy, if I reacted immediately I knew I would be caught. Worse, I had too much riding on the line. I had my contract with Mage¡¯s Guild where I had to spend ten more months here in Crossroads, I had my contract with the Thieves Guild where I was needed to fill in for two to five more months. I also had my book club where I would read, and then reread and remaster the classics of Rahul and the Maiden. Now that I had a new voice for the main character, I couldn¡¯t help but feel it would be best to restart the entire series and get the newest and best version available out. Also, my Acting, Narrator, and Total Recall skills were almost near perfection, meaning that I would of course want to re-record myself after that time. That of course was just part of my day. I also had the near constant stream of people coming in seeking to be cured of the Blight, seeking to bring lost loved ones back to life, and many more repeatable quests that for me only equate to 100 experience, but offer a lot more to the people who finally found me. Granted I must seem like some mystical tourist attraction now, especially as I pretty much grant everyone¡¯s wish to have at least some ability to increase most people¡¯s affinity with schools of magic. The funny part is, that I didn¡¯t realize the foundation for my ultimate plan on how to steal back the experience that I was owed by the Gambling Tournament Committee, until after I evolved my race and consequently granted the Mage¡¯s Guild master¡¯s ultimate wish. *** ¡°What seems to be the problem here?¡± The Guild Master asked. ¡°Nothing?¡± I responded somewhat confused. Pausing, he cocks his head to the side as if seeing me for the first time in a long time. Then after a moment¡¯s hesitation, he walks forward and touches my face. Now, I am not one to be touched. I don¡¯t go out of my way to touch others, I mean heck I barely hugged Golum and Hector before I left on my class awakening journey some three months ago. But the Guild Master¡¯s actions were so odd and out of place that all I could do was shrink back. Tingle. There was an electricity that occurred from his touching me, at which point I was granted a quest prompt.
Hidden Quest Found (Repeatable): Awakening One¡¯s Magical Destiny: You have come into contact with a mage that you can improve the magical potential of by increasing their magical ratings by a maximum of two Tiers. Rewards: Experience, variable. Do you wish to do so?
Seeing the message, I realized a few things right off the bat. First, there seemed to need to be some type of skin to skin or other form of contact to initiate the process. Secondly, and likely the most important factor, I had to agree to the stipulations. That was what the variable, portion of the quest was, it was my way of leveraging some form of control over the boon I could potentially offer. It wasn¡¯t much, especially as I could likely generate a lot of animosity from people if I asked for too much. Being as this was my first true experience with this, and I honestly didn¡¯t mind the Guild Master, especially after he cut my required workload in half so I could conduct more personal improvement plans. Honestly, while I could have charged the Guild Master something for this, I ultimately decided not to. First again, I had roughly nine and a half months of still being Broke, so money wasn¡¯t truly an option. Secondly, he was a decent boss. He stood up for me, and most importantly, he got out of my way and didn¡¯t micromanage the heck out of me. I honestly couldn¡¯t ask for more out of a boss, so I didn¡¯t. Mentally I thought, yes, and with that, I could feel a slight transformation happen. A good quarter of all of my energy reserves dropped all at once, and when I mean all my energy reserves, I mean all of them. I could feel my Stamina, Standard Mana, the energy used to fuel and operate my other Traits. Basically everything was down and I felt it, like coming off of an adrenaline high and crashing once you realize you can finally rest. This was at that level of exhaustion, without any of the fun parts beforehand. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel satisfied with my decision, especially with the giant smile that presented itself on the Guild Master¡¯s face. ¡°What? What is this?¡± He said, as he moved his hand away and seemed to be reacting to the same exact tingling sensation that I felt. ¡°What did you do?¡± ¡°I improved your magical abilities.¡± I responded, then added. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know what all it does, but it does seem to be fairly impressive.¡± ¡°Impressive, this is¡­well, it is an understatement to say the least.¡± He said, his words coming in a mix of random emotions. ¡°Did you know this was one of my longest standing regrets? The fact that I was forever denied the ability to be a true Master magician?¡± The Guild Master asked. ¡°What do you mean? You are the Guild Master, are you not?¡± I asked. At that he just shook his head. ¡°No, this was a joke assignment, being sent to an out of the way city like this, for an old ghost like me, this was where I was supposed to go until I finally let go.¡± ¡°Let go?¡± I asked, suddenly confused. I knew the Guild Master and all permanent residents here were spirits, most of whom were power spirits, but I still have a hard time remembering that. Even my familiar, Zero, is a spirit, though I can¡¯t help but think of him as a flesh and blood dragon, despite the fact that the only reason he can even go to the mortal realm is due to my Class Merit Death Shroud. Even when Mallory or other living Regressors come, they all have to take potions to stay immune to the natural spiritual damage that will build up over time, due to staying in the spirit realm. Yet, it is through conversations like this one, when I remember who exactly I work with and for on a daily basis. ¡°Yes, eventually the rigors of unlife get to even the most stalwart of spirits. We all have our goals that drive us forward, personal aspects that push us. As for me, I had everything, a degree from Arcanarus University, I had the prestige of my peers, but I was only considered a middle Tier magician at best.¡± ¡°Middle Tier? You?¡± ¡°Yes, needless to say, when we first met and I saw that you already possessed the same Tier of magical proficiency as I did. I will admit to being slightly jealous, that and your innate understanding of Spell and Magical Theory both made me instantly know you would be one of the people I secretly resented. Yet, I couldn¡¯t.¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°You couldn¡¯t?¡± ¡°Oh yes, I tried to hate you at first. I truly wanted to be jealous of you. I even set up a trap where I purposefully limited your initial access to the library hoping that you would extend beyond your section. Yet, you did not. Then I saw your dedication to your craft. I saw your dedication to the people here, and I realized that you were not just a great healer, but you were a better person. Despite your shortcomings, you still are a truly decent person. So, I had relinquished myself to stay here until one of two things happened, either I lost my will to carry on, something that is fairly common for high level spirits such as myself, or you finished your time here, at which time I would likely also lose my purpose for existing.¡± ¡°What, no. You can¡¯t quit, not even if I am gone. These people, they need you. Heck, I need you!¡± I say, hearing him speak, I can¡¯t help but feel that he is calling it a day, that he is in fact trying to quit our partnership. I can¡¯t have that, I just got used to this Guild Master, also hearing his speech I realize why I haven¡¯t been as interested in searching the rest of the library. It is something on my to-do list, but that thing is huge. Still reading every book in the restricted section is something truly worth accomplishing. Though I do wonder if part of my hesitation was an innate understanding that I was being watched the whole time, and that while I did have access now, I couldn¡¯t help but remember back when I was still on my probationary period. Chuckle. ¡°Oh, you are correct. With you around life has been one constant thrill and experience after another. I have seen wonders performed by your hands. You have cured the Blight from spirits and mortals alike. You have brought the dead back to life, and you started a local book club for the blind.¡± At this, the Guild Master paused and shook his old head. ¡°And now, once again you defy expectations by granting me my greatest wish of all.¡± ¡°What?¡± I ask, suddenly off guard by the random statement. ¡°You have made it so I can finally be considered a Master Tier Magician, where I can cast the spells I could only dream up of as a student.¡± The now Master Tier Mage Guild Master said. Then with the raising of his hands, he began waving his hands and channeling energy throughout his body in a long complex way. Looking at the flow, I can easily note a few ways that the spell is overly complex. Yes, he is casting a Tier IX spell, but he doesn¡¯t need to do all that. This spell could easily be a Tier VIII, or even a Tier VII spell if he really worked on processing the mana more efficiently. Looking at the spell, I can¡¯t help but want to shout at him. This is the Guild Master, and he is doing it all wrong. He basically took the base spell for creating an element, in this case fire, and amplified it with multiple feed tubes that would supply excess mana that could be burned and consumed by the spell. While the spell structure was technically a Tier IX in complexity, it was only done so due to the inefficient use of mana throughout the construct. It was clear that this was meant to be the creation of a fire creature of some kind, and it was. As to add even more complexity to the spell, the spell half summoned the spirit of a Fire Phoenix from the astral realm and caused it to be forcefully created here in the spirit realm. Again, there was a need for so much mana use due to the partial summoning aspect of the spell, but summoning the partial aspect of the Fire Phoenix was completely unnecessary. I was about to say something, but then I heard him speak. ¡°Hahaha. This is grand, and so amazing. You are everything I dreamed you would be and more.¡± The Guild Grand Master said, speaking to his partially summoned creature. ¡°What¡¯s this, I also received my badge, a true undeniable sign that I Herbert T. Quencher managed to finally reach beyond my starting potential and achieve true mastery of my art.¡± He said all of this while reaching out to touch his creation, and expecting to get burned, but didn¡¯t. I was about to question why, but then I realized this spell likely mimicked the familiar bond requirements, which meant that the Fire Phoenix would not be able to harm the mad professor. Okay, so there might have been one small, absolutely minor aspect of forcing this spell to be Tier IX that was actually worthwhile. Also, seeing the amount of pride beaming from the old man, I couldn¡¯t in good consciousness tell him how his spell was terribly constructed and so inefficient that it forced the spell to be a Master Tier spell without truly needing to be one. I also felt bad for just now realizing the Guild Master¡¯s name was Quencher. I try to think back and think if I remember his name being said before this point, but no I cannot remember it being uttered. I just always thought of him as the Guild Master, some random figurehead who was sent as an over reaction to the violence that happened here before his arrival. ¡°And look at that, I got it. I finally got it, after all these years and centuries. I got the recognition I so desperately sought.¡± Guild Master Quencher said, as he then displayed the message that I had received three? No, four days ago? I can¡¯t remember.
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher.
Seeing the message, I cannot begrudge the man for finally fulfilling a life goal. Especially not when I know exactly how hard that stupid badge is to earn. Granted mine was for a true Tier IX spell that saved someone¡¯s life, literally, and was the ultimate sign of peak spell optimization, unlike the ungodly construct who¡¯s only seeming benefit would be to partially summon a Fire Phoenix that wouldn¡¯t burn the summoner upon contact. Nope, I am not going to say that, or even mention it, as that would be childish and petty, and I am above such things. Still, if I was a professor at Arcanarus University, I could only give the spell a ¡®C¡¯ at best. For while it did complete the goal of the assignment of creating a new Tier IX spell and thus unlocking the badge, it did so with an end state over functionality goal in mind. Then a thought came to me, as I wondered if my apparent ease with creating spells stemmed not just from my high skills, but also my ability to view the flow and creation of magic not only in me, with my Angel¡¯s Sight, but also with the fact that my skills are able to not only go above the standard 100 point threshold, but beyond that with both my Unbound merit, and my level Five Class Perk: Skill Infusion that allows me to further increase my skills by 15% more, since I am here in the spirit realm. All of this means that my Skills and their use are fairly exceptional. Also, thinking about it, it means that so long as I am here in the spirit realm and engaging in Stealth like activities then my -20% to all Stealth skills would mostly be negated. Realizing this, I felt that I had the basis of an idea on how to plot my revenge against the Gambling Tournament Committee. If I wanted to do a caper, I could but I would need to do so from the spirit realm. Of course, this was only the beginning, the spot where my idea could begin to take root. What truly made it so I could not only do everything, but get away with it, was what happened next. ¡°Thank you. Thank you.¡± Guild Master Quencher said, his voice trembling as tears of joy streamed down his face. ¡°I can finally move on, having finally achieved my ultimate goal in life.¡± At that, a giant golden light began to flow inside the Grand Master magician¡¯s body. Soon the magical energies that had been circulating within his body quickly began changing from a deep crimson red of flames to a vibrant golden color that first filled his meridians. Then slowly worked their way out throughout his body, until he was one massive ball of densely packed glowing energy. Then I saw the moment his golden core became too much for his spiritual body, as the final vestiges of black, non-magical, skin shed away revealing a being that I had only seen eleven times before. ¡°And now it seems, I truly can move on. Thank you for granting this old man the chance to achieve his lifelong dreams. May you find nothing but fortune in what future has in store for you.¡± Herbert T Quencher, the Crossroads Guild Grand Master said, before he disappeared in a burst of bright golden light. Poof. And like that, one of the best bosses I ever had in this world disappeared. Now granted, being a great boss was rather minimal, basically pay me, give me a place to work for as few hours as possible, and then let me cut loose when I need to. Now that the guild master was gone, they would likely send in a new replacement and I would be forced to break them in, get used to their odd quirks and ultimately try to keep from being noticed doing anything nefarious for a while, until any suspicions about me and my propensity to steal knowledge, concepts, and ideas were well and truly squashed. At least that was my initial concern, until I saw the next system message that detailed exactly what happened.
Hidden Quest Complete (Repeatable): Awakening One¡¯s Magical Destiny: You have come into contact with a mage that you can improve the magical potential of by increasing their magical ratings by a maximum of two Tiers. Rewards: Experience, variable. Experience Gained: 500.
Hidden Quest Complete: Truly Becoming A Master Magician: Mage Guild Master Herbert Tobias Quencher had one dream in life. To truly be deserving of the title of Master Magician. You have managed to make this dream a reality by finding a way to increase his Maximum Tier Rating to IX, allowing him to fulfill his life¡¯s work. Reward: Experience, New Doppelganger form, variable. Experience Gained: 500.
After everything, I was now just 20 experience points shy of achieving my new level, my second since evolving my class, and my first since evolving my race. I was so close, and I was about to wonder how I would gain the 20 experience points quickly and easily, when I saw the next system message.
Spiritual Doppelganger (Updated): Your body and soul have been forever marked by the bodies and lives you have touched on a deeply personal level. With this, trait you can take on the form of any spirit you have helped move onto the afterlife. Maximum number of personalities you can duplicate (12/100).
With that message, I realized I had the chance to create a fool proof method of not only earning experience, but also improving my standing within the Mage¡¯s Guild. A quick scan of the area showed that no one, well no one other than Zero realized what had just happened. While the receptionist and likely other members of the guild had seen the guild master come here, no one saw the fact that he just dematerialized into a cloud of redeemed spirits. With this, I realized I could do the ultimate con, I could be myself, and my boss, simultaneously. Effectively, I could set my salary, working hours, conditions, and most importantly performance records for the guild that would be irrefutable, if I played this correctly. Now, you might be asking yourself, what did my being able to pose as the Mage Guild Master have to do with anything related to getting payback on the Gambling Tournament Officials, well I would have to work that out, but I felt there was something I could do with all this new found potential just waiting to be exploited. I just needed to figure out how. APRIL FOOLS CHAPTER (NOT CANNON) Resistance Training APRIL FOOLS'' CHAPTER (NOT CANNON) Resistance Training (Meant to take place after Chapter 62) Eating poisonous mushrooms. That is what I am doing, well it is what my Simulacrum is doing, eating poisonous mushrooms that can make you go blind, and laughing about it. Granted the real me doesn¡¯t have to worry about going blind, seeing as I already am blind, but my Simulacrum has sight, I can clearly see through her eyes, and I can if I focus, experience her emotions. Through our connection, I still feel a bit of control. I can still cause her to disappear at a moment¡¯s notice, this is important to note as it means that my Simulacrum has not taken any damage from what she is doing, nor has she somehow gained control in our relationship, both factors seem important to me at the current moment. Especially, as I don¡¯t know how I would feel about suddenly losing control of my own consciousness to my Simulacrum. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I mentally scold both my familiar and my Simulacrum. With a start, both my Simulacrum and familiar who had up until a moment ago been giggling wildly like a couple of school children, suddenly sit up straight, in that way people do when they try to appear extra sober when an authority figure catches them red handed. ¡°Ohh, you were caught being bad.¡± Zero says after a moment. ¡°As were you.¡± My Simulacrum responds. ¡°What are you two doing?¡± I ask, as I mentally find their position and Teleport to them. Poof. The farthest I can go is to the spot just outside of the Mayor¡¯s office, the one that leads to the possible underground dungeon entrance. Once there, I pause for a moment, before deciding to scan the area. Seeing that no one is around, I reluctantly put on my Thieves¡¯ Guild mask and hope it will protect me from possible fungal infections. ¡°We are doing this for you, silly.¡± My Simulacrum says after a moment. ¡°Doing what for me?¡± I respond back, now that I am getting closer, I can feel both of their minds, they are wide open. I know for a fact that my Simulacrum has the same level of mental defenses as I do, meaning she should be much more guarded against leaving her mind so open to my Telepathic probes. Yet, here she is, wide open and seemingly not even aware of the consequences of being in such a state. ¡°We are building up your resistances.¡± Zero responds back over our mental link. ¡°Resistances to what, stupidity?¡± I ask. ¡°What, no, resistances to Disease, Poison, and Necromancy.¡± My Simulacrum states. ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I ask, as I mentally go through my logs and wonder what they are even trying to imply here. ¡°Each time we eat the fungi, we have a chance of increasing our resistances to one of those three categories.¡± Zero states. At this, I am intrigued, as the ability to increase resistances is amazing, particularly as you get higher in levels. Right now I don¡¯t really need resistances as many things that are on different spectrums of the resistance scales would kill me regardless of any resistances I might or might not have. Yet, this almost sounds too good to be true. ¡°Tell me, what is the last new skill you got from me?¡± I ask. There is a slight pause before my Simulacrum states, ¡°Comedic Timing, why?¡± I pause at that, as I realize that there might be more to this than meets the eye. ¡°Well if you have been getting Resistances, should I have also gotten them?¡± I respond, as I near the two. Now that I am in the caverns, finding both Zero and my Simulacrum are a lot easier now, as their energy signatures call out to me. Yet, there is something wrong with their silhouettes. Normally I would just see them along with any spells or effects they might have active at the time. Normally for Zero this means that there is some form of silver tether to me, my Simulacrum also has one, which is how I am easily able to latch onto them with my Telepathy, but in this case there is something inherently wrong. There is a glowing green mass of malevolent energy that is spreading out from the very core of both Zero and my Familiar. ¡°Hahahaha.¡± Worse, both are laughing uncontrollably. Seeing them in such a state, I pause, as this isn¡¯t like them. Well, it isn¡¯t like me, which means it shouldn¡¯t be like my Simulacrum. Seeing them I pause, as I try to process what is happening. ¡°Oh, the boss has come.¡± Zero says in an overly loud stage whisper. ¡°Quiet, she might hear us, and end our fun.¡± My Simulacrum says. Seeing them, I shake my head as I get closer to the two of them. The closer I get, the more the signs of foreign magic being worked against their body are easy to notice. ¡°Maybe if we offer her some of our stash she will mellow out.¡± My Simulacrum says, while giggling hysterically and rolling about on the floor. ¡°Here, take this boss. Guaranteed to improve your resistances.¡± Zero says, holding up a piece of bright green fungus. The fungus glows and pulses with a dark malevolence that causes me to shiver slightly. At this point, I realize my worst fear, no it isn¡¯t the fact that my familiar and my Simulacrum both are being poisoned. Worse, it isn¡¯t the fact that they are both tripping like annoying teenagers and I now have to be the rational parent that says drugs are bad. No, what makes this exceptionally terrible is that I now realize that in order to complete this quest, a quest that has been plaguing me since I arrived to this city, I will have to become an after school special. Oh my gods, this is so lame. I think to myself as I roll my eyes up in the back of my head. Snap! With the snap of my fingers, my glowing green simulacrum that had been offering me a bit of mind controlling mushroom was gone. There is a slight pause, as Zero flips his little snout first to me, then to where my missing Simulacrum was resting, then back to me. ¡°What did you do that for?¡± Sigh. Inwardly I feel myself die a little at the obvious line. ¡°Drugs are bad, can¡¯t you see they are killing you?¡± I say in as deadpan of a voice as I can manage, while still trying to get credit for completing this stupid quest. A pause. There is a long moment that seems to pass, as Zero completely pauses in place. No doubt the AI is wondering if I have completed the quest to a satisfactory level. I can almost see the moment it tried to push the plot a little further, but then finally seemed to think better of it, as I was granted the quest update I had been missing for a while. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Quest Complete: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads: You have found that the guards of crossroads have an open contract with the Apothecary Guild to create Detox potions. These potions were needed due to a rare debilitating form of fungus living under the city. Going under the city, you have found the source of the toxin spores. Reward: experience. Experience Gained: 250
Yeah, that was the bare minimum for a quest I could have gotten. Granted the system seemed really intent on making me complete that quest, seeing as they all but hand delivered me here, even going so far as to seemingly make my Simulacrum and Familiar come down here for no real reason. I know I just got the clue about the Blinding Toxin Spores, and I would have come to investigate eventually, but not during an active audit. Honestly, this whole thing just seemed so forced. I knew I wasn¡¯t quite done, as I would likely have to remove the signs of poison from both my familiar and my Simulacrum, but that would be fairly easy to accomplish, especially once the effects of the fungus were gone. Well, the system got its soundbite of me chastising myself for doing drugs. The outside world got a stark reminder of how far a celebrity could fall due to the temptation of drugs, and I completed a stupid quest. I guess the next forced quest would be to fight the fungus, trying to cut it apart. Of course, having dealt with mushrooms and other fungi in my previous life, I know that cutting them apart will likely only cause them to release more spores. Spores that will make people go blind and give the mushroom a chance to spread. If I want to truly end this curse, then I will need to go one step further. Grabbing Zero, I pick him up, and realize that either he is still small, or my human Doppelganger is very large. Regardless of the fact, I pick up Zero and cradle him to my chest as if he was little more than a large puppy. Once he is secure in my arms, I Teleport out to the base of the cave. Then I put down Zero for a second, as I remove the mask from my face, no point in letting people know that I am part of the thieves guild, especially not in my Mage Guild Master form. With my Thieves mask stowed, I once again pick up Zero and begin walking out. ¡°Open wide.¡± Zero says, cackling wildly as clawed fingers scrape past my lips and all but force a strange substance into my mouth. Chomp. I bite down hard on the taloned fingers. First that is just gross, second, I do not want this to become a habit of the game trying to push forward a stupid plot twist. ¡°AHHH!¡± Zero cries out as he frantically claws at me trying to get me to release my hold over him. After a second, I drop him to the ground, while also trying to spit out the foreign substance that I just know will be a bit of highly concentrated poisonous mushroom. I am bleeding from the claw wounds of Zero, they had been done at close range, and with little wind up, but he still has sharp claws that can cut deeply. Fortunately, a quick application of Omni-Healing to me and Zero both fix our wounds. Then the next thing I do is enter into a state of meditation, as I try to fight off the effects of the toxin spores that are going wild within my body, releasing a strange magical energy within my body that is clearly meant to have a direct effect on my mind. Of course, since this is my body, and my mind I have the home field advantage, as I can generate the magic from anywhere and just disperse the magical properties of the magical toxins that are trying to be released. The whole process is rather easy to keep up with, almost too easy. ¡°You bit me! You freaking bit me!¡± Zero screams out, clutching his rapidly healing paw, a paw that is right now stitching itself back together, and one that he shoved into my mouth mind you. But I see this for what it is, still more melo drama against drugs. Fortunately, I am able to deal with this a lot easier than I can the battle for magical spore extract being released within my mouth. Mentally, I reach out to Zero, then with a quick application of Telekinesis, I lift him into the air. He is crazy, the type of roid filled crazy you would expect from a pro athlete seeing their spouse with another member of their team. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you! I¡¯ll freaking kill you!¡± Zero says, as I can see the spore extract in his mind going wild, taking control of his brain and all but forcing this reaction. Oh my gods, they are going to make me do it again, I think to myself as I realize this skit is not done. Apparently, they are really pushing this anti-drug narrative. While I don¡¯t mind the message, I mind how heavy handed it is being forced on me. Still, if I want this to end any time soon, I need to find a way to end it. ¡°Oh no Zero, this isn¡¯t you. This is the drugs. Can¡¯t you see, they are destroying you.¡± I say, again all deadpan and without any real emphasis on the words. Yes, I could easily add a bit of acting to this, and likely complete this quest in a second. But I refuse, I utterly refuse to be part of this type of forced narrative. Forcing drugs on my Simulacrum and my familiar just to generate drama and a sound bit, that is beyond reproach. So, this is my last time of me playing nicely with the system. During this time, my words as emotionless as they were seemed to have the desired effect on Zero, as he immediately stopped squirming. This gave me the chance to first end the toxic magic from entering my body, then I began doing the same thing to Zero. Though in his case, it was a bit tougher as most of the magic had already taken root and had begun to spread out. Still, I just focus on breaking up the roots, and then over time feel the spores break apart. I pause, wondering if there are any more dormant parts of the mushroom still hiding in Zero. After a moment, when no sickly green energy came to life, I assumed he was safe. ¡°Oh wow, thank you. I don¡¯t know what came over me.¡± Zero says, a note of confusion filling their voice. ¡°That was the reefer madness, let this be a lesson to all of us, to always be vigilant.¡± I say, again, making sure these lines are spoken as dryly and sarcastically as possible.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads (II): You managed to cure your familiar of severe toxins. Rewards: Experience. Experience Gained: 10
Yep, the system was not happy with my lack of effort on that quest, and showed it to me by giving me what I assume is the bare minimum for completing a quest. Still, I couldn¡¯t care less, as I think this quest is stupid, do drugs, don¡¯t do drugs, whatever. Just don¡¯t make me push a social agenda. ¡°If you don¡¯t like my effort, then give me a quest I would actually want to complete.¡± I say, under my breath. RUMBLE!! With that the entire ground starts to vibrate wildly. ¡°What is happening?¡± Zero asks, as he suddenly shakes himself to full consciousness and is floating in the air above me. ¡°I opened my big mouth.¡± I say. ¡°You what?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Nothing, come on, lets get back to the Guild hall.¡± I say, as I reach out for Zero. Of course, the ground chooses that moment to open up underneath Zero and swallow him whole. He falls down, and then reaches out, claws digging into the ground. ¡°Help.¡± Zero says, a note of desperation to his voice. ¡°Come on, you are a flying dragon. Get up here.¡± I say, this is ridiculous. ¡°Oh right.¡± Zero says, as he lets go of the ground and then floats up to me. Then we share a moment as we both look at each other. Rumble. The ground shakes again, and I begin to run off, but I pause, as this almost seems like too much. Almost as if the system was breaking its own rules of immersion. I know the game will try to push an agenda at times, but I realize that this might even be too much for the system. Mentally, I kick myself. ¡°What? What are you doing?¡± Zero asks, trying to distract me. Shaking my head, I realize my mistake. I thought that my thieves guild mask would protect me from the spores, that my only true exposure to the spores would have been when Zero forced that chunk of fungus into my mouth. While I have no doubt that Zero did try to get me to eat some of the fungus. I was wrong to assume that the only time I was exposed to the toxic spores was when I was force fed some. Letting out a laugh, I say ¡°you got me.¡± Then focusing inward, I begin spiraling my magic around wildly, enough to cause damage within me. Even going so far as to cause lesions within my mind. I know my Regeneration will take care of the damage done to me, but hopefully my Regeneration will not heal any fungal invaders that have worked their way into my blood stream. Flash. There is a blinding flash, for a moment, as I cut close to my optical nerve endings. Fortunately, there is only a bit of a give as I am too busy focusing on sending wild and untamed damage to my mind and body. Rumble. The ground once again shakes, as I lose my footing and fall to the ground. Oof. That is enough of a wake up, as the external physical pain is so jarring that for a moment I see the spike of magical energy on my mind. Focusing on the spot where the energy signature appeared, I focus and send a spike of mana right towards it. Burning hot pain. There is a spike of pain in my mind, as I feel my mind actually break free of the illusion that had filled my senses. There is a moment of silence, as I feel like I am spinning around in my own brain for a moment. Smack! ¡°Cass. Cass are you there?¡± Zero says, as he smacks me hard with the back side of his paw. ¡°What? What?¡± I say, suddenly going from nearly asleep to totally awake in a matter of seconds. Then I realized with a start that I had awoken to find myself still inside the caves. ¡°You dismissed your Simulacrum right at the time when she was going to heal you.¡± Zero said. ¡°What?¡± I say, then realized what Zero was talking about. My head is swimming, but fortunately I am starting to come out of it, even though I am still feeling highly woozy from everything. ¡°You had me worried there for a moment, you were casting spells wildly about. What happened?¡± Zero asked, clear concern in his voice. Shaking my head, I think I realize what happened, but I almost feel too embarrassed to truly say what happened. ¡°I might have gone under the control of the mushroom for a moment.¡± I admit. ¡°These psilocybin mushrooms are no joke.¡± Zero says, ¡°can I ask what you were thinking?¡± At that I realize something, ¡°man I am so lame. I got high on toxic mushroom spores, and rather than having something fun happen, I dreamt I was filming anti-drug commercials.¡± ¡°You what?¡± Zero said. ¡°Nothing.¡± I say, as I shake my head and get up from the ground. Judging by the state of the ground and level of magic toxic spores clinging to my clothes I had been here for a while. ¡°Let¡¯s just not talk about this ever.¡± I say. That¡¯s when I am met with the real system message.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads (II): You managed to free yourself from the poisonous effects of the rare mushroom. Rewards: Experience, resistances. Experience Gained: 250. Resistance to Disease increased by 5%. Resistance to Poison increased by 5%. Resistance to Necromancy increased by 5%.
Seeing the message, my heart beats a little faster. ¡°So you finally got the resistances?¡± Zero asks, incredulously. At this I feel like a complete jerk, as I thought both my Simulacrum and familiar were just thinking they got the benefits from this. Though I now had so many questions running through my mind. While it seemed that skills could transfer from me to my Simulacrum, could they transfer the other way, from the Simulacrum to me? Also, were resistances something else entirely? There were so many questions running through my mind, which was why I almost missed the moment Zero asked the question. ¡°So, uh, what do you want to do about this giant mushroom, do you still want to destroy it, to protect the citizens?¡± Zero asks. That is one thing we could do, and logically it would be the most moral thing we could do. Destroying this mushroom would likely end a string of disappearances from town. It would also cut down on the number of people who were going blind from taking too many poor-quality detoxification potions. That is why I decided to take the morally responsible approach. ¡°Yes, but only after we finish increasing our resistances.¡± I say, then before Zero can protest, I reach out, grabbing a large chunk of the fungus covered wall and eat. I¡¯ll show this game what it means to attempt to make me part of an afterschool special. With the new portion of fungus in my mouth, I can feel the intense burning sensation in my mouth as the fungus that tastes like cardboard attempts to kill every tastebud I have. With my cheeks filled with fungus, I decide to give a real afterschool safety message. ¡°Remember kids, drugs are bad, until they are good for you. Then they are okay, so long as it is in moderation.¡± Nom. Chapter 61 Setting Up the Long Con Chapter 61 Setting Up the Long Con For all intents and purposes, I was now the Leader of the Crossroad branch of the Mage¡¯s Guild. Well, to be perfectly transparent, I was not the actual Mage Guild Leader, that privilege belonged to one Herbert T. Quencher, unfortunately he was no longer with us. No, unlike what so many of my kind might do or think, I did not kill him. Quite the contrary, I made it so he completed his final social burdens and was able to move on with this world. Logically I know this was just one of the variable responses I was given with my newfound repeatable quest revolving around awakening a Mage¡¯s Destiny.
Hidden Quest Found (Repeatable): Awakening One¡¯s Magical Destiny: You have come into contact with a mage that you can improve the magical potential of by increasing their magical ratings by a maximum of two Tiers. Rewards: Experience, variable. Do you wish to do so?
As part of my new racial flaws I have been burdened with being seen as the possible heretic of all mages, as I can single handedly usher in a new age of mages. In particular I can make it so anyone can have increased access to any form of magic by up to two tiers. This is a game changer and one that cannot be overlooked as to how much annoyance it will cost me in the future. But the first person I tried using this new power on, just as a test case as none other than my Mage Guild boss, who was so happy about the increase in power as he was able to complete a lifelong dream of casting Tier IX spells that he had only been dreaming about for years apparently. Even in death, this one goal was keeping him back from properly moving on as a spirit, so this let him go on with a clear conscience. This of course led me to the next variable quest reward that came from granting the wish of the Mage Guild Master himself.
Hidden Quest Complete: Truly Becoming A Master Magician: Mage Guild Master Herbert Tobias Quencher had one dream in life. To truly be deserving of the title of Master Magician. You have managed to make this dream a reality by finding a way to increase his Maximum Tier Rating to IX, allowing him to fulfill his life¡¯s work. Reward: Experience, New Doppelganger form, variable.
Now the appropriate thing for me to do in this case would be to take the knowledge that we no longer had a Guild Master, report it to the receptionist, and hope that the next Guild Master that came was amenable to me and my antics. Or, yeah, hopefully you see where this is going, or now that I can now assume the exact form of the former Mage Guild Master, I should be able to pass off as him for the foreseeable future. I mean, what is the only thing better than being your own boss? That¡¯s right, signing your own paychecks, but only after a well deserved raise is applied, of course. If I did this right, not only could I basically have free reign to do what I wanted, when I wanted, but I would be rewarded by the Mage¡¯s Guild for doing so. Then when my year of servitude was up, not only would I get my Guild recommendation for being an exceptional healer, which would be universally accepted at any Mage Guild branch around the world. But I would also end up with a glowing letter of recommendation from my current boss, me. This was the perfect con, or at least it had the makings of being the perfect con, so long as I learned to pull it off. I did have my recently acquired Mimicry skill, the skill that I first got by imitating Glenn at the Swap¡¯em Holdem tournament. Now all I had to do was improve this same skill so that when I impersonated the Guild Master I would act more like him than he did. I know, it is technically not possible, but just go with it. Anyways, my first true plan of getting this to work would be to impersonate the guild master, going down to the very clothes that he wore. Fortunately, being so far out of the way, he was not big on pomp and circumstance, and very rarely wore his Guild Master robes. In fact, going through my Total Recall, I can¡¯t remember a time when he actually wore the robes. This was good, as it meant that so long as I didn¡¯t go out anywhere, I would likely avoid being caught in this lie. Why is this might you ask? Well simple, the Guild Master also has their own Soul Bound artifacts that are similar to but far superior to the SWAG that I have available to me as a lowly Healer and member of the Spirit branches of the Mage¡¯s Guild. This means that I will have to go without any of my typical soul bound items while posing as Guild Master Quencher, but I have long since grown beyond the need for the bonuses applied by my typical gear. Realizing that in order to sell this, I will first need to seemingly leave the Healer¡¯s office as the guild master. There is of course one problem, I currently hold the body of a young, but ever growing female, and the guild master was a tall, slender, and elderly male, why is this important? Well quite simply my clothes won¡¯t fit when I change. Then even if they did fit, the odds of the guild master showing around as a sudden cross dresser would be a dead giveaway that something was going on. Let alone him suddenly crossdressing in the clothes of a minor. So, not wanting to cause any problems, I lock my office door. Head to the back, and make sure to tell Zero my loyal companion, ¡°if anyone asks, let them know I am out to lunch for the foreseeable future, and by lunch I mean a really well deserved nap.¡± ¡°Okay, boss.¡± Zero says, as I head to the back room where I typically take naps when there is a lull in the number of patients I see. With my alibi out of the way, I go back to the back room, lock the door, pull the privacy screen and then realizing it would likely be better to appear as a naked version of the Guild Master, I transform into him, before Teleporting into his office. The process of shifting, while painful is surprisingly easy to cope with now. And the amount of time is far less than I remember it taking to change into Sabrina or Olivia¡¯s forms. I still feel strange posing as a guy, again dangly bits and old man skin are not something I would recommend anyone have to feel. Out of curiosity I feel my elbows, and am instantly disgusted by the way the old man skin just kind of dangles there. Bleh. Still, these are things that I tell myself I need to get used to, if I am going to be able to pull off this long con. If I can¡¯t deal with a bit of dangly man flesh, then I should try to give up on this long con all together. Finally, after a few minutes, and pulling out my old doctor¡¯s uniform that I still had in storage, I let out a breath, and then begin my first true step towards trying to cover up the disappearance of the Mage Guild Master. With a deep calming breath, I focus and then Teleport into the Guild Master¡¯s office. Poof. Just as I expected, there are wards, runes, biometric scanners, and everything that grab me and try to alert on my presence, before ultimately giving up on me and letting me go. It seems that my body is enough of a perfect match for the true guild master that I can pass these basic security measures. It is also at this point that I am glad I forced myself to change first. That said, when I looked through the wardrobe of the Guild Master, I realized something. Basically, I was screwed. Everything the Guild Master had for regular work wear, was expensive, not just expensive, but excessively so. Just one garment would be enough to put me over my maximum allowance for items and cash on hand. In fact it was so bad, that unless I stole the items, I would not be able to take them without fear of reprisals. Worse, there was just so much stuff in here that I felt my fingers just tingling at the thought of taking all of the items. I mean, they were mine after all, but I knew the moment I truly claimed them, that was when the world would begin to react in violent ways, due to my Broke flaw. This was yet another limitation of my current situation, I had access to so much money, but I couldn¡¯t do anything with it, at least not for nine more months. Still, there was potential here. The first thing I needed to do was see if there was a way I could make it so I, the Guild Master, could allow myself, Upstanding Employee Cass, to access these things without problems. The first thing I did was look at the books. The biggest and brightest glowing tome was right there on a pedestal before me. At first, I almost wanted to dismiss the book entirely, figuring that it was more of his convoluted spell diagrams that were overly complex and a waste of mana and efficiency. That was, until I read the title of said giant glowing book.
Crossroad¡¯s Guild Master¡¯s Tome of Daily Tasks and Operations.
Seeing that text, caused my heart to flutter slightly, as I realized I hit the motherload. Going to it, I went and saw the different quests that had been assigned to me, and was shocked to see, not only was I in here, but I was purposefully getting underpaid. A quick glance of all actions showed that everyone was getting experience for everything they were doing. I mean even Christa, the receptionist, she was getting 100 experience an hour just for sitting. Yes, sitting. Whereas others who had repeatable quest lines were getting far more than I was, and that was for using standard spells that others had. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
Daily Repeatable Quest (Hilda): Perform Magely Duties: You must do something around here, so do that and keep out of my affairs. Rewards: Experience (1,000 per day that you do not require direct oversight or being cleaned up after).
Yes, that¡¯s right, a thousand for not messing up. Whereas I only got 100 per person I cured the Blight from.
Hidden Quest Repeatable (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Curing The Blighted: You have found a way to remove the blight from individuals infected with the curse of corruption. Cleanse everyone you can of the Blight and be rewarded: Rewards: Experience (100), variable.
I would have to cure ten people in a day to make what Hilda gets for not breaking things. I tried to alter my reward but was met with a message.
Unable to perform function: Maximum rate achieved for daily repeatable tasks due to low level. Cap met until level 50.
So there it was, I was capped in at 100 experience points per repeatable quest until level 50. Seeing this, I was not discouraged, but rather, felt I could somehow use this limitation to my benefit. Realizing that 100 experience was in fact the maximum for me for a repeatable quest, I then began wondering just how far I could push this newfound authority granted to me. Picking up the glowing pen that lay next to the book, I realized the two were a matching set. With that, I studied the flowing script of the former Mage Guild leader, and then I began practicing writing a few lines that exactly matched the Guild Master¡¯s flowing script. Of course, I did not use the book to write in, that would be stupid, but I did use the pen to write out on scratch paper. Instantly I realized the pen was either out of ink, or only wrote in the Guild Master¡¯s Tome, either way, I did not create any true words on the page. This of course didn¡¯t matter, as I could easily make out the indentations in the page from where the tip of the pin was pressed into the parchment. Realizing that this was as good as I was going to get for a while, I practiced, until I finally got my Mimicry skill to a passable form for the terrible hand writing of the former Guild Master. While his writing wasn¡¯t completely illegible, it was easily a step down from what I was used to when keeping my own logs. Then I remembered how he had the gall to chastise me for that handwriting regardless. Shaking my head, I dismiss the former encounter and focus on what is important. Namely, seeing if I could assign myself daily repeatable quests, while posing as the Guild Master. Once I was fairly certain of my proficiency in writing as the Guild Master, I tried to transfer my success to the Guild Master¡¯s Tome, to my Tome now.
Daily Repeatable Quest (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Quest for Knowledge: You are rather young for your intended position and the recent prestige you have garnered for yourself. To help make up for your perceived shortcomings, you must read at least ten books from the Mage¡¯s Guild Library¡¯s Restricted section each day. Rewards: Experience (100), Skills.
There was a bit of a battle that came up, when I tried to assign myself the 100 experience points for this quest.
Note: As with all assignments over 10% of the maximum, you will have to put in an official missive to the Mage¡¯s Guild Tower office to approve the total.
So, there it was, in order to get mor than 10 experience per repeatable quest, I would have to send a charter to the Guild Tower offices to approve of the transaction. Even then, it would require other people to approve the transaction. With that, I decided to amend my initial quest, and what was possible. With a bit of manipulation, my first quest was complete and I couldn¡¯t help but feel accomplished by the act.
Daily Repeatable Quest (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Quest for Knowledge: You are rather young for your intended position and the recent prestige you have garnered for yourself. To help make up for your perceived shortcomings, you must read at least one book from the Mage¡¯s Guild Library¡¯s Restricted section each day. Rewards: Experience (10), Skills.
*Quest Accepted. Note this quest will become active when you tell the recipient of the quest, or they do it automatically.
There it was, either I could tell myself about the quest, or I could just do it and unlock it, likely as a hidden quest. I had to admit, I found this rather interesting, and oh so much fun. But I couldn¡¯t show a bias. So instead of just me, I began offering minor quests to everyone.
Daily Repeatable Quest (Hilda): Adding to the Collective Knowledge: The Mage¡¯s Guild Library needs your vast expertise. Write down any knowledge you wish to share with future trusted generations and place said books within the Crossroad¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guild Library. Rewards: Experience (1,000).
Yes, one thousand was the base that Hilda could be given without needing an exemption pushed through the Mage¡¯s Guild as a whole. Still this quest also helped me out, as it meant I would have at least one more book to read, if she completed it. From there, I began giving everyone minor quests. A few cleaning quests for Zero, a few gardening quests for Lowiski the nature mage. There were quests for Christa that related to making my life easier. I also set new office hours for myself, but the way I phrased my next daily repeatable quest.
Daily Repeatable Quest (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Hourly Contribution: Continue to maintain and run the Mage¡¯s Guild Healer¡¯s office, as the Head Mage¡¯s Guild Leader to any standards you see fit. Due to your erratic hours and needs, you may work as much or little as you see fit, in order to get the job done. Rewards: Experience (10 per hour).
Daily Repeatable Quest (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Storing The Guild Master¡¯s Clothes: Due to a recent problem, the Guild Master finds himself in need of some much needed closet space. For everyday that you provide that space to store, clean, and carry said garments, you will be rewarded. Rewards: Experience (10 per set).
Now, I know what you are thinking, if I wear the clothes of the Guild Master, doesn¡¯t that mean that this last quest will be reset. Well yes it would, which is why I intend to store at least two sets of his clothes in my office in a hidden compartment. With that, I will be able to gain the daily bonus, while also being able to change outfits rapidly without drawing too much attention to myself. With that, I felt like it was perfect, the words store, clean, and carry to the quest line also meant that my holding them for the Guild Master would not count towards my work, but rather towards my daily bonus experience. Then thinking about it, I realized that I was easily going to make my next level here shortly. With so many repeatable quests that offered ten points per completion, and my only needing 20 experience points to level, I decided to treat myself to a fun hidden option that was available only to Guild Masters.
Hidden Quest Assigned (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Leveling for Classes and Power: You have been assigned a secret one time hidden quest to immediately level. Doing so will unlock the chance to unlock a special quest. Rewards: Increased Class capability dependent on how quickly you achieve your goal. Maximum time: 30 minutes.
Click. I felt something intangible click within my mind, and instantly I knew that my foolish plan to give myself this ridiculous quest was not only accepted, but also already enacted. Worse, due to my low level and how close I was to already leveling, the most I was able to put my timer was at 30 minutes while still receiving the maximum, reward. Still it had worked, quickly grabbing a handful of Mage Guild Leader Quencher¡¯s clothes, I focus on my objective and Teleport back to my office room, still dressed as the Guild Leader, despite only wearing an old Doctor¡¯s uniform onesie. Jumping in, I knew time was of the issue, so I focused on immediately changing, but realized that I would lose valuable time trying to change and then complete one of the new hidden tasks. I didn¡¯t have a patient here for me, so I could only focus on doing one of my new repeatable tasks. ¡°Zero.¡± I call out from the door, having just managed to change my vocal cords back to my normal voice range. ¡°Yes boss?¡± ¡°I need you to go to the Mage¡¯s Guild Library, to the restricted section and read two books from the Nature section.¡± I say. ¡°Any book in particular?¡± ¡°No, just go and start leafing through the books two at a time. I will tell you when to stop.¡± ¡°Okay¡­¡± Zero said, sounding utterly confused but still going with my plan exactly. That¡¯s what I loved about Zero, he would do everything I asked, despite how crazy it sounded. And trust me, by this point crazy was apparently the name of the game. Then just as I expected Zero went to the Nature section, chose two books at random and began leafing through them quickly. Now why did I choose the Nature section? Simple it was the closest section to us, and it was one of the sections of the library that I had not already gone through. Zero moved through the books, leafing through the pages at a pace that was clearly too quick for him to actually read, especially as he wasn¡¯t even glancing at said pages. If anyone saw him, they might assume he was just wasting time as he was going too quickly. Fortunately, nothing was too quick for my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading skill, especially as it was at 125 before the 15% class skill perk kicked in. All things considered, I was looking at well over 140 points in the skill, which was more than enough to keep up with the fairly sedate pace that Zero was now leafing through the books. The minute the first book ended, I was greeted with a pleasant, though not wholly unexpected surprise.
Hidden Daily Repeatable Quest Complete: Quest for Knowledge: You are rather young for your intended position and the recent prestige you have garnered for yourself. To help make up for your perceived shortcomings, you must read at least one book from the Mage¡¯s Guild Library¡¯s Restricted section each day. Rewards: Experience, Skills. Experience Gained: 10.
Then with his other clawed hand, he delicately shifted through the next book and then I was once again greeted with the same system message, all except this one came with a much wanted bonus.
Daily Repeatable Quest Complete: Quest for Knowledge: You are rather young for your intended position and the recent prestige you have garnered for yourself. To help make up for your perceived shortcomings, you must read at least one book from the Mage¡¯s Guild Library¡¯s Restricted section each day. Rewards: Experience, Skills. Experience Gained: 10. Ding. Level up. Your level has increased to level 27.
Then just as I had hoped, I was greeted with yet another system message.
Hidden Quest Completed: Leveling for Classes and Power: You have been assigned a secret one time hidden quest to immediately level. Doing so will unlock the chance to unlock a special quest. Rewards: Increased Class capability dependent on how quickly you achieve your goal. You were given a maximum time of 30 minutes, and completed the quest with 29 minutes and 7 seconds remaining. Bonus reward applied due to not being told to increase your level and for finding a hidden quest to complete this quest. Rewards: New Unique Class Lines available.
At that, I let out a sigh of relief, as I realized this was going to be the best year of me being part of the work force ever. Chapter 62 New Class, Same Old Problems Chapter 62 New Class, Same Old Problems Who has the best boss in the world? Obviously, me. I mean when you do what you love, you never work a day in your life and all that. In case you might have missed it, in fact, I know I have to keep telling myself, otherwise it might not be real, but for now and the immediate future, I am my own boss. Which means, while posing as the Crossroads¡¯ Mage Guild master, I can assign random quests that will help me in the future. I have made it so I now get experience just for maintaining my mandated hours. Furthermore, I will now also get rewarded for housing garments of the Guild Master in my office area. So that is a minimum of 90 experience a day, not to mention being rewarded for reading books, something Zero is currently power leveling me through now by constantly pulling down and flipping through pages in the restricted section of the Mage¡¯s Guild Library. I had always wanted to read, and now I have a clear power leveling reason to do so. Now in addition to the random skills I could unlock from reading different books, I also gain 10 experience points for doing so. With an estimated 100,000 books in the Mage¡¯s Guild library, that is, wow, a million experience. How do I know that there are 100,000 books? Well, that is a rough guess based on how many books shelves we have and how many books we have, close to 4,000 shelves, many of which are stacked on top of other shelves up to the ceiling. Then you take the average bookshelf which contains approximately 25 books per shelf, and you get 100,000 books. Or how I am now viewing these books as one million experience. Now I know something will happen to stop this, or at least something will attempt to stop this, that is way too good to be true. I mean one million experience just for reading, well it is dream I never knew I had, but now that it is right there, I can¡¯t help but feel it is the perfect goal for me. One million experience, lets see, assuming I don¡¯t get a second class and I spent all one million experience points on improving my one class, would put me at level 145, well only after we included the impressive 35,100 experience points I currently had that got me to level 27. Yep, just a small power jump. Even with a secondary class, at one million experience points to split between the two, I would be looking at level 103 in my main class and a paltry level 100 in my secondary class. Shiver. Just thinking about that possibility sends a tingling sensation down my spine. The system seemed to get all bent out of shape when I was close to earning a quarter of a million experience points for coming in third in a gambling tournament. So, I can only imagine what it would do to try and combat my chance at a cool million experience. That is why I make sure that if I choose a second class, that it will be one that is not only useful for the moment, but also one that will be useful to me in the future. Why is this important? Well, I have just unlocked not one but three unique classes of mages that can all help define my future growth, not only as a mage, but as an individual trying to eek out an existence in this world. First the quest I gave to myself, and one I easily defeated.
Hidden Quest Completed: Leveling for Classes and Power: You have been assigned a secret one time hidden quest to immediately level. Doing so will unlock the chance to unlock a special quest. Rewards: Increased Class capability dependent on how quickly you achieve your goal. You were given a maximum time of 30 minutes and completed the quest with 29 minutes and 7 seconds remaining. Bonus reward applied due to not being told to increase your level and for finding a hidden quest to complete this quest. Rewards: New Unique Class Lines available.
New Class Available: Temporal Master: You have learned to unlock the power over time itself. By delving into this rare form of magic, you will be able to speed up your attacks, while slowing down your enemies. Or stopping the flow of time around you to complete studies. What better way to survive a major conflict, then to skip ahead until the aftermath and outcome of the battle has already been decided. Beware: You will never be able to go back in time, nor will you be able to change periods of time that you are actively skipping ahead through.
New Class Available: Simulacrum Master: You have learned to unlock the mastery over yourself and now specialize in the Illusionary spells of self-duplication. You can create, maintain and operate multiple simulacrums that mirror you down to the smallest detail. Beware: You can only create simulcrums of yourself. Damage taken by a simulacrum will cause damage to all other simulacrum and yourself.
New Class Available: Environmental Master: You have learned to unlock true mastery over maintaining perfect balance of life for any region. With this, you can create an oasis in a desert, a hot spring in a frozen wasteland. You are the master of any region that you claim as your own. Beware: You can only claim one location to be yours at a time. Area stabilization will deteriorate at a time equal to twice as long as it took you to establish said area as your own.
So the last one, the Environmental Master, I am pretty sure that one directly related to the books that Zero was flipping through when I earned enough experience to unlock my new class. I wish I had known this would factor into my class options as I likely would have had zero been a bit more judicious with his book selections, as it was, I couldn¡¯t really deny the power that each class offered. I could see the benefit for each class. Environmental Master would allow me to go to any location, and make it perfect for me, well Zero and me. Temporal Master seemed like it would be a way to get more experience, as it seemed that I could both speed myself and Zero up to read through as many books as possible before we were caught. But it was the other option that called to me. Simulacrum Master, granted the class was extremely focused, as it seemed that I could only create simularums of myself, but was that so bad? I mean if I could create a simulacrum of myself as the Guild Master, then I could do a lot more actions and always have an alibi. Heck, even if I needed to create a simulacrum of myself, while I posing as someone else conducted a crime, it would be the perfect alibi. I mean how could I be in two places at once? There was just one problem with the simulacrum and that was on just how realistic the simulacrums were. If they were enough to fool most of the people, some of the time, then that wouldn¡¯t be enough. I would need to have a perfect alibi. Though I felt that by focusing on those particular components while hitting the leveling milestones, I would be able to fix a few deficiencies I noticed along the way. Now I knew that this would likely be a tough class to master, especially at first, as I would have to split my attention multiple times, and I feel that I already have a short enough attention span as is. Though then again, this might be the perfect class for one such as myself, as it will all but force me to focus on my goals and plans. Also, what better way to grind out daily repeatable quests, than by having two of me work on accomplishing all of my daily goals. I might also be able to enhance and improve upon different skills simultaneously by reading them, then practicing them against myself. Looking at it, and the fact that I all but forced this timing on me, I can¡¯t help but feel a bit annoyed with myself. Here I am, with a chance at not one, but three unique classes, meaning I could design how they all improve. I mean, who is to say that in the future being able to stop time and deal with a problem wouldn¡¯t be better than creating a simulacrum. That or creating my own little resort in the middle of a terrible location might also be a worthy investment. And what is worse, if I decide to wait, I know I will never be asked to choose these classes again. They might be offered to someone else in the future, but I will never be given the chance to accept these again. Also, I can¡¯t help but feel a bit annoyed at myself for forcing me into this situation, I was so enamored with trying to figure out if I could do this sort of thing, assign myself a special life altering quest, that I never thought about if I should do something like this. If only I had more time to choose, which of course made it so the idea of being a Temporal Master was the way to go. Then again, relaxing at my own personal hot springs did sound quite appealing, which of course would mean I would need to take on Environmental Master. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. But no, I had a hunch, and I figured at best it would work out almost exactly as I planned, while at worst, it would be a permanent 10% idiot tax to my experience gained. Yes, the maximum I could provide to my secondary class would be 50%, but the minimum I could provide to that same class was 10%. Giving up on my idea of being a resort master, where I could offer up vacation rental properties in a perfect environment, I decided to focus on what was most important to me. That being able to have a perfect alibi at any time, regardless of what crimes I might or might not have been committing at the time. I mean, what better alibi is there, than to say I was healing people during the time of ¡®X¡¯ robbery, so I couldn¡¯t possibly be the suspect. Taking a deep breath, I decided to focus on what was effectively a gimmick class, something so narrowly focused that it would be a terrible first class, in fact most might find it a terrible third class, but for me, I could see the utility of where the class could grow. Focusing my will, I took in a breath, then let it out before forever altering my future by choosing the unique class Simulacrum Master.
Simulacrum Master: You are the premier expert on creating exact replicas of yourself that you can control, operate, and maintain.
Attributes Per Level: +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Perception, +1 Willpower
New Spell Learned: Custom Simulacrum (C): Create a near perfect replica of one target of your choosing. Amount of maximum mana required to maintain: variable (minimum of 1% for continual maintenance, maximum used based on needs of simulacrum). Note: This spell has been modified, so that it can only copy you, and your simulacrum is for all intents and purposes an extension of yourself that has access to your same resource pools and abilities. (only spell available).
The attributes sort of made sense, while they were less than my previous other classes, they hit on the two main fields that a Simulacrum would need, namely being able to blend into a conversation, and the ability to perceived and force the changes needed. While the four attributes per level were a bit low, I also had to factor in the fact that my new racial bonuses would also be applied every level, which would also increase my Appearance, Intelligence, and Willpower. Again, I was going to be a Willpower powerhouse with my current build as every level up would increase my Willpower by two. Then after a moment, the system seemed to come to some sort of consensus when it spit out my class¡¯s merits and flaws, well one merit and flaws.
Class Merit (Simulacrum Master): Exact Perfect Replica (7): You can create one exact perfect replica of yourself that shares your attributes, abilities, skills, and energy pools. This replica will be a perfect copy of your base form down to the most minor of details, and will be indistinguishable from yourself by most mundane methods of detection. This replica will be able to cast and use all spells and traits that you can, and any experience gained by the simulacrum will go to you, as if you earned it yourself.
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): Personally Focused (4): Your selfish nature has led you to be limited in the scope of what you can and cannot replicate with your simulacrums. With this flaw you can only copy your base form to be your simulacrum.
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): One Death for All (3): You are so intertwined with your simulacrum that should the simulacrum die, you yourself will die as well. While you can dismiss your simulacrum at any time, you can only do so when your simulacrum is at full health.
Wow, that was one heck of a set of flaws and merits. While I had hoped for something similar to the merit, I couldn¡¯t be more pleased with the results. Effectively I could earn double the experience by just being me. This meant I could have a perfect way to level two classes, namely by having two of me running around at the same time. This meant I could effectively search the rest of the tower, while also completing my commitments to the town of Crossroads. It also meant that I could effectively cover for myself, while the real me posed as the Guild Master, while the simulacrum me hid in plain sight as the ever diligent healer. The flaws were a bit painful to read, but I guess they made sense. Reading them, I couldn¡¯t help but agree with the assessment that I was selfish, though I would pose that I think everyone is to some extent. Also, with my simulacrum being able to be killed and therefore lead to my own personal death, I felt that was a harsh reality, and even more reason to want to stay have my simulacrum stay here in the town of Crossroads¡¯ Mage Guild hall. Here my simulacrum would both be safe, and more importantly, it would earn me continual experience, and reputation.
Choose how to allocate future Experience earned towards your new class. Minimum 10%, Maximum 50%.
Seeing this option, I decided to go ahead and do the maximum split allowed at 50% experience shared between the two classes. Then with that, I saw my first confirmation that this was accepted when Zero¡¯s page flipping paid off almost immediately.
Daily Repeatable Quest Complete: Quest for Knowledge: You are rather young for your intended position and the recent prestige you have garnered for yourself. To help make up for your perceived shortcomings, you must read at least one book from the Mage¡¯s Guild Library¡¯s Restricted section each day. Rewards: Experience, Skills. Experience Gained: 5/5. Experience Gained: 5/5.
And just like that two more books were completed and I was now 10% of my way through level 1 and towards level two of my new class Simulacrum Master. This reminded me that I should test out my new spell and test out exactly what my new simulacrum could truly do. Focusing on the new spell that just sort of appeared in my mind, I focus on it and then a second later cast my new Custom Simulacrum spell. In my office I see the form of my own mana flowing out of me, and watch as it seems to slowly fill out a creature that for all intents and purposes looks exactly like a clear version of me that slowly fills in like I imagine a chocolate easter bunny would, you know how they start off with just a chocolate shell and are completely hollow in the center. Then once the outline is complete, you continue pouring in more and more mana until a life sized object of you, well you when you are not in the form of the Guild Master appears before you. Then slowly over time you see the little gaps and fissures that were originally created begin to dissolve as the illusionary nature of your mana slowly disappears from your view, and you are left with only a perfect copy of yourself that is naked. At that I try to share my spare clothes with her, well my simulacrum and am happy to see that my simulacrum can in fact share in my own soul bound items. In a way this kind of makes sense, as it is likely why killing my simulacrum will kill me, as we are the same soul. For all intents and purposes, I see this new class not so much as a specialty illusionist class, but as a specialty continuation of my current Void Healer class in that I can feel my spirit and understanding of spirit magic being stretched in different ways that I never thought to be possible. I am of course completely drained after the creation of this new simulacrum, as I had to use my entire mana reserve and then some to create this entity. Even my auxiliary pools of energy related to my stamina, Telepathy, Teleportation, and Telekinesis have all also been halved. But with the creation of the simulacrum, I feel oddly complete and separated at the same time. For some odd reason, my simulacrum can see. Trembling. I guess this is one way to show the simulacrum me from the real me, as my simulacrum cannot see the world in the same way I can, meaning that I don¡¯t have two complete spheres of Angel¡¯s Sight going that I can then see everything in existence. Instead, I see me, well me in the form of an old wizard still wearing a doctor¡¯s onesie. Then with my mind I see a still naked version of myself. Realizing the situation, I quickly give myself my soul bound clothes that I keep on hand for myself and am happy to see that they are quickly put on. Then with that same notion of impropriety I almost go about changing my own clothes, to look like the guild master, but then pause. This is extremely uncomfortable, as I pause, then drop off my Guild Master Clothes in the storage closet in the back. Then with a thought I Teleport back to my own room. Well the room of the Guild Master, the same person that I am now apparently going to mirror. That was mildly concerning and dissociative. Could I get in trouble for having exposed myself to myself? Shudder. I am slightly revolted at even having that thought. Still, now that I am in my new office, I decide to finally change out of my onesie and embrace my new semi-permanent role of being the Guild Master. While I also, take part in trying to act like my normal self, that can now miraculously see, while also using my true Angel¡¯s Sight to watch Zero as he frantically flips through more books, thereby earning me more and more experience points. This is completely odd, but something that I feel with time, I should get used to. At least I think I am going to be okay, until I get a sudden message that just seems to appear out of nowhere in the Guild Master¡¯s office.
Warning Urgent Guild Master Quest: Surprise Audit: Your branch of the Mage¡¯s Guild is being hit with a surprise audit inspection. Do not worry, you are not accused of any wrongdoing, yet. You are just being investigated due to a string of recent quest creation and completions. Reward: Experience, maintain control of your guild branch.
Estimated time until arrival of audit team: 7 Hours: 29 Minutes¡­
And just like that, I realized my first test to keep my chance at a million experience points was being put to the test. The first thing was first though, I needed to see how much power leveling I could do, before the audit team arrived. Also, judging by the text of the quest, I felt like they were already assuming I was guilty, especially with the use of the phrase ¡°you are not accused of any wrongdoing, yet.¡± Generally that type of phrasing is a dead giveaway that a certain outcome is expected to happen. But rather than feeling flustered, I feel a slight joy rise up in my chest as I realize, this is my shot at redemption. Not only will my passing this help me more than make up my recent experience losses from having my position with the traveling tournament stolen out from under me, but this will help prove that my future plans will be just as successful, hopefully. Now all I need to do is prepare and continue to have Zero power level me through the power of reading. Chapter 63 The Audit (Part I) Chapter 63 The Audit (Part I) What is the number one way to ensure that people are held accountable and fun is avoided at all costs? That¡¯s right, an audit. Feeling too productive? A member of your staff creating not one but two known miraculous spells that forever change the landscape of the world, audit them, likely something in the water. You, know I would almost feel offended by this, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that it likely means that I am close to getting something to happen correctly. I mean, I can almost feel it, the way the system is just winding back, trying to throw a changeup at me, trying to get me off of my game. Likely there is some dirt that is being generated now, dirt that I will have to atone for, or a scandal that would require me to do something against my better judgement. Likely something that would try to morally compromise me in some way. Of course, now that I am thinking about all the different ways that I could be compromised, I wonder if there is something to the idea that there is likely something wrong with the water? Yes, random thought number one leading me to think about the overarching hidden quest of this city that I received on day one here.
Quest: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads: You have found that the guards of crossroads have an open contract with the Apothecary Guild to create Detox potions. You can either create Detox potions to turn in for money, or you can investigate the cause of why so many Detox potions are needed in the first place. Reward: variable.
Now that I have the thought, I can¡¯t help but wonder if there might be some people that claim that there is something in the water? At the very least there is something under the ground on the far edge of town where the mine shafts go down so far that they either create a separate zone or indicate the start of a new mini dungeon. I wonder if there could in fact be a mini dungeon in the middle of a tower. Logically there could, I mean this tower is allegedly infinite at this point, but contextually I feel that having a dungeon inside a tower would just be too much, though who am I to judge really, I mean at this point I should recognize that I have far greater bridges to burn, and ledgers to adjust than just worrying about the realization that there likely has to either be a mini dungeon, the end of a zone, or something else entirely to indicate why my prevailing senses cannot see through the ground and into the caverns that are housing something truly horrific. Yeah, again, honestly at this point I realize that with my new ability to generate simulacrums I could go explore the mine and not arouse suspicion about my absence from the mage¡¯s guild at the same time. That, or I could go and work on my status at the Apothecary and Mechanics guilds as well. In fact, if I leveled up my secondary class enough, I would think it only natural that I would eventually be able to generate two or more simulacrums and have them all run around at the same time. For a moment, I have a grand dream of being the leader of every guild hall here, and running this town with an iron like grip. I think about it, then instantly discard the idea entirely as that would be way too much work and responsibility. Honestly the only reason why I am so keen on keeping this job is I hate trying to learn new bosses, especially considering the fact that my last boss just up and quit on me. Yeah, I know, he didn¡¯t quit, he completed his life goals and ultimately achieved inner peace, but that is just a fancier way of saying he quit on his other ambitions, like me. You know, it is with that last comment that I realize there might be some truth to the system message that I am selfish, I still think it is a bit harsh, but I can see some truth to it. Though honestly I am happy that the Guild Master left, and even happier that I could pose as him to assign myself repeatable quests that are super easy and fun to accomplish. I just wish that I now wasn¡¯t left scrambling trying to figure out how things are going to work out. Still, I can do this. While there is the immediate limitation that for the moment my Simulacrum and me are two different entities and we can sync our thoughts when we are in the same room, I find that now that I am in the Guild Master¡¯s room there is a slight disconnect between me and my Simulacrum. Of course, there is an easy fix to this, as I for the first time in a long time open up Telepathy, and establish a mental link between me and my Simulacrum. The minute I do, I am flooded with a scene of gray and dulled tones. I also oddly realize that my Death Shroud covers the Simulacrum without costing me one of my spots. This is good as it means that my Simulacrum being an extension of my soul will not burn away in this realm. Furthermore, keeping the Simulacrum alive does not cost one of the two shroud spots. Realizing the Merit, I shake my head at how wasteful I was with it, when I healed Mr. Charles Ashcroft, part of the issue was that he had to ingest so many spirit resistance potions. With the shroud I could have protected both him and his caretaker while he waited. Of course, that likely would lead to more problems down the road if everyone knew I could bestow such blanket immunities, so it was likely a good thing that they didn¡¯t know, but this is just me rationalizing after the fact. You know, at this thought, I realize I might really be selfish and that I might want to work on fixing myself, at least slightly. I¡¯m still awesome, but I could be more so, if I learned to think about others more, and not just think about what I could learn or try to do on any particular patient. Wow, I¡¯m guild master for only an hour and already I am trying to overhaul how our Healer¡¯s wing thinks and reacts to the world. ¡°For what it¡¯s worth. I am okay with you just the way you are. I think you are doing a great job as my new boss.¡± My Simulacrum thinks to me. Hearing that, I chuckle slightly. Then reply on our mental connection, ¡°you know I think you are my favorite employee¡­¡± And just as I have this thought we both have the realization that this might be part of the issues the system seems to have with us. ¡°You know, I almost wonder if some of these really annoying quests are ones that the system throws out just to show us how annoying we are, and to make us learn a life lesson. Also, possibly part of their way of saying to stop messing up their yard.¡± Simulacrum me thinks. Again, it is odd hearing my thoughts being echoed to me from a separate source of intelligence. It is both my own thoughts, and not my own thoughts at the same time. Also, still being able to experience colors, or lack thereof in the world around me is completely odd. I don¡¯t know how normal people deal with seeing, it is just so limited. ¡°You know, I don¡¯t think we annoyed the system all that much. This is likely something they do for everyone. Set up tasks that make them try harder or learn to adapt to an ever changing environment.¡± I respond back mentally trying to intone the wordings and mannerisms of the Guild Master, I only have a few hours to practice. ¡°We are getting audited. Not just any audit, but a surprise audit. If that isn¡¯t a sign that we annoyed the system, then I don¡¯t know what is.¡± Simulacrum me points out. With that, I can¡¯t really refute the claim, especially when I pull up the quest that set this whole thing in motion.
Warning Urgent Guild Master Quest: Surprise Audit: Your branch of the Mage¡¯s Guild is being hit with a surprise audit inspection. Do not worry, you are not accused of any wrongdoing, yet. You are just being investigated due to a string of recent quest creation and completions. Reward: Experience, maintain control of your guild branch. Estimated time until arrival of audit team: 7 Hours: 21 Minutes¡­ The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Seeing the time remaining, I realize that I haven¡¯t wasted nearly as much time as I originally expected. I almost wonder if I should try to warn everyone of the Surprise Audit, but then think better on it. It is a surprise after all, there might be issues if I tell others about this, also I have a lot of stuff to do between now and the time they arrive. A time that is coincidentally the same time that Simulacrum me should be performing their reading club. A club that now takes place within the Mage¡¯s Guild. I wonder if that is going to cause issues with the audit. I wonder this for about four seconds, before I realize it doesn¡¯t really matter at this point. For the moment I have my plans, I am going to work on my skills, Simulacrum me is going to work on improving her skills, and Zero, well he is going to continue doing what he does best, namely help me take advantage of some of these easy repeatable quests right now. Then right on cue, he completes another set of the task that I assigned for him.
Daily Repeatable Quest Complete: Quest for Knowledge: You are rather young for your intended position and the recent prestige you have garnered for yourself. To help make up for your perceived shortcomings, you must read at least one book from the Mage¡¯s Guild Library¡¯s Restricted section each day. Rewards: Experience, Skills. Experience Gained: 5/5. Experience Gained: 5/5.
With those two books done, he puts the books away and takes out two more that he then begins flipping through at a fairly quick pace. Yes, just like everyone else I am using my familiar to help power level me, though unlike how I imagine most people would use their dragon familiar to help power level them, I literally have mine being my receptionist, and book page turner. I know, you probably think that I am just wasting his true potential, but we have tried to get him to use his feet to turn two more books and that just ends with a bunch of confetti if he is not careful. Honestly, two books at once is probably his limit for now. Though I am now getting close to being power leveled, as I am now just eighty experience points way from reaching level 2 in my secondary class, or a total of 16 more books. Or just 2,680 experience points from increasing my primary class once more, you know just 536 books, or 21 and a half complete shelving units. You know, I can see why the audit team is coming, I hope they might have easier ways to help power level me that I am not even thinking about. Still that is a question for them when they arrive, until then, I must prepare myself. *** Brrinngg. The bell over the Mage Guild door jingles loudly indicating that a new group of people have come. The bell is heard by my Simulacrum who instantly shares the sensation over our mental link, letting me know there is a team of four high level mages that have just entered the Mage¡¯s Guild. Of course, Simulacrum being able to see, doesn¡¯t realize that I have been tracking this group of mages since they got off the most recent train. ¡°Good afternoon, how may I assist you today at the Crossroad¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guild Hall?¡± Christa, the receptionist asks, as her voice is echoed in a slight delay through my mental link with Simulacrum me. I say there is a slight delay, as I can see the lips moving just a split second before I hear the words getting passed. It honestly looks like a bad dubbing event where the words and timing are just a split second delayed. Ultimately it is annoying, but nothing that can¡¯t be handled currently. ¡°Hi yes, my name is Trista Preventine, and we are with the Mage¡¯s Guild Information and Acquisitions department.¡± The lead female agent says, as she pulls out a glowing magical badge that radiates with a deep sense of power. Just by looking at it with my Angel¡¯s Sight, I can see that it is a powerful soul bound artifact. Seeing the object, I shake my head, as I realize that item alone is likely more powerful than all of my magical items I have on me, including the stolen garments that I have temporarily borrowed from the Guild Master¡¯s office. Don¡¯t worry, I have a quest for it, so these are not stolen items, or items that cost me money, but rather quest items, meaning I can wield and carry them at the very moment. Also, I don¡¯t know if it was intended to be heard or not, but Christa said the letters ¡°I.A.¡± loudly enough to be heard by me. Only after a second, did I realize that Christa had used a personalized communication device that goes from the front desk to my office. That was why I heard the whispered warning, at almost the same exact time as I finished hearing agent Trista introduce herself. Before I could get too caught up in the item used by the receptionist, the conversation continues. ¡°We have set up an appointment with your Guild Master about a string of odd quests that have been issued by his hand over the past 24 hours.¡± Trista continues as she puts away her badge and then proceeds to go closer to Christa. ¡°Oh,¡± was all Christa said. ¡°Actually, what is your name?¡± Trista asks. ¡°Christa, Christa Xi. I am the receptionist here.¡± Christa said, suddenly sounding a bit more anxious than she likely should have. Then again, these all looked to be fairly powerful mages from the main mage¡¯s guild. They all also had some form of spirit resistance potion in their bodies as I could tell that by looking at them that all four were flesh and bone creatures, which made sense if they came directly from the mortal realm to look into this matter. Still this did make me wonder if there were potential other mage guild halls in other realms much like this one? Or did the other guild branches get wiped out by murder hobos the same way this one almost did. I know for a fact that had I not stuck around here, this town would not be where it was currently. Though then again that might just be me being shallow and thinking that I did a lot by just staying put and trying to start a new life and career. At the confirmation of the name, one of the males in the group pulls up a dossier and immediately flips to Christa¡¯s section. They tried to flip through quickly, but it wasn¡¯t fast enough for me to not notice and be able to read everything on the pages. Again, here in the spirit realm my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading skill was at well over 140, making it so that just shuffling through pages was more than enough for me to read and internalize every piece of information. Looking at the dossiers they had, it was clear that my recent escapade of giving everyone multiple hidden repeatable quests that were all at the minimum threshold for their levels was what sparked this audit.
Christa Xi: Class Magical Assistant: Support Class Role. Level 152. Number of active quests (22) Number of repeatable daily quests (5)
Seeing that, I realize that assigning her four repeatable quests all at once to hide the quests I assigned to myself might have been a bit much, especially considering the fact that she apparently only had one before I started yesterday, and that one was also one that the former Guild Master also provided her. ¡°Ms. Xi, we have a few questions we would like to ask you about your relationship with the Guild Master.¡± ¡°With Herbert?¡± Christa asks, a note of concern filling her voice. ¡°So you are on a first name basis with him, despite the level gap?¡± Trista asked, her tone sounding concerned, but it was clear that she was clearly digging for something. ¡°What? I don¡¯t think I know what you mean?¡± Christa responds, sounding more than a little confused. ¡°Come on now, we have to ask, you are a pretty girl, surely you have noticed the way the guild master might stare at you from time to time?¡± Trista asks. At that, I feel sweat forming on my face, as I wonder if the Guild Master was some form of pervert and now I am just perpetuating a pervert¡¯s cause. Fortunately, that concern is quickly dispelled by Christa. ¡°WHAT, NO!¡± ¡°You mean, Herbert hasn¡¯t asked you to compromise your morals recently? Especially not for any favors? Any hidden favors?¡± The second female from the group of evenly mixed inspectors asks, pulling up next to Trista, apparently trying to help play the role of the caring citizen. At this, I realize the reason for the audit, and I feel so stupid about it all things considered. The guild master is, aside from Zero, the only male in this guild hall. All of the other males that had been part of this guild hall died when the regressors went through town a few months back and scorched everything to bedrock. The Guild master was a male, but that was the only male that came to help out at the Mage¡¯s Guild, everyone else was a female. The former leader of the healer¡¯s guild, my former boss for half a second, Mr. Kiren was a male, but he died on that same day. Wow, I never even thought about it that way. But here it is, and I can almost see the case being made. There is one male who suddenly starts assigning a lot of daily repeatable quests that are easy to complete, so long as you know what to look for and people can¡¯t help but ask if some form of favors were offered in exchange for the relatively easy quests being offered. ¡°No, eww, that is gross. Mr. Quencher is not like that.¡± Christa vehemently denied. Seeing Christa¡¯s response, I can¡¯t help but let out a long sigh of relief, good I am not in the body of someone truly repugnant. A few more questions are asked, some by the two males, others redirected by the two females. After a time, there is a pause as the four confirm amongst themselves for a moment. Then after a brief time, they all seem to nod. Then seemingly in agreement, Trista steps forward and hands Christa a card. ¡°Very good. Thank you for your time. Should the Guild Master ever make any inappropriate advances, or begin to demand more services for the quests he has offered, please contact us by using this card.¡± With that, Trista handed over a Soul Bound note card, that reminded me of the one Mallory gave me, though it was clear that this one was a lot more powerful and likely able to connect to people over vast distances, unlike Mallory¡¯s card that required me to be next to the guild representatives. Then with that, the group made their way from the receptionist, and turning immediately to the left, headed towards the Healer¡¯s wing. While I was slightly nervous about this, I felt relatively certain that this would be another cake walk. ¡°Good morning, my name is Trista Preventine, and we are with the Mage¡¯s Guild Information and Acquisitions department.¡± Trista said once again taking out and flashing her guild badge, though to the Simulacrum¡¯s eyes it looked just like a standard piece of stamped gold, nowhere near as impressive as the magical inscribed seemed to make it. At that Simulacrum me just nodded and responded, ¡°Cassiopeia Spiritlight, how may I help.¡± Good, so far so good I thought as this almost seemed to be an exact copy of the last one. ¡°A pleasure to meet you. I have to ask, has your Guild Master recently made any demands or suggestions that you find disagreeable?¡± Trista asked. Good, we are just going to deny this and be done with this whole farse and I will be able to power level in peace. At least that was my thought, until my Simulacrum apparently decided to go off the reservation as it were, when she responded. ¡°As a matter of fact, there is something I find disagreeable!¡± Chapter 64 The Audit (Part II) Chapter 64 The Audit (Part II) ¡°As a matter of fact, there is something I find disagreeable!¡± Simulacrum me says, and just like that, I can feel the sharks come alive and all but wiggling their way closer. As if smelling blood in the water, all four auditors come forward as a faint smile appears on their eyes. Apparently Cassiopeia, or rather me, I was the one they wanted. I am still connected to her senses, I can still see and hear everything she is saying and doing, there is just one slight problem I cannot control this version of me. I can¡¯t tell her to stop, to be quiet, I can¡¯t tell her any of these things. In fact, the only thing I can really do to stop her is to unsummon her, but doing that will only cause more problems than it would solve right now. ¡°Oh, and what is that?¡± Was all Trista Preventine said, her head cocking to the side as she tried to come across as inquisitive, but her posture and features all screamed that she was overly excited. Seeing the features directly with Simulacrum Cass¡¯s actual eyes was an odd experience for me. I could feel my skills working and helping me quickly deduce everything that was going on, but I felt so slow. I felt like my sensations were delayed for just a moment, fortunately I still had the complete overlap with my Angel¡¯s Sight which let me overshadow the entire area in a giant bubble of near omnipotence. The difference between the two was staggering and I realized just how powerful my twenty-five-point merit truly was. I mean Simulacrum Cass¡¯s field of vision ended with a wall of all things. How could anyone cheat like that? Then as if finally able to respond to something that had clearly bothered her for quite a while, my Simulacrum took in a deep breath, before letting it out. Then she began, ¡°well I have to say I do not appreciate my conditions here.¡± ¡°Your conditions?¡± Trista asks, as the others all begin to swarm around, all trying to get a better view of Cass. At this, I can only hold my breath, as my foot begins tapping almost impatiently at this. I normally don¡¯t let the words and actions of others affect me, as I learned long ago that I can only control what I can control. Yet, in this case, with my Simulacrum being the sole instigator of this, I can only sit back and watch. ¡°Yes, when I first got here, I was hired on as an interim healer, basically I was unproven, I had never been a legitimate healer, let alone for a branch of the Mage¡¯s guild. So I was provided with a two contracts that by now honestly feel a little insulting given the scope of what I have accomplished.¡± Cass began, and then shared her two quests that all but forced her to be trapped here for a year.
Quest Complete: Not The Healer They Wanted¡­: You agreed to become the resident healer for the Crossroads branch of the Mage¡¯s Guild. During your time you took it upon yourself to become a true doctor of healing, you were required to find and internalize twenty-five items of scientific knowledge related to healing, you not only met but exceeded that standard (50/25). Rewards: Experience, Skills (already gained), New Badge: Healer of Valor (250), chance to gain a position of power within Crossroad¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guildhall.
New Quest: Crossroad¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guildhall Healer: Your exemplary service has earned you the chance to become the full-time lead Healer for the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild. This will be a contract that will last exactly one year, after which time you will be allowed to once again explore or transfer your status to another Mage¡¯s Guildhall with a Healer Vacancy. This position comes with its own perks, to include but not limited to continual daily quests, monthly spending funds to improve the clinic, and full access to the Mage¡¯s Guild Library (even all parts of the restricted section).
Seeing the quests, Trista paused, as she tried to understand what was happening. ¡°I don¡¯t understand, these are not quests that your Guild Master provided, but quests that seem to have generated with the independent auditor from the Mage¡¯s Guild?¡± Trista said, with a questioning tone to her voice. Cass, or rather my simulacrum, just waved a dismissive hand. ¡°I understand that, but the terms and conditions laid out here are embarrassing, especially considering the events I have caused, and the sacrifices I have made for this guild. I am stuck here, a prisoner to the guild, unable to go out, to level on my own. Recently the guild master has worked with us, providing us workarounds, trying to help us, even though we all feel confined here. Yet, it isn¡¯t enough, when our only real reward from the guild are minor rewards and belittling quests from the Mage¡¯s Guild proper.¡± ¡°What? Those are exceptional rewards for an unproven healer, in fact there was push back on the auditor¡¯s initial choice.¡± ¡°I understand that, but since I¡¯ve gotten here, I have created six new spells, all related to healing. One of which is a Tier IX spell.¡± Cass said, and then flashed the record of her earning a badge, not the actual badge itself, and not the one she was referring to.
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead, your way just happens to be a bit more humane than the others.
¡°Oh woops, my mistake, that was not the record I wanted to display, sorry one second.¡± Cass said, as she then took a second, before pausing and letting the image be displayed before everyone. Then she showed her next title.
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that was at the ranking of Tier IX or higher, wait until people ask you what it was.
¡°There we go, that was the one I wanted to display. Sorry they were right next to each other. So yeah, during my time here I have earned these two badges, along with receiving nothing more than a paltry repeatable task for curing people of the Blight.¡± Cass states. Watching myself at work, I can¡¯t help but be impressed, she, or rather I come across as slightly aloof, but I can tell that it is all methodical, that I am building up to something, but the only problem is, I don¡¯t know what my goal of this whole charade is. Then I realize I am captivated by this display, and oddly enough I am not the only one, the other four auditors are similarly on the balls of their feet, waiting to understand what the point of this whole display is. ¡°Those are impressive, but I fail to see how this has anything to do with a grievance with the Guild?¡± Trista asks. Hearing that Cass just shakes her head, as a faint look of betrayal crosses her face. Seeing her, the auditors all wince back in pain as they try to understand what is happening. ¡°So it¡¯s a systemic thing? Something the entire Guild endorses, being sarcastic and demeaning to people out here changing the world, trying to make the world a better place. All we can expect is to be mocked and ridiculed?¡± Cass says. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°What, who would dare mock you?¡± Trista and the others looked enraged, ¡°was it that no good Guild Master?¡± ¡°No, it is you, the people of the guild who assigned me this task. Everyday I come here and try my best, I go, I heal everyone who comes here. I heal them, I even start a book club for those few who I cannot heal, as a means to give back to the community, and yet everyday I wake up and am met with a mocking reminder that I mean nothing to the guild.¡± Cass says, by the end of her speech even I am left confused, as I want to ask the same question that is on everyone¡¯s mind. ¡°What?¡± ¡°My quest, my sole purpose to be here. Every day I am reminded that I was a filler, someone who happened to be at the right place at the right time. For as the quest states, I am ¡®Not the Healer They Wanted¡­¡¯.¡± There is a slight pause, as Cass waits for a second, letting that thought sink in. ¡°But that quest states it was completed? That is not the binding quest to the Mage¡¯s Guild.¡± Trista explains. At that Cass just shakes her head. ¡°I agree, it does state that it is completed. Yet, even after all this time, the Mage¡¯s Guild has not held up their end of the bargain.¡± ¡°What do you mean, you are the lead Healer for the Crossroad mage¡¯s guild, are you not?¡± ¡°That I might be, but I have neither received the experience, nor the posted badge for this. At the time I was so caught up with the fact that I had achieved the impossible, earned the right to become called a healer, that I forgot it. Yet, as time goes on, the quest still remains, as I have more than fulfilled my obligations to the guild, but I have never been rewarded for not only meeting the standards set by my auditor, but exceeding them as well.¡± Silence. Even I was impressed with my own brazen act. Wow, just wow. That was so awesome. I couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was perfect, and truth be told it was something that had bothered me for a bit. And at the time I thought it would just be something that would be taken care of at the end of the year, you know go to the main Mage¡¯s Guild hall and get officially recognized there. But according to the quest chain, the quest itself was completed. That meant the rewards should have been provided, yet they were being delayed for some reason. Wow, look at Cass, I mean me, standing up for myself, that is awesome. ¡°We will have to look into this.¡± Trista said, as her eyes went wide, once again looking at the two quests that came from the Guild Inspector. There was a slight pause, as Trista shook her head and then refocused on me, well on Cass. ¡°While this is something that we can and do cover, what brought us here is the fact that we have noticed that the guild master has made a number of daily repeatable quests and assigned them to the different members of the guild. Given the fact that so many of them are being accomplished, we wanted to take a moment and make sure nothing unscrupulous was happening.¡± ¡°Unscrupulous? You mean, other than getting short changed for my work?¡± Cass asks. Again, with this Cass has said the magic words as I can all but see the faces of the four auditors perk up in unison at this comment. It doesn¡¯t hurt that one is a Beastkin with obvious bear ears, while the other is an elf with the typical knife ears, their twitching is a dead giveaway of intention even to visible light spectrum bound Simulacrum Cass¡¯s eyes. ¡°So you are being forced to do extra to receive these quests?¡± ¡°I¡¯d say so. Do you know what the average experience gained by people that come here to get cured of the Blight is? A hundred thousand experience. Each one. That¡¯s right a hundred thousand experience for just coming here and getting healed. The first person to do so even got a badge for this. Whereas do you know what I get for this? For slaving away for hours just to heal one person of the Blight?¡± ¡°How much?¡± ¡°One hundred, yes, one one-thousandth of what the people I am healing gain. Granted I can do it multiple times, but do you think such an exchange is fair? Some of the people who come here looking to be cured are on death¡¯s door, just lying there. Their whole tether to life, their whole hope to live another day resides in me. Do you know what getting one one-hundredth of what I should get does to morale? I mean, how am I going to not only stay here, but feel that I am actually wanted as something more than a simple number and a check in a box to the main mage¡¯s guild. If this is how you treat your healers, no wonder they have a hard time sticking around. I¡¯ve dedicated my whole existence to this, but clearly I care more about the Mage¡¯s Guild and my role and responsibility here than anyone at the grand mage¡¯s guild hall. Do you even know what we do out here?¡± At that, Trista pauses, never having been forced to be on the defensive so much from just one interviewee. Then again, they never met someone like me, it was so odd to see how I would react, this was me, these were thoughts that I always had in the back of my mind, but never expressed. Generally I would never comment on these types of things, sure I would comment on the way others are treated, as I would be the first person to comment on the way someone else was being mistreated by the system, but I never did this. Then a chill hits me, as I realize my own motivations, my Simulacrum isn¡¯t doing this for her, rather she is doing it for me. At least that is what I think she is doing, that she is doing this all to protect me, well us, as I can instantly see the multitude of angles this can accomplish our goals. In this case, our goal is to divert attention away from me, by giving a clear area for these auditors to focus on, then I will have a better chance of going undetected as an impostor of the Guild Master, but I will also maybe get some more recognition from they game itself about my contributions out here. Granted I already have a following apparently, but those are real life viewers, who unfortunately don¡¯t do anything for me. I have the Dark Horse flaw, which permanently bans me from getting an outside world endorsement that would benefit me in here, but that has not stopped my fame from growing on the outside world. No doubt this stunt will likely cause even more confusion, as my personality might seem to have changed. Honestly it hasn¡¯t that much, I have always been fiercely protective of my own family, but it takes a lot for someone to become on the level of family for me. Hector and Gollum were close, but they always had their own circles that they roamed in, circles that I often couldn¡¯t join due to either my avatar age, or different circumstances, like not having a class. Pausing at this, I wait to hear what I will say and do next. ¡°Well I know you all deal with spirits, but seeing some of the records that have been sent back to us, I also see that you are correct. A number of high-level living adventurers come here seeking treatment, at least according to the receptionist logs.¡± Trista says, as she casts some bureaucratic spell, one that lets her track the influx of people and spirits and see where and who they come to visit. While the list is upside down and backwards to my Simulacrum¡¯s eyes, they are perfectly legible to me.
People Who arrived at the Crossroads Mage¡¯s Guild Hall ¨C Cassiopeia Spiritlight ¨C Mage Guild Healer
Midnight Mallory. Reason for coming: Curing The Blight, Status: Cured. Time: 01 Hours, 28 Minutes. Date¡­
Charles Ashcroft. Reason for coming: Curing the Blight, Note: had to be resurrected during the procedure, Status: Cured. Time: 8 Hours, 41 Minutes. Date¡­
On and on the list went, each list denoting my contributions and at the end, how much experience I gained for the challenge. Each time I only earned 100 experience from the operation. Granted I did earn more from learning the spells that were required to complete the quest, but that is still a paltry amount considering the amount of effort going into each operation. The more the auditors looked, the more I could see their jaws slowly drop as they realized exactly what I had done. In fact, reading it like this somehow felt more exciting than actually doing the procedures, well who was I kidding, not it wasn¡¯t. Not going to lie, doing the procedures, saving people¡¯s lives by coming up with a random solution to a problem, that was a thrill. It was like solving a puzzle where the only limit to the ways we could solve it was how imaginative we were. Honestly magic is the best, having it, holding it, and wielding it like I am, like I¡¯ve been able to, it has been a dream come true. And I likely would have done these quests for free if asked. Just helping people is an amazing thing, but then again there are people who do a lot less than what I do and get a lot more as a reward. So if these auditors are here, likely in some round about way to cause trouble for me, my Simulacrum decided that she would send that trouble right back at them. ¡°I apologize. We had no idea you were doing so much out here.¡± Trista said, as she then cast another bureaucracy spell and solidified the document that she was viewing, making it fully tangible. Then a second spell took that document, produced three copies, and those three copies were then handed out to the three fellow auditors, who looked at the document, then nodded in unison before each filing the form away. Honestly, I don¡¯t know what is scarier, the fact that there are spells for bureaucracy, spells designed specifically to create paperwork in triplicate, or the fact that I could see myself reverse engineering those spells and recasting them myself. ¡°Right, well. You have my word that we will look into your case of the completed quest that was not properly awarded. Also, we will see to improving your salary. I can see that you are clearly at the maximum allowed, even with an exception for your daily quests. But this only takes into account the most serious of patients. You get nothing for treating the common person who comes here seeking your assistance. You even managed to cure blinding toxin spores.¡± At that, Trista pauses, as shock fills her face. In an instance I know that she knows she has said too much, but about what? Silence. Then in the silence comes a new quest update, letting me know that I have just received a new fact related to an ongoing quest.
Quest Update: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads: You have found that the guards of crossroads have been slowly poisoned by blinding toxic spores, what these are? Where they come from? You need to find out what made all the guards go blind. Reward: variable.
Seeing that, I wonder what else these auditors might be able to tell me about this ongoing quest. ¡°I just have one question.¡± Simulacrum Cass asks. ¡°What is it?¡± Trista asks, her posture changing as she seems to be a little defensive about what I might ask. I can tell from her surface thoughts that she is worried that I might ask more about the spores, but I my Simulacrum and I are in lock step, in our next set of questions that she asks for the two of us. ¡°Just how safe is it here in the Crossroads?¡± Chapter 65 A Breach of Contract Chapter 65 A Breach of Contract As one might expect, the auditors did not know the answer to just how dangerous the Crossroads were. Given that I, well my Simulacrum was a living breathing person and still forced to stay at the Crossroads for a full year to quote unquote ¡°prove myself as a true healer.¡± I was doing surprisingly well. Chime. Four nearly instantaneous bells began ringing. At once the team of four auditors paused, and then looked down at their waists to the source of the odd chimes and realized that their pocket watches were going off, letting them know it was time once again to take another dose of their spiritual immunity potions. ¡°Oh, one second.¡± Trista said, as she paused, and then reached into her pocket to remove an odd purple potion that seemed to glow in the dark slightly as it rose. For me, I got the experience of seeing it twice. The first was through my Simulacrum¡¯s eyes. The second was through my own eyes, well through my Angel¡¯s Sight, which gave me an overlay. This was one of my first times seeing such an odd overlap. I saw the power of the potion directly, while also being able to compare the power of the potion to others I had experienced. Overall I was not impressed with the power of the potions being used, to give some reason as to why, some of the books that were available to Zero to read glowed brighter than these vials. Of course, Zero was nowhere near these glowing books yet, but that didn¡¯t matter. What mattered was that he would eventually get there, so for now I bided my time and waited. Although, Zero had not been idle with his time, as he had gone through a number of books.
Daily Repeatable Quest (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Quest for Knowledge: You are rather young for your intended position and the recent prestige you have garnered for yourself. To help make up for your perceived shortcomings, you must read at least one book from the Mage¡¯s Guild Library¡¯s Restricted section each day. Rewards: Experience (10), Skills. Experience Gained: 5/5. Experience Gained: 5/5. Experience Gained: 5/5. Experience Gained: 5/5. Experience Gained: 5/5. Experience Gained: 5/5.
Yes, six more books had been flipped through, for a total of 30 more experience points, meaning I was now halfway through leveling my first level as a Simulacrum Master. So ten more books, to put it in perspective Zero has gone through a total of twelve books at this time, and would need to nearly finish off this one shelving unit to level my secondary class. In comparison I was now only 530 books away from reaching level 28 as a Void Healer. Glug. ¡°Ah.¡± Trista said, as she tried to seem like she enjoyed the whole ordeal, but rather couldn¡¯t. Then after a few seconds of grimacing as if she just swallowed a lemon, Trista straightened up and then turned back to me, well to my Simulacrum, before asking, ¡°I¡¯m sorry what were we talking about again?¡± ¡°Oh, I was just wondering how dangerous the Crossroads is, you know, especially as a mortal being forced to live here for suboptimal pay.¡± My Simulacrum poses, and in a stroke of brilliance she brought it back, we had gone on to another point. But seeing them take that potion, she saw a moment of weakness and then pressed. ¡°I mean, those look like they are important to you all. Did the guild provide those for you?¡± My Simulacrum asks, pointing to the now empty spirit resistance potions that each of the auditors now wielded. At that all four pause, as they look down at the vials in their hands, then look back at my Simulacrum. ¡°Oh my gosh, you are right. Do you have any? Do you have enough?¡± Trista asks. At that my Simulacrum just shakes her head and presses, ¡°I didn¡¯t even know the Guild would provide such potions. Is that for real members only? Or just special auditors on a hardship assignment?¡± Wow, I can almost hear the tiny violins playing the sympathy music in the background at the way her little body and voice crack at that question. ¡°One second.¡± Trista says, as again she waves her hand in the air. This time once again casting Bureaucracy Magic, again part of me is thrilled that such a thing exists, while another part of me feels that Bureaucracy Magic should be in the dark and forbidden arts section of the magical schools. Again, though it is sadly easy and seemingly beneficial, just as a demonic possession might seem to provide enhanced strength, speed, and durability, at first.
Requisition forms (19): Crossroads Mages Guild. Request for Spirit Resistance Potion (X100) for Cassiopeia Spiritlight. Reason: This is a mortal mage in good standing that has been assigned to live in the Mage¡¯s Guild Hall for over a year in the recently opened Arcanarus Tower, location: Spiritual Plane. Status: Declined. Rationale: As noted in previous requests, cost of shipment and storage would prove costly for such a minor Guild Branch.
Seeing the message, I feel slightly at ease. I, well the Guild Master, could technically have been called out for not attempting to perform such a request. Not only did he try once, but he tried a total of nineteen times, each time it was seemingly denied. I pause, as I wonder what the guild master would have done with the potions on hand. Then I realize they could have been sold on the black market, not that I know where such a market would exist. Or at least I don¡¯t, until I realize there is likely a line of people waiting outside this tower that would love to have extra potions. Then in a shock, I wonder if the Guild Master didn¡¯t put so many orders in for me, but for my possible living patients that would come to me and seek out help. With a supply of potions we could heal people up, send them on a train and get them out of the tower before the potion wore off. Wow, if that was the case, and I honestly hope it was, then the guild Master truly was a good person, even if they were terrible at crafting their own magical spells. ¡°One second.¡± Trista said, as she saw the form, which of course she first printed off, and then copied it in triplicate for each of the other auditors with her. Again, so cool how she could create facts from just the area. I was thinking it was an advanced form of Psychometry, or the gathering of the residual past, that was then altered to make it read out as a fact, rather than as an interpretation of past events. At that, I get another shudder runs down my back, as I wonder if Bureaucracy magic is somehow more powerful than Psychometry and some of the other mental arts. Then after copying the requisition forms for everyone, Trista then casts another Bureaucracy spell, I can tell as it glows with the same brown color of the other magics being used. Then in a minute my details come to life.
Name: Cassiopeia Spiritlight Age: 13 Primary Class: Void Healer Status: Active Guild Member Time with the Guild: 6 years, 3 Months, 21 Days¡­ Position In the Guild: Guild Healer (Crossroads) Time in Position: 2 Months, 16 Days¡­ Next of Kin: None. Guild Sponsor: None.
Oh wow, seeing that, I remember joining the Mage¡¯s guild within my first week here. Looking back on it, I have been a member of the Mage¡¯s Guild since my first few times here. In fact, if it hadn¡¯t been for the Mage¡¯s Guild I don¡¯t think I would be where I am today. My random encounter with Mallory due to having read the one dirty professor reading and then rereading Rahul and the Maiden. My attending Arcanarus University, my class, this position. I mean I was leveling slowly, but it wasn¡¯t terribly so, especially as I was having fun every day while here. Each day was a new challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed. All four auditors seem to pause for a second, looking at the information before them, then back at me. At their movement, I am drawn away from my own personal musings and brought back to the moment. Seeing that my attention was now on all of them, they pause. ¡°You joined at six years old?¡± The bulky male auditor from the back asked. Apparently, he was bad at math, though to be fair I was fairly certain Mathematics wasn¡¯t a true skill of the game. Just as the general Science wasn¡¯t a skill, rather everything seemed to require a focus, like Geometry, Applied Physics, and so on. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°When I was seven, well seven years old and a week.¡± I reply, trying to remember how long it took me to get to Maltese in the first place. I know I stood for over a day in the same spot training, just trying to get my Attributes over one. They all pause as they take that in, finally Trista breaks the silence. ¡°You joined when you were seven and have managed to pay for yourself. I see that you don¡¯t have a sponsor, is there any reason why?¡± I just shrug. ¡°No one wanted to sponsor a kid with no known magical talents at the time. Then when my magical abilities had awakened, I was already out exploring the world, that is when I found my class and this tower. Well, I found the university first, then the tower, but same thing.¡± I am so immersed with my own personal connection to my Simulacrum, that only after a second do I realize that I wasn¡¯t actually answering the questions, rather I was sharing my consciousness with the Simulacrum. That is the moment I receive a new skill.
New Skill Gained: Twin Consciousness has reached level 1.
Skill Twin Consciousness is a Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
At that, I realize why I was suddenly able to think and process like my Simulacrum for a moment, as I could literally feel their thoughts and emotions as if they were my own, which they were, but just slightly off. Looking back, I could see that my earlier theory was right, that the only reason why Simulacrum Cass was pushing so hard, was for me, as she knew she was just a Simulacrum, but she still wanted me to succeed. There was also the self-serving effect that the better I did, the better she did, but that was not really as much of a factor as I might have expected. Honestly, I was a little choked up by the sentimentality of the whole thing. Before I could say or do anything, one of the male auditors steps forward and then bows towards me, well to my Simulacrum, who I am a bit more easily able to sink into the mindset of. ¡°You are an inspiration to the guild. Joined early on, before your talents showed, no sponsorship, no backing. You come out here, to one of the hardest guild posts, and rather than crumpling due to increased expectations, lack of resources, or any real oversight, you thrive. Not just thrive, but seemingly go about revolutionizing the whole magical community.¡± The auditor says, as they step forward and looks like they are about to reach out and touch me. In a moment I remember my new bloodline flaw, Children of a Magical Destiny, the one where I will be sought after by Magic users and the like. I also remember the flaw that started this whole chain of events, the one where I can improve the magical tier rating of anyone who touches me up by two tiers up to tier IX. Remembering the flaw, and seeing the approach, I take a reflexive step back, or at least my Simulacrum does. I don¡¯t know if the Simulacrum can exert this portion of my bloodline, but given how accurate it is to most other parts of me, I think it is a fair bet that my Simulacrum could exert the flaw, or at least part of it, and that was something I did not need right now. More interest in me from auditors who became more powerful all the sudden, and then might have a reason to come back. Seeing my discomfort, Trista steps forward and blocks the male auditor from advancing. Seeing the fact that he stopped, I let out a sigh, at the same time that my Simulacrum does as well. ¡°Inspiration or not, we still have a lot to uncover about the day to day operations here.¡± Trista says, stopping her fellow auditor, before turning back to my Simulacrum and stating. ¡°You have given us a lot to think about, I promise you, your concerns are valid and will be looked into.¡± ¡°What concerns?¡± The male auditor asks. ¡°Incomplete contractual obligations, unsafe working conditions, lack of adequate supplies, improper treatment of a highly talented individual. What we came here for was to look at why the guild master provided such favorable conditions to his subordinates. You in particular were flagged due to the rate you seemed to have completed your quests, but it seems now that the Guild Master should be lauded for their unconventional thinking and out of the box tactics to keep you satisfied with suboptimal conditions.¡± Trista said. ¡°Suboptimal? This place looks almost brand new.¡± Another auditor stated. ¡°It does, but if you look, this wasn¡¯t done by the guild. As no requisition forms were filed. And those that were filed were subsequently rejected. Isn¡¯t that right, Ms. Spiritlight?¡± Trista asks. At this, my Simulacrum gives an academy award performance. Looking shy and meek she lowers her head and rubs her hand nervously against her wrist. If I wasn¡¯t connected to her mind, seeing that she was planning all of this to get an even bigger reaction, I might have been drawn in too, as she was too much. As it was, all I could do was sit back and watch the show. ¡°That¡¯s true. At first we had so many patients, that out of a want for necessity, we hung up sheets to separate the beds. Eventually a few of the towns people saw this, and went about building up these stalls that you see. I wanted to pay them, but I am only paid a pittance, and even then, my salary is strictly handled and scrutinized by the staff.¡± Cass says, and my heart just bleeds for her. I almost want to cue my own sympathetic waterworks for this, but I can¡¯t as I realize this is all a cold and calculating ploy. Then to push it even further, my Simulacrum doubles down on the guilt. ¡°Please don¡¯t make me tear it down. I know I didn¡¯t pay them, but they all seemed so willing to help, and it really meant a lot to me. They said that ¡®even though the Mage¡¯s Guild didn¡¯t care if I was here, they did.¡¯¡± Of course, no such thing was said. While they did say similar things and this was the overall sentiment of gratitude that I got, clearly my Simulacrum had taken some liberties with the truth, a truth that was now being pushed. But rather than call her on it, Trista lets a small tear roll down her eye. ¡°No dear, you won¡¯t have to. In fact, you can keep it up as long as you like. I will see if we can get you some more furnishings. Clearly your equipment is sub optimal. Is there anything we can approve for you?¡± At that, my Simulacrum timidly shakes her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to cause too many issues. I mean you all have already done so much by just listening to my selfish complaints that I couldn¡¯t possibly ask for more.¡± ¡°Come on, we see the rejected forms. Forms that were denied due to perceived lack of use. But given the workload you all are pulling here, it might seem like that assumption was way off base.¡± Trista says, once again casting her spells and generating even more denied requisition forms. Again this former Guild Master must have been amazing as he asked for things like clockwork. With that the team goes back and looks at the different rooms and their disgusted expressions speak volumes. ¡°You are forced to work through this?¡± They ask. ¡°We do what we can, but I guess the guild has higher priorities rather than us.¡± My Simulacrum says. ¡°Well we have the beds, sheets, office furniture, but what would you want? Is there anything you might require?¡± Trista asks. ¡°Noo¡­¡± My Simulacrum says in a sheepish voice that clearly hints that she would like something, but clearly is too afraid to ask. ¡°Go on, tells us. We will let you know if it is unreasonable.¡± Trista said, as I could see her filling out her own item requisition form for me. Seeing that, I felt a slight hint of pride. We were finally going to get new beds and make this place look decent, which now that I could see with real eyes, was a must as this place was depressing to look at normally. ¡°Well, I was wondering if I could get a stethoscope, and other mana scanning tools.¡± My Simulacrum asks, these are completely unnecessary, as my normal Angel¡¯s Sight is far more than enough for this, and my Simulacrum knows this, so I am left wondering why she brought this up, when. ¡°You don¡¯t even have the basics? What happened to them? Were you robbed?¡± The other male auditor asks. ¡°Not quite. Dr. Kiren, the doctor who trained me, he had them on him when he¡­when he¡­¡± At this my Simulacrum started crying uncontrollably. I pause, wondering why, I mean, it had been a shock at the time, but then I realize my Simulacrum is really selling this hard. For a moment, I can see her pulling details of an insurance scam I had to do when I was younger. I had failed the scam at the time, but this time my Simulacrum was pulling it off handedly. Seeing this, Trista first looks sad, then before I can react she runs forward and hugs me, well my Simulacrum. I pause for a moment, wondering if I am going to see the message about increasing her magical ability, when nothing happens. Either she is already at Tier IX of Bureaucracy magic, or my Simulacrum can¡¯t transfer that capability, regardless of the reason, I fortunately am safe from having to explain that one to an auditor. ¡°Don¡¯t worry child. What you have been through is horrific. In fact, normally I would wait for this, wait until a proper report can be filed, but I am going to go ahead and end your servitude here and now.¡± ¡°What?¡± My Simulacrum asks, suddenly frightened. I am too, this will ruin everything, so much hard work, my access to the Mage Guild library. While I do need to go on to the rest of the Tower, that can wait. ¡°I can¡¯t in good consciousness allow you, a rising star of the Mage Guild to be struck down this terrible contract that will just leave you a shell of the beautiful person you are. Tell me honestly, did you plan on going to the main Mage¡¯s Guild Hall after this tour was over?¡± ¡°No.¡± My Simulacrum answers the thought that was on both of our minds. We both planned on leaving here and exploring the Tower. ¡°Do you ever plan on going back to be a healer for the Mages Guild? Not just as a fallback in case things don¡¯t work out, but as a real career?¡± At that, my Simulacrum looks a little embarrassed as she looks away. I wouldn¡¯t be able to answer the question either, I mean I liked Trista, I thought she genuinely had my best interest at heart, which is kind of scarry as she has a lot of sway over my entire career. ¡°Please don¡¯t make me leave. I¡¯ve tried really hard. I passed the examination, I¡¯ve read every book on healing within our small library, I¡¯ve done so many things to stay here. Please don¡¯t kick me out.¡± My Simulacrum says, with so much emotion, that I can almost see those tiny violins playing, my heart gently weeps, in the background. ¡°No, child. We won¡¯t force you to leave. Nor will we force you to be a slave to a one sided contract that is clearly skewed in the Guild¡¯s favor so much so that after a year¡¯s time you will leave and not think about coming back. And honestly, I don¡¯t blame you.¡± Trista said, as she peered back to look my Simulacrum in the eyes. ¡°Thank you. I really am trying here, I just¡­¡± My Simulacrum says, and once again she is on it with those crocodile tears. With everything our Acting skill is at well over 140, and it shows in how well she is able to pull off the emotions so flawlessly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. For now, you are free. I still need to¡­¡± Trista states, but is cut off by the noisy male auditor, again. ¡°On what grounds?¡± ¡°Hazardous work environment, predatory terms, lack of proper equipment, deal made to exploit an exceptional minor, you name it, they all apply.¡±
Quest Terminated-Complete: Crossroad¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guildhall Healer: Your exemplary service earned you the chance to become the full-time lead Healer for the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild. You have met all requirements for this quest to be considered completed at an exceptional rate. Rewards: Experience, Skills (already obtained), Continued Daily Quests, Badge*, Access to the Mage¡¯s Guild Library (full access). Experience Gained: 250/250. Ding. Level Up. Your level in Simulacrum Master has reached level 2. Your level in Simulacrum Master has reached level 3.
With that, I felt the message pop up twice, once for my simulacrum and again for me, and I couldn¡¯t help but wonder what this meant exactly. ¡°For the time being, we ask that you stay here while we work out a new contract. Until then, I will make a temporary repeating contract for you, until we can get out the true cost of what you are worth to the guild as a whole. But please accept this for now.¡± Trista said, and with that I was offered a new quest line.
Daily Repeatable Non-Binding Quest: A More Deserving Contract: You were asked to fill in a much-needed role within the Mage¡¯s Guild, as Healer. Not only have you met all expectations, but you have exceeded all expectations despite poor working conditions, lack of recognition of accomplishments, and a hazardous working environment. Barring all of that, you have been asked to stay on as the healer for the Mage¡¯s Guild until either an adequate replacement could be identified, or a more befitting personal contract can be reached. This is an optional, non-binding quest that can be cancelled by you at any time. Rewards: Experience (500 experience per day), money (1 silver per day).
Seeing that, my eyes bulged a bit, as I tried to make sure I was counting the zeros correctly. The Mage¡¯s Guild, the guild that audited me for handing out ten experience quests, that same guild not only audited me, but then rewarded me with even more quests? This time make it so I was in a non-binding quest, meaning I could cancel at any time, otherwise I would earn experience and a pittance of money. I pause for a moment, wondering if this is real, Trista for her part interprets my hesitation for something else. ¡°I am sorry about the money, but I am not really in charge of that. While we can reward you in experience equal to your worth, it seems your age prohibits such exceptions. The idea being that you might suffer from affluenza, which is particularly terrible when acquired at a young age.¡± Trista said. At that, I just shook my head. Affluenza my foot, that was so because of my Broke flaw, but I didn¡¯t care, that experience was more than I had been making daily. In fact it was so much that with everything I could easily expect to make close to over one thousand total experience per day, or roughly 500 experience per class per day, which would be exceptional. Seeing as I had nothing to lose by such a deal, I gladly accepted. ¡°Thank you. You don¡¯t know how much this means to me.¡± My Simulacrum says, hugging Trista again in a way that Academy Award winners would want to take notes from. ¡°No, it is I who should be thanking you for staying through this. I will make this right, I promise.¡± Trista says, as she pushes me away. ¡°But first, we need to complete our inspection of the rest of this guild branch.¡± Then just like that, my heart rate begins to rise, as I realize I am next. Well, I am next after they talk to Lowiski and Hilda both, before they get to me. This is going to be a long wait, I think to myself as I watch in agony how the four auditors leave me, well my Simulacrum, and then begin making their rounds around the rest of the hall. I knew it was going too smoothly, this is where they catch me, it almost has to be, I think to myself as I wait for my appointment with destiny. Chapter 66 My Date With Destiny Chapter 66 My Date With Destiny Being my own boss seemed to provide nothing but benefits, at least at first. Now, though, now that I see the way the auditors go through the guild hall, stopping and talking to all of my other mages, I almost feel the daggers sinking in. Lowiski gave notes, apparently, she had some type of grievance with the resident spiritual nature mage and was all too happy she spread documents on what I did wrong and how I wronged her. All I saw were the first few pages, but those were damning enough as is.
Notes of Impropriety: Herbert Tobias Quencher (Guild Master Crossroads Branch).
29 August: Guild Manager extra frisky with his vegetables. He even had the audacity to slurp them in front of everyone who had gone into his office¡­
Wait? What? Lowiski was critiquing my eating habits? Well not my habits but the eating habits of my Doppelganger body that I was currently wielding. There was a pause as Trista took the document, looked at line after tine of these alleged notes, most of which were just minor critiques. I mean, I kind of get it that the botanist might take umbrage with the way vegetables were consumed, but that is what they are for right? To be eaten? At least that is what I thought, yet here she was telling my business for everyone to hear. Out of curiosity, I open up a tendril of my Telepathy and loosely attach it to Lowiski. This isn¡¯t enough to penetrate her mind and see her deep inner thoughts, but at least this should be enough of an attachment to get me a first hand account of what is happening. ¡°Yes, he did, in front of the Gods and everybody. Just slurped them.¡± Lowiski says, her tone incredulous and full of righteous indignation. ¡°Out of a stew?¡± Trista clarifies. ¡°Yes.¡± Lowiski reaffirms. ¡°Is it that he didn¡¯t ask permission to use your vegetables?¡± ¡°No, they were in the communal cabinet, so anyone could eat them.¡± ¡°Did he cook them all and not offer you any?¡± ¡°No, he offered me some, but only after he slurped them so loudly that he all but ruined my hunger.¡± Lowiski says, and it is clear that she is one bad weed away from going crazy with her mental garden over here. ¡°Uh-huh. Now can you please tell me¡­¡± Trista begins but then scans Lowiski for a second, and before I can even react, I feel a pulse of disruption mana wash over my mental connection.
You have entered a contested battle of wills with Trista Preventine, of the Mage¡¯s Guild Information and Acquisitions department. Trista is attempting to dispel your Telepathic hold on Lowiski. Warning losing, dropping, or otherwise disconnecting your mental link with Lowiski will be marked as red flag and warning sign that you, acting as the Guild Leader, were trying to eavesdrop and tamper with an ongoing Audit.
At that message, I panic, but only for a second. As I see the spell being cast, and realize it is more of a bowling ball trying to strike down the pins of connection that is my mental link to Lowiski. How do you block a bowling ball? Simple, you create a gutter and divert the ball away from your pins. In this case, I use my own spell formula to gently catch, and then divert around the wave of disruption magic. Honestly, I think the entire thing is too much, but a quick groove comprising of two strings of mana appears, as I focus on solidifying the structure and let the misplaced attack go. Honestly, this was the equivalent of using a hammer, when what you really needed were pruning shears. I could see how such a design would normally be more than effective enough against traditional spells, as the wide width let it easily smash into most spell constructs, but not a connected tendril, which was why I just used two more tendrils as a means to simply divert the spell.
Critical Success.
Hidden Mage Quest Completed: Establishing Magical Dominance (Trista Preventine): You have stumbled upon a secret rite of passage available to all mages. The Rite of Dominance, in this your first attempt you were proven to be successful. Rewards: Experience, New Spell, a Title (Upgrade), and a New Skill.
Experience Gained: 250/250. New Spell Gained: Dispel-Dispel: You have found a way to dispel a dispel cast at you and your spells and Traits. Title: Beginner¡¯s Luck has improved to Beginner¡¯s Luck (II). Title: Beginner¡¯s Luck (II): All luck-based skills have an increased 9% chance of succeeding.
New Skill Gained: Magical Duelist has increased to level 1.
Skill: Magical Duelist is a Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing the updates, I couldn¡¯t help but think this was a great hidden quest line. Also the skill was not too bad as it looked like it might give me more time, or ability to interact with the magical combat system. It made sense that this would be an effect of my Beginner¡¯s Luck title that was improved upon, as the title seems to take into consideration that this is my first time trying something new, and giving me ample time to counteract what was happening. I felt the game purposefully slow down on me, while I went about constructing that new spell. Well, a new to me spell, I guess it made sense that someone else had learned the Dispel-Dispel before, as magical duels have gone on for a long time. The odds of someone coming up with the same or alternate spell would be difficult to believe. Still, I am happy with the outcome, especially now that I am just ten books away from leveling my secondary class again. ¡°Huh.¡± Trista says, as a look of confusion crosses her features. She is still staring at Lowiski, at where I imagine she would be able to see the magical tendril still attached to her boney skull. Yet, all she does is look lost for a second, before shaking her head in defeat and then continuing. ¡°That is odd...¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry what¡¯s odd?¡± Lowiski asks. ¡°Nothing, I must be just imagining things.¡± Trista states, then continues with her investigation. ¡°Now then, other than these journals, do you have anything else that you would like to present to us in relation to this ongoing investigation?¡± ¡°No, I think those records speak for themselves.¡± Lowiski replied back. ¡°That they do, that they do.¡± Trista replies as she takes the offered evidence, uses her Bureaucracy magic and recreates them in triplicate, handing a copy to her three co-auditors. Then with that, they leave the Nature Mage chamber and proceed to Hilda¡¯s section. Honestly, I don¡¯t know what type of magic she wields, other than it is extremely dangerous and volatile. Though I don¡¯t know if that has to do with the elements that she uses, or if it is more a statement of her lack of control of said elements. Regardless, she is terrible and I can see why the Guild Master gave her a full quest for not breaking stuff within the guild. Looking at her tracker, I can see it hasn¡¯t been a good month for her.
Days Since Hilda has completed Perform Magely Duties: 0.
Days Since she last gained her daily bonus for Perform Magely Duties: 30.
I quickly do the math and wonder if Hilda has ever completed this quest. As I doubt this quest was given when the Guild Master got here. And thirty days in a row without completing the quest, now that is a bit much. I am almost tempted to avoid listening in on this conversation, particularly with the fact that I almost got caught a moment ago with Lewiski, but I can¡¯t help but feel that there will be something to this. Also, that Magical Duelist skill seems amazing, so even if I do get caught, I hope I will be able to come up with a good enough defense. With my mind all but made up, I decide to open up a second Telepathic tendril and connect it to Hilda¡¯s mind. Again, this is a loose connection and one I should be able to drop at any time. With my connection in place, I sit back and wait for the show to start. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Good morning, my name is Trista¡­¡± Trista begins, but is quickly cut off by the overly brash Hilda. Hilda for her part, is a short squarish woman that looks like she is at least half dwarf. ¡°I know. I can tell the spirits have been talking to me since you first arrived.¡± Spirits? We are in the spirit realm? What spirits is she getting in contact with? Also how? These questions and more go through my mind as I know for a fact no one else, spirit or otherwise has gone near Hilda. ¡°Yes.¡± Trista says, ¡°so you know we are here to officially conduct an audit on this Guild Hall?¡± ¡°About time. I am here working my tail off day in and day out, and I don¡¯t get a single dose of recognition.¡± Hilda begins. ¡°You don¡¯t?¡± ¡°No,¡± though it comes out more of a nuh, than anything else. ¡°I see,¡± Trista says, as she is clearly looking at the list of quests I created for her. The list that includes the old daily quest Hilda had for not destroying the office. ¡°Might I ask what you think your job here is?¡± ¡°I am a demolitions expert. It is my job to come up with the biggest and deadliest of spells possible and train them to the next generation of students.¡± ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Trista says in a tone that I am quickly picking up as her, you are full of crap, but I can¡¯t say any of this to you. ¡°You do realize that you are assigned to the Evocation wing, right?¡± ¡°Right, that¡¯s what I¡¯ve been saying.¡± A slight pause, as I can tell Trista is just trying to regain her composure. ¡°You do know what Evocation covers, right?¡± ¡°Right, it involves murder, mayhem, and above all explosions. I mean that last part is right in the name it is.¡± Hilda says in a thick brogue that makes her seem like she is more than a little off her rocker. ¡°No, that is not correct. Evocation means and I quote: ¡®the act of bringing or recalling a feeling, memory, or image to the conscious mind.¡¯¡± There is a slight pause, before she continues, ¡°you are supposed to be using Mind magic, you are supposed to be coming up with better memory spells, to work on Illusionary spells like a simulacrum spell. You could also branch out and summon these spirits, as you claim.¡± ¡°That is nonsense. I have access to all the elements. I am an Elemental Evoker after all, that is my class and everything.¡± Hilda says and at that, I almost want to face palm. ¡°That just means you can summon elements from the different elemental planes idiot.¡± I say out loud, and then do a quick look around to make sure no one heard me. Fortunately, no one is in the room with me, nor are there any signs of a listening spell here. In fact, the only sign of a listening spell in place are my two tendrils of Telepathy that are out, speaking of which, I go ahead and drop the line to Lowiski, as I don¡¯t want to constantly pry on her. Well more than I am already allowed to do with my Angel¡¯s Sight. I almost think I am in the clear, when Trista stops and gives another sign that she has spotted my Telepathic connection to Hilda. ¡°Huh?¡± That is all the warning I get this time, before I see her casting a spell to once again disrupt my mental connection. The minute she lets loose her spell, I am once again hit with the same message.
You have entered a contested battle of wills with Trista Preventine, of the Mage¡¯s Guild Information and Acquisitions department. Trista is attempting to dispel your Telepathic hold on Hilda. Warning losing, dropping, or otherwise disconnecting your mental link with Hilda will be marked as red flag and warning sign that you, acting as the Guild Leader, were trying to eavesdrop and tamper with an ongoing Audit.
This time Trista has come in with a pruning shears shape of a dispel, this is a good choice, and likely the design she should have gone with the first time. The only difference is this time I decide to create a giant rock that I place right at the base of the pivot point and then continue to strengthen and harden the ball until is capable of standing up to the shears, or magical scissors being cast as a means to dispel the dispel. Then just like last time, I am met with another though slightly different system message.
Critical Success.
Hidden Mage Quest Completed: Establishing Magical Dominance (Trista Preventine): You have stumbled upon a secret rite of passage available to all mages. The Rite of Dominance, in this your first attempt you were proven to be successful. Rewards: None, you have already beaten this person today, try again tomorrow.
Well I should have known that not much would have come from this, as the quest clearly said it wasn¡¯t repeatable, but I did notice the note at the bottom stating that I should try again tomorrow, meaning that I likely could get more experience by dueling the same people, I would just have to do so daily. ¡°Huh.¡± Trista says, as her Dispel is once again dispelled by my own spell. ¡°What is it, you see what I have been doing here? I have been forced to stay here, while the Guild Master refuses to offer me any quests to improve myself.¡± Hilda states, taking the momentarily dazed look on Trista¡¯s face as a sign that she was wrong and that Hilda had just proven her point beyond all shadow of a doubt. Hearing that, Trista shakes her head and once again focuses on the present. ¡°We have recorded your complaints. I just have one more question to ask. Has the Guild Master made any advances towards you for the quests he offers?¡± ¡°I just told you that he hasn¡¯t offered me any. Furthermore, even if he did, I wouldn¡¯t mind. I mean a girl does get a little lonely¡­¡± Hilda said, her tone instantly going cringe. With that warning I make a mental note never to be caught alone with Hilda, while in the form of Guild Master Quencher. That girl is a psycho. ¡°Right, well we need to get going.¡± Trista says, then turns back and I can almost see the moment she breaks character and asks the two male auditors a question, ¡°that is, unless you two wish to say for a more private conversation?¡± ¡°What?¡± The first male says. ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡± The second male says, fixing their suit a clear sign that they are nervous and flustered by the suggestion. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if you two stick around, there might be a dirty secret I can dredge up to tell you.¡± Hilda says, in a come hither voice. ¡°A secret?¡± The first male asks, apparently not the brightest tool in the shed. ¡°Yes, I am aroused by men in suit.¡± Hilda says, ¡°you might even say I am allergic to them.¡± ¡°Allergic?¡± ¡°Yes, you see they make my clothes melt right off.¡± Hilda says, and at that I cut my mental connection to her and attempt not to throw up a little within my mouth, that was far too much. I almost want to cover up my ears from having heard all that, but I didn¡¯t even use my ears to understand just how wrong that all was. Just by the time I finally regain control over my own nauseous feelings that were overtaking me, I feel my stomach do a quick flip again. Knock knock. At that, I realize it is showtime, and that I am about to have to put on the performance of a lifetime myself if I want to keep this level of protection over myself. Right now, I have these repeatable quests all in the bag, and it will just take a little bit more effort on my part to keep this farce of an operation up and running. ¡°Come in.¡± I say, dusting myself off as I prepare for what is about to come next. It seems that there is a bit of a mix up, as it is just Trista by the door. The other female agent is nearby with some sort of divination spell going, one that appears to be viewing my personal office. I almost want to disrupt the spell, but then decide against it, as me actively dispelling a monitoring spell created by an auditor during an official audit would likely look bad. ¡°Hello, I am¡­¡± Trista begins, but then pauses as she looks like her breath has caught in her throat. ¡°You okay? You aren¡¯t choking?¡± I ask, suddenly standing up wondering if she swallowed a fly or something. ¡°I am okay now. My name is Trista Preventine, I am here acting as the Mage¡¯s Guild Information and Acquisitions department. It is my job to audit you, but I can see now that this would be a waste of both your and my time.¡± Trista begins, trying to add a bit of husky nature to her speech. At this, I realize what this is, it can be summarized in one simple word, entrapment. The whole thing, the breaking away of the male auditors with Hilda, the overly aggressive nature of Trista, and the fact that her partner has been spying on me for some time now. It all points to this all being a last ditch set up. Still, I want her to press this, I want her to overreach. ¡°Uh-huh. Look I think you might have the wrong man.¡± I begin but am smoothly cut off. ¡°I do. They are all terrible when in comparison to you. What do you say, will you give me a chance?¡± Trista says, in an act that is clearly going too far. Shaking my head, I let out a sigh, before crossing my arms to respond with an indignant tone. ¡°First of all, you do realize this is Entrapment, no doubt you would argue that this would just prove that such a proclivity to conduct action like this would only work if I had them in my very soul, but know it won¡¯t work. Also, secondly, a bit of career advice, you are terrible at seduction. If you want to seduce someone, you do it with your eyes, with your body, not just words.¡± Then with that, I proceed to show her exactly what I mean. Since this is the body of an older male, I do not mind using this avatar in such a lascivious nature. At that, I stand up, then turn away for a second, only to flip my head forward and lock gazes with her. With that, we share a not just a look, but an entire moment. Smoldering Intensity. I can all but feel the tension forming between us, as the skill I gained almost a week ago, Seduction, is now coming into life and being wielded with reckless abandon. ¡°I uh¡­¡± Trista starts, but then clearly blushes as the coloring and energy of her cheeks brightens. Seeing her, I go a bit deeper into the act, just to show what it is like. ¡°Shh.¡± I say, holding up one finger to my lips as if I am trying to share an intimate secret with her. In my mind I am channeling my inner Rahul, and it is paying off in a big way as I can all but see the way Trista is suddenly trembling. Seeing that I have made my point, I sit down in my chair and then purposefully break the spell I had over her. ¡°Now that is how you Seduce someone.¡± I say, with a matter-of-fact tone. ¡°Right.¡± Trista says, as she fans herself for a moment. Seeing her, I realize that I might have pressed a bit too hard, as her vitals are rising and her heartrate is spiking. ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± she says automatically, then with a pause, she then realizes her own words, ¡°wait, if I said no, would you give me mouth to mouth?¡± ¡°Ugh.¡± I say, cringing away from her and her really bad attempt to seduce me a second time. Seeing my revulsion, she panics, ¡°no, wait. I¡¯m sorry, that was me that time. But I should close out the audit first before we get to that.¡± ¡°What?¡± I ask, trying to keep up with her sudden train of thought. ¡°Have you now or ever used your position of power to seduce the women under your employ? This includes but is not limited to the creation of specialty quests that would help them level at an exceptional rate.¡± Trista says. ¡°No. I have never done any of that to my subordinates.¡± I respond, a feeling of revulsion filling me as I try to answer without vomiting at the comment. ¡°I can see it now that you wouldn¡¯t need to use such quests to get these women to fall for you. I feel we have enough to close this out right now, don¡¯t you think so too?¡± Trista said. With that, the second female auditor came into the room. She still had her spell running, recording everything that was said. ¡°She was here to record everything. She was my second set of eyes.¡± ¡°So you like to watch?¡± I ask, once again falling into a cheesy line from Rahul and the Maiden VII, the one where he seduces the Duchess. At that, the second female auditor¡¯s knees buckle. Okay, this is a bit ridiculous. Either their willpower attributes are exceptionally low, or the Seduction skill is just that powerful. Either way, this is nuts, these are my auditors for goodness sakes. Then as if catching herself, the second auditor speaks her mind. ¡°I don¡¯t mind watching, at first. But after a while, I too will need to play.¡± ¡°Whoa, whoa there. We are done here, right?¡± I ask. ¡°If you mean the audit, then yes, we have found a few discrepancies with your guild, none dealing with you, your operation, or your healing department. As for the others, well there were some comments made, but I can understand them now.¡± Trista begins. ¡°Yes, those comments from Hilda suddenly are a lot easier to understand.¡± The second female auditor states. ¡°Now that the hard part is over, what do you say we go out and celebrate?¡± Trista asks. I can¡¯t tell if this is part of her bad acting, or if this is something she is truly adamant about. I do a quick scan of the Guild hall to see everything. The two male auditors are apparently trapped in Hilda¡¯s office, the muscular one is desperately trying to free them from the locked room, while the other is playing a game of keep away from Hilda. Lowiski is petting her vegetables. The receptionist is still by her desk. Zero is still actively reading books, and that is everyone. I pause, as something is wrong with that statement, but I can¡¯t figure out what. Until a moment later, when it hits me. ¡°Where is Cassiopia Spiritlight?¡± Yes, I asked for myself in third person, but in this case I needed to as my Simulacrum is apparently missing. Chapter 67 A Guru In The Making Chapter 67 A Guru In The Making ¡°Don¡¯t worry about your young healer, I am sure she is doing just fine, probably taking an early lunch. Speaking of which, I find myself desperate for a thick juicy sausa...¡± Trista says, her eyes fluttering wildly like she is crossed between having a seizure and something caught in her eye. ¡°Bleh!¡± I nearly vomit at her third? Fourth attempt to seduce me. It is clear she is a slow learner of new skills and even slower on the uptake. Finally, she pauses, and that is when I go into my lecturing mode. At least with this I have a chance of guiding the conversation. Sorry future guild masters who will get audited by Trista, but this is for my own sanity here. ¡°Baby, please stop.¡± I say, channeling my inner Rahul, this time using Glenn¡¯s overwhelming voice. ¡°Ohhh.¡± Both girls cry out at once. Finally with them stopped I can go and think for a moment. ¡°Again, the words, the innuendo that is all secondary. You need to be subtle, you need to let your words accentuate the atmosphere.¡± I say, I am rubbing it on thick but these girls are finally quiet. Seeing this moment for what it was, I take full advantage and direct their attention towards each other. ¡°Now, why don¡¯t you two try out what you have learned on each other.¡± ¡°You want us to¡­?¡± Trista asks, pointing her finger first at herself, then at her partner. Hoping that this will get them to shut up for a moment so I can fix my Guild Hall, I nod as I mentally send out a Telepathic tendril to Zero. ¡°Zero, you there?¡± ¡°Yeah, boss.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never tried it with a girl before.¡± Trista says, giggling slightly, shaking my head I try to filter out that though and focus on why I contacted Zero in the first place. ¡°Everything okay over there?¡± ¡°Yeah, peachy. Anyways, I need you to stop what you are doing and go out and look for Simulacrum Cass.¡± I say, hoping that isn¡¯t too hard to grasp. ¡°Right. Anything I should do when I find her?¡± At that I pause, ¡°help her with whatever she is doing, and then come back.¡± ¡°Why are you just staring at me all creepily?¡± The second auditor asks. ¡°I don¡¯t know, its what he did.¡± Trista replied pointing back towards me. ¡°Well stop, its creepy when you do it.¡± ¡°I know, should I just take off my clothes to seduce you?¡± ¡°That just makes you look desperate.¡± ¡°You sure you don¡¯t need me over there?¡± Zero asks, no doubt hearing the two auditors talk within my office. ¡°No, I am fine. Just go find Cass and protect her as needed.¡± ¡°Do you know where she might have gone?¡± I was about to respond with a no, but I stop as I realize I might actually know where she went. I remember the way her mind lit up with the idea of blinding toxin spores. The reason why was my own mind lit up with that same revelation made by Trista. ¡°I think Cass might have gone to investigate the old mine, in particular I think she is investigating possible fungal infection there.¡± ¡°Fungi?¡± Zero asks, a note of excitement filling his voice. ¡°Yes, be careful, as it seems there might be more than just the fungus as well.¡± I respond back over our connection. ¡°Baby, please stop.¡± Trista says, in a way that sounds like she is trying to get a dog to say it, while simultaneously stepping on its tail. ¡°Oh, yeah, you definitely need to stop.¡± The second auditor says, ¡°you are ruining Herby¡¯s lines.¡± Herby? Who the heck is Herby, oh wait, that¡¯s me. Good thing I didn¡¯t ask that out loud as that would have been embarrassing. ¡°Herby, can you teach us?¡± The second auditor asks, turning away from Trista and turning towards me. ¡°You want me to teach you two about love?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Then you¡¯ll go?¡± A slight pause as I can all but see Trista¡¯s lip beginning to pout. She is either really bad at connecting to people, something that shouldn¡¯t be too hard to guess given her career path and profession. I mean she was born with a high Tier magical talent in Bureaucratic magic, if that doesn¡¯t say dull personality, then I don¡¯t know what does. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to.¡± ¡°How about this, you officially close out this case, and I will give you one final lesson.¡± At that, they both pause. Then all eyes turn to Trista, ¡°oh right, I forgot.¡± With that, Trista waves her hands in the air, and I can see the power of Bureaucracy coming to live with her magical influences.
Case File Number: 105873 Location: Crossroads Mage Guild Hall Suspicion: Improper Quests Used for Exploitation of All Female Staff Members Conclusion: Falsely accused. The guild master Herbert T. Quencher is above board and one of the few functional parts of the guild hall¡­
Seeing that, along with the forty or so pages that come after that, she casts one spell to make the forms permanent, then triples her original copy. Then signs her form and casts the equivalent of a Bureaucratic fax spell where all pages are then scanned and sent on. Looking at the process, that seems exhausting, and should be able to be fixed easily. First, there was no reason to change the spell from free floating, to paper, only to then convert it back to magic that would then be sent to the main guild hall. Secondly, why create four permanent copies, if there was a record at the main guild hall? I shake my head, it is not my job to fix bureaucracy, but I am glad to see that it is just as painful here, even with magic as it is in real life, at least that much hasn¡¯t changed. The minute the file is sent. There is a slight pause, and a return spell comes back with the following.
Confirm Receipt for one case study. Case File Number: 105873 Location: Crossroads Mage Guild Hall Suspicion: Improper Quests Used for Exploitation of All Female Staff Members. Conclusion Innocent. Pages: 87
An eighty-seven-page report filled out and filed within seconds and it was still painful to watch. ¡°There, now that it is filed¡­¡± Trista begins, but her voice is interrupted as I receive a notification.
Hidden Quest Completed: Surviving An Audit (SAA): As the self-appointed leader of your Guild Hall, you managed to hide your operations, increase daily quests, divert attention away from you and your Simulacrum, and seduce your auditors. Rewards: Experience, New Guild Rank (for your Doppelganger), Skill Increase, New Badge, New Title. Experience Gained: 500/500. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Ding. Level up. Your level in Simulacrum Master has reached level 4. Your level in Simulacrum Master has reached level 5. Class Evolution Point: New Class Spell or Perk Available.
I was really happy about the Class Evolution Point for my second unique class, and instantly knew that I would go with the Perk option again. Spells were fine, but I felt I could create them on my own, whereas Perks, that was where the bread and butter were made.
Increased Guild Rank of Master Guild Leader: Role: Herbert T. Quencher
I was at first upset by this, but then I realized this meant that I could level, for lack of a better term my doppelganger bodies, which was pretty cool if you think about it, as it meant that I could complete multiple quests like this, each offering different rewards and best of all ways to grind my skills. I could all but feel the skills I used during this being increased rapidly, though again, I did not want to check for fear of jinxing my skill growth. Instead, I just went ahead and looked at what else I gained.
New Feat Recorded: Survive an Audit Through Seduction (500). You are the first person to successfully navigate your way through an audit through deception and seduction alone.
The badge made sense, especially as this was proof of a tall tale. A level 500 badge being the most one could obtain, so the fact that I now had collected multiple 500 level badges meant that I could work my way into any society, or secret facility, just for the right to tell that story. This was huge, and not even the best one, as I gained my fourth Title.
New Title Gained: Bard In Training: You are a lover not a fighter. If you can talk to it, you might be able to seduce your way out of a fight. +5% Luck, +10% Bonus to Avoiding Conflict, +15% Chance to Seduction based skills and attempts.
While I didn¡¯t so much care for the heavy emphasis on Seduction, I did find the bonuses to Luck and Avoiding Conflict particularly beneficial. Also, thinking about it, I do think that my emphasis on Seduction, might help me out later on, particularly if I go for a Jane Bond type build or role. Wait, I need to stop, I know most of this is due solely to my recently awakened royal bloodline that makes me especially attractive to sensitives and magic users. ¡°¡­Oh come on, you promised us.¡± Trista says, her lips pouting. I can tell she is trying, but it is still a bit too much. Shaking my head, I realize I might as well use this to further grind my skills. In my normal avatar such practices are just plain repugnant, but while I¡¯m in other forms, the idea might be a little better than expected. ¡°Ladies please rise.¡± I say, gently and controllingly, letting my mimicked voice of Glenn the orc warrior echo out in the room. They rise and instantly come to me. I too am standing, since this is my final act, and they gave me two levels in my class, I might as well give them everything they asked for and more. ¡°Now hold your hands out over my own, do not touch mine.¡± They do just as instructed, their hands floating over my own. ¡°Now I want you two to stare into each other¡¯s eyes.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Stop, don¡¯t fight it, go with your instincts. This is the training that you asked for. This way you can also practice on each other.¡± I say. ¡°Maybe you like to watch as well?¡± The second auditor says. Playing the part, I just raise an eyebrow and give her a knowing smile before replying, ¡°of course, why wouldn¡¯t I want to watch you two angels learn to take flight.¡± You, know, oddly enough, I read and reread that passage to the book club, but finally I think I nailed it. This was when Rahul got the members of his party, not a harem, despite what the censors might say, to get along with each other. Not quite the same, but I figured it would probably work here. ¡°Now looking into each other¡¯s eyes, I want you to tell me the moment you feel the connection between you. But don¡¯t tell me with words, tell me, no, tell her, with your eyes, and your eyes alone.¡± Again, it sounds cheesy, but I am finally learning how to say them correctly. There is very little room here, one missed consonant, one misplaced emphasis and the entire spell will be lost, and this is a spell of that I am certain. While there isn¡¯t a true magical force here, I can feel the power radiating between all of us, and it is growing.
New Skill Gained: Aura Guidance has reached level 1.
Skill Aura Guidance is a Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing the skill chime in my head, I almost lose focus, but shaking my head I quickly regain composure and realize that I am onto something here, something deep and meaningful. Something that I am just scratching the surface of, and it does feel beautiful in a way. Focusing on this feeling, I focus on merging the dormant energy at the edge of these two females¡¯ auras. Then with a gentle prodding of my own aura, I can almost feel my own aura pushing the two together. Then as if to seal the connection, I generate two tendrils of mana that form from my hand and go up into the two girl¡¯s auras. First I crochet the two auras together, quickly weaving both strands of mana through the different auras. Then in a crossing pattern, I sent the thread that started at my right, through Trista who is now standing to my left. Similarly, I sent the left thread of mana to the right through the second Auditor¡¯s arm. I really should ask her name eventually, anyways I focus. I am just making this up as I go along, but it does seem kind of fun. Focusing on the two girl¡¯s and their different bodies, I begin to circulate my mana throughout their bodies. I quickly move to the hands, where their nodes are present, but not very active. Well at least Trista¡¯s aren¡¯t. The second auditor has very well-developed hand nodes indicating she is likely very active. ¡°The First thing you must do is first realize that you both are unique and both are exceptional.¡± I say, keeping up the role, wondering just how far I can grind that new skill. It seems to be amazing, I mean seven Attributes, not many do that. I channel my spell through both girls at the same time. The line going through Trista pauses and is a lot stronger at her core, meaning she is by far the more powerful of the two mages, at least where mana wells are concerned. I quickly circle around their bodies show that both have a few minor nodes open, but not much else. ¡°Ohh, I felt something.¡± ¡°Me too.¡± ¡°Good, that is a sign that your bodies are awakening to the new experiences to the world around you. You are opening up your souls to each other,¡± I say, then instantly continue with Rahul¡¯s lines, even though they had seemed so cheesy at the time. But now I wonder if they were meant to teach something deeper. In the books this was a way that Rahul awoke the true power out of his followers by carving permanent enchantments onto their naked flesh. At the time I thought it was just an odd way to get the girls naked, but judging by the way these two are interacting, there might be something more to this. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, let the moment take you. Right now you two are strong pillars, nothing the other says or does will tear you down. You are also both two beautiful souls, souls far too pure to be worried about being judged as anything other than being beautiful. Look into each other¡¯s eyes, then tell each other the moment you see their soul come alive for you.¡± This of course, is when I circulate the thread of mana through the bodies, into the brain node, then down to the smaller eye nodes and out to each other. Once again causing the threads to pass each other as they go down into the opposite bodies that they started form, and go through the brain node and down instantly to the cores. ¡°Ohh.¡± ¡°Huhh!¡± They both flinch up like they had a bucket of ice cold water poured over their backs. I am sweating, as this was a new and complex spell that was apparently very taxing. Panting. I am not the only one who is panting, as Trista and her fellow auditor are also panting. ¡°I see it, I see you, Trista.¡± The second auditor states through ragged breaths. ¡°I see, you too, Amelia.¡± Trista manages through panting breaths. Amelia, that was her name. Had I heard it before? No, probably not. ¡°There my final lesson for the day is complete.¡± I say, I try to appear more put together than I am. Mentally I am spent, as I can all but feel the way my stamina and mana reserves are nearly depleted from such a strenuous exercise. ¡°Ohh, poo.¡± Trista says, as she looks very disappointed. ¡°That can¡¯t, be it? I refuse for this to be it.¡± ¡°Yeah, you can¡¯t just start this and end it all on a dime like that.¡± Amelia states. ¡°My dears, part of this process is for you first to find out who you are, who you want to be, and most importantly who you wish to become. Only then will you realize that a scoundrel like me is no good for the likes of one, let alone both of you.¡± I say. Again, am I live acting the role of Rahul now? Or is it just so easy for me to pull these lines out of my mind having read through the entire series twice now. Also, I am left with the ultimate question of whether this is art imitating life, or life imitating the art that is part of it, regardless there does seem to be something here, and something that I do want to work on. ¡°Well, if he won¡¯t join in. We might as well show him what he is missing.¡± Amelia says. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Trista asks, suddenly cut off by the rapid change in demeanor of Amelia. But before she can do anything, Amelia lunges forward pulling Trista tightly into a warm embrace and holds her tightly for a moment. ¡°I never knew you were so open to new ideas and changes.¡± Amelia offers. At first Trista looks like she is about to protest, but then she too comes up with a confession of her own. ¡°I never knew you were so powerful, both physically and emotionally.¡± With that the two get a dreamy look in their eyes, as they separate just enough to look deeply into each other¡¯s eyes. Seeing this as my cue to leave my office, I decide to leave before I get called on to join this little escapade. I am not against females being with other females, heck I might even want to join in, but not with this old man suit that is suddenly becoming a lot bulkier in places. ¡°And that is my cue to leave.¡± I say. The two don¡¯t seem to notice me as I make my way out as they are now in the middle of tugging on each other¡¯s clothes. Yeah, sometimes I wish I couldn¡¯t see everything, even with my back turned. The minute I step outside and close the door I am met with a new system message.
Hidden Quest Complete: The Love Guru: You have learned the art of finding ways to bind two like souls in a union of bliss. Rewards: Experience, Title Increase, New Spell (already learned), skill increase. Experience Gained: 250/250.
Title Increase: Bard In Training has increased to Love Guru: Truly one worth emulating, when it comes to the art of love and its best practices. +5 Attractiveness, +10 Personality, +10 Sociability, +7% Luck, +20% Bonus to Avoiding Conflict, +25% chance to help others find a soul mate, +30% Chance to Seduction based skills and attempts.
My title had increased to improve my Attributes? That is rare, but extremely valuable. I wish I had a Mage Title now, but then again, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve done anything nearly as hard as this, as the spell I just cast was exhausting. Actually, speaking of which, what was the spell I cast anyways?
New Spell Created: Spiritual Awakening Tier [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of the targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 10% increase for 24 hours. *Spell Restriction: This spell must be cast on two people simultaneously, who are both willing participants. **Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
Pausing, I think about the spell for a moment, then realize first why it was so tough to cast, the darn thing was a Tier IX, secondly it was freaking amazing, increasing the learning rate of an individual for a period of 24 hours? I am not quite certain how that happened. I guess it was the way I cycled my mana through the two of them. I am about to leave and look for my Simulacrum, and my familiar, when I realize that the two male auditors are still stuck within Hilda¡¯s office. Shaking my head, I go over to the door to find it magically locked. Fortunately, the pattern is really simple to deduce, and a simple channeling of my mana along the correct lines opens the door. Click. ¡°Hilda dear, I was wondering if you by chance worked out that new summoning ritual I sent you?¡± I say, barging the door open as if it was unlocked the entire time. I don¡¯t need to look, as I¡¯ve seen the entire scene before even entering. The two men have their torsos bared, and gouge marks on their robes and leggings. Hilda on the other hand, is clinging to the overly broad back of the big male and riding him like he was a prized racehorse. There is a complete moment of silence as everyone stops what they are doing and stare towards me. ¡°Oh sorry, my mistake, I didn¡¯t realize you were otherwise preoccupied.¡± I say, as I make to close the door. ¡°WAIT!¡± The burly male shouts, as he desperately tries to get Hilda off his back, but she is surprisingly strong for her short size. ¡°Oh thank the gods.¡± The skinnier of the two male auditors shouts out, he apparently had been playing opossum as he suddenly sprung to life and sprinted out the door, leaving his friend to his own fate. ¡°Wait for me.¡± The second one states, as he reaches out one hand towards the door. I of course am already leaving the area, my old schtick as the awkward old man who stumbles in on a risky situation already done, and fulfilled to full comedic effect. As if to punctuate my own inner finding, the system awards me with a new skill.
New Skill Gained: Comedic Timing has increased to level 1.
Skill Comedic Timing is a Sociability, Personality, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Yep, I am definitely using these Doppelgangers to their best, also I find it interesting that I can create a whole persona for each different body. I feel like I have a newfound respect for this Trait, one that I didn¡¯t think was possible before now. But now that I have the ability to operate two bodies simultaneously, I feel that my Simulacrum Mastery class will be even better than I originally anticipated, particularly with the way it synergizes with my base class Void Healer. I am about to call it all a win, when I realize, now both Zero and my Simulacrum are missing. Focusing my mind, I try to focus on my newly acquired skill Twin Consciousness, with a quick breath, I breath in, then when I exhale I relax my mind and try to imagine what my Simulacrum is doing and thinking. Surprisingly I synchronize my thoughts almost immediately to my Simulacrum. Then with a shock, I realize why it is suddenly so easy to synchronize my thoughts with those of my Simulacrum. Seeing both my Simulacrum¡¯s thoughts, and recognition that Zero is not only there, but seemingly approving of these actions that my Simulacrum is taking, if their mirrored response is any indication, I just shake my head in defeat, and find myself muttering. ¡°What have you gotten yourself into now, momma Cass?¡± Chapter 68 Secondary Class Evolution And Perks Chapter 68 Secondary Class Evolution And Perks ¡°What have you gotten yourself into now, momma Cass?¡± That was the question I invariably found myself asking. I was in the middle of an audit, I had just broken away from the yoke of oppression at the Mage¡¯s Guild, meaning I would start making experience nearly comparable to my true market value. Actually, who was I kidding, I would still not make my real market value, at least not for the next year, which was why my getting paid extra in experience was something that I appreciated. Until these last nine months passed, and I was done with my Broke flaw. I had finally learned how terrible flaws really can be. At first you wonder to yourself, just how hard is it to stay under 100 gold, but then you realize that you like wearing clothes, that apparently going around nude is bad, this is especially true now that I have multiple bodies that I can use to help hide my different actions. Interestingly enough, it seems that my different Doppelgangers can all gain experience for me, but I can do quests that improve their standing in a particular society, which will then ultimately show better on me. After all, my Doppelganger for Guild Master Quencher just improved in their standing from passing an impromptu audit. I¡¯m still not quite certain how I passed said audit, but there it is, I passed it, and now I am stronger for it. So what is my Simulacrum doing now? Are they out solving a massive quest that involves toxic spores under the city? No. Are they out coming up with new magical cures, no. Are they even getting the standard experience they can gain by just staying in the Healer¡¯s guild office? No. So where are both Cass and Zero, my familiar, they are both at the Thieves Guild. Yes, the same one that we have been trying to avoid like the plague for the last few days. Seeing where they are, I decide to meld my senses with those of my Simulacrum. After a second¡¯s worth of meditation, I feel my new skill Twin Consciousness take hold and suddenly I am there with Cass. Or maybe it is better to say that I am Cass, sort of. I can tell that she is basically me, with my normal impulses, and that the longer I stay synchronized with her, the more our thoughts will meld and merge into one whole, but until we are fully melded together, I have to slowly try to adjust my thoughts to try to understand where my Simulacrum is coming from, all so I can further define where she is mentally, and most importantly, how she will react to any given situation. ¡°I¡¯ve told you already, the Tournament Committee has already left.¡± Terrone, one of Lenny¡¯s goons is speaking. By the sound of his voice and his body language, he appears more than a little exasperated by the question being asked. ¡°When?¡± My Simulacrum asks. ¡°About four hours ago.¡± At that my Simulacrum and I both do the math and realize that the Tournament Committee, the same one that cheated us out of a quarter million experience left on the same train that brought in our Auditors. It was the perfect cover, we were so focused on passing the audit that we missed the moment that our potential mark had left our area of influence. Smart, honestly that is the most underhanded trick I could think of, rob us blind, blindside us with a reputation protection quest, then leave with the stolen merchandise. If it hadn¡¯t been against me, or if it hadn¡¯t been for experience, I wouldn¡¯t have minded so much, but the fact that the system seems so bent out of shape on making sure this theft went uncontested, just shows how much the system truly wanted me to be stuck here, at least that is what I take from this whole chain of events. ¡°When will they be back?¡± My Simulacrum asks, a note of annoyance filling her, as it is clear that she is clearly bothered by this. In a way, I am glad she too feels annoyed by this, as it means that I don¡¯t have to take it quite so personally myself, which lets me relax slightly as I try to prepare for what Terrone¡¯s answer will be. ¡°Well, the next time in the tower, will be in just over two and a half months.¡± ¡°Two and a half months?¡± ¡°Yes, though there is some bad news.¡± Terrone begins, but then pauses as he takes in Cass¡¯s crossed arms and the way she is just staring at him coldly. Not even waiting for a solid reply, he begins to panic slightly, as he stammers slightly for a moment, the regains his composure. ¡°Well, you see. Lenny and Mr. Glenn both had words with the Tournament officials.¡± ¡°Words?¡± ¡°Yeah, words.¡± ¡°About?¡± ¡°You.¡± ¡°Me?¡± ¡°Yeah, they were both annoyed with the way you were treated before during and after the tournament, even going so far as to call out the first two winners for not having been registered until after the first few opponents had already been eliminated. Meaning they were in violation of the rules.¡± Hearing that, I get slightly even more angry. Not only did I lose, but I lost to ringers who the Tournament officials blatantly cheated for, and then I was still cheated out of my earnings, despite the odds. There was a silence as both my Simulacrum and I processed this information. Fortunately, Zero was there to ask the somewhat obvious question during the brief lull in conversation. ¡°I take it that conversation didn¡¯t go so well?¡± Zero asked. ¡°Not at all,¡± Terrone began, as if suddenly eager to change the subject and continue with this new topic. ¡°In fact, the Tournament officials officially banned Lenny from ever being able to host another Tournament.¡± At that we all pause, well everyone but Zero who blessedly continues pressing on with the somewhat obvious questions that still need to be answered. ¡°So despite that, they are still coming back here within two and a half months?¡± Zero asked, at bit confused, as he pointed a claw down at the ground, to indicate the Thieves Guild hall. ¡°What, here? No.¡± ¡°But you just said, they would be back.¡± ¡°They will.¡± ¡°Here?¡± ¡°Not here, here, but the Tower here. You know.¡± Terrone said. At that we all paused, even Zero. Fortunately, by now my Simulacrum had regained enough of her mental bearings to try to pick up where this conversation had ultimately gone to. ¡°So where in the Tower?¡± ¡°Why the Fiftieth floor. By that point it will be the sixth month anniversary of the place being identified.¡± Terrone said. ¡°How does the Tournament Committee plan on getting there?¡± ¡°Why the same way they got here, through the trains of course.¡± There was a moment¡¯s pause as everyone tried to piece together that statement. ¡°How?¡± Zero and Cass asked at the same time. ¡°By the golden line rails of course. A special luxury liner that will run from the entrance of the tower up to the fiftieth floor and beyond. Well beyond if and when other floors eventually open up. But for now, there will be a stop at the Ghost Town that is just waiting at the end of the fiftieth floor.¡± Terrone answered. At that statement, a number of plans begin forming in both of our minds. They are slightly different, but at the same time all ultimately end up with the same end goal. Thankfully since we are both variants of the same mind we don¡¯t need to actually stop and talk our plans out, rather we just have to sort of think our thoughts out loudly for each other. It is an odd sort of way, sort of like trying to shout over each other, while building a plan out of Legos, but you both have the same set pool of Legos to pull from, and while you are building different sculptures entirely it is best to find ways that you can overlap your sculptures in order to save pieces and get the most economy of resources. In the end, what we come up with is a bucket list of goals, plans, projects, and benchmarks needed in order to be able to move on from here. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Right away, we realize that the only true reason we are still stuck here is due to Lenny¡¯s quest of filling in for a few months until Lenny¡¯s true number two comes into town. That will be a good stopping point, and seems to almost coincide with when the Tournament will be going through here, in order to reach the fiftieth floor of the tower. Taking the train up to the fiftieth floor will also solve a lot of problems for me. First and foremost, it will solve the quest I got here, when I first arrived.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber: Your goal of getting a recognized degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the fiftieth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Arcanarus University Diploma, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate. Floors completed (2/50).
While I no longer needed the reward, it would still be nice to complete this. Amazing what happens when you wait around for a few months, suddenly a quest that seemed almost too good not to accomplish suddenly becomes fluff. Other than an indisputable title over having to use my Badges all the time, I don¡¯t see much purpose for completing this quest. Though I do know that as the first visitor to the tower, the entire length and size of the tower is predetermined based on how far I go. Something like fifty levels plus whatever I get to. That is why most Towers have it as a base quest to get to level fifty for the initial discoverer of the tower, that way the tower can grow to at least level 100, which is considered to be a standard level for any true tower. Honestly the golden train car is likely a way for the system to say that I have spent too long on the second floor of the tower and it is about time to get going. By the system giving me two and a half months to prepare, well that is just icing on the cake, as I can make sure all my ducks are in a line for me to leave. Actually, hearing this, my goal will be to have it so my Simulacrum will stay at the Healing ward, earning constant experience for the two of us, for even without providing intel to Lenny, Healing anyone, or Reading to the blind, I am looking at making close to seven hundred experience per day. Not including what my Simulacrum can gain by reading additional books and what not. This means that every day I am out trying to steal back my earnings from the Tournament, I will be making over 300 experience points per day per class. Speaking of which, for the seventy-five days, at that rate I would be looking at 22,500 minimum experience per class until the next time the Tournament rolls through. That will be more than enough to a minimum of level 22 in my secondary class, and if I pressed making level 25 and unlocking better Perks and evolutionary paths for my secondary class will be ridiculous. Two months will also get me enough time to finally solve the stupid quest that I have all but been handed the answer to.
Quest: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads: You have found that the guards of crossroads have an open contract with the Apothecary Guild to create Detox potions. You can either create Detox potions to turn in for money, or you can investigate the cause of why so many Detox potions are needed in the first place. Reward: variable.
At this point I have been holding off on solving it, just because by now the experience I would gain from completing that quest would be next to nothing. At least, that is what I assume of the original quest, that is unless this quest has been leveling and scaling with me, if that is the case, then solving this quest now would be very prudent, as it likely means we are but a few days away from a dungeon break, or worse. So many things to do, but first thing is first, now that I know I have to begin planning for the future, it takes little coaxing for me to mentally pull my Simulacrum to me. With my Simulacrum in tow, my seemingly easily distracted familiar also follows. Only a minute after they leave do I see Glenn and Lenny both come to the ops floor. There is a slight pause as they are talking to each other, and then they both head over to Terrone. A few words are exchanged, then suddenly the two get a panicked look on their faces and rush out of the guild hall. They glance over, but by the time they got to the street my Simulacrum and Cass had already entered the Mage Guild hall. There is a moment. Both Glenn and Lenny both stare at the Mage Guild Hall for a second, almost wondering whether they should tempt fate or not. Then looking back at each other for confirmation, they both seem to read something in each other¡¯s gazes, before nodding in resignation to each other, before turning back around to re-enter the Thieves Guild. Honestly, I am more confused by this than anything, why are they going to the Mage¡¯s Guild? Are they afraid of something, or is there something more that I am not aware of? Did someone say something? Did I say something, well not me, but the Guild Master that I am currently in the form of. I am lost in my own headspace, when a set of female voices suddenly sound more than enthusiastic to have found me. ¡°There you are. And to think, we thought you had all but disappeared on us.¡± Trista began. ¡°Oh, my apologies. I did not realize you two were still here. Where are my manners.¡± I say, trying to play up the role of the old forgetful mage guild leader. I assume forgetful grandpa is a lot less attractive than Smoldering Intensity Grandpa. ¡°No, it is we who should be apologizing to you. We realize now that with the possible entrapment, and then our failed approach, it might have come across as we were being less than genuine. That is why, for now, we have opted to drop any attempts at a personal relationship with you, though know, just because we have stopped for now, doesn¡¯t mean we are by any means done with this. We just want to show you that you are in fact wanted.¡± Trista said. At that I just stare at Trista, not quite knowing what she seemed to be trying to imply she was hinting at. ¡°What she means to say is that, this will be our last official Audit. After this we will be putting in a transfer request to be stationed out here.¡± Amelia states. Hmph. Oddly enough, that wasn¡¯t me that made that sound, while I was more than willing to do so, it seemed that Zero and my Simulacrum both had overheard the whole conversation. Now you might assume they were eavesdropping, but in reality we were inside Cass¡¯s office, well my normal office, but my Simulacrum and familiar both had every right to be here. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Trista says, a slight challenging tone coming to her voice. Rather than Zero answering, my Simulacrum answers for the three of us. ¡°Let me guess, you two are young, attractive, and intelligent. You get sent on these audits as honeypots, trying to get the lecherous old Guild masters to paw at you so you can slam them. Then when you find one that is actually decent, rather than stopping your attacks, you double down, trying to prove they are as broken and depraved as you seem to insist they are. Look I don¡¯t know what happened to you, to make you both so jaded, but please stop trying to tear down one of the few good role models I have in my life. I don¡¯t know if you know this, but I am an orphan. I grew up never knowing my parents, having to scrounge for scraps and loose pocket change. I was never really even accepted by the guild until recently. Even then the only person who ever gave me a chance was this man, so please stop trying to break a perfectly decent human being.¡± And the award for best supporting actress goes to me! Wow, lay on the guilt trip. By the end both Trista and Amelia are near tears, though this only causes my Simulacrum to cross her arms and stare defiantly at the two. ¡°We mean it. In fact, to show you how committed we are to this, I will renounce my role right now and formally request a guild transfer.¡± Trista begins. ¡°Me too.¡± Amelia also answers. There is a slight pause, as I am then hit with two system notifications.
Guild Member Trista Preventine wishes to become a permanent member of the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild. Due to her current ranking in the Guild, a flat-out denial of this request is not permitted. Current options are: you can either accept out right, leave up to a vote, or provide an introductory quest to let her join.
Guild Member Amelia Everheat wishes to become a permanent member of the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild. Due to her current ranking in the Guild, a flat-out denial of this request is not permitted. Current options are: you can either accept out right, leave up to a vote, or provide an introductory quest to let her join.
¡°So you two are that serious about pushing this, even going so far as to come here in an attempt to get me to try to abuse my power while you two are my subordinates?¡± I ask, trying to understand exactly what is going on with this. ¡°I assure you, that is not my intention at all.¡± Trista says, coming over and all but trying to wrap her arms around me. Remembering my flaw, I back up, and then I see a look of hurt cross her features as she looks stunned by the act. ¡°I see, I have scarred you. Tell me, what is it I can do to prove my devotion to you, to making this transfer work?¡± Me myself, I am at a complete loss. Fortunately my Simulacrum is there, trying to knock out my goals in a way that makes it look like this would only benefit her. ¡°Actually, there is toxic spore that you two are apparently aware of that grows somewhere in this town. If you two are truly intent on coming here and proving your loyalty to this guild hall, then finding out the source of those spores and eliminating them would go a long way towards earning my vote for your acceptance here.¡± My Simulacrum says. ¡°Really?¡± Trista and Amelia ask the young healer at the same time. My Simulacrum just nods. ¡°Right away.¡± Trista says, as she dashes out the door. Chime. The doorbell to the Mage Guild door opens up, causing the bell to ring. ¡°We will be right back.¡± Amelia says, as she looks first to my Simulacrum, then locking eyes with me I can see the moment her resolve hardens, as she too leaves. Chime. Only once they are both gone, do I let out a long sigh, as their transfers are almost a certainty at this rate. ¡°Why are you so down?¡± My Simulacrum asks, as she comes over to me and stands by my side. ¡°You know they will make short work of this quest for you. They are drastically over leveled for whatever it is they might face down there, right?¡± I ask. ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡± ¡°Then aren¡¯t you worried that they will cause more problems once their transfer requests are accepted?¡± With that my Simulacrum just shakes her head. ¡°You forget, they will still need to get Lowiski and Hilda¡¯s approval.¡± ¡°Yeah, and?¡± ¡°What do you think Hilda¡¯s response will be once she realizes those two are only transferring here to get their claws into you, the only eligible male mage for miles around?¡± At that, I have to laugh, it is a good plan, and I wish I had come up with it. Though since it is my Simulacrum, doesn¡¯t that prove that I would have thought of this scheme eventually. ¡°Also, wait until Lowiski finds out that both girls don¡¯t like vegetables.¡± I add. ¡°That¡¯s a bit too much.¡± My Simulacrum says. ¡°That¡¯s too much?¡± I ask incredulously. ¡°Yeah, how would Lowiski ever believe someone doesn¡¯t like vegetables. No, instead we need to make sure our amazing receptionist realizes that one of those two will likely be gunning for her position.¡± And just like that, I realize I might have the most overpowered secondary class ever, why? Well simple, there are now two of me to wreak havoc, along with testing out plots and schemes. ¡°My dear, I think this will work out perfectly.¡± I say. Then as if the system is in full agreement with how powerful my secondary class is, I am met with a system message.
Class Perk Unlocked: Simulacrum Schemes: You have been blessed with the creation of a Simulacrum that is not just like you, but is part of you. As such you can rest assured that every plan they create will work to benefit the both of you. Effect: +50% to Strategy, +50% to Tactics, +50% to Schemes, +50% to Plans.
That was an amazing perk. Very limited, but the fact that it was so limited is what helped ensure it was truly amazing. It also further cemented the fact that I officially had the most OP class in the game. With that little revelation in place, my Simulacrum and I broke to complete our self-appointed tasks. I went to the receptionists, to tell her to start thinking about new quests, for her possible future replacement to take. While my Simulacrum went about telling Hilda about the fact that not one, but two new members were asking to be transferred in, just to take away her Guild Master. Chime. ¡°We completed the quest.¡± Trista says, she is panting, her uniform is torn in multiple places as apparently the battle she had to fight was sever. ¡°Yes, it was a giant spore queen that had taken over most of the population of the city and looked like they were about to start a zombie uprising here shortly.¡± Amelia added. ¡°Fortunately, we destroyed the giant fungus, before it could go too far.¡± Trista concludes. Then as if to prove that they had completed their portions of this quest. I received a system prompt.
Quest Complete: The Toxic Nature of Crossroads: You have found out the cause for why so many people have been getting poisoned. You also managed to deal with the true threat behind the disappearances of so many Crossroads citizens. Reward: Experience. Experience Gained: 500/500. Ding. Level up. Your level in Simulacrum Master has reached level 6.
Seeing that, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that solving this now and in this particular way was the best use of all available resources. ¡°Good job.¡± I say. ¡°You mean it?¡± Trista asks, a look of hope filling her disheveled state. ¡°Yes, a deal is a deal.¡± My Simulacrum says, as she enters the room, appearing to have been listening in to the whole conversation. ¡°You have my vote to transfer.¡± Hearing that, I realize this next part is all me. ¡°Yes, now all you need to do is convince the other three members of the guild to let you in, and I will have no choice but to accept your transfer requests.¡± I say, loud enough so that my current receptionist can hear me. ¡°Right, well let¡¯s get started.¡± Trista said, as they both eagerly turned to our devout little receptionist. Seeing the look of resentment that flashed across her face, I smiled inwardly, knowing that what came next might very well be the death of these two. Interlude IV (Two and a Half Months Later) Interlude IV (Two and a Half Months Later) ¡°Good evening world. We bring to you the latest news and updates from the world of BiPrism. In case you have been living under a rock for the past few months, you might have missed the fact that the pearly gates are closed, that or they are so close to being closed that unless you have the Midnight Hunters in your back pocket, you might as well not even attempt to enter.¡± The announcer begins, but then quickly continues. ¡°Just what do I mean by the Pearly Gates, why this is the entrance to the famed Arcanarus Tower, given the connection to the spirit realm, and the fact that the gates themselves look exactly like white obelisks, people have taken to calling the entrance to this famed location the pearly gates, for beyond them lies the secret to the afterlife, which in this case is media favorite Cassiopeia Spiritlight. Why is she a media favorite? Simply put, she is free to advertise and talk about without threats of corporate sponsors breathing down you neck. Meaning we can use her as a conversation piece for what the game is doing right, what they are doing wrong, and everything else in between.¡± ¡°This is why despite her slow growth compared to her accomplishments, she is still growing. Also, true to her promise, she is one of the few truly non-combat oriented characters in the game. Even the famed watch maker Zeurlig periodically goes out hunting, if only to increase their level. Because of this she has gotten some blowback from longtime fans of the game. More than a few people who have joined recently attempting to replicate her style of play have all been met with their own series of disasters. Only Cass has been able to traverse the world to the beat of her own drum. By first thwarting an Audit, then when the auditors attempted to join her guild, she managed to deftly maneuver the other guild members against the two auditors, this along with the toxic spore quest being taken care of meant that Cass has had a relatively quiet life. Though we have learned a few things. First, we learned that her Simulacrum cannot heal to the same level of competency that Cass herself can. While her Simulacrums can show surprising creativity, they do seem to be limited by the way they interact with magic. To help explain this phenomenon, we have our leading magical expert Hans Schumer here to provide additional details on this phenomenon.¡± The main reporter stated. With that the screen flipped over to an older male with a thick silver moustache and beard that helped him look every inch the real life mage himself. ¡°Yes, thank you for that. What we are seeing is the creativity of users still being greater than the AI system so far. Time and time again, we have found that while the content and stories that the AI can generate are great, what truly makes them compelling stories to watch are the ways people react to and work their way through the various problems. The same can be said for magic, the magic that is taught and the magic that is seen as rote memorization in the case of Cass and a few others, like he who must not be named, lest we get censored due to copyright infringement,¡± Hans began, but then quickly let go of his comment, whatever his rationale for the comment were, he would not expand on them, especially not during a live broadcast, again. Taking a deep breath, he composed himself and then continued. ¡°What we are seeing is that certain people can see the magic system in a way that is wholly unique, one that the system itself doesn¡¯t even seem to be able to understand. Basically, we can look at the way that Cass performs magic as being wholly unique each and every time she casts, even when casting the same spell that she herself has created. This means that despite having many spells credited to her name, she is unique in that she will always gain a bonus to their casting, while everyone else will receive a degraded percentage.¡± ¡°So you mean, that even if she sells her spells, the people that buy the spell will not be able to cast it as effectively as she can?¡± ¡°That is precisely right Jim. We have seen this be the case with he who must not be named, identified, or referenced, but now we are seeing first hand with Cass, how amazing the ability to create spells truly is. For even her Simulacrum, the person with whom she shares the same baseline model for thinking, is unable to accurately copy the spells that her base template has created and that she should theoretically be able to mirror herself.¡± ¡°What does this mean exactly?¡± ¡°Well two things. The first is that the AI is not able to be as truly creative as the people they copy over into their world.¡± Hans begins. ¡°And the second?¡± ¡°Well the second is something that the game developers and government have insisted on for quite some time, but up until now have lacked the evidence to prove.¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°That when you are uploaded to the game world, they do more than copy your brain activity, but rather they are able to fully transport your soul, your very essence into the game.¡± Hans. ¡°And it is cases like Cass, and¡­¡± The announcer pauses, catching himself. ¡°And this other alleged person who you keep alluding to, cases like these are what the Government is using as proof of their long standing claim of 100% transmigration?¡± ¡°That is exactly correct.¡± ¡°So with this, I take it we can expect the Government to take an active role in Cass¡¯s advancement?¡± ¡°One would assume so, but if that is the case then no. One could claim that the government has had a play in the recent golden line train route that will head from floor two of the Crossroads all the way up to the fiftieth floor, but this is standard programming that happens to everyone who ¡°gets stuck,¡± as the original developers noted, particularly when other higher level people have already gone through and cleared the path to the fiftieth floor on their own.¡± Hans replied. ¡°Interesting, very interesting, where do you think this will go next?¡± ¡°Well I would assume a major plot twist, we are expecting Cass to go to get revenge for stolen experience, something many followers complained about vehemently, which is why there was pressure to get this redemption quest line started months ago.¡± ¡°So you think there will be something big that happens during the heist?¡± ¡°Who knows, other than we know it will be a huge, wasted opportunity if nothing relevant happens.¡± ¡°When you say relevant¡­¡± *** Click. The live feed of the Biprism analysis channel ended, as the topic slowly shifted to more and more conjecture about what would happen next. Cassandra Redding turned from the feed about one of the most intriguing players in recent history, and turned first to the daughter of said player, and then glanced down to the medical reports that lay before her. ¡°Thank you for sharing these.¡± Cassandra said, waving her tablet and indicating the medical records that spoke of long-term illness and a bleak future. Jackie Cruise, the daughter of the now famous Cassiopeia Spiritlight sat there nodding, a look of resignation on her face. ¡°You know I can¡¯t do much. Had you come earlier, we might have been able to do something about this, but this¡­¡± Cassandra said, shaking her head at what she had to say. Sure, she could offer the best, offer lies and platitudes, but that was not how strong business relations were forged. ¡°I know.¡± Jackie said, a look of hard resolve filling her features. ¡°So, let me ask you, what would you want out of this, arrangement?¡± Jackie having expected this nodded. ¡°I want you to look after my children, and grandchildren. Provide career opportunities for them, and cover their schooling and education.¡± ¡°Anything else?¡± ¡°I mean, I would also like to have some manner of assistance set up for me. I saw what mother went through, and I do not want that.¡± Jackie said, shuddering at the thought of having to endure the same hardships for herself. ¡°That is more than understandable. You know that might instantly lower your marketability in the eyes of some, but in this case we are not buying you so much, as the legacy you represent, the bloodline that will be innately afforded to you, along with access to your mother.¡± Cassandra said. At that Jackie could only nod in agreement, as she had expected this very same treatment. She was nothing special herself, but rather she was a mobile advertisement that would be highly visible and likely supported by her mother. Also, with her they would have access to the impressive bloodline that her mother had somehow awakened. Granted, she too would have to awaken the bloodline on her own, and while her mother would be able to improve her rating as time went on, Jackie herself would only be able to awaken hers at most to the Royal bloodline rating. Of course, Jackie herself had no clue about the Royal rating of her bloodline until she came here. Cassandra had been fully transparent, telling her what her mother had, what that was worth, and why investing in her and possible future children and grandchildren to enter would be in Redding House¡¯s best interest overall. Hearing the sales pitch Jackie knew two things, first Cassandra Redding was an amazing saleswoman, as she wanted to do business with her just by the way she spoke openly and honestly and the way she carried herself. Then the second thing she knew, was that one way or another she was leaving here with a deal in place with Redding House, the only thing that mattered now was hammering out the final details of the contract. ¡°Know that part of this contract will be a chastity clause.¡± Cassandra stated. ¡°Chastity?¡± ¡°Yes, until you fully awaken your bloodline you will not be allowed to perform any sexual act of any kind, regardless of the age of your avatar.¡± Cassandra began, but then held up a hand to stop any protests from Jackie so she could explain. ¡°The reason for this is simple, the first child of any relationship has an 80% chance of gaining the bloodline progenitor¡¯s rating. Meaning that if your mother somehow improves her bloodline ranking, after you enter, your child will have a chance of having their bloodline surpass your own. This is explained as skipping a generation, but it is an important aspect. Each additional child has a percentage, but that percentage will increasingly go down by ten percent every child until a maximum of 25% remains. For the sake of the proposal that I am proposing, you will have to mate with a person of our choosing.¡± ¡°Just for the one child?¡± ¡°That is correct, just for the one child. After that, you will be able to produce your own children, or let your own children follow after this initial child slot is claimed. But that first one will be property of Redding House.¡± Hearing that Jackie let out a long breath. While she had wanted her children to join her, this wasn¡¯t too much of a price to pay on her end. Granted it would mean her children would have less of a chance of getting Cass¡¯s bloodline at least to the level that she had it, but it was still a great deal. ¡°Deal.¡± Jackie said finally after a lot of internal debate. ¡°Very good.¡± Only once the contract was signed and finally ratified did Jackie ask the all-important question. ¡°If I may ask, who exactly do you intend to take the spot of my child?¡± At that Cassandra just smiled brightly, ¡°why I intend this to be my own spot. You will sire a child with one of my grandmother¡¯s sons, and I will have a chance of having not one but two royal bloodlines coursing through me.¡± At that Jackie couldn¡¯t help but nod. This was an ambitious play, but also one that Jackie herself was comfortable making, as it meant that for the time Cassandra Redding would be fully committed to helping her progress and awaken her bloodline in game. After that, she would likely be cut loose, but up until that point, she would have backing, resources, and above all opportunities that her mother never had. Honestly it almost wasn¡¯t fair, but then again, few things ever were in life. Chapter 69 An Staging of the Heist Chapter 69 An Staging of the Heist ¡°What have you gotten yourself into now, momma Cass?¡± That was the question I invariably found myself asking more and more recently. As time has gone on, I have found that while at times I can merge my thoughts with my Simulacrum, there is still a sort of slight disconnect between me and her. And my Simulacrum despite all the upgrades, is still limited. Now don¡¯t get me wrong, I am very thankful that I have my Simulacrum. Not a day goes by that I don¡¯t use and abuse her prowess. Additionally, the insights she has on how to exploit a given situation are phenomenal. That said, there are clearly a few major areas where she is lacking. First and foremost, she is not able to change her form, yes my Doppelganger Trait from my first class Void Healer is beyond her comprehension. In a way this sort of makes senses as she is an exact reflection of my soul, meaning she only has the Traits that are associated with my body and my bloodline. Since Spiritual Doppelganger is a class related Trait it makes a certain amount of logical sense that she would be denied access to this particular Trait. This is troubling, but not insurmountable. Also, this means that my Simulacrum has effectively taken over most of my, Cassiopeia Spiritlight¡¯s, day-to-day operations, with a few minor exceptions. The minor exceptions being that she cannot cure the Blight, nor can she Resurrect those that are close to death. This is painful, but not by any means a deal breaker. The other major flaw was the fact that my Simulacrum while able to read, read slowly, so slowly. Rather than being able to enter into a room and just process the words that were on display, my Simulacrum would have to read and then comprehend each word, such a waste of time and effort. To help cover for these flaws, both of my next two class evolutions for Simulacrum Master, the ones at level 10 and 25 were both directly related to fixing these shortcomings. The first fix came at level 10, where I took the Simulacrum Master skill, Eidetic Speed Reading. This was exactly like my main skill Blind Eidetic Speed Reading, but rather than only being usable by my Angel¡¯s Sight, I now could read at roughly the same speed as my main body could, despite not having the scope of vision provided by my Angel¡¯s Sight.
New Class Skill Gained: Eidetic Speed Reading has reached level 1.
Class Skill Eidetic Speed Reading is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Why is this important? Particularly if I am in the same field of vision and therefore always able to read the same books that my Simulacrum has access to? Well simply put, if I wanted to leave the Mage Guild and explore, I would need to find a way to read quickly, thus this stop gap for my most obvious issue. Also, we did test, and my Simulacrum was able to both read books while giving us both experience by doing so. Also the skill, just like my own, was based on what was visible in her field of vision. While her field of vision was far more limited than my own, she was still able to both open and read two books at one time. This of course gave her headaches until she fully mastered the skill. Fortunately, she wasn¡¯t so inept at healing that she couldn¡¯t fix her own headache. This of course led me to the final class upgrade that I got just the other day. My level 25 Simulacrum Master Class evolution was for a Trait called Positional Switch.
New Class Trait Unlocked: Positional Switch: You and your Simulacrum have become so intertwined that by just willing it, you can switch geolocational positions with your doppelganger regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Yes, somehow when my secondary Class met the evolution points, I already had the prerequisites met to go for the advanced create a Skill, and create my own class Trait option that I had for my main class. I don¡¯t know if this is a matter of what I did or was able to accomplish during this time, or if my soul itself had just been marked with these changes and thus any unique class I got would be afforded these same distinctions. Regardless of the fact, I did not want a third class, at least not for the time being. As it was leveling these two classes were exceptionally difficult. Over the last two and a half months, since I passed my audit and avoided a bombshell by getting the guild members to deny the Auditors the right to come to the Guild Hall, I had been extremely busy trying to level, and complete as many quests as possible. During this time, I earned a total of over sixty thousand experience, but that only translated in my main class Void Healer going from level 27 to 37. While my Secondary class saw the most improvement, going from level 6 to level 25. This of course had a profound impact on my bonuses assigned to my Attributes, though I will have to admit I spent the entire time grinding my skills to their maximum.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 53 17 Personality 77 52 Perception 117 48
Dexterity 83 39 Sociability 72 52 Intelligence 119 63
Endurance 78 17 Attractiveness 61 68 Willpower 102 127
I even finally took the time to use up my fourteen remaining Free Attribute points and split them evenly between Strength and Endurance. While I find Endurance more useful overall, I found that I have so few skills that directly affect Strength, that having an additional seven points in Strength might prove useful at some point in time. Also, unless I found another way to increase my Base Attribute cap, it seemed that I would soon be nearing a bottleneck for my Mental Attributes here shortly, as they would all cap out just like my skills at 125, at least that is what I am led to currently understand. I¡¯m hoping that by level 50, for my next class evolutionary marker, I will be able to get something that increases my base cap for both Attributes and Skills, making me ridiculously powerful when using skills. Granted Skills are often an overlooked aspect of the game, but they are one that I have found to be exponentially important, and I feel fairly safe in admitting that I would not be where I am today if it weren¡¯t for my constant grinding and trying to find new and unique skills. So why all this emphasis on having it so I can switch places with my Simulacrum at a moment¡¯s notice? Why the need for my Simulacrum to be able to read the same as me? Well quite frankly there are still an estimated million or so experience points just waiting to be read in the Mage Guild Library. Additionally, I am at that point where my tethers to Crossroads are soon coming to an end. My guild quest with Lenny has finally ended, meaning I no longer have to act as his number two stool pigeon. Nor am I particularly bound to the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild. Yes, they are a constant source of experience right now, and for my intents and purposes that is all I see them as. Not a long term solution, just something I need to get by at the moment. Once I or my Simulacrum finish reading all the books within the hall, I will consider my time at the guild hall officially over. Again, there are over an estimated one hundred thousand books at the guild hall, and despite our best efforts I only managed to make it through a few thousand of those books within the past two and a half months, but that is neither here nor there. As I have already spent too long being here, and over the last two and a half months I have focused on just one goal and one goal alone, stealing back what is mine. What do I mean by this? Well simple almost three months ago now, the traveling Poker Tournament stole close to a quarter million in experience from me. I have spent the time since then preparing for the moment I would both earn back my experience through thievery, while also having a perfect alibi. In this case, my Simulacrum will pose as the alibi, healing people as needed, while being constantly visible to anyone who enters the guild hall. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Meanwhile, I will pose as one of my Doppelganger forms, as I first gain access to the Golden Train, a super elite form of transportation that is meant to help the super-rich and affluent bypass mundane needs like traveling through floors that have already been cleared. Of course, the fact that I don¡¯t have money will not stop me from entering the train, it just means that I will need to first sneak aboard the train, and then find a cover. But first thing is first, finding the right train and then making my way aboard. Oh, it goes without saying that taking the Golden Train to its final destination will also help me finish a quest that I have had for the past six months.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber: Your goal of getting a recognized degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the fiftieth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Arcanarus University Diploma, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate. Floors completed (2/50).
Now that the Golden Train is finally here, I feel slightly nervous, but I am more than ready to go through with my plan. How do I know the Golden Train is also the same one that will host the Poker Tournament? Simple it is posted on the side of the Train, in what has to be the most obvious attempt to get me to target the train.
World Poker Tour All Stars: Follow Us to New Adventures on the 50th Floor of the Arcanarus Tower.
For this operation, I decide to go with the form of Tobias at first. Then if needed I will switch out to Sabrina or someone else if I need to re-enter the tournament on the Fiftieth floor. Hopefully I won¡¯t need to wait that long, but this will be a good chance to use the system to help me cheat. During this time, I will let my Simulacrum deal with my daily quests. As for the reading to the blind, well now that I have Eidetic Speed Reading, getting new material to my Simulacrum will be easy. Also, I do know all of the Rahul and the Maiden books by memory and can recite them verbatim. As for getting paid what I deserve for healing, well my Simulacrum has access to all of my spells. Then for the spells that she still cannot master like curing the Blight, or Resurrection, I do have the ability to Position Swap with her, making it so I can fill in for those operations. Also, I should be able to swap back to take care of operations as the guild master as well, should any circumstance arrive, though I have been doing more and more to be more of a recluse than usual, even Hilda has given up her chances at dating me as I have destroyed more than my fair share of her office when she asks me to come over and demonstrate my new spells. Honestly, I think she is jealous of my destructive capabilities more than anything. Again, the plan is simple, my Simulacrum will be here providing a clear and obvious alibi, while I go out and explore, and hopefully get my revenge. Changing quickly, I pull out a black cloak, put on my EGGs again, as apparently my eyes are still the same vibrant green in any of my Doppelganger forms, meaning that will be a clear giveaway of crimes I commit. That and the fact that I am still a strobe light for magically sensitive people. Yeah, no stress. Though honestly, despite being slightly nervous since my last major caper, I can¡¯t help but feel the thrill of excitement that such an operation causes within me. I mean I love healing, don¡¯t get me wrong, but there is something entirely different from going out committing a crime and outwitting dozens of people that have a vested interest in stopping you. For the role of Tobias, I go with the EGGs, my Apothecary gloves, and decide against any of my Mage Guild cloaks. The reason is that being linked to two Guilds, the Mechanics and Apothecary guilds are not that bad. Then to pull off the persona for Tobias, and why I would be traveling as him, I also decide to go with my Adventurer¡¯s necklace on full display, why those three guilds? Well, I figure it would make more sense for Tobias to be a traveling adventurer than anyone else. Mages are generally squishy and prefer not to travel alone, mechanics generally prefer to tinker, and Apothecary, well they do travel out to get odd plants. Finishing off the look, I go for a cheap but elegant black bowler hat, a nice white dress shirt, black pants, and a broken fancy watch. Why a broken watch? Well it wouldn¡¯t really matter if I could read the watch, also the fact that the watch is broken considerably decreases its overall value, making it so I can keep it with my shoestring budget for props and the like. Using my Simulacrum¡¯s eyes I check out myself, then realize I need to use a vest, nice but worn shoes, and a cheap cane. Now the cane looks like I could use it for attacking, but it is so weak that any strong hit will likely cause the entire thing to break. Again, going for cheap items that look right, versus functional items that are right. Still, if I get to the point where I need to defend myself, I have a few ways I can do this, and honestly I still don¡¯t want to get into the idea of defending myself with violence. While it might seem like putting on such airs would be time consuming, I am able to get it done relatively quickly. WhooWHOO. In fact, by the time I am done, the train is just pulling away from the station. Normally this would be bad, but this is perfect, as it means I can Teleport onto the moving train with little to no issue. ¡°Good luck.¡± My Simulacrum and I say to each other simultaneously. We both smile at that, we have been getting better at being on the same wavelength recently, which is why I don¡¯t feel any hesitation when I realize it is time to go. Poof. One second I am in my guild office, the next, I am on a moving compartment of a rather large train. Fortunately the train, while being a rather large one will take a long time to build up momentum. This means that I only slid a foot at most from my intended landing spot. Landing, I realize I am out of practice and figure that I might need to practice the art of Teleporting onto and off of a moving train, and yes it is an art. Now that I am actually on the train, details of my Angel¡¯s Sight begin to shrink down, so that I am just able to focus on the forty-eight odd cars that are all attached, the ten that are seemingly blocked off with heavy warding and magic schemas, and then the other thirty odd passenger and entertainment cars. One thing to point out is that while this tower exists solely in the spirit realm, this golden train appears to be completely pressurized and able to resist the normal spiritual forces of the outside world. This means that everyone on this train is a true living breathing person, and not just a ghost or spirit as one might expect. From a glance, in addition to the wards keeping the cars safe from the external forces, ten cars in particular have extra wards and protections carved into them. It is almost too obvious that these cars with extra warding are the ones where the tournament has taken to holding their prizes and fees. There are just a few problems, the first is that there seem to be armed guards on duty in all the money cars, and that most people would need to charge through car after car of fully armed mercenaries, before getting to the prize cars. I can of course bypass all of the mercenary cars, and head straight to the pay day cars, but I decide to wait. I have time. Also, right now, it would behoove me to stay on this train for as long as possible, while I wait to get to floor 50. Well more importantly, until I get to the city on floor 50. Now there is of course one problem that I have in my plan. I do not have a ticket, nor can I afford one. For me going to a floor I have never gone to, let alone forty-eight additional floors would be an astronomical price. The game would let you cheat or take shortcuts, but they were costly. This meant that I would have to play keep away from the ticket inspectors. It would also mean that I would likely have to blend in as one of the passengers. This will be a fun role. Normally, when I previously had to do similar heists, I went as the Missing my mommy approach, where I would find a vulnerable older woman who had clear maternal instincts to protect me. I would come up with a story about how my mom told me to get on, but then left. I would even do a frantic scream at the window as we left the station. The elderly woman would take me in and provide comfort to me, while we waited to go back around. Meanwhile, I would go to the privy, before teleporting where my mark was, pop in steal the item, then double back, finish my alibi, then leave before anyone noticed. That¡¯s what I would do as myself, or as regular Cass. I will admit that approach has been getting harder, but I doubt anyone will think that a fully grown, if slightly immature Tobias would be missing his mommy. That or if they did, they likely would treat him with derision and ridicule. No, for this role, I would need to do something that I always wanted to do, but never felt comfortable trying. For this one, I think Strangers on a Train would be the way to go. I could also test out the prowess of my new Seduction skill, and see just how powerful the skill is, and find out once and for all if Trista and Amelia really were smitten, or if they were just trying to pull the long con on me, as the Guild hall leader. Now that I have decided on my course of action, I need to find an appropriate target. Again, in this case, I am not looking at stealing from this individual, but rather, I am using them to provide cover and a potential alibi for me, as we make our way through the various floors of the tower. In all there are ten targets that all seem viable, that is they are sitting alone in a booth. Five of them I instantly dismiss as they are males. Not that I would be ashamed to seduce a male as a male, but I don¡¯t think this sort of relationship will harbor the result I want. I want a female, preferably younger, as I would want someone who would think that Tobias would actually be willing to have a long term relationship with them. The reason being, I want someone who would lie for me, or at least be more willing to cover for me. Not that women are more gullible, but women are more willing to take a chance than men often would. At least, that is what I have noticed about this game world. In the end, men if you build up enough of a relationship with them will cover for you and even pick a fight for you, but that level of bonding takes months if not years, while I only have minutes. Looking at the different cars, and the five female candidates, it looks like only three are within my age range that I am looking for, early twenties to mid-thirties. Had I still been in my Cass body, I would have gone with the two elderly candidates, but this is new, and if I dare say fun. Ultimately, all three look like good choices, but I decided to go with the one that has a mid-level magical ability. In this case, I am banking on my flaws to be a boon, basically a giant billboard sign that gets her to at least look at me and to give me a chance. After that, it will all be based on my words, my actions, and most importantly how well I pull off my Tobias persona. While the real Tobias was never a ladies man, I think I will try to fix that perception of him. ¡°Pardon me, but is this seat taken?¡± I ask in a deep rich baritone that is similar to my Rahul voice, but much more believable coming from the younger Tobias. Yes, while I know how I ultimately want Tobias to sound, right now, he is young, inexperienced, lacking in worldly knowledge, but she can fix it, at least that is what I am going for. The woman pauses, and looks at me. I can tell from the slight twitch of her head, that her initial response was to be a no, but she turns to face me. Then as she does, I do something completely stupid, well at least stupid for keeping my anonymity in the long run, but for now, for this role it is drastically important. With a faint gasp of my face, I pull off my EGGs and stare at the woman, letting my electric green eyes shine for a moment. Our eyes connect, and I can feel the moment I have her complete attention, as she uncontrollably shivers at my stare. We hold that moment for a heartbeat, then forcing myself to break the spell early, I shake my head, and then sit down, despite not getting an answer from her. ¡°I am sorry. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s come over me. My legs feel weak all the sudden.¡± I say as I sit down next to her. ¡°No, it is quite alright.¡± The woman says, as she shifts her body position to stare directly at me. This is good, as it means I have succeeded in gaining her full attention. A few other biometric scans prove that I am having an effect on her as well, her heart rate is increasing, her eyes are dilating, and above all her magic is surging? I am not used to the magic surging part, but maybe this is a direct relation to my new bloodline flaws. Looking at her, I can¡¯t help but wonder if part of my success with Trista and Amelia was due to my now activated bloodline. I do remember the way people were gawking at me when I began the process and went to the Thieves Guild, but I had dismissed that. Hmm, if this is the case, then my blending in might be easier than I first thought, and I might not have to try so hard. But before I can even think about going easier, I first must seal this deal. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, where are my manners. My name is Tobias Spiritlight, and I must say it is truly a pleasure to meet you.¡± I say, taking off my bowler hat, and giving a slight bow. Why Spiritlight? Well simple really it is a title I have, and therefore is almost impossible to hide, so I might as well go with it. Of course, this will eventually lead back to me, but that is a problem for a different day. ¡°No, it is I who has the pleasure here.¡± The woman begins, a smile filling her lips as she begins to blush brightly. ¡°My name is Lady Constance Legrand, and it is a pleasure to meet you.¡± At that, I feel a slight twist, as I know the name Legrand, and sadly it takes me almost too long to remember where it is from, but quickly I realize where I heard that name before. ¡°Legrand? You wouldn¡¯t by any chance be related to King Legrand, of the Legrand Empire?¡± I ask, somewhat confused. There is a slight pause, as I see her shift her weight slightly as she looks like she wants to say something. Then after a second, she takes a deep breath and answers. ¡°You are referring to my uncle Richard. Yes, I am related to the same,¡± she pauses as I suddenly realize why this booth is so empty. I mean there are males in multiple groupings around her, and I can tell now that they are all suddenly curious about how I managed to suddenly appear out of nowhere. Seeing this, I can¡¯t help but think that this suddenly got a lot more complicated than I had wanted. Especially as I just wanted a person to shield me from being outed for not having a train ticket. But here I was, talking with a duchess in waiting for the Legrand empire, the very kingdom that my home country, the Maltese Empire, was currently at war with. At least, that was what I last heard, though anything could have happened over the last few months. I am about to ask, when the girl looks at me, with sudden suspicion in her eyes. ¡°Let me guess, you didn¡¯t happen to sneak past my armed guards, by chance. And this whole encounter was your intention from the very start?¡± And just like that, what started as a simple Strangers on a Train, so I could have an alibi to steal back my stolen experience, suddenly got a lot more complicated, just like that. This is the problem with such high profile heists, you can always expect the system to throw in a diplomatic hiccup like this for no clear reason. Chapter 70 Wooing: A Beginners Guide Chapter 70 Wooing: A Beginners Guide ¡°Wow, Lady Legrand, it is an honor.¡± I say, bowing and meaning it. With my Angel¡¯s Sight, I can see the two different sets of guards coming. I am not too worried about the guards. Unless things get violent, I won¡¯t have to worry about anything. Even the absolute worst-case scenario, they throw me out of the train, I revert to Sabrina or another female persona I have and try again. But that is if I fail. Now if I succeed¡­ Yes, suddenly I am far more invested in this quest, even more so than my potential theft of tournament winnings, at least for now. With a duchess, or at least with the duke¡¯s daughter as a friend, or even a possible ally, I could do so many more things. Also, with this, I would be the equivalent of the female James Bond, my country at war, how do I, a lowly spy add to the war effort between the Maltese and Legrand empire, simple I seduce the duke¡¯s daughter and gain access to intel, politics and intrigue that I would never be able to otherwise. ¡°You have exactly thirty seconds to tell me first how you got past my guards, and what your true intentions are for being here.¡± Judging by the pace of the guards it was clear that in exactly thirty seconds is when the guards would make their action. ¡°Well the way I got past your guards was simple and can be summarized up in one word.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Magic.¡± At that, her face looks annoyed. ¡°We have anti-teleportation runes and wards set up all over the car.¡± ¡°Let me guess for standard variations of spells, but not for unique variations that are at a higher frequency?¡± I postulate, totally throwing out random rhetoric to make it sound like I know what I am talking about. Part of Magical Theory is understanding the different wavelengths of each school of magic. Still for this effort, I feel I will need to fully commit to this from the very beginning, and once I do there will be no turning back. Since I first arrived in this world almost seven years ago I have had the opportunity to earn up to 13 badges, two of which are completely gone, and three others have been used exactly once. Looking through my badges there are a lot of shady stories I could share here, also I doubt my secondhand exploits of being a Behemoth slayer would be particularly worth telling. This is why I bring up my full list of badges and try to decide what to go with.
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster.
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level.
New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used)
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50-1). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own.
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon.
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500-1). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own.
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500-1). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own.
New Feat Recorded: Empire Dropper (500). You managed to topple a successful industry empire
New Feat Recorded: Healer of Valor (250). You have proven yourself to be a healer people can depend upon.
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead.
New Feat Recorded: Gambling Guru (100): You placed fifth or higher in a gambling contest involving 500 people or more.
New Feat Recorded: Been Caught Cheating (500): You are banned from all gambling facilities for a period of no less than seven years and nine months.
New Feat Recorded: Survive an Audit Through Seduction (500). You are the first person to successfully navigate your way through an audit through deception and seduction alone.
Also a few of my newer badges like Empire Dropper, Gambling Guru, Been Caught Cheating, nor Survive an Audit Through Seduction would do my story any good. This of course leaves me with very few options to go with that will be high enough to switch my personal rating with the Duke¡¯s daughter quickly enough to mean anything. So, I opt to go for the quirky genius route. ¡°Can I trust you with a secret?¡± I ask, as I lean forward conspiratorially. At this Lady Legrand is both enticed and simultaneously nervous. Seeing her expression, I sit back, a bit defeated, then continue. ¡°Yeah, I get that a lot. I mean who would believe that me, a sixteen year old prodigy would first be unemployed, second have lost my degree from Aracnarus University, and third received a badge proving I am a Master Tier Magician?¡± I say, as I hold up the very badge that would prove my claim. ¡°What? What is that?¡± Lady Legrand asks. ¡°Just the same badge that has been bane of my entire existence since I got it.¡± Unlike the other badges, maximum tier badges, that is badges that are at 500 glow with an unmistakable shine and gleam that draws the eyes in. Even the guards seem to pause in their approach as they are no doubt awed by the mildly pacifying effect that such badges seem to produce in people. I think this is a built in game mechanic that could allow a person to spend a badge to quickly improve their relationship with others, so rather than getting outright slaughtered by the people you wish to woo with your badge, there is a certain grace period that the badge offers while you work out terms of exchange. When I first did this years ago, I had been so wrapped up in trying to get into the Maltese empire and the different guilds that I failed to notice this subtle but necessary effect of the badges.
Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher.
¡°Can¡­ can I see that?¡± Lady Legrand asks, a slight note of hesitation to her as she seems to be enraptured by the glowing badge that is undeniable proof of my claim. ¡°Sure, not like it has done me any good to this point.¡± I say, as I reach out and offer the badge. Then, just as expected I am given a system prompt.
Do you as persona Tobias Spiritlight, offer the badge: Master Tier Spell Creator (500) to Lady Constance Legrand of the Legrand empire, as a means to improve your relationship with said individual?
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Seeing the message, I felt a slight twinge of resolve form. This was it, there was no going back from here. Before I could lose the persona of Tobias without any problem. But this was me effectively making a call, to try to buy my way into the pot. From here on out I was committed to the hand, to this role, and most importantly to the persona of Tobias Spiritlight, the young magical genius who was just down on his luck and happened to find the girl of his dreams. Mentally, I selected yes, and felt the moment that badge was halved in its value. I could still use it for Cass and others, but it would never be the same thing as my first time telling the story of how I became a Master Tier Spell Creator to Lady Legrand. With that, I decided to weave my story as it comes to me. ¡°Lady Legrand, I meant no disrespect towards you, nor your wards. Instead, I would like to point out that I am but a simple magic wielder who was on my way to the fiftieth floor of the tower to receive my Arcanarus University degree, so that I might prove my legitimacy as a future magician. Sadly I am far too young to be as successful as I am. Many of the older mages either refuse to even acknowledge my accomplishments or are jealous and purposefully block me from even applying for many positions in most cases.¡± I say, mixing in a bit of the truth, along with a lie. I am on my way to the fiftieth floor of this tower, where I will obtain a degree from Arcanarus University, also Hilda and Lowiski both don¡¯t like me. Hilda because I am stealing her man, and Lowiski because I have never once asked her for her vegetables. Every word I have spoken is true in a manner of speaking, mostly. Lady Legrand for her part is completely enraptured by the bauble in her hands, a physical representation of my badge that serves as undeniable proof by the system that I am capable of creating Master Tier level spells, not just casting, but creating. This is a game changer and for a country at war, having a mage capable of changing the dynamics of a particular battle by creating a Tier IX or higher spell would likely prove to be invaluable. This is what I am banking on at this moment, her greed and her own ambition. ¡°Ma¡¯am is this man troubling you?¡± The largest of the guards steps forward, clearly a guard captain of some kind, possibly meant to be the elites of the royal guards. The words pull Lady Legrand¡¯s attention away from the bauble that is hypnotically glowing with a golden silvery hue in her hand. With her attention pulled back to reality, she shakes her head in confusion. ¡°What?¡± Lady Legrand asks, then realizing the question based on the situation and the placement of the guards she seems to come to a conclusion. ¡°No, leave us.¡± ¡°As you command.¡± The guard says, with a crisp bow of his head, ¡°but do let us know if there is anything we can assist with.¡± At that Lady Legrand nods her head. Then once they are gone, she looks first to me, then reluctantly down to the bauble in her hand. I can tell she is quite captivated by the badge. ¡°Here, I suppose you¡¯ll be wanting this back.¡± She says, offering me my badge back. The moment I take it back, part of its luster will be gone, as it will forever be noted as a second-hand used item. ¡°You should keep it, it looks far better in your hands than it ever did in my collection.¡± I admit. ¡°Collection?¡± She states, as she looks from me to the bauble and then back. ¡°Yeah, I have quite a few badges by now, many of which are just collecting dust. Though I do hope I could use your supposed fascination with the bauble to help me get a good word in for me, somewhere. Honestly at this point any job would help.¡± ¡°Any job? Are you that desperate for money?¡± Oh, don¡¯t get me started. I have lost millions due to this stupid Broke curse I have, but that will soon be over. I am on my final four months of probation from having access to affording things. ¡°Sadly yes, when you are jobless and look like I do, your career expectations are not that high.¡± ¡°What do you mean your looks?¡± At this, I just reluctantly gesture towards my face, and in particular my glowing green eyes. ¡°I did notice that your eyes are a particularly vibrant shade of green, but surely that isn¡¯t anything to be concerned with? They are lovely.¡± ¡°You are far too kind.¡± I say, as I nervously take out my EGGs and cover my eyes. ¡°Sadly, they have given me nothing but ridicule over the years. For years my parents swore it was related to my bloodline, and for years I thought they were crazy.¡± I say, leaning my head back and letting out a sigh. ¡°You only thought they were crazy, does that mean that you have managed to awaken your bloodline?¡± At that I pause and look at her like she is just humoring me. ¡°Surely you have noticed by now, the strange effect I likely have on your senses?¡± I am of course referring to the first of my major bloodline flaw Magical Beacon, where I all but glow to those with any magical ability. Given that Lady Legrand is one of the more magically powerful people on this train, it is easy to believe that I stand out against her magical senses. ¡°Yes, I have, though I thought that was just my senses being silly for a moment.¡± Lady Legrand says, as she holds the bauble close to her chest as if it is something sacred. Looking at her, it is clear that she doesn¡¯t even realize how delicately and possessively she is holding the bauble, but I do. This is good, it means that the badge will do its business. I have lost the badge completely by this point, but this is good as it means that I have effectively used the entire 500 point badge to get in good with Lady Legrand¡¯s family as a whole, not just her. Since I never took it back, its value never decreased, meaning she would gain a special bonus for bringing me into her family, in addition to the bonus we now share on a personal level. Of course, this means that I am obliged to help assist her, if I want her to return to her family and turn in said bauble on my behalf, but that is a small price to pay. There is a moment of silence that befalls us, as we both seem to be set thinking about our possible future outcomes. Finally, I decided to continue trying to woo the Duchess, well the future Duchess of a kingdom at war with my own. At the very least I will have a chance at either stopping the war, or having a safe spot to return to once the war is over. ¡°Would you like to see it?¡± ¡°Your bloodline?¡± Lady Legrand asks, a bit confused. ¡°Hahaha.¡± I laughed, as she caught me, though it was clear by her expression that she hadn¡¯t expected me to laugh at her comment. Finally, after a second, I breathe and then shaking my head I reply, ¡°sorry for that, my thoughts got ahead of me.¡± Then after a slight pause, I point to the bauble she is still clutching tightly to her chest. ¡°No, I meant would you like to see the spell that let me earn that badge?¡± At that, a look of wonder crossed her face, followed quickly by concern as she looked around. Seeing the look of panic in her face. ¡°Oh, sorry, again. This is me. I am sorry for being so awkward. I just really want to make a good impression, and I am likely ruining it.¡± I say, this is all an act, I know for a fact I am killing it, her emotional spikes are off the chart, a clear sign that she is mentally engaged with every comment I am making. ¡°No, don¡¯t worry. You are fine. I am just not used to someone who is so open and honest as you.¡± She pauses before continuing, ¡°it is really quite refreshing actually.¡± At that, I nod, and then visibly relax slightly as I let out a pained breath. ¡°Yes, I forgot, most people hear Tier IX spells and they instantly think of destroying half a continent, not realizing that there are better uses for magic, like curing the Blight.¡± I state. ¡°Oh, you aren¡¯t a Death Wizard?¡± She asks, a note of confusion in her voice. ¡°Sadly no, I could never stomach the practice. That is also likely why I am not in anyone¡¯s employ, most people think Spirit Mage and think Necromancer, then when you state your refusal to control or even destroy spirits, you are mocked and ridiculed.¡± I say, channeling a bit more Cass than Tobias, but I do need to lay down my ethical lines that I will not cross here and now if this is going to go further, which with the investment of a full 500 badge, I am invested. At that she pauses as she seems to be taking in everything I have said. Finally, after a long pause, she seems to come to some conclusion. ¡°All right, I am curious about this spell of yours, but to be clear it will not hurt me in any way shape or form?¡± Lady Legrand asks. ¡°No, in fact, it should do the exact opposite, it should make you feel great.¡± I admit. ¡°Okay, so what do I need to do?¡± Lady Legrand says. At that, I smile mischievously at her, as I lean forward and hold out my hands palms up. ¡°I need you to keep your hands over mine.¡± ¡°Just over them?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do I need to take my gloves off?¡± ¡°For this part, no. I will also keep my gloves on to avoid any thoughts of impropriety on your part.¡± I say, with a slightly teasing tone. ¡°My part?¡± ¡°Yes, I am far too aware of your kind. Smart, beautiful, and confident getting every mage to bow to your whims and be smitten with you at first sight.¡± ¡°I would never.¡± She says with faux outrage, but I can tell she is more than a little intrigued by the byplay, as much as she is intrigued by seeing this Tier IX spell in action. ¡°This spell is called Modified Spiritual Awakening, and it should help you feel alive for the next 24 hours.¡± I admit. I haven¡¯t actually done this spell this way, but I have been coming up with different ways that I can do the Spiritual Awakening spell with just one other person. When I first came up with the original spell I had been trying to cast it on the two female Guild Auditors. Now I am going to be trying to cast the same spell, but with the Duke¡¯s Daughter as my one and only target. The spell will still be much the same, I will even use my skill Aura Guidance, to help guide and merge my aura with that of Lady Legrand¡¯s. Having already created the base spell, altering it slightly is rather easy.
Hidden Quest Updated: The Love Guru (II): You have found a way to awaken a singular soul to a state of spiritual bliss. Rewards: Experience, New Spell. Experience Gained: 250/250.
New Spell Created: Modified Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Tobias Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
Seeing the new spell, it was exactly as I had hoped and then some. I realize that this version was more potent than the base Spiritual Awakening that my main body did. I also was more than grateful for the fact that my persona of Tobias had gained full credit for this spell. This was good, as it gave more credence to my want to build up a reputation with each of my different personas. The fact that I could gain experience, spend my badges, and gain credit for slight variations of my previously created spells was a huge bonus, in my eyes. Once the spell took full effect, I could see the profound way it caused Lady Legrand¡¯s whole body and spirit to glow with energy. ¡°Wow, this is¡­ just wow.¡± Was all she could say for the moment. Then she turned her eyes towards me, as if truly seeing me for the first time. She even cocked her head to the side, and for a brief second I wondered if I had slipped up in some way, as if I had somehow tied my soul to hers. I don¡¯t believe I did, I think I managed to avoid that, at least I didn¡¯t feel any strong attachments to Lady Legrand, other than as the political mark she was. ¡°You like it?¡± I ask. ¡°Like it, I love it? I will feel like this for a whole day?¡± ¡°If you keep me around, I can try it again tomorrow.¡± I say, with a slightly mischievous smile on my lips. ¡°Keep you for the day, why I dare say if you keep this up, I might just have to keep you by my side forever.¡± At that, I saw the warning signs, and I decided to deflect. ¡°I thank you for this, but I will find that you might soon be tired of me and my antics shortly.¡± ¡°My dear Mr. Spiritlight, I do not know what you are trying to comment on, is it perhaps my perceived lack of patience, or are you referring to the irresistible charms that seem to radiate off of you in ways that are too good to resist?¡± And like that, I think I might have gone from the fun land of seducing a target, straight through the danger zone of now being bound to a possessively clingy noble. Warning bells are going off in my mind, as I seek a way to bring her fascination back down to more manageable levels. This is going to get bad, real quickly, unless I can turn this around somehow. ¡°Neither. I was just stating the fact that I am not worthy of your full affections.¡± Chapter 71 Soul Contract Chapter 71 Soul Contract An hour a level, that is what I was currently clocking myself as going, at least according to my quest tracker that had finally changed the number associated with it, after seeming to be broken for the past six months or so.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber: Your goal of getting a recognized degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the fiftieth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Arcanarus University Diploma, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate. Floors completed (3/50).
That is correct, for the first time in six months, I have left my happy spot of being squarely stuck in the town of Crossroads on the second story of the tower and was now on level three of the Arcanarus Tower. At this rate, I only had to keep a cover for the next forty-seven hours. Which at the rate Lady Legrand was currently heading means that I might just be able to avoid planning out a possible wedding ceremony. At least, that is the current level of danger vibe I am getting from this woman. Still, even Rahul had to deal with something like this, which he found she was just lonely and needed companionship. The trick was to play even more infatuated, scare her off by doubling down, this would end the relationship and mean that my persona of Tobias Spiritlight would likely be banned from the Legrand empire, not a complete loss, other than my Tier IX creation badge. Still, this is still early in the process, I just need to try to weasel my way back to a more understandable territory. And it would appear that I have approximately forty-seven hours to course correct and reset expectations. ¡°You know, I was thinking. In order to truly know someone, you must first know their favorite¡­¡± I begin, but purposefully keep my answer short as I want to understand the woman before me. ¡°Oh, this is like a game newlyweds play to understand more about each other.¡± Lady Legrand states, a note of excitement in her voice, as this did get the noted attention I wanted, but her placement for the importance of such knowledge is way too far along for my tastes, but still, this is progress, so I¡¯ll take it. ¡°They could, or it could be done by friends, consorts, acquaintances, really anyone you truly wish to know more about. To begin, my favorite hobby is to read.¡± I begin, no lie, and again something that is seemingly innocuous, at least at first glance. ¡°Oh, I too love to read. Tell me, what is your favorite book?¡± Lady Legrand states. ¡°Ahh, ah ah. That is not how the game is played my dear. Now, you must tell me a truth about yourself. It can be anything from your favorite meal, to the way you avoid doing a particular chore by focusing on something else. Basically, anything that makes you, you.¡± I say, still keeping my voice as Glenn¡¯s, unfortunately I started with that voice, so changing it now would seem out of character. Though I do try to dial back the resonance that his voice has. ¡°Hmm, a truth about myself?¡± Lady Legrand begins, then I can see the moment she realizes something dirty, and for a moment I pause, as her first words are utterly shocking. ¡°Did you know, my favorite obsession is gambling. Well not gambling myself, but to watch it, to see people push themselves for millions of gold coins, only to fall just short. Just the thought of gambling causes me to get all excited. I know it is not ladylike, and I could never lower myself to such a standard, but I can almost feel the thrill and emotion from others around me. I feel their joy, and their loss. It is just thrilling to see and behold.¡± Hearing that, I inwardly curse myself and this system. ¡°So that¡¯s why you are on this train specifically, you are going to see the tournament?¡± I ask, feeling I already know the answer. ¡°Nah, ah, ah. That is not how this game is played.¡± Lady Legrand says, a delighted smile forming on her lips as she can clearly tell I am interested, and that she now has me. ¡°Well played.¡± I say, ¡°what do you say we alter the rules slightly. For this next round, we can ask clarifying questions based on what we have already said, or let us tell more about ourselves.¡± ¡°Oh, I like that.¡± Lady Legrand states, as she excitedly claps her hands together. ¡°I¡¯ll go first.¡± This is good, as I don¡¯t mind telling my favorite book, nor my favorite series of books. ¡°Very well then, proceed.¡± ¡°Good, now my question for you is. When you said you were not worthy of my full affections, did you mean you were comfortable with the role of concubinus? Or were you just putting on airs.¡± Lady Legrand says, moving in closely, oh so closely for this. At that, I realize what she did, and I can only smile in defeat, and state ¡°well played.¡± She used my exact loophole that I had slipped in, the one about asking on anything previously spoken about, to talk about our conversation prior to this. Not just the question about books, but anything. Of course, her first question was to go in for the kill, to see if I would be willing to settle for the role of being her male magical concubine. Realistically, this might be the best possible outcome, as it would likely mean I could operate in the shadows mostly, it would also mean that I would likely receive the full brunt of what could otherwise be called compulsive and controlling tendencies. Seeing her like this, I can¡¯t help but feel this will end badly rather quickly if I just agree to this concession. As I can already imagine myself being a virtual prisoner stuck inside some dungeon somewhere. ¡°My darling. While I would relish any chance to be with you. I find that I would be dishonest with myself if I was only seen as a second place option.¡± I begin. ¡°Also, I do not feel I have been entirely forthright with you. While part of my reason for coming here is to get my diploma from the fiftieth floor, another more selfish reason for me to come here, is so I could join the poker tournament.¡± I admit. Not a complete lie, I wanted to join up with the cars that house the Tournament, so I can steal everything they have, but my statement is not entirely a lie, just really stretching the truth. ¡°Can you even afford to enter?¡± Lady Legrand asks honestly. At that, I let out a sigh, and answered truthfully. ¡°Sadly no. I had hoped to get there and try to win a few hands to play my way into eventually going into the tournament, but it was all just a pipe dream.¡± Seeing her, I can all but see the moment avarice struck. ¡°How confident are you in your ability to win?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m very confident. I might not look it, but I have quite a few skills that should help me to win the tournament.¡± I say, knowing that this is completely true. My skills should help me win the tournament. Additionally, I know that the spells I made last time to bypass the restriction cuffs that were placed on me, should be easily bypassed. That or even if these cuffs are somehow different, that means I should just slightly alter the spells I created last time, in order to fully gain access to my skills. Not going to like, I was still a bit traumatized by the fact that I couldn¡¯t read the cards at first, but that was a minor inconvenience. Right now, however, I am engaged in what could only be considered the first round of gambling. I can get a ticket in, and judging by the hungry look in Lady Constance¡¯s eyes shows that I might have gotten her to bite rather hard on my bait. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. With that Lady Constance Legrand leans back, trying to hide her expression behind her hands, and a well-placed fan, but I can see through the deception and can tell that I have gotten her. ¡°Well then, with someone of your caliber, I don¡¯t think it would be too much to assume that you would need a sponsor? Someone who could put up both the cash and experience needed in order for you to enter?¡± She asks. I pretend to waffle with this question, though it is clear that she thinks she is playing me. ¡°A sponsor would go a long way, but I fear it is just a pipe dream for someone like me.¡± I admit, and it was. Up until a few moments ago, I had fully expected to have to steal what money and experience the Tournament had while here on the train. Now that I am no longer on a compressed timetable, I can wait until the tournament has gathered all the cash and experience from every contestant who enters, and then attempt to steal the money, all while being an active participant in the tournament. In my mind, I already have a number of different ways that this could be pulled off, but first, it all hinges on these next few moments. ¡°What would you say if I offered to sponsor you? I would pay both the gold and experience on your part, in exchange you would sign a temporary binding contract that would have you serving under me, and me alone until you paid back the initial payment, plus a slight ten percent bonus?¡± She begins. I am about to comment, when she continues. ¡°Of course, should you win anything of significance, all earnings would be split fifty-fifty, after you paid back the original investment fees of course.¡± Now this was highway robbery, but nothing that was to be unexpected. Seeing that we are still in the negotiation phase, and that I am still bound by the Broke flaw, I try to go for a deal similar to what I had with Glenn. ¡°How about this. I will always pay back the money with the noted interest. But on the off chance that I finish in the top percentage of the tournament, then you take a hundred percent of the gold and I take one hundred percent of the experience without any payback or interest accrued on the experience as that will all be written off as a business expense on your end.¡± I state. I can see the gears in her mind turning, as she is contemplating this, but finally shakes her head, ¡°no deal. I want the experience as well.¡± At this, I smile coyly. ¡°My dear duchess. You should think about the ramifications of this, your country is at war. Surely coming home with three million gold coins would be a far better appeasement than just half of that? Besides, it is not like it would come from your experience pool either. If I had to guess it would come from one of these guards around you.¡± I say, gesturing to the people not only in this car, but in all the other cars around this one as well. ¡°You are remarkably perceptive. Yes, that had been my plan all along. How about this, let us make an official statement before the gods.¡± Lady Legrand stated, as she paused. Then staring directly into my eyes, she began speaking. ¡°I heiress Lady Constance Legrand of the Legrand empire do hereby ask an arbiter of the gods to come and witness this soul contract with Mr. Tobias Spiritlight.¡± Lady Legrand stated. A soul contract? I had never seen one before, though supposedly they were the way contracts used to be upheld before the age of literacy. This was a way people would be quote as good as their word, for the gods would make sure the terms of the contract were fulfilled. There was a momentary pause. One moment the world was rumbling below us, as the train quickly made its way through the different levels of the tower. Then the next second, everything stopped. A quick glance around with my Angel¡¯s Sight showed that the world around us had paused completely. The guards who had been leaning forward stayed leaning forward. Tea that had begun to be poured remained in its still state of animation. The money and experience that was being held in the Ten heavily armored cars owned by the Gambling Tournament were just there, waiting for someone to molest them. Unfortunately, I was seemingly cut off from my powers, as we were in a pocket dimension that seemed to only contain myself and Lady Constance. Whoosh. Then one second an all seeing golden eye appeared to blink its way into existence right next to us. Lady Constance looked around, clearly unable to see the giant floating eye right next to us. ¡°Huh, that is odd.¡± Lady Constance Legrand said, as she looked around. ¡°I think it worked.¡± I say, pointing to where the glowing eye is sitting. ¡°Huh? You can see it? Wow, that is¡­wow.¡± Lady Legrand said, as she once again seemed to look at me with a newfound hunger. Honestly, I was beginning to think she was more than a little unhinged, but I was already committed to the con at this point, in for a coin, in for a continent and all that. ¡°No matter. Arbiter. I wish to sign a soul binding contract with Mr. Spiritlight here. The terms and conditions are the ones that we spoke about over the last few minutes. I will sponsor Mr. Spiritlight in the upcoming poker tournament. Mr. Spiritlight is expected to reimburse me for the money plus a daily interest rate. All winnings will be split fifty-fifty, with the money coming to me and the experience going to Mr. Spiritlight here. Until the point when the money plus interest is paid off in full, Mr. Spiritlight will be considered to be under my direct employment, to perform any task I so choose.¡± There was a pause as the eye appeared to wait for Lady Legrand to continue. When she did not, the eye merely blinked, and then turned to me.
Hidden Quest Found: A Tournament Sponsor: Lady Constance Legrand, of the Legrand empire wishes to sponsor your spot within the tournament on the condition that any cash earnings be given to her. While allowing you to keep any experience. Furthermore, it is expected that you perform well enough to not only buy back your initial cost for entry into the tournament, but pay back a daily 1% interest rate as well. The interest rate will begin once this quest is accepted. Do you agree to these terms?
I read that, then my heart all but cringed at the idea of paying back 1% interest per day. Last time I had been in a three day tournament, meaning that the five silver I paid would be a pittance in comparison to the costs here. ¡°No, the interest and terms do not begin until the actual money exchanges hands and is handed over to the Tournament officials at the start of the tournament.¡± I state, trying to fix the fact that this quest would also make me pay an additional 2% interest before we even start this tournament. The eye took in the information, and then blinked. Then a new set of quest details popped up before my eyes.
Hidden Quest Updated: A Tournament Sponsor: Lady Constance Legrand, of the Legrand empire wishes to sponsor your spot within the tournament on the condition that any cash earnings be given to her. While allowing you to keep any experience. Furthermore, it is expected that you will perform well enough to not only buy back your initial cost for entry into the tournament and will pay back a daily 1% interest rate as well. The interest rate will begin once the money is turned over to the tournament officials, and your spot in the tournament is guaranteed. Do you agree to these terms?
¡°Yes.¡± I say, feeling slightly better that the eye even went the extra step to say that my spot in the tournament had to be guaranteed. The eye blinked. Then turned form me, to Lady Constance. I could see the moment the quest was presented towards her, as it appeared in the sky for her as well, visible only to my senses, but it was there nonetheless. It showed exactly what I had agreed to but was stylized for her being the quest recipient. ¡°Yes.¡± Lady Legrand said, a smug sound filling her tone. The eye then blinked, as it clearly accepted her acknowledgement of the terms and conditions.
Warning: Soul Contract Signed. You currently have a soul contract in place. This is a quest that is unavoidable and bound permanently to your soul. Failure to succeed, or failure to pay back the required amount will result in your having to fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract. Time until the soul contract event starts: 46 Hours, 2 Minutes¡­
I let out a long breath, as I realize I might have stepped a bit too far into this one. Silence. There is a heavy silence in the room. Then suddenly the duchess in waiting begins to laugh. Giggle. It is the odd laugh that one would ascribe to serial killers and people not used to being seen in polite society, something that appears utterly incongruous with her normal status and appearance, but I am beginning to wonder if there is something darker lurking just under the surface with her. ¡°Everything all right?¡± I ask, not quite certain what I had gotten myself into, or if I wanted to cut all ties with this operation and bail now. ¡°My dear Mr. Spiritlight, everything is just perfect. You know, I prayed for a person just like you to come here to my life.¡± Oh goodness, one of those people that prays for people to come to her life. Now I have nothing against prayer, god, the gods, what have you. I do often find it odd that people pray to a higher being to put something in their path, versus taking it upon themselves to find a better way to walk the path before them. So when someone states that they prayed for just such a miracle, they are really saying, they didn¡¯t want to do any work and were happy that something came along to do the work they were unwilling to perform. At least, that is my interpretation of people who make such claims. Who knows, this duchess could be slightly different. ¡°You see,¡± she continues. ¡°my family is the majority owner of this tournament. That is why I am here on this train right now. I had been entrusted to watch over the family business, to make sure things went on without a hitch. I was even given up to five free entry passes for people like you. People who are oh so interesting. Now, even if you win, I lose nothing. But should you lose, I will have my very own personal Tier IX mage who can not only cast Tier IX spells, but create them as well. You Mr. Spiritlight are my new favorite toy.¡± And just like that, I realize why this girl seemed so off. There was just something about her that made me dislike her, and there it was, she was tied to the very group that stole my experience. Only now, the stakes for revenge are a lot higher, but nothing I can¡¯t handle. I hope. Chapter 72 Boondoggling And Other Worthwhile Adventures Chapter 72 Boondoggling And Other Worthwhile Adventures A few quick life lessons for people. If you want to know if you are in fact being conned by an average con artist, is to see if they rest. If they rest, appear content, or otherwise seem satisfied with themselves, then they likely have you as part of a con. Now, take a step further, how do you know if you are being conned by great con artists, well realistically you shouldn¡¯t, that¡¯s what makes them great. So here I was, ¡®caught¡¯ in what effectively amounted to be a slave contract that would be bound by my soul. This meant that it didn¡¯t matter if I used an alias, a Doppelganger, or any other form of subversion, the Duke¡¯s Daughter, Lady Constance Legrand, had me, or so she thought. This was made abundantly clear by the way she all but flaunted her superior status as not only royalty, but also the fact that she was in a high position on the Gambling Tournament¡¯s payroll. Flap, flap, flap. Lady Constance Legrand fanned herself with her five golden tickets. Well, I don¡¯t know if they were really golden tickets, but they glowed with a golden hue to me, and were free admission tickets to the Texas Holdem Tournament. This one was not a Swap¡¯em Holdem tournament, which slightly lowered my chances at winning, but not by much, though it did make me feel a bit more flustered, something that I used as motivation during these last two days. The tickets sat there, teasing me, the final nail in the coffin on this journey.
Item: Free Entry Pass to Arcanarus Tower¡¯s 50th Floor Gambling Tournament.
She of course was using all five in a wide fan arc, all but trying to show her opulence, trying to show how she got one over me in our unfair contract. I, of course, played along, figuring that young Tobias would not be able to do anything other than lament the fact that I was effectively outplayed, or drawing blind as it were. ¡°Have you got nothing to say for yourself?¡± Lady Legrand offered. ¡°Was it ever real? Did I ever really have a chance with you?¡± I ask. She pauses, and then looks at me solidly for a moment, before shaking her head. ¡°Sadly no, I don¡¯t think I could ever fall for someone who was quite as gullible as you.¡± At that, I just nod in understanding, a defeated look on my face. ¡°Oh look, it seems that we will be arriving shortly.¡± Lady Legrand says, looking out the window at some place off in the distance. No doubt the signs of the town on the fiftieth floor are becoming apparent to those with regular sight. While I myself can¡¯t see the city, I can at least verify her comments by taking a quick glance at my different event markers that are actively updating.
Warning: Soul Contract Signed. You currently have a soul contract in place. This is a quest that is unavoidable and bound permanently to your soul. Failure to succeed, or failure to pay back the required amount will result in your having to fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract. Time until the soul contract event starts: 0 Hours, 18 Minutes¡­
From what I¡¯ve gathered over the last few days, a team of Tournament officials had already been dispatched to the Gambling hall on the fiftieth floor weeks ago trying to prepare for this event. The only purpose of this train was to deliver the prizes. While I only had eighteen minutes left of this so-called freedom, I forced myself to remain calm. Everything was coming together just as I had planned. Well, nowhere near like I had planned originally, but here we were. I even got a quest marked off my list for the first time in over six months.
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber: Your goal of getting a recognized degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the fiftieth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Arcanarus University Diploma, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate. Floors completed (50/50). Experience Gained: 250/250. Ding. Level up. Your level in Simulacrum Mastery has reached level 26.
Yes, I had leveled up, but this spoke more about what Zero and my Simulacrum were doing than anything I actually did. Still the level was nice, my primary class was still level 37, but having my secondary class level again showed I was still progressing. Also, the other bonuses from the quest were well worth the wait.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Diploma: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University with a dual degree in Magic and Spell Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of magic anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Yes, apparently degrees here are soul bound items and give you a 100% skill efficacy in your major, kind of nice and a good thing to know in the future. Also, the degree all but guaranteed that I would be authorized to perform magical advancements anywhere. I opted not to show this to Lady Legrand, not that I was sad by the item in question, but that I didn¡¯t want to throw any more fuel on the fire that was the lady. Ever since she had ¡®pulled one over on me,¡¯ she has been insufferable. I of course still had the Title that came along as a special adaptation to my Diploma, my related Title that almost made the entire trip worth dealing with Lady Legrand.
Title: Arcanarus University Graduate: One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +10 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Now these were the bonuses that I appreciated the most and what I felt dealt with improving the very magic I used most since entering the tower. Honestly, I felt this was a perfect title, and made me ready to conquer more Universities in BiPrism, if these were the rewards being offered. Between the Titles and soul bound diplomas, the benefits of a college degree, in this world were well worth the effort, if only real life had been like this. In a way, it is kind of sad, first that I waited so long to get this diploma, and secondly that I might not be able to get a Master¡¯s Degree in Magical and Spell Theory. Chime. Of course, as soon as I have this thought, the all intrusive game seems to come up with a new quest right there on the spot for me. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (II): Your goal of getting a Graduate degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the one hundredth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Master Diploma from Arcanarus University: Spell and Magical Theory, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (II), Increased Magical Potency, Others. Floors completed (50/100).
And just like that, the tower made it so I couldn¡¯t help but want to continue onward. Not only would my percentages increase based on how far I climbed, but here they were all but stating I would be able to reach Tier X in my magic, why was this important? Well currently my Badge for creating Tier IX spells was being used and ransomed by Lady Legrand. Now I assumed that once I got the next Tier in magic, I would be able to get the next level of the badge, thereby resetting this mistake, and letting me move on with my life. I bit too hard in a possible reward, and it came back to bite me, or maybe not. I still have a chance at winning this and coming out well ahead for my efforts. Now, I couldn¡¯t say that the system itself was stupid for making this quest available to me, for the further I went, the further the Tower could go. Right now, the tower was already able to reach the 100th floor, thanks to my reaching this floor level. Then by the time I reached the 100th floor, the 150th floor would be opened to the other explorers. Even now, I bet the explorers that charged ahead, were madly rushing forward. Apparently, there was an easy to make recipe that made you naturally resistant to the constant damage of the spirit realm, that or have an Endurance well above 150 so you regenerate more than enough health for the constant drain to be unnoticed. Of course this level of damage was only indicative of the lower levels, the higher up the tower we climbed, we could expect the relative damage to increase, as is often the case with these zones. I should still be immune due to my Class Merit, Death Shroud, but I won¡¯t really know until I get there. Needless to say, I am now committed to exploring the higher levels of this tower. First to find out what is available, but secondly, I want to get the degrees and the other bonuses being promised. I mean, the ability to both create and cast Tier X spells, that very idea seems amazing. Also, the idea of getting what would be a Master¡¯s now and then likely a Doctorate at floor 150, that almost feels too good to be true. Granted there are a hundred floors between here and there, and likely a lot of traps and other problems, but they all seem to be doable. Of course, this is also the pit that all would be tower explorers likely fall into. The idea of the rewards being used to blind you to the apparent risks and difficulty of the actual climb. Rumble, stop. The train pulls into the station with an abrupt lurch forward that only mechanical devices can achieve. As soon as we are stopped, I can all but taste the veritable excitement flowing off of Lady Legrand in waves. ¡°We are finally here.¡± Lady Legrand says, a note of excitement in her voice. At this, I can see my countdown timer slowly grinding away. Each passing second warning me of when my inevitable doom will come. Time until the soul contract event starts: 0 Hours, 5 Minutes¡­ Taking a deep breath, I try to calm myself as we are in the final stages of this process. There are still a lot of contingencies that I need to work out, but overall I¡¯d still say there are a lot of moving pieces for this whole thing, not too many to make this plan completely inoperable, but far too many variables that I need to account for, currently. ¡°Come on, destiny awaits.¡± Lady Legrand says, excitedly jumping to her feet and clapping her hands excitedly. I almost wonder if she was always this way and I missed the signs in my first few seconds of dealing with her, or if she was forced into this role to build up more drama with what has to be my viewing audience. Regardless of the reason, I can still deal with her and her antics. I mean, realistically, I only need to deal with her for the next two minutes, after which point I will be left to my own devices to either win or lose the tournament on my own skills and merits. All while trying to find a way to break free and hopefully break into the vault where the tournament prize money and experience will be held as a guarantor of the insanely high tournament prizes. For a tournament that is on the 50th floor of a tower that is said to be death for many living players, I can¡¯t help to think the place is rather packed. I know the prize money has a lot to do with this, here the grand prizes have been increased since the last Tournament held on the second floor, where I believe two or two and a half million was the top prize. Here, the top prize is three million gold and experience, then two of each for the second place, and then one each for third place and then the prizes drop drastically. But the top three winners here will all take home a hefty prize. As we go into the crowded hall, I see the aura of a few people that I recognize almost instantly. There is Mallory from the Midnight Hunter¡¯s guild. Then there is Mr. Charles Ashcroft, along with a number of other people that I remember healing as Cass. For a moment I almost break character and wave to them, before I realize that I am in the body of my alias, Mr. Tobias Spiritlight. Taking a deep breath, I force down my nerves at almost outing myself, such a stupid mistake, and focus back to the current set up at hand. I can understand why so many high level players are here, after a point gambling is the only real way to improve your levels on a consistent basis, as the experience is determined to be earned at your level. So normally if you could only level by killing level 500 and above monsters, spending a few days grinding for millions of experience would be a lot more economical use of time. Also, a lot of higher level players have a lot of money to throw around, so even if they lose, they don¡¯t lose much. Of course, having to go against so many higher-level players would be daunting to most, which is why they came up with the idea of the inhibitors to be standard issue for all players registered. Fortunately, I am not too worried about the inhibitors, as I still have my work around spells for them. If anything, I think I could create even better workarounds, thanks to my new Diploma and Title that all but seem to be perfectly engineered to help me create spells that could bypass the protective charms of the bracelets. As we get in, there is a long line used for registration. Lady Legrand, a person who is clearly used to having exceptions made for her bypasses the line and takes us straight to the front of the order. Once there, she gestures for one of the receptionists who are quickly logging people in for the tournament over. ¡°How may I help you Lady Legrand?¡± The receptionist asks, apparently recognizing Constance as one of the important people of this whole venue. ¡°This here is Tobias Spiritlight. I would like to have him registered for this tournament quickly.¡± Lady Legrand said, a slightly impatient tone to her voice. ¡°Right away. We will just need your signatures here, here, and here. Along with the payment.¡± The receptionist states, pointing to three separate areas of the form that I am to fill out. I take the page and begin signing and initializing where possible. ¡°Here, take this as payment.¡± Lady Legrand says, handing over one of her free vouchers that seemingly never left her hand the entire trip here. The minute the slip gets turned over, I let out a breath I didn¡¯t even realize I was holding. This was it, there was no going back now. I hand in the registration form that the lady then glances over once, before nodding to herself. ¡°Here are standard Gambling Inhibitors, these will block you from accessing your external skills, Attributes, and Spells.¡± She says, while pointing to each of the different bands and basically identifying them for what they are. Instantly I notice a loophole that I likely should have noted the first time, basically that Traits are wide open for this, though at the time I had been mostly freaking out about the fact that I couldn¡¯t read my cards, thanks to my skill being taken away, which meant I was playing blind. Now I wouldn¡¯t have that issue. Taking the items, I quickly snap them into place and all but feel the moment my Attributes, Skills, and ability to use spells are all cut off from me. The minute they are locked into place, I am then met with a new system message.
Warning: Soul Contract Activated. You currently have a soul contract in place. Your position in the noted tournament has been paid for in full and your participation in said tournament is recognized. This is a quest that is unavoidable and bound permanently to your soul. Failure to succeed, or failure to pay back the required amount will result in your having to fulfill the terms and conditions of the contract.
There it was, a sign that I was officially in this tournament, and was one step closer to achieving my goals. Also, I should point out that everything to this point had gone exactly to plan, a fact that I was exceptionally grateful for as there were a number of different factors that could have gone wrong until this point. Namely, me throttling the Duke¡¯s Daughter and making it so this event here never happened. ¡°Good, so he is officially registered and good to go?¡± Lady Legrand asks. ¡°Yes, everything is in order, and enjoy the experience.¡± The receptionist says with a happy smile on her face. With that Lady Legrand nods to herself. ¡°Very good, thank you.¡± Then turning back to me, Lady Legrand has a devilish smile come to her lips. I am about to ask what she is doing, but then her actions speak louder than words. ¡°SECURITY!¡± A chill runs down my spine at that, as Lady Legrand has just changed the script entirely on me. As instantly lots of guards come to life, some showing themselves in uniforms, others are clearly dressed in plain clothes, all look around and then no less than ten converge on the two of us. ¡°What seems to be the problem Lady Legrand?¡± A lead guard says, coming forward. ¡°Arrest this man.¡± Lady Legrand says, pointing a finger directly at me. At this point, I realize what the other shoe was. ¡°Very well. Come with us, sir.¡± The guard states. ¡°What, what is this? What are you doing? We had a deal.¡± I say, getting swept up in the role I was meant to be playing. ¡°Hahaha.¡± She cackles, like some deranged super villain, then monologues. ¡°The deal was that I would sponsor you and get you here into the tournament. Not that I¡¯d actually let you compete in the tournament.¡± At that, I pause. As far as plans go, this one is pretty good, and honestly a bit more than even I gave her credit for. I guess this shows what I get for doubting the creative treachery available to the Legrand Aristocracy. ¡°Why?¡± Is all I ask, as massive fists grab around my wrists and arms and all but lift me into the air. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious, with this, I will keep you bound to my employment forever.¡± She states, with a malicious grin on her face. I can see her point, as she likely realizes that the daily 1% interest will accrue constantly, even while under her employment, making it so if I don¡¯t earn anything now, then I will likely never be able to pay off my accruing debt. Fortunately, I already have that portion of the contract beat. Now, all I have to do is figure out what she intends to do with me. I am taken back, first we go to the jail cells, open rooms with metal bars designed to keep inmates in. ¡°Put him in one of the special black out rooms.¡± Lady Constance states. Hearing that, I force my body to fall limp in defeat. ¡°You¡¯re a monster.¡± I say, fear and disbelief registering in my voice. ¡°I am your master, best you get used to that thought, right now.¡± She states coldly, ¡°I will leave him in your custody.¡± With that Lady Legrand leaves, and then I am placed inside a black out room, or a deprivation chamber. These are supposed to be completely dark rooms that make you more and more unbalanced the longer you stay in there. Fortunately for me, these rooms don¡¯t do a thing for me, as I am already blind and am not bound by light for balance. Oof. The guards throw me into the cell. ¡°Now just sit tight, it will all be over soon.¡± The lead guard says, a slightly malicious smile on his face. Slam! The door to the room seals shut, and I can all but hear the hiss as an air tight seal is closed on the door. With that, I am officially locked into the black out room. I have the Gambling Inhibitors on, preventing me from using my skills, Attributes, or spells, locked off from the rest of the gambling hall. Even if I was to break free now, I would likely just be captured and taken back here. Realizing the odds stacked against me, I couldn¡¯t help but grin and smile. ¡°This is too perfect.¡± I say out loud. Then realizing time is still of the essence, I begin to set work to my ultimate plan. Chapter 73 Game, Set, and Crash Chapter 73 Game, Set, and Crash Woosh. I appear within the anti-magic and heavily warded prison cell just in time. Then with measured patience I go to my spot on the floor, right where I began this ordeal. I line my arms up directly with the six currently closed bands that line the floor. Then changing forms I immediately go to my true form for a moment, then moving quickly, I slide my now much slender wrists and hands through the different bands. Then once all six are back on the correct arms, and I can tell, I quickly switch back to the form of Tobias Spiritlight, and then double check my clothing, and everything else is exactly the same as when I first entered the cell, I take out a long sigh of relief. ¡°Phew.¡± I say to myself as I sit back, relax and let the fireworks come. Realizing that I am trapped, and that I will likely need all my wits about me, I decide to do what I can. In this case, I wad up my shirt, and use it to rest my head. During this time, I have also taken the time to remove all of my extra gear, items and clothing. For the rest of my time, this will be it, my soul bound items, and the clothes I wore to pass myself off as Tobias Spiritlight. Nap time. *** Whoom. The door to my cell opens. The act awakens me, as I instantly climb my way to a quick sitting position. ¡°Rise and shine sleepy head.¡± Lady Legrand states, as she enters my cell, followed closely by two armed guards. ¡°I have bad news for you. It seems that you have overslept and have lost all of your money on the small and big blinds.¡± This is a thing, if you aren¡¯t eliminated you must place small and big blinds, even if you yourself are not present. Miss enough hands and you will eventually be eliminated. This was confirmed a second later by the system.
Quest Failed: A Tournament Sponsor: You failed to live up to the opportunity afforded to you and have failed out of the Texas Holdem tournament held on the 50th floor of the Arcanarus Tower. Consequences: Restrictions of your Soul Contract have been enacted.
Warning: Soul Contract Initiated: You failed to place high enough in the Arcanarus Tower Tournament, as such you are now soul bound to Lady Legrand until the cost of your initial entry fee, along with a daily 1% interest rate is paid off in full. Current amount owed: 102% of initial funds used to purchase entry into the tournament.
Legal Notice About Payments: It is illegal for Lady Legrand, or anyone acting on behalf of Lady Legrand to not take a payment from you. To include the full payment amount. Any attempts by Lady Legrand or anyone acting on her behalf will have negative legal consequences, which can include, but are not limited to the loss of Title, Privileges¡­
And on that legal note went, basically spelling out in triplicate the fact that Lady Legrand was unable to deny taking any form of my payment at any time, as that could be construed as a means of trying to increase my interest that compounded daily. I honestly was a bit touched by that, as it was a way for the system to look out for us little guys. ¡°Enjoy your time here while you can.¡± Lady Legrand states, as we look down at the tables and tables of people who are still alive and active in the tournament. Fortunately I was not the first to lose their spot in this tournament, as many people went all in within the first few hands to try to double up their money, only to lose. With her command, I could feel the restrictions that had very subtly been working their way into my mind loosen, if only for a minute. This soul contract stuff was no joke. ¡°What? You¡¯ve got nothing to say?¡± Lady Legrand boasts. ¡°Nothing really to say.¡± I admit, but I decided to sit down anyways. As I sat down, I realized my pillow, or my outer shirt was still in my hands. Not wanting to be too indecent, I decided to put the tailored shirt back on. ¡°Leave it off, I like to see what I am working with.¡± Lady Legrand says, and just like that, I became a slab of meat, as I felt the terms and conditions of the soul contract come into place. Just a little longer. I told myself, as I took a deep breath, and did what she asked, going so far as to take the shirt and fold it neatly in my lap. ¡°You will acknowledge me, when I give you an order, is that understood?¡± Chime. And just like that, this is old. Then I feel my body move on its own, without my prodding. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± The system is going to make this tough, I can feel it, but I just need to endure a bit longer. What am I doing? Why am I putting up with this? Well, it all goes down to the fact that I now have the perfect alibi. After all, I can¡¯t be accused of stealing, while under the protection, care, and supervision of the very person I am going to be accused of stealing from. Fortunately, I don¡¯t have to wait too much longer. As the field is still in the early stages and people are shrinking down rapidly. After an hour or two of watching people slowly filter out, I decide to make a bit of a fuss, in order to double down on my alibi. ¡°Is there any way I can get these removed?¡± I say, holding up my wrists that are bound by the anti-Skill, anti-Attribute, and anti-Spell casting manacles. I can see the moment Lady Legrand sees the bands, and is about to say something, but then holds herself back. ¡°No, I want you to know what it means to be an employee of mine. Consider this your probationary trial period, if you are good, then I will of course release you.¡± And wow, a tyrant in power. Still, I can¡¯t do anything as I am for the moment still willingly keeping myself bound here, but I can tell these last few hours are going to be painful. So, I decided to be quiet, keep my mouth shut and merge into the background as much as possible, all while being quiet. Finally, a spark of hope is ignited within me at about the four-hour mark of my freedom from being incarcerated. I¡¯ve been watching the flow of people slowly peter out, slowly, until finally it is clear we are in the last two hundred and fifty or so contestants. That¡¯s when an announcer comes out and speaks loudly for everyone to hear. ¡°Guests and participants. I have some good news for you. We have just had our four thousandth participant get eliminated. You all know what that means, right? We have finally entered the portion of our tournament where you the contestants will start to get paid for your efforts.¡± The announcer said. Cheers. The audience down below all cheer in excitement at that, as they know what it means that at the very least they will be ending this tournament even, or at least not having lost any money in the process. This was to have been my goal, and frankly I was glad things had turned out as they did. Realizing this now, I honestly couldn¡¯t have asked for a more advantageous start, especially as I try to keep my thoughts neutral as possible. ¡°You have been awfully quiet, what exactly are you thinking about?¡± Lady Legrand says, no doubt trying to see how I feel now that my chances of winning money are being realized and dashed. Unfortunately I have to answer her command truthfully, as the soul contract is all but demanding this form of obedience on my part. Fortunately there is a bit of wiggle room, allowing me to answer her question in a roundabout way. ¡°I was just thinking that a standard 10 foot by 15 foot offers 1,200 cubic feet of storage space, and that despite all efforts stating that two sets of 434 cubic feet is only 868 cubic feet, which realistically should leave you with three hundred and thirty-two cubic feet of space left, but that would be a lie, particularly if you take into account furnishings like a bed, a chair, and a dresser. Even a walk-in closet wouldn¡¯t offer much help.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± ¡°The spatial relations of objects and how they affect the world around you.¡± I answer truthfully, and I am answering truthfully, though at this rate I feel I might need to alter my plans before this goes too much further. Fortunately, I am seemingly saved from further inquiries a moment later as an alarm goes off. Ahnkh-Ahnkh-Ahnkh. ¡°Uh, ma¡¯am, we seem to have a bit of a situation.¡± One of the guards says, relaying a communication device that begins playing directly in front of Lady Legrand. ¡°What type of situation?¡± ¡°We can¡¯t find any money or experience potions in the storage room. Also, it would appear that the guards who were on shift were all hit with some type of sleeping spell that caused them to sleep while standing up.¡± The guard relays. Honestly, I am surprised they figured that one out. Took me quite a while to weave a spell that would knock out the guards, while forcing their bodies into a form of stasis, while also making it so their minds didn¡¯t register a single threat. Honestly, it might be the best sleep aid I ever created, as I guarantee those guards were able to reach REM sleep the entire time we were gone. ¡°What should we do?¡± The guard asks. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Lady Legrand looks flustered for a moment, but then clearly shakes her head. ¡°Enter lockdown protocols. We need to find out who might have tried to steal that much money. Logically no one could have taken that much out, as there would still be magical traces of a Teleportation spell, even if they managed to have a non-standard variant of the spell.¡± The Duke¡¯s Daughter says this last part while shifting her gaze towards me. At her stare, I turn my head towards her and roughly assume I lock gazes with her, though most of this is based on me lining up my body with their own. Still, my glance seems to be enough as she looks at me. ¡°Did you do this?¡± She asks, and I can feel the compulsion of her commands, but there is a bit of wiggle room, as I can apparently still ask questions. I assume this is a standard loophole designed to get people like me to ask for clarifying questions on how to do specific tasks and the like, but here it seems to pay off in a great way. ¡°How? I have these on and was placed in your deprivation chamber.¡± I say, holding up my wrists that have the two sets of manacles still on them. At that, Lady Legrand stares at me for a hard minute, before nodding to herself, and then turning to her security guards. ¡°Turn on the suppression fields. No one gets in or out, until we have this matter settled.¡± Lady Legrand says, turning back to her guards. ¡°Understood.¡± The guard captain says, this is the same one from the train that followed us here. The guard seems to be one of the elites sent to be constantly around the young Duke¡¯s daughter. I make note of this, and the placement of the other elite guards that also came from the golden train car with us here. I am in the process of evaluating my next move, when I feel the moment the wards on this building are put into place. I can feel a suppressive cloud of magic come over the whole building. Instantly, I understand these to be the alerting and locking wards of a high-end security system. These will both tag anyone caught in the wake of them as having been tagged, by the magical residue, thus proving that they were inside the spell¡¯s radius of effect, when the alarms went off. That is the first set of wards that are activated, and they are tough to dodge, and take even longer to wear off. As part of my training by Hector and Golum for the Thieves Guild I got sprayed with that and was sent to evade capture for a week, while the effects wore off. The residue is tough and guards are taught to look for people that have that marking on them, as it is a clear sign they are thieves of some kind and should therefore be taken into custody. The second set of wards that are also going off are magic suppression wards, again these are great for stopping most forms of spells, but are largely ineffective against Traits of individual users. Also, this second set of magic suppression wards are completely unnecessary, well for me and others like me that are still bound by magical manacles, they are completely unnecessary. There is a bit of a commotion as everyone begins to run around for a moment. Seeing the chaos, she has just created by powering on the lockdown runes, Lady Legrand goes into semi-crisis mode. ¡°Nobody panic, this is just a security precaution for the moment.¡± Lady Legrand says. I hop up to my feet, ¡°should I go with you?¡± I ask. Lady Legrand looks at me, then shakes her head. ¡°No, you are to stay here and not leave this place, is that understood?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I manage, though the word is forced. ¡°Good.¡± She says, then turning to two guards, she first gestures to them, then to me. ¡°You two, guard him.¡± ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± The two guards say snapping to attention. With that, there is a moment of silence as Lady Legrand and a half dozen of her finest guards leave the private booth we are in. Seeing the two guards, I decide to make my move. ¡°Hey, you two work for Lady Legrand right, meaning you currently represent her power and authority?¡± I ask, trying to clarify. ¡°Yes, it is our understanding that you are currently soul bound to her, meaning that for the moment, we are in charge of you.¡± The guard states, a note of challenge in his voice, as he looks like he is one step away from trying to exert his newfound proxy-authority over me thanks to his relationship with Lady Legrand. ¡°Oh perfect.¡± I say, not giving the two guards a second to think about what is happening. Instead, I just reach into my pocket and pull out a sealed letter with a single copper piece rolling around inside it. ¡°Will you please give this letter that states my true intentions and feelings towards Lady Legrand to her?¡± I say, holding out the sealed letter. The guard pauses for a moment, but then grabs the letter. The moment he does, I am met with a series of system messages, the first of which is the following:
Item Lost: Formal Letter of Intent.
Item Lost: 1 Copper Piece.
From there, the messages go on, but the first two are the most important, as it proved I did read the wording correctly. Wording is oh so important in this game. Seeing the message and the other ones, I wish I could connect to my Simulacrum using one of our budding skills. I of course cannot use any of my skills thanks again to the use of these suppression cuffs. Logically I could use Telepathy, to speak to her, but that would imply she was on the same floor as me. But she is still far away on the second floor, while I am here on the fiftieth floor, patiently awaiting the next time I will need to make a cameo appearance in this whole ordeal. A few minutes later, a very flustered Lady Legrand comes into her booth and stares around angrily. ¡°You, did you do this? No more deflection, no more questions for answers. Answer truthfully, did you do this?¡± ¡°Did I do what? Steal your money and your experience that you offered up as prize earnings for this contest? A contest you have seemingly rigged, locking away a contestant for no valid reason?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, now answer, did you do this.¡± She demands. ¡°No.¡± I answer. Lady Legrand just stares at me for a moment, then opening her mouth like a fish out of water she waits for a second, then asks again. ¡°I am ordering you to answer truthfully, did you do this? Are you in any way shape or form responsible for this?¡± ¡°No.¡± I respond again, ¡°can I ask why you would assume it is me?¡± ¡°You seem far too calm about this. No protesting your innocence, how you would fight your conviction. How you were falsely imprisoned in order to be effectively made a slave. Your whole personality is off.¡± Dang it, she¡¯s right. I will of course have to remember this for the next time. ¡°The truth is, I wanted this.¡± I respond. ¡°You wanted this?¡± ¡°Yes, to be with you. Because despite all of this, I still hoped that you and I had a chance, that we could be something together. Something real.¡± I say. At that, Lady Legrand looks taken aback, as I can tell her vitals are clearly rising from that. This speech did have some form of effect on her, proving she is not a completely heartless monster. Of course, this only makes what she did that much worse. ¡°Well, good, you will likely be a loyal dog. I can do something with you yet.¡± She said, as she then spun about, and began enacting damage control. What followed next were six hours of misery for Lady Legrand and her staff, as they somehow misplaced ten million in gold and experience. Only empty boxes remained. ¡°We can see residual traces of Telekinesis being used on each box, and these are traces that are non-standard uses of Telekinesis, but there are no signs of Teleportation being used on these boxes.¡± A magical expert states. Hearing that, Lady Legrand turns to me. ¡°What do you think?¡± I just hold up my wrists, ¡°if you¡¯d like me to give my honest opinion, then I would likely need these removed. Otherwise it is just me taking your examiner¡¯s word for this.¡± At that Lady Legrand just stares at me for a moment. Then finally she seems to come to some form of solution. ¡°Fine, but you are not to do anything other than cast any spells you need to interpret what is happening. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Perfectly.¡± I state. With that Lady Legrand nods her head, and the guard that has the keys to my cuffs comes forward and unlocks them. At that, I rub my hands. ¡°You know you can¡¯t pay for your release with stolen funds, that is illegal and would be against the terms of your Soul Contract.¡± Lady Legrand says, from behind me, whispering into my ear, in a gesture that might otherwise be considered intimate, if not creepy based on her recent reactions. ¡°I know.¡± I answer, not rising to the bait of how close she is to my human ears. ¡°So regardless of how this plays out, you will still be mine.¡± ¡°Until I can pay for my release with funds obtained legally, I know.¡± I answered truthfully. Then with that, I begin casting a few spells. At which point, I see a few signs of the activity, I do a bit to alter the initial readings slightly, but then decide to answer truthfully, knowing that others would likely notice the same residue eventually. ¡°I see the traces of Telekinesis quite readily. Additionally, I see traces of a unique spirit magic spell.¡± I say, this much is true, as my Simulacrum and I both made liberal uses of my Telekinesis trait, while using my recent Simulacrum Master Trait, Positional Switch, which allows me to switch places with my Simulacrum. The Positional Switch, is what made it so we could make this change between our locations. Each of us going grabbing mental hold of dozens of boxes and transporting ourselves and what we were carrying to the Guild Master¡¯s hall, then teleporting back with the same number of empty boxes, boxes that we then sat up in the exact place where we got them from. We did that for hours, like clockwork, moving and taking load after load, and trip after trip. In fact, there were so many trips taken that we had to rest not once, but twice. Each time, I went back to my cell to wait, while my different energy pools refilled. By outing myself like this, and the strange residual magic I was doing two things. First, I was making it so my use of Positional Switch, and my own unique form of Telekinesis would likely be heavily warded against in future poker tournaments. This was fine, as I didn¡¯t expect to make the same getaway plan again. This was fine, as I figured I could still use the badge turn in for its true purpose, so long as I ended this last part amicably. Finally after hours of breaking down the crime scene, where I effectively give an account for what happened, all of which was confirmed by her crime scene investigator, not that he really had much of a clue of what happened, and clearly just went with me, mainly I think due to my new Title and Diploma. See kids, an education pays for itself, when using it as a way to help cover up crimes and other illicit activities. Anyways, after a few more hours where we searched and found nothing other than the same magical residue, where the lead detective that I was assisting came up with the idea of a dimensional spirit pocket that was created, I went along with it. It was a stupid theory, one that was not backed up by any signs of magic that were present, but one that everyone believed as there were absolutely no signs of teleportation magic being used at all. So, the next logical conclusion was a trans dimensional storage rift that could be created at will. ¡°The culprit opened up a trans dimensional rift, then using Telekinesis, he opened up the different boxes, and poured out their contents into the rift, then replaced the empty boxes back where he got them from.¡± The lead detective said. Honestly, it wasn¡¯t a half bad theory when he said it like that. ¡°What do you think?¡± Lady Legrand asked me. ¡°It sounds plausible, and is better than any other idea that has been tossed around here.¡± I admit, and I meant it, especially as I was not going to state the real set of circumstances that I used to pull off the crime. As such, the random dimensional doorway idea that could store an infinite amount of material was the one we went with. ¡°Good work everyone.¡± Lady Legrand said, after a time. We were all tired, and it was clear that Lady Legrand might actually be somewhat compassionate about her employees, as she made this next statement to all of us. ¡°All right, those that have been here since the beginning, you are dismissed, go and get some sleep while you can. The rest of you that are just coming on, try to look for more clues. Let me know if you find anything useful.¡± With that, we were set free. I now had no hand cuffs on me, and had been given the order to leave and get some sleep. And that is what I intended to do. In a bed that was now far away from here. With that, I focused my will on a section of the wall that had the tracking runes activated. Going towards it, I walked right past it and off into the sunset. At least I think it was a sunset, always hard determining the location of astrological bodies when you are blind. ¡°Good night.¡± I said to the guard who was on duty standing outside the doorway. ¡°Hey, you can¡¯t leave here, this is an active crime scene.¡± The guard said. I look at him, then back to the wards that were active, I even make sure to pull back my spell so it is no longer in the area. ¡°There are active quarantine wards up right now. If I did leave, I would have been tagged with their energy spikes, right?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± The guard answers with a twinge of confusion in his voice. ¡°Well, if I did that, then wouldn¡¯t I be marked by said wards?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°So therefore, I couldn¡¯t have come out from the quarantined building.¡± I state, as a matter of fact. The guard opens up his mouth to protest, but then closes it again as he can¡¯t refute my words. ¡°Right, have a good day.¡± ¡°Have a good day.¡± I say and nod my head. With that I turn the corner and leave the area. Just in time, as I saw the second guard that was standing watch with the junior guard I just confronted come forward. ¡°I miss anything?¡± The second guard asked. ¡°No, someone making rounds, but that¡¯s about it.¡± The first guard said. ¡°Good job. You will make it through your probationary period no problem at this rate.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± And like that, I left the area, and the town that rested so prominently on the fiftieth floor of the Arcanarus Tower. As I went out, I found that I had two options. The first and easiest path would be to take the train down to the second floor and finish out any remaining quests I had left. The other was to go off on my own and continue climbing ever higher in the Arcanarus Tower, a tower that no longer seemed so difficult to climb. Now that I was out, I mentally connected my mind to that of my Simulacrum¡¯s and told her my plans for the future. ¡°Commence Plan A.¡± ¡°Affirmative. And your plans?¡± My Simulacrum asked. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to get my Master¡¯s Degree.¡± ¡°Good luck, and let me know if you need anything.¡± ¡°Will do.¡± And like that, I left behind my greatest caper ever, with no signs of my involvement, or anyone seeming to piece together the fact that I had pulled off the greatest caper ever. With a quick stop, I went to a local tavern where I went to the male¡¯s room. Whereupon I did a quick Positional Switch, with my Simulacrum. At which point I changed clothes into that of Sabrina, then with my new gear back on, and my standard operating equipment on, I switched back, and began trying to explore higher in the tower. *** ¡°Where is my man servant?¡± Lady Legrand asked. ¡°Oh, Lady Legrand, I have a letter for you from that Spiritlight fellow.¡± A guard said, as he turned over a letter. ¡°Huh, what¡¯s this?¡± Lady Legrand asked, as she took the letter and then looked around the area, trying to see where that new assistant of hers had gotten off to this time. Not seeing him, she opened the envelope to find a letter and a single copper coin.
Dear Lady Legrand, It is with bittersweet resignation that I find myself writing to you now. Please see here within the remainder and outstanding balance you are owed from sponsoring me during your gambling competition. I want to once again express my heartfelt gratitude for you and the Legrand empire, but feel that my future lies elsewhere. Till our futures cross paths once more, know that I will always remember the lessons you taught me. Very Respectfully Tobias Spiritlight P.S. Don¡¯t spend it all in one place.
Then looking at the envelope, Lady Legrand saw one copper piece in the envelope. Holding out her hand she tilted the letter until it fell out. At which point, she was met with a system message.
Notice: Soul Contract Ended. Your active soul contract with Tobias Spiritlight has ended, due to full payments received of 102% of initial investment received. Price paid for initial entry: 0. At 102% of initial investment, payment expected to receive 0. Actual payment received 1 copper piece. The arbiter for this contract has found the terms and conditions for both ends of the soul contract to have both been met, and able to be absolved.
Seeing that, she held the coin and then visibly began to shake with rage as she saw the message before her. ¡°Find Tobias Spiritlight NOW!¡± But she never would, as he had disappeared like a ghost in the night. Epilogue II Epilogue II ¡°The Ghost does it again, and once again proves to be more effective at thwarting Legrand politics than the entire Maltese military might, shish, that is a mouthful.¡± The announcer begins, ¡°that¡¯s right today we saw yet another mad caper pulled off by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, where she and her Simulacrum made an estimated two thousand hops between the holding vaults at that gambling casino and the Mage Guild Master¡¯s office. There they put in close to nine hundred cubic feet of stolen merchandise. This is the most that anyone has stolen from any services and gotten away with. Normally such actions would be slammed against, first we are all aware that Cassiopeia is still bound by her Broke flaw, but the way she got around it is both ingenious and causing the developers to scramble to find a future work around.¡± There is a dramatic pause, as the speaker stops, then stares at the camera trying to drive up tension. ¡°What she did, was she marked all the gold as trash, and then assigned a guild wide repeating quest to remove one pound of trash from the Guild Hall to receive a total of ten experience points. We have been tracking her movements and see that she has been gaining on average 1,000 total experience points split between her two classes per jump, meaning that she is dumping on average 5,000 coins per jump, or just about 100 pounds of gold.¡± ¡°Now you might be wondering, how much gold was reported as being lost, well ten million. Which equates to the 434 cubic feet of space that Cass spoke about, as Tobias to the Duchess. Each cubic foot accounts for 23,040 coins, or roughly 4.6 trips at Cass¡¯s current rate. Meaning just her getting rid of said gold coins will make it so she can earn close to a million experience points from repeatable guild quests by just getting rid of these gold coins.¡± ¡°Of course, we don¡¯t expect this to last. The game has already put in safeguards to slow down Cass¡¯s rate of growth by putting in a one hour cooldown timer for taking the experience potions. Secondly, there is now a new parameter being implemented to destroy all items marked as trash that are left unattended in the wilderness. Meaning that unless someone finds that gold soon, it will all go to waste. As you might have guessed, some people are desperately searching for the dump site, but have been unable to find the location. There is word that someone from the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild might have been tipped off as to the location, as the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild have been seen making a lot of movement around the entrance to the Arcanarus Tower, all but fortifying their entry point and going so far as to deny any entry. Even people with life threatening illnesses have been turned away for lack of wanting to distract Cass and her Simulacrum from their current tasks.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, ten million gold and experience stolen, and all of it could very well disappear soon.¡±
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Cassiopeia Spiritlight
Age: 13
Race (Arcanist Elf): Emerald Eyed Royal Arcanist Elf (Progenitor)
Primary Class: Void Healer (Unique)
Secondary Class Simulacrum Master (Unique)
level: 38/ 27
Race (Bonus Per Level): +1 Appearance, +1 Intelligence, and +1 Willpower
Void Healer: +1 Dexterity, +1 Willpower, +1 Intelligence, +1 Perception, +1 to either Sociability or Personality (personal choice), every level.
Simulacrum Master +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Perception, +1 Willpower
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 53 17 Personality 77 53 Perception 117 50
Dexterity 83 40 Sociability 72 54 Intelligence 119 66
Endurance 78 17 Attractiveness 61 70 Willpower 102 141
Titles Gained Bonuses
Early Awakening, Early Class Both Titles were combined to increase Spirit Tier mastery from starting maximum of Tier VII to Tier VIII
Surname: Spiritlight Gain an automatic 10% boost in all social interactions with spirits. Spirits start off as neutral.
Love Guru Truly one worth emulating, when it comes to the art of love and its best practices. +5 Appearance, +10 Personality, +10 Sociability, +7% Luck, +20% Bonus to Avoiding Conflict, +25% chance to help others find a soul mate, +30% Chance to Seduction based skills and attempts.
Arcanarus University Graduate One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +10 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Skills Mastered
Alertness: (Perception)
Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence)
Daggers (Dexterity)
Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower)
Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower)
Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence)
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower)
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance)
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception)
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Mental Resistance (Willpower)
Free Falling (Dexterity)
Applied Physics (Intelligence)
Trap Detection (Perception and Intelligence)
Disarm trap (Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence)
Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Climbing (Strength and Endurance)
Deductive Reasoning (Perception and Intelligence)
Courtly Etiquette (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Mechanical Engineering (Perception and Intelligence)
Arcane Understanding (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medical Healing (Perception and Intelligence)
Focus (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Latens Manifesta (Dexterity, Perception, Personality, Sociability, Intelligence)
Survival (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Polyglot (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence)
Nature Resistance (Endurance)
Stealth (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower
camouflage (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence)
Obfuscation (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Running (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Willpower
Tumbling (Dexterity, Endurance)
Acrobatics (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Herbalism (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magic Script (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Engineering (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magical Forensics (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Forging (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Writing (Dexterity, Perception)
Bathing (Personality, Sociability, and Appearance)
Telepathy (Personality, Sociability, and Willpower)
Swimming (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance)
Internal Compass (Perception, Intelligence)
Danger Sense (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Scentless Passage (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Concealed Mana (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mana Circulation (Strength, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower)
Telepathy Shielding (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Intimidation (Strength, Personality, and Willpower)
Narrator (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, and Intelligence)
Total Recall (Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Spell Theory (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Spell Deconstruction (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Insight (Perception and Intelligence)
Emotional Insight (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Gambling (Sociability, Personality, Attractive, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Alchemy (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medicine (Perception, Intelligence)
Magical theory (Intelligence)
Spirit-Magic Spell Creation (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Anatomy (Perception and Intelligence)
Biology (Perception and Intelligence)
Chemistry (Perception and Intelligence)
Energy Resonance Alteration (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Leadership (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Proper Diction (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acupuncture (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Diagnosis (Perception and Intelligence)
Magical Energy Observation (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mimicry (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Seduction (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Twin Consciousness (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Duelist (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower
Aura Guidance (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Incomplete Skills Rating
Comedic Timing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower) 55
Occult (Curses) (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) 20
Blood Magic Resistance (Endurance and Willpower) 10
Artist (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception) 8
Painting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception) 6
Traits
Personal Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis, Telepathy
Class Trait(s): Spiritual Doppelganger (11/100)
Class Trait: Omni-Healing
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Broke (7): The sum of all your gear, equipment, and finances cannot equal or exceed 100 gold coins.
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes.
Unique Class Flaw (7): Void Touched Void Walker: You have been marked as the chosen advocate by the deepest denizens of the void. Your primary class will now and forever be Void Walker. Additionally, both denizens of the realm of the living and realm of the dead will know you are the one who can both teach others your class, while also conducting unique missions on behalf of both realms.
Rivalry (3): You have one or more rivals who will make it a personal goal to take you down a notch, watch your back.
Racial Flaw: Magical Beacon: You are easy to notice by sensitives and true practitioners of magic. Minus 20% to Stealth and Evasion type skills when being actively sought by a magical practitioner.
Racial Flaw: Magical Eyes: Your eyes are the true gateway to your soul. With this flaw people can see what type of a monster you truly are. Current Status: Green (a True Healer).
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier IX).
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): Personally Focused (4): Your selfish nature has led you to be limited in the scope of what you can and cannot replicate with your simulacrums. With this flaw you can only copy your base form to be your simulacrum.
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): One Death for All (3): You are so intertwined with your simulacrum that should the simulacrum die, you yourself will die as well. While you can dismiss your simulacrum at any time, you can only do so when your simulacrum is at full health.
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Merits: (157)
Precocious (7): Learn Skills Twice as quickly. (Only available at character creation)
Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation)
Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation)
Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation)
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation)
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Unique Class Merits: Death Shroud (3): Wielder of this merit has a tempered body that is immune to the piercing soul damage of the ethereal realms. Wielder can travel to either realm and bring up to two chosen people to follow them into the opposing realm.
Unique Class Merit (4): Spirit Familiar: You have formed a deep spiritual bond with one of the blessed children of the spirit world. Your familiar will be both a guide and advocate to help you navigate your way through the realm of spirits.
Ally (3): You have made an ally with someone who is considered to be three times more powerful and influential than you. Work with this relationship to make it grow and flourish.
for efficacy, mana usage, impact, and focus).
Racial Merit: Magic School Proficiency: All schools of magic increased by two Tiers (maximum of Tier IX). (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Proficiency: All skills related to the use of magic are increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Trait Proficiency: All magic based Traits are further increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Class Merit (Simulacrum Master): Exact Perfect Replica (7): You can create one exact perfect replica of yourself that shares your attributes, abilities, skills, and energy pools. This replica will be a perfect copy of your base form down to the most minor of details, and will be indistinguishable from yourself by most mundane methods of detection. This replica will be able to cast and use all spells and traits that you can, and any experience gained by the simulacrum will go to you, as if you earned it yourself.
Class Spells
Planar Shift (Level 1) (A): Allows user to create a path connecting the realm of the living to the spirit world.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Spirit Sight (P): This spell allows you to pierce the veil separating the mortal and spirit realms. This spell will allow you to see through the veil regardless of which side you are the caster. Reserve: 2 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Mana Potency (P): This spell allows the caster to increase the potency of their Spirit Mana by 25% at a detriment to all other forms of mana within the body.
Spirit Energy Circulation (A): The first step towards becoming a healer of Spirit Magic. You have learned to infuse your spirit energy into the blood of another being, allowing you to circulate the blood of that person. Warning: This is a spell that can be used for healing or attack. Using this spell as a means of attack will forever mark your spirit as a Karmic Betrayer.
Spirit Blight Purification (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
Resurrection (C): A tier IX spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, used to bring a spirit back from the dead.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard spell inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Attribute Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Attribute inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Skill Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Skill inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell: Curse Removal [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can remove any curse that is Tier VIII or lower. For tier IX curses, a contested battle of wills will need to be conducted to determine a victor.
Custom Simulacrum (C): Create a near perfect replica of one target of your choosing. Amount of maximum mana required to maintain: variable (minimum of 1% for continual maintenance, maximum used based on needs of simulacrum). Note: This spell has been modified, so that it can only copy you, and your simulacrum is for all intents and purposes an extension of yourself that has access to your same resource pools and abilities. (only spell available).
Dispel-Dispel: You have found a way to dispel a dispel cast at you and your spells and Traits.
New Spell Created: Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of the targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 10% increase for 24 hours. *Spell Restriction: This spell must be cast on two people simultaneously, who are both willing participants. **Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Tobias Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
Level 5 Class Evolution (Spell or Perk) Void Healer:
Class Perk Unlocked: Skill Infusion: All skills will be infused by the Void Walker essence, allowing the wielder to receive a 7% bonus to their skill¡¯s base level in the mortal realm, and a 15% bonus while in the spirit realm.
Simulacrum Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Simulacrum Schemes: You have been blessed with the creation of a Simulacrum that is not just like you, but is part of you. As such you can rest assured that every plan they create will work to benefit the both of you. Effect: +50% to Strategy, +50% to Tactics, +50% to Schemes, +50% to Plans.
Level 10 Class Evolution (Spell , Perk, or Skill) Void Healer
Class Skill Perk Unlocked: Spirit-Magic Spell Creation: With this skill you can create spirit-based magic spells, so long as your Magical Theory and Spell Theory are adequate to generate the spell you wish to make.
Skill Spirit-Magic Spell Creation is an Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Simulacrum Master
New Class Skill Gained: Eidetic Speed Reading has reached level 1.
Class Skill Eidetic Speed Reading is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Level 25 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, or Trait) Void Healer
Omni-Healing: Heal any living creature with comparable magical energy.
Simulacrum Master
Positional Switch: You and your Simulacrum have become so intertwined that by just willing it, you can switch geolocational positions with your doppelganger regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Soulbound Items
Engineering Guild Goggles "EGGs": (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Standard Wizard Adept Gear "SWAG" (Cloak): (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifest)
Silver Level Adventurer¡¯s Card (Necklace): (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
Apothecary Generic Equipment (Gloves): (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
Basic Thieves Mask (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
Spirit Line Ticket: (A permanent first class ticket for you and a friend, 1000 Gold retainer for gambling)
VIP Membership Card to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall
Midnight Hunter''s Guild Recruitment Card
Arcanarus University Diploma: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster. 1
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level. 25
New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used) 50 (Gone)
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. GONE
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Empire Dropper (500). You managed to topple a successful industry empire 500
New Feat Recorded: Healer of Valor (250). You have proven yourself to be a healer people can depend upon 250
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher Gone
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead. 250
New Feat Recorded: Gambling Guru (100): You placed fifth or higher in a gambling contest involving 500 people or more. 100
New Feat Recorded: Been Caught Cheating (500): You are banned from all gambling facilities for a period of no less than seven years and nine months. 500
New Feat Recorded: Survive an Audit Through Seduction (500). You are the first person to successfully navigate your way through an audit through deception and seduction alone. 500
Prologue III The Good, The Bad, The Wizzy Prologue III The Good, The Bad, The Wizzy ¡°Reports are coming in. The great upward expansion is finally underway for the Arcanarus Tower. Now with it clear that the tower to floor number 100 is open, along with all of the rewards that being the first to floor 100 will entail, a surge is on. Many people are charging in droves, attempting to be the first one to conquer floor 100. And I know you are likely just as curious as the rest of us as to what the initial floors entail. The word we are hearing is everything is Spirit Powered, that¡¯s right, Spirit Powered. Just as everything in the first few main cities and dungeons was Steam Powered, now we have everything being powered by the use and mastery of Spirit Power. Want to ride a train, you are going to need Spirit Power. Want to duel at the O.K. Corral? Well better learn to charge your weapon with Spirit Power. Yes, people are finding that the farther up you climb, the more alternate means of power slowly begin to fade. Until finally only Spirit Power remains.¡± The announcer states all of that and then pauses for dramatic effect. ¡°Also, the first few levels are in, and we can safely say that there are new groups, leagues, and events possible. A few new skills have been noted and flaunted as a must for some of the Dueling Circuits. Some of these new skills are said to include but not limited to: Quick Cast, Pulse Cast, Disrupt Casting, and what is likely to soon be a crowd favorite, Trick Casting.¡± With the admission of the different new skills, a quick demo is shown of an NPC utilizing each skill as they dismantle the different high level Tower racers. For Quick Casting, the NPC in question fires off ten spells in succession before the higher-level warrior realizes that their rifle is now useless, and is forced to charge towards their opponent, only to be mowed down by a hail of near infinite shots. Pulse Casting seems to be a combination of high-level attack, with a slight stunning chance upon impact. Disrupt Casting is a straight skill that bypasses all physical defenses and seems to target the warriors right in the middle of their chests, killing the last of the goons. Then finally Trick Shot, is demonstrated by an NPC covering their eyes, aiming left and having a spell curve in mid-air then split apart, to strike a final killing blow to all injured tower climbers. ¡°That¡¯s right, these are just the skills that we have become aware of, as they are ones that were used to gun down the lead explorers. The spirits on the upper floors were made aware are this group¡¯s shenanigans and came prepared to level the playing field. The new skills, mixed with the fact that everything is now Spirit Powered, means that just because groups were at a higher level before, doesn¡¯t mean they will stand a chance now. The race is on again, especially as our explorer Cass seems to no longer be bound by their obligations to the second floor, and now seems to be determined to make her way up to the 100th floor.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Click. The feed ended. ¡°So momma, how much longer?¡± Tammie, Jackie¡¯s oldest daughter and mother of two asked. ¡°Any day now. The loan will go through, then I will begin the integration process and join your Grandmother.¡± Jackie Cruise said, ¡°And what of Uncle Rob? I heard he too is trying?¡± Tammie asked cautiously. ¡°He is, though he owes so many back taxes and hasn¡¯t properly filed for retirement yet, meaning he can¡¯t join until all of his financial obligations are taken care of.¡± Jackie said, a slightly happy tone filling her update to her daughter. ¡°Serves him right. I¡¯m glad the government cut down on that type of dodging.¡± Tammie said. ¡°No, it is a bad thing, as it means you can never outrun taxes even in death.¡± Jackie said, but then leaned back and let out a smile, ¡°though in this particular case, where millions are on the line for you and the boys, I can¡¯t help but be a little smug.¡± ¡°Smug? That¡¯s what this is?¡± Tammie asked, seeing the bright smile crossing Jackie¡¯s face. The first one that she had seen on her mother since grandma passed. Well, no when they get together and watch grandma¡¯s antics during the holidays, they all get a little tipsy and smiley, even the boys. ¡°Well, I will admit I¡¯m not the best of people, but there are a few headaches I made sure to avoid in life, and fortunately it has paid off.¡± Jackie said, then with a pause she added, ¡°for all of us.¡± ¡°Look ma, you know you don¡¯t have to do this, any of this, right. The boys, me, we will be fine. Also, Grandma really doesn¡¯t need much help out there.¡± ¡°That she doesn¡¯t.¡± Jackie said, chuckling slightly to herself. ¡°Do you think any of that 10 million will be left when you get there?¡± ¡°Not a chance, and poor momma Cass, doing everything in her power to avoid the Broke flaw.¡± ¡°I know, you aren¡¯t taking that are you?¡± ¡°What? Heck to the no. I get it, I understand why momma took it, but goodness, I don¡¯t think I could live like that. I want the good things, even in the afterlife.¡± Silence. When it was clear that nothing else needed to be said, Tammie began to shift a bit. ¡°Oh, look at the time. I need to get going.¡± Jackie said, as if just remembering something pressing. ¡°Oh, right. Well in that case. Love you mom, and I¡¯ll talk to you again, before you go, right?¡± ¡°Right. Love you too.¡± ¡°Bye.¡± ¡°Bye.¡± Fade out. The three dimensional call faded, leaving Jackie alone in her empty house that was down to just a few mementos. There were a few treasured pictures of her, momma, and her brother and sister. Then of her Tammie and the boys. Then one special one she had made of her mother skydiving as a seven year old elf onto the back of a giant war blimp. Her ears flapping wildly, and the biggest smile cresting her lips that were also flapping ridiculously in the wind. Holding that picture, Jackie looked at it and smiled. ¡°Soon momma. Very soon.¡± Jackie said. Beep. At that Jackie¡¯s alarm went off, letting her know it was time to once again try her treatments. Sighing inwardly at the fact that she was just about to endure so much pain for the shot at living a few months more, so she can get one more year of benefits transferred, and be just that much better off in her after life, she sighed deeply, then forced herself to choke down her burning pills. Glug. Once the pills were down, and her stomach felt like it was on fire, Jackie turned in her seat, clocked into her tele-work and began working her final few weeks before she was allowed to officially retire. ¡°Soon, very soon.¡± Chapter 74 The Journey (Thus Far) (A Week Later) Chapter 74 The Journey (A Week Later) Now I am one to always say that it is not the destination, but the journey that truly defines how worthwhile something is. Honestly if I was to summarize my last six months as a whole, I went through a lot, I grew personally and magically, and I definitely feel that over this last week I grew the most I¡¯ve ever grown in my life. Of course, this can be due to a number of reasons, I have to say the Title and Soul Bound degrees that I got for reaching the fiftieth floor of the tower were amazing.
Arcanarus University Graduate One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +10 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Arcanarus University Diploma: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Yep, I¡¯m a graduate again, this time without the oppressive yoke of student loans. The experience was so great that I am now in the process of trying to get my Masters Degree. That is what I am currently doing now, heading to floor number 100, well likely 150 ultimately so I can get a Doctorate in Magic, that just sounds cool. Let¡¯s see, what else did I do. I won my first hand of poker, got a badge for that. Then I finished third in a tournament and got robbed of my winnings. I evolved my bloodline to be a Royal Bloodline, thus changing my race from dark elf to an Arcanist Elf, kind of cool, though my eyes apparently tell how evil I am. Also, I am a child of a new magical revolution, whatever that means. I have some ideas, I mean I can increase anyone¡¯s magical tier rating by two ranks up to Tier IX, my current Tier rating for Spirit magic. I also shine like a magical beacon to anyone who is remotely sensitive to magic, making it so that I stand out like a sore thumb to people, thus making it hard to hide from anyone tracking me. As a thief this makes my life very difficult, fortunately sneaking around and being unnoticed are just one of my skill sets. I can hide in plain sight, thanks to my Void Healer class Trait Spiritual Doppelganger. My first body that I was able to help move on was Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri of Deolar, a doctoral candidate herself who managed to create a spell that could cure the Blight from an infected area. Of course, I took her study and progressed it the next step, making it so that those who were infected with the Blight would be able to be healed. Apparently, this started a whole thing, as I was the only one who could cast the spell, and once people were healed, depending on how long they had said ailment, they could increase their own magical Tier rating by two, going up to Tier XI for Mallory from the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. Oh yeah, I¡¯ve been recruited to multiple guilds once I decide to leave this tower, this recruitment only doubled when it was found out that I could bring people back from the dead. Though my joining a guild will not be for a while yet, as I want to keep climbing, it¡¯s a lot of fun. Especially now that this tower was built for how powerful I was when I first entered, and that was a long time ago. Also, there is the fact that I now have my Simulacrum power leveling the both of us, well she was, until the game admins came up with a way to stop my exponential growth. As a pacifist, being able to avoid conflict because I am so over powered for the area is a huge thing. And over the last week, I just so happened to have gotten a huge increase in power. Going from level 38 in my Void Healer class and level 27 in my Simulacrum Master class, to levels 87 and 82 respectively. A growth rate of 49 levels for my primary, and 55 levels for my secondary class. What do I mean by exponential growth, well hypothetically, I might have pulled off the best caper ever, stealing ten million in gold coins, and experience points from a tournament who might or might not have previously prevented me from taking home my earnings for third place in a tournament. So, my growth of 300,000 experience for each class, or 600,000 experience total was more than double the earnings I would have had, if I had been allowed to take my third-place winnings. I think we can just chalk this one up to karma, especially for Lady Constance Legrand, the person who I tried to build up a rapport with, going so far as to invest a legendary badge Master Tier Spell Creator (500), that went entirely to Lady Legrand and her branch within the Legrand empire. I had hoped to use it as an in to the Legrand empire, sort of play middle spy, where I could pit the Legrand Empire and Maltese Empire against each other, being able to gain intel from higher levels of the Legrand Empire and slowly feed them to the Maltese Empire, but alas, it was not to be. So I did lose that badge, completely, though I am going to see it as an investment, in pulling off what might or might not have been the best theft ever, where I was not caught up in, or implicated in the ongoings in any way, shape, or form. Even after being clearly in the clutches of Lady Legrand in what was easily a predatory soul contract. Fortunately, I can read, and was able to buy my way out of said predatory soul contract for a copper coin. I know, I know, we are all thinking the same thing. You might have found and used six hundred thousand experience, what would you do with the other nine point six million experience? Well, I am glad you asked. I am going to spend it on me, in a way that will make it so my survival will be that much easier in the future. How will I do this? Simple, I am going to take full advantage of the recent patch to the game. One where people can trade in thousands of experience points in, no questions asked, to buy Merit Points, not additional Attributes, not new spells, not even Skills, I am talking about being able to purchase new Trait slots, and being able to hand pick my new Trait that would fill the void. This would mean I could buy Unbound, and Precocious both. The restrictions on my Magic Tier VII might be removed, meaning that I might be able to purchase to and then past my current Tier IX rating. I honestly don¡¯t know how far it will go, but the possibilities are endless. There is of course a huge catch, each Merit Point costs one hundred thousand experience. Now most people would not go for this, as it is too much of a price to pay, particularly when the experience has to either come directly from you, or from the thousands of bottles of corked up experience that you might just have lying around. Given that the developers already put a one hour cool down timer on consuming experience potions, and this seems to be their way of playing nice cop, I, well my Simulacrum and I, have decided to go ahead and trade in the rest of the experience bottles. Especially as the experience potions taste like, and I quote, ¡°the dried tears of defeat.¡± At least that is according to my Simulacrum. So my Simulacrum and I traded in all the remainder of our experience potions and got a whopping 94 Merit Points, now unfortunately, we couldn¡¯t double dip. I had originally marked all the bottles as trash, and then assigned a quest to get rid of one pound of trash for ten total experience points. Part of this turn in was that it couldn¡¯t be trash, but a legitimate item. So, I had to go through unmark everything as not trash, then do the turn in. Fun loophole, but one they apparently thought I might try to exploit, its almost like they don¡¯t trust me to do the right thing. Anyways, turning in all the experience potions this way was super quick, taking only minutes to complete, even with the added factor of changing the status of every vial and then presenting them for turn in.
Confirmed Merit Point Receipt (Soul Bound): You have turned in 9,400,250 experience points for a one time purchase of 94 Merit Points, which can be redeemed at any specially marked traveling shops.
Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. Fortunately, since the shops are traveling, they will eventually go through Crossroads, at which point, I will just Position Switch back with my Simulacrum, and show my receipt, buy the merits, and be done with everything. As it is now, my Simulacrum is still working through the close to a million pounds of trash in falsely marked gold coins that are littering the Guild Master¡¯s office in the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild. Now it should also be noted that I can take a third class, but I am choosing not to. Mainly for the fact that I am trying to focus my will on what I actually want for my two class 50 changes. Because of my rapid growth and acceleration through the final few levels, I apparently didn¡¯t hit as many milestones, as such my options for growth in each class were limited.
New Void Healer Class Evolution criteria met.
You may now choose one of the following to gain for your class advancement: A new Spell, A new Skill, or a New Class Perk.
New Simulacrum Master Class Evolution criteria met.
You may now choose one of the following to gain for your class advancement: A new Spell, A new Skill, or a New Class Perk.
That is right, I sped my way through leveling and missed the bonuses to getting class specific Traits, or even the Merits I wanted. This was also partly why I decided to trade in my experience potions for Merit Points, with my getting Merit Points, I could buy nearly anything I wanted. While the class evolutions were solely dependent on how the system rated my performance with rewards that I had already received, thus only the ability to get new perks, skills, or spells. Once again, the idea of getting a new spell was completely laughable, as I felt more than confident that I could create any spell I wanted, given enough time. So I was down to just either getting new Skills, or New Class Perks. While the idea of getting new Skills did speak to me on some deeper level, I ultimately decided to go for Class Perks. Now there were a few things that I wanted to increase, or improve upon, most notably was the idea the distance I could Cast Spells, the Speed that I could Cast them, My magic Tier rating, My ability to disrupt other hostile magics, and so on. Basically, I wanted a lot of things, and found out rather quickly that many of my wants were off limits. Like the idea of increasing my magic tier rating, that was off the table before we even started. Spell casting distance was also not something that a perk could cover. The speed that I could cast a spell was a Skill, but I ran into a problem as I was told in no uncertain terms that this Skill already existed in the game. This was similar to the way I wanted to use Void Healer as a cheat to get Spell Creation and had to settle for Spirit-Magic Spell Creation, actually looking back, that might have been the best investment I ever made. However, Spell Disruption for a perk was doable, as I already had a skill that dealt with that exact set of ideas with my: Magical Duelist, Magical Energy Observation, and Energy Resonance Alteration. With those four, I had the ability to actually direct one of my class perks to that very idea. Thus, my Simulacrum Master level 50 perk went to Magic Disruption.
Simulacrum Master Class Perk Unlocked: Magic Disruption: You have managed to focus your will into dominating the magical spectrum around you. Effect: +100% Range when dueling with other magicians, +100% efficacy when dismantling a spell targeted towards you, +100% when trying to alter, diver, or diminish any form of magical energy around you.
I had to admit that the perk I got was a lot more powerful than what I envisioned. Granted this was a level 50 perk and thus should be a lot more powerful, but it basically made it so that my Simulacrum and I both could duel better, meaning that my Simulacrum¡¯s survivability became just that little bit more robust. Again, I don¡¯t want to kill anyone, but I also don¡¯t want to be hit with a stray lightning bolt, or random fireball. I think that this ability to stop spells in my immediate area is very needed and can be extremely beneficial in the future. That meant that my primary class must also be amazing. Though, with my Void Healer class, I decided to go with a build that would help out in the future, particularly with my ultimate goal of being able to truly resurrect the dead. I knew for a fact that my parents were likely saved in the server somewhere. Their spirits had not been ripped apart by demonic necromancers, or anything like that, they just died in an random act of war. With my being a Void Healer, I could begin to lay the groundwork for true Resurrection. Currently I can only heal and bring people back to life who exist within their own bodies. My goal is to be able to generate the body of a person or spirit I am attempting to bring back to life. That was how my level 50 Void Healer perk went to Reincarnation.
Void Healer Class Perk Unlocked: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you are able to regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free floating spirit.
That last perk was likely the most amazing of them, as it clearly gave me the ability to bring back anyone from the dead. That was another reason I was so ready to search the different levels of the Arcanarus Spirit Tower, on the off chance that I would either find my parents, or find a place where the dead actually go. Now I could pretend I was all altruistic, and was willing to go to such great lengths for every spirit that I came across, but that would be a lie. Well not a full lie, but close enough, as I would be omitting the fact that I had a personal stake in this, and that if my parents were still alive, and still running around on their own, I likely would have never gone to such great lengths to be where I am today. I can only hope that my kids don¡¯t follow in my footsteps, become accountants, or maybe just be regular court magicians. Being a Void Healer is not for everyone, though I do have to admit it is fun breaking the boundaries of what is possible with Spirit magic. I do wonder how much of my experience is from my class, and how much of it is what I have unlocked throughout my journey. Regardless, it has been fun so far. There is of course one problem with my new Void Healer class perk, namely the fact that my Simulacrum is not able to use it. Don¡¯t get me wrong, she can still use each and every skill I have, use every spell I have created, she apparently even has access to my badges, even though she has not used any yet. But she is unable to use my new perk Reincarnation, which is likely for the best, as it means that no one can force her to do something that she doesn¡¯t in fact want to do, like Reincarnate a tyrant, or some giant world ending boss. In fact, for the time being I think it would be best if I were the only one who knows about this, the last thing I want is for someone to bind my Simulacrum in place and force me to return to do something stupid. Granted I could always just dispel my Simulacrum, but that would mean the constant stream of experience I constantly get from her would disappear. Also, it would mean that Zero, my familiar would be by himself. Unfortunately, we all agreed that Zero staying with my Simulacrum was for the best, first to sell the fact that I was still in the Mage¡¯s Guild, but also to help my Simulacrum be slightly better at casting the spells that come intuitively to me. So far everything has been going well, all things considered. I¡¯m still Broke, that is another thing I might look at getting rid of, that and any other flaw I might have remaining. While I don¡¯t think spending seven of my Merit Points on removing that flaw would be worthwhile, I can¡¯t help but think that spending one to get rid of the next six months of being too poor to have even decent clothing would be worth the investment. That said, I have taken my time exploring floors 50, 51 and 52. It seems there was a group of marauders that constantly went from the city on floor fifty and regularly went out to cleanse the local wildlife. From there they gained ingredients that were used in various Spirit Resistance potions. In fact, their needs were so great that the potion makers only focused on making those specific potions. It reminded me of the way the Apothecary Guild on the second floor only focused on creating Detox potions there for a while. Well until my Simulacrum got the Guild Auditors to run and clear the local dungeon, only to have them apply for and get denied acceptance to our Guild by not us, but by the other three members of the Mage¡¯s Guild. It was that quest chain and its completion that made it so I felt confident enough to leave my Simulacrum alone at the Healer¡¯ section of the Mage¡¯s Guild. Well, that is enough for me, time to move on to my destiny.
Now Entering Floor 53.
Chapter 75 Flight of The Dodo Chapter 75 Flight of The Dodo With my recent power leveling venture over, there are a few things that have become abundantly clear to me. First, I am terrible with physical actions. Secondly, I am apparently a very social person, which is odd because I think I hate people. Well not hate them, but generally prefer to be alone. That said, all of my Social attributes are now over the combined two hundred point thresholds. While mental attributes are well over the two-hundred-point threshold.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 53 17 Personality 77 133 Perception 117 154
Dexterity 83 89 Sociability 72 133 Intelligence 119 219
Endurance 78 17 Attractiveness 61 174 Willpower 102 349
With my Willpower pushing towards five hundred, my ability to create spells is amazingly easy. This is partly why it has taken me a week to travel through three floors of the tower. Not that I get distracted, well maybe a little distracted, but this world is just so beautiful, even a blind person like me can see the grace and beauty that goes into every aspect of this game. Take for instance the birds, they are dead. I mean no real surprise, this is a spirit realm after all, but how does a spirit infused pile of bones fly? Magic. That¡¯s right, the birds here all instinctively know had to cast a magical version of flight that seems to be stamina based. At least some species have a stamina based version of flight, and by some species, I mean the carnivores. Yes, aggressive and carnivorous birds can fly with stamina, so they can take down foes with a full pool of magic. While regular spirit birds fly with either mana or spirit. Honestly it is kind of odd to watch, as I was not aware that spells could pull from Stamina like that, but I guess it makes sense. If Blood Magic, can pull directly from someone¡¯s health pool, then having a set of magic or at least certain type of spells that can pull from stamina isn¡¯t too much of a stretch. The spells and their structures seem to be fairly similar, other than Stamina based flight seems to make it so you can climb higher faster, but have less endurance. When look at the spells I make it a point to try to deconstruct the mana based version of flight. With my Intelligence sitting at 338, and my Willpower sitting at 451, I know I would be able to fly a lot longer with a mana based flight spell. Also, seeing these birds has given me hope that I will be able to use my 94 Merit Points on purchasing two things. First an extra Trait slot, which will likely cost more than the 20 I used to buy my second one. Especially, as this will now be my fourth such slot. The second thing I want to buy is the ability to Fly, looking at these birds and the fact that they have to use magic to fly makes me feel even more confident that flight can be mimicked by magic. I know a lot of higher level people have rocket packs, and other propulsion designs to fly, along with steam ships, but to just fly with magic would be amazing. Though thinking about it, I guess others who have spells or Traits to fly would still be better off to hide their true mode of flight by developing gimmicks that distract the average person. In fact, even if I do get a Trait that allows me to Fly, I think I will go the rocketeer path as well. Of course, these are all just pipe dreams. For now I am just witnessing the natural use of magic by creatures of the world, well of the spirit world. Cacaw! A death screech pierces the air around me. The voice is amplified and projected away by magic, of course the fact that such an act is using magic causes me and my Angel¡¯s Sight to immediately identify the source of the scream. In this case, it is coming from a giant death-head hawk. I¡¯ve been tracking the large predator since they first entered my sphere of perception over a kilometer ago, yes with my newly increased Attributes, my sphere of vision has increased to over three kilometers. This is another reason why I want to slow down my leveling, as my range of Perception is astronomical at this point. To be honest, it is kind of hard to focus solely on what is around me. My increased range of vision has also proven a few things to me. First and foremost, I have learned that I can now only cast up to a kilometer and a half or so away. So, the fact that this death-head hawk is apparently already on their attack run has me quite impressed, as it likely means they can debilitate me rather quickly from that range. Granted I am going around as a scrumptious 18 Human Female named Sabrina Spiritlight, thanks to my Spiritual Doppelganger class Trait, so maybe the hawk just likes the taste of humans? That or it could be the fact that I am the first living thing in this area and thanks to those who explored before me, all fleshies like me are considered to be kill on sight. Regardless of the reason, the carnivorous creature is coming straight for me. This gives me a few things to key in on. First, there is the fact that they are likely going to attack me with spirit magic, not too hard to believe considering their distance and the fact that they don¡¯t really have too many mechanical components that can survive out here in the wilds, particularly with the near constant corruption that comes from Spirit Magic. Basically, there seems to be a gradient of how effective the different categories are here. Magic is 100% effective in the Spirit Realm, at least Spirit magic is. The next major component are physical actions which appear to be slightly degraded, but not dramatically so, I would guess they are at roughly 90% efficacy. Next are Apothecary potions which seem to be at 85% efficacy. Then lastly we have the mechanoid units, who while seeming to be held to the same 90% damage ratio of physical attacks, they have a much higher erosion, or maintenance rate here than they would elsewhere. This is the same gradient for magic users who try to go full mechanical. If I suddenly went all Darth Vader and had most of my body replaced by mechanical parts, there would be a huge problem, as erosion and gradual wear and tear would build up a lot faster on my body than on the average person who has no sensitivity to magic. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. All this is to say that, for this adversary, I was exceptionally well equipped to combat them. Not only was I drastically over leveled for this area, being that both of my classes were double the level of this creature, but I also chose to sit here and practice some of my skills and newly acquired class Perks related to dueling magic users. Fortunately I don¡¯t have to wait long, as my unmoving nature makes the Death-Head Hawk think it has distracted me fully. Thus, when it gets to within my own magical range, it strikes out. HAWKAW! With that one scream, a giant beam of magical force is fired straight at me. Then using instinct that has been carved by months of near constant practice against targeting my own Simulacrum, and being targeted by my Simulacrum with spells, I lash out with my own form of magic. Within seconds, I have my own countering wave of energy forming and moving to intercept the incoming attack, the moment our two spells meet, I am met with an all too familiar system message.
You have entered a contested battle of wills with Evolved Apex Death-Head Hawk, Jhalita. Jhalita is attempting to mentally disable you. Warning losing, dropping, or otherwise losing your mental focus with Jhalita will be marked as a failure, resulting in mental and cognitive disruptions of your ability to respond to an evolved predator.
So, this isn¡¯t just an attacker, but seemingly an evolved attacker. Part of me wonders if it gained levels from either feeding off of the high level regressors who were apparently wiped out on this floor earlier, or if they had actually been part of the final assault that ended their lives. In the end, what the giant bird did to evolve doesn¡¯t really matter. What matters at this very moment is winning this impromptu duel. As the spell gets closer, I see that the system has apparently evolved its choices, no longer satisfied with just the standard rock, paper, scissors, the options have this time evolved to that of forming their spell in the shape of a giant shifting lizard. Seeing the new choice I mentally nod my approval, then proceed to both decapitate and smash the lizard, first creating a giant set of scissors that I use to decapitate the lizard, then with a second focused dispel, I crush the head of the decapitated lizard with a giant rock. Whoosh! There is a burst and explosion of force in the air.
Double Critical Success.
Hidden Mage Quest Completed: Establishing Magical Dominance (Evolved Apex Death-Head Hawk): You have completed a secret rite of passage available to all mages, the Rite of Dominance, where you were proven to be successful. Rewards: Experience, and New Magical Dueling Options. Experience Gained: 500/500. New Magical Dueling Options: Lizard (Offense/Defense).
Seeing that, I couldn¡¯t help but be a little impressed, while I had dueled myself a lot, this was the first time against a real opponent in quite a while and honestly it felt very good. I also seemed to have gotten twice the normal experience for using both forms that defeat the targeted object. Then remembering the part about the possible side effects, I wonder how long I would have been out for, had that spell landed. Whipper-whip-woop. There was the odd sound of something slightly aerodynamic twisting wildly towards the ground at a high rate of speed. Mentally I look out for the sound and find that it is the same evolved death-head hawk that was just targeting me with a random attack spell. Seeing it, I can tell that it is mentally stunned, as its body is just limply flailing in the ground. I mentally try to reach out and grab the giant bird, but it is just at the cusp of my effective spell range, meaning that I can¡¯t get a good enough grip. It¡¯s almost like trying to grab something that you can only reach with your fingertip, so you try to reach out as far as you can, and end up touching a rounded part, making it so it rolls away, rather than towards you. Same thing here, except for the fact that I just caused a giant spinning bird to alter its course slightly. Now rather than driving straight into the ground like a spinning screwdriver, it is going at an angle, like a slightly slower spinning falling screwdriver. While it looks like the bird will still hit, it no longer looks like all of its weight will land on its head and neck. Boom! The bird lands with a thud, and I pause for only a second, before I Teleport next to the bird and begin trying to save the creature that just tried to eat me a moment ago, like I was a giant piece of human beef. Poof. I appear next to the bird, well close enough that I can begin casting, even while taking the last few minutes to begin healing the massive creature. The creature is dead, well close to it, despite the majority of its impact being off dropping directly onto its neck, it still broke its neck, scrambled what it had for brains, and most of its internal organs have been pierced and punctured by its broken rib cage. In all, not too good. Had I been any later, or even slightly worse of a healer, I might not be able to do much. Fortunately, I¡¯m pretty good at healing, if I do say so myself. I begin using two different pools of energy at once. First I cast Omni-Heal, a Void Healer only Trait, meaning my Simulacrum can¡¯t even use this pool of energy. Regardless, of how much her being able to use this secondary pool of mana would help. Fortunately with 451 Willpower and 338 Intelligence my mana regeneration and mana pools are very robust, so even with my Simulacrum being on shift right now, this should not be too much of a drain. Especially as the only actual spell I need to cast on the bird is my first ever Tier IX spell, Resurrection, where I begin tying the soul of the bird back into its mortal body. I even use Telekinesis to help pull out the broken bones and put them into place. Rustle. A humanoid figure has come near and is no doubt looking over me and what I am doing to the bird. Likely they will attempt to kill the bird that I am healing, as it will be free experience, but I won¡¯t let that happen, at least not until the bird has a chance to get away. Fortunately for me, the newcomer seems to be okay with just watching us from a distance. This is good, as I am pretty sure even if the newcomer tried to attack, I could defend not only myself, but the bird. So, I recognized the threat, but then just continued healing and more importantly resurrecting the bird spirit. I don¡¯t know if it is me, my new power, or my new Reincarnation class perk, but the healing and resuscitation of this predator is amazingly easy. Within moments, the minute the bird, Jhalita, starts to move, their healthy heart begins to pump vigorously, and then I can all but feel the moment their mind awakens. Squak-ak! The bird awakens, clearly frightened beyond compare, and then lashes out wildly. Apparently its first survival instinct is to target the healer, that brought it back to life. I pause, not quite certain how I feel about this, but then realize it is just a dumb bird. So rather than get annoyed, I flick the bird, right in the head with a Telekinetic pulse. Plink. Gahh! After the light flick, the bird promptly passes out once more. At this, the man that has been watching this entire time gets up and looks like they are about to act, when I hold one finger up behind my back gesturing to them that not only can I see them, but I will act with them accordingly as well. Seeing my reaction to his silent movement, he pauses. With that I nod, and continue healing the rest of the bird. I even heal the slight blood clotting in the brain that I might or might not have caused by flicking the bird a little too hard in the head. To my defense, the entire thing was very stressful. Finally, once the bird is completely healed, but not yet fully awake, I stand up from my kneeling position, and turn to face the man. Upon seeing me, the man pauses, as a wave of fear and something else washes over him. They are completely silent, so I take that as my cue to walk forward, until I am but a dozen paces away from the individual. ¡°Suffice it to say, that this creature is now under my protection until it once again takes flight. Only once it has a chance to get airborne and acclimated to its recent changes will I let you go after it.¡± ¡°Go after it?¡± ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t know if you are here for sport, or if you think taking down a half wounded creature is acceptable, but I will not allow it, under my watch.¡± Silence. The man pauses for a moment, but then proceeds to take off their cowboy hat and place it over their heart before bowing slightly. ¡°I am sorry miss Void Healer, you seem to have mistaken me for someone. I must admit part of that is the fact that I stayed back to ensure you were not going to do anything untoward towards my familiar, but then I saw your title, and realized you were not like the others.¡± There was a lot to unpack in that. ¡°Title?¡± I ask almost out of reflex, before even realizing what it is he is in fact talking about. ¡°Yes, the title that states you are the Trainer for Void Healers. I must admit I do not know what that class is exactly, but I can see that they are quite powerful.¡± The man states. With that, I remember my other boon, that came from me reaching level 50 in both of my Unique classes, and that is the fact that I am now officially recognized as the Trainer for both Void Healer, and Simulacrum Master.
Void Healer Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Void Healer class. Rewards: Can dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Simulacrum Master Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Simulacrum Master class. Rewards: Cand dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
¡°Yes, thank you.¡± I say, then I turn back to look at the giant bird. The entire gesture is pointless, as I don¡¯t actually see the bird any better by turning my head, but it does draw attention to the subject that I am talking about, while also hiding the fact that I am clearly blind, before I continue speaking, ¡°so that is your familiar?¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sorry, she was only meant to alert us to¡­¡± He pauses as he looks at me, though I think I can understand what he means exactly. ¡°Fleshies?¡± I ask, having heard the term a few times while here in the spirit realm, it is a derogatory term meant to describe anyone still living that has somehow managed to transfer over to the spirit realm. ¡°Yes, sorry.¡± ¡°No problem.¡± I say, just glad it was me, so I could heal him back up after his fall. ¡°Yes, how did you do that?¡± ¡°Do what?¡± ¡°Shoot him out of the sky like that, I didn¡¯t see you cast anything.¡± ¡°I broke his mental resolve when I shattered his spell, making it so what he intended to hit me with was rebounded back on him.¡± At that the man nods, ¡°I see.¡± More silence. ¡°So, what do you intend to do next?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, is there anything interesting to find out here? I am always interested in seeing new things.¡± Chapter 76 The Fort Chapter 76 The Fort ¡°I don¡¯t know, is there anything interesting to find out here? I am always interested in seeing new things.¡± That is probably the dumbest thing anyone could say. I almost regret the words as they come out of my mouth, as that is exactly what witnesses would say the soon to be abducted child would have said just before they disappeared forever. Granted, I am not in my normal form, choosing instead to instead go as one of my of age personalities, Sabrina Spiritlight, but still, this is not a good look. Fortunately, this is an NPC and not a Regressor meaning, they likely won¡¯t want to shove me in the back of a van and make me disappear, not that vans exist out here. Maybe stick me in a steam powered vehicle? ¡°Sorry to say, there isn¡¯t much to do out here. If you are the adventuring sort, then there are quite a few quests you could pull up from the guild hall.¡± ¡°There is a guild hall here?¡± I ask, realizing it has been forever since I set foot into an Adventurers Guild Hall. Almost as an unconscious gesture, I reach up and touch the Adventurer¡¯s Necklace around my neck and hope that I am still in good standings with the guild. I might have to pay a huge fee if I am behind or delinquent in my payments. That should still be handled by Hector and Golum, but they have been busy dealing with the war efforts with the Legrand Empire. Thinking back, I wonder if that little heist had any impact on the war whatsoever, I doubt it. While ten million is a lot, it is probably a drop in the bucket for a large country like Legrand. Still, it would be nice to know I had some impact on the surroundings. ¡°Yes, I can take you there if you like?¡± He says as he points off in the distance. As he points, I can just make out what I think are buildings at the edge of my three-kilometer viewing range. ¡°Oh, thank you, I think I can take it from here.¡± I say, not wanting to walk and talk to someone for three kilometers. Especially not on something that appears to be a travel quest, which means we would likely be attacked by multiple waves of monsters, before we got to the final destination. While I have no doubt in my ability to run from any danger that should come my way, the same cannot be said for this man, nor his bird. ¡°Wait, if you are an instructor, please tell me what it is you are looking for in a student.¡± ¡°For Void Healer?¡± I ask, making sure I have gauged his interest correctly. ¡°Yes, that seems perfect for out here, as it seems to focus directly on healing spirits no?¡± He asks. At that I paused for a second, I honestly hadn¡¯t given my criteria for getting an apprentice that much thought. Mainly because I doubted, I would get to level fifty any time soon. Yet here I am less than six months into being able to get a class and not only do I have two unique classes, but they are now both over the level 50 benchmark making me officially powerful enough to be considered a Sage in both of my classes. I can think of my first criteria almost right off the bat. ¡°Have you ever killed people, monsters, or entities? And do you intend to do so, in order to keep leveling?¡± ¡°Yes, I have killed many great beasts. I will prove that I am more than capable of becoming your disciple.¡± I slice a hand through the air, cutting him off. ¡°Sorry, this is not a warrior¡¯s path. I will only accept a true pacifist, someone dedicated to healing and only healing while holding this class.¡± There are of course multiple reasons for this, the first and foremost reason is that I don¡¯t want someone out leveling me, so if they have the same moral handcuffs that I do, then they should be easy to keep behind me and allow me to keep my lead in my class. I know that I must allow people to take my class, that is part of my job as a trainer. I will likely also get multiple rewards if my trainee reaches certain benchmarks in their own progression, which is why lots of masters will take on multiple students all at once, as they will gain experience from all their students¡¯ efforts and that will help them level independently and continue to rise ahead of the competition. I could do that, have hundreds of little trainees under me, but I think that would diminish the value of my class, or at least make it so people are able to prepare for and deal with my advantages. Right now, I am mostly a wild card, which is why I can get away with so much. If others find out about what I can do, then they can attempt to counter me, which is why it is in my best interest to keep both of my classes a closely guarded secret for as long as possible. Also, I think that my Void Healer class would be nearly useless without my ability to create spells as needed to fix any situation that I might find myself in. ¡°I think I might know a few who fit this, they are healers. Or people who are dedicated to becoming Healers, they too are at the outpost.¡± The insistent adventurer states. Of course, it wouldn¡¯t be as easy as here is an impossible standard. ¡°The other criteria might also seem rude, but it is necessary. I will need the apprentice to have at least the ability to cast Tier V spirit spells.¡± I add. Now there are reasons for this, first magic is rare, Spirit magic users doubly so. Secondly, I can always use my bloodline curse to increase the power rating of anyone I seem to be truly worthy of my class. ¡°Tier V Spirit? Well, that is a bit tougher but not unmanageable. Also, I am fairly certain that you will find that most people who are here are Spirit Magic users.¡± He noted. ¡°Right.¡± I said, not even considering the fact that most people in the spirit realm will be Spirit magic users. This would be the same thing as being in the mortal realm and being shocked to find elemental or nature magic users. Shaking my head, I nod in understanding, then before things can get too awkward, I gesture for him to ¡°lead on. Though know I am a Healer, at the first sight of trouble, I will run and leave you to fend for yourself.¡± I state this last part not to be mean, but to make sure I don¡¯t have an escort quest show up. ¡°With Bessy flying overwatch, and your unnaturally high level, I see no problems.¡± The man said, while first pointing to his bird, when speaking of Bessy. ¡°Oh, I am Pierre St. Cloud by the way.¡± ¡°Oh, well hello Pierre, I am Ca¡­ called Sabrina.¡± I say, almost slipping up, but managing the save expertly, if I do say so myself. ¡°So are you ready to head out?¡± He asks. I nod, still not liking this, but figured this might be one of those lore quests people talk about. One where the NPC talks and gives me the lay of the land, a few creatures to worry about. Of course, there is an issue almost immediately, as Pierre seems to all but send out pheromones to the local creatures of the lands that all but scream, attack me I¡¯m weak. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. This is noticed within the first few seconds of our trip, as a pack of large feral cats suddenly spawned from one of the zone tunnels that lined our path. This was just as I had feared, as I did not want to do an escort quest, especially not where I had to fight off hordes and hordes of feral creatures. Seeing the monsters, I decide to go forward, and greet them. They are all much lower level than me, but not lower level than Pierre. Seeing me, the pack slowly backs away. ¡°Come on, I won¡¯t bite.¡± I say, as I reach out a hand for the giant cats to sniff. ¡°Miss, I don¡¯t think you should.¡± ¡°Oh calm down. If I need to, I can heal myself, but I have a feeling about these cats.¡± I say, as I begin shooting out calming strands of healing magic at the feral creatures. Tss. One of the cats drools a bit, and in that second I see the saliva actually burn away at the hard stone below us. Either this will be a very teachable moment for me, or I might make a pack of new guard cats. My magic connects with the lead cats who instantly back up from the interaction, unaware of why random strings of magic would be contacting them. Honestly, I can¡¯t blame them. I would be suspicious too in their case, but I can safely say that for now everything is above board. ¡°What should I do?¡± Pierre asks as he walks forward. Hiss. At his movement the feral cats all hiss out angrily. ¡°I¡¯d suggest you just stay there.¡± I say. I am trying something, my last name Spiritlight is supposed to make it so I am at the very least neutral with all spirits, and seeing as these creatures before me are all spirit beasts, I can¡¯t help but wonder what would happen if I just went up and tried to initiate calm contact with the wild creatures of the spirit world, would they avoid me, or would they be able to eventually be pacified. I had my doubts, especially with the way Bessy originally acted with me, but I know now that her reaction was likely due to Pierre¡¯s commands more than anything. At least, that is what I and by extension my hand is now hoping as I dangle the hand that is generating waves of healing energy outward. ¡°Rawar!¡± An alpha snarls, as he lunges forward from the pack that has seemingly gone stock still in my sight. ¡°Hi there little guy. How are you?¡± I say, I my sweetest voice I can muster. At the charge, I can see Pierre double back and nearly trip over himself as he tries to back up a few more paces. The monster is locked in on me, I am prepared to defend myself in needed, mostly this will require using Telekinesis to either unlatch the beast¡¯s jaws from my skin, or to push it away if it does anything overtly aggressive. I could almost see the way it quivered in fear as it approached me. I was confused by this at first, but then realized I was drastically over leveled for this area. At least that is what I felt, as I didn¡¯t really think that anything in here was too dangerous. Maybe this was just me being na?ve. I mean here I was surrounded by a dozen or so menacing spirit beasts, but oddly I felt I sort of belonged here. Seeing the creature, I decide to see if I can make a friend, or at least get us safe passage through the zone. ¡°Let¡¯s try this.¡± I say, as I slightly modify the same spell that I have already created and modified once. This time, I intend to see if I can cast the same spell, but over an entire pack of creatures all at once and see if I can link them that way. The spell is of course, Modified Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C). This time, not only do I want to modify it so it can link a dozen spirits together, I wish to do so, so that it works on creatures as well. Basically, taking a known spell, taking it from dual or single use, and making it a targeted AOE, or area of effect, spell. The logistics of the spell come alive in my mind rather easily, then before I could really even get the consent of the creatures, I was sort of bonding with a pack aggression spell that improved their ability to hunt and grow, the spell was done.
New Spell Created: Modified Animal Pack Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Sabrina Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted animal group, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Attributes, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
That was surprisingly easy to perform. Granted it was my third time creating the same spell, and most of the work had been hammered out the first two times casting, but this seemed to be completely odd. To my surprise, the cats first glowed with a slightly golden hue, before the spell fully took effect and seemed to coat their bodies completely. The alpha¡¯s eyes glowed menacingly for a moment, but then came forward and rubbed its whole body up against me, hard. I know this is the way cats and other animals mark you with their scent, but this large beast caused me to lose balance slightly. I made sure to pet the beast as it went around, getting a happy head tilt as I scratched it behind its ears. Then after the alpha was done, all of the other animals of the pack also came forward to mark me. Then they did something I didn¡¯t expect, though in hindsight, maybe I should have? As one, the animals that had all shown their appreciation for me turned in near perfect unison and then began breaking off into tiny three and four cat hunting packs. I was confused at first, before I realized that the cats were going out and killing everything and anything that got in their way. Pierre watched in muted horror, as the cats ran away, and slowly relaxed only once they were apparently out of his sight range. Of course, I still had two or more kilometers of viewing space myself that could cover these ferocious beasts. Tracking them, I could see the way they tore into and through any creatures that got in their way. ¡°So, I think we should be good to go for now.¡± I said to Pierre. Pierre just nodded his head, looking off in the direction that the wild beasts had gone and then back to me. Then nodding he began walking again. After that we made great time. Every once in a while, I could see how the pack of killer cats would circle back to us, to make sure we were safe. Then after making sure with visual confirmation that everything was fine, one group would roar out to the other packs. Then turn around and continue hunting any creatures that spawned along our path. Honestly, had I known that was all that it would take to do one of these travel quests, I would have done so a long time ago. Just take the first batch of creatures that come your way, super charge them and set them loose in the area. ¡°You sure you are a Healer?¡± The man asked. ¡°What? Me? Yeah. Though I think I can heal almost anything, humans creatures, monsters, would be really limiting to only be able to heal humans or humanoid creatures.¡± I state. At that Pierre just nods, ¡°right.¡± And that was that conversation. No lore, no history of the wild lands around us. Just silence. I think part of the silence clearly had to do with the amount of carnage and dead animals we saw along our way. At about the halfway point our first injury appeared. Limping. One of the animals had apparently been severely injured during their wild killing romp. Seeing the poor little guy, I cooed, ¡°oh, poor thing.¡± Then I did what any Healer should do, I healed the heavily muscular killing machine and let it go on its merry killing way. At this, the beast once again nuzzled me, covering me in its scent that even I could smell at this time. Then began frolicking away as it seemed to pounce towards its companions with extra vigor in its pounce. ¡°You, you just healed that beast?¡± Pierre finally spoke, but only after the cat was out of his eyesight again.
The cats were nice, even going so far as to bring us the choice kills. Leaving them along our path to the local fort that we had been heading too. The path that was easily noticeable and seemed to wind around the entire zone for some odd reason. Though this was simple game mechanics and something that I was fully expecting. What I was not expecting however was just how effective my little cats were at cleaning up the area around me. Also, the one I healed must have somehow told the others, as invariably after that we were met by other cats who all got injured. When they came, I healed them before they marked me once more, then left. I did notice the way that the cats started to almost growl at Pierre, but since they didn¡¯t do anything to actually hurt Pierre, I mainly stopped them with a vigorous head pat. ¡°Hey, stop that.¡± I¡¯d say, then the cats would look cowed and wait till I pet them once more, before going off to rejoin their little death pack. It was fun, honestly. Like watching three little dots charge headfirst into a pack of twelve dots, then watch as all twelve of the little dots disappeared within seconds. Soon before I knew it, we were right outside the gates of the local fort for the area. ¡°Who goes there?¡± ¡°It is I, Pierre St. Cloud, and a healer?¡± He said, though he sounded more questioning than anything when he said the word healer. ¡°Oh Pierre, about time you got back, well come on in. And a Healer you say? Well, always glad to have more help.¡± The guard said. Clink, clink, clink. Just like that, the sealed gates to the fort began to mechanically give way, and I could see the entire fort complex for what it was, a massive, pocketed zone within the tower meant for extra missions, and additional exploration. Seeing this area, I was certain new adventures awaited. ¡°Why hello there.¡± I said, to no one in particular, as I let a smile of excitement and exploration come to my face. This should be fun. Chapter 77 Mage Duelist, A Class Unto Itself Chapter 77 Mage Duelist, A Class Unto Itself The minute we got into the Fort, Pierre left me so quickly, I would have thought I had the mange. I didn¡¯t, I checked, and as far as I could tell my Sabrina form was considered very pretty, as apparently my own base Attractiveness shone through in this form as well. Meaning, I must have somehow seriously frightened the guy. That said, I don¡¯t quite know what I could have said or done to offend him so gravely. I know it had something to do with the murder cats, but honestly that was just good business, befriend one pack of murder hobo cats, so that you can walk freely in a zone. I mean that is no different than healing an elite squad of hunters and letting them also go forward in a particular zone either. It¡¯s just that in this case the pack of cats is likely less annoying than the people would be. At the very least I think murder cats are a little more my speed than say Duchesses trying to bond me via a slave contract. Come to think of it, bonding with a pack of wild cats might be the same thing as a slave contract. I mean, I figure the duties and obligations are mostly the same, bend over backward for said cats, heal said cats when it is time, pet them when they want, never when you want, then get out of their way. Huh, well on the bright side I don¡¯t think I mind that form of pet slavery, as I would to being bound to a humanoid. Hmm, one point towards realizing that cats are smarter than humans. These were my thoughts as I went about entering the Fort, though I was stopped relatively quickly. ¡°You there, you are a magic user are you not?¡± A man wearing so many layers of magical items and regalia that would make a rainbow jealous, stepped forward and directly into my path. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m a healer.¡± I say, realizing that trying to hide my magic class would be nearly impossible, thanks to my titles being on full display. ¡°That you are, and a Simulacrum Master?¡± He questions. ¡°Yes.¡± I answer, though I am not quite exactly certain where this line of questioning is heading. Hearing my comment, he nods to himself, then begins to pace in front of me, sauntering as he moved, each step a disguised movement of magic, and magical items. Looking at the man before me, I see that this person too is a hidden class trainer.
Title: Magical Duelist Trainer
¡°I have to ask, what exactly is a Void Healer, or for that matter what is a Simulacrum Master?¡± The man asks. Hearing his questions, I can¡¯t help but feel my own questions coming to life. ¡°Well by that measure what is a Magical Duelist?¡± I reply. At that the man, this Duelist just pauses before me for a moment, and seems to stare at me, as if taking in the full breath of my character. ¡°How about we have a friendly competition instead. We both seem to have questions we would like to have answered by the other, why not make it into a competition of sorts. I will show you what it means to be a Magical Duelist. In this, I propose a proper Mage¡¯s Duel, you have heard of them before, have you not?¡± I nod. ¡°Very good, we have a duel of five rounds, where I showcase each of my different skills. If you win, each of my different skills. If you win, I will teach you the skill being displayed. If I win, you show me something unique about your class. If you cannot show me anything unique about either of your classes, then you will offer to teach me the class, or someone of my choosing. Sound fair?¡±
Quest Unlocked: Dueling the Duelist: Trigon BiFrost has challenged you to a magical duel. The terms are, you will compete in five rounds, where Trigon will showcase a new and unique skill specific to his class. If you lose, you must explain an advantage of your class. If you win, Trigon will give you a quick overview of the skill being used that you can practice on your own. If you lose three or more of the rounds, you will teach Trigon one of your unique Classes. If you lose all five rounds, you will teach someone of Trigon¡¯s choosing one of your unique classes. Rounds Remaining: (5/5). Rewards: Experience, New Class Unique Skills. Do you accept?
Seeing the message, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was sort of a set up. As the conditions of the quest were clearly different than what was being discussed, it appeared as though this quest had been taken and failed multiple times before, thus the reason the conditions for success had changed. Basically, if I won one of the five duels, I wouldn¡¯t have to teach one of my unique classes to anyone other than the duelist. If I won three duels, then I just gave up information about my classes and nothing more. Also, it was pretty obvious that whatever class I gave up information on was the one that I would be expected to teach. Pausing mentally, I could understand the purpose for this type of quest, or at least the rationale for why a class trainer stuck out in a fort would want to challenge another wandering class trainer. The idea being that they were out here alone, and by having someone with the class of Void Healer out here, then they would drastically increase their survivability. That said, the quest did seem to be a bit skewed in the way of the Duelist. ¡°So, let me get this straight. You, a duelist, wish to duel me, a healer. Where you get rewards for completely embarrassing me in a duel that you yourself initiated. While I only get you to train me in your class unique skills? Then, should I lose all rounds, as is likely the case, you will have me teach one of my unique classes to your men here?¡± I ask. ¡°Actually, since we are negotiating, I only care about the Void Healer class, you can keep your Simulacrum Master class to yourself for now.¡± Trigon, the Duelist, said. At that I nodded, not truly surprised by the admission. Then just as it was said, the quest I was offered changed.
Quest Unlocked: Dueling the Duelist: Trigon BiFrost has challenged you to a magical duel. The terms are, you will compete in five rounds, where Trigon will showcase a new and unique skill specific to his class. If you lose, you must explain an advantage of your class. If you win, Trigon will give you a quick overview of the skill being used that you can practice on your own. If you lose three or more of the rounds, you will teach Trigon your unique class of Void Healer. If you lose all five rounds, you will teach someone of Trigon¡¯s choosing your unique class of Void Healer. Rounds Remaining: (5/5). Rewards: Experience, New Class Unique Skills. Do you accept?
¡°You have me at somewhat of a disadvantage here. As a healer I might not be able to cast the same spell you can, let alone with the same precision and accuracy.¡± I state, trying to see if I can get a free demo of what I will be up against. I am intrigued by this, but I don¡¯t want to get committed to a duel I can¡¯t possibly win. ¡°Very well, we shall be doing channeled spells. You can cast any channeled spell you wish, while I will be casting Blame Burst. The minute my flames touch you, you lose, likewise the minute your channeled spell touches me, I would lose.¡± He said. ¡°So, I have to get my spell past yours, then through those magical defenses you have going there, then to you? While you just have to get your spell to me?¡± I ask. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Chuckle. ¡°Ah, so you are not as blind as the others who have come through here before.¡± The duelist said. At that, I almost laughed at the irony of the comment. That almost had to have been said on purpose, as I am completely blind, but can see everything thanks to my maxed-out merit of Angel¡¯s Sight. ¡°I think I¡¯ll pass.¡± I say. I get it, a remote outpost, way out in the middle of nowhere, the likely motivation for this quest is that this duelist is bored and looking to enact some type of entertainment. They are also in possession of a dueling class that apparently has quite a few skills. ¡°I tell you what, you seem like a good sort, how about I heal you and we call it a day.¡± The Duelist pauses, and stares at me. Finally, after a moment, the Duelist lets out a long sigh. ¡°Fine, have it your way. No duel.¡± At that, I get the notification that I have been waiting for.
Quest Cancelled: Dueling the Duelist: Trigon BiFrost challenged you to a magical duel. However, you did not accept the quest in a timely manner.
Now I know what you are thinking, why do this? Why cancel a duel that had nothing but upside? Well to be simple the fact that there was no reward for maxing out my winning all five matches meant that the system put my chances at doing such an event at near zero. Also, I did not want to be forced to possibly take on the Duelist class. If I won all five matches, the logical assumption would be that I would then take on the Duelist class as a tertiary class, seeing as both my Primary and Secondary class are high enough to warrant such an act, I wouldn¡¯t put it past the system. Then I would be forced to be a Magical Duelist, which meant I would have to be stuck in a class that would forever be mediocre, as at most I could only put 25% of my experience towards the third class. The breakdown would go 50% for Primary, then the remaining 50% would be split between my final two classes, meaning I would level exceptionally slowly with both my secondary and tertiary classes. In case you were wondering, the greatest number of classes anyone could have is six, one main that gets 50% of your experience and five others that each share the minimum allowed 10% experience. With Magical Duelist as a tertiary class, it all but guaranteed that I would forever be a minor note to this Magical Duelist, meaning I would be forced to learn and grow the way this class trainer thought would be best, which invariably would be with magical attack spells and hunting. So, while I have no doubt that some of the class skills might be phenomenal, they are nothing compared to taking a relatively unknown concept and making it your own. I might have been spoiled by being able to evolve my two unique classes, but that also means that I can grow and develop as I want. ¡°Though now that the duel of apprenticeship is over, what do you say to a friendly spar?¡± The duelist asks, a overly competitive testosterone smugness filling their voice. I¡¯ve experienced moments like this before, moments where people are bored and looking to flex. While I am at a much higher level than this duelist, I favor healing. In fact, I don¡¯t even have any focused magical items. Other than my grossly under leveled Mage¡¯s Guild, and other soul bound gear, I am drastically underdressed for my level. A lot of this has to do with the fact that I must be frugal with my acquisitions, meaning things like top end gear, or enchanting supplies to make top notch gear is beyond me. I do have Art as a possible fall back for Enchanting, by now thanks to my reading through every Rahul and the Maiden, for enchanting reference instructions only, I feel that I have a fairly good grasp on Enchanting as a whole. Unfortunately, I still cannot practice that skill, as it is one of the most expensive skills to master, as the components are expensive, and the rewards at first are highly unworthwhile. That is why I choose to wait until after I turn 14 and get rid of my Broke flaw that I will be able to do so many amazing things, like keep money I steal, and sleep in a bed with silk sheets, heck maybe even non-wool sheets would be a nice change of pace. But I digress, I am being asked to spar. I pause and wait for a moment but realize that there is no quest prompt for this. ¡°Just a friendly spar, no wager?¡± I ask. ¡°I tell you what, to give you incentive, how about this. I will train you in one of my classes sacred skills, if you beat me in just one duel.¡± The Duelist says. So, it has changed, going from earning a possible five for putting up one of my two unique classes up for collateral, to just being able to win a skill, based on a duel.
Quest Updated: Sparring with the Duelist: Trigon BiFrost challenged you to a magical sparring contest. You will compete in a single round magical duel, where any spell is allowed, the first person to land a strike on the opponent¡¯s body wins. Nothing will be gained if you lose. Rewards for winning: Experience, New Class Unique Skill. Do you accept?
I have to say that these terms are a lot better than the previous deals. Also, it is clear that there are some types of Skill sets to be learned, Skills that are normally tied to a rare class. ¡°Fine, I accept your challenge, but I must warn you, I do consider myself to be quite the Magical Duelist,¡± I declare, wanting to give the man an out. ¡°Oh really, how many people have you beaten?¡± I pause, and realize my answer might sound sort of bad, ¡°Two and a half, though one of those was a bird.¡± Sadly, this is true. I beat the one auditor twice, then myself a couple hundred times just grinding the skill, those all counted as draws, as I both won and lost each bout. So, the only other competition was Pierre¡¯s giant bird, so two and a half, though I guess I could mention something about having maxed out my Magical Duelist skill and am about to do just that when he responds. Chuckle. ¡°Oh, I do think I will be fine in this case.¡± He says, as he takes up a ready position. ¡°I too should warn you that I have faced over a hundred different foes and won each magical duel. I even beat four marauders who attempted to run wild through town here not too long ago.¡± Hearing his boast, I feel that I did the right thing, by not going for the first quest, as this guy is apparently claiming to have beaten the pack of regressors that have been causing mayhem on the upper floors of the tower for so long. I also opt to keep my knowledge of having maxed out my Magical Duelist skill a secret for now. I mean it is not like he is telling me about his Dueling class skills that I can learn from this contest. ¡°When shall we begin?¡± I ask. ¡°On three.¡± I nod. At that I can already see power building up and preparing to be constructed by the Duelist before me ¡°Three.¡± The duelist cries out, as he then pulls on the mana that was being concentrated in his core and firing it out in multiple different directions all at once. Three weak strands of magic come out, all looking like tiny pebbles. Instantly, I realize two things, first the magician is holding back in their spells, which I am thankful for, as the power behind these spells is relatively weak, and the spell form is sloppy. There is no other way to describe the spell form, I mean, okay, I get it, I might be a snob when it comes to magical forms, but there is so much inefficiency in his casting that it is making me sick. Maybe this is what happens when a powerful magician purposefully casts a spell weaker than they are capable of. I watch the spells, that I must admit are moving relatively quickly, but they are still easily able to be dealt with. In this case, keeping with the theme of Paper, Rock, Scissors, Lizard, Spock, I choose three flat pieces of paper to pluck out all three spell pellets from the air, while also sending two additional paper Dispels towards the duelist, for a total of five return spells. I too decided to hold back some, as I don¡¯t know what this duelist will do. Fear. There is a moment of fear on the Duelist¡¯s face as he realizes that his attack was stopped. Perhaps he didn¡¯t expect that much of a counter from a mere healer, but that is kind of disrespectful, as I am a Void Healer after all, one would assume that adding modifiers like the word Void to classes would imply a greater form of power, right? With my two dispels out, I am sort of shocked that nothing has come to counter them, it is almost as if he either can¡¯t see my spells, or worse thinks they are harmless due to their compact size. This annoys me, likely more than it should. I mean I am only using a Dispel, but still, there is a lot one can do with a properly placed Dispel, particularly if you target it towards someone. In particular, I target their enchanted robes, now this won¡¯t do much, at least it is not intended to, as I just want to wear a hole through their magical defenses and prove a point. Whoosh! However, apparently Trigon finally noticed something interacting with their defensive clothing. That is when they did something extremely stupid, brought on by desperation. I can see it, the moment they realize they are close to losing, as I am burrowing a magically dispelled hole straight through their clothing. They panic, overreact, then in an act of utter stupidity, they react in a way that only makes things far worse for them. Magical Pulse! I feel something grab hold of my spell construct, shake it wildly and then suddenly let go. The equivalent would be, imagine you are painting, taking great care to move with precision strokes on a painting that this other person owns, and you are just touching it up. Then during the restoration process, they grab your arm that is holding the paintbrush, hold your hand down, then cause you to spasm wildly smearing paint, jabbing your paint brush through the canvas, and then going wild, only to then let go. That is what happens, as they sent out a magical pulse that while it wasn¡¯t powerful enough to break my concentration over my spell, it did cause my spell to zip around wildly and break through the protective layers of his armor in ways I had not intended. Instantly the rainbow colors that had been coating the duelist began to fade away into the atmosphere, as whatever the mage had done had multiplied the effects of my Targeted Dispel, but apparently that reaction had been enough to also win the duel. I know, as I receive the system message, but I quickly dismiss that message, as I see the magic of this Duelist coming to the surface as he begins panting heavily, building himself up into a form of a magical rage. Panting. ¡°You, you¡­¡± He stammers, his mind clearly going crazy as he looks down to take in the fact that his brightly colored magical uniform was now dispelled. I want to say I¡¯m sorry and begin slightly cowering at his reaction. I could also point out the fact that if he didn¡¯t hold back from the beginning, this wouldn¡¯t have happened, as he likely would have won, and I wouldn¡¯t have had time to throw up such an obvious counter. Of course, I know from twenty years of marriage, that telling a man the reason why his fancy toy is broken was because of his own mistake, is a terrible argument to present, at the time of the event. Even if it is true. I know, you are wondering, wait you were married for twenty years? To which I will reply, and free for the last thirty, before my retirement, but that is a different story. The duelist, seeing my slight grimace at the recognition of what has happened, takes that as a form of admission of guilt, and I can all but see the moment rage takes him and he begins to throw spells wildly, as round two of our impromptu spar is about to begin. Yeah, this is going to be bad. Chapter 78 The Hissy Fit Chapter 78 The Hissy Fit Have you ever had one of those moments where it is a serious situation, you know it is supposed to be serious, but you can¡¯t quite take it seriously due to the way everyone is reacting. I think the best example I can come up with is you are dealing with a child who found out their cookie they were eating broke, or worse someone has a better cookie, so they go and throw a fit, but they look ridiculous while doing so. As the adult, you know this is serious, that they truly mean it, their cookie is no longer the best and they want the cookie that someone else got instead, but you can¡¯t give them the other cookie, so you just have to sit there and watch the drama unfold, all the while you try to be as calming as possible, without absolutely laughing at them, which will only make it worse. Well, I seem to have found myself in such a predicament. This Duelist challenged me to a friendly spar, during which they were sloppy with their magic, and I worked my way through their defenses and was going to work my way through their overly armored defenses and simply tag them with a Dispel. He then did something, may a Disrupt attack to my Dispel, but rather than putting in the necessary concentration to truly stop my tag, he basically caused my Dispel, to go crazy and wipe out the enchantments on his overly magical armor. Now he is angry, and rather than accepting the fact that I won round one of our little spars, as the system indicated, he is now going wild. And I do mean wild. His magical form that had been weak before was almost nonexistent now. His spells lacked cohesion and were more or less hurled in my general direction, this was great for me, as all I needed to do to avoid his high-powered attacks was simply take a quick step to the right and poof, instant crater where I had once stood. None of this is the funny part that I was talking about, this had been the semi-serious backdrop as those spells likely would hurt, if they landed, and despite my being a healer, I still don¡¯t like to feel pain, thus my attempts to do everything I can to avoid pain at all costs. ¡°How are you able to avoid my spell mastery.¡± Trigon, the duelist calls out in complete seriousness. Now this, this is where I lost it. I know, as a former parent, I should have a had a better game face, been able to handle these words better, but his comments were just so random, and wrongly egotistical, that I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, loudly. Cackle. Yes, I found myself cackling at the comment, not the evil old witch in the forest cackle, but the young princess cackle, at least that is what I hoped, though I might be a bit biased on this take. Anyways, I will admit there was a cackle, and it might or might not have added to the anger of the Duelist. Though rather than giving him clarity of mind to actually focus, he instead just started channeling more and more energy through his meridians, far more energy than his tiny meridians could actually handle. It was at this moment that quite a few things clicked in my mind. First seeing him and his tiny meridians let me realize that comparatively speaking I had much larger meridians, at least twice the size of his, meaning with my higher levels I was able to create denser streams of mana to Dispel and counteract his blatant, this is no longer a friendly spar, attacks. At this point the second revelation clicked in, and I realized the reason he might have gone for the Duelist class, might have been as a way to compensate for his tiny meridians. Not that tiny meridians implied anything else about him, but one did have to wonder, especially given the way he seemed to now be overly compensating for his lack of size with just flooding streams of mana forward that he only managed to weave an aspect into just before the mana left his zone of control. Of course, there was so little resonance, and the spell was put together so haphazardly that countering the spells was the equivalent of smacking a toddler¡¯s hand as they tried to reach past you and grab a cookie, or something else that you took away from them. ¡°You are going to burst your meridians at this rate.¡± I state, and this is where my third revelation came to be, though it took quite a bit longer than I would have hoped to fully grasp it, as it was more or less at the conceptual stage at this point, but here in this moment, this duel, this is where the basis for a theory began to populate in my mind. Still, this is a secondary concern, that I kind of want to get back to, but for the moment I must deal with the equivalent of a cranky toddler with a blowtorch, seriously who gives out magic willy-nilly to people? Oh wait, the game, the same game that let me buy my way to Tier VII magic right off the bat. ¡°I will burst you.¡± Trigon said, in what had to be one of the worst quips, and again, it was just so odd and random, that I had to laugh, yes laugh not cackle this time. Though despite keeping a bit of composure, and not cackling, it still had the same effect on the duelist. Seeing me still laughing, silently to myself, he flipped his ever-loving mind. ¡°How dare you!¡± Trigon shouted, and then he did something, I am not quite certain, but it looked like he wanted to pull the magical equivalent of the Hail Mary, where he tried to release and burn the rest of his mana in a sort of pyrokinetic flame from the palm of his hands. Now the only problem with such a type of spell as one might imagine is that one you kind of need control, or else flames will go everywhere, and second, you have to be close to said target, before what little control over the flames and mana you do have is beyond your range to control. Taking two quick steps back, I avoided the flames, but still had up a defensive net in front of me, should the mage prove to be somewhat intelligent and try to mask their true attack of a fireball by surrounding it in a sea of flames. Of course, no fireball came, and within seconds the last burst of the Duelists¡¯ mana burnt away in an overly dramatic, if ineffective burst of flames. Panting. The Duelist was panting, this would be expected from anyone that had pushed themselves to their limits, the way he had. He had gone all out for what, two and a half minutes? That was something, at least it was longer than my ex, and at least this Duelist hasn¡¯t gone to sit in front of the big screen watching the local sporting events right when he was done, so progress, right? ¡°You, how did you¡­¡± The Duelist began, before pure exhaustion took him, and he collapsed to the ground. With the Duelists¡¯ little tantrum over, people began to come out of their rooms where they had been watching the events of the duel unfold. Each looked to be shocked at the fact that here I was relatively unscathed with the proud Duelist laying passed out face forward not twenty paces away. ¡°Is, is he dead?¡± Pierre, my companion who helped show me the way here asked. I just turn, and give what I hope is my best, are you kidding me look, before answering. ¡°No, he just burned through his mana at a rate his body couldn¡¯t handle and passed out from exhaustion.¡± I could hear and see other people within my bubble around me begin to whisper and talk amongst themselves. ¡°I don¡¯t know, he looks pretty out of it.¡± Someone whispered behind me. The person they were talking to nodded their head emphatically. I could almost feel the need to Teleport out of here coming, but fortunately that was solved, when the duelist, Trigon BiFrost, started snoring, loudly. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Hanannwnk, wheeze. At that sound, two things were readily apparent, the first was that Trigon was in fact alive, as I had claimed. The second was that apparently small meridians might not be the only reason why the Duelist might find himself lonely tonight. Though again, now that I had time to think about it, my moment of clarity from earlier came back to me. In the moment of clarity, I felt that the Tier rating of one¡¯s magical potential might be directly proportional to the size of their meridians. Just having this thought, caused the hairs on the back of my neck to grow. The thought made sense, as the game world we were in clearly had a way of quantifying the different Tiers, and the difference in Tier ratings was readily apparent to most people, particularly the higher level you got, where the margin of victory over people your own level becomes increasingly smaller and smaller. That is where things like gear, Tier rating, and the like all come into play and have a profound impact on the way events are settled. But if I can prove this, I will be¡­ And that is where I realize, I might have my thesis for my magical master¡¯s degree. At that I pause, as I wonder if this is just an aspect of my analytical mind at work, that was fueled by my own past life knowledge of what hard work and effort went into proving a master¡¯s level of knowledge on any subject, but with this theory, I could also evolve it to a doctorate, if I pressed on. With this, I sort of knew that the degrees wouldn¡¯t be just empty platitudes meant to incentivize me to reach higher levels, with following these thoughts to their logical conclusions, I could very well lead to a new understanding of magic as we know it. It is at this point that my mind latches onto those words, as I know I have heard them somewhere before, and then quickly looking through my long list of flaws, I find what I was looking for.
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier IX).
There in what is nearly clear as day, I see the message that proves I am capable of changing this world and the way it views magic. The flaw also gives me perfect insight into how I can prove my theory, by observing the meridian sizes of people both before, and after they are affected by my racial flaw, I can prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that there is at least some substance to my theory. That the game¡¯s way of regulating the Tier rating and spell capacity of individuals is directly proportional to their meridian sizes. This means that in order to earn my masters, and likely doctoral degree, I will in fact have to live up to my racial flaw and be the usherer of a new magical destiny. This reminded me to look at my own system notifications that I had avoided fully reading, as I was too busy preparing for round two of my duel with Trigon.
Quest Completed: Sparring with the Duelist: You sparred with Trigon BiFrost in a magical sparring contest. You competed in a single round magical duel, where any spell was allowed, and you were the first person to land a strike on the opponent¡¯s body. Rewards for winning: Experience, New Class Unique Skill. Experience Gained: 500 / 500. Ding. Level up. Your level in Simulacrum Master has increased to level 83.
Class specific Skill unavailable at the moment.
I do have to admit, I was somewhat surprised, as this was the first time, I had not earned the skill described while in the course of completing the quest. Of course, some of this might have had to do with the fact that the skills I could learn are solely class specific skills, meaning only a true expert of the class, like the trainer could offer them as independent rewards. I guess this was good to know, as it meant that I too could offer up my own class unique skills as rewards to people who might do different tasks for me. Perhaps that was why this guy had been so insistent on these spars? But if that was the case, then why did he get so angry at the fact that I won our first spar? Or maybe it was the way I had won? Shaking my head, regardless, I will never be able to understand what caused this duelist to go off the way he did, until he awakens. ¡°So, what should we do with him?¡± Someone who looks to be the leader of this outpost asks, stepping forward and standing next to me. They are more than an arm¡¯s length away, giving me plenty of space, but also letting them know that they are apparently talking to me directly. ¡°Let him sleep it off, he¡¯s had a bad day, I guess.¡± I state, not quite knowing what the proper etiquette for winning a duel is. ¡°Really, you are sure, as the winner of an unsanctioned duel, you are eligible to all of his belongings.¡± The captain states. ¡°Oh, that is good to know, but I don¡¯t think that is necessary, thank you.¡± I say, and am sort of tempted, but again with my Broke flaw taking anything always has the chance of directly coming back to bite me almost instantly in the form of negative karma, until I get back down to a basic level of finances. That is why I generally make it a point to not take too much advantage of a particular moment in time. The game does this, leaves out a nice slab of beef, and then slaps your hand when you try to take more than you are allowed. That is why I often find myself turning down these offerings out of habit more than anything else at this point. Hearing my refusal to what are allegedly my goods, I am then met with another slew of system messages.
Critical Success!
Hidden Quest Complete: A New Duelist In Town: You were challenged by and handedly won a duel against a master in the craft. Rewards: Experience, Badge, New Title. Experience Gained: 500 / 500.
New Feat Recorded: Magical Dueling Master (100): You managed to win a magical duel against a reported master in the field.
New Title: Magical Duelist: You are developing a reputation for being a winner of magical duels, this both makes you stand out more, while offering some benefits. Effect: +5% to all Magical Dueling Skills, +5% to all Social Attributes when you are recognized for your feats.
The sad part is that the five hundred experience I just got is considered little more than a drop in the bucket. It will now take over eight thousand experience points per level to raise my level by one, though it is good to keep getting experience. Another odd thing I¡¯ve noticed is that the experience that my Simulacrum earns doesn¡¯t synchronize with me, until I rest for the night. So, while my Simulacrum is slaving away, reading texts, being a good healer, and getting rid of over a million pounds of golden trash from the Guild Master¡¯s office, I will not receive a drop of that delicious experience until I go to a safe spot and rest for the night. Still, that is a minor inconvenience, and something I am sort of thankful for, as it would be a pain to be in the middle of doing something when I receive random notifications for gaining ten experience here, or a hundred experience there. Now I get it all in one lump sum, and don¡¯t have to worry about the breakdown from day to day. I assume the same holds true for my Simulacrum, meaning that they don¡¯t get my experience until they too rest, though that does bring up a good question of whether they need to rest as well? I¡¯ve seen them rest, but I think part of that could be that they are like me and thus inherently lazy, or not quite lazy, but willing to take long breaks when the time is right. ¡°Well in that case, we will take him back and put him in his barracks room, while he sleeps off, whatever this was.¡± The officer says. I nod, and there is an awkward silence that fills the area for a moment, before the officer continues her train of thought. ¡°Name¡¯s Tara, Commander Tara to those who fall under my protection. Though from what Pierre has told me, and what I just witnessed, I¡¯m not too certain that you would necessarily need my protection.¡± The strong officer states, her posture giving way to a slightly nervous presence that is almost comical, given the fac that even in this human form, she towers over me. Yet, size isn¡¯t everything, well unless it relates to meridians, then I think size matters. But this game has a way of setting size as but a minor factor in most day-to-day situations. ¡°Ca¡­can you call me Sabrina?¡± I ask, hopefully covering for my near flub of revealing my true identity to this commander. Not that it would really take too much of a detective, considering the way all my Titles apparently follow me around as an undeniable proof that I am a Master Trainer for two completely unique classes. Classes that others might want and thus look to track down the semi-elusive trainer for. ¡°Sure, thing Sabrina.¡± Another awkward pause, before she continues, ¡°so what brings you here in the first place?¡± I am about to answer, when I get a mental burst communication from my Simulacrum. There are only two words, but they are the words that send my entire world into a tailspin. Seeing them, I immediately hold up a finger to the leader of this fort, and ask, ¡°sorry about this, do you have a privy?¡± The look on the commander¡¯s face changes from shock to a near smile. ¡°Sure, right this way. When you¡¯ve got to go, you¡¯ve got to go, I guess.¡± With that she takes me to a lone wooden outhouse in the exact middle of the fort. Nodding to the commander I nod to her, then double check the message, and seeing what it says, I almost let out a whoop of excitement, before catching myself and preparing for what needs to happen next. The message is short, sweet, and to the point. ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± Chapter 79 The Magical Merit Shop Chapter 79 The Magical Merit Shop ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± Two simple words from my Simulacrum that tell me oh so much about what is going to happen next. These were the words my Simulacrum and I chose to use for one thing, and one thing only. To explain when the traveling Merit Shop appeared in the town of Crossroads. Seeing the words, my first impulse was to do a switch with my Simulacrum right then and there, of course that would ruin the whole idea of my going around as Sabrina, a spiritual body that I could supposedly get rid of at any time. If I had transitional switch, right then and there, then it would have been noted that I was able to both switch positions with my Simulacrum, and that I was able to take on alternate forms, other than my natural body. These were of course two things that I did not want to get out. My Simulacrum and I had a plan, a set of code words to use for situations such as this. In this case, we would both make our way to a bathroom, lock ourselves in, and then use Positional Switch, to swap places with my Simulacrum. Poof. One second, I am on floor 53 of the Arcanarus Tower, and the next, I am on the second floor, inside the Mage¡¯s Guild. I am in my healing office, in the back where my Simulacrum has laid out a set of clothes for me to switch into. Ideally, these would be the same exact set of clothes that my Simulacrum was wearing. Don¡¯t worry, she is still clothed, I hope, but rather these are generic mage guild robes that everyone has access to. Since I would be going out for my Simulacrum it made sense that I would need to both change my appearance back to my base form and wear the same exact clothing as my Simulacrum. Even while changing my clothes, I already see the fabled shop in question. Just seeing it causes my skin to shiver slightly as I am so excited by this very moment. Nine point four million, that is how much experience I spent towards this plan, nine point four million for a total of ninety-four merit points. That is an astronomical amount of experience that could have easily pushed me to over three hundred for both my primary and secondary classes. Of course, such a rapid evolution would mean I would be stuck with minor improvements, my classes would not have altered or improved based on the way I played, like my Void Walker class transforming to Void Healer. Also, it should be noted that there are also in game measures designed to keep people from doing things just like that, where my classes could have become Diluted, basically if I go over a hundred levels without achieving anything of note, like my recent duel where I won against a Duelist, then my class could devolve due to my personal choice of quick power over gradual progression. Also, as noted before, there was a one-hour cool down timer on all the potions, so despite still having had access to the potions, my Simulacrum would have still been forced to drink them. Though I am fairly certain that she likely would have gone on strike after a point given the terrible taste assigned to the bottles. All this led to the fact that when we, my Simulacrum and I, were offered a chance to get an easy out with Merit points, we jumped at the chance. Particularly as the trade in made it so we were halfway done with cleaning up after our caper. We still had over a million pounds of gold coins waiting to be destroyed, but that was just a million experience points that could help fill in the gap for what still remained of the pile of gold coins that all had to be marked as trash. That was another thing, if I could get rid of my Broke flaw, then our destroying millions of gold coins would be pointless as we could just keep them and claim them as our own. While the extra million experience was exciting to think about, honestly not having any lingering trace of the crime linked to either myself, the Mage¡¯s Guild, or my Simulacrum would be ideal. These were my thoughts as I finished getting dressed to play off one of my easier roles to portray. Namely, I would go as me, or rather I would go as the way my Simulacrum portrays me. Stepping back from the back dressing room, I am immediately greeted by Zero. ¡°Hey boss.¡± Zero says, swishing forward in the way that only a tiny flying dragon can and immediately goes to embrace me. ¡°Hey Zero,¡± I say, petting the big guy, and suddenly wondering if I really am mean to my familiar. Honestly, I didn¡¯t think that Zero could tell the difference between me and my Simulacrum, but based on the way he his hugging me now, maybe I was wrong. There is a long-drawn-out moment, where I think Zero is going to break and say something, but after a long minute, he relaxes and then nods to himself, before finally letting me go. ¡°You good?¡± I ask. Zero pauses, then presses his snout flat against my chest once more, as if to hear my heartbeat for a moment. Then after a quick second, he pushes himself away and nods. ¡°I, wow.¡± I stammer out, but then stop myself before I too am found to have given away more than I intended. I know I am being watched, but we haven¡¯t been able to determine if I am being watched while in a Doppelganger form. Still, that doesn¡¯t really matter much, as so far, I have only interacted with the system while in my Doppelganger forms, but still good to keep a layer of separation between the two of us. With that awkward moment aside, I leave and go to the Merit shop that is a glowing golden train car that has been purposefully separated from the main body of the train, and allowed to set up shop here in Crossroads for the time being. Seeing the shop, I casually stroll out to the shop. As I move, I am instantly flanked by two men. My instincts kick in, telling me to be prepared to defend and flee, but then I quickly realize these are just my normally assigned guards from Lenny¡¯s. Mentally I wonder how my Simulacrum¡¯s relationship with Lenny is going, but ultimately, I choose not to ask, as that would likely cause more questions. What do you mean how are we? How would you say we are doing? That sort of thing, and it would ultimately just be annoying, which is why I decided to avoid any such questions, and just focus on my mission. ¡°Good afternoon.¡± A deep baritone voice calls out, sending chills down my spine. It is the voice of Glenn, the voice that I have instantly assigned to that of Rahul, when I read out loud. Just hearing the voice is enough to make me stop and want to talk to him. But I press on. ¡°Pleasant afternoon Glenn.¡± I say with a slight nod and a curtsey as I push my way forward to the offered converted traveling train car. ¡°This is a scam!¡± The shrill voice of Hilda can be heard as she angrily exits the vehicle, as two massive body guards come out to block her from being able to reenter the car. ¡°Fine, how about just a five percent discount for touching my wares?¡± The old crone says, as she flaps and jiggles her sagging chest towards the guards. The guards both raise up their eyebrow in some form of synchronized sign of disgust. Seeing the complete look of revulsion on the two¡¯s faces, Hilda once again changes her plan. ¡°Fine, fine. How about a 5% increase for your two guards to handle my merchandise?¡± She offers, once again shaking her chest in a way that reminds me of waterfalls and the way they are long, thin, run off down the natural slopes and contours, and then make a giant splashing pooling at the bottom. And yes, before you ask, she is wearing a seemingly customized corset that is little more than the equivalent of dipping her girls in a giant billowing chef¡¯s hat that was sewn to her outfit, where she just let them sit like that against her stomach. I know, I know, not the nicest of images, but since I am being subjected to it, you all are as well. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Just how much do you have to spend in this fine establishment?¡± A cultured voice calls out from behind the two guards. The voice belongs to an old gnome. ¡°Why nothing, your prices are outlandish.¡± ¡°So when you make this deal, you are offering a 5% tax on nothing?¡± The cultured voice calls out. ¡°What do you mean nothing? These fine men get to sample my goods, and if they play their cards right, they might get the chance to see under the big top, if you know what I mean?¡± Hilda says, as she gestures to her billowing robe that does little to hide just how enthusiastic Hilda is about life, and about eating. I don¡¯t want to ever call another woman the f-word, you know, fat, but there are occasions when it might apply to some, and I will leave it at that. ¡°You two, scan for paying customers.¡± The gnomish shop owner states. The two guards give a crisp nod. Then after that, a number of people who had been within the train car all were forced out. From there, a strict vetting process came into place, as everyone was forced to show proof that they in fact had any Merit Points to spend. I of course was super nervous about this, as I can¡¯t wait to enter. I wait in line, and finally am allowed to approach, that is when I show my system receipt.
Merits Awarded: 94.
The two guards baulk at the card, casting some form of spell breaker on it. When the soul bound card stays intact, they nod to themselves and both take a step back, allowing me to ender. ¡°Right this way, valued customer.¡± They say loud enough for the gnome who had been inside to hear. At that greeting, the gnome that had been tending to the shelves, comes around and greets me. ¡°Finally, a customer.¡± He says to himself, as he comes around. ¡°Might I know your shopping limit today, so that I might be able to better assist you?¡± He asked. At that I nodded and showed him my soul bound slip. I pretend to already be scanning the different items around the shop, but I can still see everything in this shop, including the owner¡¯s shocked expression. He of course gathers himself before I can look at him directly, but I still saw his complete reaction with my Angel¡¯s Sight. ¡°Right, with that, you can purchase pretty much everything here.¡± He says emphatically, gesturing to the whole shop around him. ¡°Is there anything in particular you are looking for?¡± At that I nod. ¡°I was wondering if you had a way to increase one¡¯s Unbound rating?¡± At that, the gnome looks troubled for a moment. ¡°I am deeply sorry ma¡¯am, but sadly those are not available. I might have the recipe to make something similar, but it will be a very expensive ordeal that will sadly take you over most of the planet.¡± The Gnome says, pulling up a glowing golden scroll.
Magic Recipe: Unbound Recipe (One Time Use): Want to unlock your true potential? Already have your potential unlocked, but want to fully awaken your ability, then this is the recipe for you. Just gather¡­ ah, ah ah, no peeking before purchasing. Effect: This one-time use recipe will allow you to increase your base attributes and skills by an additional 25%. Can only be learned by the purchaser. The potion created can be given to anyone, but only one can be created, at which point the recipe will be erased from your mind. Cost: 7 Merits.
So that was how they got around such a limit, of these merits being only allowed at character creation. They create a onetime use formula that can do the same thing, but then make it a nearly impossible quest in the meantime. Seeing it, I can¡¯t help but be impressed by the craftiness of the system developers and the in-game AI. They didn¡¯t break their word, those merits were only available at the beginning, now if I wanted the same, or a continuation of those same merits, I would get a self only quest recipe, well played. I tab the recipe to be added to my cart, at which point the gnome grabs it and places it on the counter to be ready for checkout. I want it, at the very least, it will give me something to work for in the future. Being able to get all my skills up to level 150 would be amazing, along with getting my base attributes up that high as well. For an end game purchase, that would be one I would go with. With that I look for other recipes, there is a 25 Merit Recipe that will allow me to create a potion that allows me to get an extra Trait slot. This is similar to the one I stole from Legrand, but rather than being just a one-time use recipe that will be eliminated from my mind, this one is slightly different.
Magic Recipe: Extra Trait Slot Recipe: This is a recipe that allows the user to create a potion that will generate an extra slot that can be used to host a personal Trait. Effects: Creates an extra slot for a personal Trait. Can be made more than once, but every person can only gain the benefit from this potion once. Will stack with other similar products already out in the world. Cost: 25 Merits.
Again, there was another quest type potion, as I was certain the ingredients for this recipe would not be cheap, but that did help to mitigate the costs slightly, especially since I could make more than one. I could set up a quest where I offer to make the potion for someone straight up, if they provide double the needed ingredients, that way the provider of the crafting materials gets one, as do I. Also, assuming I make enough of those deals, I could later sell those other potions for additional currency, of course, once I got rid of my Broke flaw that was. I tabbed that recipe to be purchased as well. ¡°That reminds me, do you have anything that can get rid of flaws?¡± I ask. At that the gnome visibly winces. ¡°I am so sorry. We only deal with Merits here, I am afraid I have not even heard of a Flaw reduction process. I could look into it, but it would likely take a year or so. Is there any flaw in particular you are interested in getting rid of?¡± He asks. At that, I just shake my head. After a year most of my Flaws will have run their full course on their own, so that is not really worth looking into at the moment. ¡°Very well, is there anything else I can interest you in?¡± I nod my head, ¡°yes, is there anything you can do to increase one¡¯s magical affinity?¡± ¡°I sure do, I have a whole slew of potions that can take you from any rank to any other rank in a particular field of magic, up to tier VII.¡± The man says. I nod, as that is exactly what I purchased when the game began. ¡°Is there anything you can offer for increasing one¡¯s rating above Tier IX?¡± I ask, not really expecting anything, but willing to be pleasantly surprised. ¡°I will admit that my stock in those types of potions is a bit limited, first in the fact that I can really only stock Spirit potions here. And second, the best I can offer are these one-time use potions. I will warn you however, that these potions can only be taken one time in a lifetime. Meaning that you should only take them if you are absolutely certain that you cannot grow your magical potential any other way.¡± At that I nod and am shown a list of potions.
Magic Item: Enhanced Potion of Spirit Potency: Guaranteed to increase the Spirit Tier rating of any individual by two Tiers. Restrictions: can only be taken once in a lifetime. Cost: 50 Merits.
Seeing that potion, I realize that I might be able to purchase another life, but then ultimately discard that idea, as I still like the idea of only living one life, my best life. Also, I would not want to redo seven years of being poor and destitute again. It was a good experience, made me appreciate everything I have, but I would never want to go through that whole ordeal again, and as I was just told the Flaws, well they are there to stay. No best to get such notions of restarts out of my mind. This is your best life Cassie, live it. The gnome sees me hesitate on the potion. ¡°I assure you; this is the best for what you are looking for, a guaranteed two-Tier increase, regardless of the Tier rating you are already at.¡± ¡°For Spirit magic?¡± I ask to confirm. ¡°For Spirit magic,¡± the gnome says, pausing for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, had this been the regular world I could have brought more, but given that this is the spirit realm, my managers demanded that I keep my selection focused. Thus, the only one I could take with me was this.¡± He apologizes. At his comments, I realize his concern. ¡°Oh, no that is perfect, in fact please go ahead and add it to the other two items.¡± I suggest. Mentally I track that as 82 of my 94 total merits being spent. Meaning, I am down to the final 12, and this is when things start to get real for me. ¡°Now, would you be interested in any items?¡± He asks. I think about it, and finally ask. ¡°Do you have anything that is soul bound?¡± ¡°Sadly no, I do have a few items that scale with you, but soul bound items, no.¡± At that I nodded, understanding that those would likely be out of my league. ¡°What else do you have?¡± I ask, having 12 Merits and feeling that they are burning a hole in my pocket. ¡°I do have some skills. Basic skills are 1 point a piece. Advanced skills, like Alchemy are two points.¡± I wave my hand at that, ¡°I am already an expert in Alchemy,¡± I assure the gnome. ¡°I figured as much, but could never be too careful, especially with your two earlier purchases.¡± He states. He was right, my first two potions would be solely reliant on my Alchemy skill, fortunately a 125 in Alchemy should help me increase my limit first, then my ability to produce one time use Trait Slot increasing potions. ¡°Well,¡± The gnome then goes on. ¡°Class specific skills will cost you three merits, and you can buy four of those.¡± He states. And that is where the fun part finally gets good for me, as I decide to make the best use of these final twelve Merit points, getting as many skills that will be able to help me adapt and survive as possible. All in all, today was shaping up to be a really good day. Chapter 80 Purchases Chapter 80 Purchases I know what you might be thinking that I have a problem, and I do. I fully admit that I have a problem, namely only twelve remaining Merit Points and then we go and throw in skills to the mix. I could see all the skills that the Duelist class had, and quite frankly I feel that even the Class specific skills were ones that I might be able to replicate, if I truly pushed myself. Also, I figured that Trigon owed me at least one of those, and likely more considering he went a little too far, and the four skills that were available for his class are likely not worth my time. Especially when there were so many other skills and classes that I could focus on. This world is vast, and so diverse that sometimes I myself forget that. While I have decided to go down the path of magic, which seems to exclude most of the amazing technical advantages that this world also has, that doesn¡¯t mean that there aren¡¯t classes that don¡¯t skirt the line between mechanical and magical. It is on that very line between what is possible with mechanics and what is possible with magic that I found my true calling. Or at least the spot where I was going to walk that very fine line between magic and robotics. The first thing I found was Rahul, well not him, as I don¡¯t think he would be worth a mere ninety-four merit points. But rather I found the skills that are part of his Class, the now evolved class of Master Tier Enchanter. Apparently the class is so rare that no one can find it, but fortunately this traveling store made it so, while I don¡¯t have the class trainer available to me, I do have the next best things, their skills.
Enchanting (Basic -1 Merit Point) (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) Advanced Enchanting (Advanced -2 Merit Points) (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower) Master Enchanting (Class -3 Merit Points) (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Total: 6 Merit Points
Yes, I finally found the ability to do Enchanting, though to be fair I found other ways to do minor Enchanting, but this one is the mechanical gear enchanting that could be used to craft on any type of material. This includes metals, which are traditionally bad for taking enchantments. Finding Rahul¡¯s skills for sale, I couldn¡¯t help but want to take them, especially because I knew most of the higher tier designs and etches from memory by this point. I knew all of them, the Flowering Gazebo, The Fiery Chariot, and oh so many more. Just the idea of having access to these skills was enough for me to truly be excited about my possible future here in this world. This of course, led me to the next major purchase. Once again, I went for skills in a series, especially since I had to get the skills in the series in order to get the final Class specific skill that I truly wanted.
Blacksmithing (Basic -1 Merit Point) (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance) Gear Protecting (Advanced -2 Merit Points) (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Intelligence) Gear Infusion (Class -3 Merit Points) (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Total: 6 Merit Points
These skills were from a Mechanoid Infusionist class and were seen as the ultimate way to infuse magical power into mechanical constructs without either diluting the magic, or completely eroding the mechanical construct beneath. With this set up, I didn¡¯t quite need, Blacksmithing, as it was not a true prerequisite, but looking at the needs for Gear Protecting, and Gear Infusion, it was clear that I would need specially designed gears and components, so unless I had a Blacksmith I could harass constantly to get the components the exact way I wanted, then there would be no point. So I took the Blacksmithing skill as a way to streamline my entire process. The best part is, from my understanding the two skills would stack. Now who would spend all their time and resources to design a mechanoid battle suit designed by a top ranked Mechanoid Infusionist, only to turn around and have that potential work of art possibly shattered by the workings of a Master Tier Enchanter? No one, the idea is stupid, the components needed for both would cause almost anyone not made of money to balk at the first sign of an incompatibility between the two workings would cause a huge explosion. In fact, that was the way Rahul took out an enemy of his. He carved minor enhancement runes onto a master tier suit that caused power to build up at odd places and ultimately destroyed the suit while keeping the driver alive and penniless. In that book, Rahul spoke about his theory of why the two were at odds with each other. His idea was that Enchanting and Gear Infusion both worked on the idea of circuits of power. You loop both around from a catalyst, that catalyst generates a form of energy that flows around, then finally that flow generates a desired effect, and finally you have a desired action from that circuit. I can¡¯t say if this is the exact way such a thing would work, but his idea was that we were trying to build an extra layer of circuitry over an already existing circuit, which caused confusion for the energy, and that was why the two could never be compatible. He did have a point. Look at me, referring to Rahul as a person. I truly hope he is, somewhere out here, I would love to find such a man, though sadly I think he would be slightly disappointing if I actually got the chance to meet him. Anyways, back to my point, about his point. If a circuit exists and is already circulating energy, then having a second circuit built over top of the first could easily cause confusion. That is why I think I have a workaround, but it is something that no one would ever fund, save for a random billionaire who had more money than sense, to shower down on me. Actually, that sounds like an amazing story, but I digress. My theory here and now is that Enchanting and Gear Infusion can work, but they would need to be done piece by piece and made to align perfectly before ever being assembled. That way, when the two were complete, the two circuits would be activated at the same time and the final product would be something truly amazing. With this, there should be the idea of a tamper proof lock on the machine as well, as Rahul¡¯s trick of inscribing a few random runes on the mechanoid suit to destroy it would never work, as only one set of enchantments can exist on a suit at a given time. Even then the new set would have to be written by someone with a higher tier and skill proficiency than the original set. Meaning that if I do get my Skills maxed out, I should be protected thanks to my Unbound merit, a merit that I hope to double here shortly. Oh, speaking of which, I still need to check out. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Shopping is way too much fun. Taking my six skill scrolls over to the gnome who is waiting patiently, I look down and see my collection of oddities. Six scrolls, two recipes, and one potion. When put into those terms, these seem like they are minor things, especially considering that I gave up nine point four million experience points to get them, but these are all worth it, in my book. A potion that increases my Spirit Tier rating by two. Two needed recipes, one to get me a one time use Unbound potion, the other to be able to create theoretically unlimited supplies of Trait Slot Unlock potions. Then scrolls to make it so I can theoretically merge two different forms of magical class skills that should have never been combined. All of this, and I can still get achievements for unlocking these very conditions while having not one, but two classes that I could use to evolve to higher states thanks to taking such risks. It was all too much. Now one thing I didn¡¯t find were ways to improve my bloodline, nor titles. There were of course potions that could do some of the bloodline things, but I avoided those for now. Right now, I was at that sweet spot where I was no longer a pariah to all elves, and finally seen as somewhat attractive, which is a high compliment coming from elves. With things as they were now, I did not want to rock that boat anytime soon. Also, a Royal Bloodline was nothing to sneeze at, so I decided to keep with the status quo on that, for now. I might eventually be forced to evolve my bloodline again, but I doubt it. As for Titles, there were a few that seemed sort of interesting, but I am growing to dislike Titles. Most of this stems from the fact that I¡¯ve gained four Titles within the past few weeks, and they are not what I expected. Sure, being a Love Guru at the age of thirteen is hilarious. Having the title for my last name, Spiritlight, also very cool and helpful, especially here in the spirit realm. Then my Early Awakening and Early Class title propelled me from Tier VII to Tier VIII in Spirit Magic, more than acceptable. And that was it, for months just the three. Now, in the past week I¡¯ve gained four more, more than double. Two of course were from stealing so much experience from the Legrand Gambling Tournament. Those are annoying, for even when I am in a Doppelganger form, they are apparently still present, and can make crazy people come out of the woodworks, like the duelist, who gave me my third Title, Magical Duelist, for beating him. What did he expect? I was over his level, and my skills cap out at 125, versus his 100, it was a no contest from the beginning. In fact, the only Title that I got recently that I actually like is my title declaring me to be an Arcanarus graduate. Truth be told I really only like this one, as the school is no more, meaning I will never be asked for contributions, also I am likely going to be the last to earn such a title.
Arcanarus University Graduate: One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +10 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy to Spirit-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Also the bonuses from that Title are amazing. Oh wait, that title reminds me of my Master¡¯s Theory. Well maybe my first Master¡¯s Theory, I apparently have two theories that could very well change magic. The most recent Idea about using Enchanting and Gear Infusion simultaneously on every component being created could be one. But then there is my second major theory, which is why this potion is so important, with that idea in mind. I realize I need to check out and conduct my experiments right here. ¡°Did you find everything to your satisfaction?¡± The Gnome shopkeeper asks. ¡°Yes, perhaps too satisfactory, to be honest. I definitely will have to come back.¡± Chuckle. ¡°Please do,¡± the Gnome says as he tallies all the items and comes up to the same number I did. ¡°That will be ninety-four merit points.¡± With that, I take out my soul bound card and watch as the number goes from 94, all the way to zero. Seeing that, I can¡¯t help but feel a little apprehension, but I am confident in all my purchases. ¡°Here you go.¡± He says, handing back the now empty card, and I can¡¯t help but think of all the times on Earth when I had the same thing happen to me. Months of savings put onto a card, only to be drained by one necessary transaction. Fortunately, in this world, I didn¡¯t have to worry about a car breaking down, the refrigerator breaking, or a child breaking a leg. Well not yet, at least for that last one. ¡°Thank you for shopping with us. Oh, for spending so much with us, you can get one of our prize bags.¡± The gnome says, pointing to a box that was remotely activated opening to show several bags all the same size. This was apparently supposed to be a game of chance, as all the bags were the same exact sizes, but to my sight, they all glowed at different intensities. Some glowed extremely brightly, while others only glowed with minor intensity. ¡°They are all different?¡± I ask to confirm what I am seeing. ¡°Yes, it is said that if you choose one of the top three prizes, you will get an item worth twenty-five merits, while a grand prize bag is worth fifty merit points, which is exactly how much you had to spend to get a chance at this box.¡± The Gnome says, a note of excitement filling his face. Honestly, this is a nice idea. It encourages people to spend more and can offer some good items. Unfortunately, the game is rigged, at least when I play, as I see the intensity of the different items, now it is just a matter of seeing which item resonates with me. With that information to go off of, I can see the way there are clearly three different grab bags that all glow at roughly the same intensity. A few of the bags look like they just contain a skill scroll of some kind. Then one that glows the absolute brightest of all, that is the one I grab. ¡°Ah, a fine choice.¡± The gnome says, pressing a button and sealing the items shut in their corrosion resistant cage. There is a slight pause, as the gnome hands me another sac that contains my own items in them. ¡°Is there anything else that we could assist you with?¡± He asks. I am about to say no, but then realize there actually is. ¡°Actually, is there a place where I could sit to consume these?¡± I ask, not quite wanting to spark the will of the system by being Broke, with items that are worth more than some mansions. ¡°Oh, yes, if you are that eager to try your wares, you can sit right here.¡± He says, denoting a large leather chair that looked like it was there for aesthetics more than anything. Seeing the big comfy thing, I can¡¯t quite believe my eyes. ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Yes, what good is having a chair that no one sits in.¡± The gnome says. At that, I smile. ¡°Thank you.¡± Then with a plop, I jump up and sink into the oversized comfy thing. Once in the chair, I begin with the basics first. I decide to go from smallest to largest, not quite knowing the exact impact that taking these items all at once will have on me. Sticking my hand in, I grab at random, one of the six scrolls and consume it.
Skill Unlocked: Gear Protecting.
There is a mild tingling itch that seems to occur just under my scalp, but other than that, nothing. Taking a breath, I pull out the next scroll and wait for the tingling to end. Once it does, I count to five, then take the next skill scroll, and then the next. After a point, I get a sensation not unlike a brain freeze, where there is an intense pounding on my sinus cavity, that slowly fades away. Once that is done, I force myself to wait for a minute before the next one. Working like that, I finally make my way through the last of my skill scrolls and made my way to the first of the recipes. I of course started with memorizing the weaker of the two, the one that would go away after one use. This was perfect, as I selfishly wanted to keep this advantage over others. Just having a 25-point increase was huge in my duel against Trigon, and that was not factoring the fact that my base attributes were also higher.
Recipe Gained: Unbound Recipe (One Time Use)
With that I feel a slightly irritating burn in my mind, but I can clearly tell the recipe that I will need, and to my surprise I know all the ingredients needed. Some of them are rare, but really the hardest part will be brewing the potion to the exact specifications, and then consuming it quickly as it must be consumed while still warm. That is a nice feature, as it seems to be intended for only me to consume given the limited shelf life of the item. With that done, I take on my last recipe.
Recipe Gained: Extra Trait Slot Recipe
With that, I feel an intense burning, one that almost causes a migraine from just how intense the burning sensation is, right behind my eyes. Then finally after what feels like an hour, the surge of pain stops, and I am left with just one last item. Well one last item that I purchased, there is still the grab bag, which I am hoping counts as a free item, at least until I know what it is. Regardless, I don¡¯t think I can sit here while checking out that item as well. So instead, I brace myself for what is about to come with this final item. Mentally I go back to my meeting of the giant dungeon Turtle, the one who set me on the pace for my initial class, and the one that ultimately led me to this moment, here. Pausing, I pull out the potion that must be worth millions of coins. Just looking at the vial I can see how intense the concentrated power held within the vial is. With this vial, I can prove or disprove my theory about Tier Rating being directly linked to meridian sizes. With that, I first begin by diagraming my own meridians, first marking the channels within my body. Then I mark on my skin with basic level enchantments the width of my Tier IX meridians. Once I have everything documented and am ready to begin, I pull out the final purchase and pause. With this, I could change the system¡¯s understanding of magic forever. Or it could be the single most expensive item I ever drank that both empowered me beyond compare, while also shattering my dreams of truly earning a Master¡¯s Degree in Magical Theory and Spell Theory. Realizing I was only delaying the inevitable, I let out a long breath, uncorked the vial and drank it all in one go. Slight raspberry aftertaste. That is the one thought I had, before my body, mind, and soul started burning, and I felt like I was somehow made of stinging fire. I fought to stay awake, to stay conscious for a moment, but then everything went dark, as my consciousness blessedly drifted away into darkness. Chapter 81 The Gift Bag Chapter 81 The Gift Bag I awoke to pain. I felt like I had spent an all-night binger out drinking, partying and never once drinking an ounce of water. I felt parched, but that was only for a moment as my body began instantly taking in nutrients via my channeled spell Spirit Sustenance, which allows me to condense the energy within my body into a sustainable form that will keep me alive and healthy, despite a lack of resources. This is normally a boon, except for times like these where a big glass of water would be ideal, at least until what appears to be the results of dehydration leave me. Still, I can tell from the system message that my pain was worth it, or at least will be worth it here shortly.
Spirit Tier Rating Increased: Your Tier rating in the school of Spirit Magic has risen substantially, going from Tier IX to Tier XI.
Unfortunately, the system is balanced, thus just as my personal magical threshold increased thanks to my fifty-merit point potion, or a potion worth five million experience, something most people would agree was well worth the investment, part of the pain I now felt was from my unique bloodline that had also undergone a substantial change as well.
Racial Flaw Increased: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier XI).
And just like that, not only did my overall magical potential increase, but I was now able to increase the overall magical potential of others to Tier XI, that was, just wow. Mentally I try to comprehend that and realize that it will be a lot of gloves and avoiding personal contact with people from now on. I do have my Apothecary gloves and they are a great solution, but sadly I do not think I will be doing much to disabuse people of the notion that nobles are stuck up, especially as I don¡¯t want to be forced to deal with thousands of people making unwanted contact all in an effort to get me to awaken their magical potential. Honestly, I can¡¯t wait to get out and leave, the idea of casting Tier XI spells is calling me. I almost tremble with excitement at exactly what is possible with Tier XI spells, as they are supposed to be the absolute zenith of power and ability. If I could do the impossible and bring someone back to life with a Tier IX spell, I can only imagine what a Tier XI spell would offer. Also, there is still the fact that my quest to get to the hundredth floor comes with the condition of raising my mastery level in Spirit Magic, it could always do the cop-out and say, ¡°already gained,¡± but this gain was not related to the actual quest line and thus should be considered a separate process, but we will see. Regardless, having Tier XI magic is already huge, as I can feel the difference in intensity. Then remembering one of my two Master¡¯s Theories related to magic, I pull out my notes and do a comparison. To no real shock the meridians are wider, if only by minor ways, but they are wider all over, creating a greater volume of mana overall that can be channeled at any time. There might be more to this, maybe even self-guided Healing might be able to force the meridians wider, but that will need to be processed, and measured. At this point I see it as nearly impossible for me to conduct an unknown surgery with magic on myself while channeling energy through the very meridians that I would wish to alter, so even if I do find out a solution, I postulate that unless I eventually get an apprentice, I would not be able to use this to directly increase my own personal magic rating. Not that this makes this discovery any less groundbreaking or worthwhile of study, just noting my own limitation as is, unless I can get my Simulacrum to eventually cast the spell. Shaking my head, I got rid of that idea. While I do trust my Simulacrum, I think trying to come up with ways that my Simulacrum can perform elective magical surgery on me, particularly on my meridians is a bad idea, for now. Still, I feel very satisfied with everything, I have six new skills to power through and grind away to increase my attributes. I have two new recipes that will forever change my growth rate, and I can now work on creating spells that are Tier X and higher, thus regaining my badge I spent earning the ten million, or in this case nine point four million experience I earned to get these amazing merits. Tinkle. I am about to get up, when I feel something shift next to me. I pause, not remembering having purchased anything else, but then I pause as I realize there is still the powerful magical item that clearly seems to radiate its golden goodness to me. Curious, I pull out the item that I know for a fact has to be the most expensive item that was available. ¡°Oh, you are going to open your gift bag, oh goodie. Do you mind if I watch?¡± The gnome shopkeeper asks, a slight gleam of excitement filling him. I almost want to say no, for privacy, but he has been more than accommodating, letting me rest here while I consume all my items before going outside and being subject to random acts of violence by the system for having expensive items on my personage. For that, I am very thankful, also I wouldn¡¯t mind getting the gnome¡¯s take on this item, to see how much it might be worth.
Item Gained: Magical Vial of Royal Blood Distillation: The first step into becoming something greater than a Royal Bloodline holder. Will forcefully destroy any who do not have the Willpower needed to strive for something greater than themselves. Warning: By consuming this potion you will put your life in danger, anyone below the rank of Royal Blood will have their blood boil and burn away. Those with Royal Blood should know there are likely easier ways to advance, though ones that are not as quick. Cost: 100 gold.
Seeing the vial within my hands, I realize the system has set me up for failure. This item alone is enough to put me over my limit, all but forcing me to begin the process of increasing my Bloodline ranking. Of course, this time I will not have to worry about the curses from an evil god, though given the way my merits and flaws both increased drastically I can¡¯t help but wonder if something terrible would happen by drinking this. ¡°Oh, I am so sorry.¡± The Gnome says, his voice actually sounding like he is saddened by the item I got. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°What?¡± I ask. ¡°That is likely the cheapest item we have for a giveaway.¡± ¡°You have more of these?¡± I asks, wondering if I somehow missed it in the shop. I did look for something that might help advance my bloodline, but that was mainly at a cursory glance. Most of those items were in the hundreds of merit points and I pretended like they didn¡¯t even exist, no point of even fantasizing about getting such items. ¡°What? Oh my no.¡± The gnome salesperson says, a refined tone filling his voice. ¡°No, that item is quite rare, and very useful, just the odds of it being useful for the person that draws it, well that is something that can only lead to heartache. The potion itself offers the lure of power and prestige, while only truly being able to offer such a boon to a select few. Most of which would likely never find their way to my little shop.¡± Hearing all that, my ears perked up as I couldn¡¯t help but feel I was lucky with this, or maybe the system was trying to kill me. ¡°Do you know what would happen to someone with a Royal Bloodline awoken who took this?¡± I ask. ¡°Why I assume it would do much of what the bottle describes, but even then, it could still kill you. No, I would recommend throwing this item away, as it could even lead to the death of a noble member who thought such rules and restrictions didn¡¯t apply to them. That they were somehow better than what the warning label would offer. So, what happens, you take the item that you cannot use and offer it to royalty on the pretense that providing it will help them in their path, and ultimately help you curry favor with them. Yet rather than helping them on, it kills them, then you have an angry royal family after you, and your only hope for escape is to open up your own traveling shop of curiosities that travels anywhere in the world, even to a tower that exists solely in the spirit realm.¡± At that, I can¡¯t help but feel that there is a sort of personal tale of pain and woe to his sad story. Hearing the words, I nod to myself having felt I understood the warning. Don¡¯t expect to take this out of here and offer it to the first noble you see, as they might not have their bloodline activated up to the Royal Bloodline rating, meaning it would likely kill the recipient. Furthermore, even if they had their Royal Bloodline fully activated the potion could still kill someone. ¡°If you want, I can dispose of the item for you.¡± The gnome says, a slightly saddened look taking over his features. Hearing that I balk at the idea and move the bottle away. Seeing my reaction, the gnome continues, ¡°don¡¯t worry, if you give it back, I will actually destroy it and not repackage it as another gift that someone else will be forced to also discard. Seeing the item, in my hand I make sure to ask. ¡°I assume I cannot sell this back to the shop?¡± ¡°No, gift bags are well and truly not for resell. In fact, I cannot buy anything currently anyways. If you wanted to sell something, you would have to work with the entity that gave you the merit points to begin with.¡± The gnome states, in a calming tone. Hearing that I just have one last question for the gnome. ¡°I take it if I asked you to hang onto this potion you wouldn¡¯t do so and let me use it as a means to come back to this great store later on?¡± ¡°Sadly no. Once you leave here any items left behind will be under my control and left up to my discretion on what to do with them.¡± ¡°So, you wouldn¡¯t store it away for later?¡± ¡°What? No, not at all. That thing is like a giant lure, that will draw anyone with a modicum of a bloodline to it, but the price is too steep. Even if I said I was holding it for you, a noble seeing it would all but demand it on their behalf, and then I would be up for a liability claim of killing a noble with at least a partially awakened bloodline. Again, that is as close to a cursed item I am allowed here, without having a cursed item.¡± The gnome said, while gently holding out his hand to take the potion from me. Seeing his hand, I nodded to myself. Hearing his description explains why the potion is so bright and all but called to me over the other items available. I did see three other glowing items that glowed brightly, but not as brightly as this one. Though now I can fully understand the low-price tag on this item, despite its apparent rarity. For 100 gold I offered nobles both the chance of a lifetime, and something that would more than likely lead to their deaths. Realizing this is it, I quickly uncork the bottle, and down it in one go. Glug. The gnome looks on with a sense of shocked horror, his hand still out, but his fingers wide as disbelief takes hold of him. Seeing his hand, I put the empty vial in his outstretched hand, then sit back down in what I am quickly considering to be my comfy chair. Then just as I began, I focused on trying to push my mind and body through this newest transformation. Fortunately, my mind was so resilient, thanks to the increased nodes I had set up during my last evolution that I am mentally able to weather these changes as well. In fact, with my unique Angel¡¯s Sight, I can see the way torrents of energy are surging through my body at increasing speeds and intervals. Now that my meridians are slightly wider, I can feel how my meridians are being used as a sort of secondary access road for the energy that is surging through my blood. Using this time, not only do I drop into a deep meditative state, but I also begin using mana and mana strings to go out from my meridians and feed back into my body. From there, it is just a matter of finding the frequency of the greater surges of energy and gently shaking them apart until the waves are still just as powerful but moving at a standard rate of speed. After the initial success of the main surge area, I begin targeting and breaking up more and more giant waves of energy. Each wave of energy has its own unique frequency. I can almost feel a pattern to the resonances, as if there is something completely obvious to their movements, but I can¡¯t focus on them for too long. Instead, I just focus on making it so the energy within my body finds a homeostasis balance, and then watch as the energy slowly gets absorbed by my body overall. I do manage to steer more than a minimum amount of energy towards my three primary spots, my core, my mind, and my kidneys and my pancreas, oh wait, that is four things. This might just be my superstitious belief in magic, but I think the more we can link our body to sympathetic bonds of magic, the more powerful we as mages will become. This is a theory that seemed to be true with the advent of my first bloodline evolution. While I know this potion alone won¡¯t be enough for me to evolve my bloodline again, I do realize that it is just a gateway quest item. An item designed to open possible new questlines that would otherwise be denied. Of course, I must survive the initial surge, but that seems to be nothing major for the moment. In fact, I am almost worried that this might be too easy, especially given how dangerous the quest seemed to be. As there was allegedly a chance of death, even with a Royal Bloodline activated. Which is why I can¡¯t help but find myself waiting for the other shoe to drop, even now. This was dangerous, don¡¯t get me wrong. If I didn¡¯t know my own body as well as I do, or if I just let the currents of energy force their way through my body, I know this would have been a lot worse. But as it is now, I can¡¯t help but feel that I might have messed this up somehow, or maybe this potion wasn¡¯t nearly as powerful as I had thought. I know it was the most powerful item in the chest, but that didn¡¯t necessarily mean much as there was nothing to compare what the other 50 merit-point items were. Whoom. There is a slight drop in pressure, as I feel the last vestiges of power slowly get absorbed into my body, into my very bones. I wait for a second, then another, and finally a text prompt comes to life letting me know that I have succeeded in my original plan.
Hidden Quest Completed: Beyond Royal: You have begun the process of further awakening your bloodline to go the next step beyond your current rating of Royal. Continuing down this path will make it so the world and the gods of this world cannot help but look at you and attempt to carry favor with you. Rewards: Experience, +5 Endurance, +10 Perception, +10 Intelligence, +20 Attractiveness, +20 Willpower, Quest Line Opened. Experience Gained: 1,000 / 1,000
Hidden Quest Line Opened: Legendary Bloodline: You have begun the process of treading down roads most could only dream to travel. You have begun taking the steps of consolidating the strengths of your will, and your Royal Bloodline and condensing them into a more solid foundation that will set you and your family apart from most in the world. By continuing down this path, you will become a prize coveted by many. To get to that point, you will need to take risks, and more importantly, you will need to walk your own path of greatness. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Increased, Racial Change, other.
While I didn¡¯t think I necessarily needed more Willpower, as that was by far and away my most advanced Attribute, I couldn¡¯t really deny its importance as magic was coming more and more easily to me the higher my Willpower got. Given this rate, creating Tier X and Tier XI spells should be rather simple to perform, at least I think they will be simple, but never having even attempted to cast such a spell, I am hoping this to be the case than anything else. Also, the plus twenty to Attractiveness, that was not frowned upon, I could also see the game playing into the romances that all state that those born or destined to be royalty are just naturally more beautiful than others. I am just about to delve into that thought, when I hear the shop keeper give a frightened, ¡°WHOA.¡± Hearing him, I too feel shocked. ¡°You, you survived?¡± He said. ¡°That I did.¡± ¡°Wait, how did you? Does that mean that you¡­¡± He began but stopped himself. I don¡¯t nod, but neither do I deny. Instead, I get up from the overly comfy chair and make my way. ¡°I wish to say, thank you again for your hospitality, your shop is truly amazing, and I cannot wait for another chance to frequent such an amazing establishment.¡± ¡°Uh, yeah.¡± The gnome says, still flabbergasted from everything, but then quickly his mind realizes his mistake. ¡°Oh, where are my manners, your majesty.¡± With that he gave a grand sweeping bow, if I didn¡¯t know where he was, or if I required on regular lines of sight to see, he likely would have appeared to be laying flat on the ground he was that low. ¡°None of that now. I am not royalty, at least not yet. Nor do I intend to be.¡± I say, then give a slight curtsey, before leaving the car. In all, only about an hour of real time had passed, though mentally I begin chastising myself for having taken so long. I am going to look like I had the worst case of dysentery back at the fort. Chapter 82 The Attack Chapter 82 The Attack There is often a moment of peace right before a terrible storm descends and starts to destroy everything in its path. During these moments, there is often a slight surge of energy, a violent upshift in the amount of energy prevalent in each area. Often these fluctuations go unnoticed, as most of the time there isn¡¯t enough of a contrast between the starting baseline and the point before the storm came for people to really notice anything. Then even if you do manage to notice the energy, most of the time we as individuals are powerless to stop such actions, at least that is what we tell ourselves. Given that, I could tell something was off, the moment I stepped out of the disembarked passenger car that had been let off in its own little dip in the railways, while the traveling Merit Shop began making its rounds around the world. From a logistics perspective I should have seen how big of a target such a car was. I would be lying if I didn¡¯t think about stealing a few items there myself, a simple palm of an item. A twist and redirect, I wouldn¡¯t be able to put the item into my inventory while it was stolen, meaning I would have to carry it out on me. Ultimately, I had too much faith in the guards and security measures that would be in place to even attempt to steal something. Even the gnome shopkeeper all but exuded power, so much so that I didn¡¯t even bother trying anything other than getting the best deal possible with what resources I had available to me. Still, I should have expected that others would both covet the items being made available, while also not being bound by my sense of code of ethics. I should have expected something, but I didn¡¯t. Even as my Perception Attribute once again expanded to take in the entirety of the world around me, to take in every moving persona and item. The way I instinctively had my attention drawn to the train car pulling in that didn¡¯t quite look like the others. The way a few members in the crowd looked to the incoming train, with its oddly shaped cars, and then looked to their watches. The way those watches all said the same thing, rather than stating the actual in game time, they were counting down. 15, 14, 13¡­ It was at that point when I realized that the watches were counting down, and the people in the gathered crowd all stared forward at the train car. The car I had just left and began hurriedly moving away from, as I forced my small form to push its way through the gathered crowd. Lenny¡¯s guards found me and began going to my sides as well, I noticed that they were both females again, something to do with my awakened bloodline having a particularly grave effect on male dark elves, which is what most of the security force for Crossroads is made up of, despite our influx of people. By the twelfth second, the train that had been pulling up came to a stop about ten feet away from the Merit shop train car. By the tenth second the oddly shaped train cars began to shift. It was hard to say exactly what they were doing, other than vibrating slightly. That wouldn¡¯t be enough normally to warn anyone, which is why I kept moving away. Again, the signs were there, I could all but feel the surge in power as the people who were in the crowd, watching their watches, all began to exert a form of pressure on their own. Not magic, at least not what most people would consider magic, instead this was a different sort of force, one that was brought on by sheer focus on one event, one focal point. That focal point was clearly the merit shop car. By the point seven seconds were left, others in the crowd also began to notice the strange shifting being taken by the cars, and this was not the typical rattling of train cars that were coming to a complete stop. No, these were the movements of giant machines and pistons coming to life and all but forcing giant pieces of machinery to come to life and begin moving. Pfft! The sound of steam, intense bouts of steam coming to life to cause pistons to turn and pump faster were released. As slowly one by one the three vibrating box cars all began to rise as one. 4, 3¡­ The box cars began to twist and turn until they more resembled those copyrighted converting vehicles to humanoid killing machines than anything. One second there were three nearly identical metallic box cars that were clunking to life, the next there were three anthropomorphic machines that resembled giant turtles, turtles with hard shells and a shifting smokestack that was more of a weapons silo more than anything. 2, 1¡­ At exactly one second the three box cars were all standing up on four thick legs that again gave the machines being used the appearance of a turtle more than anything. Then as one, the three turtle shaped mechanoid units turned slightly, showing the first design flaw of the mechanical devices, namely that the machines could seemingly only fire forward. Thoonk, thoonk, thoonk. At zero all three machines turned and fired as one. It was the sound of mechanical power, as super compressed air tubes were used to fire perfectly shaped cylinders through the air towards the immobile train car. All three canisters landed as one, their movement sparking to life a defensive shielding of magnets that set the three canisters back slightly. It wasn¡¯t much, just enough to make it so the bombardment didn¡¯t hit directly on the shop, but it had been enough. With everything going on, I could see the damage the three canisters caused. While they seemed to converge on the same spot, their angles of approach were slightly different, meaning the angle that they were deflected away from the train car were also slightly different. Then they landed amid the crowd of people who had done nothing more than come out to see the new traveling shop that seemed to be a novelty more than anything. Something that we all expected to see once at most, and then never again. BOOM! The canisters fell to the ground, bursting open causing shrapnel pieces to fly out wildly. The crowds of people that had been doing nothing more than idly gathering to watch the spectacle were suddenly mowed down. The explosions were so powerful that even being a few feet away, they were able to burst a hole into the side of the car. That was when all pandemonium broke out. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. At this moment there were three types of people in the crowd. The people that could move and did begin to move away from the explosions and the likely continued violence. Those crowd members that had been staring at their watches, watching the precision count down for timing also began moving, but moving towards the train car, rather than away. Then there were the third group, the people like me who stood still for a moment, letting the two groups surge past me. Thoonk, thoonk, thoonk. The three weaponized train cars fired again, this time sending their volleys a little further forward. Once again, the magnetic deflective shielding kicked in, sending the metallic canisters further away, but the positioning of these shots had been designed to take the magnetic defenses into account. This time when the bombs were repelled, they were thrown forward, towards the main entrance, closer to me. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! This time I was close enough to see and feel all three bombs going off. I wanted to run, in fact I should have run, but something forced me to stay. No, it was not due to the want to steal from the Merit shop box car that was being cracked open like a giant can of caviar. No, in this case, I could see the dead and dying people, those who were little more than innocent bystanders in this whole thing. Seeing them in their dead and dying states, I began to move as well. Running forward, I began trying to heal those who had fallen almost immediately. I began using both sets of healing magic, both from my Omni-Heal pool of energy, and from my standard magical pool of energy. Both came to life and began healing many of the fallen. My two bodyguards were also with me, though they tried to pull me away. ¡°We must go!¡± ¡°No, we must stay.¡± I demanded and then using my smaller childlike size and quick reflexes moved with a speed that many wouldn¡¯t have attributed to me, or at least someone who looked as young as I did. ¡°Huh, what?¡± One of the people I just healed shouted. Thuunk, thuunk, thuunk. Once again three more canisters were fired, though this time I was prepared. When the magnetic shields caught and repelled the bombs, I Telekinetically grabbed them, at least I tried to. I grabbed the one that would have hit me directly and hurled it back. There was another that was nearby, and that one was also thrown back towards the attackers. The third one, well that landed, but it was on the far side of the train car, effectively making it so I had the train car in between myself and the explosion. BOOM! ¡°AHH!¡± More and more people cried out in pain, as I could tell that even now there were still crowds of people trying to flee the area but were caught up in the maelstrom of activity. Ratta-tatta-tat. The distinct sound of automatic weapons firing could be heard coming from inside the train car. Mentally I could all but imagine that poor gnome shopkeeper being mowed down due to people¡¯s greed. Still, I didn¡¯t have time to think about that, instead, I just focused on healing those around me. ¡°Thank you.¡± One of the less injured people said, as I sealed their minor lacerations. They were about to run and flee the area, but I stopped them. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare run without grabbing an injured person and bringing them back to the Mage¡¯s Guild.¡± I say. ¡°The what?¡± At that, I pointed to the Mage¡¯s Guild Hall building. Logically that was where I should be going myself, but I knew if I went there that people would die. Also, I would be lying if I didn¡¯t feel the rush of combat healing intoxicating. I felt more alive in these moments of healing than I likely ever had in my life. At this point I knew a few things, first I might have a problem that will one day get me killed. Second, I realized I didn¡¯t care, that if I somehow died here, at least I could die with a clear conscience. I also have to admit that my actions are causing a scene, as my bodyguards have apparently called for more armed guards to come from Lenny¡¯s. That or us being here at the heart of Lenny¡¯s seat of power, and the fact that he is supposed to provide protection details for the city, his guards are just activating. Regardless of the reasons, a high-powered response force is already being moved into place. I do allow myself to be carried away a bit from the action. My guards are nearby, while other guards go out and pull the injured right towards us. For whatever reason the group of warriors stops firing at me, mainly because the twenty or so warriors that had charged into the merit shop were already coming out with their pockets and sacs they were carrying clearly indicating that they were in possession of stolen goods. Again, so long as the crime was going on, those items would not be allowed to be put into a storage satchel. Then even after leaving there was often a timer for valuable items that didn¡¯t have a quest related to them. Just being this close to the action allowed me to receive the good citizen quest that often comes from these high-profile robberies that are violent.
Local Quest Generated: Good Samaritan: You have stumbled upon a burglary of the traveling Merit Shop. Help stop the fleeing burglars. Rewards: Experience, a portion of the value of the recovered goods.
It was that last comment that caused every one of the citizens that had been fleeing a moment ago to turn around and try to stop the well-organized mob of people that conducted such a well-coordinated attack. ¡°We can get a portion of the value, in merits?¡± One person asked the very question that everyone else was thinking. Then as if a greed switch had been flipped, the people that had been cowering in fear a moment ago, were now ready to risk their lives once again for a portion of the value of the returned product. Even one percent at this rate would be a lot, as that would likely mean a one-point Merit that could be redeemed for a basic skill scroll or more. Honestly, I too was tempted to stop the culprits, but by the time I recognized the quest I was already too late as the mass of people surged and swelled towards both the train, trying to disable the train itself, along with our train tracks, and the people that had the stolen goods. Mayhem. Ratta-tat-tat. Small arms fire erupted, stray bullets flew everywhere as the fleeing adversaries tried to create some space between themselves and their now mob of would-be pursuers. It was chaos, bloody, and violent, and I would be lying if I said I didn¡¯t love every moment of it. Every fire of a gun, every dispersal bomb that was fired by the three mechanical turtle attack bots. It seemed I wasn¡¯t the only one to notice the glaring weakness in the train¡¯s design, namely that they could seemingly only fire straight forward. Likely a way to cut back on costs, while also increasing productivity, thus the three cars that were clearly designed for warfare. Honestly the price reduction feature wouldn¡¯t have been so bad, had they kept to the initial size of their attack, but by the quest being generated and the citizens being emboldened by the fact that a healer was right there, the well-armed crew didn¡¯t stand a chance. People were brought to me in rapid succession. I would use Omni-Heal to heal the minor wounds, as that was mostly me just healing a stray bullet or stab wound. The rest was me spending time doing extensive reconstruction on bones, tissues, and muscles. Everything was going well. Despite Lenny¡¯s elite shock troops being generally a higher level than the mob of civilians, Lenny¡¯s troops only seemed concerned with keeping me safe and pulling more injured towards me. This was good, as it meant I didn¡¯t have to run out and find the bodies and then bring them back, but rather I could just focus on healing. During this time I even used Telekinesis as an improvised pressure device, adding pressure to spots, right before Omni-Healing magic could be applied to the wound at a fraction of the healing cost. With this, I managed to try to use as many of my different pools of mana as possible, in a way to save as many lives as possible. It was quite simply put, amazing. I felt alive, truly alive, and most importantly I felt important. I didn¡¯t even notice the moment when the fighting ceased. ¡°Who do I turn the stolen goods into?¡± One person asked, holding up a sac of stolen items that they clearly wished to turn in. ¡°I don¡¯t know, I think the shopkeeper?¡± ¡°Where is he?¡± Just hearing the people speak, I remember the violence that I heard from outside the train car. So many bullets for such a small body, that had to be terrible. Turning to one of my guards that had been part of the process. Without a word, my guards had been working by my side, the guard on my right would bring in a new patient. Then I would heal, then they would go left, to another waiting guard who would make sure the healed patient was okay before being allowed to leave. I did note that she made people that had already been healed once before sit down and wait until everything was over, that was an action I was extremely grateful for, as those people that were already injured twice should not try to tempt fate a third time, at least not in the same day. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for the gnome who had only been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Turning to the guard on my left, I said ¡°get him.¡± Then with my head I gestured to the nearly completely destroyed train car that had multiple blast and burn marks on it. The guard looked like she wanted to argue for a moment, but then seemed to realize it was either she goes, or I would. At least that was the intention that I tried to give with my look. Sighing. The guard sighed for a moment, before rising up and jogging to the car. It looked like some of the people wanted to stop her, but she just turned and pointed to me. At that I waved, the one small healer covered in blood, surrounded by a sea of bodies, most of which were being healed. Seeing me and then my bodyguard, the people who had taken up protection around the shop, let the guard through. Then a few minutes later the small limp form of the gnome was pulled out. Watching his small form, a protective streak came out in me. I know the being was old, likely supposed to be older than I was with both my lifetimes, but I couldn¡¯t help but assume a childlike innocent to the tiny being, especially with how helpful he had been. Seeing him, I rose, and immediately felt a rush to my head as I didn¡¯t realize just how exhausted I was from nearly constant healing. Feeling my state, I shook my head, trying to regain balance. Then realizing this would be a very tough heal, and one that should not be performed out in the street. I gestured towards the Mage¡¯s Guild Hall. ¡°Take everyone else that needs to be healed directly to the Mage¡¯s Guild Hall.¡± I said, as I turned and ran towards the Mage¡¯s Guild. I know, I could have used this moment to Teleport, but that would have divulged a capability of mine. Also, there was the fact that at this point I needed to move, as my legs were stiff form having to bend over so much, as such, the stretching of my legs felt good, and was a good reminder of how much longer I had to go. The people might have survived the battle, but now I had to see how many people I could bring back from the brink of death. Smiling, I realized that despite the blood and gore, I was well and truly enjoying this moment. We were safe, and things were only going to get better from here on out. At least, that is what I told myself. Chapter 83 A More Perfect Resurrection Chapter 83 A More Perfect Resurrection The surge of battle was still running high, pulsing within my veins, and making me feel truly alive. Combat Medics, being able to bring good people back to life was an amazing feat. ¡°You¡¯re back.¡± Zero said, first thing as I entered the Guild Office. ¡°Prep the first room. We have a critical patient.¡± I said, telling my familiar who went from being super excited to see me, to game face on and ready to help in a moment¡¯s notice. He really is a good familiar. I am just thinking about whether I should take him with me on my journeys despite him being more helpful to my Simulacrum, but that thought is put on hold as the guard carries in the small form of the gnomish shopkeeper. Seeing the shopkeeper¡¯s small lifeless form, I immediately drop all other thoughts and begin focusing on my current self-appointed task, namely healing the gnome. ¡°To the first room.¡± I say, still glad one of the first things I did while moving in here and making this office mine was going through and building up multiple rooms where I could treat and work on patients. The first thing I do is take in the condition of my patient, noting first and foremost that the unconscious patient is both a drastically high level for the area, and a fleshy, or a creature that was not native to the spirit realm. This time, remembering my best practices, I took the person and immediately covered them in my Death Shroud, a Void Healer based merit that made it so I could cloak myself and up to two others in either the spirit or mortal realms. For the mortal realm I could take spirits over, like my familiar and protect them. For the spirit realm I could use it to protect fleshies, like the gnomish spirit that was free floating outside its badly broken body. ¡°Hey, can you hear me.¡± I said, talking to the spirit that was just hovering over the body. Startle. The spirit shook violently as it realized I could both see and speak to it, again this was nothing new as even in the in-between state that this spirit was in, I could see. Normally this gray area between being fully immersed in the realm of the dead and the realm of the living should be off limits, but I could see the spirit. Either this was an adaptation of my Angel¡¯s Sight, or an evolution of my self-channeled spell Spirit Sight, regardless of the reason, the end result was the same, I could see and interact with the spirit of the now dying gnome shopkeeper. Mentally I shot out stings of spirit magic, grabbing hold of the free-floating spirit. To no real surprise, the spirit in question began to fight back and resist the sudden constraints. ¡°Stop that, I am trying to help.¡± I said, my words cutting through to the spirit, where it paused and looked at me, really looked at me. I locked gazes, letting the creature see my glowing green eyes and hoped that it could interpret the color for what it was, a true depiction of the state of my soul. For all I knew green was a sign of greed, but I chose to think of it as a sign that I was a healer, that despite everything I would do what was right and needed, at least that is what I wished to convey. The spirit on the other hand apparently took glowing green spirit eyes as something completely different and started flailing about wildly. Going from almost calm to a wild cornered animal in two seconds flat. Maybe it thought green was for necromancers? I don¡¯t know. At that, I jumped, tackling the spirit, where I began trying to subdue it. ¡°Help! Got a runner!¡± I shouted. Woosh. The door opened to the room, but rather than Zero who was helping to set up patients, a person I hadn¡¯t expected to see in quite a while came through the door. ¡°Oh, look at you. Wrestling a spirit, trying to save their ungrateful life.¡± Mallory of the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild said. Hearing her voice, I felt both a sense of calm and welcome joy. With her here, I realized a sudden tension that had been slowly building within my chest was released. Suddenly I no longer felt worried about a surprise attacker charging into the Mage¡¯s Guild Hall and striking at me for healing people. Seeing me struggle, Mallory, a Valkyrie, went over to the spirit and flicked it in the forehead. At which point a kinetic burst of spirit energy was released, while she let out a single word, ¡°Sleep.¡± I don¡¯t think the spell had to be voice activated, but it did give the whole event a bit of flair, well more flair as just flicking a spirit to sleep was awesome enough, but adding the cheesy action line just made it that much cooler. At that, I got up, and looked at Mallory, ¡°that was badass.¡± ¡°Calm down now, get your head in the game. If you don¡¯t want him traversing over to be in my realm of expertise, then you still need to do your thing.¡± Mallory said. ¡°Right.¡± I said, as I grabbed the small gnome spirit and lifted it up onto the table. The first thing I did was try to line up the gnome spirit with the destroyed and mangled body that was before me. He had multiple shrapnel wounds from an explosion that cut off the lower part of his body. There were also numerous bullet holes and stab wounds throughout the small frail form of the shop keeper. Seeing the body I shook my head, as there wasn¡¯t even enough to accurately work to keep the spirit sealed while I went about regrowing the rest of the body. I pulled the spirit down the long table and was relieved to see that there was still enough room for the complete spirit to be on the table, despite the top of its torso being at the top of the examination table. ¡°What are you going to do? I¡¯ve seen hamburger meat that looks better maintained.¡± Mallory said. I nodded, then shrugged. ¡°The only thing I can. Going to create a new body from scratch.¡± ¡°From scratch?¡± Mallory asked, but I was already in the process of weaving magic. I had my new Void Healer class perk Reincarnation, it was something that I really had to push the system for and one that I hoped would be worth my level 50 class evolution perk. Now honestly, I could do this from the old body and likely it would be easier than creating the whole thing from scratch, but I had my new Class Perk that I was dying to see what I could do with.
Class Perk Unlocked: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you can regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free-floating spirit.
Honestly, it was one of those things where I had wanted to test it, while also not having to test it under such strict circumstances. Yet here I was with a golden opportunity, and I was going to take full advantage of this opportunity before me. Focusing on the flows of magic, I started by first creating an exact fleshy shell just over the still unconscious spirit. This was done by pouring out a thin stream of spirit energy over the body in a way I mentally associated with trying to cover something with melted chocolate. But in this case, I created an inner spirit cocoon layer, followed by changing the resonance of my magic to be that of life. Seeing me work, Mallory asked, ¡°do you want me to get rid of the body?¡± I was about to say yes, but then stopped myself, as I was not at all familiar with gnomish anatomy. ¡°No leave it for now.¡± I said, as I realized a few quick things, first there was apparently one extra gland that I was not completely familiar with the function of. I assumed this had to do with channeling magic easier, as most taller races were able to do so due to the length of their meridians, while I had been curious about how shorter races could do so just as well. I guess the best way to describe this curiosity is to liken it to the creation of the sawed-off shotgun, or other items that are shortened. Now I do not use shotguns, let alone sawed-off ones, but I do understand the principle that the shortening of the barrel allows for ease of concealment and movement, while eliminating velocity and accuracy. But there has never been a study showing that Gnomes and Dwarven casters are in any way worse or more limited than their taller counterparts. With this new gland, I can almost understand, as the gland acts as a mini-focusing chamber for a spell construct within the body and sends the magic outwards. The fact that this gnome was a caster, and likely a powerful one at that was fairly obvious from initial viewings, but doubly so now that I was beginning to recreate his body. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. I also made sure to eliminate things that I thought of as waste. The gnome was old, as there were signs of scarring, and otherwise wear and tear on their body. I sought to fix those immediately, removing the signs of age, readding the elasticity that one would expect around the heart, lungs, and abdominal areas. I also tried to improve signs of wear on the brain and arteries leading away from the heart toward the brain especially. I got rid of laugh lines that the gnome clearly had by smiling too much and replaced them with smooth ageless skin that spoke of a younger life. For a moment, I thought about improving the size and shape of the meridians being used but felt that such eccentricities would be too much. I should have gotten consent before making the alterations that I already had made to this point. But for those, I could argue that it was easier to create a young healthy organ, than it was to create a young healthy organ and then age it, which is what my magic told me to do initially. Though honestly, the truth was again, I wanted to push magic an creation to its furthest point possible and see what the true extent of magic was really capable of. Once the shell was formed of the body and organs, I used Omni-Heal to strengthen the muscular linings and push everything into proper positions. In a way I was doing the work of two or maybe three healers all at once. Using my precision with Spirit magic to create what I wanted to work with, then using Omni-Heal in order to expedite the process. After what felt like hours, but was only a matter of minutes, I had a fully reformed and resealed spirit within a younger, fresher body. Finally, after what felt like hours, but was really only a matter of minutes thanks to how fast my newly enhanced meridians allow my mana to flow out, I realized I was done.
Hidden Quest Complete: A New Way to Immortality: You have discovered a new method of making it so people will no longer die of old age. By creating a perfected copy of a body that you are trying to resurrect, you discovered a way to remove signs of aging and effectively let people live forever, should they so wish to undergo your unorthodox treatment. Beware, knowledge of such a feat is sure to generate attention. Rewards: Experience, New Spell, New Badges. Experience Gained: 5,000 / 5,000 Ding. Level up. Your level in Void Healer has increased to level 88.
New Spell: Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight and allows the caster to create a perfected body for a newly deceased soul to reside in. Effect: Spirit is resurrected into a body deemed to be the peak physical form for their race and will experience a period of enhanced youth and vitality because of this. Negates any detriments caused by old age, such as painful joints, decreased muscle and bone density, or other effects associated with aging.
Holy goodness, just reading that, I felt the true weight and magnitude of my accomplishment fill me. I had done it, just as the quest and spell said, I had created a way of staving off death, seemingly indefinitely. What was more, this was only the Tier X version of the spell. If this was the Tier X version of the spell, then what was possible with Tier XI? Realizing that question, I thought back to the moment when I thought about operating on the meridians of the gnome. At that, I wondered if such a thing was first possible, and then secondly, I wondered if such a thing should be tried at all? Surely there were limits to what was possible and what the game would allow, maybe minor alterations. Speaking of which, I did notice that my new racial flaw was also in effect.
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny applied. Your presence and continued contact with Dr. Mudrikal Ghaniston has increased their overall magical potential by two Tiers, from Tier VIII to Tier X.
With that, I mentally look up the newly evolved flaw in question, but I already know what it will say. Still, I must do a double check to make sure it is correct.
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier XI).
Yes, I just increased the magical potential of a now peak of life Gnomish Wizard to Tier X and made it so he would be at the peak of power for quite a long time. At this moment, I have one major hope that I cling to, I really hope this gnome is not now, or does not turn into a monster, as I just created a very powerful enemy to anyone that survived the counter assault by the citizens who had gathered to look at the merit shop. That of course led me to my recently acquired badge.
New Feat Recorded: Grand Master Tier Spell Creator (I) (1,000). You managed to create a spell that is at Tier X
Seeing the badge, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that I had broken the game in some way. One thousand for a badge? That was enough to make anyone instantly friendly to you, not just going from attack on sight to neutral, by showing that badge, I could theoretically show the badge to the Leaders of the Legrand empire, a country I might or might not have done a lot of missions against, and not only be forgiven, but be accepted as near royalty. I pause, looking at it, in astonishment. After a moment, I realized that Mallory has been there staring at me the entire time. Not only has she been staring at me, but her mouth is wide open as she is clearly in shock. ¡°It isn¡¯t what it looks like.¡± I try to say, wondering how much of this I can try to get rid of or explain way. ¡°Really? Because it looks like you not only resurrected the gnome there, but gave him a perfected body,¡± Mallory then pauses as she looks at him, ¡°wait and then you somehow managed to improve his magical potential as well?¡± I hold up my hand to try to stop her, but then stop myself. ¡°That is, wow, you can see all of that?¡± ¡°I am a Valkyrie; I can see the status and conditions of souls that are ready to be ferried away to the afterlife. With that, I can see all their potential, how far they were able to go in an attempt to reach their potential and see if they might have anything that might hold them back for want to complete. Part of that is I can also see the health and condition of living people and see how much longer they have left, along with their current magical potential.¡± At that I pause, lowering my hand as I try to take in all of that. Then finally after a moment, I respond, ¡°that is amazingly powerful. And close to an invasion of privacy.¡± ¡°An invasion of privacy? More so than shaving off literal centuries of that gnomes life, putting them into a perfect form of their body, and increasing their magical potential without getting consent first?¡± I pause, ¡°wait, do you think he will complain?¡± ¡°What for looking younger, being more powerful, and being at the peak of health and prosperity all while maintaining their old level of wealth, knowledge, and social status? No, I don¡¯t think he will mind one bit, but that is not the point.¡± At that I pause and turn to her, a gesture that is mostly pointless, except for getting people that are watching you to think you are giving them your full undivided attention. ¡°What is the point then?¡± At that Mallory shakes her head. It is about this point that multiple things happen all at once around me. First my Simulacrum sends me the cryptic message, ¡°going to be discovered if I stay here longer.¡± That mental burst of a thought was quickly followed by a system message.
Your Simulacrum has dismissed herself.
With that, I felt a slight release in pressure as the part of my soul that the Simulacrum held was suddenly returned. Thinking back to myself it was likely a good thing that she did that, rather than getting caught. Especially as I had been going around as Sabrina Spiritlight on that floor. Of course, that meant that now I had to, once again, climb up to and through the fiftieth floor. A problem that I might have been a little more troublesome than I was able to hide at the moment. ¡°Everything okay?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. I just spent too long here and will once again need to climb higher in the tower if I want those level perk bonuses.¡± I said truthfully. ¡°You go for the floor clearing bonuses?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What, no. I am going for my Master¡¯s degree. If I get to the 100th floor, I will be granted a Master¡¯s Degree from Arcanarus University.¡± I admit, it is a self only quest, but I do trust Mallory, especially as I fully intend to join her clan in the future. Once my time climbing this tower is over that is. ¡°Wait, are you the one in control of the height of this tower?¡± She asks. At that, I paused and put on my poker face, but it was already too late, as Mallory is already responding. ¡°That¡¯s what the message was.¡± At that I paused, but then realized that Mallory was likely getting messages about me from her family that was watching my live feeds. I am glad that there is some editing of content, but there didn¡¯t seem to be much as Mallory was able to put together the clues easily. Realizing she already knew this, or at least can be told that her hypothesis was true, I decided to go with it. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why Hernandez¡¯s crew was stuck on level 52 forever, it was because you never moved, oh that is hilarious.¡± ¡°Well, it would be, but now I must either climb up all fifty plus floors again or find another way to climb the tower fast. I don¡¯t want to stay here forever.¡± I admit. ¡°I tell you what, I will personally be your travelling companion. In this I will go as high as you want to climb, so long as you promise to join or at the very least be allied with my guild when we are done.¡± Mallory asked. At that I paused, trying to remember exactly why I wasn¡¯t already a member of Mallory¡¯s guild. Then I remember it had something to do with Mallory¡¯s guild only taking on elite level players. ¡°Sure, but know that I kind of want to go on past floor 100 and keep going until I at least get my Doctorate in Magic.¡± I say. At that, Mallory just pauses and stares at me. ¡°You think I would be opposed to this? Having a Doctor of Magic in the guild?¡± I pause, but then realize she is right. Fortunately I don¡¯t have to answer her, as she is already onto her next question. ¡°Also, what exactly did you get your new badge for?¡± ¡°Oh, I created a Tier X spell.¡± At that Mallory just nodded her understanding, but the look on her face said she thought she was looking at some form of freak. ¡°The modified Resurrection spell?¡± At that I nodded, ¡°Perfect Resurrection.¡± I confirm. ¡°Uh huh.¡± She says. ¡°What, I didn¡¯t name it, that is the name it was given.¡± I say, trying to defend the idea of me naming the spell something so pretentious. ¡°Oh, no, not that. I am just thinking that being around you is going to be a lot of fun.¡± ¡°Speaking of fun, wait till you see what happens when I ask you to help me clean up over a hundred thousand pounds of trash from the Guild Master¡¯s office before we leave here.¡± At that Mallory does not look as excited as I am, though I guess when phrased that way, it could be considered bad form. ¡°Relax, you might actually enjoy the task. But it is the last main thing I need to do before I can leave here with a clear conscience.¡± I admit, yes getting rid of the horde of incorrectly trash labelled gold, reading the few million books remaining in the library, and at the very least learning the skills that are hiding within the mage¡¯s library. All are important and will need to get done before I can fully scratch this Guild Hall off my bucket list for places needing to stay at. Also, with this off my bucket list, I could take both Zero and Mallory with me, and use my Simulacrum to help on tougher missions. While I will miss the constant stream of experience each day, it will be worth it for the peace of mind I will be able to gain. ¡°Fine I will help you remove these hundreds of thousand of pounds of trash, as I assume you have a quest related to it?¡± Mallory asks. I nod, ¡°yes, it should help me level tremendously.¡± I admit. There is a moment of silence and Mallory is about to say something, but then there is a coughing, as the gnome I healed, Mudrikal Ghaniston, is up and moving. ¡°Sorry, but does anyone know what happened to me?¡± The Gnome says, looking down at his body that has clearly grown younger. I can also see the moment that he channels a quick diagnostic spell through his body, and sees the changes that went on in his body. Yeah, I might have gone a bit overboard with my work this time, maybe. Chapter 84 I Can Explain Chapter 84 I Can Explain ¡°So, I can explain, this is not quite what it might look like.¡± I admit. To my point, I do think I can do explain what we are seeing to Mallory, though I will admit that this is getting a bit harder to believe, even for me. ¡°No, you don¡¯t need to. I already understand. You have found the ultimate way to launder stolen currency, marking it as trash, then disposing of it in such a way that can¡¯t be tied back to you. Then you apparently gave yourself a repeatable quest to get rid of a pound of trash, which equates to fifty coins. By the amount of bulge happening in this room, I take it you stole all ten million coins and stashed them all here and have been working feverishly to get rid of them since you robbed me of my winnings.¡± It had been the better part of the day that Mallory and I had been together. She was a trooper and stayed with me throughout my healing of everyone that was injured during the attacks. She even stayed with me as I healed the attackers, who were subsequently taken in for questioning. Sadly, just being a healer didn¡¯t get me any type of response from the impromptu quest that had been generated.
Local Quest Generated: Good Samaritan: You have stumbled upon a burglary of the traveling Merit Shop. Help stop the fleeing burglars. Rewards: Experience, a portion of the value of the recovered goods.
I did get a separate reward from Mudrikal Ghaniston, the gnome shopkeeper that I had healed back to life. ¡°Here take this,¡± he said, holding out a card to me.
Soul Bound Item: Personal Thanks: This is a personal note of thanks from Mudrikal Ghaniston, seek him out once you leave the tower to earn a possible reward.
That was all I got from the gnome, before my life became extremely hectic for a point. After that, it was heal, heal, heal. Then finally after a long while we were able to relax. The entire time Mallory was by my side, providing help in ways that I never thought a Valkyrie could do. Grabbing and holding spirits to keep them in place, working with Zero, who she absolutely loved. Then finally making it so that people I healed didn¡¯t stick around too much longer than was necessary. Ultimately, she was an amazing help. I remember one moment that kind of stands out from that whole blur of an encounter, was when she helped me calm down between patients by commenting on just how crazy everything was. ¡°This reminds me of that old joke, that an eating contest is just the prelude to a shitting contest. Round one there is a clear winner, round two everyone loses.¡± Mallory began. I must have given a look, as I was beyond exhausted at this point, which was why she forced me to sit and take a moment to recover my mana. ¡°You know, a big explosive combat is really just the beginning of a massive healing campaign. You know, it¡¯s not quite as funny when you try to put it into words.¡± Mallory said. At that, seeing the all powerful Mallory attempt to joke and fail miserably, that was when I began laughing uncontrollably. ¡°Oh come on, it is not that funny.¡± ¡°I know, which only makes it so much worse.¡± I cried out as laughter continued to pour out from me. Finally after a few minutes of punch-drunk humor I managed to calm myself enough to once again continue healing. The entire time Mallory stayed right by my side, never asking for compensation or anything. That was when I decided she could be trusted with helping me out with my trash problem. Flash forward a bit and we find ourselves right here. *** ¡°Well, to be fair, they robbed me first, so this was payback.¡± I admitted, though in hindsight it might have seemed like a bit of overkill. ¡°Oh, no, don¡¯t worry I got mine. Legrand Empire had to give out vouchers that have daily interest applied. So, I am more than happy with having them work to drum up the funds. All while they are wasting a lot of resources to look for you.¡± ¡°For me?¡± ¡°Well, for a Tobias. Apparently, he is a master manipulator and heartbreaker who seduced the Duke¡¯s Daughter and swindled millions of gold and experience potions out of the Legrand empire. Honestly, they are calling it the theft of the century.¡± ¡°Oh, they are?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, also. I think you are at your daily limit for getting experience for removing trash.¡± ¡°What makes you say that?¡± I ask. ¡°The fact that you haven¡¯t leveled up in the past few minutes, despite receiving the new upgrade to your title.¡± Mallory answers flatly. ¡°What?¡± I ask, then pull up the details of my newest upgrade to my new Title.
Title Improved: Nature¡¯s Friend (V): You have helped clean up over fifty thousand pounds of trash and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 25% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Yeah, so that is irony right there. You rob from the rich, disguise everything as trash, then come up with a convoluted way to launder said stolen funds so nothing gets traced back to you, and boom, you are given an ever-increasing title as Nature¡¯s Friend. I am pretty sure this is a throw back title that was hidden away by the original developers that wanted people to work to make the world better. This Title has since been proven to be irrelevant as all trash disappears within hours of being left unattended. ¡°Oh yeah, look at that, Nature¡¯s Friend V, my mother would be so proud.¡± I admit with a bit of chagrin. ¡°Oh, was she an environmentalist?¡± ¡°Sort of, she was a Dark Elf Druid.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s an odd combination.¡± ¡°Tell me about it, she was fine for her first reincarnation, well until she was in a house that was bombed on the first day of the Nuluman invasion. After that her choice seemed terrible.¡± ¡°Nuluman?¡± Mallory asked, a note of sadness filling her voice. I just nod. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s okay, war is kind of one of the things this game is known for.¡± I know for a fact that Mallory was on the side of Nuluman, during the invasion. I don¡¯t know if she had anything to do with the bombings of the citizens, I honestly don¡¯t care at this point. That wasn¡¯t what killed my parents the final time, it was just the hardest death for them to take. It was also the reason why I wanted to live my best life here. Slosh. ¡°No, you should stop. We have already put in a huge dent into this as you can now crawl on the top and put everything into your trash bag, that you then throw out the window to my cleaning crew member down below. But I think you found the truth, these repeatable quests have a certain cap limit on how many times they can be done in a day.¡± Mallory said. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Sighing, I pull up the repeatable quest in question.
Daily Repeatable Quest (Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild): Cleaning the Guild Hall: Continue to clean the Mage¡¯s Guild Hall of trash. Do your part to keep the Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild Hall clean, by removing at least one pound of trash. Rewards: Experience (10 per pound).
I did a summary of the experience gained and found that apparently the daily cap is around 10,000 pounds of trash, which was 100,000 experience overall, which when split between my two classes netted me 50,000 experience points, or exactly six levels in each class.
Experience Gained: 50,000 / 50,000 Ding. Level up. You class Void Healer has increased to level 94. Your class Simulacrum Master has increased to level 89.
Looking at the room, I felt like we had done nothing. We had barely cleaned out half a million coins, or one twentieth of the overall earnings. ¡°Relax, we¡¯ve got this down to a science now.¡± Mallory said, patting me on the shoulder. ¡°Besides with your Simulacrum here, you won¡¯t need to stick around to wait. You can just wait until tomorrow after shift, get your simulacrum to put the trash into these handy trash bags.¡± Mallory said, pulling out a stack of the bags we had already been using for the coins. These were heavy duty bags, and clearly designed to hold a lot of weight, and by weight I mean for trash. They can hold up to twenty pounds, or roughly a thousand gold coins, meaning we will go through one hundred bags a day. ¡°Yes, your math skills are just as impressive as I have been led to believe.¡± Mallory said, apparently, I had been talking out loud. I do that when I am stressed. ¡°Relax, my¡­ I mean, our guild, will be just outside catching the bags and continuing to help you become the proud nature enthusiast.¡± ¡°Thank you again for this.¡± ¡°No, this is one time when I don¡¯t think anyone would mind helping. I mean especially since we get the benefit of taking the money and recycling it, effectively making our guild part of the Recycling process, getting us our own benefits and prestige.¡± ¡°Is that a Guild Title?¡± ¡°No, well I guess you could call it a Title for the Guild. We get banners that we can display, and the more banners we have, the more we have done. With this we will be one of the newest, and likely last guilds to get a recycling banner. Also, honestly, I am glad we are sort of limited to half a million gold coins a day, that gives us time to work on getting everything slowly trickling out to improve our flailing projects, while also breeding more life into our thriving projects. It¡¯s good and has given my Ivanya the capital she needs to help our guild grow into more sectors.¡± At that I must have given a confused look, as she continued. ¡°Oh, Ivanya is the guild¡¯s main treasurer. She is the one that finds worthwhile investments and oversees the current and future growth of the guild.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s cool. So, she has a plan for all this.¡± ¡°No.¡± Mallory began, but then paused, ¡°well obviously she can do something with an influx of capital, but right now she is saying to invest in you. And I agree with her assessment.¡± At that I pause for a moment trying to understand what Mallory is getting at. Light chuckle. ¡°Oh, you are going to be a heartbreaker once you are of age.¡± Mallory said apparently taking in my appearance and deriving some form of understanding. Then shaking her head, she continues, ¡°no, Ivanya says you are the way of the future, and so we were already ready to take you on, even before your little loophole here about how to launder stolen goods.¡± I was about to argue about it not being a true form of laundering, when I realized that was exactly what it was. Worse, I was getting rewarded by the system in odd ways for having done so. I was going to look like some amazing defender of the planet when this was all said and done, only for it to be a lie. Still, what¡¯s done is done, and I don¡¯t think I can take back this process, nor where this title will ultimately end up. ¡°So, I want to make sure I have this straight, what exactly is the plan going forward?¡± I ask. At that Mallory nods her head and smiles brightly. ¡°We power level you, by having your Simulacrum come here and empty out the daily limit of ten thousand pounds of trash, a day. This will be done in addition to her other work, where your familiar will no doubt help her with her healing and reading the books you seem to have a vested interest in reading. Meanwhile, I will take you on a whirlwind run tour of the tower. Getting you as high up as you would like to go, then once you are done, we will both head back and you will join the guild as an official member. Or you can determine that you are completely annoyed by me and say you are done with me, and I will try not to take it personally. Regardless, we will keep quiet about the sudden influx of currency and will have our own reasons for not betraying your trusts on how you happened to come into possession of so much trash.¡± Mallory said. Thinking about it, I could see the logic behind everything. Regardless of whether the Midnight Hunters would want me, they have a vested interest in seeing this plan through to completion. With that in mind I could very easily see how the Midnight Hunters would want to complete this transaction. ¡°So, you power level me, both leveling wise and towerly?¡± I pause trying to make sure I said that correctly, ultimately, I can¡¯t come up with a better way to say the last part, so I continue. ¡°Then when we get back, regardless of whether you are fed up with me and my antics, I have a position with your guild?¡± I ask. Chuckle. ¡°Oh girl, you are too much. Yes, I would want you based on your powers alone, the fact that I am here, versus one of my underlings can tell you two things. First, I want this done right. Secondly, that I want to see exactly how high up in our organization you would start.¡± At that I pause, but then nod. I am not so pessimistic that I can¡¯t see the logic behind someone like me. I just know that I have a bit of an overbearing personality at times. So, I must admit that I am taken aback by this honesty and transparency from Mallory. I like to think that I could in fact be friends with someone like her in the future. ¡°All right, deal.¡± I say, holding out my hand. Mallory pauses for a second, but then seeing my hand she extends her own. The minute our hands clasp and we shake, I am met with a message.
Personal Accord Struck: The Strength of Your Word: Would you like to wager part of your Social Attributes to ensure this accord? A maximum of 5% of Social Attributes can be wagered at a time. Current maximums that can be wagered 10 Personality, 10 Sociability, and 13 Attractiveness. By accepting the ¡®Gentlemen¡¯s Agreement¡¯ with Mallory, you are hereby automatically wagering these Attributes.
Chime. Seeing and feeling that, I almost forgot such a system existed in the game. This was a way players could hold each other accountable, and also part of why the Social Attributes were so important in the game. Five percent was worth ten Attributes, well, all except Attractiveness which was thirteen? Wow, that was a lot to take in, I had grown a lot socially over the past half a year, and I didn¡¯t even realize it. I wonder if that recent growth was why I have had an easier time with completing social quests, like passing a surprise Audit by the Guild, or my ability to lay low and seemingly unnoticed during the Casino robbery. ¡°Well look at that, you are an up and comer, if you can generate that type of response from the system. You have never broken your word, I am impressed.¡± Mallory said. ¡°What?¡± I ask. ¡°That prompt only comes up when people who have not broken their promises enter a pact with others. It is a sign that you can be trusted. Most just go through the gestures hoping to trigger a response, but most never will. That¡¯s good and it shows that Ivanya¡¯s trust in you is not unfounded.¡± I am about to ask what the heck she is talking about, but decide it is pretty self-explanatory really. The ability to wager and improve your attributes based on your words and a handshake speaks volumes. Here my portion of this ¡®Gentlemen¡¯s Agreement¡¯ is simple, I have my Simulacrum fill the bags full of gold, throw them out the window at set times to members of Mallory¡¯s Guild each day, and get both experience and bonus points for saving the planet. I almost want to laugh at the absurdity of it all. Increased Attributes, Increased Titles, and Increased levels all from working the system. If I hadn¡¯t been part of the process and known that this was mostly me trying to figure things out on my own from day to day, I could see how others could be confused about my being a criminal mastermind. That was why at the end of it all, I said the truth. ¡°Wow, I really hope you feel this way at the end of our journey together.¡± I state and mean it too. ¡°Oh, I have no doubt that I will be more than happy with you joining the guild at the end of this, but that is something I have a feeling I will have to prove more than anything.¡± Mallory said. ¡°I do have to give you credit, you don¡¯t back down.¡± ¡°No, I do not. That is something that you will see a lot from me. Truth be told, it is also how I got Ivanya and so many others to join and stay with us. It is also why our guild is so small, but influential.¡± ¡°Well good, also know that since we are on this journey together, you are in charge of any and all killing.¡± ¡°Oh, I know all about that, your eyes are a dead giveaway for that, by the way.¡± Valerie said. At that I shiver at the comment, the realize that her being a Valkyrie might have more insight into what my eyes mean. ¡°Say, can you tell what my eyes actually mean?¡± ¡°Yes, you have eyes that are a direct gateway to your soul. The green speaks of how you are pure of heart and have not murdered anyone or anything in a long time. Honestly, that is another reason why I want to go with you, to sort of protect you as the porcelain doll that you are.¡± ¡°Hey.¡± ¡°Sorry, that came out wrong, but hopefully you get what I mean.¡± ¡°Yeah, you have an eye fetish, I got it.¡± Chuckle. ¡°Oh wow, it does sound bad if you put it that way.¡± Mallory laughed, then finally regained control of herself. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I like being with you. You allow me to be myself, at least in these moments.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to change. What you see is what you get.¡± I admit. ¡°Oh, yes, the greedy granny who will do anything to learn about magic, or right an injustice. I can fully endorse all those things.¡± ¡°Greedy granny?¡± ¡°Well yes, you do have family coming here soon, from my understanding.¡± ¡°I do?¡± I ask, suddenly wondering what this person knows that I don¡¯t. Instantly my mind runs through everything and I realize that so long as I am in this tower, I cannot get information from the outside world, unlike Mallory. ¡°Oh yes, haven¡¯t you heard? I believe both your real life daughter and son are trying to join.¡± At that, I feel like a punch in the gut. ¡°When?¡± I ask, wondering what has happened to them. They both said they were fine, but the last I heard from them was months ago, before I even set out on entering this tower. Now that I have this, I realize I won¡¯t be able to explore this tower forever. ¡°In a month or two.¡± Mallory admitted. Then I realize this is it, my last and final push to get a Doctorate, as once again just like real life, my kids will likely put a hold to my educational future. ¡°So I have you for twenty days, well nineteen days?¡± I ask, suddenly realizing the dilemma I was under. ¡°Dear, you have me for as long as you want to climb. I will be by your side the entire way.¡± Mallory admitted. And with that, hearing her voice, I couldn¡¯t help but relax slightly. ¡°All right, are we ready to go?¡± I asked out loud. My words were directed to her, but I turned to face both my Simulacrum and my Familiar Zero, who both had overheard out plans. ¡°Yes, you two will go up the tower as quickly as possible. Meanwhile we stay here, establishing your alibi and getting rid of any traces of the crime being able to be linked back to you.¡± My Simulacrum says, in a voice that sounds like a garbled recording of my voice. At least I hope that is what it is, otherwise, I have a very annoying voice, at least to my ears. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, as I lunge forward and hug first my Simulacrum, then Zero. Now that I am here, I can feel the pain that this causes Zero. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, this is the last time without you. I just¡­¡± I trail off. Zero just nods his snout, ¡°I understand, you couldn¡¯t live with the guilt if your Simulacrum couldn¡¯t heal others the way you could, which is why you want me here to help guide her sight.¡± With that I nod. Finally, after a moment I turned to Mallory. Mallory saw the entire exchange but chose not to speak about it, this was good as I didn¡¯t want to tell her about my unique eyesight, or lack thereof. I knew that she would likely learn about my vision problems eventually, but that would be a problem for a future day. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± I said, and like that, my time climbing the Tower with a master level climber truly began. Chapter 85 Auditing On A Train Chapter 85 Auditing On A Train Chugga-chugga. The Midnight Hunter¡¯s personal train began its way barreling down the rails away from Crossroads and out into the future, again. Once again, I was stuck with a rather young attractive female as my traveling companion, though I hoped this one would not be nearly as crazy as the last. To be honest, I would accept someone half as crazy and call it a win. As honestly, I would assume that most anyone would go crazy after being trapped in a confined space with me for too long. Silence. Tap-tap. My foot taps idly on the floor, while Mallory reads a book. Though the only problem is it is an interesting book, so I can understand why she is reading it, but it is so boring. At least at the pace she is reading it is boring. Tap-tap. Page flip.
When combining the components of such highly volatile components, it is always important to note the resonance frequency of the items you are adding. Take for instance:
Seeing the image and diagram, I realized something. First the resonances being displayed are off, not so much to be completely wrong, but off enough to make it so the concoction being made would be a waste of components at best, and a volatile explosion at worst. ¡°That¡¯s wrong.¡± I blurt out, then immediately cover my mouth, realizing I have given away a few things by stating that. At that Mallory, who has apparently been slow playing this just smiles coyly and puts a bookmark in her book and looks up, before closing the book. Then she looks over to me and asks, ¡°oh, so you have read Sir Humphrey¡¯s book on Advanced Chemical Formulas?¡± As she asks, she places her hands over the cover of the large book. Now I don¡¯t want to say that I¡¯ve been shoulder reading her the entire time. Though I do think she knows something about my Angel¡¯s Sight, which allows me to see everything around me within a three-kilometer radius right now, thanks to my improved Perception. There is a painfully awkward silence, it is clear Mallory is both very social and used to using silence as a weapon in discussions. Seeing her like this, I figure it is best to know what I am working with, and how much lying to her would be worth ultimately. ¡°Let me ask you something, out of curiosity, how much of my daily activities are you aware of?¡± I ask, trying to be somewhat discrete, but at the same time I want to know exactly what I am working with. ¡°My sources speak very highly of you. I assume you have unlocked a bloodline of sorts. I was there the day you stopped religiously wearing your EGGs and let your beautiful green eyes show to the world. I do believe from that alone that your eyes are somehow directly linked to your bloodline, which in turn is reflected in your soul. Know that I got from my own observations. That said, know that my granddaughter has machinations of her own here, and will attempt to bind our two families together. That is part of why I am doing this. As you are aware, I told you that both your daughter and your son are attempting to join. Your daughter is working with my granddaughter to be both yours and my own granddaughter in game. Her goals are to be able to have both your bloodline and that of my own linked together in a fusion of sorts. Whether this works or not is not my concern. I just figured I¡¯d let you know that at the very least she has been watching your progress and is very interested. So, she has seen both you, and thereby your family as an investment that she is willing to throw resources at. This means that you, and by extension your personal portfolio, have been sought after and scrutinized. To have someone like my granddaughter show such interest is a huge accomplishment on your part, and now that resources have been spent, it is within my and thereby my family¡¯s best interests to both keep you alive, while also keeping you close to our interests.¡± Mallory began. Hearing that, I paused. There was a lot to unpack in that, but at the very least Mallory¡¯s sudden interest in me made a lot of sense. I was a business transaction, a future resource of her granddaughter that would be used via my own daughter to not only set up her life here, but my grandchildren out there, in the real world that is always watching us. Hearing that, I relaxed slightly. While I didn¡¯t like the idea of people spying on me and knowing all my secrets, the fact that this knowledge was helping my family in a way, made it so this was so much more bearable. ¡°So, in a way this makes us familial grandmothers to be?¡± I ask. At that Mallory nods. ¡°That it does. Honestly, I have been waiting for the day that my granddaughter could join us, she has worked so tirelessly to build up our empire in the real world that she does deserve a reward of sorts. Her ability to come here and be part of two royal bloodlines is important.¡± At that I pause, ¡°wait, you are only a royal bloodline?¡± I ask, feeling a power from her that clearly radiates a much higher threat than my own. Chuckle. ¡°Hahaha, no. I am a Legendary Bloodline if you must know. My son, however, only inherited the Royal ranking, meaning my daughter would be the next in line for our empire, should I fall. My granddaughter knowing of this, has decided that her way to gain further importance is by the mixing of two equally powerful bloodlines.¡± At that I nod in understanding. In a way I feel terrible that my daughter might be little more than a political pawn in all this scheming, used only for her potential lineage ability and then discarded, but she is a grown woman and should know what is best for her. At this point all I can hope is that she is confident in her choices and moves on from there. Silence. I apparently let the conversation drop as I am mentally going over everything that was just laid out on me. Chuckle. Mallory laughs in a cultured aristocratic way that demands attention, but in a subtle way. Hearing her, I can¡¯t help but think of the voice of the mad Queen, the one who Rahul truly fell for, the one that was forever outside his realm. No, she wasn¡¯t truly mad, that was just the title given to her by her opponents, one that she helped to foster. I don¡¯t want to spoil the story for you, but suffice it to say, she was truly amazing and worth following. Hearing the way Mallory talks, I can¡¯t help but think of the parallels between her and the Queen who had too much power for such a tiny strip of land. ¡°Sorry, I just realized I distracted you from your point you were making about the recipe in this book being off?¡± Mallory asked, patting the book in her lap gently to draw my eyes and attention back to the original topic. ¡°Right, so. I have read the book, at least up to the chapter you are on.¡± I admit, realizing that I can¡¯t go too far, but I have already committed myself to this course of action. Also, truth be told I kind of like Mallory, I don¡¯t know if she likes me, or if this is just a mutual transaction, she stays with me, helping me climb the tower, while I stay safe long enough for my child, or children to join me here and become true inheritors of my unique bloodline. A bloodline that my daughter has already sold access to, to help her and ultimately my grandchildren. Knowing all the stakes makes this a lot easier, I know that she does like me, and truly wants me for her guild, but at this point I am more of a future investment in ensuring that her family will be set up to be exceptionally powerful when they arrive. ¡°You have?¡± Mallory asks, a faint smile tugging at her lips, as if she knows a secret I don¡¯t and is just waiting for me to step in it. Still, I cannot let her make something completely destructive. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°I have, and I have to say the magical resonance frequencies that are being described in those books are off.¡± ¡°Oh, which ones?¡± Mallory asks in a way that makes it seem like she is playing along for curiosity¡¯s sake. That or maybe something more. Still, my ethics as a healer all but demand I make sure she knows that making such a potion would be costly at the very least and ultimately dangerous. ¡°All of them.¡± At that Mallory raises her eyebrows, that faint trace of a smile never leaving her lips. ¡°Do go on.¡± She says, still holding the book closed on her lap as she peers at me with keen interest. Fortunately, I don¡¯t need the book for reference. In this case, I can perfectly recall everything from that page, well from every page in the book, she read it so slowly that I could read each page four times and still had time to get bored. ¡°Okay, so the first item, Oricalcum Powder, is listed as having no magical resonance. This is false, it has a magical resonance, but it will take on the properties as an amplifier, if interacted with by properly charged materials. Meaning, if you want the Oricalcum Powder to work as described in the text, it will first need to be coated and charged separately in Silverite, of course at that point why not just use Silverite. Secondly, the resonance variances listed are off, while they can be forced, and some rarer or more powerful examples of materials can reach those frequencies given, that to me is a waste of valuable resources. Secondly, the book makes assumptions that all the new frequencies will be able to mesh together, thanks to the use of the stabilizing agent Obsidian Abstract, but that would only account for two off frequencies at most, not five as are clearly being displayed. Meaning that at most the potion will have a success rate of one in ten, at most.¡± ¡°That is if you made it?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°What, no. If I made it, I would substitute, for a simple potion like a flight potion, you could easily go one grade lower in quality, while finding items that actually meet the resonance needs of the potion.¡± ¡°You are only an Apprentice level member of the Apothecary guild; how can you know all this?¡± She asks, not quite challenging my knowledge, just curious about why I haven¡¯t gone higher in the guild. At that I just lean back in my seat and smile, ¡°who can afford to take those tests, and for what someone to tell me that I know what I know.¡± At that Mallory just nods to herself. Then she cocks her head slightly to the side as she asks yet another question. ¡°Though I do have a question for you, how did you know that this was a Flight Potion?¡± She asks in a gentle tone that I can feel that there is a slight catch, as in she is testing me, but I can¡¯t quite figure out how. Still, I doubled down on the lie, as I find it would be rather rude to say I was effectively reading over he shoulder, well not just her, but everyone in the entire train car. There were a lot of books being read by everyone in the Midnight Hunter¡¯s guild, but I didn¡¯t need to let Mallory know that I knew this. Nor did I need to let her know that the Treasurer was clearly skimming off the top of the books.
Skill Gained: Auditing has reached level 1.
Skill Auditing is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
There we go, a new skill, which reminds me I have six others that I just gained that I need to grind, Enchanting, Advanced Enchanting, Master Enchanting, Blacksmithing, Gear Protection, and finally Gear Infusion. I don¡¯t think Mallory will be up to me trying to change the resonance of the gears of this train, let alone while the train is running. Though I did manage to try it out a bit in both the Hospital wing and the Guild Master¡¯s office. In the Hospital wing I managed to make it so that my Simulacrum could channel a bit of mana into certain parts of the floor, which would activate Spirit Vision on the table, thus making it so my knowledge of how to cast spells was easier for my Simulacrum. It wasn¡¯t a perfect fix, but it would be enough for her to bring people back to life, or possibly purify people of the Blight, if they showed up. At least that was the hope. Still there was a lot going on, and I was somehow able to watch it all and take it all in. ¡°Well?¡± Mallory asked, drawing my attention back to her with a question. I pause, trying to remember what she was talking about, right now my mind is seeing the discrepancies in her accounting books, and I almost wonder if this is a test of sorts. ¡°All right, I assume you are already aware, or at least suspect something about my sight?¡± I hedge. All the while, I watch either the worst accountant in the world butcher their books, or watch a swindler try to cook the books in a circuitous manner, though having seen everything play out and develop from the beginning, I easily see this for what it is. They are double posting the same information twice, meaning the margin of income will be double. This is based on the fact that they have two sales of receipt that were mirrored, and a date changed at the bottom of the slips being the only thing noting two different sales, but the ink and alignment of the words clearly indicates that the second is an exact forgery of the first, something that is almost impossible in the day and age. While there is a printing press, these documents were forged by hand. Either the writer is impeccable, without need for a machine, or there is chicanery going on here. I should know, I did quite a few of these tasks myself, for the Thieves Guild, they are simple and an easy way to justify taking an item that was purchased back. ¡°Yes, though I am now curious about how advanced your sight truly is.¡± She states. I hold up my hand in a calming gesture, trying to get her to slow down a bit. ¡°Well, let¡¯s just say it is pretty good.¡± I pause, almost wondering if Mallory is in on this scheme, if she is, then my outing her might not be advised. Though, if not, this could go a long way towards possibly helping out my daughter and son when or if they come here, hopefully as more than just one time breeding materials that are then cast aside. ¡°Hypothetically,¡± I begin. At this Mallory just raises an eyebrow. ¡°Hypothetically now? Oh, this should be good.¡± She says as she sits back and lets a smile plaster on her face. ¡°Assume for a second I could read documents over a distance.¡± I begin. ¡°Okay,¡± she says nodding as if she already expected this fact. ¡°Now, before I go any further, know that this is not meant to be seen as coercion or extortion of any kind.¡± I say. At this Mallory shifts in her seat, the look of calm on her face suddenly missing. ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Calm down, I am fully comfortable with our arrangement, and want nothing more. Thus, I offer this as a proposed olive branch. Which is why I will preface this with a few questions to make sure I should inform you of this.¡± At this Mallory is very aware, her body is loose, but her focus is clearly on me. ¡°Go on.¡± Gulp. At this, I realize just how powerful Mallory is her stare alone is enough to make me pause as I try to think about how to word this next part. ¡°Are you planning on making your Guild go public?¡± ¡°No.¡± She says, with a slightly quizzical look. At that I nod, good we are on the right track. ¡°You do not have any creditors coming up that you wish to borrow huge amounts of money from?¡± ¡°No¡­¡± Mallory answers, her eyes going slightly wider as she can see where this line of questioning is going. ¡°So, hypothetically, it would be a good thing if I pointed out to you that your bookkeeper was cooking the books, double noting receipts, where one was clearly a forgery of the second with a slightly altered date at the bottom to justify the second line. Then there are rows upon rows of misnumbered prices, that are off by a percentage point, not enough to notice at once, but overall shows a totality of assets that are not truly there, but theoretically should be there?¡± I ask. Whoom! Mallory was gone. Badump, badump, badump. My heart is racing as I can barely begin to process the speed and quickness of Mallory, one second, she was before me, the next second she was charging through the train, right towards the bookkeeper that was cooking the books. There is a moment where Mallory looks down at the book that the bookkeeper was working on, then she looks up and around. I wonder what the cause of that is, but then realize she is likely looking to see if I have some sort of surveillance equipment there. I of course do not, as I am my own surveillance equipment, but that is beside the point. Mallory then goes to a bunch of people. One cuffs the bookkeeper in cuffs, another starts searching the room, apparently for surveillance equipment that might or might not exist. The then once the first one finishes cuffing the bookkeeper, the three of them, Mallory, the bookkeeper, and apparently the Warden? Come forward and come back to the cart I was in. ¡°This is clearly a ruse.¡± Mallory just takes the huge ledger that the bookkeeper had been working on moments ago and thrusts it out to me. ¡°Show us, what you are talking about.¡± Mallory says her words are spoken as a command more than anything. This is important, in BiPrism, we are as good as our word. So, if we accuse someone of doing a crime, we must be able to prove said crime was actually conducted. Nodding, I take the book, and then first pull out the slips of papers that are in the back. ¡°Here are the receipts. This one is the primary, while this one is the clear forgery.¡± I say, holding up the two documents. Then I proceed to show what the prices of certain items are, and when they changed due to market fluctuations. Then I go through line by line showing how false prices were listed on the wrong days. This could be a simple accounting error, but over time, I show in quick mathematical shorthand how the numbers add up. A dollar here, fiver there, then the biggest of all was the double entry for the same products. In the end, I show a loss of just over a hundred thousand gold on this ledger alone. By the end, I realize everyone is staring at me, the bookkeeper who had been protesting his innocence all this time is now quiet, as the mountain of evidence is fairly damning at this point. I almost wonder if this was some test set up by Mallory for me to out the true extent of my skills, but that is quickly dismissed by the random system message.
Hidden Quest Complete: Auditing the Bookkeeper: You discovered that a thief had made their way into the upper echelons of the prestigious Midnight Hunter¡¯s guild and were able to ¡®cook the books.¡¯ You even managed to prove the loss of over a hundred thousand gold cronin. Uncover more books to see how far the corruption goes. Rewards: Experience, New Skill (already learned), new Badge. Experience Gained: 500 / 500
New Feat Recorded: Catching a master thief (100). You singlehandedly caught a master thief who managed to steal hundreds of thousands of gold from a Guild.
I have to say, after the prestige of creating a Tier X spell, only getting a hundred for noticing, reporting, and then proving a master thief was at work was a little disappointing. Maybe it was the fact that with the person already in cuffs, there was no sense of intrigue, as the thief couldn¡¯t try to make a mad dash away. ¡°Hahhahhaaa!¡± The chained bookkeeper started to cackle like a bond villain. ¡°So you caught me. But you know you cannot do anything to me, I have connections.¡± Crack! There was an intense thud, as the warden who had been holding the restrained bookkeeper all this time knocked him out with a well placed knuckleduster to the back of the head. ¡°Well, I told you.¡± The Warden said this time speaking to Mallory. At that Mallory nodded, ¡°yeah fine. You were right. We can¡¯t trust NPCs just because they come from prestigious houses and have good references. I get it.¡± There was a pause, as the Warden turned to me. ¡°What about her?¡± ¡°She¡¯s fine. She is a regressor like us, and she is soon to be part of the family.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± He asks. ¡°Yeah, her daughter and my son will bring my granddaughter to the world.¡± ¡°So she?¡± He pauses, apparently trying to ask a question that likely shouldn¡¯t be asked. Mallory nods, ¡°yes, she does meet my qualifications and more. Also, pass it along that she is to be treated as a guild officer.¡± At that the Warden nods his head. ¡°As you wish, now what should I do with him?¡± Hearing that I almost squirm trying to see if he truly meant those words. Mallory for her part didn¡¯t seem to notice the meaning behind his words, or just chose to ignore them. ¡°Lock him up in solitairy confinement. Also, get me the rest of his ledgers. You saw the quest notification, right?¡± She asked him. ¡°I did, about checking to see how far this rabbit hole goes.¡± He answered. ¡°Exactly.¡± Mallory says. With that the Warden nods, ¡°a pleasure meeting you, and welcome to the guild.¡± He says, before hoisting up the unconscious bookkeeper up with one arm and carrying him out of the car. I was about to say that I wasn¡¯t a member of the guild yet, but then decided to avoid that awkward conversation. Once he was gone, Mallory took a second to compose herself. This was done by her making a few paces through the car, before she came back to her seat and apparently saw her book that was laying neatly on her seat. Seeing the book, a look of recognition crossed her eyes, as she swooped into the seat, placed the book on her lap like it was some sort of cover, and then stared intently at me. ¡°Now, what was this about you knowing this was a Flight Potion?¡± And like that, I felt like I was suddenly submerged in a cage surrounded by sharks. ¡°Well¡­¡± Chapter 86 Train Tagging Chapter 86 Train Tagging At it turns out, inspiration is the mother of invention. Or maybe in my case I could amend it to being confined on a train for fifty plus hours is enough of an inspiration to get me to learn how to finally cast flight. Well, it isn¡¯t actually flight, but for my purposes, this spell is nearly perfect.
New Spell Created: Spirit Drift [Tier VI](C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, and allows the caster the ability to defy gravity by having their spiritual weight substitute for their actual weight. Reserve: 25% of Maximum Mana.
How did I get here? Well, that is a really good question and one that I myself am having a hard time remembering the exact processes for how I got here. Basically, I got here by randomly trying new things until I got something to work close enough to what I intended. Drip. Enchanting paint drips into my eye, and I for a slight moment realize how Michelangelo felt while painting the Sistine Chapel. Before this goes anywhere, no I am not comparing myself to him or his artistry in any way, shape, form, or likeness. Rather for this moment I think I can safely say I understand where and how he must have felt while painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Of course, he had to do his painting on his back, while carefully moving on scaffolding that held him in place. Me, I chose to do a similar thing here on this train car that I have been given free reign to practice on, Mallory said, so once the walls became free and fully cluttered, I naturally found myself needing to reach higher and higher to find more areas that were free of enchanted spaces. As it turns out, Master Enchanting, the skill is a cheat. See it starts off slowly, Enchanting is often seen as a very expensive hobby, as everything requires time, dedication, and above all resources. Advanced Enchanting, the mid-tier skill helps the would-be Enchanter cut down on the number of resources needed for each task. Then Master Enchanting, the skill I got in one go at the same exact time as Enchanting, and Advanced Enchanting allows you to change any medium and make it so, said medium is enchanting material. In my case, you just need to overcome the natural resistance of the material you are enchanting with a highly concentrated form of mana. In my case, I have multiple mana manipulation skills that likely play a huge role in why I am able to cheat with Master Enchanting, as I am sure that my Arcane Understanding, and Magic Script skills are directly impacting the speed that I am learning to Enchant. Also, my Writing skill also seems to be helpful in making it so I can get intricate wording correct. Normally, one would need to read and learn different runic words forever, but I have been through fifteen books of Runes and Romance for dummies, or as it is more commonly known, Rahul and the Maiden. By now, my lexicon for Runes used for Enchanting is top notch. Now, my only concern is seeing if they are in fact real. So far, I have been impressed with my results, as every rune that was spoken about and described has worked. Or at the very least, each rune has been accepted on the train¡¯s walls. I did some experimentation trying to create my own runes, which might or might not have resulted in a small, but easily controllable fire. Fortunately, I had managed to put out the fire before any alerts were raised. It also didn¡¯t hurt the fact that so far all of my bumbling attempts to learn Enchanting were done here, in the empty compartment car at the far end of the train. The train that Mallory is using is rather long, and this is the most robust train the Midnight Hunters Guild has. When I asked why they brought so many train cars for so few people in the spirit realm, I was surprised by the response. ¡°Mainly because we assume that parts of the train will break down. Spirit Mana has highly corrosive effects on gears and mechanical components. This is why we brought along multiple extra cars that could be torn down at a moment¡¯s notice for spare parts as needed.¡± Mallory admitted. Hearing that logic, I couldn¡¯t really refute the claim. That was at least partially why my secondary set of skills I gained from the Merit Shop would be exceptionally lucrative, particularly if I can provide parts or machines that were both highly functional from a magical perspective, and highly resistant to the natural corrosive nature of the spirit realm on technological equipment. This brings me back to my current position, floating on my back, gliding gently under the ceiling of the train car, making sure to draw and link different sets of runes together in an overly complex tapestry of art and design. At this point, I sort of wish I pushed a little harder to master Painting and being an Artist. I can feel those two skills are also going up, finally, but had I already had them maxed out, this whole ordeal would have been a lot easier. As it stands, I am doing just fine, though this car will be far from a perfect example of Enchanting once I am done. Unfortunately, one of the side effects of using the skill Master Enchanting, in addition to being extremely cheap from a resource perspective, I also have the problem that anything I make cannot be undone, unless by someone with a higher level of Skills and Attributes than I currently have. Woosh! The door to the car opens up, letting a figure in. Thanks to my complete field of view around me, I already know that it is Mallory. I have seen others come to the door and apparently look in at me from the window in the door that separates these train cars from one another, but none dared enter. ¡°Hey Mallory.¡± I say. Drip. Another chunk of my own liquified mana drops down from the edge of my fingertip and falls squarely on my face. I instinctively turn my head, but that only changes the landing spot of the drop from being my eyes, where it would burn, despite my being blind to the side of my face. This is fine for me, as it is not the first drop of errant Mana Paint that has fallen on my face. Fortunately, it is all my own mana, so I am not too worried about the corrosive effects of having the liquid fall on my face. Though, now that I think about it I do have to wonder if having someone with a much higher attribute created your Master Enchanting Paint, and that paint fell on you, would that be as toxic as say lead based paints? Clip-clop. Mallory strides leisurely to rest underneath me and is looking up apparently trying to examine my work. ¡°That is so odd.¡± Mallory finally states after a few seconds of looking around the room. ¡°What is?¡± I ask, getting to a point where I am done with this design. It is an anchor mark, and thus one both requires a lot of mana to paint, and a lot of mana to power up as well. I am at the point where I am getting close to my reserves of mana. With my Spirit Drift spell taking up twenty-five percent of my maximum mana pool, I realize that my stamina for doing these types of projects wears out quickly. So now that Mallory is here, I use the moment as an excuse to rest for a moment. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°The fact that you have not used a single component but have somehow managed to cover my walls with your wild and eccentric doodles.¡± Mallory says, looking at everything. Seeing the way she views the world, it is clear that she has some type of mana sight as well. For a Valkyrie I assume this is part and parcel for the course, as she would likely need this sight to view Spirits and the like while in the mortal realm but having it so she can see magical energies also makes sense. I sit up, letting the blood flow to my face, which instantly causes a sense of vertigo. ¡°Eccentric doodles? These are going to one day become priceless artifacts.¡± I said, gesturing to the works that cover most of the train car around me. So far only a few corners and odd angles have evaded my designs. Now that I have a better understanding of how to have a symbol cover a corner, I think I can fill up more spaces, but that will be later. ¡°Yes, when that happens, I will auction off this car as but a humble reminder for all would-be Enchanters to dream big and cover every corner with as much magical material as you can. Honestly, I¡¯m surprised this isn¡¯t a fire hazard.¡± Cough. Something caught in my throat, definitely not residual smoke, nor my own guilty conscience for having made a minor fire. ¡°About that¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I already know.¡± Mallory says, waving a dismissive hand and smiling brightly. ¡°Honestly, I was just curious as to what you would do. The whole thing looks fairly complex.¡± I nod. ¡°Well, I started off with just resistance warding, you know keeping away the signs of spiritual decay.¡± I say pointing to the base of everything and then to the center of the roof that I just finished. ¡°From there, I went on trying to link runes for increased durability and then I just kept going.¡± I admit. Mallory looks around the room giving an appreciative glance, then stops once she turns back to me. ¡°Do you have metallic mana infused paint on your face?¡± I pause, then remember the drops of my own enchanting paint that I have been trying to avoid for the better part of the afternoon and mostly failing. ¡°Probably,¡± I admit while giving a good swipe to the offending drop. With that, I feel the surface tension on my face, as there are parts of paint that are apparently already dried, along with the one drop of paint that is clearly still moist to my touch. Shiver. There is a slight tingling sensation as the skin from the back of my hands touches the still wet drop and smears the solution. Oh yeah, for this I had to take off my Apothecary Gloves. Apparently trying to channel highly concentrated and condensed enchanting liquid through an already enchanted item, like say a Soul Bound glove is a fire hazard. I know, learning experiences for everyone involved. Fortunately, the Soul Bound gloves are indestructible and only took a bit of mana to repair, also there was an exceptionally talented healer on hand, who could fix the noted burn marks to my hands, so no harm no foul, right? Yeah, I probably shouldn¡¯t be left unsupervised so often, but it is a lot of fun when I am. ¡°Also, I didn¡¯t know you could fly?¡± Mallory asked, looking at me with a sidelong glance as she noticed that I was just sitting in the air, not being supported by anything. ¡°Technically I still can¡¯t, though I do think I am a lot closer now. This is only floating.¡± ¡°Uh huh. But you still didn¡¯t answer the question.¡± I pause, trying to look around. ¡°No, the question was whether I could fly, and I can¡¯t.¡± ¡°Okay, fine, but you apparently can float.¡± Mallory leads. ¡°Well yeah, that is kind of obvious.¡± I say, gesturing to my own body that was now floating in the sky and my dangling legs that I kicked out over nothing as if to emphasize this point. ¡°Right, but when did you learn to float?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Oh, right about the time when I was too short to reach the higher portions of the wall. I said to myself, ¡®Cass, either you need to learn to grow taller, or you need to fly.¡¯ It took a bit of experimentation, but I found for this, that flying would require constant movement, something that is not conducive to learning a highly focused skill like Enchanting, so I modified my original concept of being able to fly to this.¡± I say. At that Mallory just paused and looked at me like I was crazy. ¡°So you just taught yourself how to fly?¡± Mallory asks. I am about to open my mouth to correct her again, but she then waves her hand to cut me off, as she apparently realized her own mistake. ¡°I mean to learn to float?¡± ¡°Yes, though I don¡¯t think there will be much difference between this and flying. I think I just need to take some of my stabilizing currents and shift them around to provide propulsion forward.¡± I admit, mentally going through the formula. The spell I am using is quite intense on mana reserves, but thinking on it, most of that is because I keep constant forces moving around my body and let out minor releases to ensure stability over time. ¡°How did you learn this spell exactly?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Oh, I was inspired by watching birds.¡± I admit, remembering the giant spirit birds that flew on floor fifty-three. That reminded me, on that same floor was the Duelist who still owed me a skill for completing a quest. I am mentally going over how I can change into my Sabrina form, while not completely outing myself as a doppelganger. ¡°From watching birds?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± I admit, then go back and am running through the options. I know I have already been implicated as being Tobias, so a Sabrina wouldn¡¯t be too much extra that I was giving away. It wasn¡¯t like I was going to give up my Madame Umbra, or other forms I still had in reserve. ¡°Birds have wings.¡± At that, I pause, shaking my head at the absurdity of the statement. ¡°Of course, they do, otherwise they would be thaumivores, or at the very least humanoid.¡± I admit. Mallory just shakes her head. ¡°No, what I mean is, birds have wings, they don¡¯t use magic to fly.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± I say, getting where the confusion is coming from. ¡°No, you are not understanding what I am saying. ¡°Spirit birds. I learned to fly, well in this case float by watching the currents of energy that spirit birds use to fly.¡± ¡°Wait, spirit birds use spells to fly?¡± ¡°Of course they do, how else would you assume that a creature with bones for wings, or wings that have clear giant holes in their structures would be able to fly?¡± I ask. At that Mallory pauses, as if trying to consider this new information. Then with a slight pause, she eventually nods in understanding and then finally after a few moments, shakes her head, not wanting to think about this random topic anymore. ¡°Well, good point.¡± She says and is about to turn around, when suddenly she turns back and looks directly at me. ¡°Actually, before I forget. I wanted to let you know that we are nearing the end of our trip here. I wanted to make sure you had a chance to rest and level up before we go further.¡± At that, I was about to question, when I realized what she meant. My Simulacrum, or rather the experience that my Simulacrum was earning for me was accumulating, but I could only gain that experience once I took a moment to rest. This was good, as it also gave me time to sit back and recharge. I would need to still sleep, for a moment I think about whether I want to sleep while still floating, that way if there was a sudden crash, I should be safe. Well safer than if I was letting my body be affected by gravity. Then I have the idea of just sleeping while floating, and just letting Mallory carry me. Having that thought, I raise my finger and am about to ask, when she responds. ¡°No.¡± ¡°No?¡± I ask. ¡°No.¡± ¡°But you didn¡¯t even hear my question.¡± I protest. ¡°I know, but the answer is still no. I¡¯ve seen that look before. It is the same look that gets me a train car covered in runes, and my healer covered in oddly metallic looking rune paint, so no.¡± Mallory asks. At that I pause, and am about to ask if I overstepped. ¡°Look, I think what you did here was great, I mean a bit amateurish, but we all need to practice getting better. Also, letting you tag this one car was a bargain as far as I am concerned for a reward for finding out that our bookkeeper was embezzling hundreds of thousands of gold coins from us. So, in that context, letting you run wild and bedazzle a spare train car was a bargain. That said, we are about to go out into the wild and encounter monsters whose sole purpose is for us to hunt them down. Well, my job will be to hunt them down, while you are just a pacifist. This means I will have to be twice as vigilant while protecting you. Again, not a problem, but just a reminder of what we are up against.¡± Hearing that, I let out a sigh, as I realized she was right. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t do that.¡± ¡°Do what?¡± ¡°Pout.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not pouting.¡± I say, though as soon as I say it, I realize she is likely right, or that at the very least an argument could be made that I was possibly pouting. Stupid childlike face, always makes it look like you are pouting. Seeing my reaction, fortunately Mallory doesn¡¯t say anything else, just nods once I realize I might have come across as pouting. ¡°Now, not to be a parent, but I do think people like you do need to be warned about reality every so often. This is why I am not telling you, but strongly encouraging you to take a moment to rest before we get to our final destination.¡± At that I nod, ¡°thank you.¡± I say, somewhat sheepishly. Looking around, I realize that I might have gone for a long time Enchanting, or as Mallory put it, tagging her train car. With that Mallory looks at me, then nods to herself before exiting. I almost want to continue going, but realize she is right, that this is likely one of my last times to fully rest in a comfortable space before we begin our journey. Pushing myself down from the ceiling, I land on a cushy leather-bound seat, and then begin lying down to rest. I don¡¯t need to look around me, as I can see that no one is within a few hundred feet of my train car and that I am likely as safe as I am going to be for a while. With that, I sit back, relax and at the very least let the troubles of my day wash away. There is a flash of light, as my mind adjusts to system information, but fortunately I am able to dismiss that information quickly, as my mind was finally able to relax, even while I felt the all too familiar feeling of the system increasing my attributes from allowing my soul to synchronize with my Simulacrum.
Experience Gained¡­
The best part about sleeping, gaining experience for finally allowing my mind to relax. Good nigh¡­ Chapter 87 Double Evolution Chapter 87 Double Evolution Now to say that my Simulacrum had been busy over the past forty or so hours would be an understatement. While I was grinding away on improving my three new Enchanting skills, getting all three skills; Enchanting, Advanced Enchanting, and finally Master Enchanting to level 73, which boosted my base Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower Attributes. By comparison my Simulacrum blew me out of the water, earning over two hundred thousand points worth of experience in two days from cleaning up trash. Well gold that had been designated as trash, and then from a loophole where I was allowed to assign myself guild quests, thanks to also being seen as the Guild Master for the Crossroads Guild Hall, I was now looking at twenty days of hard work and profit. On a strictly per hour basis, this was more than I would have earned by cheating my heart out and winning third place in the Swap¡¯em Hold¡¯em tournament. So, what is our moral to this story? Cheating and getting caught is bad. Cheating and having a guild to help launder your ill-gotten gains for profit and to help make the community that much nicer of a place, good. With that, I just went for the compressed summarized experience logs.
Attribute Benchmark Threshold Met: You have had your first Attribute (Willpower) exceeded the 500-point plateau. This threshold has been noted and will be marked as your primary attribute. Reward: Choose One: Increase Base Attribute Willpower by (10) or Increase Base Attribute Willpower¡¯s potential by (10%).
At that, my mind perked up and I could all but feel my ears stand up straight as I was now laser focused on this update. Did it mean what I thought it meant? I could either increase my Base Rating in Willpower by 10 points, which would take me from 104 to 114. Or I could increase the base potential of my Willpower Attribute from 125% to 135%? Or would it be ten percent of the 125%, so 137.5%? Regardless, the decision was easy.
Base Attribute Willpower¡¯s potential has been increased by 10%, to a maximum of 135%.
¡°Gah.¡± I mentally let out a scream, but then decided to hold myself back, as being able to get my base Willpower to 135 would be huge in the end game, even if 137 would be better. This reminded me that I needed to get my one-time use potion to apply the Unbound merit again would be within my best interest, particularly as I was now nearing my threshold for Intelligence. Just as I was about to go deeper into this thought, I was immediately hit with the next update.
Title Improved: Nature¡¯s Friend (VII): You have helped clean up over Seventy thousand pounds of trash and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 35% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Looking at the title increase, it seems I got one Tier rating increase for every ten thousand pounds of trash that I, or by extension my Simulacrum, managed to get rid of. Good to know. Also, it seems that the only real difference is that my Life and Nature spell efficacy increased by 5% per tier rating. While I was happy for any extra hidden perks like this, I had to admit it did seem a little weak overall. It didn¡¯t help that what came first was a lot more appealing from a reward perspective, at least to me. Then came the denouement.
Experience Gained: 101,530 / 101,530 Ding. Level Up. Your class Void Healer has increased to level 103. Class Evolution point met. Your class Simulacrum Master has increased to level 100. Class Evolution Point met.
At that, all thoughts of weak titles were gone, as I felt a swell and surge of Attributes hit me all at once. There was a surge and a swell of energy in me, then finally once I was able to take a moment to breathe, I was rewarded with an amazing sight.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 53 17 Personality 77 158 Perception 119 192
Dexterity 85 107 Sociability 73 158 Intelligence 121 281
Endurance 78 22 Attractiveness 61 228 Willpower 104 437
I now had Attributes that were nearing the threshold for what it was to be considered a powerhouse. The fact that I got Willpower, one of the hardest Attributes to be my benchmark Attribute was amazing, as I don¡¯t know of many people who managed to do the same. Though to be honest my classes and my newly evolved race do help, as I effectively get two Willpower per level, making it so it would only be odd if I didn¡¯t have Willpower as my highest Attribute, despite having a hard time finding Skills to grind that will help improve the Attribute. Unfortunately, before I could get too deep into this train of thought, I was met with two more class evolution points.
Class Evolution Point Met: Congratulations, you have proven yourself to be the best Void Healer in the world. As a reward for being the first with your class to reach the level 100 threshold, you are now able to forever direct the way your class will evolve in the future. Based on your own personal accomplishments, the following Class Evolutions are possible: New Class Specific Spell, Perk, Skill, Life Magic school, Nature Magic school. Note: By choosing one of these evolution points you will forever change the direction of your class, forever changing the trajectory of all those who will follow in your footsteps.
Seeing the options, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was both exciting and frightening. It was exciting in that if I was reading and understanding the prompt correctly, I would now be able to heal plants? I guess this had to deal with my new Title, Nature¡¯s Friend, with that Title I apparently opened up a new ability to unlock Nature Magic? This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Then highlighting the noted evolution choice, I couldn¡¯t help but feel in awe of what was being provided.
Class Evolution Option: Nature Magic School: By choosing this option, you will unlock, or improve your affinity with the Nature Magic School to be the same Tier Rating as your highest Tier of magic (Currently Spirit Magic Tier XI).
Seeing that option, I couldn¡¯t help but feel my heart beating faster. Yes, I learned to cheat, by changing the oscillation of my Spirit Magic to mimic other frequencies, but this was something different. This was being able to do that naturally. Maybe, the system saw that I was cheating so much and decided to just give it to me? I don¡¯t know, but this did seem like it would be huge. Also, again going back to the Title I received, by having that as a school of magic available to me, I would finally be able to apply my 35% bonus to it, as I knew for a fact that it wasn¡¯t working with my Spirit magic that I made to mimic Nature Magic. Not that I tried too much, it was on my to do list, but this was so much easier, as boom I just chose the option and then we went from there. With my mind made up, I focused on the option to make Nature Magic School my class choice for Void Healer¡¯s level 100 class evolution point option. Whoom!
Congratulations: Nature Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Nature Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
I felt both alive and changed from that sudden rush. I like the fact that the change was instantaneous, versus having to wait for a full day for my option to be taken seriously. Just having the new school of magic available caused my mind to open wide with possibilities. Yes, I could have done similar magic by forcefully changing the resonance of Spirit magic and manipulating it to be at a different frequency and then using that new frequency to do what it was intended. But that option is like having a vibrating tuning fork in your hands and trying to use it to paint a masterpiece. Yes, with enough time and focus you could get good at painting like that, but it would be a lot better to paint without the constant vibrations and thrumming going through your hand and arms, same thing, all except with magic. Now as for why I chose Nature Magic as a Void Healer school of magic, versus Life Magic, well the truth is very simple. Both my Simulacrum and I could use my Trait Omni-Heal, which made it so we could already heal with a secondary mana pool. Also, right now as my Simulacrum is the only one actively healing, my unlocking the Healing Magic school for my Void Healer class would be sort of pointless. Also, truth be told, I was hoping that I would have that be an option for my Simulacrum Master class evolution. Also, if I was being completely honest with myself, I sort of wanted someone following in my footsteps to have a slightly harder time than I did, thus giving them Nature Magic was a huge way to hopefully slow down their progress and make it so I could maintain my dominance in this class. Now that I was finally done with choosing the direction of how my Void Healer class would evolve for me and every other future Void Healer, I was finally able to move onto the last and final update.
Class Evolution Point Met: Congratulations, you have proven yourself to be the best Simulacrum Master in the world. As a reward for being the first with your class to reach the level 100 threshold, you are now able to forever direct the way your class will evolve in the future. Based on your own personal accomplishments, the following Class Evolutions are possible: New Class Specific Spell, Perk, Skill, Life Magic school, Nature Magic school. Note: By choosing one of these evolution points you will forever change the direction of your class, forever changing the trajectory of all those who will follow in your footsteps.
There it was, the choices that I was hoping for, I was surprised to see that Nature Magic was once again available, though I didn¡¯t even bother with checking to see if it would increase the Tier rating of my Nature Magic Tier rating, which was artificially increased to Tier XI. The reason being was that I knew in my mind I was going to get to floor 100, thereby earning my Master¡¯s degree and thereby earning the next tier in my Spirit Magic School. This meant that once my Spirit Tier rating was increased my Nature Magic tier should also be increased, at least based on the wording of the notification. Thus, getting that twice would at most prove to be a minor boon for trivial gains. Also, again I did feel kind of bad that my Simulacrum was having that much harder of a time healing than I was, so I figured that having Life Magic be a static part of her diet, she could do that much better at the tasks that had been assigned to her. With that, this choice, much like the other one was a bit unorthodox, given the class, but it made perfect sense to me.
Congratulations: Life Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Life Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Once again, I felt the pulse and expansion of magic coursing through me and around me. Suddenly my mind was opened and awakened with the knowledge of how to construct new Life spells. I instantly found inefficiencies in my previous spell forms. Inefficiencies that once corrected could easily lower the Tier rating of my previously created spells. With Life Magic, I realized I could create wings that would help me to fly, I could also easily change parts or all my body to be a monster, or a more adaptable escape artist. Chameleon skin would be nothing for me in what I could do. So many thoughts were going through my mind that I almost missed the moment my senses were telling me that something had changed. It took a moment, but then I realized what had changed, what my senses were trying to alert me to. The train that I had been stuck in, the train that had been a veritable prison finally stopped moving. Within a moment I was fully awake and aware of everything that was happening around me. One second stuck in my own personal dreamscape that was separated from the rest of the world, then the next fully able to see everything that was happening in the train cars around me. I almost felt like blinking due to the blindingly bright lights that were around me, only to realize that I had done the equivalent of sleeping in a brightly lit room with the lights on and then wincing when I awoke. The reason for my mental discomfort was simple, I tagged the heck out of this train car with doodles. Doodles that progressively got better and closer to being able to handle and receive mana but doodles all the same. Still, they were runes, they were functional, and most importantly, they did increase my three skills related to Enchanting. That said, they did provide one heck of a headache when I awoke, fortunately a simple heal later and that was gone. I just now had to deal with the dark silhouette that was rapidly approaching. Based on their energy signature, I knew instantly who was coming to greet me, even before they entered the train car. ¡°You up?¡± Mallory¡¯s voice asked. ¡°Yeah.¡± I say, as I sat up and tried to cover my eyes from the blinding lights and energy around me, but to no avail. Stupid not having eyes and still feeling a burning sensation behind my retinas from staring at enchanted walls for too long in my sleep. ¡°Good. Oh, and congratulations.¡± Mallory said. ¡°Yeah, thank you. Honestly, I didn¡¯t think I would get to level 100, let alone twice, but this was sort of nice.¡± I admitted. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asks, looking distracted, as she was glancing around the car. ¡°Oh, yeah, I guess that too. But I was more appreciative of the fact that you didn¡¯t burn down the train car again.¡± ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t burn it down.¡± ¡°Yes, fortunately there were fire suppression runes nearby that helped contain the fire.¡± Mallory said while nodding in agreement. At that I just grimaced and shook my head. Apparently, she was going to go on about setting one minor Enchanting related fire. ¡°That was so yesterday,¡± I say while getting up from the plush leather seat that I had been sitting on. ¡°We are about to head out, but I figured I¡¯d offer you some food and provisions before we go.¡± At that I just wave my hands. ¡°Don¡¯t need it, I get all the nourishment I need from my spells.¡± At that Mallory pauses and stares at me. ¡°What?¡± I ask, then feeling a bit defensive I continue. ¡°Being poor means that you might not always get a meal when you need or want one. That is why I made sure the first thing I did was choose spells that made it so I wouldn¡¯t be reliant on food again.¡± At that Mallory just nods to herself. ¡°So your first spells, the class spells related to your highly unique and personalized class Void Healer are related to eating?¡± ¡°Well yeah, a girl¡¯s gotta eat, right?¡± I say, then I amend, ¡°I did take the Planar Shift Spell, so I could also get out of danger if needed. Then realizing I might have a bit more to think about with my new schools of magic available to me, I pull up my first few spells.
Planar Shift (A): Allows user to create a path connecting the realm of the living to the spirit world.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Looking at it, it seemed like I could turn off Spirit Mana Control, for the moment especially considering I was in the spirit realm I would have access to ambient spirit energy, which could then be used to maintain Spirit Sustenance. With that revelation, I turn off Spirit Mana Control. Then I pause and wait. And wait. After a second, I let out a slight breath of relief as I realize my Spirit Sustenance, just as I had predicted was working properly. This would not be a problem, so long as I remain within the spirit realm. My only problem with this spell would come when or if I wanted to leave this tower, which was becoming more and more a want. I did want to go out and explore the rest of the world as well. But that was something that could happen later. Still for now, I was in probably the perfect place, for me. My Spirit Sustenance was still going in full force, meaning I wouldn¡¯t be hungry or thirsty. Also, I wouldn¡¯t need to constantly change my own internal mana pool to be Spirit mana only, meaning my two new Schools of Magic were not going to be wasted, at least for the time being. Also, this meant that if time went on, and I left the Tower, but still found myself lacking for food, I could always turn back on my Spirit Mana Control to provide food long enough for me to avoid a dangerous situation. With my course of actions clearly mapped out in my mind on what I would do, and how I could fix potential future problems, I felt ready to both try out my two new magical schools that were awoken by my class evolutions, while also realizing that I still had another school of magic that I could also utilize now.
Shadow Magic, Tier VIII.
While my Shadow Magic was nowhere near as high as I had managed to raise my Spirit Magic, it was still at a fairly high synchronization level, meaning that I should be able to do a few interesting things. Particularly now that I felt I didn¡¯t have to worry about tarnishing my projection path. ¡°You are ready then?¡± Mallory asks. Hearing her voice, I shake my head away from my own thoughts and realize that we were having a conversation. ¡°What? Oh, yeah. I¡¯m ready. Though I might need to change before we go.¡± ¡°Change?¡± ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t worry, it will be slightly different. Also, I might appear and seem like a completely different person, but it will still be me.¡± I say, realizing that if we are in fact on Floor 53, then I will need to do my quest turn in as Sabrina the teenage duelist. ¡°Okay?¡± Mallory says while glancing at me with a sidelong stare before letting me go change. With that, I walk past her, into the privy, then begin changing into one of my many Doppelganger forms. This won¡¯t be awkward at all, I think to myself, as I strip down and then begin shifting and changing my forms from a really young elven teenager to a slightly older human teenager. Yep, definitely not awkward at all. Chapter 88 No Thanks Chapter 88 No Thanks Of all the reactions I had expected to receive from Mallory upon my exit from the train¡¯s tiny bathroom stall, I can safely say I did not expect the one I got. I did give a warning, informing her that I would make a change. It was also clear that she was at least aware I was able to make a change from our conversations about me being a heartbreaker as one Tobias Spiritlight, so maybe in retrospect this change should not have been so odd. Instead, what I got was something that will forever be imprinted on my soul. High Piercing Shriek! ¡°OHHH!¡± Mallory screamed as she looked at me, and at first I was afraid. I originally thought that I was about to be attacked, that this was some form of Valkyrie disabling shriek, or something. In actuality what happened was something far different. Paralyzed. Even with my two hundred levels of Attributes, levels, and skills, I knew that I stood no chance against Mallory should she choose to attack. I tried to think of a place to Teleport away to, but nothing came to mind. In that instance, I was completely shocked by what was happening. Then she charged forward, and like anyone caught up with such a disparity in Attributes, I just sat there. Or at least that is how it felt. In reality I am certain she used some type of instant movement skill or something to get close so quickly. One second, she was a dozen paces away, the next she was right on me. I closed my eyes and braced for impact, but it never came, well not the harsh impalement of a weapon to the sternum, or other violent attack one might expect. Instead, she did something completely different. ¡°Oh my gosh, you are just too cute. Look at you!¡± Mallory began, and then I felt it, a sharp stinging pain on my cheeks. ¡°OWW!¡± I yelped, as I realized she was pinching my cheeks. ¡°What are you ninety?¡± I say, trying to bring my hands up to get her hands away from my cheeks. ¡°Girl, you have some serious Social Attributes, I know you were cute as an elf, but then again what elf isn¡¯t cute. But to make even a human look this good, that is a huge accomplishment.¡± She states to herself as she proceeds to check me over. Then I can almost see the moment when the gears in her head change. ¡°Oh, and best of all, you are legal in this form, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Legal?¡± ¡°Yeah, that sounded a lot worse than it was meant, but the idea is still the same. Seeing you like this; I can almost understand why you were challenged by that Duelist to begin with.¡± ¡°What?¡± I asked, feeling that this was going well and truly off the rails. ¡°You know, first he wanted to conquer you, and then he wanted to conquer you.¡± Mallory states, adding extra emphasis on the second use of the word ¡®conquer¡¯ that makes me tremble with revulsion. ¡°Bleh.¡± I add, not able to come up with any words. She is likely correct, but this is still far more disgusting of a topic to think about. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Momma Mallory is here for you.¡± ¡°Momma?¡± I ask out of reflex. ¡°Why of course dear. I already told you that you were in. And after our little journey together I am certain more so than ever that I want you to be family. Not just a member of our guild, but one right near the top, right by my side.¡± Mallory states. At that statement I pause and stare at her. ¡°Won¡¯t your other children get jealous?¡± I pose, realizing that her very granddaughter is coming. At that she just lets out a huff and then waves her hand. ¡°My boys don¡¯t really care. They are always off galivanting around, trying to slay this monster, bring that country to its knees. They only really come to me when they want me to break something that they have found to be otherwise impenetrable. Do you know how hard that is? When your kids, your own flesh and blood, the children you gave birth to and brought into this world, only want you for your money, resources, or to kill something they couldn¡¯t.¡± Mallory states, though it might sound like a question, she was clearly just speaking out loud to herself at this point. I want to say something, but I am too caught off guard to utter a proper response, which Mallory apparently takes as reason to continue her commentary. ¡°Yeah, five boys. Enough for a basketball team, but not one daughter.¡± She states whimsically to herself while she just stares off into the distance and shakes her head at no one in particular. Finally, some of her comments make sense, though I do feel I have to set one thing straight right now. ¡°So, to be clear, are you recruiting me as a friend or as a daughter?¡± At that Mallory pauses and looks at me. Then seems to come back to herself. ¡°Oh, sorry. I could see how that might sound patronizing. Here you are, a person who lived a long life and are now coming here to start over, and here I come saying that I will treat you as my daughter, versus family.¡± Sigh. With that Mallory visibly deflates for a moment, and then seems to recollect herself. Then the next she is back to her stoic self. ¡°Sorry, that was uncalled for. You are right. It¡¯s just that when I saw you in this form, what did you say her name was again?¡± ¡°Sabrina, Sabrina Spiritlight.¡± I answer. At that Mallory nods, ¡°not that good of a disguise if you keep the same last name all the time, but with your title I assume that would be hard to change. We might need to look into getting you a second last name, that way you could switch between the two.¡± Mallory states, realizing a critical flaw in my plans. She is right, if every Spiritlight is a thief, or linked to major crimes, then eventually my own good name might also be tarnished. While that is not really a big loss, it will make my reputation with certain types of people much tougher. But before I can go too far down that train of thought, Mallory has already pivoted and is once again changing the course of this conversation. ¡°I had a daughter, once.¡± Mallory began, and then paused as she was clearly calling up a hard memory. ¡°Well, I almost did. Her name would have been Jacqueline, but she never came to full term.¡± Mallory paused, at that, letting the moment of pain wash over her. At that, I instinctively reach out and rest a hand on her arm as a form of comfort. She doesn¡¯t need to say any more, I can already guess the rest. After a silent moment, Mallory continued. ¡°I had dreams about her, for years. Sometimes I would dream of what she would have looked like had she been given a chance to live.¡± Mallory says, and I can all but feel her pain as she works her way through this clearly tough time in her life. Hug. My arms are wrapped around her and hugging her in only the way someone with a seventy in strength can apply to someone who can slice through a building with the swing of her summoned death scythe. But the moment isn¡¯t missed, and she pauses for a moment, then wraps me up in a hug. Then the longer she hugs, the tighter she gets, like a python slowly tightening their grip, until finally I can¡¯t take any more. ¡°Too tight¡­¡± I say, patting her lightly on her back. ¡°Oh.¡± Mallory states, letting loose the death grip, and finally I can breathe. Gasp. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author. Mallory almost tries to go away, but I can sense that she isn¡¯t quite done, so I hang on for a few more seconds, until I can feel the moment her heart goes back to its natural rhythm. Then and only then do I let her go. We separate, and then she takes a half step back, while reaching up to wipe away something from the corner of her eye. I turn away, not that it means I can¡¯t see her anymore, just that it generally gives people the feeling that you aren¡¯t staring at them. After a second she composes herself and then straightens up. ¡°Right. So back to my statements earlier. I realize they might seem patronizing, and that is not what I wanted at all. Just when I see you, in this form, I saw her. My Jacqueline, and for a moment I wanted her to be you. Someone who is smart, brave, pioneering, someone who will get lost in their own creative moods. Someone I could¡­¡± She trailed off, but that didn¡¯t matter, as I was already back to giving her another hug. ¡°No, in that case, I am honored that you would think of me that way. Also know, that I would much rather have a friend than anything.¡± I admit. At that Mallory nods and states, ¡°I think I can do that.¡± Then after a pause, she adds, ¡°no wait, I want to do that. Family can of course be friends.¡± *** A few minutes later, Mallory and I exited the train car, with a bit more understanding of each other. Honestly, I had been frightened of the train ride, being stuck together for so long with someone like that generally means you will learn a lot more about someone than they generally want you to know. I know personally one of the biggest fears I have is that I will go and not be accepted. It happened with Tobias, as I thought I could at least have an inside track to the Legrand empire with that, but the duke¡¯s daughter turned out to be completely crazy and wanted to bind me on sight. I had almost expected something like that with Mallory, but I was off base. Well, she did want to bind me to her and her guild, but not in an overly possessive way. Also, I think I learned a lot about her from our interactions as well. For instance, she is very kind and loving, far too loving for one of her reputation, but she has to hide it behind an impenetrable face of ruthless determination. But she also has a very vulnerable side that she needs to nurture with kind people that won¡¯t take advantage of her. Realizing that, I make the note to myself that I will try to not take advantage of her generous nature. At that I almost feel bad for tagging her train car, but then realize once I get decent at Enchanting, the works I will be able to make will be exceptional, hopefully. ¡°So this is the fort you made it to?¡± Mallory asks, looking around at the one train stop for the entire zone. ¡°Yes. There is a Duelist here that is named something like Tristan ColdFront, or something.¡± I admit, trying to recall the name of the person. Now that we are closer to the fort, I can easily see the person in question, they are wearing the most layered patterns of magical clothing and effects I have ever seen. ¡°There he is now.¡± I say, pointing off in the direction of the man, though I pause as I realize he is behind a wall and I likely shouldn¡¯t be able to see him. ¡°Where?¡± Mallory asks. I pause then try to cover for my misstatement. ¡°I mean, I think he might be in that building.¡± Mallory pauses and looks at me with a uh-huh, look but I keep walking forward, pretending like I can¡¯t see her gestures. I don¡¯t mind her knowing that my eyesight is vastly different, in fact I am fairly certain she might know more about my Angel¡¯s Sight than she is letting on, but I don¡¯t want the other people who are also getting off the train with us to know, at least not yet. Fortunately, our train¡¯s arrival did not go unnoticed by the locals. ¡°So how do these tracks work? Were these here last time?¡± Mallory asks. I shake my head. ¡°No, I had to hoof it to here, I guess after a city or fast travel point is found, the tracks will be created once occupants leave that zone.¡± I pose, offering the only thought that seems to make sense. At that Mallory nods, ¡°I have seen that happen in other places as well. Still, it will make traveling forward a bit slower.¡± I nod, having expected something like this. Ding. Ding. A bell at the center of the fort rings out, letting everyone know that the train has arrived, and that is also the sign when the Female Commander of the Fort begins to come, along with the brightly colored Duelist mage. ¡°Hello, welcome to our little outpost¡­¡± The Commander begins, but is quickly cut off. ¡°You!¡± Hearing the pompous jerk pipe up, I almost want to facepalm at the thought. Seeing my obvious discomfort Mallory is about to step forward, but I stop her with a hand gesture asking her to hold for now. ¡°Look, we just came to close out what you owe me, then we will be gone.¡± I state. ¡°You have come here to the great Trigon BiFrost, seeking training in my unique class skills. Skills that I have personally used to best opponents who are hundreds of levels higher than my own?¡± I roll my eyes, or at least attempt to. He pauses, clearly waiting for me to give a verbal reply, ¡°yes, now what skills does your class even have to offer?¡± I ask, trying to move this along and get this over with. New skills sound great and all, but I really don¡¯t want to be near this guy any more than possible. He is seriously giving me the creepy vibes, also Mallory¡¯s words about this guy trying to conquer me came back, and I am not going to lie that I did vomit a little in my mouth at that thought. ¡°Whoa-ho, you are in luck. For the Magical Duelist Class is one of the most versatile of classes. We offer the Quick Cast Skill,¡± he states while casting a spell at a nearby practice dummy. The spell is cast at a high rate of speed, far faster than most casters would be able to. Though looking at it, I can easily see the trick to this skill, knowing what I know now about Magical theory, the whole ordeal seems fairly obvious and is frankly one I feel stupid that this cretonne thought of before me, but ultimately what you do is open up your meridians as wide as they will go, and then force through as much energy as you can, and then seal it off at the last second. Kind of like blowing a soap bubble, but using mana instead of soap. Looking at it, I almost feel dumb for not having thought of it first. But before I can lambast myself too much, he continues his little demonstration. ¡°If that isn¡¯t enough, then there is always the Pulse Cast!¡± Trigon states as he begins demonstrating this skill as well, once again targeting the same practice dummy. Seeing it, I see he just took the first skill and expanded upon it. Pulse Casting is similar to the Quick Cast in that it depends on the size of the meridians being used, but rather than keeping the meridian going at full burst, he just changes the diameter of his meridians, thus increasing and decreasing the size of the channeled spell, thus creating a Pulse type effect. Simple, and again something I should have thought of beforehand, but this man has the benefit of being the first, and thus is clearly trying to flaunt his knowledge to do something, and unfortunately Mallory¡¯s warnings keep coming into my mind. Seeing that I am still not impressed, he continues. ¡°Very well, we also have the Disrupt Casting, a skill that is very needed for any aspiring magical duelist.¡± With that Trigon began once again pulsing a stream of mana through a restricted channel of his meridians, all aimed for the same dummy. This was the equivalent of putting your thumb on top of a garden hose and making it so the water comes out that much faster. Same thing here, again simple meridian control exercises taken to an extreme. He pauses after that, but I make sure not to show any signs of being impressed with his antics. And I¡¯m not, if anything I am more disappointed with myself that I didn¡¯t think of these things sooner and thus been able to bypass this whole charade. Seeing my incredulous look, he breathed in deeply for a moment, before nodding to himself as he was clearly psyching himself up for this last one. ¡°Finally, I have the most challenging of all magical skills, the legendary Trick Shot!¡± He says, as he fires off a spell that begins with the entire beam rotating in five segments, four outside and one beam that goes straight from the center. The four pulses on the outside spin off, but still rotate in the same clockwise rotation that they began with. Then there is the slight twitch of his hand, that would normally cause a disruption in the spell, but in this case the disruption is used to bring the five components back together into one beam. The spell comes together and lands at one point in a scattered shot effect around the bullseye of the practice dummy. The main beam at the center of his stream of magic hits the exact center of the target, while the four extra beams around the center hit in the first ring around the target. ¡°Whoa.¡± The people who had gathered around to witness the display all cried out in shock and awe. As for me, my mind is quickly running through everything that happened. I saw the twitch of the hand, the way the beam at the center must go in a straight line. Then I realize the trick, the twist, of the hand is the main focus of the spell, but also has to be done at exactly the halfway point. That twist at the halfway point, or just after the halfway point causes the outward trajectory of the streams to contract in on themselves. Panting. ¡°Well?¡± Trigon, the duelist, asks. He is panting and it is just now that I realize he has to spend a lot of extra mana on these spells that would otherwise be able to go into casting a spell correctly. With my Attributes, I don¡¯t see this as being a problem, but for someone like him, I could see how this would be a huge issue for him. ¡°Well what?¡± ¡°Are you thoroughly impressed? If you act now, I¡¯d be willing to take you on as my apprentice.¡± He states, and beams what he might think is a winning smile, but comes off as creepy more than anything. Seeing his face, I get a little disgusted. ¡°Just so I am clear, the Quick Cast,¡± I say, while mimicking the oversized meridian usage that he showed. Apparently, my observational skills are amazing as I am able to not only replicate the movement but get the system to acknowledge my successful understanding immediately.
New Skill Gained: Quick Casting has reached level 1.
Skill Quick Casting is a Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing the message, I continue with my observations and how one could perform these skills. ¡°Then there is the Pulse Casting.¡± Where I once again mimic what I saw, going so far as to create a steady stream of power that is visible to even the mundane casters.
New Skill Gained: Pulse Casting has reached level 1.
Skill Pulse Casting is a Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing that I was correct in this observation as well, I nod for a moment, then continue. ¡°Next we have your Disrupt Casting.¡± I say, as I once again force mana through my meridians quickly, but then clamp down on the stream so it fires at a much more rapid rate than would normally be possible. Once again, I am informed by the system that my observations were correct.
New Skill Gained: Disrupt Casting has reached level 1.
Skill Disrupt Casting is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
¡°Oh!¡± The crowd that had gathered seemed impressed by my display so far, but I continue before I lose my momentum in this. ¡°Now, I will say that I would not have gotten the trick to your Trick Shot, and this was the only one of the skills I can admit I would not have come up with on my own. At least not for a long time.¡± I begin. Trigon who looked equal parts horrified and shocked at my demonstrations thus far, suddenly regained his composure and looked excited. ¡°So you wish for me to teach you?¡± He asks. ¡°No, I figured it out, but I would not have been able to do so without your little flashy demonstration.¡± I admit. Then I too begin channeling mana in a counter-clockwise rotation, just proving that I understood the mechanics behind what was being done, I purposefully cycled my mana backwards from the way it was shown. Then once the five beams began to separate a lot, I twitched my channeling hand and pulled all five beams to cluster closer together, though the beams went wide of the target. All of the beams except for the center beam. Seeing the fact that I missed, Trigon smiled and was about to talk, but I wasn¡¯t done. Once the four beams went past the dummy, I jerked my channeling hand back in a come over here, gesture, forcing the four errant beams to circle back, striking the target from the back. One to the front and four combined pulses to the back. Then just like that, I was greeted with a system message.
New Skill Gained: Legendary Trick Shot has increased to level 1.
Skill Legendary Trick Shot is a Strength, Dexterity (X2), Endurance (X2), Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower (X2) based skill.
I had to pause as I read that, but then finally I was almost elated by the response. I had created a legendary skill and thus gotten a full nine Attribute Increase from it. By increasing that skill, I would increase Dexterity, Endurance, and Willpower twice, and all the others once. Trigon looked flummoxed by that; his mouth was open wide as he stared off in disbelief. Then finally after a few moments, he began closing his mouth and stared at me. ¡°That, that was¡­¡± Trigon began, but then just pointed at the targeting dummy. ¡°My girl!¡± Mallory screamed, as she charged forward and hugged me excitedly. Chapter 89 Reflexive Battle Auras Chapter 89 Reflexive Battle Auras ¡°That, that was¡­¡± Trigon began, but then just pointed at the targeting dummy. ¡°My girl!¡± Mallory screamed as she charged forward and hugged me excitedly. What she failed to notice, what even I failed to notice was the sudden shift in temper of the Magical Duelist. I mean sure, having a class that all but demands you battle people day in and out will likely lower your threshold for what is traditionally deemed to be acceptable behavior. That said, what happened next could only be reported in the annals of Darwin Award Winners. ¡°GAH!¡± Trigon the Duelist hissed out, as a flurry of emotions crossed his face. First and foremost was shocked, then came anger. Likely at being out dueled and having his class unique skills stolen from him, thereby making his class seemingly obsolete. Also, there might have been the fact that I could have probably handled this whole situation better. But I think the real reason why Trigon lost his ever-loving mind was highlighted by the system message that popped up in my mind with a giant red warning box.
WARNING: Quest IN-Completed: Sparring with the Duelist: You sparred with Trigon BiFrost in a magical sparring contest. You competed in a single round of a magical duel, where any spell was allowed, and you were the first person to land a strike on the opponent¡¯s body. Rewards for winning: Experience, New Class Unique Skill (Unavailable).
WARNING: Trigon BiFrost is unable to complete his end of the quest as he has no Unique Class Skills to teach you. As such, divine judgement is being rendered.
Now one could argue that his demonstrating the skills in question was enough to qualify for this and hopefully avoid divine arbitration. This was something I was more than willing to attest to, that his showy demonstrations were more than enough for me to learn his Class Unique Skills, and I was already planning to tell any divine arbiter this exact wording, should any come. Unfortunately, Trigon was a hot head, and took matters into his own hands. ¡°You, you witch!¡± The Magical Duelist began, as he used his Quick Cast skill to send a blast directly towards me. This is when all hell broke loose, literally. First, I should probably explain a few things. The first and most important detail was that Mallory had her back to Trigon, and that she was currently embracing me. Also, I don¡¯t know if I mentioned this before, but Mallory is really powerful, like world breakingly powerfully. She had been handicapped by her Blighted condition which slowly debilitated her to the point of near death, until I came up with a cure to the condition. Now that she is free of her condition that has consumed her and basically made her almost accept her fate, she has seemingly taken me under her wing. That said, in this case I was literally under her wing, in that she had her arms wrapped around me in a joyous hug, as apparently, she disliked Trigon more than I did, and that was just from her meeting the guy once. Also, this is probably a good time to talk about Auras. After a certain point, like level 250 or so, you start to get what are called Auras. These generally provide a sense of danger to lower-level creatures and make it so animals that would normally attack everything will avoid high level players and not annoy them. Now there are also Tier ratings to Auras that happen every subsequent 250 levels, so the first one is just a concept and generally creates an aura of unease that forces lower-level monsters away. At level 500, there is generally an elemental feel to the aura that generates a field around the bearer and makes it so their chosen fields of magic are easier to cast outward and also helps deter attacks coming inward. At the third Tier Rating Auras become battle Auras and can cause automatic retaliatory damage to any creature that is dumb enough to avoid the two warning auras, and still for whatever reason try to attack the extremely high-level player, or NPC. Basically, this is a freebie given by the system stating, you won¡¯t lose Karma or action points for killing someone who was dumb enough to attack you first. Meaning the aura only causes what are considered retaliatory, or essentially self-inflicted, wounds. As a Valkyrie, Mallory is exceptional at Spirit and Death magic, the two fields of magic that I had been given as my starter elements. Well, technically my second specialty was Shadow, a subset of Death magic, but that is beside the point. What is the point is that most people would normally be held back from Mallory, first by her class, then her magical specialties, then her auras. Fortunately for me, since I was also a Spirit and Shadow Magic wielder, I felt no discomfort from being near Mallory. Also, I am pretty sure that my Void Healer class Merit of Death Shroud essentially made me immune to most of the negative emotions or damage that would be caused by her auras. Looking at it, this might also be why she likes hanging out with me, as I don¡¯t invariably get creeped out by being near her. Though, I am probably one who sets most people on edge due to my own nature, and the fact that I am perfectly content with hanging around in the spirit realm for months at a time, but that is beside the point. What is the point is that there are a few things that will cause a lower-level character to lose their mind and assault someone who is clearly more powerful than they are. The first is they feel threatened, which I might or might not have done by basically proving that anyone can do what a Magical Duelist can, while also beating him in a mock duel that should have no ramifications. The second is when they feel that they were stolen from, which again might or might not apply here as they might consider me to have stolen their class related skills. The third, and largest factor was when they were already considered to be a hot head and thus pushing them slightly would result in them causing physical violence to someone. This would be the equivalent of going up to a berserker and taunting their ability to adequately shine-wax their chest, it has happened before. In this particular case, Trigon might have fallen under all three conditions, well maybe not the shine-waxing of the chest, but the underlying push as he did attack me a second time by just winning my little sparring match to begin with, which caused me to knock him out. Remembering that was the normal state for this hot head, then him striking back should not have been unexpected. What was unexpected was the way Mallory¡¯s Tier 3 evolved battle aura quickly and decisively retaliated to the perceived threat of an errant spell passing near Mallory. Again, I was within Mallory¡¯s arms, meaning any spell coming to me from Trigon would have to pierce through her battle aura and then must go completely through to attack me. I was ready to dispel the quick cast spell, and was already focusing on doing so, which was why I almost missed the retaliatory aura of the Master of all Valkyrie¡¯s battle aura. Before I could even connect with a Dispel, Mallory¡¯s aura burst to life and incinerated the futile spell in midflight. Then her physical Shadow extended out from her and quickly covered Trigon BiFrost in its nearly impenetrable aura. If not for the fact that the shadow was clearly magical in nature, I too would have likely had a hard time seeing what happened. Unfortunately, my Angel¡¯s Sight let me see what happened next. Inside that bubble of complete darkness, seven glowing scythes erupted out from the walls of the shadow and quickly sliced into and through Trigon. The retaliatory attack was quick, efficient, and absolutely brutal. One second there was a hot head who could easily be stopped, the next there were twenty-nine pieces of a hot head falling to the ground. I know, the numbers didn¡¯t make much sense, but seven slashes all cutting through lots of the body, at different angles created twenty-nine unique pieces of flesh. At first, I admit it, I paused as my mind tried to take in everything that had happened. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Then once the dark retaliatory aura removed itself from Trigon, and the horror of what happened was apparent to the world, that is when I moved. I¡¯d like to say that it was something about my preservation instincts kicking in, something telling me to avoid going into that aura lest I be considered a threat as well. ¡°Holy S!¡± I screamed as I twisted my way out from under Mallory¡¯s arms. Then charging forward, I got to the pile of human shaped puzzle pieces. Then the true horror of the attack hit me. She hadn¡¯t just cut through the spiritual shell holding the spirit in place, but her magically imbued scythes had gone one step further and destroyed the spirit of Trigon. Then came the announcement that would accompany such an event, which only went to further prove just how dead Trigon was.
Quest Complete: A New Magical Duelist Trainer: Would you like to take on the mantle of resurrecting the lost class Magical Duelist? Rewards: Class Title, Class evolution controller after level 50.
¡°No.¡± I said, dismissing the quest prompt, only to see the announcement that had been offered to me go out to the entire world.
WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT: Trigon BiFrost, the last living Magical Duelist has died. The Class Magical Duelist is now considered to be a lost class. Will someone take up the mantle of resurrecting this lost class, or will its unique abilities be forever lost to time?
Shaking my head, I realized that I could in fact resurrect this lost class, by sheer will alone. Focusing on the different pieces of spirit, I realized that there was still magical energy left within each part. Working quickly, I used all my powers I could. First, I used Telekinesis to pick up the twenty-nine pieces and put them in some semblance of an order. From there, I began pumping my own mana into the dissected pieces, creating magical tubes that were used to keep most of the pieces alive and operational. In the background I could hear people yelling, but I knew Mallory had my back. Also, I couldn¡¯t just let this person die, losing classes was tough on the world. Losing magical classes was especially tough, as it meant fields of magic would forever be stopped, or at the very least stymied for a time and any halting of magical advancement was terrible, at least in my mind it was terrible, as such I decided to do everything I could to try to bring back this life. Working with the pieces, and that¡¯s what they were to me, they had to be, otherwise I might lose my nerve to continue operating, I slowly began welding the pieces together. In this case I didn¡¯t dare to deviate, this was the soul we were dealing with. Not a body hosting the soul, but the actual living breathing, well not quite breathing as this had been a spirit body to begin with, but a soul, nonetheless. I let the pieces of the body fade away, it was just a hollow shell anyways. What mattered the most was protecting the integrity of the soul itself, and that is what I focused on. Remembering the intense heat and frequency that the scythes radiated at, I focused on that memory when trying to find a way to piece the soul together. First, I started with an arm, I figured of everything, messing up on an arm was the least destructive option. And I was glad I did, not to say I messed up, this was a new form of surgery, piecing together a soul that had been obliterated by a Valkyrie. First, I mentally brought up a construct of the death scythe, and then just tried to increase my Spirit resonance until I got the same basic heat, once that was achieved, I tried to use that as a means of welding the pieces of the soul together. Some mistakes might have been made, but it¡¯s not like there was a manual on welding souls, even if there was, I didn¡¯t have time to read the book and perform surgery at the same time. Maybe I could have gotten Mallory to turn the pages as I went on, but that was neither here nor there, all that mattered was the life. A terrible person of a life, but a life, nonetheless. Giant scars banded the right arm together, it looked terrible and absolutely painful, but the arm was together and seemed to be able to retain some semblance of magical energy, meaning I could focus away from that and continue pumping my own mana into other portions of the body. I was losing mana at a rapid pace and felt a bit woozy for a second but continued to carry on. From the arm, I attached it to the shoulder, then to the chest, then the head to the chest, then the left arm, the torso, the right hip, and a few other pieces. By the end, like any good DIY bookshelf there were only one or two slivers of soul left. Looking at them, I was confused for a second, but then just looked at the body and saw a few places where the slivers could have gone but didn¡¯t see any glaring holes. Also, the body had been hard to piece together to begin with, as the scars created by welding the different pieces together also took up far more space than these slivers did. Not that this was a justification for not adding them, but this is one of those times when I would have read the instruction manual on how to assemble the object. Especially as I probably just couldn¡¯t put a few books on this and cover it with a blanket to cover up its deficiencies, like I did with my one bookshelf. Next, once the spirit was together, and stripped of unnecessary parts, I began building the body that would eventually house this soul. Using the soul as the base blueprint I created an outline, then using my Void Healer class perk Reincarnation, which along with my class specific Trait of Omni-Heal, and my recently acquired title of Natures Friend VII, I was able to create an exact copy of the spirit, then quickly strip away the recently applied spiritual scars, and even fix a few defects the spirit might have. These were physical defects mind you, there is still no cure for stupidity, though thinking about it, I would want to be the one to find that cure as well. The process was long, painful, and arduous. Fortunately, at this point Mallory helped, by holding down the spirit in place, so that I could seal it in the flesh suit of a living body. This was my gift to the Magical Duelist. There were a few personal reasons for this, the first and most important part of this new body was practice, I didn¡¯t want to not know what I was doing when I finally resurrected my parents. While I had practiced on the gnome and others, this was a first life or death case, and I would like to say that I was doing quite well with this. There were no scars, no signs of this body belonging to Frankenstein¡¯s monster, none of that, just a body with a slightly mangled spirit inside. The minute I was done, I made sure to use my third spot of Death Shroud on this individual. Mainly because I didn¡¯t want to have to keep healing the damage caused by the spirit realm to its body. There was a long moment of tension, as I waited for something to happen. Then the hand twitched, followed by the spirit that looked like it was a little tight within the meat shell, but otherwise looked okay. Then finally, the body breathed. Wheeze. Cough, cough. As one might expect, taking your first breath within the spirit realm can be a painful experience. Again, good things to know and remember in the future, but right now, all I could do was try to help heal him and make sure his pain was minor. There was a wave of system messages, I am certain a few new spells were created, but the most important thing was he was alive. ¡°You, you dare touch me?¡± Trigon said, looking first to me, I was touching him as I had my hand on his arm, again touching makes any spell cast 20% more efficient with mana conversion. For something as taxing as Resurrection, you bet your afterlife I am going to use the cheat of touching my intended target. Then he looks over at Mallory, who is also still touching him, there is clearly a moment of realization as to whom he is talking to, for Mallory just raises one eyebrow, that was enough to send the fear of god into the man. ¡°Why, I must¡­¡± He began, as he began to squirm away. Whatever he might have said was quickly lost by the system message that came next.
WORLD ANNOUNCEMENT: Trigon BiFrost, the last living Magical Duelist has been reincarnated. Rejoice as the Class Magical Duelist is now once again alive and roaming our world.
At the message, both Mallory and I nodded. ¡°Phew. Too easy.¡± I say, getting up, but stumbling in the process. That is when a strong but firm hand holds me down and in place. I look to see that it is Mallory, I am about to ask what, when she responds. ¡°Perhaps you should take a moment to breathe for a bit.¡± Hearing that, I nod, and almost fall over from the sudden movement. During this time Trigon has scrambled to his feet and is backing away, only to realize once he is a few feet away that his body has changed. ¡°Wait, my body? I¡¯m alive?¡± He asked, suddenly putting the fact that his first act was to breathe, which prompted an intense coughing fit. Pretty smart on the uptake this old Trigon guy. I nod. ¡°Yep, and if you want, I can get you a portal to the real world.¡± I state. ¡°You, wait? You mean it? You resurrect me to a body, and then provide me a way back to the mortal realm?¡± He stands up surprised and seemingly flattered by the comment. I want to say something about, ¡®yeah, I would gladly send you to a different realm, so I could explore this one in peace.¡¯ But I ultimately decided to just keep my mouth shut, and instead just create the Planar Shift, right then and there. He pauses there for a moment as he stares off into the mortal realm and pauses. Then I can almost see the moment he changes, as the tension in his shoulder and posture changes as he visibly relaxes. ¡°Thank you.¡± I nod, still too tired to say much more. Then he exits, and I see a string of additional system messages, but the most important thing I do is remove him from the protection of my Death Shroud, and then lean back real quick to rest my head on the ground. ¡°You okay?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Yeah, of course, just going to rest here for a second¡­¡± I say, before the world blurs white and I pass out completely. Chapter 90 Blighted Disorientation Chapter 90 Blighted Disorientation I awoke to a slew of messages. First and foremost, I apparently had been knocked out for a day, as my experience tracker shot up dramatically, thanks to the efforts of my Simulacrum. Well, I also added a bit to my increase thanks to simultaneously coming up with a new spell and resurrecting the only trainer for a rare class.
Quest Complete: Resurrecting Forgotten Knowledge: You managed to resurrect the sole practitioner and trainer for the rare class Magical Duelist. Rewards: Experience, New Spell (already learned), Badge. Experience gained: 500/500 Congratulations, your level in Void Healer has risen from 103 to 108. (Additional Experience Gains Summarized) Congratulations, your level in Simulacrum Master has risen from 100 to 105. (Additional Experience Gains Summarized)
New Spell: Ultimate Resurrection [Tier X] (C): This spell created by Sabrina Spiritlight can restore any spirit to full health, regardless of spiritual condition, with a living breathing body, truly the pinnacle for any healer.
New Feat Recorded: Resurrecting Forgotten Knowledge (100): You managed to resurrect a dead class and restore it back to its original prominence.
That was a lot, clearly only one day had gone past since I apparently passed out from exhaustion. I awoke to the aroma of a cooking pot of stew. Sniff. ¡°Mmm, something smells good.¡± I said as I got up. I opened my eyes, but I could already tell we were somewhere far away from people and out in the middle of nowhere, apparently under a threadbare tree for some form of shade. ¡°Oh, you finally rise from the dead.¡± Mallory said, a warmth filling her words. ¡°You hungry?¡± ¡°No, thank you though.¡± I say, shaking my head. Generally, I try to avoid eating or drinking, as it just causes excess in my body that eventually needs to be eliminated. Apparently, surviving off spirit energy is not only fulfilling, but it also means not having to eat, and most importantly not having to visit a restroom. Mallory just looks at me, then nods in understanding. I think we have had this conversation before, but it is nice that she would at least consider feeding me if I was hungry. After a few more seconds of taking in my surroundings, I can tell that we are not on the same floor anymore. First the world around us radiated with an abundance of energy that was not present on floor 53, the last floor I remember being on. If anything, this power felt subtly more powerful, but I couldn¡¯t quite place a finger on just how much more. ¡°Something wrong?¡± Mallory asked. Only after she asked did I realize that I likely looked really weird. I had my head tilted to the side, as I was trying to interpret the change in power levels. ¡°You had us increase our floors?¡± I ask. At that Mallory just smiled brightly, as a fierce intensity seemed to take over her features. ¡°How can you tell?¡± I pause, trying to formulate what exactly was off about all of this, until finally I just try to say what comes naturally to me. ¡°The power level around us has increased. It is as if the spiritual energy of the air, the ground around us has increased.¡± At that Mallory was now fully interested in my ability to perceive the differences in the world around us. ¡°If you had to guess, how much more pressure would you say is around us?¡± I pause at that, and mentally try to recall the feeling of the previous saturations of spiritual energy I felt from the environment before I passed out, compared to how I felt now. The difference between the two was substantial, but how much more was hard to determine, at least at first. Finally, I just began speaking my thoughts out loud, ¡°more than a quarter, but not quite a half.¡± I state, then falter as I can¡¯t quite explain why or how that is. Excited clapping. At that Mallory just claps her hands excitedly, as she looks like she is a ball of pure energy at this point. ¡°That is so amazing. I have never met a delver who could help determine our location by measuring the ambient energy around us, though that is something to consider in the future. Maybe we could create a barometer of sorts that helps to measure the density of magical currents.¡± Mallory notes. ¡°We already have those.¡± I counter. At that Mallory just waves her hands, ¡°we do, but they have never been calibrated to tell us what floor of a tower or dungeon we are on. But what you are saying implies that we could establish a baseline reading and then measure the incremental increases in power as a way to determine our depth into the dungeon or tower. This could be huge.¡± I pause, having just woken up, and trying to keep up with an energetic Mallory is something I was not quite expecting. This is partly why I feel I have missed something vitally important to this whole conversation. ¡°Sorry, so first, where are we?¡± I ask. At that Mallory pauses, then shakes herself awake. ¡°Oh right, you missed it. The last few floors have been minor skirmishes between elves and orcs. Apparently, we were supposed to choose a side.¡± I pause, not wanting to hear about the wanton destruction that was left in our wake as we left. ¡°You didn¡¯t?¡± ¡°Choose a side, no. I just jumped over the battles and let everyone fight their way through whatever hangups they had. Ghosts fighting ghosts is not really a winning proposition. I did get a few levels for escorting the slain to a sanctuary where they could be recycled. So that was cool.¡± Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°You leveled?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, twice. This place is amazing for a Valkyrie. So much death and final death for spirits, that we can¡¯t help but gain experience.¡± Mallory stated. I pause, at that. ¡°How exactly do you level?¡± ¡°Simple, I find a dead spirit, gather them in my satchel.¡± She says, holding up a cosmos bag, one that as soon as she opens it, I can feel a sucking sensation that all but screams for me to have my soul ripped away from my body. Then with my all-seeing Angel¡¯s Sight, I can¡¯t unsee the horror of the power contained within that bag. It is like a tiny cosmos inside the bag, where everything that enters is ripped apart to the most basic components of atoms, before being released in the form of a black hole. Just peering into the bag causes a shiver to run down my spine. ¡°Whoa.¡± I say, trying to turn my head away, but it is a futile gesture as I can¡¯t stop seeing the power of the bag. Fortunately, Mallory seems to understand my plight and quickly closes the bag. ¡°Oh, right. Sorry about that. I didn¡¯t realize how much that might affect someone with your, sensitivities.¡± I am about to protest, ¡°hey now¡­¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t mean it that way. Just you are clearly one of the most gifted practitioners of Spirit Magic I have ever seen.¡± I was about to protest, but then heard what she said, and realized that she wasn¡¯t lying about her statement. ¡°You, you mean that?¡± I stammer. ¡°Yeah, you are amazing. I mean, to be able to tell that we went up twenty-two floors without having been told by the system or keeping track is a fairly impressive feat.¡± ¡°Twenty-two floors? So, we are on floor seventy-five?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes. This is one of those decision floors, so I figured I¡¯d wait here for you to awaken.¡± Mallory said. I paused at that; decision floors were important as they would allow the explorer to set the course for the rest of the tower. In this case, it sounded like we could choose to either support the elves, or the orcs. Though I wondered if there was something more that could be done. I really hoped this wouldn¡¯t be a war tower, though that was a general theme for most towers or dungeons. It didn¡¯t help that most people who were first to enter the new floor of any dungeon were generally the most bloodthirsty of killers. I pause, wondering if this was seriously going to be as boring as choosing a side in the war, and then continuing that pattern all the way to the top. ¡°Anything I should be aware of?¡± I ask. We are far away from anything close. Again, there is just the tree, a source of water, and seemingly endless desert around us. My three-kilometer radius around us doesn¡¯t show me anything, but then again, a decision floor like this could be the size of an entire continent if needed. There were no spatial limitations to how big the floor could go, just so long as a decision was made before people were allowed to go higher. ¡°Well, there are two great armies that are fighting far ahead. They also seem to be battling under that dead and dying world tree.¡± Mallory states, pointing off to the northeast. Again, if she is pointing to something I cannot see it, meaning that the tree must be fairly massive to be able to be seen from over three kilometers away. ¡°A world tree?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, looks like the Yggdrasil tree that is in the real world, that the elves love so much. This one looks to be a spiritual remake of it, but there is something wrong with it.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡± ¡°Other than the fact that it is in the spirit world and clearly a living tree, it is slowly fading away as rot and other mold type things seem to be coating its trunk and its branches.¡± Mallory states. ¡°You can see the rot from here?¡± I asked, realizing that if she can see the rot from over three kilometers away that the rot has likely grown out of hand. ¡°Yeah, also I have to say that I think I¡¯ve seen that type of rot before.¡± ¡°You have?¡± ¡°Yeah, that was also partly why I waited for you to awaken.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Well, that rot looks a lot like the Blight.¡± Hearing that, I could note the slight tremor of fear that filled Mallory¡¯s words, when she mentioned the Blight. I know I healed Mallory, and that she was close to death¡¯s door when I first treated her, but seeing her aversion to just go near a land that might be filled with a spiritual form of the Blight showed just how traumatic the whole experience had been for her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± I ask, reaching out and putting a comforting hand on her wrist. At that Mallory shifts her laser focus away from the tree and back to me. Seeing my concern, she pauses and then lets out a sigh. ¡°That obvious?¡± ¡°Sort of.¡± I say, trying to hold back my true interpretations of the situation. ¡°To be honest, I didn¡¯t think it would affect me this much. But then I saw the land before us, and I saw the way the spirits up ahead all seem to be dead and dying from the Blight, while suffering in eternal torment, it was just a bit much. Honestly, if you hadn¡¯t come along, I think this floor would have proven that the Blight was caused by spiritual corruption of some sort.¡± Mallory said, her analytical mind working on explaining the world around her. ¡°Of course, anyone who made this discovery would have had to come up here, see the impact of the Blight, likely been infected with it, then come back, provide their results, then die knowing their next life they would be rewarded.¡± Hearing that, I realized something. ¡°That¡¯s why you came to me? To see if I was truly a cure or not?¡± I asked. ¡°Partly. Honestly, I don¡¯t know why I went to see you. Sure, I got the message from my granddaughter telling me that you might have a cure, but I honestly didn¡¯t expect much. You were what, a level twenty Spirit Mage. The fact that I would even go to you spoke volumes about how desperate I was, how desperate we all were.¡± ¡°We?¡± ¡°Yeah, there was a whole team of us. The top of the line who all contracted the Blight, either by direct or indirect contact. It was terrible. Honestly, I had been using the disease as a way to strengthen my class and my levels. For so long, I would sneak out into Blighted lands just long enough to grab wayward spirits and pull them back, so they could move on to the afterlife. The only problem was, one day I got hit. I was focusing on the souls, and missed the moment a Blighted bird came down and pecked me. I was so stupid, dropping my guard for a moment. Then next thing I know, I am missing a chunk of skin from my neck, and I have an infected wound to heal. I immediately cauterized the area, and ran back for help, but it was too late. I was already infected. Since I caught it early, I was able to take steps to delay the disease, but all that did was result in so much more pain. Then I met you, and I realized I had been given a second chance at life. I swore I would not take that for granted, living life to the fullest. Now, being here and seeing the Blight, or at least what my body, my soul screams at me to be the Blight, I suddenly feel sadly small and weak.¡± Hearing that, I pause, never realizing how terrifying this must be. This might be the equivalent of being nearly mauled to death by a bear, and then being asked to later go out and pet a bear. Or be a bear tamer. I honestly didn¡¯t know what to do at the moment. ¡°Do you want to stop?¡± I ask. At that Mallory pauses and looks at me, then seems to read something in my posture. ¡°You mean it don¡¯t you? You would stop right here and now for me?¡± I pause, but then after a second I nod. I would, I had gotten to floor 75 by basically doing nothing. I had gained close to two hundred levels since I got here, learned so much about magic that even without the title proving my capabilities to the world, I felt confident in my understanding of magic as a whole to provide valuable insights to the world. ¡°Yeah.¡± Hearing that Mallory smiled, a sad but genuine smile. It was the smile one would have for your child when they offered you their Christmas gifts, when they realized, you had forgotten to get yourself Christmas gifts. The look of pride, and fulfillment for both having made such a valuable connection to someone, while also realizing that you yourself had been too blinded to see the truth before you. At my admission, Mallory paused. I could see the way her muscles tensed, but then nodding to herself, she stood up, and with the wave of her hand instantly put away her cooking materials. She was one of those rich people with a spatial bag of holding, or something similar. Honestly just the ability to clean up so quickly made me a bit jealous, but that was neither here nor there. Standing up, I waved my hand and instantly cast Planar Shift. This was the same spell we had used to let the Duelist leave moments ago, well moments for me, but apparently a day or so in real time. Seeing the portal, Mallory looked at it for a long second, then shook her head and took a step away. ¡°Come on, we have a war to choose the victor of.¡± Mallory said as she took one hesitant step away from the portal and towards the direction she had indicated earlier. Seeing her resolve I quickly canceled my spell, and nodding to myself I began following Mallory. Watching her go I could almost imagine just how much personal strength and resolve it took for her to continue pushing herself forward. We were silent for a few minutes, until finally Mallory spoke. ¡°I suppose I might seem a little weak to you. Here I am one of the strongest on the server and I am hesitant to go forward to fight enemies that are hundreds of levels below me.¡± At that I just scoff and shake my head. ¡°Not at all. I think what you are doing is extremely brave. You battled and fought something that was like cancer, where it slowly ate away at you for years. You were so desperate that you went and sought out a rumor of a random healer existing in the only Spirit Tower in the world. Then you were cured, and have been cured for the past six months, only to then go and charge headfirst into another scenario that would likely expose you to the same level of torment if not far worse. No, I don¡¯t think that is weak at all. I think that is the heart of bravery, and selflessness, especially as you are doing it to help me.¡± Silence. For the next few hundred paces she is quiet, but this is good as I can now see the beginning of people battling up ahead. There are massive lines of warriors battling one another ahead in what appears to be endless waves of clashing enemy forces. Just seeing the scale of the battle going on three kilometers ahead causes me to almost pause and watch in awe. Fortunately, I see Mallory¡¯s constant pace and realize that I feel safe so long as she is near, I know I will be safe. Then at that exact moment, I realized that she too likely feels the same way about feeling safe while going forward, solely because I am here with her. This realization lets me relax a little, as one of my major fears has been relieved. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say. ¡°For what?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°For being you,¡± I pause, then continue, ¡°for not being afraid to show your hesitation. It means a lot to me.¡± ¡°Wait, why?¡± ¡°Because this is simultaneously the most frightening and exhilarating thing I have ever done. But knowing that you are here with me lets me know that I will make it out just fine.¡± I say. At that Mallory just nods, but then says one word that lets any tension I have about the odd power dynamic between us fade. ¡°Same.¡± And I could tell she meant it. Chapter 91 Combat Medic Chapter 91 Combat Medic Whoosh, pulse, scatter shot, scatter shot disrupt. I was casting. With my left hand I would use Quick Cast, to create a spell that I would simultaneously Pulse, and use Legendary Trick Shot with. Then with my right, I would use Quick Cast to create a Dispersal spell that would try to strike my one Legendary Trick Shot, with a separate identical Legendary Trick shot. Mallory for her part just kept watching, though I could tell she was at the very least aware of such spells being cast behind her. Aside from a few occasional twitches she seemed to be on board with the whole process of me trying to practice my different spell castings to improve my skills. From my understanding we had miles to go, and Mallory wasn¡¯t taking us on a direct path, but rather bringing us so we would be a neutral party that met at the lines of separation where the orcs met the elves in open combat. Though open was a bit broader of a term than most would probably admit as open in this case meant they were fighting each other, but both sides were bunkered down and firing shots and magical spells at each other from a few hundred paces away. I guess in a way we were lucky that no true artillery pieces were being used in this war so far, but then thinking about that most of the artillery pieces would require wood and this place had long ago been harvested for most trees. In fact, the one little oasis out in the middle of the desert was the one spot I have seen so far that even had a tree. Supposedly there was an Yggdrasil, or at least the spiritual equivalent of Yggdrasil, but I couldn¡¯t tell. I could see the faint magical outlines of what appeared to be deep magical roots far underground, but unfortunately for the plant that the roots were linked to, there was corruption and Blight even under the ground. That was the main reason why I started my incessant casting of spell and counter-spells all at the same time. Well, one of many reasons. I am not going to lie and say I only practiced my new skills as a means to distract myself. Honestly, I know me at this point and a shiny ball could distract me for a moment, but skill grinding is one of my favorite pastimes. So I cast, while I keep moving forward at the same exact rate and speed as Mallory, casting spell and counter spell all at the same time. Twitch. Mallory twitches, and I can almost see the moment she gets annoyed by my incessant casting, but then stops herself from yelling at me. It¡¯s times like these that I realize Mallory truly was a mother, for only parents could see something like this that causes them to flinch and be annoyed, only to take a deep breath and then reset their annoyance counter. Of course, the annoyance counter in this case is the number of spells per step we can take before she gets that odd twitch to her, then rolls her shoulders and tries again to calm herself. Unfortunately for Mallory, both her patience seems to be going down, while my ability to cast the spell and counter spell are getting better and better. By now I can do two castings per stride, well really one and a half, but I am getting closer to two casts per stride. Double cast. There I did it, and that is the exact second that Mallory turns around, chest heaving as she is clearly taking in deep breaths to try to relax herself. Me for my part I am walking with my arms out wide, casting both my spell and counter spell as quickly and accurately as possible. Cast, spin, twist the hands in opposite directions, then wait for them to collide. Poof, magic smoke. Mallory pauses and looks at me. Seeing that she has stopped moving, I continue to cast, but use this time to ask. ¡°Everything alright?¡± Mallory stares at me for a second, but then just lets out an annoyed breath. Poof, more magic smoke. Seeing the two spells collide right there in front of me causes her to pause and take in the scene before her. Then letting out a breath, she seems to relax slightly. Seeing her, I decided to preemptively apologize. ¡°Sorry about this, it¡¯s just that I don¡¯t know another time when I can improve these skills in a relatively safe environment like this.¡± I state. ¡°Safe? We are about to enter a war zone.¡± Mallory says with a note of incredulity to her voice. ¡°I know that, but when else am I going to have you to protect me.¡± I state, and at that Mallory seems to visibly deflate. With that, I press the advantage, ¡°also, I think I will need the Attribute and Skill increases with what we are about to face.¡± With that Mallory stops herself and then turns around, nodding her head in agreement. Then a second later she begins walking forward. With that, I too begin trying to walk and cast spells at the same time again. It is a bit of a mental exercise to do everything like this, but it does get easier the longer I press on. I also realize that this is the equivalent of when your bounces their ball against the wall to practice for whatever sport they are trying out for. As a parent you want to yell at them to cut it out, but simultaneously you know they need the practice, so they don¡¯t embarrass you while playing in the game and have a pop fly pop out of their glove because they get frightened and act like they have never seen a baseball before that very moment. That or, they run towards the soccer ball, only to shy away from it at the last second as someone is angrily kicking the ball down the field. Or worse, the one time they put your child as the goalie on the field, and she went and got caught in the net while the opposing team charged at her with the ball. Not that I remember any of these from my life as a parent, these are just mere examples to be called upon. But seriously, I can see this being very annoying, as such I offer an olive branch. ¡°If you want, I could stop.¡± At that, Mallory looks over her shoulder for a second, but then shakes her head. Huff. ¡°No, sorry about that. It is annoying, but I can¡¯t say that it isn¡¯t paying dividends for me. Both my Detect Magic skill, and my Magical Awareness skills are increasing from just seeing you cast your spells. Especially the ones you cast behind my back. Had these not been the most difficult skills I had to improve I likely would have asked you to stop. As it is, this might honestly be the easiest way to level these skills I¡¯ve ever had to deal with. And as annoying as the notifications of magical detections going off around me are, this is nothing compared to a Magic Missile to the back, or something equally as devastating.¡± Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Oh,¡± is all I can think of at the moment. Then after a moment¡¯s pause, I nod in understanding and then continue casting. ¡°Okay, just let me know when it gets to be too much for you.¡± ¡°Too much for me? You are the one over here chain casting spells. Doesn¡¯t that get tiring?¡± I pause, but then shrug, ¡°it¡¯s not like I have too many other things that are pressing for my time. Also, simple spells like this are easy. I am just using the lowest setting Omni-Heal spell and countering it with a second, but exact opposite Omni-Heal. Then if that pool of energy gets too low, I switch to a different spell.¡± At that Mallory pauses. ¡°Omni-Heal?¡± At that I realize I might have said too much, but then realize there isn¡¯t much point in hiding that one. ¡°Yes, it was my level 25 Void Healer class Trait I unlocked.¡± Hearing that Mallory¡¯s ears rolled up as she seemed to take the gravity of my comment in. ¡°You unlocked a class specific trait at level 25?¡± At that, I realized that I might have said too much, but then just decided to go with it, so I nodded and answered truthfully. ¡°Yes.¡± Again, these were components of my class that any one of my apprentices would learn, if I ever taught someone else how to be a Void Healer, so I didn¡¯t feel like I was betraying too much. Also, the idea of a healer class having a healing specific Trait was not too hard to imagine. We strode along for a few steps, while I continued practicing. Finally, Mallory asked, ¡°so what exactly did you do to earn a class trait as part of your level 25 evolution?¡± ¡°Nothing much, just cured the Blight, I think that was also around the time when I learned to Resurrect people and generally came to my understanding for how to use Spirit Magic as a means to heal people.¡± Finally, after a few more paces Mallory added, ¡°if that is the standard needed at level 25 to unlock a Trait, even a powerful one like Omni-Heal seems to be, I can see why I have not been able to do so for my class.¡± I pause, as I looked at Mallory, and saw her. Here she was nearing level 800 at the very least, meaning she had over eleven class evolution points under her belt, and if I was understanding things correctly, she had never unlocked a class Trait bonus, despite all her pioneering work she did over the years. That was, well that was something to be sure. I was in the middle of contemplating how to handle that, when we finally made it to the battlefield, and that is when all hell broke loose. Boom! Ratta-tat-tak. Small arms fire went off, aided by magically infused bullets and other sources of energy. The world was alight with power and precision. It was clear that only a few people truly were aiming, and even those people had a hard time finding a target. ¡°So what is your play here?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Now that we are here, what exactly is it that you intend to do?¡± At that I pause, ¡°I intend to heal people, why?¡± Mallory just shakes her head. ¡°That isn¡¯t how this type of thing works. You need to have a plan of action. You go heal a person, only for them to go back and fight?¡± ¡°What, well no. I want them and their squad to sit out after I heal them.¡± ¡°For how long?¡± She presses. Hearing that, I have to pause, but then come up with the first number that comes to mind. ¡°For a week or so? That should be more than enough time for us to at least make our way to the tree and not worry about being targeted by errant spells and attacks.¡± Mallory just shakes her head. Apparently, I disappointed her in some way, to be fair I was hoping that she would have a way to deal with such a large-scale battle. Of the two of us, she was clearly the one with the most combat experience, as such relying on her to come up with a plan should not have been too much to think about. ¡°So you don¡¯t want to pick a side, you are going to go at this from the idea of being Switzerland?¡± Mallory asked, and that is when I saw where her confusion was coming from. ¡°Yes, I would like to heal both sides and end this conflict as easily as possible.¡± Hearing that Mallory paused, as she bit her lower lip, then paused. ¡°You want to keep elves and orcs from battling each other, and you think this will be the easiest way to stop this battle?¡± ¡°Well it sounds stupid if you put it that way. But if we sell it, you know, revive your friends and loved ones. Get a week to rest and recuperate, then it sounds better.¡± I say. Chuckle. At that Mallory flashed a brilliant smile and just shook her head. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll try this, only because I am curious to see if it works. So, the terms are free healing and resurrections for both sides, so long as the unit the healed person is a part of takes a week off?¡± Hearing that I pause, then realizing that was likely the best I could come up with for the moment I nodded. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go with that.¡± Shaking her head, I can still see that Mallory has her own doubts about this, but then chuckling lightly to herself she smiles brightly and says, ¡°let¡¯s go with it.¡± Then in a second she began manifesting magical wings. These were bright golden wings that were so bright and awe inspiring that I felt the wind get sucked out of my chest as I took them in. I was watching a miracle, the wings of a Valkyrie, no, not just any Valkyrie, but the Valkyrie. Seeing her wings form and become manifest, I could see the moment when her aura and majesty went beyond our small two-person group and began to grab the attention of everyone around us. It was a simple thing at first, as first the spells stopped being cast, then the bullets stopped getting fired. This was a cascading effect as the entire battlefield slowly grew quiet as everyone tried to understand why the people down the line stopped firing. In this one moment of complete and utter silence, Mallory nodded to herself, clearly psyching herself up for her part to play in this. Then with the flexing of her muscles she did a half crouch, lowering her body and bending her knees slightly like she was a seventy-year-old woman going to the gym for the first time in a decade. Then her bulging leg muscles coiled slightly, and she stood up. Or at least that is what the movement she made would best resemble, though she didn¡¯t stand up, not in the traditional sense at least. She launched herself upwards, that slight but quick movement was enough to propel her hundreds of feet up in the air. Flying high in the air, she rose until she was a good three hundred feet in the air. Once there her golden wings pulsed and shone with light magic. This wasn¡¯t an attack spell, but rather just a simple Illusionary light spell, one that pulsed brighter than the sun for a moment. Since it was a beam of intense light, and not an attack the typical boundaries of magic were not applied, as such her spell was able to travel much further than her magic was capable of normally. Then to add even more credence to her overwhelming presence on the battlefield, she gave out a giant whistle. Wolf-whistle. ¡°My name is Mallory Deathstalker; I am the Valkyrie of this battlefield. I have come to offer you one chance at salvation, not only for yourselves, but also for your slain comrades around you. This is your one and only chance. Stop fighting now, form into two orderly lines, Orcs and Elves alike, in a staggering rotation. My partner will heal you, your friends, and anyone you bring before her.¡± With that she paused, letting the words sink in. She used some type of battlefield speech, one that let her speak to everyone and anyone who was on the battlefield before her. Hearing her, everyone paused, then after a few seconds, people began to murmur amongst themselves. Hearing them, Mallory continued. ¡°There is but one condition that comes with these healings, once you are healed, you and your unit that you are with must abstain from combat for one week. We will heal anyone that comes, we will not choose a side in this conflict.¡± Mallory stated, then paused, as she realized one other ground rule that should also be stated. ¡°Also know, that should you or anyone in your squad attack me, or my healer, I will personally kill every member of your squad, and ensure your souls never make it to rebirth. This I promise you.¡± Then Mallory moved, her actions were far too fast to see. Fortunately, she aimed over and behind us, not once, but twice. FWA-BOOOOMMM! FWA-BOOOOMMM! Two devastating attacks occurred, I think she pulled out a magically imbued scythe, one that she could either cast horizontally to take out a row of soldiers that were all standing in a line, or like she did in this case, where she angled the blow straight down and had it roll out into the distance. A giant gouge that was easily five feet deep was carved into the ground and stretched on for a mile before finally running out of energy. Silence. Everyone stood there in shocked induced awe as they looked at the sheer devastation that Mallory had rendered in just a matter of seconds. Seeing that attack, and realizing that she could cast it twice in rapid succession proved a number of things, first it proved that it was not just a onetime bluff, that if she so wanted, she would and could do the same attack again. Also, it went to show just how outclassed everyone was when compared to Mallory. Anyone who remotely had thoughts of going up against Mallory to continue this little battle stopped, then realized that if they attacked, then such an attack would not only affect them, but their entire unit. Honestly, I had to admit, it was a rather effective attack, and an even better stupidity deterrent. Stillness. At first it appeared that Mallory¡¯s demonstration had been a little too impressive, as everyone just stared up at her. I couldn¡¯t blame them; this level of the tower was set up based on where I should have been had I not been power leveling myself through this tower climb. Meaning everyone here was set up to be at most level thirty to forty, with the leaders being in the seventies or the eighties. For any of them to see Mallory, who was vastly overpowered for this zone appear and issue threats caused everyone to pause and reevaluate their life choices. Seeing everyone¡¯s hesitation, Mallory shook her head in annoyance. ¡°Well!¡± Mallory shouted. Then just like that, the two armies stopped fighting and began forming lines of people needing to be healed. And just like that, we went from having to choose a side in an endless battle, to being a two-person M.A.S.H. unit. Realizing that, I had only one question, did this make me Corporal Klinger due to my Doppelganger ability, or was I more of a Hawkeye Pierce? Then before I could get too lost in my thought the first patient appeared before me, and I was instantly in heal first, tell jokes second mode. That¡¯s when I realized I was likely one of the side characters to this M.A.S.H. unit reboot. Chapter 92 Super Busy Hospital Chapter 92 Super Busy Hospital It is amazing how life can change drastically from moment to moment. One moment you are standing there, caught in what looks to be a good old Wick standoff, of one versus not just one but two independent armies. Armies that up until a moment ago were gladly continuing their ceaseless war of attrition with each other. Then next moment, you heal a boy and his ghost dog, and suddenly you are swamped with would be patients that not only don¡¯t care about the order they were in. They also don¡¯t care about anyone else other than them and trying to get you to resurrect their dead friends, family that apparently died a few hundred years ago, and their long-lost lover that stole their first kiss. *** Even with Mallory¡¯s display and speech that only did so much for these two armies. It was clear that towards the center of each unit about a kilometer and a half away from the fringe was where the healer tents were set up. Meaning that there was already a known system for getting the injured and dying off of the field and to relative safety, where they could be healed and later sent back out to resume the endless war. Here and now, Mallory had gotten everyone¡¯s attention by jumping up into the air and giving her speech. There was an ever-growing horseshoe of people that came forward, but everyone seemed to stop within thirty feet of me. I paused, but only then realized that they were likely feeling the area of effect of Mallory¡¯s aura. While she had dialed it back, I could tell that it was ready to go at nearly any moment in time. Seeing that everyone was just standing around not quite knowing how to proceed, I decided to take it upon myself to get this started. Looking around, I saw that there were a number of spirits, and worse spirits that had been killed rather recently. Only after a moment¡¯s notice did I realize that there were in fact two different classifications of spirits. I didn¡¯t know if this was a measure of just how far into the spirit realm we had gone, one where the first spiritual body could be killed and a second spiritual body could be made to stay around, but there seemed to be something deeper to this whole floor. If I had to guess, I would say it had something to do with that massive tree, the spiritual equivalent of Yggdrasil, that I could still only see the base outline of, even with my three-kilometer range of sight. But that was something for later on, for now I needed to get these healings started. Pointing to an orc that had a spiritual wolf by their side. ¡°You there, with the puppy, come here.¡± I said, pointing to the orc. ¡°Me?¡± The orc asked, his voice crying out in the way only Orcish could mangle words. After a pause, I realized that I had spoken to him automatically in Orcish myself, thanks to my Polyglot skill. Wow, just thinking about that old skill brought memories for a second of me listening in on the little goblins that inhabited the dungeon in Maltese. Shaking my head, I focused back on the present, to the orc that was missing his right hand, and clearly was in a weakened spiritual state. ¡°Yes you, come here. I will heal your hand, and bring your dog back. After which time you and your dog will be out of the war here for the next week. Do you so agree?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± The orc confirmed, nodding his head and began moving forward. He continued moving slowly until he was only a foot away, only once here did he state in a low voice so that only I could hear him. ¡°I just want to say that I don¡¯t have a dog. Well, I did, but he¡­¡± the orc said trailing off as he looked away. Hearing that I just shook my head. ¡°You do, and he never left your side.¡± I said, pointing to the side where the little dog was standing, suddenly surprised that someone could see it. In a way, I had to think that this was so meta. I was seeing the spirit lives of dead spirits, but this was good, as it meant I should be able to find the true dead and bring them back. Meaning that even if my parents had passed away as spirits, I should be able to find them. I will say that there was a bit of a noise barrier between myself and the dead spirit wolf, for it was there yipping and barking happily at my attention. But I could not hear the sound of it, not that it mattered. All that did matter was that I could see it, and if I could see it, then I was certain I could heal it, given enough time. ¡°Now let¡¯s do this.¡± I said, holding out my hand palm up and waited. I could have healed the orc from a distance, but that would cost an extra 20% mana, while I was currently full-on mana, I knew that the 20% casting cost would add up quickly, particularly with the number of people that were around. The orc looked concerned at first, but then took a deep breath and nodded to themselves as they moved forward and placed their one good hand on my outstretched hands. Even in this, my human teenager form the orc¡¯s hand was massive. Then with a second of focus, I began channeling healing energies into the body of the orc, going through the hand, then the arm, and finally through the other arm that ended in a stump just under the elbow. There was no spell for regrow limb, well I take that back, there likely was, but I felt that such a spell would be rather wasteful as it would either require the full mana for a complete limb or be completely wasteful and a good catch all that took away originality. For me I just did this cast like I do almost all casts, by feel. I focused on the way the orc¡¯s arm moved, the way it once was, I could feel the way the arm had shrunk recently from lack of use. With a focus on the spiritual form of the orc, it was clear that his spirit still recognized the arm for how it was, seeing the spiritual limb, I focused on that being the end shape. Then it was just a matter of using my newly acquired Life Magic tree and using it to its utmost. In this case I used my spirit energy as an outline, then began pouring in energy into my Life Magic to make the outline or cast of the hand. Then from there I used the abundant pool of energy in my Omni-Heal to fill in the rest. This was a perfect cycle, as it meant that by the time, I was done filling in the outlined hand that I created, one that was an exact match to how his arm had been, I had refilled the energy well of my regular energy pool. Finally, after a long time, I made sure to cast this one with a mana recovery rate, that again lowered the cost by an additional 10%. Again, this was all done to set expectations. I was slow, but I would be able to be proficient with my healing. ¡°What?¡± He shouted, then holding up his now healed left hand and turned it. ¡°Even my arm, it is all back to the way it was.¡± He said, showing the other members of his unit excitedly how I not only created a new hand, but also gave him the muscle mass he had lost from the dismemberment and subsequent loss of limb. ¡°Thank you, thank you.¡± He said excitedly. He was about to run off, when I stopped him. ¡°We aren¡¯t done yet.¡± I said. He paused looking at me confusedly, but then I pointed down to his side, to the dog that was willing to follow him away even now. ¡°Huh?¡± He asked, but then recognition seemed to fill his mind, as he realized. ¡°You mean it? You really can save her?¡± I nodded. While I wasn¡¯t completely certain how to bring back the spirit of an already killed spirit animal, I knew that the mere fact that I could see the creature meant I should be able to affect the creature. I mean, what good is having Tier XI Spirit magic if we can¡¯t bring back a spirit animal or two. ¡°Mallory, will you grab it?¡± I asked, and pointed to the dog. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Mallory looked at me confused, but then did as I asked and reaching out with her glowing hands tried to interact with the spirit realm. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, as her hands first made contact with, and then held onto the thick shaggy fur of the dog, which was more than likely a dire wolf, well a baby one, but a dire wolf nonetheless. I waited for Mallory to grab it, then seeing that it was being held in place, I nodded. Healing a spirit wolf, well the lingering spirit of a dead spirit wolf was different than I would have expected. Using regular Spirit Magic to affect the creature was clearly painful to the creature as it yipped and bucked wildly in Mallory¡¯s arms. ¡°Sorry.¡± I said, holding out my hands to try to placate the animal, but my hand went through the creature. That¡¯s when I realized I would likely need to do something like Mallory was doing to touch this creature. She had her Valkyrie magic which let her interact with any and all spirits, part of the lore of BiPrism was that Valkyries could destroy the souls that were undeserving of rebirth, meaning that even if you had respawns remaining, you could have them stripped away by angering a Valkyrie too much. That was also part of why Mallory had gotten such a reputation as she was known to eliminate corrupt rulers from the very start, making it so the common person would have a better life. That was the reason why I was thankful to be able to both help Mallory, and thankful that she opted to go on with me on this odyssey I was currently on. Realizing regular spirit energy was too much for the spiritual wolf, I decided to slow down the flow, to make it so the amount of energy I used was halved. Placing a thin coating of the slow energy on my hand I reached out and was surprised to feel that I could now contact the wolf pup. This was not quite right, as the contact with the wolf in this form made my hand tingle slightly, this was what I considered to be a warning that I was slightly out of resonance. From there it just took a few minor tweaks, slowly increasing the rate and flow until I was at roughly 75% energy, that is when I could full touch the spiritual dire wolf pup and felt the most connection to it. Finally having the correct resonance, I nodded to myself, and then began to heal. I didn¡¯t go for the full Resurrection, as I normally would. The main reason for this was that I didn¡¯t Resurrect the orc ghost, meaning that giving this spiritual wolf a full body would mean I would have to separate the two, or go back and fully Resurrect the orc. That would be both time-consuming, and wasteful of my resources, which in this case was my mana. Also, it would mean that I would have to open a rift and release everyone I healed, lest they get stuck here and start taking spiritual damage. No, the easiest action was just to give this spiritual wolf a spirit body that it could grow with, now the only problem was how? As it turns out, healing is both easy and intuitive, well after a certain point that is. Just as I powered down the amount of spiritual energy needed to interact with this spirit wolf pup, I decided to channel down the energy I would normally use for a Resurrection, this turned out to be the right mode as I was able to first create an outline of the creature. ¡°Whoa!¡± Everyone who was still watching us exclaimed, denoting that they could also see the spiritual wolf pup again. This was good, as it meant I was on the right track. Also, it was good as it meant that I could now cast a Modified Resurrection for spiritual creatures that had already been killed at least once in their spiritual forms, and the best part was it only cost 75% of what a real Resurrection would cost. With the shell created, the rest was simple, as it was just a matter of me channeling in Omni-Healing energy into the wolf spirit shell that was now a perfect mirror of the spirit that had been following the orc. Standing tall, I made sure to keep my left hand on the wolf pup head, so I could maintain the 20% reduced cast of healing. Then with my free right hand, I gestured for an elf who had been just standing there with their mouth wide open to come forward. ¡°Come on.¡± I said, waving them over and making sure to speak perfect elven. The elf began walking forward after a second. ¡°Grr!¡± The wolf said. Angry tap. I tapped the dire wolf spirit on its recently reformed and highly sensitive nose. ¡°You stop that!¡± I said in the same way one would scold a toddler. The wolf looked confused, looking first at me, then back to the orc master. ¡°Don¡¯t look at him. You are here in my care, and now you must follow my rules. My rules are no hostilities, here or to anyone receiving my care!¡± I spoke loudly enough so that everyone around could hear me. There was a moment of silence as everyone looked confused, at first. All it took was Mallory standing up and straightening her posture into that of a battle stance, that made everyone realize I was the easier of the two to deal with. At the same time Mallory let out her aura that she had been holding back, honestly the aura didn¡¯t bother me at all. I didn¡¯t know if this was a matter of me being in the same group as Mallory, or if there was more to it, but while I could feel the aura she released, I was not bothered by it. In fact, all it really did was make it so it was slightly easier for me to cast my healing spells. With order restored, I began healing the elf who was apparently a magic caster of some kind that had been hobbling around on a prosthetic leg that held a lot of enchantments on it. That was what made me realize they needed to be healed. ¡°Why hello there.¡± Mallory purred at the new elf. ¡°Um, hello.¡± The female elf said, smiling brightly at Mallory, before moving a tuft of hair behind her pointy ear and slightly exposing her neck to Mallory. ¡°One second, before you distract my patient, let me heal her at least.¡± I said, interrupting Mallory¡¯s meeting with the random elf magician. ¡°Right.¡± They both said simultaneously. At that I just shook my head but didn¡¯t say anything. By this point I had put my fingers back onto the wolf, to make sure I finished healing its body. Then I began the process of creating a spiritual copy of the real leg that the elf had lost. Then once I was done creating the outline, I only had a few seconds left of healing the wolf pup, while I began using Omni-Heal to continue healing the previously missing leg. This was slightly faster of a pace than I would have wanted to keep, but for the beginning stages it showed that I was going to be both impartial and that around me would be a safe spot where no one would battle. Finally, I finished healing the pup first. Once it was done, it jumped around excitedly chasing its own tail, before going to tackle its owner. At least it tried to, as it ran forward and put its paws on the orc¡¯s chest and happily opened its mouth and began licking the orc. Even the elves that had gathered looked on at the sight with a begrudging smile on their lips. I then used my free left hand to point out another orc needing to be healed. ¡°You there with the missing left side of your body.¡± At that a towering orc came forward. He looked down at the elf I was healing with disdain, but all it took was a quick glance from me and an admittedly more menacing glare from Mallory to make it so the orc just let out a defeated breath, before coming closer. The orc might have been powerful, a clear previous general of the battlefield, but he was nothing before the restrained might of Mallory. ¡°Thank you for this, is there anything I can do?¡± The elf with the now healed leg and a highly enchanted prosthetic leg in her hand, a valuable souvenir, asked when I was going through the final stages of healing. ¡°Yes, I am sure there is. If you ask Mallory there, I am sure she can work with you.¡± I suggested, smiling to myself at the look the elf gave when I mentioned Mallory. ¡°Yes, I think that would be, great.¡± The elf said, once again fidgeting with her hair and once again exposing her bare neck to Mallory. ¡°We can always use help.¡± Mallory said, placing a hand on the free arm of my former patient, as she began walking her away. With that, I pointed to an elf that was clearly suffering from the Blight. ¡°You, you are next.¡± I said. ¡°Me, but I am fine.¡± The confused elf said. I shook my head. ¡°No, you suffer from the Blight, come here and I will heal you.¡± ¡°But no one can heal the Blight. If they could, then this whole war would have been over long ago.¡± The elf protested but began walking forward after a sharp glare from Mallory. ¡°My battle said for you to go get healed. That means you go and get healed. Got it! If she says she can heal you, then she can. Also, I too was healed by her of the Blight. That is why I will follow her anywhere.¡± Mallory said, rolling up her sleeves to show something. I don¡¯t know what she was showing as all signs of the Blight that I could tell were gone, but apparently there were vein markings or something that showed that she once had the Blight, but that it was now gone. From a health perspective she was perfectly fine, so I had no clue what she was showing. However, it seemed to work as there was a collective ¡°ohh,¡± from the crowd. Then the elf reluctantly came forward. Seeing the elf, I held out my right hand, and while channeling healing energy into the orc shell that was missing their entire left arm and part of their chest, I also began working away the effects of the Blight from the elf. This was good as the orc had their complete focus on what I was doing to the elf. But I could also tell that there was no malice in the glance of the orc, just pure interest on behalf of the orc. Curing the Blight was a bit more complicated than I remembered, especially as my last true case was months ago. But it was fairly easy once I remembered the trick of tackling it from all sides and not giving it any quarter. Also, it didn¡¯t hurt that this was nowhere near as bad of a case as Mallory had, when we first met. In all it only took a matter of minutes to cure this patient of the Blight, versus the hours of slow continual healing that it originally took for me to heal Mallory. A huge part of this was the fact that I was now a much higher level and my control over healing magic was a lot higher than back when I first met Mallory. Also, my control over magic was also improving, so while it might have felt like a long time it was actually fairly quick. In the end, the curing of the Blighted elf ended at the exact same time as the curing of the orc general. The orc general just stared on in amazement at the elf, even as it stood up to stare at the elf. For his part the elf looked just as amazed, but his eyes were locked solely on me. ¡°That was¡­¡± he began, but his voice was quickly tuned out as I heard the ping of system announcements. The first was fairly straightforward and easy to get rid of as I prepared to continue my healing campaign.
Hidden Quest Complete (Repeatable): Curing The Blighted: You have found a way to remove the blight from individuals infected with the curse of corruption. Cleanse everyone you can of the Blight and be rewarded: Rewards: Experience (100). Experience Gained: 50/50.
Seeing that, my greedy heart beat a little faster as this curing the Blight was super easy, mainly as most people here only seemed to have minor cases of the Blight. This wasn¡¯t as easy as throwing away bags of trash money, but it was close. Then came the second message that caused everyone to pause.
World Notice: World Tree Yggdraspirit Has Awoken from Its Slumber¡­
Unfortunately, that was as far as I got into the message, as at that exact moment the world began to shake and rumble beneath my feet. Well, you have done it now Cass¡­ I thought to myself as the world began to change around us. Chapter 93 Theories, Theorems, and the Blighted Chapter 93 Theories, Theorems, and the Blighted The ground shook violently for a second, then stopped. There was the warning, one telling us all that Yggdraspirit, the great tree that was dying slowly from the Blight had awakened. I couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was a correlation between the tree awakening and my first curing of someone with the blight. I could almost tell that there was a quest line in her somewhere, but I didn¡¯t want to rush, especially not with so many easily healable people with the Blight standing right next to me. We all stood there watching and waiting. Then finally after about half a minute passed and the world seemed to have stopped shaking, I shrugged then gestured for the next two people to come. This time I called out two more people with the Blight. ¡°You, and you.¡± I said, first pointing out an Orc with the Blight with my left hand, then a second elf with the Blight with my right hand. There was a momentary pause, but then the two walked forward. ¡°There should be a slight improvement with your magical abilities.¡± I said to both the orc and the elf separately. I was speaking out loud, letting everyone around us hear what I was saying. ¡°The Blight affects your magical system, meaning it can only really be targeted by Spirit magic. By the Blight being in your body, and expanding, it expands your meridians as it expands and tries to ultimately drain your body of its natural resources. By getting rid of the Blight, you should see an increased ability in your magical potential. As Mallory here can attest.¡± I say, then nod to Mallory. ¡°This true.¡± Mallory said, then after a long pause she added. ¡°I had suffered from the Blight for years, and when I was ultimately healed my Tier rating in magic had gone up by two full Tiers, at least one per year I was infected. While I would not recommend doing that to increase your magical potential, it is a nice reward after the fact.¡± And just like that, I felt the knowledge of both my Master¡¯s Degree and my Doctoral thesis related to magic and how magic worked in this world expanding. The more I looked, the more I tested, the more evidence I seemed to gain that proved that one¡¯s tier rating of their meridians was directly proportional to their meridian sizes. This was perfect as that was one of the facts that seemed to be proven time and time again. Also, I was now able to prove that the Blight was not just a disease that targeted the world¡¯s magic, but by getting rid of it, even mundanes who never had a modicum of magical power would find themselves able to cast basic spells. It also seemed to prove that Willpower was by far and away the most important Attribute when dealing both with magic, the Blight, but also trying to survive ailments like the Blight. With that in mind, as another hypothesis to test, I decided to go with another theory. ¡°I am going to say this now once. For the next bit I want to cure people of the Blight. To do this, I will need your help. I want you to line up people who are infected with the Blight, starting with those who have the lowest Willpower. This is going to be crucial for me and my studies. I will also need someone to record the Willpower of people before they come in to be treated, then we will test their Blight level, and compare it with their rate of magical improvement after they are cured.¡± I say all this as I receive two back-to-back notifications, letting me know these last two patients have been fully healed.
Hidden Quest Complete (Repeatable): Curing The Blighted: You have found a way to remove the blight from individuals infected with the curse of corruption. Cleanse everyone you can of the Blight and be rewarded: Rewards: Experience (100). Experience Gained: 50/50. Experience Gained: 50/50.
There was a momentary pause as I took a half step back from the two patients who were just standing there in amazement. ¡°Come on people, chop chop!¡± I say, clapping my hands together. That is what did it, well that and Mallory shifting her posture slightly. ¡°While everyone starts getting everything ready to record, I will go ahead with you and you.¡± I say once again pointing at an orc and an elf. Then I do a shewing motion to the two I had just healed a moment ago. Not the best doctor decorum, but I was trying to heal people quickly, I mean Yggdraspirit just did have a minor earthquake from just waking up. I did not know exactly how long we had, nor how long I would be able to conduct this type of test. The two fully healed warriors were pushed out of the way by two rather enthusiastic but still doing poorly Blight infected patients that I had identified. With the gentle reminder the two old healed patients were put out and quickly put to use by Mallory who along with her elven friend, were going around getting the previously healed patients to help maintain order and take down my information that I requested. ¡°So to be clear, what is it you want on this?¡± While I had my mind focused on eradicating not one but two different patients of the Blight, I tried to split my consciousness once again and identify what I would actually need for this little experiment of mine. ¡°I will need a few things. First how long they were infected, that will come from them. Along with their Willpower attribute. Their magical rating before being healed, and after. Then a final reading that I will give out based on a severity of one to one hundred.¡± ¡°One to one hundred?¡± Mallory asked. I nodded, ¡°yes that way we can monitor how much growth was caused by which percent. Basically, how much of your body needs to be infected before you see a Tier rating increase.¡± ¡°So this is a percentage?¡± ¡°Yes, with one hundred percent you are completely covered and nearly dead from the Blight.¡± I admit. Mallory nods, then after a moment she asks. ¡°Out of curiosity, how bad would you say mine was?¡± ¡°You? I would say at least ninety-three percent.¡± I answer truthfully. At that Mallory just nods, but then sighs. ¡°It felt a lot worse.¡± I just shake my head at that. ¡°You were beyond amazing throughout it all. You were still able to move around on your own. The warrior guy who came in after you, the one who had no magical aptitude before he was Blighted, was just at eighty-seven percent. No, the only one worse than you was the one I also had to resurrect, and he was at ninety-seven percent, tops. I would be curious as to what happens to those completely succumb to the Blight, but I could never ethically allow that to happen.¡± I shudder at the idea of just letting someone suffer for the advancement of science. Even now, I feel bad having people line up like this, as if making it so they have to wait, and watch as others get healed while they suffer on. Still this is the best system I can offer at the moment. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Chime. I get the notification that I once again gained experience.
Experience Gained: 50/50. Experience Gained: 50/50.
Realizing I am done with these two, I raise my hands from them, and then give a slight stretch, realizing this is going to be a while. ¡°Ohh.¡± The male orc and female elf that I just finished healing just stare at me. ¡°What?¡± I ask, suddenly shifting uncomfortably. ¡°I think you just proved to them that you are of age is all.¡± Mallory said, covering her smiling lips with her hands, but her expression of giddiness was all too clear. I turn my head, but I don¡¯t need to look, where the two were it was clear that my stretching had drawn more than a little attention. ¡°Stupid high Personality, and Sociability scores.¡± I curse lightly. ¡°Not just that, remember you are gorgeous now. I will have to make sure everyone knows that you are my daughter and therefor off limits.¡± Mallory said, patting me on the back. Shaking my head, I just point at the next two patients that have been set in orc and elven lines. ¡°Next!¡± With that Mallory nods, and is about to get out of my way, but then stops to ask. ¡°Is there anything I can get you?¡± I pause and about to say no, but then I realize this is likely going to take a while. ¡°Can I get a chair?¡± *** A throne, that is what they got me to sit on. A throne, one that had a foot stool to step up into said chair, poles to be carried around like I was some famous pharaoh of the Nile, and what I was most thankful for, arm rests. Now this was the seventh or eighth chair that they finally got me. The first one was simple but made it so most people I healed needed to squat down slightly. Then I got a taller chair, without arm rests. Then came the fact that my patients would also need a chair to sit in. Then finally a throne that allowed others to see me from a distance healing people equally, while others sat on the higher chairs. Also, this meant that there was a sort of waiting line set up. People would come in after standing up for so long and sitting in one of six waiting chairs. From there, they would go to the chair for their faction that opened up when it was their turn to be healed. ¡°Thirty-five percent.¡± I shouted out turning my head left, indicating the size of the infection that was covering the orc to my left. With that part taken care of, I began channeling healing energy into the orc. At which point, he visibly relaxed and almost seemed to pass out right there in the chair. This was the other reason why I was now sitting in a throne with arm rests. I had been using one of the chairs below with their own arm rests earlier, but the orcs and elves all started to pass out, or at the very least get super weak in the knees the more of the Blight that was healed from them. Looking back this made sense, as even Mallory was lying on a table at the time of her procedure, so this was not too hard to imagine, but it was clearly something we hadn¡¯t planned for in this whole operation. The best part was, once one person was healed, they not only kept their word of not going back into battle, but they also began helping. In fact, it was a gaggle of them that all went off to grab the chairs in the first place. The throne I was now using was Bronicus¡¯s chair, he was the second orc I healed, the one that was missing his arm. The one who had stared on in disbelief at the elf I had originally healed at the same time as treating his wound. Well, he has been the most helpful of everyone healed. Or at least he was the one who held absolute authority over the orcs out here and had them in a line first. Only after Mallory made a few comments to the elves that the orcs were making the elves look like undisciplined savages did they start to straighten up their acts. There were a few murmurs of discontent, but all it took was Mallory throwing out one haughty elf stating, ¡°you don¡¯t need to be healed. If you want to be discourteous then you can leave until you eventually find your manners. Then and only then, can you get back in line, at the back.¡± For a moment the entitled elf looked like he was going to say something to Mallory, that was when Mallory released stage two of her aura, and instantly the entitled elf and every elf around him suddenly cowered in fear. Her aura was so vast that it even bled over into the orc line as well. Seeing the whole thing I shouted. ¡°Please don¡¯t release stage three of your aura. Do you know how hard it is to pick up diced soul fragments and seal them back together? I still have pieces left over from the last one.¡± I didn¡¯t of course, those extra pieces from the jerk duelist I just handed back to him and watched as they disappeared once they made contact with his body. But I hoped this would help alleviate tensions. ¡°Gwahh hah ha!¡± Bronicus, the orc chieftain who saw the entire display just laughed once Mallory finally retracted her aura at my request. ¡°Look at those elves, they are so undisciplined they are about to lose their healing spots for their entire army and give them all to us. See I told you they were too arrogant to win this war.¡± Bronicus taunted. ¡°You!¡± Mallory said, and with that one word a tremor of fear rolled down the orc chieftain¡¯s back. Turning around he locked gazes with Mallory, that is when Mallory held his gaze for a five count, then finally nodded. ¡°Don¡¯t escalate this, but yes, you are right. We don¡¯t have to heal everyone. I don¡¯t want to heal you all at all, but my friend here seems hell bent on this process. So, it is for her that I put up with this. But do not doubt for a moment that I won¡¯t end you and the lives of everyone around you if it means protecting my friend.¡± With that I nodded, once again thankful that Mallory was on my side. From there it was a long time of healing. ¡°Thirty-seven percent, and forty-four percent.¡± I shouted as two more came up. This was good, as it meant that these two would both receive a magical tier increase from their encounter. My direct touch could give them two more, but fortunately I had my Apothecary gloves on throughout this whole process and did not have to worry about skewing the numbers of my direct results. There was the variable that I might be throwing these calculations off due to my Royal Bloodline to begin with, but since I was the only one who could perform this type of magic those details seemed a bit irrelevant at the time. What was undeniable was the fact that I was able to show the stress marks done to one¡¯s meridians by the Blight and show that the stress marks directly impacted, in a good way, the overall magical ability of the previously infected user. This meant several things, first and foremost it meant that the Blight was a disease that stole magic from a user and feasted from it. The second major thing was thirty three percent for one tier, which meant sixty-six percent, or two thirds of a body would be required for a second Tier of increase. We could also prove that people with lower Willpower attributes had the Blight spread in them faster, along with their time to death was a lot shorter than people with higher Willpower scores. This was used as further proof that the Blight was mana based and seemed to need a base amount of mana to begin with. We could also prove that the Blight was transferred by direct contact with people, thus the use of gloves, totally not because I didn¡¯t want my Bloodline flaws to be used against me to make me a prisoner to everyone here, that was just a secondary effect of my bloodline. I knew that Mallory suspected something, but as she was currently the same Tier rating as me, my bloodline had no effect on her currently, though I guess I should point it out to her, particularly if her granddaughter is coming to this world just to have part of my bloodline active in her. Though I haven¡¯t had a moment to really process that piece of information yet. I assume the granddaughter knows about all of this, but this might be one of those things where it is better to tell beforehand than to assume they are watching and know everything about me. I did know that for vast sums of money you could buy a dossier on people and have it state all their merits and flaws, but the game was great about stripping that information away from getting in the game, even via coded texts. When people were uploaded, details of such dossiers were also stripped away from people, unless they somehow added it to their long-term memory, which was a lot harder to orchestrate than just memorizing a few facts and figures. Still, my telling Mallory might go a long way, but that was a long time away. For now, I just wanted to focus on healing as many people as quickly and safely as possible. I really wanted the experience points. I knew that as soon as I rested, I would likely get a day or more¡¯s worth of cleaning up trash quest line, but this one seemed more fulfilling to me. Here I was actually helping people, and helping myself at the same time, it was a win-win.
(Cumulative for the Elves) Experience Gained: 2100/2100. (Cumulative for the Orcs) Experience Gained: 2100/2100. Ding. Level up. Class Void Healer has increased to level 109.
After the first few rounds of healing, I just had the experience notifications turned off and just let them compile into one nice, neat list. I had done a lot of healing, over 42 warriors from each side were healed, resulting in over 8,400 experience points in total for the day. Again, nothing close to the experience that would be coming in, this was barely enough to level up one of my two classes. Still, it was something to be proud of. I also felt that despite being nearly exhausted from constantly healing people, I felt that I was making good progress. The war had stopped, at least the fighting around me had stopped, and it did seem that ever since the great tree Yggdraspirit awoke, all fighting had ceased. That was why I knew the fast-moving forces that came from the far end of the battlefield and began racing down both lines of the battlefield were going to be trouble. ¡°Incoming!¡± I shouted. Everyone stared at me for a moment, but then Mallory nodded and spawning her angelic wings into reality jumped high into the air. Once there, she looked down at the field around us and with a nod confirmed my earlier statement. ¡°What should we do?¡± The elf with the now useless prosthetic leg asked, this was the same one that was a major or something equivalent in the elven army. Her and Mallory had gone off to have a loud lunch break at one point, ever since then she seemed to be following Mallory around like a lost puppy. It was sort of cute. ¡°Let them through.¡± Then pausing, she turned to Bronicus and made a gesture for him to allow these people to come as well. ¡°Make a hole.¡± With that, the orders were repeated on both sides of the lines, as both elves and orcs alike took a moment to take two steps back to allow for quickly advancing forces from the front lines. As they approached, I realized this was likely the game trying to force me to choose a side in this contest. ¡°They are probably going to be A-holes.¡± I state, looking at the oncoming forces that only seem to be picking up speed now that they have a clear lane to charge through. Then as they show up, I let out a sigh as I realize I likely should be awarded a new skill of Dirtbag Identifier, or something similar. ¡°Whoa-ho. Do you see that battle. Someone has dared to set themselves up as a queen in our battlefield, and they appear to be a human no less¡­¡± Okay, I can kind of see the throne being a bit much, but this wasn¡¯t me. Sigh. And like that, I knew it was going to be a long day. Chapter 94 A Horse With Gno Name Chapter 94 A Horse With Gno Name I could already feel the start of a headache forming. I had already been pushing myself for quite a while and now I was dealing with not one but two entitled elves. It didn¡¯t help that like the stereotype these two elves were both gorgeous. They were twins if I had to take a guess, that or I am just racist towards elves and assume that all blond, well not true blond. In fact, given my sight I couldn¡¯t see what color their hair was. For all I could tell their hair might have been a weird shade of imperial violet, but the magic that their bodies held, the magic that was flowing through their bodies and being accentuated in their hair, that was blond. The male was riding some type of golden magical horse, a horse that also radiated the same golden energy. I felt that I should know this type of energy, as it was likely divine in nature, possibly from worshipping the world tree Yggdraspirit that also seemed to glow with the same form of energy far off in the distance. Though again I was by no means an expert, or maybe I was technically an expert due to my exposure? I mean I was working towards a master¡¯s degree in Magic, that should make it so I could say I was trying to become an expert, right? Shaking my head to dismiss the thought, I decided to focus on the present, where the haughty male elf on the horse was still charging forward, while the female ran quickly behind him. For a second I thought chivalry was officially dead in elven culture, until I realized a spirit horse next to the elf. But then I realized it wasn¡¯t a horse, not by a long shot, unless horses have horns and wings that was no horse. Then looking at the spirit horse I realized not only was the spirit Pegasus-Unicorn, a Pegicorn? Following the female elf, but I could still see the spiritual bond that bound the two beings, even in death. While I was lost in my own little world, Mallory stepped forward to divert the charging male rider, who I realized was riding his own Pegasus, no wait there was a small golden horn on this horse¡¯s head as well, did that make it so this creature was also a Pegicorn? Just smaller horn on top due to it being a male Pegicorn? I didn¡¯t know, all I could do was try to puzzle that out for later. ¡°Whoa there.¡± The male elf screamed out, apparently trying to stop the pegicorn he was riding, but to no effect as the horse kept charging forward, all while he charged directly into Mallory¡¯s outstretched arm. Yeah, you know that old saying about the unstoppable force meeting the immovable object, well all motion will invariably come to a complete stop after enough time has passed, and Mallory proved it. ¡°OOOFF!¡± The male elf let out what could be a battle cry, a pain filled battle cry that spoke of better battles to be fought elsewhere. Before he was even on the ground, Mallory was summoning her magical death scythe and had its tip placed at the male elf¡¯s throat, while her foot slammed into the sternum of the elf, forcefully pinning him to the ground. To say I was in awe of the killing intent that was now radiating off Mallory would be an understatement. In one motion, she took out someone that was clearly a leader of the elven forces and the entire battlefield froze. Well almost entirely, as there were still two people that were moving, well two and a half, technically. The male pegicorn made their way quickly to me, and I almost thought of defending myself, but decided against it at the last moment. While the pegicorn was huge, and still charging quickly, I didn¡¯t sense any malice from the creature. Instead, all I saw and felt was hope radiating from the powerful creature. The creature came to almost a complete stop within two and a half paces of me, and then stretching its neck, reached out to me and put its head in my lap. ¡°Well, hello there.¡± I said, quickly petting the pegicorn who had apparently dismounted its former rider in exchange for scratches behind the ears. ¡°What?¡± A chorus of odd cries came out from around me. I figured most of this attention from the pegicorn came from my Title Nature¡¯s Friend (VII), which made it so I was automatically neutral with nature-based animals, given that this creature was also a spirit pegicorn, I could only think that my last name of Spiritlight should also be at play, making it so this little guy was just putty in my hands. ¡°Galadral, what are you doing? Get back, she is the enemy¡­Gah!¡± The male elf cried out from the ground, but his cries were quickly cut off from a quick application of force to his chest by Mallory¡¯s heel. ¡°Whose an enemy, it certainly isn¡¯t you.¡± I say, still cooing at the creature who all but radiated golden light and energy. The more I pet, the more his little nub for a horn began to glow golden light. On an impulse I reached out to touch the horn, as it was just too pretty and the pegicorn just looked too happy to see me. ¡°There, now you will see¡­¡± The male elf cried out, as he saw me reaching for the horn, but his words trailed off when I actually touched the horn. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re a maiden who is pure of heart?¡± I was about to laugh at that, comment, even going so far as to look away from the pegicorn in my lap and look at the elf. I almost wanted to comment that I was the last thing from being pure of heart, that right now I was manipulating the great system that we were in by laundering millions of gold coins and getting both experience and a crazy OP title that made it so I could steal pegicorns from their rightful owners just by sitting around. That I was doing all of this, while having my own Simulacrum and Familiar laboring away at not only getting rid of all evidence of my crimes, but also keeping up a cover while I go out and explore the world. I wanted to say all of that, and I did in the best way possible. ¡°HAHAHAHA! Oh man, you are a riot.¡± I say, and then continue petting the pegicorn. Only once the dead pegicorn came up, and had her head appear on my other side did the still semi-living male pegicorn raise up, nod its head, and then proceed to bow to me. Now I was left with a pile of pegicorn hair on my glove covered hands, while the still ghost spirit pegicorn bowed in acquiescence to me, while the clearly deceased pegicorn stared at me. ¡°Oh, I see what it is, you wanted to butter me up, so I would bring back your sister.¡± I say, leaning over to talk to the still kneeling brother. It is odd to see horses, or rather pegicorns that do that odd bow thing, but seeing the creature clearly prostrate itself to me, caused a silence to come over the battlefield. ¡°What is she talking about?¡± A few people began talking amongst themselves, but no one dared move closer to me. Elves and orcs alike were stunned by the display. Even the female elf that had been following behind on foot just stood back by Mallory looking over her shoulder and just staring at me. I realized now that only Mallory and I could see the creature. Well remembering earlier, Mallory couldn¡¯t see it, but she could coat her hands with that weird energy that allowed her to interact with ghosts. Only then could she feel the deceased spirits, or spirits who were double-dead, is that a thing? Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°Would you like to live again?¡± I asked the pegicorn. ¡°What? Who is she talking to?¡± ¡°Quiet.¡± People still kept talking from both sides, but everyone that had been around me earlier seemed to just stare on in belief, knowing that I would do something strange, and they were likely right. ¡°Whinny.¡± The pegicorn both nodded its head and gave off a whinny that not only I, but everyone around could hear. ¡°Artalla?¡± The female elf asked, before collapsing to the ground. As it happened she was only kneeling next to her brother, or the person I assumed was the brother, maybe identical husband? Who knew, anyways, once the female elf collapsed everyone fell silent. As for me, I already got my consent to operate from the patient. At least I will take the head bob and the whinny as a sign of confirmation. That¡¯s when I began channeling energy into my hand to make it glow, once again I started off weak, at around sixty percent. Tickle-laugh Whinny. The horse once again whinnied, but this time it clearly sounded like it was laughing. ¡°Sorry about that.¡± I say, increasing the energy frequency to sixty-five percent, before touching the pegicorn. That still wasn¡¯t correct, but I knew this creature was different than the elf I brought back. By seventy percent the horse could sit still without jerking away in laugh filled cries. Laughter. Everyone around started to laugh. I almost felt like I needed to defend myself, as this was not that easy of a task, but I decided against that. Instead, I just kept slowly ramping up the frequency, until I was at 80% of what I would use to interact with one of the spirit entities that were around me. ¡°Phew.¡± I say, giving out a mock sigh as I swipe away nonexistent sweat from my forehead. With that done, I begin talking to my patient. Well I am really talking to the whole battlefield at this point who is just staring at me with wide eyed disbelief. ¡°All right, I am going to heal you. Part of my decree is that once you are back to life, you will abstain from all combat for a week. Normally this also goes to the rest of your group, but I don¡¯t really care what they have to say.¡± Angry Whinny. The pegicorn that had been kneeling the entire time cried out indignantly. Hearing the cry, I lean over and look down at the creature, though the act is merely for everyone else, as I can clearly see the creature from where I am sitting. ¡°Okay, if you swear to abstain from combat for a week, I will heal your friend, does that work?¡± I ask. Approving Whinny. ¡°Okay, I accept your word, and I will begin.¡± I say. ¡°What, you can¡¯t just¡­¡± The male elf cried out indignantly, but his cries were cut off by an angry snort from the pegicorn. Huffle! With that the male elf just quieted down, especially as the huff was delivered with a death glare from the noble creature. Somewhere during this whole thing, Mallory let the male elf to get into a sitting position. Mallory was still standing in between me and the others, Bronicus, the orc general, was also standing between me and any would be hero orcs that might try to get a free swipe in on me, or more likely the two elven royalty members who were just sitting on the ground in wide eyed shock as their one remaining pegicorn seemed to not only be talking to me, but also seemed to want my help, even going so far as to offer a non-aggression pact for a week. ¡°Well then, the accord is set.¡± I say, talking to the still living pegicorn, and then turn back to the female pegicorn that I can finally touch without causing her to be tickled with my energy. Taking a deep breath, I focus my mind and let the rest of the world slip away, as I begin bringing back to life a pegicorn. A giant pegicorn that easily comes to the top of my mobile throne chair that I had been given for this operation. The same throne that likely caused this whole altercation to begin with, fortunately animals are sometimes smarter than their owners and we were able to avoid any altercations. Well other than Mallory putting her foot down, literally, but for Mallory that is a non-aggressive stance. I began by channeling energy into the frame of the great pegicorn, using my natural energy to first create a translucent shell that would serve as the cage for the soul. ¡°Ohh!¡± Everyone, orc and elf alike cried out as they say the pegicorn come to life before their eyes. Seeing that the shell was complete, I began using two different magical sources at once. With Omni-Heal I began filling the body with surges of energy. With my regular energy pool, I began tethering the spirit to the shell I had created, forever linking the two. Then once the tethering was completed, I focused on inserting Omni-Heal energy into multiple places all at once, going for the head and rear of the pegicorn, then once those two were done, I worked again on the wings, working my way from the tips of the wings inward, connecting to the spine, then working from the spine down to the legs, then I made sure to go around filling in every portion of the body that made sense to me. Then finally, the last piece was the part I was frightened of most about messing up, the horn. Unlike the nub of a horn the male had, this one was large and imposing, it was a natural conduit for magic to cycle outward, and if I lost my concentration, I was certain that a lot of my magical energy would be dispersed like water from a whale¡¯s blowhole if I wasn¡¯t careful. With that image in mind, I almost thought about doing just that, letting the energy fly out in a way that covered everything, but I stopped myself. This was serious, super serious, fun could come later. The last thing I wanted was for there to be a slight mistake, or perceived mistake by my want to see what healing energy being jettisoned out of a natural magical conduit would look like. With that, I finished the horn, and gave one last cursory glance around the female pegicorn, and was surprised that I didn¡¯t mess it up. Not that horses or animals, are tougher to heal than humanoids, just they have different part, and the pegicorn double, or maybe triply so, as they apparently have a secondary magical sac in their body that is used to funnel energy into the horn. Honestly, I felt I learned so much about how natural magic works. The pegicorn itself didn¡¯t have any meridians, instead, the sac in the body and the horn itself act as the pegicorn¡¯s natural meridians, or maybe a meridian substitute. This was amazing as it meant that while mages had evolved to have natural magical conduits in their meridians, anyone could potentially access their internal magical reservoirs, so long as they had a suitable conduit. My mind was flooding with different theories to test, and ways that we could prove or disprove this, this also meant that meridians were not the only source of power for a mage, a suitable focus that also helped channel magic in addition to the meridians could also be helpful. Happy Whinny! The pegicorn that I just healed cried out happily. With that the crowd of people who had been looking on in amazement all began to talk and chatter amongst themselves. I was still a little dizzy from having used so much energy, Perfect Resurrection was a lot tougher to pull off than normal, and while there were not many parts I improved upon, there were still some. For instance, I increased the strength of the tendons that connected the wings to the pegicorn¡¯s back, making it so they would be able to theoretically carry more weight, or fly longer without losing any mobility. There was also a few other items I increased the durability of, like its heart, and a few muscle groups that had previous scar tissue, those were healed to be as good as new. The one thing I did not have the guts to mess with was the horn, namely because I had no clue how a natural conduit of specialized bone could channel mana more efficiently, I knew it had something to do with the internal hollow chambers, and the rate at which the chambers twisted in on each other and then merged, but I had no clue, that was well outside of my comfort zone, so I left it as is. Maybe later I could come back and get more information from this pegicorn, information that might help me be able to replicate or increase the magical capabilities of some animals, but that was likely a task for Dr. Spiritlight, as for now I was just trying to keep my head above water. ¡°Gno, you are alive.¡± The female elf said, crying out from slightly closer to the pegicorn that I had just healed. Whinny. Flash. I was so tired from the complete focus it took to resurrect a dead horse with a magical horn on its head, that I missed the moment when said horse turned and pointed its now glowing golden horn at me and thwacked me in the head. Smack! ¡°Ow.¡± I said as I instinctively reached my hand up to massage the ailing spot. To the pegicorn¡¯s defense, I don¡¯t think it meant to thump me with its horn, it just happened to be lowering its head, while I turned to face the creature in sudden confusion. I am fairly certain that this was the case, as I was met with a blessing from the creature, while I also received an update.
Blessing Bestowed: Pegicorn Blessing: You have been blessed by the last pegicorn and are now officially recognized as a legendary healer of nature and spirit creatures alike. You are 25% more resistant to the blight and 25% more capable of healing the blight.
Hidden Quest Complete: Revival of the Pegicorns: You have managed to bring back to life the legendary Pegicorn race, one of the last creatures known to fight back the blight. Once the pegicorns disappeared, the world grew slightly darker in their absence, with their reemergence you have ushered in a new wave of hope to a world that was slowly rotting away. Rewards: Experience, New Blessing (Already Bestowed), new quest chain. Experience Gained: 1,000 / 1,000
I was momentarily confused by the quest prompt, when the female elf who had moved to the foot of my throne prostrated herself before me, before saying. ¡°Oh great healer, please forgive my brother and me. We were foolish to doubt you.¡± So the where brother and sister after all, I am not that racist, maybe. Oh right, she is still talking. ¡°Would you, along with the pegicorns, help up to heal the great spirit tree Yggdraspirit?¡± There was a deafening silence that covered the area. Even Mallory seemed to be momentarily quieted by how serious the air suddenly became. For there it was, the quest to end all other quests, working with two crazy looking horses, I was going to save the floor and likely more by healing a tree. Then I answered the only way that truly fit such a dramatic moment, ¡°yeah sure, I¡¯ve got some time.¡± Chapter 95 What Are Pegicorns? Chapter 95 What Are Pegicorns? ¡°Pegicorns? What the heck are those?¡± Mallory asked, more to herself than anyone, then continued. ¡°I thought a cross between a unicorn and a Pegasus was called an Alicorn?¡± ¡°They are.¡± Female princess elf that I had just healed stated as a matter of fact. At that Mallory just paused, and rolled her hand in a gesture that said, okay go on. But the elf apparently stopped at that, shaking her head in frustration Mallory then asked the question that was clearly on her mind after that. It was a question that was also on my mind now that Mallory brought up this great point, as it was one thing for me to think of them as pegicorns, a funny name that just makes far more sense than alicorns, but then for me to get a system title from said pegicorns, and for the two elves to refer to these creatures as pegicorns also, now that was a bit much. Fortunately, the answer to Mallory¡¯s question came shortly after her prodding for additional information. Hearing the question, it was the male elf who straightened his back, and took on a haughty look to him. At that, I knew I was about to be hit with some man-splaning words that again made me wonder if I had a secret Detect Incoming Chauvinistic Comment skill that I was not aware of. Fun fact, if I did have that skill, I would not have to level grind for it, it would likely come naturally from interacting with elves. Sort of like how Golum said he would have made walking his personalized skill that improved every one of his Attributes. While I would be against it, having a free boost to my Attributes would not be bad. Oh, wait, that reminded me of a few things on my to-do list. Namely I need to check in on Hector and Golum and find the ingredients for my potion that would improve my Unbound rating, allowing me to get both my skills and my Attributes above 125. Looking at Mallory, the person with the resources to help me with that, and the person I would likely use to get the ingredients needed to get my repeatable potion of opening a fourth Trait slot, I held out my finger and was about to say something, when the haughty elf beat me to the punch and began proving that one I must have a secret Detection skill that doesn¡¯t provide any benefit, and two gave possibly the dumbest answer as to why my naming convention stuck. ¡°You see my dear Valkyrie,¡± the male elf began speaking in an overly pompous tone. ¡°Alicorn is the name of the standard breed of pegasi and unicorns. That is a derogatory term for what you might consider to be the muggle of all flying horses. They are not magical and the only magic that comes from them is the fact that they have a one in ten chance of creating a pegicorn, a being that is both sentient, having all of the same physiological components of an alicorn, while also boasting at least one field of magic to them that can be channeled through the horns on their heads.¡± While what the elf said did make my mental musings ultimately correct, I couldn¡¯t help but want to punch the elf in the mouth. Fortunately, I was able to control myself and only looked on with seething rage as he spoke down to Mallory like that. Mallory for her part also looked angry, but she too managed to keep it under control. Though her hands were balled tightly into fists by her side, a fact that the elf either failed to notice, or assumed meant nothing would happen as he continued. ¡°Now that we have wasted enough time informing the masses,¡± the elf said, turning his attention form Mallory to me, he continued, ¡°can we finally go and have an intelligent conversation while also doing something productive.¡± Wham! To say it was a sucker punch would be an overstatement, or maybe a literal interpretation of events, hard to tell. Yes, Mallory did knock out the pompous jerk with one punch, while his attention was elsewhere, though it was his fault for taking his attention away from the killer before us and focusing solely on me. Silence. ¡°GWAHHAHHAHAAH!¡± Well, the elves were silent, Bronicus the Orc general just blurted out laughing hysterically at the situation. ¡°Puny elf talks down to wrong woman. Woman removes puny elf¡¯s talking privileges! Hahahaha!¡± Bronicus explained, and at that my poker face that I had been working so hard to cover broke and I too began to laugh as well. The rest of the orcs followed their general, while many of the elves just looked on in shock. This was one of their leaders knocked out in clearly hostile territory. I sent a wave of healing magic into him from my throne. I even made sure to make the visual extra bright, so that everyone orc and elf knew what I was doing. ¡°Just a mild concussion, and a slightly fractured skull.¡± I said, as I pumped in healing energy. I then made sure to pump in sleeping and pain relief to the spell as I didn¡¯t want him to suffer, nor did I want him to wake up either. This I figured was the best of both worlds, he was healed and would survive without any issues, while he would hopefully remain asleep long enough to not be annoying. There was an awkward moment of silence, ¡°what he is healed now.¡± ¡°But he isn¡¯t waking up.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a bad thing?¡± Mallory asked. I nearly chuckled at that but managed to cut off the tide of the conversation. ¡°I merely put him under a sleeping spell, and pain reducer while his skull reforms. It would normally be quite painful, but I hoped to have him miss the majority of that.¡± My answer seemed to appease the female twin. The two pegicorns, or magical alicorns both reached down and touched the elf with their glowing golden horns. As they raised their heads, they both seemed to nod in agreement, apparently giving my words credence. I almost took offense to that, as I was a pretty good healer if I did say so myself, I mean it is part of my class, but then I realized that the pegicorns were also doing this for all the other elves that were gathered as well. Seeing how everyone was now looking at us, I almost let out a sigh. We had been doing so well, but then everything was about to be ruined by one jerk of an elf. I had no doubts that Mallory, if she wanted could tear her way through the elven army. In fact, I was certain that her reflexive battle aura would be more than enough to deal with every member of the elven army. Perhaps they registered this, or maybe it was the pegicorns giving me the nod of approval. Regardless of the reason, the female elf seemed to come to a personal decision, nodding to herself. ¡°My request still stands; can you please come with us and help heal our sacred tree. The tree that stands at the center of this very conflict?¡± The elven twin asked, and then kneeled down. ¡°Yeah, I already gave my word.¡± I said, as I stood up, or at least I tried to. You know that feeling when you have been working too hard, and suddenly stand up and feel dizzy, well that happened to me. Apparently Resurrecting a pegicorn was a lot more taxing than I originally expected as my reserves were mostly depleted. Walking might be good as it would give me some time to regenerate my mana from both pools. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Seeing me stumble down, the orc general, Bronicus, was standing before me with a hand up to halt my progression. ¡°Worry not great healer. My men and I will be more than happy to escort you to heal the great tree.¡± Bronicus said, then with a wave of his hand no less than twenty orcs rushed forward to grab at the giant wooden planks that lined the bottom of this throne I was on. ¡°Wait.¡± The female said, as she suddenly arose to her feet. There was an awkward pause, but the orcs didn¡¯t stop, they had been given an order by their general and would not stop, so instead it was just Mallory, Bronicus, and I that paused to hear what the female general had to say. ¡°We will help also carry the great healer.¡± The female said. *** And that is how I managed a first class ride to the sacred tree of Yggdraspirit. Mallory for her part flew right next to me, occasionally she would land and cause the elves or the orcs to stumble slightly from the sudden increase in weight, but by and large no one protested. ¡°So how does it feel?¡± Mallory asked. Hearing the question, I tried to play it cool, even though it was an amazing feeling. The wind blowing through my hair, the slight movement that made me feel like I was somehow adrift on the ocean, but really just being carried by an ocean of highly conditioned warriors, each of whom fought and nearly came to blows for the rights to carry me. It was, to put it in one word, awesome, but I could never admit that. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I guess.¡± I said. "Really? Because you have been grinning from ear to ear this entire time.¡± Mallory said. At that I let out a breath. ¡°Okay, okay, it is freaking fantastic. Best partial reward for a quest chain I¡¯ve started so far.¡± I said, and I meant it. I was almost about to pause and say there were better overall rewards, but most of those came after the quest was over, most of the time my during quest rewards are terrible, like hiding inside an abandoned Legrand village with hunters trying to find and eliminate me. Or being targeted by a blood mage randomly, oh wait, that was the same quest. No, in this case, I can safely say that the best in quest mini reward so far has to have been a true pharaoh ride on an actual Egyptian styled throne. ¡°Figured as much. You should enjoy this, these types of things are rare, but they are great to enjoy while you can.¡± Mallory said, a sort of bitter sadness to her words. It was clear that she too had obviously had similar mid-quest rewards that were also fun, so hearing her encouragement, I decided to lower my guard and truly have some fun with this. ¡°You said it. Move over Cleopatra, because Cassiopeia is coming to town, baby!¡± Then all too quickly we were at the tree. The thirty-minute escort ride had been more than enough for me to recharge all my pools of energy, and I had to admit I did feel a slight sense of elation at having to face a new challenge. Namely curing the blight from a giant tree that was clearly worshipped by both the elves and the orcs. I wasn¡¯t entirely sure why there was a war because of the tree being infected, but I was sure that if I healed this tree, I would hear the rest of that particular story. As it was, we arrived at the base of the giant tree. Mentally I tried to see where the top of the thing ended, my Angel¡¯s Sight provided a full dome of viewing, and even with being able to see over three kilometers in the air, there appeared to be no end in sight for end of this tree. If this tree had a top, it was not visible from where we were. Honestly, this tree sort of broke the realism of the tower idea for me. ¡°Hey, I think this might be a zone hopping point.¡± Mallory said, whispering into my hear. ¡°A what?¡± I asked, suddenly confused. ¡°A zone hopping point. If you look, there seems to be a door that has been corroded over with the Blight,¡± Mallory said while pointing to a spot at the base of the tree. Looking with my senses, all I could see was the fact that nearly every part of the outer rings of this great tree were completely filled with the Blight. In fact, both the Blight, and the power of this tree were so bright that I was now having a hard time of making out any other creatures or beings that were huddled at the base of the tree. ¡°What does that mean?¡± I asked. ¡°It means that I think you found a cheat point in this tower. See the other floors of this tower likely deal with things on the periphery, but the base of this tree will likely allow us to go up dozens of floors all at once. This is meta level stuff. Normally it takes explorers working thousands of hours per floor to find one of these, and here you are finding it on your first time through. Honestly, this is kind of impressive.¡± At that, I just pause and then realize that this isn¡¯t that impressive all things considered. ¡°This will make my third such point.¡± I stated. ¡°Third?¡± ¡°Yeah, I took the train from floor two to fifty. Then I had you carry me from fifty to here, so yeah three by my count.¡± I said smiling brightly. At that Mallory just chuckled. ¡°You do take your time, but when you move you really move, I guess.¡± ¡°Well let¡¯s put this little theory of yours to the test.¡± I say, standing up. I wobble a little bit, but that is only because the ground no longer feels like it is rolling like an ocean below me. That is so weird, you get used to dealing with the slight imbalance of constant repetitive rocking, and then when it is gone you have land sickness, or whatever Kevin Costner called it in that weird mermaid, no wait, merman movie, Water something. ¡°You okay?¡± ¡°Yeah, just land sickness.¡± I said. ¡°WaterWorld, good reference.¡± Mallory said. ¡°WaterWorld, oh man that was going to drive me nuts if I didn¡¯t remember that name.¡± ¡°Yeah, I remember watching that in theaters, had my first kiss to it too.¡± Mallory said, a mischievous smile on her lips as she remembered. I was about to comment that I remember the movie because it was a movie that Grandma, mom, and I all watched on one of our few generational women¡¯s nights. It was one of Grandma¡¯s favorites as well. I make a tactful point to try to change the subject, but nothing comes to mind. Fortunately, I am saved by the elven twin. ¡°Please help do whatever you can to help save our great and precious tree. We will forever be grateful to you for this.¡± The elven princess said. ¡°We will stand guard against you, and protect you from any would be monsters.¡± Bronicus chimes out. ¡°As will we elves.¡± The female twin said, a note of competitive nature showing in her voice as she too professed herself to this cause. ¡°Monsters?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, by attempting to heal the great tree, you are sacrificing your life to the task at hand. While none have survived, our great seers have seen the signs. Just past these walls of Blight and corruption, you will find that Yggdraspirit is in fact hollow.¡± The female spoke. ¡°I knew it.¡± Mallory said, as she jumped up and down by my side excitedly. ¡°A zone hopping point. We are going to be famous and get titles for this and everything.¡± I paused looking at Mallory who was as excited about exploring as I was, though she apparently loved finding these little Easter eggs within the game more so than I did. Still, they are fun to find, and this one seemed relatively straightforward enough. Despite the ominous wording about risking my life, I still had a few questions. ¡°I have a question, so how does this work exactly?¡± I ask. ¡°You go and place your palm upon the great tree, then you attempt to heal. While at the same time monsters will appear both inside the tree and out here. Together our gathered armies will fight off the enemies that are released by the Blight, but you and the pegicorns will need a group of highly trained guards to protect you from the inside. We don¡¯t know for certain what monsters lie within, there was only one survivor who survived the first attempt at cleansing, they managed to carve their way through, but were soon met with scores of enemies. The healers at the time worked feverishly to heal the tree, but in the end, they could do nothing to stop the spread of the Blight. Now that you have come and proven yourself to not only be able to Resurrect the dead, but also cure those who have contracted the Blight, we feel we are now closer than ever to ending this curse that has plagued us for so long.¡± With that the elven leader paused for a second, before stating the words that would initiate the quest. ¡°Would you take it upon yourself to go with a group of highly skilled warriors, and cure our sacred tree? Together I and the pegicorns will open a path wide enough for you and your team to enter.¡± Also, the elf¡¯s comments about the pegicorns being used to open the gateway into Yggrdaspirit finally explain why they were important to this whole quest chain. They were going to be the ones who would allow Mallory and I to enter. Before I got too far down this train of thought, I was met with the following quest messages.
Hidden Quest Offered: Saving the Sacred Tree Yggdraspirit: You have found that the sacred tree Yggdraspirit has been slowly withering away from a corruption known as the Blight. The pegicorns that you managed to bring back to life will be instrumental in opening a gateway that will be large enough to get a group of worthy adventurers to enter. Recommended Level 75+. Recommended Party Size 5-10. Would you dare to risk your life to enter the sacred tree and cleanse the blight from its sacred trunk. Rewards: Experience, Titles, Badges, Spells, A unique Trait.
Warning: This is a Death Quest: By accepting this quest, you are making it so you, and ever member of your group will either complete this quest or die in the process. Do you accept? All party members must accept.
At that, I pause, and for a moment I look over to stare directly into Mallory¡¯s eyes. Again, this is not necessary, as I can¡¯t even see her eyes directly, but this will hopefully convey my thoughts to her on how badly I want to do this. ¡°So?¡± I ask. ¡°So?¡± Mallory mimics, and then ask, ¡°what are we waiting for, a free Trait? That is just¡­¡± She trails off. Honestly, I don¡¯t know if I can get it, at least not right now, but it does seem that a new Trait is just what I need.
Mallory has accepted the quest.
Seeing that, I realized it was all up to me as to whether we accepted this quest. At that, I felt a surge of energy course through me, as I couldn¡¯t help but smile brightly. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± I said, and mentally accepted the quest. ¡°Right this way.¡± The elven princess said, gesturing for Mallory and I to go forward and wait by the entry way, as the two pegicorns began channeling a lot of golden energy through their horns. Then once their energy got to a crescendo, the lowered their heads in unison and touched the Blighted portion of the wall. That¡¯s when the energy of the wall shifted enough for me to see that the opening was a brightly filled placed filled from head to toe with mana. Seeing the opening, and that the entry way was clear, I smiled brightly and strode forward. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I said, never looking back as I was ready to take on whatever came next. Chapter 96 Nyctophobia Chapter 96 Nyctophobia ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go!¡± I say, turning around to Mallory who is just staring at me and the area around me with shock. No wait, not shock, there is a slight fear that seems to permeate her. It only takes a second, but after focusing on her, I can tell that there is something inherently wrong with her. Or at least she thinks there is something inherently wrong with her. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Tha¡­¡± Mallory begins, but her voice trails off, as she begins to point off to the blindingly bright room, where our trial is about to take place. She is visibly shaking now, and I can tell that she is frightened of something. Going over to her, I grab her outstretched hand, and begin to lead her to the entrance. I can already tell that the amount of energy that the two Pegicorns are providing is starting to wane. ¡°Come on, we only have this one chance.¡± I say, pulling her along the entire time. Fortunately for me Mallory follows easily. I have no doubt that if she wished to resist, she could do so easily, especially with how high her Attributes were. The minute we pass through the barrier, my senses are flooded with an intensely bright light, as the entry way that was created for us by the Pegicorns has been removed. Now it is just Mallory and me. ¡°We made it, see, it is not that bad.¡± I say, patting Mallory on the back. Mallory for her part is just staring around wildly, eyes scanning every surface with a mild look of panic in her gaze. ¡°It is completely dark¡­¡± Mallory states, her voice cracking slightly when she states the word dark, as if it is some form of curse word. I make a show of looking around, but I do not see what she sees. I see nothing but a brightly glowing world with many different patterns of magic and cascading energies around us. To me and my Angel¡¯s Sight, the sight is almost beautiful in a way. ¡°You don¡¯t have a see in the dark sight?¡± I ask. ¡°I do, but it requires something, some form of light to be able to see.¡± Mallory states, as she pulls out a candle, that she lights, or at least tries to light, but the flames used go out almost immediately. The world around us just absorbed the light somehow, I can see it happen, as the cascading waves of energy seem to swirl around the room and then latch onto the flame, before suffocating it entirely. The minute the flames go out, the ambient energy in the room increases. With the light gone, Mallory visibly begins to tremble, as she the collapses to the ground. I try to catch her, but she is heavy. Trembling. ¡°Calm down, calm down. Shh.¡± I say, gently stroking her hair, as if trying to calm down a small child who is afraid of the dark. Then I realized something about this room, it is likely supposed to be a test, can you brave the dark, or some other such nonsense. ¡°How can you be so calm in here? The darkness feels like it is permeating my skin, going straight to my soul. I have better sight than even your kind, so I know this has to be affecting you as well.¡± Mallory states, she is near delirious at this point, her words coming out as being close to mad ramblings, but this is good, her mind is still engaged. Focusing on that, I decide to continue building with that. ¡°You have better sight than an Arcanist elf?¡± I ask, trying to pull her mind back to the present. My goal at the moment is to get her to focus on anything other than the fear that is cascading over her. ¡°You¡¯re an Arcanist elf?¡± She asked. I nod. No response, yep, she really is completely blind in here. ¡°Yes, I am.¡± I reply. ¡°Does your bloodline somehow allow you to see in complete darkness?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Not my bloodline, well maybe it does, but I don¡¯t know. Maybe, but I could see in this type of area long before I had my racial upgrade.¡± I state, truthfully. ¡°You could?¡± She asks, she is still trembling, but seeming to calm down slightly. I can¡¯t say I blame her, going your entire life being able to see even in near dark situations, only to have what appears to be light eating darkness around would make life tough. Fortunately, this is just the entry way, meaning this should be a safe spot for us to get our bearings, thus making it free of monsters, at least for the moment. With everything going on, this safe room was likely very important, as it would dictate how people could progress through this zone. ¡°Yes.¡± I say, then thinking to myself about how I can get her to see in perfect darkness. While I am fairly confident, I could mess with her eyes to give her better eyes, I realize that she is right in that there would still need to be some form of light for her eyes to react to. I could try creating a light spell and thinking about that I do. Holding up my palm, I let a tiny stream of light emit from my palm creating a glow. Then almost instantly the cascading energy of the room goes over and coats my hand and begins Absorbing the energy from my palm. ¡°Can you see that?¡± I ask, wondering if my attempt to create a drastically inefficient mana light is a waste. ¡°See what?¡± She asks. Hearing her question, I snuff out my own spell, not wanting to waste energy. Well, I need her to see the way I can. I don¡¯t think there is a way I could correct her eyes to see the world the way I do, but there might be a way I can create a spell that links our minds. And just as soon as I have that thought, I almost want to face palm. I have gotten complacent, constantly thinking up new ways to try to create spells and use magic to solve all my issues, that I often forget that I have an answer staring me in the face. Rather than create a spell, one that would likely take time to design and be kind of clunky, I could just use my third Trait, Telepathy, to create a mind link with Mallory, where I could hopefully feed her the input, she would need to see the world around her and hopefully be somewhat productive. ¡°All right, I think I have a plan.¡± I state, mentally opening my mind and unwinding one of my bound Telepathic tendrils that have been closed off ever since I realized that this power was a two-way street. Back then it had been my advisor who read my mind, well a teacher who later coerced me into becoming my advisor, but that is a separate point. The point is that ever since I realized how my Telepathy could be used as a weapon to gain insight into me, I had completely cut it off and almost pretended like it didn¡¯t exist. This was fine most of the time, until times like this, where I can hopefully link my mind with Mallory, and then share my perceptions of the world around us with her. A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°You do?¡± She asks, she is still frightened, but visibility stops trembling for a moment. Just seeing that brings a sense of shock to me, as I realize that she really must trust me, if that is enough for her to overcome her own sense of panic. ¡°Yes, I am going to open my mind to you, and I will share my perceptions of the world around us.¡± I state. ¡°But I have mental resistances.¡± Hearing that, I pause, wondering how high it is, then I ask that exact question. ¡°I am nearly maxed out.¡± Mallory answers. ¡°Nearly, but not completely?¡± I pose. ¡°Yes.¡± Shrugging to myself, I realize this is likely the only chance we have to do this, so I mentally reach out to her mind with my Telepathy. There is a slight film over her mind, but I am able to use my tendrils to easily punch through the weak point and twist around other defenses. Her mind has a layered defense, and if I went in a straight line, the connection would have been far tougher, as it was, there were many different openings I could use to worm my way into her mind. Connecting to her mind, I try to keep such thoughts out, as I don¡¯t think anyone would appreciate the idea of a long coiling serpentine creature worming their way into their mind. ¡°No, no they wouldn¡¯t.¡± Mallory states, a slightly revolted tone filling her words. ¡°Yeah, hehe, sorry about that. Meant to cut those thoughts off a split second before I did.¡± I say, dumbly, then do a few things to first solidify the connection, then once it is firmly established, I begin by trying to share my visual information. ¡°GAHHHH!¡± Mallory cries out, in pain, as her mind is spiking. ¡°Right, sorry, that might be too much all at once.¡± I say, as I can feel her thoughts through our sympathetic link. Instantly, I stopped the feed, before grabbing her hands and pumping healing energy into her. Immediately the healing energy focuses on the nerve endings within her mind that have ruptured. Focusing on the burst and ruptured blood vessels. I even go one step further, and try to strengthen not just those blood vessels, but all the veins and arteries leading into and from the brain as well. Within minutes, the pain she is feeling is off. Oddly enough, I realize that this game is true to life in that there are no nerve endings within Mallory¡¯s brain, that all the pain she is feeling is from the very sensitive nerves that line the outside of her skull. Realizing that, I also make it a note to dial back the pain those nerves will send to the brain, as this might be a bit trickier than I thought. ¡°You know, your thinking about turning off the pain receptors, so you don¡¯t send back a constant pain feedback loop would sound a lot better, if I wasn¡¯t reading your mind and realizing your thoughts on the subject.¡± Mallory states. At that I pause, and then realize that Mallory has now heard everything I was thinking, when going through my normal thought process on trying to heal someone. ¡°Oh.¡± I manage to say, I am almost going to turn off the connection to her mind, but then realize it is a bit late now. ¡°I¡¯ll say.¡± Mallory adds. ¡°Shh, one of us is trying to concentrate, and we have a very short attention span.¡± I say, getting Mallory to be quiet for five more seconds. I have already tuned out her own thoughts that can also travel through our mental connection, and am double checking everything, when finally I feel confident. ¡°So we are good? You healed me?¡± Mallory asks. Healed, what? No, I am just fairly certain that her mind won¡¯t blow up when I try to link my senses with hers again. Panic. I can feel the intense fear that flows through Mallory¡¯s mind to mind, and realize I messed up. ¡°Oh shoot, you heard all of that. Well, no sense in trying to mask this. I have never done this before, but in theory it should work.¡± I say, making sure to speak my thoughts as I am having them. Mallory is just quiet. I think I broke Mallory. ¡°No, it¡¯s just that now I realize how odd your mind is.¡± ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°No, sorry. I didn¡¯t mean that as a bad thing. It¡¯s just that you truly have a gifted mind, one that runs at a thousand miles an hour all the time. The way you see the world, the way you are able to easily traverse complex thoughts and come up with crazy, but functional solutions within seconds, it is impressive.¡± Mallory states. I pause, trying to take that all in. Then I realized she might not have spoken those words, but I felt them as if she had. ¡°I didn¡¯t speak them,¡± Mallory begins, ¡°my thoughts, that is, but I do mean them. Your mind truly is impressive.¡± I feel a slightly warm sensation as I realize she truly means this as a compliment, and not that I am some borderline mad scientist out for world domination. ¡°Oh, I have not made a judgement call on that, you are still my vote getter for most up and coming mad scientist who will take over the world, but by accident more than anything.¡± Mallory states. I almost want to be annoyed at that, but I can see the sense of mirth she has at that, and that the comments come from a place of love, and I can¡¯t be angry. Finally, after a few minutes, we both seem to decide that it is time to start trying this little experiment again. ¡°So, to be clear, it is okay to try this process again?¡± I ask, double checking that I am reading her thoughts correctly. ¡°Yes, but please try to keep your thoughts to a minimum, while you are pumping me with your perceptions.¡± Mallory asks. ¡°My thoughts?¡± ¡°Yes, your thoughts are rather loud. Which is odd, as normally you are super silent, but I guess that makes sense with how many thoughts you have going on, all the time, focusing on just one to say might be a bit much for you.¡± Mallory states, then almost immediately starts to blush, and feel flustered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean¡­¡± I cut her off. ¡°No, it is okay. And for what it¡¯s worth, you are correct. I do have a hard time focusing on just one thought to state. In fact, before you came. I don¡¯t think I spoke to many people, other than my patients that is. But once they were no longer my patients, I had a really hard time talking to people.¡± I feel oddly vulnerable after admitting all of that, and I realize that I can only realize that I truly felt this way, thanks to my mental link with Mallory. In her mind I can see how she speaks all the time and has so many friends and acquaintances that speak to her so much that she almost gets tired of speaking. Then I realized that was why she wanted to go on this expedition with me, or at least part of it, she wanted to get away from others as much as she wanted to get to know more about me. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Mallory states, as she lunges forward and hugs me. Confusion. I am completely lost for a second, before I realize that Mallory was reacting to my words. The words about having a hard time relating to others. Maybe I do think a little quickly. ¡°Just a tad.¡± Mallory states, her words jumping in and stopping me before I can go down another thought trail. I just stand there, letting the heat from her body envelope me, as I let my racing mind slow down for a moment, and I just take a deep breath and try to relax. Finally, after a few minutes of this, or what feels like minutes, but is likely just seconds, Mallory loosens her hold slightly. ¡°There, now let¡¯s try this again. Though, can you do me a huge favor?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°No thinking, while channeling my perception.¡± I state, in a somewhat monotone voice. ¡°No, I don¡¯t think that is possible for you. Instead, can we just slowly ramp up the amount of input you share?¡± Mallory asks. At that, I nod. ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t think that should be too much of a problem.¡± I state, then I take a deep breath to center myself. ¡°You ready?¡± ¡°No, but anything is better than this darkness.¡± Mallory begins, but then corrects herself, ¡°well almost anything.¡± Nodding to myself, I wait for her mind to slow down slightly, and then I slowly feed in details of my perception to her. At first, I start off with just a meter of space around us, but that proves to be too much, so I dial it back to just a foot. At that point, her mind that had been pushed to a near extreme was able to relax slightly and slowly adjust to that level of view. ¡°This, this is incredible.¡± Mallory states, holding up her hands that are within the perception bubble around me, and that is what I have to base it off of, the area around me. While Mallory is within my bubble, she can only see things in the immediate area around me. This is why she takes her hands and begins moving them first right by my head, then slowly moving her shaking hands out until she can¡¯t sense them anymore. ¡°That is so wild, it¡¯s like the world just ends.¡± I sit there, letting her get used to seeing everything around her in a bubble, well everything around me in a bubble. ¡°You ready for more?¡± I ask, once her mind and vitals seem to taper out. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s try some more.¡± Mallory states. With that, I slowly start ramping up the distance around us, once again going to the meter around us. This time, her mind rejects the input for a second, before relaxing slightly and allowing the full breath of data through. ¡°How far out can you see like this?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Father than you could likely handle, at least for now.¡± I admit. ¡°No doubt about that.¡± Mallory states, then I can feel the gears in her mind whirring with thoughts. ¡°This was how you found out that my accountant was embezzling from me?¡± I nod. At that Mallory paused, realizing that she saw my reaction. I can feel the moment a sense of vertigo passes her mind as she tries to realize that she is viewing the two of us from a third person perspective. Seeing her nausea, I instantly cast a slight calming form of Healing magic on her. Mallory almost jumps when she sees the glowing green energy burst to life from my hand, and flow directly into her. ¡°Whoa? That is how you see magic?¡± Mallory asks. Seeing her thoughts, I can¡¯t help but smile. ¡°Pretty cool right?¡± ¡°No wonder you like it so much, I thought you were just some nerd, but this, this is impressive.¡± Mallory states, as she touches the still green glowing parts of her skin as she tries to touch the magic. ¡°Hey.¡± I say, joking back with her, as I can tell she only called me a nerd out of love. ¡°Oh, come on, you know what I mean.¡± Mallory states. Just for that, I increased the radius to two meters. ¡°Gah!¡± Mallory cries out, but it is nowhere nearly as painful as the last time. ¡°So you really are blind?¡± Mallory asks. At that I pause, but then realize there is likely no point in arguing. ¡°If you are asking if my eyes can see, then no, I cannot.¡± Hearing that Mallory just nodded. ¡°I can tell, it wasn¡¯t until I started closing my eyes that I was actually able to deal with these competing inputs.¡± ¡°You had your eyes open, knowing they would only show you darkness?¡± I ask, shaking my head at the thought of having to deal with my Simulacrum¡¯s vision with this, and the times that I did that, well I could do it, but it did require a different mindset. ¡°Oh, so your Simulacrum sees in colors?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Just getting all of my secrets now, are we?¡± I ask. ¡°Hehe. You can do the same, I have no doubt you have likely found some damning information on me.¡± Mallory states. I thought about that for a second, but then I decided to hold back, at least for now. Mallory clearly has some thoughts she wants to share, but I somehow think that would be an invasion of privacy, also I do really want to get through this instance of the great tree Yggdraspirit. This is why I opt to increase the radius around us again. Finally, after what felt like hours, our shared perception covered not only the room we were in, but the adjacent rooms as well. ¡°You ready?¡± I ask. ¡°I guess.¡± Mallory stated, before taking one wobbly step forward, then the next. ¡°This is still trippy, walking around in the dark while being able to see everything.¡± ¡°Stop opening your eyes.¡± I chastise. ¡°I am, it¡¯s just hard to stop moving with your eyes open, after so many centuries of doing so.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Don¡¯t make me blindfold you.¡± ¡°Please do.¡± Mallory suggests in a languid tone. And like that, I feel a slight blush come on, as I can tell she sort of means it. ¡°Right, come on, this dungeon won¡¯t solve itself.¡± I say, and force those thoughts down as we finally exit the safe zone, and try to finally begin solving the mysteries of this instance. Chapter 97 As Simple As Opening A Door Chapter 97 As Simple As Opening A Door The area we were in was a giant puzzle cube. At least that is the impression that I got from the layout of different rooms, and the different patterns needed to get from one section of the zone to another. There were three doors that spread out from our initial safe zone that we were in. As it was, the two outer doors both linked up with the main room ahead, but those routes would be a lot longer and more circuitous, so for now the most logical step would be to try to open the doorways between each of the rooms. That is when I made my first revelation about the alleged doorways that existed between each room. From just looking at them, it was clear that while there was a physical component to the doors, they were actually a magically imbued barrier, but they were not ones that I had ever seen. I was in the process of trying to figure out why the barriers looked so familiar, when Mallory pulled me from my musings with a question. ¡°Should I just cut my way through it?¡± Mallory asked, already mentally calling forth her scythe and materializing it. The minute she did, she seemed to startle herself. ¡°Whoa, that¡¯s what it looks like to you?¡± Hearing her and seeing the fact that she almost gave herself a sense of shock from wielding her own scythe I had to chuckle. ¡°Yes, that is what your scythe looks like, even when you haven¡¯t fully manifested it in the physical realm.¡± At that she pauses and just looks at her hand that still has the scythe, then as if she was suddenly tripping, she took a few seconds to fully summon and then partially dismiss the scythe, only to then repeat the process repeatedly. Each time going through the different functions of her summoning ability. ¡°That is so cool!¡± She shouts as she keeps the blade partially called and then lackadaisically swipes it through the air. Then there is a point where the blade slightly contacted the wall, and that is when all hell broke loose. SHRIEEEK! RUMBLE! The ground began to rumble, at the same time a defensive call was let out by monsters that were part of this zone. ¡°That is not a toy!¡± I chastise, but then wait. Fortunately, we are still within the safe room, but it seems that the first and main door to exit through is now swarming with dozens, if not hundreds of spiders. Mallory who was still piggy-backing off of my shared senses, well part of my shared senses saw the spiders on the other side of the main door and took up a ready posture. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can take a few spiders.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the point of this. Those are clearly creatures who are responding to the tree, meaning they might have a symbiotic relationship with Yggidraspirit, the world tree that we are currently within. At the very least, we might want to keep the tree protectors alive long enough to help with any real enemy.¡± I state. Hearing my words, Mallory lowered her attack posture and stood up straighter, ¡°you¡¯re right. Sorry about that, I guess I wasn¡¯t thinking. I didn¡¯t know that in half phase my blade could do damage to the building we are in. Normally it just passes through solid objects, but given that this whole building is technically alive, I should have been more aware.¡± With that, the main entryway was now blocked to us, at least for the time being. We might still have to fight our way through the nest of spiders, but that was something I would greatly hope to avoid at this time. ¡°Alright, new rule, no scythe until we are actually in combat.¡± I said. ¡°Okay.¡± Mallory said, looking a bit embarrassed, but she did finally unsummon her scythe. With that done, she asked, ¡°so do we still go through the main door?¡± ¡°No, now we go through the longer side doors that can hopefully let us solve this place without getting into combat with the spiders up ahead.¡± I state, as I then head over to the right-side doorway and begin trying to once again puzzle out why the doorways looked so familiar. Yes, if I wanted to I was certain that Mallory could easily summon forth her scythe can cut down these temporary doors, but that would be the easy answer. At least that is what my mind was telling me. Then after looking at the doorway for a hot minute, the truth of the situation came to me. ¡°Oh wow, I feel dumb.¡± ¡°What? Did you figure out what is up with the door?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yeah, I even know why it looks so familiar. Also, given where we are and why we are here, it makes surprisingly too much sense.¡± I say, as I begin to go forward and place my hand on the door. The minute I do, a black tendril unwinds itself from the door and wraps itself along my arm. ¡°What is that?¡± Mallory screams as she has summoned her scythe instantly. ¡°Stop that!¡± I scream, momentarially getting distracted by Mallory, which was all the black tendril needed to make contact with my skin. Sizzle. My skin was now sizzling, but it was something I could handle, as it actually helped me prove to myself what exactly I was dealing with. This was ¡°a blighted doorway.¡± ¡°A Blighted doorway?¡± Mallory parroted. ¡°Yes,¡± I begin, but then pause. ¡°Well not necessarily a doorway, I figure it is likely some type of flow valve the tree produces naturally, but it has since been sealed permanently shut by the amount of blight inside it.¡± I say, as I begin both fighting back against the tendril that is wrapped around me, keeping it from penetrating my skin. Fortunately, my resistance to the Blight makes this process a lot easier than it would normally be. Particularly thanks to my recent blessing by the pegicorns.
Pegicorn''s Blessing You have been blessed by the last pegicorn and are now officially recognized as a legendary healer of nature and spirit creatures alike. You are 25% more resistant to the blight and 25% more capable of healing the blight.
With that blessing flaring to life within my mind, I realize this next part should be relatively simple. Well not simple, this is still the greatest piece of Blight that I have ever had to operate on. While this is the equivalent of a fungal infection on a minor toenail, for Yggdraspirit, I cannot take this for granted, for the size of the infection in comparison to my body is a two to one ratio in favor of the infection. Still, this is basically what I was asked to do here. Come in and heal Yggdraspirit of its infection, so that is what I will do. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. With the tendril around my arm stopped from entering, I then make sure to wrap up the tendril in my own vice like net. This will be important, at least I feel that will be the case. In my mind I see the door as a puzzle, one where you have but so many moves you can make at first, all to turn out all the lights or on all the lights. Knowing that going over a light will restart it, and likely set off a rapid growth sequence for other areas. Realizing the trap before me, I set out to operate, as I let a smile crest my lips. This was going to be fun. Instantly I began sending multiple healing strands of energy out, striking at different clusters of the Blight. Within seconds, the doorway that had been completely covered in an oozing black tar like substance was able to show specks of clear green life. It was at this point that I realized that the green spots, while better than they were, were still weak, and easily able to be reinfected if I was careless with the way I dealt with the Blight. That was when I went and used Omni-Heal on the weakened sections, regrowing the deep fibers of the tree¡¯s natural pathways, all while pushing the infection further and further to the center of the doorway, right towards my hand, and towards the tendril of the Blight that was wrapped around my arm and was now being held in place by my own cocoon of magical netting. The process was long, made even harder by the fact that the cleared spots that I cleared out seemed to create a vacuum-like effect on the surrounding Blight that had been just sitting next to the doorway. I then had to clear off these sections as well, but fortunately the now healed and cleansed sections were twice as easy to clean up. That was the process, and as I went through, I found much easier ways to deal with the blight, there were patterns that the blight would do, when faced with my cleansing. The patterns that were utilized by the semi-sentient symbiotic magical parasite were predictable, at least for me they were, as they seemed to fall into the same patterns, I was used to from having healed so many Blighted patients. That is how I fell into a rhythm of healing, obliterating parts of the Blight, and then corralling the remaining portions out the one hole I left it as an escape. Finally, I was at a good part, the doorway and everything around it was now clear of the Blight. There was just one final section left, with an operation like this time stretches on, you notice the failures a lot more than the successes, as they seem to set you back hours. Honestly, I didn¡¯t know how long I had been focusing on this process, a quick mental glance at Mallory showed that she was still attentively standing guard and staring off into space. Well, maybe she wasn¡¯t paying as much attention as I had hoped, but we were still in the safe area, so her lack of attention was acceptable, at least for now. ¡°I just wanted you to know, that whatever happens next, please don¡¯t chop my arm off.¡± I state, turning my head to Mallory. Mallory, who had been staring off into nothingness shook her head, and then turned towards me. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I am in the final stages of curing this section. When that happens, I will ask that you refrain from doing anything drastic, like chopping off my arm.¡± I state. ¡°What? Why would I do that?¡± Mallory asked, a slightly confused tone to her voice. ¡°Okay, again, this is all supposed to happen.¡± I state, then not really turning my head, I begin sending my last surges of energy into the sections of the giant doorway. I have corralled the infection and am now pushing it out, this could normally be a painful act for the patient, but with the way I am doing it, the Blight chooses the easiest path, namely coming out the opening that has the tendril and following that to another suitable host, me. That is why I let the Blight continue making skin contact with me, figuring that my skin contact would be enough of a lure to get the rest of the infection to follow suit. And it worked, rather too well. Squish-pop! The tendril makes an audible sucking sound, as it fully extracts itself from the hole and then lunges onto me. Fortunately, I was prepared for this fact, and the fact that I had my head still turned away from the infection, and towards Mallory paid off, as the magical slime like entity lunged forward and tried to stick to my face. Fortunately for me, it only got my ear. Still not a comfortable feeling, but far better than having the drowning like feeling of it entering my mouth and nose. This was the moment I used my newly acquired duelist skills. With my right hand planted on the door, my free left hand began using both Quick Casting, and Legendary Trick Shot. Seven beams of energy shot out from my hand, then once the spell hit its apex, I subtly moved my fingers once, to pull the spell down towards the squirming mass. To no real surprise, the mass of the Blight squirmed and ducked out of the way, making it so it somehow missed almost all my strands, only having to take on the center beam that struck it dead in the center. At that, I smiled, as I could almost feel the sentience of the Blight delighting in the fact that I had missed. That was when I let a devilish smile crest my lips as I did so many things all at once. The first thing I did was I began hardening parts of the spell weave that flew over and around the Blight. Then using the method that I had been practicing as much as possible, I twisted my left hand and yanked the six parts of my spell that missed the Blight. That¡¯s when the cords came back with a vengeance. I think I could almost see the moment of recognition fill the little Blight¡¯s mind, as it panicked and began trying to extricate itself from my arm to flee. Of course, I would offer it no such quarter, as removing itself from my right arm just made things easier for me, as I quickly withdrew my now meaningless right arm from the trap. Then with the magical cords solidifying from all angles, and then there was a moment when the magical cords became as sharp as magical garrote wires, all coming together and slicing the remaining portions of the Blight like it was cottage cheese. The spell wasn¡¯t done there, as everywhere that the Blight touched my spell threads, instantly began burning away the weakened plasma-like skin of the Blight. Snap. Then the cords were all pulled tightly in a vice-like effect and the remainder of the Blight melted away in an oddly satisfying manner. ¡°Gotcha!¡± I said, as I continued to tighten my spirit burning spell construct, burning away all the remaining residue of the Blight. Only once my focus on obliterating the Blight was done, did I allow myself to relax. That was when I realized Mallory was staring at me with her mouth wide open. ¡°What?¡± Was all I managed to ask, before we were met with a quest prompt.
Hidden Quest Found: Curing The Patient (1/30): You have healed the first valve of Yggdraspirit the sacred world tree of the elves and the orcs. By healing these clogged passageways, you can begin to breathe life back into the sacred tree. Go out and explore, find the other clogged passageways and fully heal Yggdraspirit. Rewards: Experience, Title, variable.
¡°Oh nice, another title.¡± I said, with not too much fanfare, I guess I might think of it as a cool accomplishment once I get the title, also I realize that the title likely scales based on how far we get with this process. You know what, I just want to take a moment, that was intense. Then I pause, as I realize I was once again still filtering my whole thought process through Mallory. Then pausing, I realize that Mallory is still just standing there. Did I break Mallory again? Then after a moment I realized I still had my personal thought filter in place, so I asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t break you again, did I?¡± At that question, Mallory shook herself, but then just paused. ¡°No, you didn¡¯t break me, I was just a little caught off guard by how vicious you were.¡± ¡°Vicious?¡± I asked, suddenly confused. ¡°Yeah, the way you seemingly took delight in destroying the Blight, that was rather odd.¡± Mallory posed. I thought about that, and while I was happy, I did feel that the comment was a bit unwarranted. ¡°I was just happy at a job well done. That took a lot of time and effort.¡± I said, a bit defensively. ¡°Oh, I know. Trust me, I saw the way you flew through that whole process. Then the way you baited the Blight into coming out and trying to target you. Chuckle.¡± Mallory said, and then began laughing. I didn¡¯t quite understand why the laugh, but I sat there and waited. Finally Mallory deigned to answer my unspoken question. ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s just hard to imagine you going from being the ultimate pacifist, to being the ultimate slaughterer of the Blight, even going so far as to take delight in killing it.¡± Mallory said. ¡°What?¡± I asked, but I couldn¡¯t quite grasp what she was getting at. ¡°I can both be a pacifist and be okay with killing a semi-sentient disease.¡± ¡°Semi-sentient? HAH!¡± Mallory began. ¡°That is not the case, and you know it.¡± At that I feel like I have missed something. Yes, the Blight does show some reactive capabilities, but that is no different than any other single celled organism would, right? My confusion must be apparent on my face. ¡°You don¡¯t know do you? You can clearly see that the Blight will react to you, but you don¡¯t think it is fully sentient? One super construct bent on destroying the world?¡± Mallory asks. I pause, as I think Mallory might either have extra insight into the plague that I am not aware of, or her feelings of what she experienced during her years of being sick might have played a role in her current thinking. Either way, I realize that I am far from the leading expert in the Blight, while I might have come up with a way to cure the Blight, I don¡¯t think that I know everything there is to know about the Blight. While I will agree that it does possess some semi-sentient qualities, I am not yet ready to believe that it is in fact fully sentient. With that, I realize that I might have to rethink this disease, and in fact the way to counter it, maybe this new wave of insight will make it that much easier to cure. I pause for a moment and try to take in the ethical dilemma of killing off an entity like a sentient disease that can slowly kill and torture victims for years. Then after a brief thought, I realized that even if the Blight is in fact fully sentient and capable of feeling pain, it is one organism that I am okay with fully eradicating from this world. Though again, this is a slightly tough moral quandary, I feel that the idea of being a pacifist does not preclude me from killing diseases or bacteria, regardless of whether they are sentient or not. With that ethical dilemma quickly solved I realize we are likely wasting a lot of time here. I am about to leave, when I stop, and turn back towards Mallory. Now I didn¡¯t mean to turn back towards Mallory, it is just that she was now directly in between me and my next point of interest. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Yes, I am just going to cure these other two doors first.¡± I state, noting that the doorway is still fully sealed shut, meaning we would have to likely force our way through to get out of here. And once we were out, there was no clear solution to the fact that I might get a chance to double back and come here. That was why I took the moment to abuse our time in the safe room for all that it was worth. Even after triggering the guards in the center room, now that I knew the doors wouldn¡¯t open once healed, I decided to work my way through this quest as quickly as possible. ¡°Door number two, here I come.¡± I said, as I once again placed my right hand on the door and set about the long process of eradicating the Blight from it as well. This was going to be a long day, I could already feel it, but I did feel satisfied with what I was doing. Even if it meant killing off a sentient creature, something that I still had my doubts about, but was willing to at least entertain the idea, if for closure more than anything else. Chapter 98 Kite Flying And Other Ways to Solve Quests Chapter 98 Kite Flying And Other Ways to Solve Quests ¡°You know, sometimes I wonder how you talk me into these situations.¡± Mallory states from over forty feet below. The rope that is tied to me, dangles down from my waist and goes all the way to the floor. ¡°Honestly, I am just as surprised that you have a soul bound endless rope that extends by applying more mana to it. If it hadn¡¯t been for the endless rope, then I know for a fact we would have had to come up with a different way to do this.¡± I respond back, not looking down as I am currently in between doorway cleansing, or arterial cleansing of the great tree Yggdraspirit. I am using my spell Spirit Drift to help fly up the ginormous vertical vascular tubes that extend throughout this floor of the great tree. With tubes this size, I am almost afraid to see what it would look like if water was here, but then I stop myself from that thought, especially from stating it out loud, as that would be the equivalent of asking to be nearly drowned for successfully completing this stage of our trials. Shaking out my hands, I realize I am pushing myself pretty hard. While I have gotten better at cleansing these doorways, the entire process is draining. Still, I can¡¯t help but be satisfied with our progress so far.
Hidden Quest Updated: Curing The Patient (28/30): You have healed the twenty-eighth valve of Yggdraspirit the sacred world tree of the elves and the orcs. By healing these clogged passageways, you can begin to breathe life back into the sacred tree. Go out and explore, find the other clogged passageways and fully heal Yggdraspirit. Rewards: Experience, Title, variable.
¡°Yeah, I got this rope from one of those rope climbing to heaven quests.¡± Mallory states. ¡°You mean where a snake charmer plays his song and gets a rope to seemingly fly up into heaven?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, you are likely a little too high level for it now, but you could have likely easily passed it as a child. The idea is that without using any form of magic, you climb up the rope as far as it will go. But the higher up you go, the more of your own mana you waste doing it.¡± Mallory states with a sense of nostalgia. As for me, I am free floating in the air, taking all of this in, with only one foot plastered to the lining of this vertical tube we are in. See this way of solving the quest set before us has also helped me to improve my Enchanting skills, as I made the rune and symbol for Grip, with just my mana, thanks to my Master Enchanting skill that lets me convert mana into the resources needed for my basic components. From there, I used Advanced Enchanting to come up with a freehand idea of what I wanted the rune to do, as this is the skill used to bypass the clunky need to have been taught the exact schematic you need to create a particular Enchantment. Then I used my basic Enchantment skill to apply the rune I created. I think I might have taken a few steps to this process, but honestly it is the game¡¯s fault for trying to come up with a way for me to sell ten million points worth of experience. All that said, my Grip enchantments were placed firmly on my two boots, my right glove, and my right and left elbows. That way should any portion of those items touch a wall I could easily cling to the wall without flying off into the air. If I did fly off, that is where the rope came in, as it was then Mallory¡¯s job to take the rope and swing me into the wall. All it took was me slamming my face into the wall twice, for me to come up with the idea of Enchanting a solution. Since then, Mallory has gotten a lot more talkative, which is fine, as it means she is no longer laughing as getting to use me as a human flail. Pausing for a moment, I try to understand what Mallory is stating. ¡°How would that even work?¡± I asked. ¡°Simple, you feed in your mana into the rope, and slowly work your way up.¡± Mallory states. ¡°No, not that, I mean how would they decide you completed the quest, was there a height limit to how far up you had to climb? Or what?¡± ¡°Oh, that,¡± Mallory began, ¡°you are quite observant, this is not actually an endless rope as it might seem. In fact, the rope can only go up to two hundred eighty-four feet and seven inches before I can no longer make it grow with floating rope. After that point, it will still produce rope, but that rope will start to weigh you down.¡± Hearing that, I pause as I realize this is likely a lot easier with forty plus feet of floating rope under me, rather than however much weight would be added to me with my having to float, while carrying the actual weight of forty plus feet. Realizing that, I pull my leg in gently, and soon attach my free-floating right foot to the wall. Then it is just a matter of doing Calisthenics and a sit up to get into an upright position. Then from there I can begin to climb up the walls all elbows and toes. ¡°Oh, that is no fun.¡± Mallory states, a slightly pouting tone to her words. Sigh. I think I already know what she is going to say, but for some reason feel obliged to humor her anyways. ¡°What is no fun?¡± I ask. ¡°The fact that you didn¡¯t need me to whip slash you into the wall.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Has anyone told you, you are a bit of a sadist?¡± I ask, as I make my way over to the second to last wall. ¡°I am a Valkyrie. My job is to find people who have fought and died in battle and see if they fought hard enough to be revitalized in the wellspring of rebirth.¡± She states. Hearing her words, I mentally pause as I wonder if that would be enough to get people like myself, those who have built up merits and flaws, and most importantly skills, to allow them to be reborn with that prior knowledge in their starting bodies? I am thinking about that, when my right hand touches the twenty-ninth corrupted door of this floor, and realize that my question will have to wait, as I need to focus on destroying the Blight that is sealing this door shut. Again, while the disease is semi-sentient, it does follow the same set patterns, implying that it at most has a rudimentary form of intelligence. Not enough to form a vendetta, or stronger ways of surviving, which is honestly good. Despite how tedious this whole process of cleansing each and every ventricle is becoming, I have to say the lack of adaptability on part of the Blight is very welcome. This means that this whole cleansing process should be easily doable, so long as we keep focusing on the easy wins like this. The minute I am done, and the last remnant of Blight comes out and tries desperately to strike at me, I am already prepared to strike it down with my now patented Quick Casting and Legendary Trick Shot infused burst. Also, now that we are high up in the sky, I don¡¯t even force the tendril to be bound to my arm anymore, preferring to let it fall to the ground. That way I could fire my Legendary Trick Shot past the entity, then with a quick snap of my left hand grab the free falling entity into a massive magical net and then burn it away far from my body. Whoosh! The still brightly burning ashes fall freely from the burning spell net I created. This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it ¡°You know, as many times as I¡¯ve seen that, I don¡¯t think it will be nearly as impressive with my actual vision as it is viewing that from your enhanced senses.¡± Mallory states. She is of course referring to the fact that the only way she can see in here at all is that we have been maintaining a permanent mental link through my Telepathy, so that I could share my Angel¡¯s Sight with her. ¡°I think I can safely say, that I would not be anywhere near as good with magic, if it was not for this unique way to view the world.¡± I admit. It was a lot for me to admit this, as it was quite clear that if Mallory truly wanted to, she could share this information with the rest of the world. While I was fairly certain stories of my unique sight had already spread far and wide, the exact details of the Merit I purchased are likely varying in their level of details. Again, there was only one person who I knew for a fact had this Merit from my time watching the game, and they only possessed the first Tier of this, while I had the fifth tier of it. I also made that a mental note to see if I could somehow enhance that portion of the Merit, taking it from just being five of five to six of six, or maybe even higher. ¡°What level of the merit did you say that you have?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± I state, and after a moment I realize she is using her probing tone. The octave of her voice is slightly higher, meaning she is trying to get information from me. Something that my heightened senses catch easily. ¡°You sure? I could have sworn you did, but you know how my mind is, always forgetting things.¡± Mallory asks. I pause before responding, ¡°you know you are really bad at lying.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Just say it, what are you trying to do with this knowledge anyways, it is not like you can get this?¡± Just as I say that, my mind reels at the possibility. ¡°Wait, are you talking about this to someone else?¡± ¡°Maybe.¡± Mallory states in a way that implies the answer is an emphatic yes, especially with the way she sashays her hips around while responding. ¡°Your granddaughter?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes.¡± Mallory states, and now I can hear the truth in her words. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just say so.¡± I state, as I remember her stating she could still talk to her family on the outside due to her connections. ¡°I have the merit at tier five.¡± ¡°Tier five?¡± She asks, then after a moment she questions, ¡°you mean you spent five Merit points on it?¡± At that, I pause, then realize the confusion. ¡°Oh, no. I know what you are likely asking. The answer is no. Each Tier costs five Merit points. So, I ended up spending twenty-five total Merit points on Angel¡¯s Sight.¡± ¡°I know it is expensive, especially with the fact that it costs you your eyesight for free, but that is worth it, in my opinion.¡± I state, then add, ¡°but I guess it would be a little late if I suddenly regretted my decision now.¡± ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Mallory said, clearly distracted. At this I was certain she was directly communicating with her granddaughter from the real world. Realizing she was distracted; I began climbing my way up the vertical tower we are in and made my way to the thirtieth and last door. This is the biggest door, and the one holding back a wave of water, or some type of fluid. It was only because of my Angel¡¯s Sight that I was able to fully take in the puzzle behind this floor and realize what we were meant to do. Yes, we needed to clear out every sealed ventricle that was so large that each appeared to be a doorway to us, but the reason only made sense when you saw every doorway as a ventricle. See trees need water, and for whatever reason these sealed ventricles were making it so vital mana infused water could not be filtered throughout the lower level of this tree. In a way, I felt that this spiritual water that seemed to be designed to generate from the core of the tree, was similar to my Spirit Sustenance spell, where the tree uses part of their own mana to make enough nutrients to live. Which is a great cheat, unless your meridians are being clogged with the Blight, making it so that your one true way of feeding yourself is null and void and also hurting you. Sadly, it took me quite a few doors before I realized the whole point of this was so that we could allow Yggdraspirit to feed itself. Though I haven¡¯t shared this idea with Mallory just yet. The reason why is I imagine what will come next to be exceedingly hilarious. See Mallory is standing on what is effectively a flat round disk that has long grooves dug into the sides, while still making it so it has a solid enough base to avoid getting thrown off course. This means that when the flowing water comes down, Mallory will be drenched, and eventually the pad she is on will be lifted up and used to get to the next level of this tree. I would almost feel bad for this, as I imagine Mallory looking like a particularly drenched cat, while I float around in the air. In fact, I might have proceeded to tell her about what would happen next, had it not been for her enthusiasm for using me as a human flail so often. Also, I was pretty sure that this floor, or maybe this grouping of floors was not meant to be completed by a murder hobo, the reason for that assumption was made apparent by this last door, the final one needed to successfully clear the zone and the overall quest of this place, as this last door was inaccessible by any means found, other than climbing up these vertical shafts and exploring them. Unless someone could see the entire layout of this zone like I could, most people would be completely lost, especially with people like Mallory, who could not see in the complete and absolute darkness that surrounded them. ¡°You sure you have tier five?¡± Mallory asks, right as I finish climbing my way up to the last door, one that is easily three times the size of the other doors that have been cleared so far. ¡°Yes, very much so.¡± I state, even going so far as to share my merit details with her, just so I can finally focus on this last door. Probably a bad idea, but I need to focus on this last and final door. Knowing this game world, there will likely be some extra trick, or I might have to capture three Blighted tendrils.
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
¡°Huh!¡± Mallory states, looking up at the message that while being right next to me, is able to be viewed by her directly, particularly since I just share the message details with her mind. ¡°Okay.¡± With that, I begin to focus on cleansing this last and final door. Yes, it is three times larger, but there seems to be some aid coming from the mana-infused water itself, as this door is ridiculously easy to clear. Well ridiculously easy for its size. Seeing as how large it is, I still think there is a trap, or trick to this, but no, this door despite my misgivings is the same level of difficulty in clearing as all of the other doors were. Even the falling Blight is nothing to catch, as I easily grab it while falling.
Hidden Quest Completed: Curing The Patient (30/30): You have successfully healed the thirtieth and final valve of Yggdraspirit the sacred world tree of the elves and the orcs. By healing the clogged passageways, and saving the most important passageway for last, you have made it so Yggrdaspirit can begin nurturing itself back to full health. Rewards: Experience, Title, Tower Floor Jump Point. Experience Gained: 5,000 / 5,000 Ding. Level up. Your Master Shapeshifting class has risen to level 106.
Title Gained: Luminescence
Luminescence: You have managed to make the world a brighter place. Any zone you go into will be treated as completely bright to you and your allies.
Tower Floor Jump Point Created: You and Mallory are the first to find the Spirit Tower jump point within Yggdraspirit. You can use this to go up as many floors as you wish, up to one hundred floors in total, the size of the great Yggdraspirit.
How far would you like to go? 1 to 100?
¡°One hundred.¡± I shouted out instantly, then I regretted it almost immediately, as I realized I might have made the wrong choice. See I at first thought I would go to floor one hundred, but that did not appear to be the wording of the prompt. I was so focused with getting to floor 100, the floor where I would get my master¡¯s degree from that I failed to take into account that I was already on floor seventy-five of this tower and that, a hundred floors from there, would put me squarely at floor one hundred and seventy-five. I know, math is tough for all of us, especially overly tired former mathematicians turned magic enthusiasts. RUMMBBLLLEEE!! What happened next was sort of to be expected, well I had been prepared for this to happen, but nowhere near as much as it did. See, I expected the doors to open up and for the flood gates to spew forth mana infused water everywhere. Again, I thought it would be exceptionally funny for the water to go pouring down like a giant waterfall onto Mallory, soaking her like a cat. What I failed to account for was the fact that with me choosing to go to floor one hundred, or to effectively jump ahead a hundred floors all in one go. The water level released from the doorway would have to be full blast, as the little pad Mallory was on, would need to rise up to the very top of Yggdraspirit. This meant that the force of the water spraying forth from the open door was enough to first blast me and slam me into the far wall. Fortunately, I was used to such impacts as Mallory had done the same exact thing to me no less than a dozen times since we started this little quest. Then just as one would expect, the water being added to me, weighed me down, and eventually was too much for my Spirit Drift to overcome, causing me to be slammed downward. ¡°What in the¡­¡± was all Mallory got out, before she made quick gargling sounds as flooding magical water filled her mouth. The sight and sounds were almost comical, if not for the fact that I too was being slammed downward, as my body was caught in a torrent of water. Just when I feared the worst, that I would crash into the ground at full force, and then be pinned while the water level slowly rose around us, I found that I was saved by a soft squishy Mallory. ¡°Oof!¡± We both let out gasps of pain as I crashed down into her, just as she managed to fight through the initial wave of force and regain her footing. As one would expect, Mallory and I both then crashed to the ground. From there we both looked like wet and drowning cats as we climbed over top of each other. We fought to rise up, and fortunately my swimming along with a bit of Telekinesis, made it so Mallory and our platform were directly in the center of the ventricle, while the water rose upwards. We were doing fine, until we got to the main door that held all the mana infused water, at which point as would be expected, we were once again slammed into the far wall. Then finally, we somehow both survived long enough to get past the flooding tunnel system and slowly made our way up to the next segment of the great tree Yggdraspirit. I used the time while traveling ever upward to first heal our wounds, then to finally relax once it looked like we were finally done being drowned by the magical waters. ¡°What happened?¡± Mallory finally asked. ¡°I think, I might have miscalculated something.¡± Was my only response as my weary and waterlogged body lay on the ground. I was beyond exhausted at this point, and all I could do was curl up into a ball, ignore all the system messages that were racing past my mind and finally allow myself to relax, as my mind spun off into nothingness. Chapter 99 The Fruit of All Labors Chapter 99 The Fruit of All Labors I must not have passed out for that long, or it took a lot longer than I originally anticipated to climb the one hundred floors that I had opted to bypass. ¡°Oh, so you are finally awake?¡± Mallory asks, she is still drenched, but in a sitting position, all while we are being pulled ever higher into the air. A quick scan of my surroundings shows that we are still in a vertical tube that is being pushed upwards as thousands of gallons of mana infused water gets pumped into the shaft below us. Then just when I am about to answers, I am met with a string of system messages.
Hidden Quest Line Updated: Legendary Bloodline: You have continued the process of treading down roads most could only dream to travel. You have met an evolutionary point in your attempt to further refine your Royal Bloodline into a more solid foundation that will set you and your family apart from most in the world. By continuing down this path, you will become a prize coveted by many. To get to that point, you will need to take more risks, and more importantly, you will need to walk your own path of greatness. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Increased, Racial Change, other. Experience Gained: 5,000 / 5,000 Ding. Level up. Your class Void Healer has increased to level 110.
Partial Evolution Point Met: You have been exposed to materials that will help improve your racial line from Arcanist Elf (Royal Bloodline), towards your Legendary divergence point.
I tried to stop my progress there, but it seemed that I had apparently missed a lot, that or it had been a while and I was just now able to get caught up with everything that my Simulacrum had also been doing as well.
Title Improved: Nature¡¯s Friend (IX): You have helped clean up over Seventy thousand pounds of trash and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 45% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Experience Gained: 101,550 / 101,550 Ding. Level Up. Your class Void Healer has increased to level 119. Your class Simulacrum Master has increased to level 115.
I blinked, or at least I would have, well I did. My eyelids did in fact open and close, but without using your eyes for anything the gesture comes across as unnecessary. Then I realized that while I was passed out, in addition to getting a ton of experience shoveled on me by my Simulacrum, my mental link to Mallory had ended. ¡°Oh, I am so sorry. Are you okay? Can you see?¡± I ask, as I mentally begin reaching out to Mallory in an attempt to reestablish our Telepathic mental connection. ¡°What? Oh yeah, I am fine now. In fact, thanks to you, I should never have to deal with that scenario again?¡± ¡°What?¡± I reply shaking my head and still trying to process everything. I am still coated in mana infused water, which I am fairly certain I inadvertently drank a lot of, which come to think of it likely started this evolutionary process. I try to think about why this would be the case, when I remember I got the most useless title Luminescence, for completing a partial quest within this tower.
Luminescence: You have managed to make the world a brighter place. Any zone you go into will be treated as completely bright to you and your allies.
¡°I got the title Luminescence for you nearly drowning yourself there.¡± Mallory said, there is a slight sense of something to her words, but I can¡¯t quite figure out what would be wrong. I paused thinking about that, then realized she likely would get all the same rewards I would for completing these quests. But why does she seem to have a slight grudge at having done so? ¡°Everything okay?¡± I finally ask. ¡°Now that you are okay, yeah.¡± Mallory said, shaking as I think her clothes are still wet, but then I realize there is likely something deeper there. ¡°You sure?¡± ¡°I said I¡¯m fine!¡± Mallory snapped back. At that, I just close my mouth and nod realizing that Mallory is clearly bothered by something, but apparently, she is too flustered by whatever she is thinking about to speak about it. Realizing that Mallory is in her own little tizzy, I decided to go through my own lists. There are a few more system messages that I get as my mind and consciousness pair up with my Simulacrum¡¯s efforts. The first thing I do is mentally calculate the experience points received and realize it has apparently been two days since I last closed my eyes and rested my mind. Not the worst case but passing out next to Mallory is making me feel like I am a bit of a damsel in distress that cannot handle herself. Especially as the last time I synchronized with my Simulacrum was when Mallory transported me to floor 75 of this tower. The same floor we are, or rather were on when we entered this tower. Mentally, I can see that we have a few dozen more floors to climb before we are out of here. That is when I realize there is still more to this quest, well to the entire tree of Yggdraspirit, as we were offered a Trait once we completely cured the tree. While we did get experience and a stupid title that turns me into a roaming candle, the fact that I did not get the offered Trait, indicates that there is likely more to this quest chain than I have managed to complete so far. Then we passed the next floor and I was hit with a wave of energy.
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (II): Your goal of getting a Graduate degree from Arcanarus University has been accomplished. You managed to explore the Spirit Tower, going so far as to reach the one hundredth floor, before anyone else was capable of doing so. Reward: Experience, Master Diploma from Arcanarus University: Spell and Magical Theory, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (II), Increased Magical Potency, Others. Floors completed (100/100). This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Experience Gained: 10,000 / 10,000 Ding. Level up. Your class Simulacrum Master has increased to level 116.
Title Increase: Arcanarus University Master Graduate (II): One of the most promising Master Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +20 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +200% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Seeing that notification, I went through and made a mental note with the system about how my next course of action would be to get a Doctorate degree in Magic and Spell theory.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (III): Your goal of getting a Doctoral degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the one hundred and fiftieth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Doctoral Degree from Arcanarus University: Spell and Magical Theory, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (III), Increased Magical Potency, Others. Floors completed (100/150).
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Master¡¯s Degree: Spell Theory and Magical Theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s Master¡¯s program with a dual degree in Magic and Spell Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of magic anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Seeing the new soul bound item, I had to say I was not too impressed. Especially when it seemed like it was essentially an exact carbon copy of the undergraduate degree I also had.
Arcanarus University Diploma: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Master''s Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Seeing the two, I was not quite impressed, as I realized they were exact copies of the other. Then I paused, as I realized what that actually meant. The skills, the two skills that made it so I could cast were once again increased by 100% or effectively their bonus was doubled. Meaning that spells I now tried to create on the fly should theoretically be twice as easy to accomplish. With that, my mind went wide, as the soul bound degrees manifested within my hands as I tried to take in what it all meant. Just holding the two degrees, I could almost feel the power radiating off of them in waves. Mallory too felt the sudden change in power, as broke free of whatever tizzy she was in and turned to me as well. ¡°You? You did it?¡± Mallory asked. I nodded, still unable to speak as my mind was going through prior spell formulas and I saw how inefficient I had been with many of my prior spells, going for flash and pomp, versus utility. Ultimately it meant I got badges denoting my hard work, something that was especially needed after my wasting of a 500-point badge as Tobias, but that should not be the purpose of magic. At least, that is what I was now seeing as part of this whole process. SHRIEK! There was an ear-piercing shriek, that came from Mallory, pulling me out of my mental musings. I only had a half second¡¯s notice before powerful arms wrapped around me and lifted my still soaked body off of the ground and spun me around. ¡°I am so proud of you!¡± Mallory stated, as she held me out at arm¡¯s length, like I was a newborn child. ¡°All we did was cross a floor level. I would have been awarded it the same way, regardless of what happened.¡± I protested, feeling like I had somehow cheated to get this Master¡¯s Degree. In a way I felt like I didn¡¯t earn it, I had so many thoughts, so many theories that I wanted to share with the world. I wanted to feel validated, that my theories about Meridian sizes being linked to Magical Tier ratings was a thing. I wanted to prove my theories on the Blight being semi-sentient creatures that were prone to minor adaptations to their environment, but ultimately were little more than reactive flu viruses. There were so many things that I wanted to write down, and have validated by the system, but I got none of that. All I did was ride an elevator shaft above an intended floor and I triggered an automatic event. ¡°Stop that. I will not have any of that. You are the most talented wielder of magic I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. The only reason we were able to cross the floor level, as you put it, is because of your ability to see, create, and adapt your magic to fit any situation. Can¡¯t you see it, you¡¯ve earned this!¡± Mallory states, putting me down and then picking up the degrees that fell to the floor. I want to protest, I want to state that she is wrong, that it wasn¡¯t that big of a deal, but then I realize that while there was a pattern to clearing the Blight from each door, I did need to adapt my spells to uniquely target and handle each doorway. I can see that she is right, that the quest just to get this impromptu elevator working was only possible due to my magic, but again it felt weak. ¡°I wanted to tell my theories on magic. I wanted to feel validated, that my theories were accurate. Instead, all I got was this.¡± I say, holding up the two diplomas and not feeling the same sense of elation I felt I should have for receiving them. In fact, all I really felt was a sense of emptiness inside. Maybe Mallory was right, that I needed to realize this was an accomplishment, that I had to use magic at such an advanced degree, to get this degree, that my ability to just solve the quests in front of me proved that I was worthy of these degrees, but I still had doubts. ¡°Now, daughter, I am going to tell you this next part, and I want you to listen good, all right?¡± Mallory states, she asks it as a question, but my only real response is just to shake my head in agreement at her words. ¡°Now think about this, I just got something for being a member of the first team to fully reach the 100th floor of this tower. Me, and I will tell you that it is a great title, one that will make it so I will be set even further ahead of my peers.¡± Mallory states, and thinking about it, if her title was anything like mine that doubled the effects of the previous title I received for getting driven to floor 50 in a train, then I can see her point. I also think I see where this is going. ¡°Now, one thing you might not realize is that I got that amazing title, all for having a piece of rope and joking around with my best friend, while I watched my best friend do all the work to solve these crazy puzzles. Now, I want you to think, how do you think I feel about that?¡± Mallory asked. As she spoke, I could only think about one, ¡°best friend?¡± I ask a bit hesitantly. Chuckle. ¡°Oh dear, you are a hoot to be with. But yes, I¡¯d easily say you are one of my best friends here. Not just because you got me a title, but because you are genuinely the nicest person I have ever met. Selfless, strong, and above all unafraid.¡± ¡°Unafraid?¡± I ask, as I can kind of see the other ones. ¡°Yes, here I am one of the most powerful individuals in this world. I have to be careful when I interact with you, for fear that I might crush your bones. I make most people shy away in fear from my sight and reputation. Most people only interact with me to get favors from me, yet you don¡¯t do that. Yes, you take advantage of a situation, generally making it so a given moment in time is beneficial for everyone, but that is still just being human.¡± Mallory states. At that I feel slightly better, but then she continues. ¡°Also, truth be told, you are one of those rare multipliers.¡± ¡°A multiplier?¡± I ask, I mean I am good at math, but that is not too hard, right? ¡°Yeah, when you do something good for yourself, you generally also make the world around you better. Take for instance this quest chain I am now on with you. I will get a new title once this thing hits floor 150, as I believe you will as well, right?¡± I nod. ¡°So, again, you think that you are being selfish, which you aren¡¯t at all. In fact, even if you decided to do this whole thing by yourself it would not be selfish as you were not taking away anything that you created. You would just not be sharing that with others. Selfish would be you actively depriving others of what they earned with you. Now make no mistakes, I have helped, but it is nothing compared to the amount of effort you have put into this whole operation. I mean, you have healed a great spirit tree, that is pretty impressive. You also healed pegicorns, which is the stupidest name I have ever heard for a horse, but that is what the system went with, and I can¡¯t help but think that the system¡¯s naming convention was at least partially influenced by your own thoughts and desires.¡± At that, I pause and think I might have given a bit away with my semi-wincing face, as Mallory pounces on my sheepish actions. ¡°HA! I knew it. That crazy name was you, after all.¡± Mallory began, but then quickly calmed down, as she went back to her point. ¡°Compared to you, I am just a side character. Honestly, my personal pride has taken a hit watching you, as you never stop. You never hesitate. When you look at the scariest thing this world has to offer, the Blight, you just stare back, then without hesitation come up with cures. Not just a set cure either, each time you encounter the disease, you adapt to it, repelling it and eliminating it, even knowing that it could affect you, and slowly wither you away from the inside.¡± At that I pause, as I get a much-needed reality check, maybe a few months too late, as I realize the weight of her words. Then I realize, that likely the only reason I was able to complete the task of destroying the Blight within people was that I didn¡¯t think I could get infected with it. Well, I could have, I was fairly certain now that I knew how to avoid the plague and avoid being targeted by it at all. Even my bonuses and titles that I have all but make me immune to getting infected with the disease. But Mallory is correct, when I first saw her. No wait, even before then, when I first heard of the Blight, I had been so captivated by the idea of what I could do, that I never stopped to even think about whether I should try to. Mallory must have seen my internal conflict on my face. ¡°Stop that, I see you starting to doubt yourself, but that is just it, you shouldn¡¯t doubt yourself. You are amazing, and I find myself very thankful that I stumbled into your path and that you have allowed me to stay in your path, where I got to see your meteoric rise. You are truly impressive, and you should be proud of not only what you have done to get to this point, but what you will do now that the world cannot deny your greatness.¡± Mallory states. And like that, I feel that we have taken on a second leak, as my non-seeing eyes suddenly burn with moisture as I lunge forward and attempt to bury my face against Mallory, so I can at least partially attempt to try to dry my eyes. ¡°There, there.¡± Mallory says, as her warm arms embrace me, and I finally feel the joy of what I have worked so hard to achieve. Not because of a piece of paper, that bestows amazing abilities, but because I got to experience it with Mallory, making the moment truly momentous and meaningful. ¡°Thank you.¡± I say, through barely contained sobs, as I let the full emotion of what I have done wash over me. Only then do I feel like I, no, like we have achieved something. ¡°And we are just getting started.¡± Chapter 100 The Life and Times of Mallory Chapter 100 The Life and Times of Mallory In this moment, Mallory felt truly blessed. Here she was free of pain for the first time in what felt like an eternity but was only two and a half long years. Two and a half years where she watched her friends cut ties with her, where she watched her family only feel comfortable to talk to her through missives. Where she felt all but abandoned and left to die by the world she so desperately loved for so long. Mallory learned a few things since her time in isolation. Those three years were the longest and worst time of her life, but she had once again survived, and not only survived but now thrived due to how much hardship she went through for her suffering. Worse, she had let slip a secret, well not really a well-kept secret, as it was clear from her interactions with the young healer that what she said, the fact that this girl was her best friend, was clearly the truth. The only problem was, she had said it too early, at least that was what she had feared. Here she had said it six months into knowing the girl, and only the last few days really spending any meaningful amount of time with her. Yet, here she was, confessing her true feelings for the girl. Worse still, Cassiopeia, or Cass for short called her out on it, but Mallory didn¡¯t deflect or massage the wording, as she was tired of hiding her true thoughts. Hearing the question, Mallory not only confirmed but then doubled down, showing this amazing girl that this was in fact the truth. Then only once she answered honestly and from the soul did Mallory realize that she had meant it, each and every word. The girl was fearless, getting into Arcanarus University from seemingly level one. Then from there she was involved with the University¡¯s downfall and the reincarnation of the University into Arcanarus Tower. Then how she made it so the tower was both amazing and grand to explore. Now this amazing girl, this healer who somehow defies all logic is crying against Mallory¡¯s chest. ¡°Thank you, and we are just getting started.¡± Cassiopeia says, and like that a memory from Mallory¡¯s past races back to her mind. *** (Three Years Ago) ¡°Thank you, and know that we are just getting started.¡± The rights manager says with a glowing thousand mega-watt smile on his face, as he proceeds to charm Mallory with his overly enchanted suit laced with mechanical inventions. ¡°Know that for this contract, I am thinking of making a six-episode series devoted to your life and times here.¡± The rights manager states, his slick black hair oiled to shine to perfection, as the smile he shows seems to momentarily be as bright as the sun. Mallory of course doesn¡¯t believe the man, no one does, but she does believe binding contracts, especially ones that are enforced by the system. The contract is simple.
Mr. Pixtle of Pixtle Inc. Wishes to produce a six episode series detailing the life and times of ______, during their times on BiPrism. This contract states that I, _______________, understand that my likeness, events, and actions taken from the course of my life until now will be recorded and presented in a way that is as eye-catching for Pixtle Inc viewers as possible. All content will be confirmed by the above, and produced for mass dissemination in the real world, where the undersigned, their family, and their household will receive a 5% royalty outside, while the undersigned above will receive a 10% royalty inside of BiPrism.
That was all there was to the contract. That was all that was needed for many contracts as the games AI and meta data tried to cut down on needless meta data. If at any point Mallory stated she was upset at the content, the royalties she was receiving or anything, she would make a formal complaint to the game¡¯s AI center. Where the AI would review the contract, the perceived grievance, and make a ruling based on what it observed. If the AI determined that the grievance was justified, then it would execute an AI command that would permanently delete those segments of film used that were derived from Mallory¡¯s time within BiPrism. There was a saying, that the AI of BiPrism was as close to a God as one could legitimately find, as they governed not only their universe, but also had long ranging impact with the real world as well. ¡°So how will it go?¡± Mallory found herself asking. ¡°Glad you asked.¡± Mr. Pixtle began. ¡°We are doing six episodes, one for every decade you spent here. The first will be detailing how you came in and established yourself as one of the first powerful females of this world. Overcoming sexism, and stereotypes to set yourself up as a true inspiration.¡± Mallory of course wanted to object, something that Mr. Pixtle covered with a calming hand gesture. ¡°The second episode will show your second decade here, how you were one of two dozen enterprising women who all managed to set yourself up for power. This one will end with your finding of the Valkyrie class, and how that forever changed your path in life.¡± ¡°That was still in my first year of being here.¡± Mallory interjected, figuring that if the man was correct, then the second episode should be the second decade. Again, waving his hand, the well-dressed man countered. ¡°We said we would like to do one episode per decade, not one episode on each decade.¡± The man clarified. That was the first sign that Mallory noticed, the moment when Mr. Pixtle¡¯s demeanor changed. Mallory instantly noted the sign, but then disregarded it, as he quickly recovered and continued on with his speech. It wasn¡¯t until much later, when Mallory was on her death bed for years, that she had time to rethink the situation that got her there. The situations that led up to the point where she was slowly withering away in isolation from the world, her only true saving grace was her granddaughter who wrote to her daily. Without Cassandra Redding¡¯s constant encouragement, Mallory knew she wouldn¡¯t be here today, as she would have given up on following each and every possible solution. Going so far as to test out a random magical savant living in a spirit tower that sent unnerving prickles down her spine every time she so much as entered the spirit tower. But that was a different conversation, a different point in time. For here and now, Mallory was finding out what this six part mini-series would cover. ¡°The third episode will be the Guild wars, about how you were hounded to join a guild, sometimes forcefully, but denied each and every advance. Then the fourth will be how you gained so much power, going to ever major war, going to every major conflict to gain power and influence. Then the fifth will focus on how you made your own guild from the ashes of the others, taking the best and brightest each guild still had to offer, and pulling them all together into your Midnight Hunter¡¯s guild.¡± There was a long pause, as Mallory sat there and waited. Finally, when it seemed that the man was done explaining the episodes, she pressed. ¡°And what of the sixth?¡± ¡°What of the sixth?¡± He parroted back. ¡°Yes, what will the sixth and final episode be about?¡± Mallory asked, as she knew there was a lot that could happen from there. One episode could be King Maker, about how she had the ability to not only find the winner of every major conflict, but how her guild of elite troops joining a conflict all but assured their victory. There were so many things that could be covered in this from the rise of the Legrand Empire to the stomping out the Industrial Revolutionary Empire, much to their ire. Chuckle. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Just thinking about that terrible name and the pun still brought a sense of mirth to Mallory as she couldn¡¯t help but laugh even now at the stupid name, and what it came to represent all these years later. ¡°Something funny?¡± Mr. Pixtle asked. ¡°What? Oh no, just thinking about some past exploits that could be covered for part six.¡± Mallory noted. At that the man just nodded, ¡°actually, that is what I am here to press. You see for the sixth episode, we want to do something completely new.¡± ¡°New?¡± Mallory asked, feeling a slight tremble of something off about the way his body shifted predatorially. ¡°Yes,¡± he said, sitting straight up and leaning forward. Now he had the look of a hunter, one who was closing in on the kill. ¡°You see, we want you to do a before and after episode.¡± ¡°Before and after, of what?¡± Mallory asked, as she was now completely at a loss for where this conversation was going. ¡°We want to do an expose on you, Mallory, the fearless Valkyrie first going into war to protect the war-torn Blighted lands, but then get your perspective afterwards.¡± Mr. Pixtle spoke, and as he did Mallory could hear the words like sweet honey pouring into her mind, washing away every doubt she had. The plan he laid out was brilliant and overly simplistic. Effectively she would join other factions and declare a joint operation against the Blighted lands, regions of the world that extended like an all-consuming desert, devouring and burning everything away in its path. Just the thought of going into the Blighted lands caused a tremor of fear to pour through her. Shaking her head, Mallory quickly rejected the claim. ¡°No, I couldn¡¯t.¡± ¡°But you already have. Didn¡¯t you rescue your son from a Blighted region not too long ago?¡± At that, the memory of how she pulled Arthur, her youngest from the advancing desert, was fresh in her mind. There she had been lucky, they all had, despite having been exposed to the Blight, she never showed any signs of contracting the disease. ¡°Well, yes.¡± Mallory answered truthfully. ¡°Don¡¯t you find it odd that you, the highest-level warrior in the world were able to avoid contracting the Blight? Don¡¯t you think that has something to do with how exceptional your Endurance and Resistances are compared to the mortal man?¡± He pressed. At that, Mallory could not refute. Then after a few more hours of such negotiations, she even bought into her own hype. She foolishly bought into the concept that she could be invulnerable to the Blight, that she was somehow protected from death due to her exceptional prowess afforded to her by her exceptional class, and fully awakened bloodline. With everything, she felt confident that she could not only go to the Blighted lands but push back the creatures that were pressing the Blight further and further inland. Mallory admits now that she was a fool, on so many accounts that they are hard to keep track of. The major reason she was a fool was because she believed the salesman, the one who got her foolishly looking into the camera and stating for the world. ¡°My name is Mallory of the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild, and I will make it my goal to eliminate the Blight.¡± That was it, all she said, all she needed to say, her arrogance was captured on film for all to see. Thinking back on it, she was glad that Cassiopeia was too young to know about her foolish behaviors. At the time, Mallory was still a household name, and one that was looked upon by most of the media. It was clear from the way Cass first reacted to her that she had not heard of the foolish statements made, while she was egged on by an over-zealous account executive. The way she bought into her own hype so much that she thought herself above reproach. Despite wearing the famed Apothecary Mask of Resistances, Mallory still got the Blight within her first two months of being in the war. Despite having pushed the Blight filled zombies back for over a dozen kilometers, it wasn¡¯t enough. The land still stayed corrupted, and eventually the Blight even overcame her natural immunities. At that point, the Blight was just seen as a weaker form of the zombie virus, something introduced as a major plot point that would eventually be overcome if people just fought to find a cure. The only problem was, no cure ever came, at least not until Cass. Cassandra, Mallory¡¯s granddaughter, was the first to identify Cassiopeia, and the fact that she had found a ghost with the cure to the Blight. About how she was going to get the ghost¡¯s spell out there. Then just as Mallory began making her way towards the famed Arcanarus University, the University imploded. Almost as a sick joke, something saying you were so close, but not close enough to at least come up with a cure for changing the Blighted lands back to irrigatable fields. After having moved so far and being so tired from the move. Mallory just decided to set up her final resting place in the neighboring area of the Imperial Capitol. That was when details of a new and impressive Spirit Tower emerging from the lands where Arcanarus University once stood was located. Mallory thought about entering the tower as one last act of exploration. Even choosing to possibly die in the spirit tower. In a way she thought it would be a somewhat fitting end to the life and times of the first Valkyrie, living through countless wars, only to die of an unknown disease in the first and only spirit tower. A tower that would provide constant pain and punishment for anyone caught in there without a proper resistance potion. That was when Mallory had the foresight to gain a few spirit resistance potions of her own, just as a just in case. But she never entered. Instead, Mallory waited for her friends, family, and even long-lost acquaintances to come and see her one last time. With her resting in the Imperial Capitol, she felt that this would be her last time where she could see anyone, while still having many precautions in place. Afterall, there were many Apothecary shops within the capitol and there had been no signs of the Blight spreading here in unblighted lands. Yet, she was alone, left to die a solitary life. Everyday, like clockwork, she would receive correspondence from Cassandra, each time they would be missives telling her about her sons, about the world, and about anything that could be done. Most of the time the letters were filled with hope, that she was looking with every resource she had to find a cure, and of everyone who said such words, she was confident in her granddaughter. Then finally after a month of settling in the Capitol, after going to Arcanarus University, only to find its remnants lining the ground, and a great spirit tower promising death to all who were not prepared, she got her cure.
Mimi, I have good news for you. There is a cure, this time I swear it. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, a Mage Guild healer on Floor two of the nearby Arcanarus Spirit Tower, has cured someone of the Blight, I have seen this with my own eyes. She is an exceptional healer and was the one who was responsible for finding the cure for the Blighted lands, before Arcanarus University collapsed. Please, please, please, I beg of you. Give this one last chance a try. It is in the same spirit tower that you yourself said would be a fitting place to die. At the very least, you have that if nothing else, but please, I beg of you. Give this one last try. If this doesn¡¯t work, then I will not pressure you to try anything else, but I know you. I see your pain. I see the way you suffer. Please go, and at least try, for me. Yours Truly Cassandra.
And like that, Mallory felt the will to rise one last time. She had prepared, going so far as to prepare a last will and testament, one where she transferred over every resource to Cassandra, whenever she finally decided to join this world. From there, she had everything she would need to climb the spirit tower and eventually die on floor fifty-two, right where the last group of explorers were currently stuck. Once she entered the tower, finding the Mage¡¯s guild that her granddaughter spoke about was rather simple, find the railroad tracks, follow the tracks to the second floor, then go the short mile from the mouth of the caves to the literal ghost town of Crossroads. Just being in the tower sent shivers down Mallory¡¯s spine. She had been used to dealing with spirits, in fact half of her levels and current power ratings came from the fact that she fought with, dealt with, and delivered spirits to the final resting place hundreds of thousands of times throughout her lifetime. Yet, to be in an entire zone related to the spirit world was a bit unnerving, the dark and somber grays that exuded everywhere seemed depressing. Just seeing the world around her was a bit much, the dark and muted grays seemed to drain the life from everything and everyone around. One look around was enough to make Mallory change her mind, while she had come to the idea that she would die her first death shortly, she had no intention of dying in a place like this. Then she saw Cassiopeia, the dark elf child who comically wore EGGs to an examination. Seeing the doctor, Cassandra instantly thought that this had to be a joke, that there was no way this doctor with solid black lenses could even see anything around her, let alone operate on her. But she had promised her granddaughter that she would give this one last chance. Honestly, she didn¡¯t even remember what she said, or what was said to her. She was just so ready for this whole experience to be over. Lying down, she waited for what felt like hours, but was likely only a matter of minutes, before she felt it. Tingle. The girl could heal, or at the very least she had a way of making Mallory think that something as happening within her. Rumble, vibration, rumble. For hours, the little elven girl worked, pulsing tickling wave of energy after tickling wave of energy into her. What was odder, was the fact that whenever Mallory looked up, she would catch the healer staring off into the distance, off into space, at the far wall of the room. Yet, despite all of that, Mallory could tell that the elf was able to sense and feel everything about the magic that she was pulsing throughout Mallory¡¯s body. The operation took hours, but only after the third hour did Mallory realize the reason why it took so long. Compared to the low level healer, her thousands of hit points would take hours to heal, and she wasn¡¯t just healing, she was completely eradicating a plague. A scourge of all existence that had been plaguing Mallory for almost three years. And here was this odd ball healer, who when she focused would lick her lips with her tongue, and then keep her tongue pressed there between her lips. At one point Mallory thought for sure that the doctor would need to stop to eat or drink, but no like a machine she pressed on. By hour ten, when Mallory could truly feel the amount of slime that had been within her body, the slime that this healer had removed she fell in love. Everything this cute little girl did, from her excited little yips she did, when she cleared up a new section of Mallory¡¯s body. To the way she shifted her head in a semi-mechanical way, almost realizing that she might not look normal, if she didn¡¯t do some things, while simultaneously not realizing that she needed to do other things with her eyes. It was clear that she was blind, well that or she had something exceptional to her. Finally, after fourteen long hours, Mallory was healed. Not only that, but she received a level and a quarter for the work that the girl had done. It felt cheap, especially when the young healer looked so defeated by the disparity in experience. Seeing her, and her still bright personality, despite having literally just conducted fourteen and a half hours of magical surgery, Mallory decided to recruit the girl right there, offering her a soul bound recruitment card and everything. Then sheepishly, she realized that she needed to leave. Not only had others come to also be healed by the miracle worker, but it was only now that Mallory realized everything she had on her was for her funeral procession. She had a copy of her last will and testament, along with other items that now seemed foolish, given that she had promised she would try the last cure. With that Mallory left the tiny spirit filled town in a hurry, but not before making sure to offer her recruitment pitch to the cute little healer girl once more. As soon as she was out, she sent a thank you letter to her dear Cassandra, and immediately asked for all information on this Cassiopeia. Then she decided to change her will, as there were a lot of changes that were going to happen, now that she was back from the dead. Chapter 101 Mallory Part 2 Chapter 101 Mallory Part 2 Immediately after being healed Mallory left to explore a world that had been mostly lost to her for years. The first thing she did was to get her guild to set up a screening checkpoint, making sure that not just anyone with a high level could come and pester her healer. And the little elf was her healer, that much was a guarantee, at the very least she would make sure she offered the best recruitment package for the little healer. Just her abilities alone were impressive, being in her twenties and able to fully heal someone of her level with seemingly no healing spells. At the very least, she didn¡¯t use any conventional healing spells that she had ever seen. By contrast, it seemed that nearly every spell the girl cast was unique in some way. While Mallory was well versed in magic at this point, no one of her level lasted as long as she did without having some modicum of understanding of the magics being used around her, she had a hard time pinning the girl down to just one or two schools of magic. She used, Life magic, obviously, but then claimed that she was also using Spirit magic to heal, while that was something no one even knew was possible. Immediately she sent records to get her own Spirit magic users to try out healing, but none could, in fact they seemingly broke down in agony if they tried. That was when Gwendolyn, one of the three previous graduates of Arcanarus University, and one of the only ones to join a guild, her guild, spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s possible that she might have developed an entirely new path of magic, by never casting an offensive spell.¡± Gwendolyn said, forming a hypothesis that we then had to test. At the same time, that is when Charles Ashcroft, someone who had been in even worse condition than Mallory was taken in to be seen. There he was not only healed but brought back to life. Of course, it wasn¡¯t presented to her like that. Instead, all she got was an immediate message from her Cassandra stating: You need to see your healer immediately . That was it, the entire message, and that was enough to make all of Mallory¡¯s fears come to life all in the forefront of her mind. Is she being attacked? Is she dying? Did those fools from the upper floors come back down? Did she anger Charles? Or worse did Charles¡¯ butler take out the fact that he couldn¡¯t be healed on the young healer. So many questions raced through her mind, so many doubts that she for a moment almost let her full anger and vengeance guide her. She was willing to destroy the entire town if that was what was needed to protect the girl that had given her life. Then when Mallory got there, what she found was something most unexpected. The girl that she had been looking for was gone. In her place was some creature that looked all together like a porcelain doll, if you could somehow imagine making a porcelain doll of an already exceptionally pretty elven child that is. There she was, the doppelganger of my healer, her skin the color of the royal dark elves, her hair denoting the same change. But what was most alarming were the eyes. First, her eyes were no longer covered by those ridiculous Engineering Goggles that they hand out to any would be recruit. Instead, the eyes that now shown were emerald green, but glowed with an eerie power. The power and refinement that they exuded were doubly heightened by the place she was in. In a world of supernatural power and intrigue she somehow managed to glow even brighter than the sun. Just looking at her, it was clear that she was not only of royal blood, but a magical bloodline at that, as even the air around her seemed to be supercharged. ¡°You okay?¡± The girl with magical glowing eyes said, as she moved forward to investigate Mallory, a note of concern and fear in her gaze. Concern for the fact that she suddenly came back, and clearly seemed to worry about the health of her recently cleared patient. Then fear at the fact that Mallory had just landed with a devastating impact to the ground outside her Guild Hall. It was the voice more than anything that made it so the change was clear, ¡°Cass?¡± With that the girl smiled in a slightly forced manner, ¡°the one and the only.¡± At that Mallory cocks her head to the side for a moment, before moving forward to better stare at the changes that had happened to her Cass. Before she knew it, Mallory¡¯s hands were up and touching the skin of the girl, checking for changes in her skin tone and pressure. These were minor things to do, as most changelings couldn¡¯t imitate the flow of blood properly, but she passed even these tests alleviating the final thoughts that her healer had been captured and replaced by changelings. Then with a slight hesitation she asked the question, hoping to already know the answer. ¡°Darling, what happened to you?¡± At that Cass paused, then ran her long delicate fingers through her sweat soaked hair. Hair that still looked silky smooth, despite the amount of water visible. ¡°Oh, yeah, the surgery went a little long and I apparently had a lot of fluids I could sweat out. Not the most pleasant of experiences,¡± she said somewhat sheepishly. That was when she saw her Charles alive and well after so long. They had a thing once, back when her husband had died and was in the midst of trying to regain the power he once had. Charles was one of the few people that had joined her in their attempt to drive back the Blight, a seemingly pointless gesture. Had it not been for Mitch, Charles¡¯ butler, who confirmed that not only had Cass once again healed the man of the Blight, but then had the decency to Resurrect the man so he could be properly thankful of her actions, Mallory might have doubted such a claim. Then even the Guild Master got in on the act, when he asked: ¡°To be clear, you created that Tier IX spell just now, while you were operating on the patient?¡± Then like a little firecracker, the young healer shot back, ¡°well I didn¡¯t exactly have time to stop and read a manual on keeping a spirit tethered to the body, now did I?¡± To which the Guild Master replied the only way a man who lost an argument could, ¡°I guess you are right in that you didn¡¯t. Though, you say, you had to tether the spirit to the body?¡± ¡°Yeah, I used to crochet, and well apparently that is a skill needed if you want to resurrect people. Who would have known.¡± Cass said. Cackle. At that Mallory began laughing wildly, ¡°oh girl, you are far too much. Mary me, right here and now. I just need you in my life, that much is certain.¡± Cass paused, a clear look of confusion on her face. ¡°Is this just to keep me in your guild?¡± Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. ¡°Oh yes, well that and more. Girl, you are amazing. Again, come to us when you are free. In fact, let us know if you want someone to power level you, we can help you clear any number of floors on this tower.¡± Mallory admitted. Only later on would Mallory begin to question this meeting, as she knew that the Guild Master¡¯s persona was one that could be copied by her Void Healer class. While her Simulacrum Master class allowed her to create a perfect replica of herself. Meaning that later on she apparently could and did do such actions, even going so far as to talk to herself to avoid failing an audit. In her time, she spoke about how anxious she was at the fact that she was getting audited and then apparently passed said audit. When Mallory pressed, all the young healer girl did was blush and quickly state something along the lines of, ¡°it wasn¡¯t that impressive. Just some people skills.¡± Mallory of course wasn¡¯t buying it, but unfortunately the actual truth of what had happened remains a mystery even now as any messages about that incident get redacted by the system. Even the coded messages get redacted when it is clear they are trying to get around said safeguards. To this day Mallory truly wishes to know the secret used by Cass to avoid getting audited. Also, that was one of the first times she heard about someone actually passing an audit. Sure, many people get audited, in fact that is the number one way that most illegal ventures are shut down. With a one-person con, you almost always get caught, while you can keep a story straight and adapt on the fly, you have a harder time covering all the angles and getting others to collaborate. When you have a two or more-person con, then there are ways to react, everyone has issues, and almost always there will be ways to tell if people are in cahoots with each other, as they will try to say everything is great. Somehow Cass had managed to use her unique classes to pull off the first ever two-person con with just one person, thereby breaking both sets of rules. After hearing about that little work of ingenuity and finding out that she was a senior informant for the Thieves Guild while never leaving her little Guild Hall, Mallory wanted her as one of her spy masters. Not just as a spymaster, but as the spymaster. This of course was before her little episode, where she stole everything from under the nose of the Legrand Duchess. Mallory had actually gone to that very tournament in the hopes of seeing Cass. There was a time when she noticed a boy with the same bright green emerald eyes as Cass sitting as a servant in one of the luxury boxes. She had thought the eyes were odd, as she had only seen them on one person before, which was why she had stared at him for a bit. But she soon dismissed the distraction, as she focused again on card counting. When the prize money and experience had originally been stolen, Mallory was annoyed. Only to then get a one-word response from her granddaughter that told her who the culprit was. Cass. That was the only word written down, as apparently all previous messages detailing the full events had been deleted entirely. That was what made her wait and set up observations for when the little healer would return. Shortly after a certain travelling gift shop was set up by the system as a unique reward for her exploits did she appear. That was when Mallory found out that despite having an exorbitant spending spree at the shop, the little thief had only managed to get rid of half the ill-gotten goods. After that fortunate meeting where it was explained that the bulge in the floor of the second story of the Mage¡¯s Guild was caused by so many tons of gold forcing a bulge in the floor, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but want to help. By agreeing to be an accomplice to a crime, she got her guild ten million dollars and a guild wide Title that showed that they recycled. Again, the creativity of her little healer never ceased to amaze her or cause her to smile. While Cass¡¯s support for the Maltese Empire is a bit of a future concern, being as Mallory and her guild have invested a lot of their assets in the Legrand Empire, that is something that she is willing to work with. As for her other eccentricities, like constantly practicing skills while walking, that can get annoying, until Mallory looks at the extreme look of concentration on her face and can¡¯t help but smile as she imagines Cass imitating a duck who is backed up while waving their wings around while walking. Somehow Cass manages to walk like that, while seemingly never looking down at her feet. After sharing a mental link with her, Cass now completely understands why the girl never seems to fall, despite the weird movements. That girl never gets a chance to look at herself from a first-person point of view, everything is all third person. Worse, she has so much detail that it is ridiculous to comprehend. Mallory now knows the merit she purchased was Angel¡¯s Sight, a merit that even at the first Tier of it, will cost you five merit points. When she was asked to confirm by her granddaughter about the Tier rating that Cass had, both her granddaughter and Cass¡¯s own daughter both had their doubts about it being Tier V. Only after she absentmindedly showed the merit in its entirety did the questions from her daughter and granddaughter finally end. It wasn¡¯t until later that Mallory realized the cause for concern. Mallory¡¯s granddaughter was only able to purchase up to the second tier of the merit, while Cass¡¯s daughter, the person who shared fifty percent of her genetic code was only able to purchase up to the third tier of the merit. In both cases they were hesitant to get the merits, given that they could only get a fraction of what Cass could from her own. Though after having experienced the full force of the perceptions offered by a Tier V, Mallory was fairly certain that this might not be a bad thing. For a moment Mallory almost wondered about making the suggestion that both try to first purchase the Child flaw, which would automatically start their base Attributes at 1, meaning they would have more time to mentally grow into the power of the merit. In a way, that might make sense as to why Cass could get the fifth tier of such a powerful merit. But realistically she felt that this would only further complicate their chances at joining. That was the thing, with the two now undertaking the joining process, it was clear that Cass¡¯s daughter would be joining the game shortly. Then their time here in the tower would likely have to come to an end. Flash. Mallory watched as a second golden glow enveloped Cass. Cass who now sat in a waterlogged set of clothes, surrounded by empty water flasks that had been filled with the mana rich water of the tree, along with a few random barrels that Mallory had on hand. The rum that the barrels had was a great distraction as she thought about how to broach the subject of their children joining the game shortly. Seeing the flash though, Mallory knew that Cass had gotten her Doctorate. Honestly Mallory felt that such a feat seemed rather easy, but then realized this was likely the most impressive spellcaster that she had ever seen in this world and that if anyone deserved to be a Doctor of Magic, it was her. Still, there was something about just being in an elevator and using that to fast track your way to tower bonuses. Not wishing to snoop by seeing the Healer¡¯s newest title, Mallory decided to ask instead. ¡°So you are a doctor now?¡± Cass nodded, it was clear she still felt sort of like she cheated to get her title. Though again, she had to have an insane level of understanding of magic to find the cheat, making the argument circulative at best. Rather than having to give another pep talk, she decided to ask the obvious question, ¡°so what do we get for floor 200?¡± This was a fair question to ask, as the elevator was still going up, and while they had clearly just passed floor 150, they were on this ride until floor 175. ¡°Two things. The first I will get to write down my magical theories, and if they are accepted they will be published and from what I can tell be made canon for all mages.¡± Cass begins. At that Mallory just nods, her mind trying to comprehend that as a feat. ¡°So you will literally get to create new fundamental principles that could not only define, but forever change the course of magic on this planet?¡± ¡°And get them published, where I would apparently get a certain number of royalties per publication.¡± Cass admitted. ¡°I take it there is a catch?¡± Mallory hedges. ¡°What? No, no catch. At least not one that I can tell.¡± Cass states, a slight tone of worry to her voice. ¡°So what is the second thing then?¡± ¡°Second thing?¡± Cass pauses, and turns her head to face Mallory, but her eyes don¡¯t quite line up exactly. That is something else that Mallory now is able to notice, the way the eyes don¡¯t necessarily line up. While they face the same way, there is an inherent balance that people do with their heads, to align their sight to be the same level as the person they are looking at. If someone has their head slightly turned to the right, then the person who locks gazes with them will also turn their head subtly to the same direction to make it so the eyes are on an even plane. Cass doesn¡¯t do that, while most people will automatically adjust their eyes to match the other person¡¯s Cass doesn¡¯t do this, something she only recently became aware of. ¡°Yeah, you said you get two things as a reward?¡± Mallory questioned, forgetting her notice on the way that Cass has seemingly learned to hide her blindness to the world so well, for so long. Honestly if Mallory had never shared the vision with the woman for so long, Mallory doubted she would have ever found out. Only now that she knew, did she begin to notice slight oddities that hinted at her being truly blind. ¡°Oh, I get quite a few actually, experience, a new magical tier, the book publications, but then there is this last one.¡± ¡°Well?¡± ¡°Well what?¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Oh, I would then be able to perform Magical Enhancement Surgery.¡± ¡°Magical Enhancement Surgery?¡± Mallory parrots back. Shrugging, ¡°I don¡¯t know either, but it does sound pretty cool. So are you with me to floor 200?¡± Hearing that, Mallory pauses, as she had been hoping that they could get out of here before then to go meet her daughter. But then figured one last run couldn¡¯t hurt. ¡°All right, but this is the last one. Well unless you find another magical elevator shaft that takes us up to floor four hundred.¡± Chuckling. ¡°I wish.¡± ¡°Me too.¡± Then there was an awkward silence that over took the two. Finally, after a long moment Cass asked, ¡°everything okay?¡± At first Mallory wanted to dismiss it, but then figured she should come clean. ¡°Yeah, well sort of. After we get to floor 200, we both might need to leave¡­¡± Chapter 102 Degrees of Being a Doctor Chapter 102 Degrees of Being a Doctor ¡°Once we get to floor two hundred, we both might need to leave.¡± Those words echoed round in my mind for some reason. Over the past few days, I knew that Mallory was acting strangely, but those words were the icing on the cake. I understood that she likely had guild obligations that would pull her away from here, from me, but I couldn¡¯t help but feel that she expected me to leave with her. To be honest, I felt the deep call to leave as well. I have been here for almost a year, and while I have learned a lot I figured that there was so much more I needed to do. Most importantly, I needed to help out the Maltese Empire, at the very least I knew I needed to check in on Hector and Golum. That said, the rewards that I was now earning from just sitting on a tree elevator was amazing.
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (III): Your goal of getting a Doctoral degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the one hundred and fiftieth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Doctoral Degree from Arcanarus University: Spell and Magical Theory, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (III), Increased Magical Potency, Others. Floors completed (150/150). Experience Gained: 5,000 / 5,000 Ding. Level up. Your Void Walker class has increased to level 120. Your Simulacrum Master class has increased to level 117.
Spirit Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XII. Nature Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XII. Life Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XII.
I finally got the magical school increases, though honestly it felt like a hollow reward as I had no clue what I would even need to do with Tier XII power. Even the title increase and the new soul bound items were a little dull, as they were essentially more powerful versions of the same reward I had been getting.
Title: Arcanarus University Master Graduate (III): One of the most promising Doctoral Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +30 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +300% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Doctoral Degree: Spell Theory and Magical Theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s Doctoral program of knowledge, with a dual degree in Magic and Spell Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of magic anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
That was why, when I first got them, I felt I had met every major goal I had set for myself. At this point I was complete, I had a Doctorate, something that had eluded me in my regular life. Furthermore, I was likely one of the few Doctoral candidates still alive from the famed Arcanarus University. Which was why I felt that I was mainly done with this tower. Currently the tower would allow adventurers to go up to floor 200, and that cap would end at floor 225 once this elevator finally came to an end. That would put me at exactly twenty-five floors away from the famed floor two hundred, but I was not so certain that I would be encouraged to go further. Until I mentally interacted with the system and found the following as my reward.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (IV): Your goal of getting a Surgical Doctoral degree from Arcanarus University has been noted. Explore the tower, reach the two hundredth floor and receive the reward that you seek. Reward: Experience, Doctoral Degree of Surgery from Arcanarus University: Magical Enchantment Surgery, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV), Increased Magical Potency, Others. Floors completed (150 / 200).
Now I was not aware that the system made a distinction between doctors and surgeons, but I guess that distinction made sense. With this offering, I at first felt that there was no way that I could do such a thing, for how could I conduct magical surgery? Would that be like a liposuction or something slightly more intricate. Then after thinking on it for a moment, I had an epiphany that with this I might be able to help people fix, or at the very least alter their build. Many people, myself included, were born with affinities for Schools of Magic that they would rather not have access to. My own Shadow magic was closely tied to the completely violent school of Dark magic, but I realized with this perk, I might be able to change that. I even got Mallory¡¯s seal of approval after stating it, and my excitement in such a task. At first the entire task seemed to be completely anathema to me, but the more time I had to sit and ponder the idea, the more I realized it was likely an adaptation of my own understanding of magic. The reason I can now envision this is by seeing that magic¡¯s resonance involves the vibration of the energy. While my own energy comes out at the high frequency of Spirit, or on the ultraviolet spectrum of magical light. I know that other schools of magic are either faster or slower. The only school of magic that is faster than my Spirit, of course being Dark magic, which as the name suggests is dark and oily black in nature. Then there is Divine which is golden in color, and a far slower form of energy is that of Fire, which is primal in nature and likely one of the easiest to understand due to how slow it resonates. Though this might just be my own personal bias on the subject, as I can¡¯t think of many reasons why one would go for Fire, if they wanted to do something other than cause devastation. The only problem that I currently have is that I don¡¯t quite know what I would need to do in order to change the flow and resonances available to a person. I can see my own, but my own core has gone through a lot of changes recently. And that is when I pause, realizing that part of why my core has changed is due to my recent awakening and full recognition of Life and Nature magic as being two schools of magic that I no longer have to focus on to create. Instead, now I can just actively use those schools of magical energy by just thinking about it. Then looking at my own grooves within my core and through my meridians, I can see how the channels have slightly changed as well, making it so the speed of energy can be sped up and slowed down depending on which of the three different meridian paths I choose to cycle my energy through. With that, I feel something click, in my mind as I realize I am onto something.
New Skill Gained: Magical Physiology has reached level 1.
Magical Physiology is a Perception X 3, Intelligence X 3, and Willpower X 3 skill.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. That was clearly a skill that the system considered a near perfect skill as it increased nine Attributes, well three Attributes a total of nine times, but really that is the same thing, right? At this point I am sort of frightened, as I don¡¯t know if these are my own random thoughts coming to this distinctive thought process? Whether I was already there and just the system telling me about something like Magical Enchantment Surgery would cause these types of thoughts? Or if this is the system nudging me along in this particular field of thought. Regardless of the reason for how I got here, there is no doubt that I did get here. Though again, I have to wonder if this is my own consciousness applying value to these quests, or if there is more. Unfortunately, as esoteric as those thoughts are, they really are circular in nature, and I quickly dismiss them as I attempt to identify a way I can perform Magical Enchantment Surgery, or as the name would imply, finding a way to permanently enhance the body of a person. In my mind, I see the way this could be done, but then come short as there are likely multiple ways this could finally be accomplished. The first and most obvious method would be to change the groove patterns on one¡¯s meridians. The second major way would be to change the patterns within the core of an individual. Though I have a feeling that it would likely be a combination of both. While the width directly determines the magical tier rating, as my own meridians have seemingly increased by a millimeter in diameter, which might not seem like much, but that is a lot of volume to increase. I think the only real reason I didn¡¯t notice the change was that either we cannot feel damage or alterations to our cores and meridians, a fact that makes sense as I doubt there are many nerve endings that would connect our cores to our bodies. But another thing to consider is that I had increased in level for both my primary and my secondary class, which could have more than masked the slight discomfort I might have felt. Ultimately, I need a sample, someone with already large meridians that can be changed and likely not ruin the overall effectiveness of said person. Naturally, my thoughts and my full attention went to Mallory, mainly because she was the only person other than myself here. ¡°Um, why are you looking at me like I¡¯m a slab of beef?¡± Mallory asked, and while she was playful, I could hear a hint of concern filling her words. ¡°Oh, what? No, nothing.¡± I said, wondering how I even gave away my thoughts, as my head was fully turned away. ¡°Wait, how did you know what I was doing?¡± ¡°So you were looking me, like I was a big piece of meat.¡± Mallory said, standing up from the ground and turning to face me. ¡°Wait, what? You didn¡¯t know?¡± I ask, confused. Mentally I check and realize that after she and I both got the Luminescence title, there was no reason for me to share my thoughts with her. ¡°Of course, I knew it, you always get this weird look when you are planning something.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t look weird.¡± Mallory just holds up her finger as if she is going to argue, but then apparently thinks differently and changes the subject. ¡°So, what exactly were you planning. If you weren¡¯t trying to look so weird.¡± At that I pause, as I don¡¯t know how I can answer this without sounding somewhat creepy. ¡°Okay, I was thinking about what the new ability with Magical Enchantment Surgery could be. That¡¯s when I got the idea that it might be me actually performing surgery and alterations to fix people¡¯s magical affinities. That¡¯s when I thought that magic was in waves, and that we could be able to alter those waves internally with our cores and our meridians. That is about the time I got the skill Magical Physiology, then I might have thought about how this could be applied to people.¡± I say, trying to state everything, while totally not coming across as creepy. Which, really has to be a somewhat impossible task, I mean how can you not feel slightly creepy, when someone accuses you of being so? Mallory pauses, then turns her head away as if in thought, before turning back to me. ¡°So, you are saying that you figured out a random skill while thinking about surgically carving up my core and meridians?¡± ¡°What? No, that came before¡­¡± ¡°So, I was just an afterthought? A so called first victim?¡± I hold up my own finger trying to come up with a way to spin this, but then after a second, I answer defeatedly, ¡°yeah, that sounds about right.¡± Mallory just pauses at that admission and then opens her mouth and closes it, before finally stating, ¡°you know, that admission hurt surprisingly more than I thought it would.¡± ¡°So, you are saying that you would rather I think about surgically altering your magical components first, then get a skill letting me know I could do it?¡± I ask, trying to make sure I am on the same train of thought as her. With that she opens her mouth, but then closes it. ¡°You know what, I think I¡¯m good. Sorry, you were saying about this new skill?¡± ¡°Oh yeah, Magical Physiology.¡± I state. ¡°What does it do?¡± ¡°Oh, that I can answer, I think. It is a really high end skill apparently, triple Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower.¡± ¡°Triple?¡± ¡°Yeah, and I think it helps me to get the deeper stages of understanding of a person¡¯s core and their meridians.¡± I state, as I get closer to Mallory and reach out my hands to grab her arm. She pauses looking at me with a fear. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to¡­¡± Mallory asks, while waving her other hand in a go on gesture. ¡°You know¡­¡± ¡°Operate on you?¡± I ask, she nods. ¡°No. I will not operate on you. I am just going to try to show you what I mean.¡± I say as I hold up her arm. ¡°You know I can¡¯t see the meridians the way you can, right?¡± ¡°Gah!¡± I let out a defeated groan, then mentally connect our minds with Telepathy, but rather than showing everything, I just show the one meridian in her arm that I am talking about, or that I want to talk about. ¡°This is your meridian, if you look you can see different groove patterns in the meridian.¡± I state, as I mentally enhance and enlarge the meridian in our visions showing the two main grooves. ¡°So that one, with the short choppy lines that is the one for Spirit magic, I state, then I pull up my own arm and show my meridians as a comparison. There we can see that there are three tracks in my meridians, one for each of my three main magical talents. ¡°Wait, yours are wider than mine.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Well yeah, I have a higher Tier in magic now.¡± I state, somewhat dismissively. ¡°No, I mean the physical channel within the meridian, yours is wider.¡± She states with a questioning tone to her words. At that I pause, and look between the two, and realize she is correct. Not just the width of the meridian increased, but it seems that the channels that magic is channeled along also change in width, which might directly increase the overall width of the final meridian. ¡°Oh, my goodness, you are brilliant!¡± ¡°Hey, no reason to be all snippy.¡± Mallory states somewhat defensively. I pause for a second, and pause trying to understand what she means, but then I realize she might think I was talking down to her. ¡°No, no, no. I mean it, that is a brilliant observation, and one I might not have noticed at all without your insight.¡± I state, trying to calm her down. At that she pauses, ¡°oh, that is cool.¡± ¡°What is?¡± I ask, realizing she just got something from the system as her eyes are up and to the right as if she is reading text that only she can see. ¡°I just got that weird Magical Physiology skill you spoke about. Very random, and likely something I will never work to improve upon, but I am glad you showed it to me.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°Well, one, that skill looks like I would need your Angel¡¯s Sight, and likely to a much higher level than what I could possibly get now.¡± Hearing that, I deflate a little, as she is correct, then she continues. ¡°Secondly, I already maxed out my base Attributes for Perception, and Intelligence a long time ago. While the Willpower route does seem nice, it is likely not worth the inevitable headache that this skill would require me to get to level up.¡± At that I realize that she is right, my Perception and Intelligence are both close to the first Unbound maximum, meaning I would need to concoct my single use potion here shortly. Yet, even more reason to leave the tower as most of the ingredients are fairly common, but not common in the spirit world. Then I realize her other point. ¡°Wait, am I hurting you?¡± I ask, somewhat sheepishly, as I begin diminishing how much information I share with her. At that she visibly relaxes slightly, thus proving that this was a bit much for her. Relaxed sigh. ¡°You know, I never quite knew how much you were ahead of us, but yeah, that is intense. It still takes some time to get used to. On the bright side, I don¡¯t think you would have to worry about people randomly reading your mind.¡± Mallory states. ¡°What? Why? I have thoughts¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, but the odds that a mind thief would be able to get your mind to focus long enough to get what they came for would be a task in and of itself.¡± Mallory states. At that, I realize that I likely once again let my thoughts bleed over into the sense of my sight that I was sharing with her. ¡°Yeah.¡± Mallory states, all but letting me know I was still in the process of doing so. ¡°Oh, right.¡± I say, as I completely kill the link between our minds and once again see Mallory completely relax. ¡°I¡¯m a terrible friend, sorry about that.¡± I say, wincing internally. ¡°No, no. You are a great friend, just sometimes you are a little too¡­¡± she trailed off trying to say the word that she apparently thought would be least offensive. Whoom. Fortunately for Mallory, she was saved from having to complete that thought by the fact that our elevator car finally came to a full and complete stop. ¡°Oh look at that, here we are floor 175, I think this is my stop.¡± Mallory states, as she grabs some of the enchanted water containers we filled from our travels. ¡°Can¡¯t forget our Yggdraspirit mana infused water, lots of potential future apothecary concoctions can come from this.¡± ¡°You are changing the subject.¡± I state, as I pick up my own water flasks, as I know she is right about the rarity of this water and what it might mean on the outside. ¡°Oh, and what is that over there¡­¡± Mallory states, pointing towards the exit door as she takes a few wobbly steps forward, before her naturally perfect balance kicks in. At that, I realized I likely shouldn¡¯t push this too much, as she clearly was in pain from that little exchange. While she did help me get a lot further than I could have by myself, especially with her insight on the width of the channels within the meridians, it clearly caused her some discomfort, and as such I decided I would not do so again. At least I wouldn¡¯t do so without her asking me to do so. With that, I let out a sigh and realized this would likely be even more of an excuse why she would try to leave me after floor 200. But would she want me to go with her after that? Would I be offered something even more amazing that being able to do magical surgery after floor 200? Obviously I would, that was what these towers did, but would that be enough to miss Mallory for a few months. Fortunately, before I could get too lost in that destructive thought trail, Mallory asked an important question. ¡°I have to ask, why haven¡¯t we gotten the quest completion for fixing Yggdraspirit?¡± Mallory asks, as she walks through the door. ¡°Oh, wait, never mind.¡± Confused, I walk forward, exiting the tiny zone that we were just in, and then realize that we are now outside on a vast tree trunk that is just a small portion of a visibly corrupted Yggdraspirit tree. Only now do I realize that what we saw a hundred floors below, was just one root with tiny branches that ultimately fed up into this giant core that we were now on. ¡°Yeah, this is going to be a project.¡± ¡°So floor two hundred?¡± Seeing the extent of the Blight that was surrounding us, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little defeated from everything that was happening. Suddenly I realized why they offered a Trait for this, as this was no minor task that would be fixed, but rather a long, long healing project. Nodding with a reluctant sigh, I answer, ¡°floor two hundred.¡± Chapter 103 Flying In Style Chapter 103 Flying In Style ¡°So, double wings?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Yes.¡± I reply, focusing on not one but two sets of wings that I now have growing on my back. Honestly, they feel a little itchier than I thought they would. ¡°That was your solution to creating a flying spell. You just created wings?¡± Mallory asks again, still somewhat incredulous at the idea. ¡°What? I already had the floating spell, which makes it so I can get to any height. But then I thought about it, and the intricacies and nuances of learning a flight spell were far more intricate than that, so I went with wings.¡± I respond. ¡°What is so intricate about flight?¡± ¡°Lots of things, first of all, there is acceleration, deceleration, pivoting points, all types of things to consider that wings naturally take care of, particularly if you already weight nothing.¡± I responded. ¡°So you intend to both use the wings and continue to float?¡± ¡°The spell is Spirit Drift, and yes, I will float with Spirit Drift, and use the two sets of wings to propel myself forward and avoid getting slammed into walls via rope swings.¡± I state. At that Mallory at least has the decency to look somewhat chagrined, that or she is desperately trying to hide back the laugh that is bubbling up within her. Finally she just can¡¯t help herself as a slight smile begins to crest on her lips, ¡°oh come on, it wasn¡¯t that bad. Besides if we are roped together again, we can fly together.¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t that bad for you. Also, both your wings and the rope cost mana, meaning that once one or either stop for you, you will drop like a rock.¡± ¡°Oh, come on, you could catch me.¡± ¡°How? I would just float.¡± At that Mallory just pauses, then after a second, she just drops that subject. ¡°Okay, fine. I get it, and you are right. Wings would help you to move about on your own. But my question is why two sets of wings? One set I can understand, but two?¡± ¡°Oh, that was mainly my mind thinking that the one set would be used for speed, while the second set would be used to help turn, pivot and slow down inertia and the like.¡± I state. ¡°You sure have put a lot of thought into this.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t everyone?¡± I retort. Mallory looks like she is about to say something, but then shrugs her shoulders. ¡°Touch¨¦, I would be lying if the thought of wings was not at least a small portion of why I chose this class. But I do have to ask, how long will these wings last?¡± ¡°Forever, well that or until I Polymorph them back.¡± ¡°Polymorph?¡± ¡°Yeah, apparently this was part of the Polymorph segment of magic, though I did get a new spell listing for the Divine Double Wings (Pearl).¡± I admit, then I pause as I realize they might look odd. ¡°They don¡¯t look weird or anything? I have a hard time with coloring and just went with an ultra-light pearl on the outside and a silvery blend on the inside.¡± ¡°What? No, they look amazing actually. Just like real angel wings. Even when they are down like this, I like the way they all hide under the much larger top pair. It¡¯s just odd seeing them in action.¡± Mallory states. That was another part of the process, creating the wings so that when I was on land, they looked like just one set of wings, while in the air, the second set could come out and help me. ¡°Honestly, I think part of it is just the shock. I don¡¯t know whether to pet you, or pray to you honestly.¡± Mallory states, as she holds out her hand. I was about to say something along the lines of bow down before me, but before I could, Mallory held out her hand and asked, ¡°can I touch them?¡± ¡°Sure?¡± I state, a good thing as her hand was already in the process of molesting my new feathers before I even got my acquiescence out. Shiver. You ever have that phantom limb thing where you feel like you are being tickled or someone is walking on your grave. Well imagine that but make it real, and that was what I was currently feeling. A slightly tickling, relaxing feeling. ¡°Oh my, that is nice. So soft and smooth.¡± She states, as she begins massaging my wing and I instantly feel some of the lingering tension from my stretching out my new skin and bone relax as I inadvertently lean into the caress. Then she said the thing that made me question why I hang out with the woman. ¡°You better be careful, or else someone might try to capture you and mount you to their wall of trophies.¡± Teleportation. I am a good thirty feet away from her in an instant. What was worse, I didn¡¯t mean to, but it was a survival instinct. ¡°Good, you can escape from certain situations if needed.¡± Mallory states loudly, though I don¡¯t need her to speak much louder given my already absurdly high Perception Attribute. Awkward silence. There is an awkward silence that settles between the two of us, but Mallory¡¯s forceful personality quickly takes control of the situation. ¡°Oh, come on. You can¡¯t be like that from one warning, can you.¡± Mallory states. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Finally, after a moment, I let out a sigh and then float-fly over to her. I already have my Spirit Drift spell activated, and now using my new wings I practice just using my wings to push myself forward. At an inch off the ground, I could stop if I stuck my toes out, but I just use my smaller under wings to flap once to stop my momentum once I get right next to Mallory. After seeing the concept in action Mallory pauses, ¡°all right, after seeing it in action, I have to agree. That does look pretty cool.¡± ¡°See!¡± I say excitedly as I do a quick pirouette on my toe and once again stop by using my wing.
New Skill Gained: Aerial Dancing has reached level 1.
Skill Aerial Dancing is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness skill.
¡°Oh, wow,¡± I say, looking at my new skill and not really paying too much attention to my surroundings. ¡°Did you pull something?¡± Mallory asks. I pause, then look at her, then realizing she is mocking me I state, ¡°no, I got the new skill Aerial Dancing, if you must know.¡± ¡°Wait, just now? From that little spin thing?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°It is called a pirouette, and apparently I did it well.¡± I comment. ¡°No, well you did, but that is not the point. Do you have something that would aid that?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Maybe?¡± I respond, not wanting to lie, but also not wanting to give away my whole gambit of amazingness. At that Mallory just shook her head, ¡°figures. You are too good at maxing out your skills otherwise.¡± ¡°Wait, do you not have Aerial Dancing?¡± I ask. ¡°No, never even heard of such a skill, though to be fair, I don¡¯t think many people could do what you just did. As most would be flapping their wings, but you are able to bypass that with the fact that you¡¯re mainly floating. So dancing in addition to that would be a lot easier.¡± Then she pauses before continuing. ¡°Honestly, I am surprised you didn¡¯t pick it up earlier while you were gliding around in the infected root tunnels below.¡± With that her meaning is clear, she is talking about the time when I was using my floating skill to clear out the infection in apparently just one of the root sections of Yggdraspirit. Then I remember why I didn¡¯t get it at that point. ¡°You know it is kind of hard to look graceful when your best friend is slamming you about into cell walls like you are an overgrown flail.¡± I state. At that Mallory looks chagrined, then pauses as she instantly seems to perk up. ¡°Wait, you mean it? That I too am your best friend?¡± She asks. ¡°That is what you took from my comment?¡± I asked, but then shaking my head I answered her. ¡°Yeah, its not like I¡¯m rolling in friends around here. I¡¯m just the creepy girl who you go to get healed, and then leave.¡± At that, there is a moment of silence that covers both of us. Then before it gets too awkward, I continue, ¡°but now I sky dance!¡± And with that, I point upwards and using my upper wings I glide upwards, while using my lower wings to spin me about like a top. After the fifth spin I stop, and realize I am about to puke. It is not so much that the world spins, but my perception of the world constantly also spins so three kilometers of space around me shifts violently around, and that is just too many details to take in and have pressing in on your mind while spinning. Looking at it, I will need to get used to this, especially if I want to get my Aerial Dancing skill up. And honestly, who doesn¡¯t want to be a master of the lost art of Aerial Dancing. So yeah, that was my reward to myself, a new spell so Mallory and I could begin climbing quickly up to floor 200, while not having to get caught up in all the armed conflict down below.
New Spell Created: Polymorph: Divine Double Wings (Pearl) [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Sabrina Spiritlight and allows the caster the ability to permanently grow two sets of elegant wings. Mana: 10,000 (total) to cast, Reserve: 5%.
With the wings and the floating, I have an additional 30% of my mana reserves being used for these spells, but that is so worth it, as I am flying. Not just regular flying but stylized flying, where you look good while doing so. At least the system seems to think so. *** Flap, flap. ¡°Is there a corrupted branch we can land on, and rest, while you cleanse it?¡± Mallory asks, apparently this is a lot more taxing for her than it is for someone like me. ¡°Yeah, there is a branch right there.¡± I point up ahead at the branch in question and then slowly glide twirl my way there. ¡°You know, I thought your constant casting to get those Quick Casting skills were the worst, but I was wrong, this,¡± panting, ¡°is the worst.¡± Mallory states, while clearly being very fatigued by the whole flight upward process. ¡°Why?¡± I ask, somewhat hurt by the statement, as I gracefully land on the branch in question, while looking down at Mallory. ¡°Because you look so good doing it, and here I am, having been able to fly for years, and I know I will likely never look that graceful doing so.¡± Mallory states, getting up to the branch I am lightly resting on. Creak. ¡°Not one word about my big butt.¡± Mallory states, as she braces herself back against the tree trunk. I might have made the offhanded comment that the tree branch she was sitting on might protest her arrival due to how big a part of her anatomy might have been. Apparently, even eight floors later, that might have left her in a bit of a tizzy. That and the fact that she is expelling a lot of mana to keep her wings activated and her relatively slow speed compared to my own and it is no wonder that she is a bit flustered. Then again, I don¡¯t think her class was designed with the idea of being constantly in flight. That or not flying ever upwards, again, my idea of being weightless first and then guiding myself seems to be the better option. But rather than state any of that, I focus on clearing out the Blight from this branch. We are only clearing out a portion of the world tree, and at this rate, we will likely get to the top and then must work our way down slowly to truly cure all of Yggdraspirit, but it is a good experience grind, and it does give Mallory the chance to rest, while looking like she is saving the world. Well, the spirit world¡¯s version of the world tree, so there is a world being saved in there. Thinking about it, I realize that we, and by we, I of course mean me. I am doing this backwards, or maybe just the most painful way possible. ¡°It¡¯s almost like I am being the worst doctor ever.¡± I say out loud, letting my thoughts carry on in the air. Scoff. ¡°If you are the worst doctor, then man are there some amazing doctors out there that I have never seen.¡± Mallory states, a note of derision to her words as it is clear she thinks I am fishing for a compliment. ¡°No, well, I am a good doctor, which is why this is so frustrating. I am only clearing out sections, which is what I think this whole area is meant to teach.¡± I state. ¡°What? How else would you do this?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°With an immune system, create antibodies within Yggdraspirit that would cycle through the natural processes and heal the tree.¡± I state. ¡°Do trees even have a circulatory system?¡± At that I pause, and then want to answer no, but there clearly are ways for nutrients to cycle through, I have just been too lost in my own understandings to fully understand the process. ¡°Part of the problem I think is that this Blight, it has no real enemy.¡± ¡°Well you.¡± I wave my hand in a dismissive gesture, while I wrangle the last bits of the Blight out from the different corners of the branch and then wait for the inevitable jump. Swhoosh! A blur of Blighted Miasma jumps past me, where I quickly reach out with my Legendary Trick Shot and capture the remaining Blight before it can get away. ¡°Well, fine. But seriously, there are no creatures that are immune to this disease, it even kills off plants. I know Octavia came up with a means to eventually remove the remains from a barren patch of Blighted lands, but even looking at that spell now, I realize the spell was incomplete. The spell just makes it so the remnants of the Blight will eventually be removed, not that it will combat actual Blighted creatures. Those still will need to be hunted down and cleansed.¡± ¡°So what is it that you think we should do. I mean, kudos for the Blighted anti-bodies, but that has been tried and failed numerous times. That said, if someone could do it, that would be you¡­¡± Mallory states, and with that I wince slightly as I realize this is likely a sore subject for Mallory to cover. ¡°Yeah, sorry. I just can¡¯t help but feel that I am doing something completely wrong with this, but I don¡¯t know what it is.¡± I state, resting for a second to make sure my mana reserves are back to full again. I don¡¯t really need to do this, but I give Mallory the time to go on ahead. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, but let me know how much further you can make it before we call it a night.¡± Mallory states. I pause, and then mentally searching the area above us, realize that there are no safe landing spots up ahead for a while. Mainly due to the fact that elves and orcs are fighting each other constantly. This is odd, as there only seems to be a slight problem down below, but now up as we are getting higher there seems to be a problem. ¡°What is it?¡± Mallory asks, apparently, I was making a face. ¡°Nothing, just more people fighting up ahead.¡± I state, somewhat angrily. I want to go and heal them all, but with them fighting all the time it just feels pointless. Also, I know I can¡¯t go and be an independent healer without Mallory¡¯s help to keep the peace and to watch my back, so I decide to wait. ¡°What are they fighting about now?¡± Mallory asks. She has been doing this a lot more, apparently, she might want to set me up as her guild¡¯s spymaster. Honestly, it is a nice sign as it means I might have a job I will be halfway decent at on the outside, but that would also mean an end to climbing the tower and getting more and more rewards. But she is at least with me now until the end. This is another reason why I want to think of alternate methods to solve this curing Yggdraspirit quest chain. I want that extra Trait! I also want to do it with Mallory, as it would be kind of cool to have a secret power that makes it so we have a special secret bond. Focusing on the question, I mentally scan the area and realize that for whatever reason the floors above us are odd, as there are almost always two paths to travel the elves on the left, and the orcs on the right. This pattern obviously alternates between floors, but for now, this is the case on this floor. Fortunately, we have been able to bypass this by flying independently, one of us flying in style, while the other is Mallory, but hey no one¡¯s perfect. Still, this is odd as there is clearly a second path leading up to the right, the side that the orcs normally travel, but this time that pathway is completely empty. Worse, that means that the paths on the left side, where the elves normally go up and down is twice as crowded, forcing those who are close to the edge to often be pushed off or too close to the edge for comfort, which is why there is so much hostility, at least on this floor. ¡°Let¡¯s go up and see.¡± I state, and like that I take off in a pirouette, followed by a wide looping upward lunge ending with an arabesque pose. "You know, I really hate you sometimes." Mallory hisses as she stands up and visibly focuses to conjure her wings. "Suck it up grandma. Eat my sparkles." Chapter 104 Perks of The Job Chapter 104 Perks of The Job As we arose, I could finally see what had cut off the right-side track, or the track that would normally have been traversed by the orcs. Further up on the right-hand portion of the paths leading upward were dragons. Oddly enough, the fact that dragons were there in the tree was not the problem, as I could tell people generally rode dragons, or at least the small wyvern type dragons. Honestly, I had been so focused on healing the branches on the way up, that I failed to notice the use of said dragons, and dragon riders, but it was clear that people were riding dragons to go from the base of the tree, to the far outer branches, branches that extended well beyond the three kilometers that I was currently able to view with my own Angel¡¯s Sight. I am so caught surprised by what I am seeing that, stopping on a minor branch that is just below the main landing portion, and just large enough to catch the two of us as we make yet another pause for Mallory and her percentage costing spell. Honestly, whoever designed her class really messed up her ability later on. The more we fly together, the more I can see what exactly the problem with her spell formula is. Her spell is a continual burn type spell, what I mean by that is that it is like a coal furnace, it will go on forever so long as there is coal in the furnace but won¡¯t do any once the last ember of coal runs out. This is great for lower-level spells, which is likely when Mallory first got the spell. The payoff is that it makes it so your class has advantages of flight early on, but that doesn¡¯t make it so your are exceptional later on. The only problem is that now that Mallory is a much higher level, she has only been able to find ways and perks that extend the time gained from her spell, and it is a spell, regardless of what she calls it. Now she still burns away a percentage of her mana all the time to keep her spell active, meaning when needing to rely solely on her wings, we have to take multiple breaks. Clip-clap. Whoosh. Gasp. Mallory lands on the branch, instantly dissolves her wings, only to be hit by a random strong breeze that threatens to throw the tired Mallory over the edge. Exhausted, she scrambles forward, but her reflexes seem to be slowed due to her constant mental drain from overusing her mana so often. Seeing her, without hesitation, I reach out and grab her. Not personally mind you, that would be stupid, I am but a waif of a girl, even in my human form compared to Mallory. Also, I have my Spectral Drift activated, meaning I am currently weightless. No, I reach out and grab her the way every mage should, with good old, natural Telekinesis. I hold out my hand, letting Mallory know it was me that saved her, and finally after a moment she calms down, lets her two feet settle, and then exhaustedly nods her thanks. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°No problem, would have been painful to watch you try to climb your way up again.¡± ¡°Hey.¡± Mallory states, a bit indignantly, but then tiredly walks her way to the base of the tree again, and firmly plants her back against the wall. Only once she is fully stuck in place does she let out a long breath and then relax a little. ¡°One last hop, and then we will be there.¡± Mallory states. I nod, as I am in the final stages of ridding this limb of the Blight. ¡°I know.¡± Blighted Death Jump. The Blight makes its final jump of life, trying to escape, only to be captured by my Legendary Trick Shot skills, and then I too plop down right there. Being as I weigh nothing, I don¡¯t really worry about being blown off, at least not in the way Mallory did. If I get hid by the wind, my wings will flap and keep me in place. Even if I go off the side, I can easily catch myself and just fly right back. I am looking at Mallory¡¯s internal components, seeing where and how she casts her extremely inefficient spell for flight. Though I make sure to turn my face, towards Mallory, to let her know I am thinking about this. Looking at her, I can see where the spell for flight is formed, by this point I have seen the spell cast and recast so many times that I am fairly certain I could mimic the spell if needed, not that I¡¯d want to for such an inefficient spell, but I could. Still, looking at her, and the way the spell is basically carved right there, into the base of her core, I can¡¯t help but think that should be changed or modified at the very least. Her mana is so much more robust than it was when she first gained the ability to fly that it is now just a relic of the past. ¡°You are doing it again.¡± Mallory states, a bit exhaustedly. ¡°Doing what?¡± I ask, shaking my head at the random train of thoughts going through my mind about how I could fix Mallory. She is right, it is not a spell, at least I could see how she would think it wasn¡¯t a spell, even though it clearly is. ¡°You are doing that thing where you are trying to dissect me.¡± ¡°What? WHAT?¡± I state twice, and I realize that with the second one I might have been on that very thought process. ¡°No, I was just thinking that you might be right, it isn¡¯t a spell you cast.¡± At that Mallory pauses and shakes her head, ¡°I told you that.¡± I shake my head and wave a dismissive hand, ¡°it is not one you cast, but it is one that you automatically cast via your class. Meaning it has been etched into the heart of your very class, right?¡± Mallory nods, ¡°yes, it was one of my class¡¯s evolutionary markers. It was a Class Perk that I was offered at level ten.¡± At that I nod, as it makes sense. At level ten such an ability would be amazing, but now that she is over seven hundred and fifty levels removed from such a marker, it would be less appealing. ¡°The perk is interesting, it is like the spell, or a spell was permanently carved into your core, making it so you just had to divert your core¡¯s energy directly into that automatic spell formula, which would then create the wings for you.¡± I state, as I think I understand this part of what is happening. At that revelation Mallory cocks her head to the side as if seeing me new for the first time. ¡°So, what are you saying? That you want to replicate this class perk in yourself?¡± ¡°What?¡± I ask, immediately floored by the question, then answer honestly, ¡°Gods no. That spell is so inefficient that I think it literally has parts to burn off excess mana without converting it into anything. No, if I was to get a perk, it would not be that.¡± ¡°Wow, just, wow.¡± Mallory states, and this time I think I might have actually gone a bit too far. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°What? You know it is inefficient. You said you got it at level ten, what class Perks do you know from level ten would still be this useful still?¡± I ask, trying to be a bit more diplomatic with my interactions with the already ornery Mallory. ¡°Yeah, I got the perk at level ten, but then I upgraded it twice more.¡± Mallory states. At that revelation I pause, and then really focus, and I can see two different tracks that lead from her core to the carved-out spell structure. I realize that she is both right and wrong, as these perks don¡¯t solely focus on improving this spell formula, but rather focus on improving all her core functions. ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡± ¡°What?¡± She asks, somewhat indignant and holds up her hand to her chest as if I have somehow offended her by calling her a liar. Seeing that reaction, I press forward with my explanation. ¡°You know I¡¯m right. You did upgrade the original perk, but what you did improved your overall functions, in addition to this flight perk.¡± I state, then leaning forward, I mentally zoom in my view and focus on the different formulas, and I see the patterns. ¡°It looks like you chose one that improved your mana conversion rate, which had a direct effect on how long you could sustain your flight, which looks like it increases the overall conversion rate by close to a quarter. Then you had a second upgrade that,¡± I pause trying to understand what the lines are doing. Only once I see that the line is looping around her core a couple of times do I begin to realize what is happening. The second one that looks like a large intestine wrapped around her core, actually has the ability to act as a limiter. ¡°Oh, and that one improves the overall time of your channeled spells, making them last for what, one and a half times as long?¡± I ask. Shock. ¡°You.¡± Mallory stammers, then pauses, as she looks at me blinkingly like I just randomly appeared out of the mists. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You just listed off the two Perks and their effects that I chose to supplement my Flight ability, perfectly.¡± ¡°So, you admit they weren¡¯t directly for your Flight?¡± I ask, feeling a bit like I had just won this argument. ¡°What? Well, yes. You are right in that they didn¡¯t change the Flight directly, but their overall effects did help my Flight. Well, my class¡¯s ability to fly.¡± Mallory states. At that, I hold up my hands in victory as I wiggle my fingers letting her admit I was right. By this point Mallory is so focused on me that she is already up on her feet and walking forwards. Seeing her, I get to my feet as well, and begin to go towards her, to keep her from falling. For someone who is such a badass, she does have an insane fear of falling, which given her crummy class wings is understandable. Gentle breeze. As she begins to walk forward, a gentle breeze begins to blow, but she completely ignores this as her eyes are focused solely on me. Then after a few steps she is all but racing towards me. Finally she gets to me and holds my shoulders in excitement. ¡°You know what this means right?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°That you are getting over your odd fear of heights?¡± I ask. At that, Mallory shakes her head and that odd intense focus that had been going on breaks, as she looks around, then realizes just how high we are and trembles before clinging to me tightly. Oof. ¡°No. Not quite that.¡± Mallory admits. Honestly, I don¡¯t know how you can do that. There are clouds below us, then at the very bottom is just a patch of green and maybe black spots that might be the armies of the orcs and elves below.¡± ¡°Oh, well I can tell you how I can do it.¡± I admit. ¡°You can?¡± ¡°Yeah, I just can¡¯t see the ground, makes it less frightening.¡± I admit. Mallory just stares at me for a moment, then shaking her head exclaims, ¡°you know sometimes I hate you.¡± ¡°Ah, I love you too, sometimes.¡± I state the inverse. There is an awkward moment where Mallory clearly bites back something, but then composes herself with a deep breath. ¡°As, I was saying. You know what this means?¡± ¡°What? Sorry, your hate or my love?¡± ¡°Stop it, neither of those. You can read class perks. Meaning that even with rare classes, you can find out how they are built and what to look out for. That is one of the greatest hinderances for going up against someone with a rare class, you never know what they have. Or worse, when wondering if you should learn a new class, you never know what the class offers at a later stage. But you can fix all that.¡± Mallory states. I pause, and realize that she is right, that I could use this new ability, which I assume is related to the recent skill I got, Magical Physiology, which I believe is the precursor to my being able to perform Magical Enchantment Surgery. Then I state just that, ¡°you mean with Magical Enchantment Surgery?¡± ¡°What? No. Well, maybe. But that is not the type of fix I meant.¡± ¡°Oh, right. You were talking about an information brokering perspective. Which class evolutions are good, which ones fizzled out and so on?¡± I ask. Then I mentally wonder if I have done enough for my level 200 class upgrades to be good, as they should be impressive at this point. I mean I have gone from not having any degrees, to having a Doctorate in two magical theories. And working on getting a degree as a Magical surgeon, which should be great for a healer class. ¡°And I lost you again.¡± Mallory states. ¡°What?¡± I ask. ¡°Nothing, I just professed my undying love for you.¡± ¡°So, you no longer hate me?¡± ¡°Wha, stop that. No, this is big. What you are doing, what your Sight offers, that is a game changer, literally. I almost wish I had it.¡± Mallory admits. ¡°Almost?¡± ¡°Well, maybe not at the same degree that you do, that is intense.¡± Mallory begins, ¡°but then again, if I could see the perks and other advantages that people have, do you know what I could do with that?¡± ¡°Have political clout to ruin lives and bury your enemies?¡± At that Mallory pauses, and then looks at me with a bit of apprehension for a moment, before speaking. ¡°You know, you are pretty scary sometimes for a pacifist.¡± ¡°Thank you?¡± I state questioningly. ¡°Just keep doing what you are doing. Sometimes I worry about how innocent you appear to be, but it is comments like that, that let me know you might just survive.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Um, thanks again?¡± ¡°You know what, never mind just keep doing what you are doing.¡± Mallory states. I hold up my hand to make a point, but she cuts me off. ¡°And no, you can¡¯t perform surgery on me. At least not as your first patient.¡± Mallory says, somehow guessing where I was going to go with my next question. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, you were. That or at the very least you were building up to that point. Honestly, I think you might be one of the few people who I would allow to surgically alter me in that way. But, not at first.¡± Mallory states, and at that I feel slightly at peace with the decision. Nodding, I can respect it, as that is a lot. I already see parts of her perk that I¡¯d like to get rid of, but she is right, I would need to practice a few times before I would feel comfortable altering Mallory¡¯s class perks to be more applicable for her current level and abilities. Then smiling viciously, I realized I have a way to get back at her. ¡°Well, looks like we should go and fly up to the platform that is right there.¡± I say, pointing to the platform that still has the orcs and elves right next to each other. Honestly, the fact that Mallory had to stop here showed how much her overall abilities are dropping and that we might need to spend the next few floors just walking. ¡°Yeah, when we get there, we will likely need to ask around to find out what is happening. Maybe spend a few hours walking and talking to leadership, getting information gathering quests, until finally we can find out what the actual problem is.¡± Mallory states, laying out a plan of action that would likely work, and sounds amazingly time intensive. ¡°Wow, is that how they used to do things back in the old days? Get their Sherlock Holmes on, along with a few dozen fetch quests? That sounds ridiculously painful.¡± I admit. ¡°What? You have a better way to find out what is happening?¡± ¡°Oh I know what is happening, I just don¡¯t understand why they are there.¡± ¡°Why who are where?¡± ¡°Dragons. There is a colony of Blighted dragons living in a hollowed-out portion of the tree up above us. I am guessing a few of the matriarch dragons are Blighted, and one of those Blighted is also very injured. I don¡¯t know what the dragon¡¯s purpose here is, but that is what I got.¡± I state, pointing in the exact direction of the cave of dragons. Mallory just stares at me dumbfounded, then presses. ¡°You know all of that from just sitting here?¡± ¡°Yeah, they are easily within my sphere of sight. The only thing I can¡¯t figure out is why dragons would be here?¡± Hearing my explanation Mallory just shakes her head. ¡°You are truly amazing, but I can see the limitations of your sight.¡± ¡°Limitations?¡± ¡°Yes, you can¡¯t see past your sphere, which means that you can¡¯t see the stream of dragons flying to and from the kingdoms that are built on the branches of the tree above us.¡± Mallory states, as she cranes her neck back and points off into the distance. I assume this would be at a point that I likely could see if I was higher up, but from my current position, I can¡¯t see any of this. I also just now realize that we are somehow on the under branches of the great tree, and that the large branches up above are likely big enough to build entire cities upon, which seems both frightening and exciting at the same exact time. Given the fact that they are out on the branches, I can mentally understand how the use and incorporation of dragons as a means of travel would be invaluable. ¡°Oh, that makes sense for the dragons.¡± I admit. ¡°Yeah. All right, now that we know what is happening, fixing it should be easy. You just go in, heal the dragons, and let us go on our way.¡± I nod, and am about to say something, but Mallory cuts me off. ¡°Let¡¯s go but let me do the talking.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± I ask. At that Mallory just cocks her head to the side and glares at me with that look that states, don¡¯t make me state the obvious. Then she states the obvious, ¡°first I am a lot higher level, and thus automatically treated deferentially. Also, and I only state this because I love you. You can be a bit, hard for people who don¡¯t know you to understand you.¡± Then before I can mount a protest, her core begins to glow, and I see the quick activation of her class perk that is woven directly into her core light up, followed closely by the conversion and the time enhancing intestine, before her wings come to life and she begins to fly. Honestly, the use of such magic to distract me is a bit unfair, but I quickly begin to follow her. ¡°Who¡¯s slow now!¡± Mallory states, looking over her shoulder to where she expected me to be, only to find an empty spot. ¡°Still you.¡± I call out over my shoulder, as I passed her on her blind spot. Then with a smile that can only be born by winning an impromptu competition, I fly up and easily reach the platform first. Chapter 105 A Less Than Optimal Introduction Chapter 105 A Less Than Optimal Introduction Gasp! My arrival as a double winged human with solid green eyes went a little differently than I had anticipated. Mainly because I assumed that I would be able to just arrive, and then enter without anyone noticing, before heading off to key points to complete the hurting dragon quest. At least that was the name I was mentally assigning to the quest to heal the Blighted dragons. Spells being cast. At my arrival many spells began getting cast by both elves and orcs alike. Out of reflex I began dispersing the spells. Only to find that many were variations on low level scanning spells. Critical success.
Hidden Mage Quest Completed: Establishing Magical Dominance (Galindra Delanuca): You have proven your will over Galindra in a battle of wills. Your magical prowess has increased for the next 24 hours.
That was the first message, after that I had to disable that function as notification after notification kicked in, letting me know that I had won duel after duel. Honestly by now the process of winning a duel against another magic user, particularly one who was only in the eighties, or roughly twenty plus levels below me was ridiculously easy. ¡°Fireball!¡± An angry elf cried out. He was of course the first to call out the name of their attack. Shaking my head, I realized this was going to be too easy, as Fireball was always Rock in its spell formation, which meant either Spock or Paper would be enough to disable the basic spell. The caster could of course change this, by altering the spell slightly, adding variants, in fact looking at it, that is all the new magical dueling skills I got did, they allowed me to change the base of my spell to meet any threat. No longer would I need to use water to counter fire, I could use fire to obliterate fire, so long as I hit it correctly. That is what I did, for what felt like hours, I countered dozens of scanning, attack, and damaging spells. Some orcs began infusing their bodies with enhancement magic, I took that magic and made it so rather than infusing the muscles with power, it infused the muscles so much that they couldn¡¯t move, lest they rupture something. Despite the pain, a few orcs tried to fight through the pain, the minute they did, their bodies spasmed, as the over infused leg muscle snapped and began spraying blood and viscera everywhere. Seeing the stupid orcs, I shook my head and then using my acting and magic skills to give my best weirding way voice I spoke, ¡°you dare to challenge me, the sister of life and mercy. Then prepare to feel the wrath of sister, death!¡± Then with that, I gestured down below and to the left, at the exact spot where Mallory was just now coming up over the lip of the landing area. ¡°GHHHHAAA!!¡± Mallory screamed, as she had seen the onslaught, at least she heard my comment. No actual spells got close to me but hearing me speak out in such a way was more than enough to have her coming out guns blazing, and that is what she did. Death Scythe! The blow was so fast and devastating that I saw the buildup, but I missed the moment of release. From a defensive point of view, I might have been able to block the devastating spell, but only at the very beginning, during that long buildup phase, once it was released, I was unable to do anything to it, even getting out of the way would have been impossible. Fortunately, the spell was not aimed at me, nor at anyone really, instead the blow had been purposefully aimed over the heads of everyone gathered. Whoosh! The shockwave of the spell, while still missing every enemy was enough to grab everyone and throw them back. Orcs flew into elves, who flew into orcs, all collapsing into one pile on the ground. Panting. Mallory was panting, partly because she was angry, and the other part because she was still pushing herself even after using such an inefficient spell like her class provided flight spell. Seeing her, I realized she would likely be able to make it so we both survived here, particularly if things escalated, but it would likely result in a lot of deaths. Not wishing for this to happen, I looked at her, then tried to cast a new spell on her. I let a trickle of Life and Spirit mana fuse into her body, this was tricky, as it had to be spirit energy right at her own resonance. Also, I didn¡¯t like the idea of doing a direct one for one, which is an inefficient use of mana in my opinion, as magic should always be a multiplier. That was why I infused the Spirit with a touch of Life magic, to help her body recover and begin regenerating mana quickly. The effect was surprisingly more effective than I had thought it would be.
New Spell: Personalized Rejuvenation [Tier IX] (A): A spell designed by Sabrina Spiritlight that drastically increases the regeneration rate of health, mana, and stamina of the user for a duration of time equal to one minute per point of Caster¡¯s Willpower.
I am in the process of checking out the effects of the new spell, and honestly, I am far more impressed by the spell than I likely should be. So much so that I apparently missed Mal¡¯s bad reaction to it. ¡°Seriously?¡± Shake my head, ¡°what?¡± I ask, feeling like I got slapped by her word. ¡°You had that spell this whole time and you just now thought to use it on me? Also, what spell is that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s called Personalized Rejuvenation, and I just made it, for your information.¡± ¡°You just made a spell, like that, right during combat?¡± Mallory asks, a note of incredulity to her voice. During this time, two mages began casting large scale magic spells. Well large area spells, the complexity was weak and it was clear that they didn¡¯t understand the way their spell worked as it was just a loosely formed Tier V spell that had so many holes in its defenses that rather than dismissing the spells, I just changed the targeting point. ¡°One second.¡± I state, holding up a finger to stall my conversation with Mallory, then mentally grabbing hold of the two targeting spell threads that were now on me, I took them and quickly added a high launch angle, then changed the landing spot to be at the feet of the other caster. That minor act of magical manipulation done, I am about to speak to Mallory, when I get a new message. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.
New Skill Gained: Magical Manipulation has increased to level 1.
Skill Magical Manipulation is a Dexterity, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2 based skill.
That was odd, as I had just been thinking about the activity being magical manipulation, and then the system went and called it exactly what I was thinking the best term to describe it was. Thinking about this, this wasn¡¯t the first time that such a thing happened to me, as I remember Mallory¡¯s statement earlier about me being the source for the name Pegicorn, but I didn¡¯t really have too much time to think about that at the time, as something else came up. Speaking of which, I am clearly missing something here, now, thanks to this stupid message that interrupted my train of thought. DOUBLE BOOM! At the detonation of the two spells at the feet of the opposing casters, I remember my original train of thought, I was speaking to Mallory. ¡°Yeah, I created the spell as it looked like you would be too tired to be effective otherwise.¡± I stated, then asked, ¡°would you rather I had waited until after the battle was over to come up with such a spell?¡± At that Mallory just stammered, looking from me to the two spells that I clearly had a part in redirecting the two spells away from me, then to the remaining orcs and elves that were obviously frightened, sadly I don¡¯t think most of their fear was due to my amazing use of the weirding way voice. ¡°You know what, never mind, but can you stop talking like that, with your voice overlapping over itself, it is distracting.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Right, that¡¯s distracting.¡± Mallory looks like she is about to say something, but a female elf comes forward. Just looking at her, it is clear that she radiates healing energies, and must be some type of priest. Seeing her, I figure I might be able to talk to a fellow practitioner about some of the ins of the trade. At least that was what I was sort of expecting to happen, I mean yeah we were still in this odd magical standoff, but I think based on the seemingly quelled nature of everyone that the dangerous part was mostly over. ¡°Oh great spirit, you are the one the visions foretold. Please excuse us, for we were not ready to receive your message.¡± The elven priestess said as she strode forward until she was just a few feet away from the two of us. I had apparently jumped into the air, and my Spiritual Drift had let me just dangle there in space, while Mallory clearly had both feet planted with no sign of using her cheap class generated flight perk. Then after looking at the two of us, the priestess trembled slightly, before dropping to her knees and bowing to me. Now that she was so close, I could see that she wore a blindfold on her face, and moved around as if unincumbered, then I noticed a slight purple glow coming from her mind, where her eyes would be and realized that she too must have a version of Angel¡¯s Sight active. This was awesome, as it clearly meant that she might be able to help me discover a way to strengthen my own Angel¡¯s Sight, but before I could go too far down that line of thought, she let out a desperate plea. ¡°Please forgive us from your wrath.¡± The priestess cried out. ¡°What?¡± I ask, feeling like I had missed something major in this, also it should be noted that I spoke in my regular Sabrina voice, having foregone the weirding voice, as Mallory requested. ¡°She speaks true.¡± This time a female orc came forward from those who were gathered. ¡°Forgive us oh great spirit, we did not recognize your presence, until it was too late. Will you please still help us with the task that brought you here?¡± The old orc spoke, as she did, I could tell that she too was blind, and just like me she clearly had a version of the Angel¡¯s Sight herself. Dual Oracles from two different races, living on the great tree spirit Yggdraspirit, if this didn¡¯t scream at me for a chance to improve my Angel¡¯s Sight, I didn¡¯t know what would. Also, it was so interesting to see the light purple glows within the eyes of these two people who were clearly favored by their people, given the way both groups began to hush at their appearance and sudden approach forward. A strong elf guard, and a brute of an orc came forward, but both were dismissed by their respective oracles with a wave behind them. Then I remember their question, and answer. ¡°You mean the fact that your clutch of dragons,¡± I state, pointing directly to where the nest of dragons is, roughly half a floor up on the right side of the disused staircase. ¡°Yeah, I am here to heal them of the Blight.¡± I pause, and then seeing the impact point where Mallory¡¯s warning shot landed, inwardly wince, as I realize it would likely be best for me to heal the tree of that wound as well. ¡°Gah!¡± One of the injured orcs cries out, as the pain they were silently enduring became too much for them to bear. Hearing them, I instantly turn my attention to see that it is one of the three stupid orc warriors that tested their resolve to do battle with solid muscles. Most were able to heal, but it appears the first one was a bit more reckless and actually tore an artery. ¡°One second.¡± I say, as I flap my upper wings once for speed, then using my lower wings I gently glide my way over to the fallen orc. The crowd mercifully spreads away from me, I am not too frightened as it seems that everyone is mostly pacified, especially after the arrival of the oracles. Holding out my hand, to let people know I was doing something, I quickly began healing the orc. This involves using Telekinesis to grab the broken leg and push it back into place, while I begin mentally rewiring the veins and arteries within the leg, then begin fusing the muscles back into place with my Omni-Heal energy, thus taking the load off my main reserve of mana. After that is done, I cast a Personalized Rejuvenation on the orc, before moving onto the next orc. Then once the two orcs are done, I head over to the two spell flingers, and realize I might have wanted to start with them. They are squishy casters after all, and likely the only reason they didn¡¯t cry out first was that they were too damaged to make a cry. The first caster I went to was an orc, whose strong constitution was the only reason they survived long enough for me to get to them so I could heal them in time. There was a lot of burning, because Fireball, I don¡¯t think I need to say more, but seriously why resort to fire as the first form of attack. They live on a dying tree, don¡¯t they know fire is literally the worst for this type of environment? You know the old saying, people who live in glass houses get lacerations from broken glass, while people who live in trees die from being burned alive, that old trope. Once the first caster, and those around him were taken care of, I went over to the second caster, and found that I was already too late. The second caster was dead. Seeing the state of the second caster, I let out a sigh. ¡°Don¡¯t worry great savior, their death was merited from the time they raised their hands to strike at you.¡± The elven oracle spoke. ¡°What? I wasn¡¯t sighing about that.¡± I state. ¡°You do not feel guilty about their death?¡± ¡°No, because I¡¯m not going to let them die. It is just that bringing someone back to life is a lot more taxing than just simply healing them.¡± I state, before I turn back to face the spirit of the elven caster that is now beginning to fade. ¡°I didn¡¯t say you could go.¡± I state, then holding out my hand, again mainly to let people know I was doing something, I began casting Resurrection, on the departing elven spirit. Given that they attacked me, and that I was already tired from so much mana use, I opted not to go with the Perfect Resurrection, figuring that one this was an elf meaning they were already sickeningly beautiful, but also they had a longer life and thus most of the benefits of Perfect Resurrection would either be wasted or redundant on the elf. Maybe I¡¯m an elitist, but the difference in magic usage and focus didn¡¯t seem worth it to me, thus I cast basic Resurrection, and within a few minutes the elf was back and moving about as expected. Cough. The second caster, began coughing the minute their soul was once again fully fused within their body. ¡°Why do they always cough?¡± Mallory muttered to herself, as she herself had witnessed this act quite a few times, particularly with me recently resurrecting the Mage Duelist. ¡°I think it is a synchronizing effect, the body and soul both take in one synchronized breath, thus proving that they are alive.¡± I state, giving my theory on the process. Chime. There was the sound of a ringing bell within my head, before a system message erupted before me, letting me know I had internalized a hidden truth of the world.
Hidden Quest Discovered: Hidden Secrets of the World: Path of the True Healer: You have stumbled upon one of the biggest questions in the world, and your insights have brought you to the precipice of knowledge. It is one thing to recite words, but it is another thing to understand the relationship between life and death. Continue your path of discovery and help define the boundaries separating life and death. Current Reward: Spell (already acquired), Class and Bloodline evolution points met. Rewards for continuing down the path of discovery: Experience, Title(s), Badge, Variable.
With that message, I felt an intense burning sensation burning right in the middle of my forehead. ¡°GAH!¡± I cried out, instantly clutching at my forehead with both hands. At this point Mallory quickly moved into a protective position right next to me. Her face was now right next to my feet that I tried to keep from kicking out wildly, not that I thought I could truly hurt Mallory from such an act, but still it never felt good to get kicked in the face. ¡°She has begun the first steps.¡± The orc oracle began. ¡°You will need to revert to your true form.¡± The elven oracle called out. ¡°True form?¡± Many of the elves and orcs both called out in confusion. I thought about resisting them, but just as I had that thought the burning sensation in my forehead only intensified. Realizing that I likely had no real choice in this, I acquiesced, and for the first time ever, I went back on a mental command I had for myself, never burn a disguise. This time I was effectively making it so Sabrina could never be used again, at least not in front of these elves and orcs. Still, I felt I had no other choice, the pain was so intense that I could feel my vision narrowing. I tried to cast spells inwardly, but they all seemed to be negated. Mentally I knew this likely had to do with the quest notification about either my class or bloodline evolution point being met. Knowing the game, it was likely linking the two, in order to create a synergistic blend of the two, but such thoughts were beyond me. Worse, thinking like this, or any extra thoughts at all burned. So in a matter of seconds, I triggered the transformation, using my Void Healer class Trait, Spiritual Doppelganger and nullified the effects, thus resulting in my transformation back into my regular thirteen year old Arcanist elf form. Gasp! Seeing my transformation, the orcs and elves both cried out in shock. Many of the elves took a step forward, while the orcs stood transfixed, just staring at me with their mouths wide open. They began muttering something, but I didn¡¯t have the bandwidth to address their statements, as the all-consuming pain that I had been feeling was suddenly alleviated. At that I felt suddenly weak, and seeing Mallory right below me, I called out to her. ¡°Catch me.¡± I said, as I let my body collapse to the side. Mallory held out her hands, but then just stared up at my still floating body. ¡°Oh right, still floating.¡± I said, then nearly chuckled at the sight of her just standing there annoyed with her arms out while waiting for me, then darkness took me, as my mind that felt like it was being stretched beyond all recognition was finally able to relax. Chapter 106 The Two Oracles Chapter 106 The Two Oracles I awoke to the sweetest sensation there was, to the act of leveling.
Experience Gained: 54,320 / 54,320 Ding. Level up. Your Void Healer class has increased to level 124. Your Simulacrum Master class has increased to level 121.
Mentally I calculated everything that happened to me from this experience. I realized that both classes had increased by four levels each. Additionally, I realized that this was the seventh of twenty such days, or that I roughly had thirteen more days like this left. Of course, the changes didn¡¯t end there as I was met with my final update.
Nature¡¯s Friend (Max): You have helped clean up over eighty thousand pounds of trash and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 50% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
I had finally maxed out the Nature¡¯s Friend Title, which capped out at what I was tracking as level ten, which at a five percent increase per ranking was not bad. This meant that my simulacrum and I would only be doing these next thirteen days of turn ins for just levels, levels, and more levels, oh well. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little giddy at the idea of leveling up so much, and still having so much more experience left to gain from this whole thing. However, before I could get too indulgent into my own thoughts, I realized that there were two main issues. The first was that I was still in severe pain, as there was a throbbing sensation right at the core of my head. The second thing I noticed was that my field of view was limited, but I was able to take in everything around me at a microscopic level. Almost as if I could feel every mote of energy, every atom of air around me, everything was visible to me. This was when I made my third revelation, that as always, Mallory was right there. Given how close she was to me, showed that she was sitting down, right next to me, while I was laid out on the floor. This was good, for if Mallory was sitting it meant one of two things. The first was that she had killed all the elves and orcs and was just waiting for me to come back to the living. The second was that she did not feel threatened, I was hoping for the latter as my healer¡¯s conscience wouldn¡¯t let me sit idly by if I could heal people. Being this close to Mallory, and not being able to focus on more than the immediate area around me, I once again took in the various nuances to her core and her high-level body. From here, I could see that the initial flight spell that had been engraved into her core had been stretched and faded over time, either from constant use, or that this might be something that the game does naturally. In fact, her entire core and energy system seemed to have scars and callouses for lack of a better term built up. Looking at it, I could see times when she pushed herself too far, in my mind I could almost see her casting one last devastating spell to fend off evil, or to conquer one last enemy before collapsing from pain. Her internal body showed the scars that her pristine external body never would, and it was amazing to see just how much she had gone through, from a magical perspective. ¡°It would appear that our little healer has awakened.¡± One of the oracles called out, though it was far away, or at least farther than my now limited view of the world could provide, I recognized her voice and tone as being the oracle for the orcs. ¡°Can you get up?¡± Mallory asked, as she placed a hand on me. Pain. With her touch, the pain in my forehead began to throb, as I could feel a connection being made with her. Once again, I saw more, but this time I saw the minor chips and abrasions to her meridians that were within her arms, and flowed throughout her body. I could see how she was originally right hand dominant but had to switch to using her left hand more due to how much damage she inadvertently channeled through her right hand. ¡°It is best that we leave her for now, she has not quite gone through the final stages of her transition.¡± The second oracle spoke, again her voice father away than I could see, but I took her voice to be the melodic voice of the elven oracle. Hearing that, Mallory turned her head to look in the direction of the second voice, then turned back to face me. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Mallory asks. At this, I felt somewhat like I was floating within my own body. Only now did I notice that I was in a field of saturated air filled with mana, mana that was having a direct impact on me and my body. ¡°The air?¡± Was all I could manage, my tongue feeling bloated within my body, while I tried to cast a spell to fix my state, but found that my healing myself only caused the sensations going through my body to be heightened. This of course caused the throbbing headache I was feeling to expand, as I began to feel something wrong. ¡°Yes, that is the field of purification. Once you collapsed the oracles said this was where we needed to take you, to help speed up your conversion.¡± ¡°My conversion?¡± ¡°Yes, you are going to become a Legendary Bloodline holder.¡± Mallory stated, a note of excitement in her voice. ¡°A what?¡± I asked, and could already feel the throbbing within my head pounding away. The before I could get too much further, I cried out in pain. ¡°Ahh!¡± ¡°Here feed her this.¡± The orc oracle said, then Mallory reached out and then grabbed a plate of brightly glowing fruit. ¡°Here try this.¡± Mallory said, as she took one of the golden glowing slices of fruit up and moved it towards me. ¡°I don¡¯t need¡­¡± I tried to say, but before I could speak, Mallory shoved the golden fruit into my open mouth. I tried to get up, only to find that my body was not responding to me. Only now did I realize that the air I was in was making me high, making it so I had no control over my body or my movements, even talking was a challenge. Then as I was mentally cursing my condition, I felt the golden energy of the fruit touch my tongue and then explode in flavor. Fwoom. The fruit was unlike anything I had ever had in my life, either of them. The last time I ate was a few days ago, when Mallory gave me some of her food. Then before that, I couldn¡¯t recall eating. That was why I had chosen to run my class the way I had, as I didn¡¯t want to be bound to needing to eat to survive. I don¡¯t know if that lack of normal interaction with food caused this golden fruit to be that much better, or if it was just so amazing that I had no choice but to accept it, either way, I wanted more. ¡°This zis good.¡± I tried to say, my words slurring as I both ate and tried to speak around my swollen tongue. Then once that piece of fruit disappeared, Mallory diligently continued to feed me golden slice after golden slice. The more I ate, the more energy I felt coursing through my body. There was so much energy that it almost hurt, but there was a benefit from it, as the migraine I had been feeling began to subside. Relief. To go from a pounding headache to just a mere throb with the eating of one piece of golden fruit was heavenly. Once the piece was done, I opened my mouth for the next. ¡°Oh looky here, we have a baby bird.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°You know¡­¡± the minute I began trying to offer a rebuttal, Mallory shoved in the next slice of golden deliciousness. I can¡¯t quite explain the taste, it was as if all the fruits of the world were blended together into one delicious bite and topped off with an aftertaste of ripe mango and berry. It was heavenly. With each slice, the pressure on my forehead began to slowly die down. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°What should she do now?¡± Mallory asked the oracles, while I dutifully ate the slices of heaven. ¡°This is but the first step in her transformation, she will need to take the energy that is coursing through her and forcefully mold it into the shape she desires, though she will clearly have to give a large portion to her peripheral node. From there she will need to strengthen both her mind and core, at minimum, with the rest of the energy she can do with as she pleases.¡± The elven oracle stated. With that, I remembered back to when I broke into the Royal Bloodline, where I had to do something similar. Then I only gave a half node to my perception, allowing my mind, core, and appendix to have full nodes. Mentally I understood the task before me, I had either grown too much with my Perception Attribute or had made it so Perception was so much more important to me and my lifestyle, that I needed to make it at least on par with my Mind and Core nodes, both of which would need to be increased as well. That said, I knew I had done a lot with my magic efficiency by increasing my Appendix, the spiritual representation of breaking down magic and refining it into smaller and better parts. With these points in mind, I began taking the abundant energy that was just burning its way through my system and doing as the oracle stated. Within moments, I entered a trance like state where I took the ambient energy within my body and began replicating the magical nodes that had been provided before. This time, the challenge was that I first needed to create the shapes that had been provided before. Now that I had the chance, I didn¡¯t just create the shapes, I improved upon them. My reason for doing so was multifaceted, first I just wanted to see if I could do something like this, secondly, I knew that the better I made everything, the more powerful the benefits from my Legendary Bloodline would be. Thirdly, I felt that this was part of the test needed to prove that I could in fact be a magical surgeon, the next doctorate that I could earn if I got to floor 200 of this tower. I felt that this test had been put here, right at this time to push me, to give me the chance to prove to myself and the world what was possible as a Magical Enchantment Surgeon. With so many things on the line, I was glad that my vision had been limited to that of my body and my immediate area around me. This allowed me to see first the form of my prior structures that had formed the basis for my Royal Bloodline, but also allowed me to copy, or better still improve upon them as well. With a smile, I began building my first construct, which would be a full node and a half fused together, but I felt that this was wasteful, and yet needful at the same time. Mentally counting I had enough material for six full nodes. This was in addition to the eight full nodes I had prior, but that was if I took all the components and pushed them all together. This time I worked on creating a perfect core, using the resources I had to create a fully formed three node component. After piecing everything together, I realized that if I specialized, I could make it so the component, rather than just being a modular plug and play piece, could be a truly refined organ, which was what I did. Focusing on the goal of this three-node piece, I designed it with the intention of it being my new core. I even went so far as to transfer the markings made by my Spirit, Life, and Nature resonance bands within the core, using the equivalent of one section for each primary focus, while also allowing them to interweave with each other, thus multiplying their resonance compatibility with each other right from the start. With the core complete, I focused my mind and then doing my best Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom impression, I paused and focused. Then I took a deep breath, held, then on the release I moved. With one string of Telekinesis, I grabbed my old core and ripped it away, while with a second string of Telekinesis, I pushed the new core into the place, and then immediately went about the painful process of welding the broken seals to my meridians back in place. Fortunately, this pain was nothing compared to the pain I was feeling in my forehead from earlier. With the first and arguably hardest part done, I began moving pieces around. The old core, the one with the three clearly carved magical specialties within it, I polished up a bit, smoothing out the calluses and build up that had appeared on it over the last six months. Then I used the old core to replace my old appendix node. While this was effectively a one for one exchange, I now had a specialized appendix for mana that was particularly good at processing mana dealing with Spirit, Life, and Nature mana, the three main forms of mana I had in my system. Now with five remaining nodes, well three untouched, and the two from my old appendix, I began working. I took the three remaining clean nodes that were part of this new evolution and fused them all together to form one giant node that would go to my mind. I even made sure that the connection node section to the perception and core would be twice as wide, meaning more energy could be cycled through the points quicker and more efficiently. Then once again focusing I swapped out the newly made three-node mind core for the old two-node mind core that was there. This left me with two sets of two nodes that were fused together, but in a haphazard state. Seeing them, I took the nodes, broke them down into base components, and created another three-node section for my ocular node. Of the four exchanges, the changing out of the ocular nodes was the easiest to perform, perhaps because it was the fourth, or maybe due to the fact that the ocular node was considered a secondary node. Still, regardless of the rationale, the process went off without a hitch. This left me with two half nodes, which I then used as components to widen the meridians throughout my body, especially between the ocular and mind nodes, the mind node to the core, and the route that my appendix would use to get mana and return it back to my core. Once that whole process was done, I felt the last remaining vestiges of my pounding migraine alleviate, as my mind slowly began to take in more of the world around me. I paused there, waiting for a system message, something telling me that I had completed the tasks early, but nothing happened. ¡°Oh, she is done.¡± The elven oracle said, as she came near. I could still see everything within her, I could see that she too had an enhanced ocular node, along with a mind node that was also developed, but I could see that they were nothing like mine. ¡°Yes, and sooner than expected.¡± The orc oracle said. I tried to sit up, but still found that my body wouldn¡¯t move. Spasm. ¡°Not yet little one, you have only taken the first step. The next step will be once you acquire the last piece of your evolution.¡± The elven oracle said, a calming voice to her. ¡°What was that fruit?¡± I asked. ¡°That was the fruit of the great tree Yggdraspirit, it was but a gift of thanks for saving both our people and for not destroying our homes.¡± The elven oracle stated. At that I nodded, realizing that I could have let the elves and orcs die. In fact, the elf had died, but I brought him back through Resurrection. ¡°We will let you two rest, before you prepare for the next step of your journey. Travel well little one.¡± The orc oracle stated, as and the elf bowed to me. ¡°Wait, I have so many questions. What can you tell me about the Angel¡¯s Sight?¡± I asked. With that the two just paused and shook their heads, before the elven oracle spoke, ¡°I am sorry little one, but you would be the expert when it came to such a topic, as your sight is far more advanced than either Rui¡¯marru or I could ever hope to be with the sight. The only thing we could offer you is how we evolved into oracles, but it seems that you have evolved past that point and have taken a far more direct role in your own personal evolution of the sight.¡± ¡°What evolution?¡± I asked, my mind suddenly confused by the statement. ¡°You have evolved your sight to see not just the future, but all magic, making you far more adept at embracing all challenges before you.¡± The orc oracle, Rui¡¯marru, stated. ¡°All magics?¡± I parrot back, my mind still foggy from the potent mana in the air. ¡°Yes, now rest little one. Once you have finished your evolution, if you still have questions, we will be more than happy to answer, but first you must solve the problem with the dragon nests.¡± The elven oracle speaks, and before I can utter another word, a system prompt appears, letting me know we have a new quest.
Hidden Quest Discovered: Blocked Passageway: You have discovered that a nest of dragons won¡¯t allow anyone to pass. You have managed to uncover part of the problem, the fact that the nest of dragons is suffering from the Blight. Help the nest of dragons, thus freeing up the transportation up to other floors, while also increasing travel to and from the center of the great tree Yggdraspirit to the many villages and towns that exist on the branches of the great tree. Rewards: Experience, Class and Bloodline evolution markers, variable.
That message was enough to tell me that the final step to my bloodline evolution was finally close at hand. Just one last quest to finish, before I could get the final component needed to complete my evolution. Thinking back, I realize it all began with the one lucky item I got as a gift bag from the roaming shop that had been put in place to take away excess experience. That one potion was the first step, then there was nothing for so many levels, until I was nearly drowned by the mana infused water that flows in the root system of Yggdraspirit. Then just now a special fruit from the great tree, I could not even begin to fathom what the last piece of my evolution would be. By the time I am done rummaging through my thoughts, I realize that the two oracles have left. I can see them with my once again regular range of Angel¡¯s Sight activated, they are breaking apart and talking to two different groups of people that are outside the doorway leading to the dense mana chamber that we are now in. Thinking about it, this chamber¡¯s mana infused air might also be another component that was needed for my bloodline evolution. Before I could get too caught up in my own thoughts however, Mallory breaks the silence. ¡°So are you done passing out and being a damsel in distress?¡± Mallory states. ¡°Hey, I am no damsel in distress.¡± I state. ¡°Oh really, what was with the, catch me.¡± Mallory states, putting her wrist up to her head in an overly dramatic pose. ¡°Oh yeah, well at least I don¡¯t have the equivalent version of a Class specific tramp stamp.¡± ¡°A tramp stamp?¡± ¡°What else would you call your little wings that appear, it is right there just above the middle of your core, and has writing getting it to activate from left to right.¡± I state, before continuing. ¡°What is worse, is that because you chose it, now every future Valkyrie will also be forced to get their own tramp stamp as well.¡± At that Mallory looks like she wants to comment, but then lets out a breath, before sighing and stating. ¡°Yeah, we all make bad decisions at one point in our lives.¡± ¡°I know the feeling; I too was married once.¡± Chuckle. ¡°I take it, it wasn¡¯t that good?¡± ¡°I got four great kids from it, well three great, and one good kid.¡± I state, being completely honest. More laughter. ¡°You know, you are honest to a fault, something I really appreciate about you.¡± ¡°Ahh, look at you, getting all sentimental.¡± I state, trying to reach my hand out and poke her lightly, but all I can manage now is what looks like my hand trying to imitate a fish doing its out of water dance. Chuckle. ¡°You are really high right now, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Extremely. This mana infused air is amazing.¡± I state. ¡°You know, I think you are one of the few people that would truly be affected by this much mana in this way.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Right, that amazing Endurance of yours has nothing to do with your ability to deal with mana.¡± I state. ¡°Well it might, but really I think you are just naturally more responsive to mana.¡± Mallory states. At that I nod, realizing she might be right, I do have a much easier time dealing with magic and magic related phenomena than others do, at least that is what I think from remembering how Magic users who would frequent the Mage¡¯s Guild would act, when I was younger. I remember seeing their spells and realizing that certain people were far more capable at magic than others, then I just focused on those that could wield magic really well. Then I remember how Mallory was one of the first to truly be a hybrid, a melee and magic user, making her twice as deadly as others. As I think that, my thoughts go even further, as I realize how much more fun life is with Mallory. ¡°Thank you.¡± I state. ¡°For what?¡± ¡°For being you.¡± I begin, but then continue, ¡°also sorry for saying you have a Class provided tramp stamp, it is, but I probably shouldn¡¯t call you out on it.¡± ¡°Gah!¡± ¡°I think I can fix it, or at least make it so it is a little lest trampy.¡± I state. Chuckle. ¡°You are going to laser remove my tramp stamp now?¡± ¡°More like give it a few touch ups and make it look like it is a new tattoo, versus one you got in your wild rebellious phase, but then have to hide from your kids with shirts that are longer in the back.¡± I state. ¡°You speak from experience?¡± ¡°Maybe¡­¡± I state, making sure to draw out the word so there is little doubt as to my true meaning. And that was how I spent the hours after creating my new nodes that would potentially define the way my bloodline would evolve. After what felt like hours, but was likely just a few minutes, I was finally able to sit up. Then from there it was just a matter of getting up. As I stood up, Mallory had her hands out ready to catch me, should I fall. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± I say, only to stumble back and be caught by Mallory¡¯s hands. ¡°Clearly.¡± With that I cast Spiritual Drift, ¡°okay, now I¡¯m fine.¡± I state as I being to float in the air. ¡°You sure you are ready to go out already?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be. Also, I think these dragons are on a timer of sorts, so at the very least getting there quickly will be better in the long run.¡± ¡°Well then, lead on.¡± Mallory states with the wave of her hand, and I did just that. Chapter 107 Healing Related Mishaps Chapter 107 Healing Related Mishaps Where the demarcation line was for those seeing the dragon was rather simple to identify. There was an almost tangible line of energy that separated the two areas. The line was so thick and prevalent that even Mallory could identify the moment she crossed its threshold. ¡°Oh,¡± was all Mallory said, but the way she straightened her back and then stared at me made it so I was certain she knew she crossed the threshold. ¡°Yes, oh indeed.¡± I responded. ¡°You didn¡¯t feel that?¡± ¡°I did, I just was prepared for it.¡± I said, also part of me wanted to keep calm so that I didn¡¯t scare Mallory away. As this was one of the few times when I am not afraid to admit that I needed her powerful presence. I know technically I was stronger than the den of monsters that we were about to enter, but still we were going to a place spoken about in legends alone. We were going into a den of dragons. Worse, it was clear that many of the dragons were injured and likely to lash out in anger and violence at the slightest provocation. ¡°You could see the difference between the two areas?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yes, there is a line where the Blight starts making its presence truly known. One where I think most people instinctively know that their chances of getting infected are increased.¡± I state, constantly moving forward, not wanting to stop for the moment, for I know I might not be able to continue if I do. Badump, badump. Oddly, it is not my own racing heart that I notice. I know that my heart rate is elevated, but right now I can tell that Mallory too has her own heart racing. ¡°You okay?¡± I ask, as I send out a slight tendril of healing energy towards Mallory. ¡°Am I okay, this is¡­ this is amazing¡­¡± Mallory states, as joyous enthusiasm fills her voice. At that I can¡¯t help but smile and relax, as I feel a smile come to my face as well. Chuckle. ¡°What?¡± She asks. ¡°Nothing.¡± I begin, but then I realize one thing, ¡°I just remember how much I appreciate all that you do for me.¡± ¡°Me? All I¡¯m doing is going around soaking up your spare experience and seeing these crazy sights. You, you are the one who is doing everything.¡± Mallory states. At that, I just chuckle and shake my head, as I realize the sudden tension I had been feeling about going into a forbidden den of dragons, is instantly relieved in my mind. We make our way to the entrance of the cavern that houses the mighty dragons. That is where I stop, as I cannot in good consciousness heal the dragons of the Blight, only to let them continue to live in this Blighted living space. With that, I stop at the entrance, and drop my Spirit Drift spell, knowing that I will need that extra thirty percent mana back to my pool. I do keep my wings, one because I have grown used to them by now, and secondly, because they are my one way to keep me over my fear of falling off the side of this ridiculously tall tree. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory asks, as she peers into the cave that is inside the great tree Yggdraspirit. I nod, trying to give myself time to do what is likely one of my greatest cleansings to date, for the room that I am proposing to clear is massive. Down just a few hundred feet from the entrance that I have stopped at is a Blighted dragon guard. The once proud looking dragon now seems content to just sit and wait for death to claim it, and sadly this dragon is not the worst of the area. As many more dragons remain inside, one dragon even looks to have had their core shattered by a metal rod that is still impaled within them. Looking at everything, the entire task seems to be daunting, over two dozen dragons, many with physical wounds as well as the Blight coursing through their bodies, and then the overall gloomy atmosphere of this corrupted living space. An old me would have thought that this would have been a bunch of easy experience, go in slaughter the weak and dying dragons, but I had turned away from that lifestyle a long time ago, and this was yet another test of the system, seeing how committed I was to this pacifist lifestyle. ¡°You know people could get the dragon slayer title really easily here.¡± Mallory speaks the exact thought that I had been thinking about myself. ¡°Well, then we should make it so getting that title is a lot tougher.¡± I state, then letting the anger of the thought of others slaying these creatures just because they were in such a weakened state fill me with focus, as I place my hand on the left side of the entrance, while I begin channeling Healing energy into the tree. As I channel energy, I allow my mind to go blank, as I give up my ability to perceive the world around me. Instead, I just focus on my magic, what my magic is telling me about the place we are at, about the Blight that even now tries to destroy the tree that so many call home. Just like before, I use my energy to surround the most corrupted parts of the tree, and then use my own fresh and healthy body and glowing meridians as bait for the corruption. Bait that the semi-sentient disease easily falls for and lunges for, only to be captured in my cleansing nets of magic. With so much corruption, I work slowly, creating a void of cleansed area, that I then use to entice the condensed Blighted materials to expand into. With this method I must cleanse the same areas multiple times, but I feel that this is necessary. First, it helps me to break down the condensed portions of the Blight into smaller pockets. Then I cleanse the same large swath, which is basically as far as I can mentally command, namely a few hundred meters around me, then I cleanse the area. Then I let my mana regenerate, while I watch the tightly condensed blight slowly expand itself into the cleansed area, and repeat. Still, this is a slow process, but right now it is the fastest I can go. I need to come up with a better solution. I either need to train more people in the use of these spells, or I need to come up with a way that I can get a patient to be healthy enough to continue fighting off this disease, even after I am gone. Sitting here watching the semi-sentient parasite, I can¡¯t help but be impressed with it. In a world of magic, this creature, or something like it would naturally have to exist. In a world of magic, there would have to be something that could break down the residual magic of the world and cleanse it. Everything from a blocked crystal of mana in the body of a caster could be deadly, if left untreated, and this parasite fixes that problem. The only issue is that it constantly expands, even now it notices a void in a magically cleared area of a being with magic and it immediately seeks to fill and devour that essence. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. At this time my mind goes back to science class, where I learned about soap. Yes, soap with its hydrophobic tail and its hydrophilic head, essentially making it so that it is a polarized item that will dig down into the pores of clothes, using its tail to work the dirt free, so it can avoid the water. My mind instantly thinks I could do something similar with magic, you know create an item that has a magically repulsive tail, and a magically attractive head, but then I wonder what good such an item could do, unless I used it as some type of odd phishing lure. That is when I had one of my many punch-drunk ideas on how to solve this problem of the Blight. Magic lures? Magic soap lures? I don¡¯t know, I am tired, and this process is taking forever to complete. Still, I know that the Blight is a lot easier to deal with when it is out in the open. Thus, I want to take my idea of the magical soap particle, and tie that to a thread that I can then use as bait to lure out a large segment of the Blight. Then my mind races and I realize that there is one problem, fortunately before I can get too far with my thoughts, I realize Mallory is still there. ¡°Mallory, your class wouldn¡¯t happen to have a fire spell?¡± I ask. ¡°I have Holy Purification, which is a Light and Flame-based spell.¡± Mallory states, a bit of confusion in her voice. ¡°Oh good, that does sound pretentious enough to work. Stand by.¡± I say, holding up my free hand and holding up one finger. Unfortunately, the finger and my entire body wobble at the movement. I am still tired from my partial bloodline advancement, and from having spent the past few hours cleansing out part of this tree, only to make minor improvements in the tree itself, thus drastic actions. Focusing my mind, I begin with the idea of creating the ultimate blight lure, a magical compass if you will. One side is dense in magic, doing this I make sure to compact and weave together condensed strands of Spirit, Life, and Nature magic into the one end, then I attach a long magically reinforced tether to the other end. The minute I manage to solidify the construct, at which point I am met with a new system message.
New Spell: Conjured Magical Spirit Orb [Tier IX] (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that creates a highly compact magical construct that is infused with Spirit, Life, and Nature magic.
Fwoom. The minute my mind comes up with the basics for what I want to be in the spell, is the minute a small glowing translucent orb appears. Then mentally I move it around, and am almost surprised to see that it moves easily, that or I am so used to moving things with Telekinesis, that moving this small orb is child¡¯s play to me. Once I am satisfied with my ability to move the orb up and down at will, I then hold my breath as I try the next task. Moving the orb, I first move it to a still open section of the tree, and then push it through the thick wall of the tree. As I had suspected, the Spirit magic allowed it to have that ability to be somewhat incorporeal. Then I held the spell there for a moment as a mass of Blight came towards the brightly glowing ball that just magically appeared. And like that, I realized I was not quite ready for this, as I didn¡¯t expect it to go this smoothly to begin with. ¡°Oh shit.¡± I say, as I begin moving the ball around, trying to get a large portion of the Blight to follow the glowing ball of magic that must be like catnip for the feral entity. ¡°Wait, what do you mean by oh shit?¡± Mallory asks, her body tense as she is clearly worried about my comment. Realizing that I first need to work on my cursing, and second need to work on telling others my plans, I begin speaking. ¡°Get your fire spell ready.¡± I say. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Right there, focus on the spot right above my hand,¡± I say, as I begin luring more and more of the Blight out, and then notice the moment the Blight recognizes me, and the outlet I am creating by casting magic into the structure of the tree. ¡°What now?¡± Mallory asks, but I am already focusing on my next task. Then I quickly pluck the magical lure from the wall, sending it high over my head in an arc, as I try to give Mallory enough time and space to cast her spell. What happened next was a bit of a miscommunication, yes we will go with that word, versus the other derogatory words that came to mind. For immediately after the orb left the confines of the wall and was set flying freely in the air, the semi-sentient Blight, that had been on the proverbial heels of the orb also shot their way free of the tree, taking the same exact flight path that the orb had. Unlike the orb however, the Blight was almost immediately affected by gravity. Meaning I had a dense black stream of corruption flowing over me, with nothing to keep it up, and as Newton so aptly noted, what goes up, must inevitably come down. Splash. I was coated in a dense black film of muck that instantly tried to penetrate my skin. Fortunately for me, all of my buffs, Titles, and other abilities that I gained along the way made it so any Blight particles that did manage to enter my skin were promptly destroyed. It was at this point that my lovely assistant began assisting me. ¡°Oh shit.¡± Mallory stated, as she moved her hands into place and began channeling a densely golden flame at the still flowing malignance. This caused the Blight to burn, while continuing to fall on me. This had the benefit of burning away the remaining Blight that was soaked into my clothes, while also making it so I was coated in burning waste that quite frankly stank to high heavens. It was at this point that I wished I had come up with a holding your breath spell, or one that rather than letting me convert mana to food and water, I could convert mana to oxygen. Instead, I was forced to breathe in the burning refuse of flame broiled Blight. Whoosh. Only once Mallory¡¯s purifying flames ended, did I realize that the entire thing was over. Or at least my first time using the new spell was over. Silence. There was complete silence between the two of us. Gentle breeze. Cough, cough. The silence was short lived however, as a gentle breeze came by and blew some of the acrid smoke and particles directly into Mallory who began coughing and choking almost immediately. As for me, well I was covered in the baked in ash and soot of Blighted remains. Oddly enough, the burned remains were highly infused with magic. Well, actually that wasn¡¯t so much of a surprise, given what the Blight was, and what it did. Kind of like forcefully creating nitrogen to add back to the nitrogen cycle, apparently burning Blight would be enough to add highly concentrated mana back into the mana cycle.
Hidden Quest Found: Purposes for the Blight: You have found one of the secrets behind the purpose of the Blight, continue your discovery to identify more potential uses for this strange substance. Rewards: Experience, variable. Experience Gained: 500 / 500.
While the experience was nothing to write home about, it did sort of make sense, as I was likely not the first to burn the Blight, and surely another scientist likely noted the increase in mana. It just happened that my Angel¡¯s Sight made it so this discovery was a lot quicker and easier to obtain. Still the idea that there were more secrets to the Blight was intriguing to me. ¡°Oh Gods, you stink.¡± Mallory stated, drawing me out of my personal contemplation. At that, I made it a point to open my eyes and look up at her. I imagined my ash covered face opening up to reveal two glowing green eyes, eyes that hopefully expressed how little I liked this situation we were in as well. Seeing my condition, Mallory paused and took a half step back. ¡°You, know, maybe that was me.¡± Mallory stated. At that, I shook my head. ¡°No, it was me. I jumped in without a clear plan, and that caused you to miss your cue, and for me to do something extremely reckless.¡± Just thinking about what we did, I realized that there were multiple better ways to do everything, first I could have told Mallory beforehand what I was doing. Then I could have pulled the orb out so it went horizontally away from me, and not over me. There were multiple ways to improve what had happened, but glass half full the plan had worked. Realizing that another moment of silence had been built up between us, I filled it with my thoughts. ¡°Honestly I would give that whole thing a C,¡± ¡°A ¡®C,¡¯ as in the letter grade?¡± ¡°Yes, an ¡®A¡¯ for the plan itself, of creating a lure that the Blight couldn¡¯t resist and then would doggedly follow. And an ¡®F¡¯ for my execution of the plan. Thus a ¡®C¡¯ as my overall score.¡± I admit honestly. ¡°I could see that. So what now?¡± ¡°Now, I clean up and try again.¡± I state, then pulling out one of my water pouches I open it up, and then let the magical water taken from the roots of Yggdraspirit wash over me. There is a moment when I feel cleansed and refreshed. Then the next second I felt an odd magical reaction as the highly magical properties of the water, began coating my body and began reacting violently to the magical ashes of the burned Blight. Pain. There was an intense burning sensation that coursed throughout my body as for a second I felt that I was subject to Mallory¡¯s Holy Purification spell, only after a second did I realize that this was the residual nature of the energy used to burn away the Blight residing within the ashes that remained. Ashes that now coated me, ashes that were burning away the outer layer of my skin. I began casting a Healing spell or expecting my already maxed out Regeneration to help with this, but nothing worked. Then after a moment I received a system notification about what had truly happened.
Hidden Quest Complete: Legendary Bloodline Awakened: You have managed to find the final component needed to start your bloodline evolution¡­
That was as far as I got, before a white-hot burning pain engulfed me and consumed me from the outside in. Chapter 108 The Esoteric Approach To Life Chapter 108 The Esoteric Approach To Life At first there was only pain, horrendous burning, uncontrollable pain, then the pain stopped. At first, I thought I had passed out, but really my mind and spirit went somewhere else, while my body continued its burning transformation. Once removed from the events of the physical world, I was finally able to take in everything that was being offered to me, thanks to my recent evolution. Of course, I would find the random way to kick start an evolution by using an extremely potent crafting material as a simple solution to wash myself off with, that was my first issue, but to my defense¡­ No wait, I¡¯ve got nothing, that was a waste of a valuable resource. While it likely would easily have been taken away from me, thanks to my ever-lurking Broke flaw, had I not used it in such a trivial way, I still wasted a valuable crafting component. Thus, making the fear of the flaw become a self-fulfilling prophecy in a way, and that was something I needed to break myself away from. Still, what is done is done, and I can only move forward from here. With that gentle mental rebuke out of the way, I decide to look at what my impromptu expensive shower got me in terms of a quest completion.
Hidden Quest Complete: Legendary Bloodline Awakened: You have managed to find the final component needed to start your bloodline evolution and have awakened the Esoteric Arcanist Legendary Bloodline. As the progenitor you are afforded the luxury of dictating how this Legendary bloodline will grow and evolve. Rewards: Experience, Badges, Legendary Title, Racial Evolution, Class evolution perks met for next class evolution tier. Experience Gained: 250,000 / 250,000 Ding. Level up. Your level in Void Healer has increased to level 143. Your level in Simulacrum Master has increased to level 140.
That was nineteen levels for both my primary and my secondary class, a half a million worth of experience. Just seeing that message caused my heart to beat a little faster, as I could feel power pure unbridled power coursing through me, and it was fantastic. With so much power, I had to take a look at my Attributes, something I normally avoid, as I don¡¯t want to get caught up in micro advancements and accomplishments, instead, I generally try to keep the number of distractions available to me at a minimum. But this time, I let myself indulge slightly.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 59 17 Personality 77 214 Perception 125 291
Dexterity 93 147 Sociability 75 218 Intelligence 125 400
Endurance 85 22 Attractiveness 62 307 Willpower 113 615
I have to say, I was happy with my results overall. I did notice that both my Perception and Intelligence base rating was now stuck at the 125 cap, meaning that barring I get the ingredients for my one time use Unbound potion, I was stuck. At least that was what I initially thought, until by odd happenstance, I saw the base rating of my Intelligence Attribute randomly increase to 126.
Mental Base Bonus
Intelligence 126 400
Wondering how this could be, I then paused for a moment as I realized the answer likely lay with my recent bloodline evolution merits, at least I hoped so, otherwise I was still just dreaming about receiving a blank check of exactly half a million experience points for evolving my bloodline from being a Royal Bloodline to a Legendary Bloodline. Then I saw the merits, and I really hoped I didn¡¯t start drooling.
Legendary Bloodline Evolution Merits:
Racial Merit: Angel¡¯s Sight + 2 Tiers: You have managed to make it so you and all your progeny will have access to the Angel¡¯s Sight merit. If the bloodline is awakened to this level, then the wielder of the bloodline will have their Angel¡¯s Sight merit increased by two tiers.
Racial Merit: Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your (Holy) Magic and your resonance has been noted to be set to your highest natural magic school rating (Tier XIII).
Racial Merit: Unbound (+50): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. All Attributes and Skills can be further improved by an additional 50 points.
Seeing the merits, I was happy to see that I got a plus fifty version of the Unbound merit I so desperately love, as Skills and improving skills to improve my overall Attributes are what I love most about this world. The fact that I now have a reason to increase all of my Skills again, only makes me feel even more alive for some reason. I do find it odd that I can now go up to 175, thanks to my previous Unbound merit that I took during character creation. I also wonder whether the third instance, with my one-time use potion will be for twenty-five points, thus getting me to two hundred, or will it be another additive effect, where I will get the ability to improve by seventy-five points, and thus be able to get all my skills and base attributes to two hundred and fifty? Also, I was curious about what a Tier VII version of Angel¡¯s Sight would offer. I know I have been pushing it recently, especially with my nearly giving myself a headache every single time I try to focus in on the inner workings of Mallory and other people with magical cores. Focusing that much makes me wish I had some type of glasses that would help me focus on the inscriptions. As for the so called random magical school, that was a meh to me. Yeah, I had never quite gotten into using Holy magic, and now that it was clearly carved into my expanded core I couldn¡¯t help but feel that it would be useful, but this was a Legendary Bloodline upgrade and it felt, well I guess it felt sort of underwhelming. While I was super excited to once again to practice and improve on my previously mastered skills, the rest were sort of underwhelming. Though, I guess for most people having the control needed to change the frequency of their magic so that it could mimic another magical school was beyond comprehension. Honestly, if it wasn¡¯t for my Angel¡¯s Sight, which allows me to see the resonance and frequencies of all magic being cast and allows me to basically cheat and cast any type of spell I want, this offering would be amazing. As it would mean a whole new school of magic would be open to the owner. Then I realize this would likely be a major boon for my kids, and their kids obviously, once they arrive here, though hopefully that is a long time from now. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Finally coming to be at peace with my Legendary Bloodline upgrade, where I got effectively a two-tier increase to two merits I purchased at character creation, and a new field of magic, they weren¡¯t that bad. Then taking a breath to brace myself, I prepared to look at my flaws that I got, for this world must be balanced.
Bloodline Evolution Flaws:
Racial Flaw: Third Eye: You have manifested the power of Angel¡¯s Sight, and at this level of evolution have unlocked the legendary third eye. No eye lashes or eyebrows, just a closed scar in the middle of your forehead, then an eye. Note: If your rating in Angel¡¯s Sight is Tier V or below, you can use the third eye to see normally. If your rating in Angel''s Sight is Tier VI or above, you will need to use the third eye to take advantage of your enhanced vision.
Racial Flaw: Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening.
Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
Seeing the flaws, I couldn¡¯t help but let out a wince, as the third eye almost seemed like a blessing, as it would have allowed me to see the world in regular shades, had I not gotten the racial upgrade earlier thus fully forcing me into the Tier VII of the merit, meaning I could only use the third eye for the last two tiers. In hindsight, I guess the game was preparing me for this, as I had been getting major headaches from trying to focus my Angel¡¯s Sight inward. Apparently, this still blind third eye will be my gateway into viewing with my newly gained tiers of Angel¡¯s Sight. On reflex I reach up to my forehead, and indeed, just like the description noted, I feel a slight thin scar, right where I know my third eye will open. There are no eye lashes, and thankfully no odd extra eyebrow, just one thin line that might almost make it look like I have a wrinkle, or a minor scar as noted in the description. As for the Aura, I can feel it, and see that it is actually a minor healing field that extends in all directions around me. Feeling the power within the aura, I realize that it is green and full of life, just as my dead husks for eyes showed. This means that as noted earlier my days of doing thief work are over, no more sneaking into places and being unnoticed with this aura. Also the third and final flaw, while somewhat heartbreaking, as it means that I will have a much harder time getting mechanical devices and likely most standard trains, and zeppelins will have a hard time operating with me onboard, I already had a workaround for this, with my acquiring of the three skills: Blacksmithing, Gear Protection, and Gear Infusion, all of which should allow me to infuse my magical nature into mechanical devices that I create. This also means that I will likely have to pass these skills down to my kids as well, if they wish to go down the route of mechanical engineering, honestly I hope my kids like magic half as much as I do, as this is a fantastic bloodline for me, but I could see how Robert and a few other grandchildren might have a hard time with this. Also, the aura will easily show them as malicious if they are not careful. Still, overall, for me, this is not too terrible of an upgrade. I will likely need a headband to cover my third eye. I am almost about to test my third eye out and see what it and the two hew tiers of my Angel¡¯s Sight can do, when I realize there are a few more messages that I must address before I can once again interact with the world. Outside, I realize my body is still burning, still being set alight with the magical water, and the highly charged Blight ashes that have been purified by the highest-level user of Holy purification magic in the game. Realizing there is still a bit more, I focus on the next message, which is related to my new Attributes gained as part of my racial change.
New Bloodline Attribute points available per level: Appearance X 2, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, Willpower X 2.
Seeing the bonuses, I pause, and realize that they are exactly double what I gained from when I evolved to a Royal Bloodline. Well exactly double, with the new addition of having Perception added and then doubled but given how everything about this evolution seemed to be focused on my sight, this wasn¡¯t too much of a stretch. Also, both of my classes already increased Perception each level, making this redundant, or tridundant? Whatever the word for repeating for a third time is. With these changes, I can¡¯t help but lament the fact that this change came after I was awarded half a million experience points and leveled up a total of thirty-eight times between the two classes. Taking a deep calming sigh, I realize that this isn¡¯t all bad, as I still have over a million experience points waiting for me as I still have thirteen days of trash to be removed thanks to my Simulacrum and my deal with Mallory¡¯s Guild, so while I might have missed the gravy boat this time, my levels are still low enough that this will not matter much in the future. Also, this doubling of Attributes per level just shows how much more dangerous an Awakened Legendary bloodline user is compared to a regular person. Next came the notifications about my Badges.
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Progenitor (10,000): You are the Bloodline Progenitor for the Legendary Bloodline: Esoteric Arcanist Elves.
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Awakened (5,000): You have managed to awaken a Legendary Bloodline (Esoteric Arcanist Elves).
Those were exceptionally high-ranking badges, but with the half life of constantly using such a badge, the cost would quickly drop. But the Legendary badge alone would be enough to get me seen and instantly accepted by the royalty of any kingdom. Thinking about it, giving either one of those badges to Lady Legrand would be more than enough to not only quell any past offenses, but make it so she was more than my best friend, as my Tobias persona. Shaking my head at the idea, I can¡¯t help but feel somewhat silly at the idea of using my badges in such a way, though I would be lying if I didn¡¯t find the idea half entertaining. Finally, I noticed the next message and my jaw dropped, it was a good thing that I was in my own headspace as I think I would have drooled from seeing both the title offered and its description.
Legendary Title Gained: Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor): You have created your own unique bloodline, as such being the Progenitor you get to build the official title that all other members of your bloodline who reach the Legendary status will receive. You have been granted the ability to use 50 Title Points to create a title that will be passed down to all future Legendary Bloodline members of your family. Note: As the Progenitor, your bonuses will have a +50% modifier applied to them.
Current Standing: 50 of 50 Title Points left to spend.
Seeing the message, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a little giddy, this was not only my own way to help others who follow in my footsteps, but also a way to make sure I was set up for success in all things going forward. From there I brought up the interface and began going through most of the options. A few I instantly dismissed right from the start, as they seemed to be uninspired and lacking.
Indomitable: (Cost: 50): Gain one point per Attribute per level gained (backwards compatible). Note: Only affects the base Attributes.
While that would be a great way to max out my base Attributes, Attributes that could now get to 175, and would mean that my children and other followers of my bloodline would also be able to max out their 150 base Attribute cap, I felt that it was rather limiting, especially as it consumed all 50 of my available points. The next was:
Magic Tier Mastery: (Cost: 25): Increase the tier rating of your highest school of magic by one tier (Maximum Tier X).
That one was instantly gone, while it might have been nice to ensure my children got more tiers of magic, the fact that it wouldn¡¯t help me at all, given that I was at Tier XIII for most of my schools of magic was not appealing, thus it too was discarded. There were plenty of Traits available, but unfortunately, they were all grayed out to me as I did not have a free personal Trait spot available. I still had the recipe for the free Trait slot, but I never got around to pestering Mallory for the ingredients, not that we could have gotten them while exploring this tower. So, the use of points to buy Traits was also out, as the system wouldn¡¯t let me purchase them anyways. With so much going on and unavailable either due to me not wanting to limit myself or my future progeny to being either Attribute meatheads who were incapable of doing anything more than smashing away their problems, to wanting to make sure anyone with this bloodline could do magic well, I continued looking, until finally I found the merit, I had been looking for all along.
Skill Enhancement: (Cost: 5): This grants the owner the innate understanding of a key skill, even letting the owner bypass their personal limits and understandings of the skill. Effect: +25 levels to the Skill¡¯s Base level. +50% speed of comprehension for learning and improving this skill. Note: Creator of the initial title must have this Skill to purchase. If someone else gains the associated Title, they will have the skill provided to them and a temporary level of 1 in the skill, until they begin to learn the skill on their own. This skill bonus applies as a bonus that is outside of the base rating for the skill, thus allowing the owner of this merit to have a skill level that is 25 levels higher than their base rating. This Merit can be purchased more than once but must be purchased on different skills.
Seeing that, I felt my heart beat a little faster, as I realized this was the way to make it so my children and all future children and grandchildren of mine would be able to truly succeed in this world. Smiling greedily to myself, I purchased the Skill Enhancement bonus ten times.
Legendary Title Gained: Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor): As a Legendary member of the Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline you have unlocked the following bonuses: +25 Skill Levels and +50% comprehension speed towards the following skills: Spell Theory, Magical Theory, Magical Manipulation, Quick Casting, Dual Casting, Mana Circulation, Danger Sense, Master Enchanting, Gear Infusion, and Energy Resonance Alteration. Note: As the Progenitor, all bonuses are further increased by an additional 50%.
That title, one where I could manipulate it and make it so my kids would get all the rare and random skills that I used constantly to get ahead, that was worth it. Even better, the fact that the bonuses were applied outside my base rating for the skills meant that I would be a full step higher, meaning most of those would be at the 150 level, and all had the chance to get to level 200 now that my base rating limit had increased to 175. Actually no, my new maximum was a staggering 212, thanks to the fifty percent bonus to each of those skills. With my class change fully complete, I exited the mental space that I had temporarily gone to, and emerged to find myself back in my real body. Silence. There was a moment of complete silence, as I went from being on flames one second, to completely calm the next. ¡°You good?¡± Mallory asked. And I nodded, then without even thinking about it, I tried to experience the world with my newly heightened senses and heard a scream. ¡°What the fucks is that on your head?¡± Mallory said, screaming as she backed away in fright. Confused, I reached up, and then felt that I had apparently emerged with my newly acquired third eye fully open. ¡°Oh right, that thing¡­¡± Interlude V (Mallory) Interlude V (Mallory) The girl is amazing, probably one of the most talented natural magic users to have ever played the game. Even the great sages that Mallory visited couldn¡¯t hold a candle to the radiance she exhibits by just being her. Honestly, Mallory has been feeling this for a long time, but she has felt that this once in a generational talent is being held back by her. The way she solves problems, to the way she works out an entirely new spell from nothing, it is to put it mildly impressive. Of course, with someone so talented, there is also the concern that they might push the boundaries of reality too far, one such example of this is her near insistence on improving the Valkyrie flight spell that has been a part of her whole persona since she basically began the game. Flight, the ability to fly for even short periods of time has been a blessing and one that clearly set her above other players for so long. Yes, the spell consumed mana like her first ever car, the one that had that unexpected hole from hitting a curb too hard, the one that could never quite be patched properly and as such drained gasoline everywhere. Before now the spell, or the inefficiency in how the spell worked was never a problem. When you are low in level, being able to fly for a hundred seconds is a lifetime. Then when she got older, as a player, she made it so the spell lasted up to five hundred seconds which she thought was more than enough time to do anything. Yet, here comes Cass and going from never having flown before, to creating a floating spell, to then rather than creating a new flight spell she chose to create a metamorphosis spell that made her look like she was a pixie, particularly when she was forced to transfer back into her original form. Then came the burning tar incident, at least that is what Mallory mentally called the whole ordeal, where Cass asked her to set the Blight on fire. Well, it wasn¡¯t true fire, but Holy Purification, which was essentially holy fire, particularly with her Tier level of the spell. When the burning tar, or Blight, fell on Cass, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but let out a small chuckle, particularly when Cass survived the whole experience and looked perfectly fine, with just a hint of indignancy due to her beautiful features being covered in ash and the burning tar like substance. There was a moment of fear, when Cass lowered her head to avoid having the soot and ash fall in her face. That moment sent a slight tremble down Mallory¡¯s spine, for she realized she had seen this before, in that movie Carrie, where the beautiful magic girl is coated in pig¡¯s blood. Same thing, well sort of, here we had arguably the best magic user in the world, one who was creative enough to formulate spells on the fly for any situation, and she was coated in burning Blight tar. Then the next thing that came to me was the smell, the all-consuming stink that covered Cass. That was when, Mallory, who was so used to just speaking her mind blurted out, ¡°oh my Gods, you stink!¡± At the same time Mallory took a step back while covering her nose, and trying to keep her thousand points in Perception from taking in all the details of the burning tire pit that was Cass. Cass of course just turned her dead eyes up and glared. Once again, Mallory felt a twinge of self-preservation come up in her, as she added, ¡°you know, maybe that was me.¡± There was a moment, then suddenly the building tension that had been building up dissipated as Cass let out the breath she had been holding and let herself relax slightly. ¡°No, it was me¡­¡± Phew. Mallory let out a breath of relief at that and didn¡¯t hear anything else she said. The crisis had been averted, Cass had avoided a complete melt down and going full on supervillain. Then she graded herself as a ¡®C.¡¯ The whole thing seemed so random that Mallory had to double check that she had heard correctly. ¡°A ¡®C,¡¯ as in the letter grade?¡± ¡°Yes¡­¡± Cass began. Once again, Mallory realized just how tough this girl was on herself. Now, she knew the woman was far older, old enough to be her granddaughter¡¯s age, which wasn¡¯t saying a whole lot in the grand scheme of things, but still it was worth noting that this person who held themselves to such high standards never expected less from herself. Then when plans didn¡¯t go as planned, she stopped, evaluated and figured out ways to improve, that was the thing about Cass, she was always able to find ways to improve for the better¡­ Holy Gods, she set herself on fire! Mallory watched with confusion and amazement as the girl took out a flask of water and poured it on herself to cleanse the ash that coated her body and ended up setting herself on fire. Her natural reaction, even after all this time was to flinch back at the sight of the raging inferno that was before her. Then before she could do anything the fire quickly ended, and what lay beneath was an even more beautiful version of Cass. Silence. No screaming out in pain, no cries of agony. It was just Cass, a far better-looking version of Cass. Before she had the light purple skin that denoted her as being Royalty of the dark elves, something so potent that all elves would naturally be attracted to her innate power that was on display. Now, her skin and body had changed once more. Her eyes were still the same glowing green hue that spoke of gentleness, and her innate kindness. While her skin and hair had both changed. Her hair which had been all ashen white was now multicolored, the ashen white was the base and it seemed that everywhere major chunks of burning Blight fell on her and burned caused her hair to change. She had streaks of purple, light vibrant green, deep forest green, and most dazzling of all blazing gold in her hair. Each streak all but seemed to radiate with power. Then her skin too had changed, moving away from the purples and seeming to shift further into the shades of blue, causing her to have a more mystical appearance. There were still shades of purple, parts that were used to accentuate the change to the gorgeous blue. Even her freckles had changed, and she had plenty of freckles, being a former dark elf who never hid underground had a drastic change on her, causing her to have freckles everywhere. Now those same freckles all but glowed with violet power, denoting her as being a being of immense power. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! That was the other thing, she had an aura, a radiance of calm and love that covered her. Normally such a change was only made manifest in the 250s, and even then, not everyone could manifest a true aura, but here she had an aura that was unmistakable, one that was so powerful that it forced you to recognize the lurking threat, and then just as quickly dismiss it, as this was a being of the purest light that came down to spread her joy and happiness everywhere, at least that is what Mallory felt radiating from her. Finally, after forcing a deep breath, Mallory being able to overcome the deep aura that would be suffocating to most asked, ¡°you good?¡± Cass nodded, and then Mallory saw something that caused her entire world to change, as there was a scar, something so small that Mallory almost thought it was ash that had not washed away as part of the transformation, but she was wrong. While just standing there, Cass standing perfectly still had part of her forehead slide impossibly open and reveal a glowing green ovular gem that was in the exact center of her forehead. Seeing that, Mallory¡¯s instincts kicked in, seeing the pure power that radiated from this new glowing object and asked in as calm as a voice as she could muster, ¡°what the fuck is that on your head!¡± Granted, it was not as calm as she would have liked it to be, but for the time, it was the best she could do. Then reaching up to where Mallory was pointing, Cass placed her finger by the glowing thing, and answered in an almost emotionless voice, ¡°oh yeah, that thing¡­¡± That was it, that was all the answer Mallory had received. Pausing for a moment, she collected herself, only to realize that she had apparently taken a full step and a half backwards, apparently as a way to avoid being eaten by Cass¡¯s odd powerful component. Seeing the rapid power change, the change in skin and eye color, and the new existence of an aura, Mallory guessed that there had been a massive power increase. ¡°You reach a new class threshold?¡± Mallory asked, trying to understand what had happened. Head shake, apparently no, not a class upgrade. Pausing Mallory waited for an answer, but then she saw the new title that hung from Cass¡¯s figure.
Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor): As a Legendary member of the Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline you have unlocked the following bonuses: +25 Skill Levels and +50% comprehension speed towards the following skills: Spell Theory, Magical Theory, Magical Manipulation, Quick Casting, Dual Casting, Mana Circulation, Danger Sense, Master Enchanting, Gear Infusion, and Energy Resonance Alteration. Note: As the Progenitor, all bonuses are further increased by an additional 50%.
This was one of her True Sight powers she had gained from being a Valkyrie, she could see the titles of people around her. Seeing the title, a shiver ran down Mallory¡¯s back, as she felt her jaw open wide at the sudden realization of the change that her best friend had gone through. ¡°You are a Legendary Bloodline Progenitor?¡± Hearing that, Cass just nodded, before adding, ¡°yep, and it came with this third eye.¡± Realizing this, Mallory felt, well she didn¡¯t know how she felt. She felt fear, elation, and joy all at once. ¡°That is¡­¡± Mallory began, trying to find the right words, but most common words of joy were lost to her, as she tried to recognize what would happen next. ¡°Horrific¡­¡± ¡°Fantastic.¡± Mallory said, then immediately went to envelope her friend in a hug. There was a moment of resistance, but then finally Cass gave in and hugged Mallory back. At that, all three eyes closed at once and she noticed tears forming in them. Seeing the tears form, Mallory¡¯s motherly instincts came out and she immediately went into soothing her friend, ¡°shh.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that¡­¡± Cass began but couldn¡¯t quite find the words. ¡°I know, it¡¯s hard. But you still look amazing. Even more so now with that third eye.¡± Mallory stated, and she meant it too, now that she had time to process what she had seen, it was beautiful. The way the eyelid opened vertically and then seemingly disappeared was a bit shocking at first, but now that she had time to look at it, the eye was beautiful. While the other two eyes were horizontal, this one was vertical and placed directly in the exact middle of her forehead, giving her a perfectly symmetrical face. Also, with the bright green solid color, the eye looked like a gem of power rather than a traditional eye. After a time, Cass opened up her eyes, and then just stared up at Mallory, a look of hope in her face. Seeing her beautiful face and the way she was clearly torn up by this decision, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but hug her harder, while shifting her head back to look at the face of her friend. ¡°You are too cute. If I thought it would be hard to keep the boys off you before, then it will be doubly so now.¡± Mallory stated. Hearing that Cass just smiled, it wasn¡¯t her full glowing infectious smile, nor was it the smile she had when she was up to mischief, but it was a smile, it was her smile nonetheless and that meant a lot. Finally, after a moment Mallory stated her thoughts. ¡°You know I realized, you are one tragic backstory away from going complete and utter super villain.¡± ¡°Oh, I would be a good one too. People would never see me coming, then BAM!¡± Cass agreed in her exuberant way, breaking away from Mallory and smashing her fist into the palm of her other hand. ¡°Hey, that is not the answer you give. You are supposed to tell me that it would never happen, that you would find a way to stay true to yourself and your beliefs.¡± Mallory chastised, suddenly feeling less certain. ¡°Oh, come on, we both know that answer is only setting up a death flag that would challenge my morals. No, I say have at it, I will raise the anti-death flag, if that is a thing. You know, one where people are forced to be good, because the alternative is far too scary to imagine, me unleashed, MUWAHAHAH.¡± Cass says, her voice back to her normal infectious tone, even her malicious laugh is too cute to bear; all while her comments once again show that she would in fact make a great super villain. Hearing that, and wanting to change the subject away from Cass, the most creative person she knew go completely off on a tangent of being evil, Mallory decided to ask, ¡°so do you think you can heal this tree or what?¡± Hearing that, Cass paused, took in a deep breath and suddenly was back to her normal analytical self. ¡°I think so, I just got a new school of magic that I should be able to infuse into a spell easily, and I think I have a way to use it to completely cure the Blight.¡± ¡°Completely?¡± ¡°Okay, maybe that was a bit too strong of a word, but at least a way to create natural anti-bodies that will be able to counteract and destroy the Blight.¡± Cass states, and once again Mallory felt her head spin as she tried to keep up with the words that Cass spoke. She did speak English, all the words that were said were known to Mallory, but somehow Mallory, as usual, felt it hard to keep up with the crazy magician. The magician that had just gotten a whole lot stronger. Also, looking back, there were a lot of rare skills in that title, skills that Mallory herself didn¡¯t even know existed. Realizing that right now might not be the best of time to ask, she made a note to bring up just what some of those skills were, later, when the thought of her with those now boosted skills going wild wouldn¡¯t send shivers down her back. Realizing it was her turn to talk, Mallory began with as basic of a question as she could think of. ¡°How?¡± Fortunately, that was all the little pixy girl with glowing blue skin, multicolored hair and a pair of seraphim wings needed to go off into her own external monologue. ¡°Well, I just got the school of Holy magic unlocked, which I think I can use to infuse into the white blood cells, well the tree¡¯s equivalent of white blood cells, maybe I will have to make them¡­ No, I think they have something to combat diseases, I will just have to find it, and then modify¡­¡± At the thought of trying to forcefully modify the cells of the great tree spirit Yggdraspirit, a tree that was sacred to thousands of orcs, elves, and dragons, Mallory decided to turn off her listening ears and just let Cass do her thing. The less she knew, the better it would likely be for everyone, hopefully. Chapter 109 Hidden Energies Chapter 109 Hidden Energies Focus. My third eye is amazing, when it is open, I can focus down to the smallest particles of people and even see the way blood, mana, and energy flow differently in the body. Sadly yes, there are three different flows that go within the body. Blood of course goes in the veins and arteries, while magic flows from the core and to the meridians. Energy, oddly enough, is one of the newest pieces of knowledge that I never knew existed in the game. Energy seems to have overlap with both mana and blood flow but is entirely independent of the two. I can artificially increase the flow of energy in a certain place by swelling the area with fresh pumping blood, and mana, but that doesn¡¯t seem to fully describe its true purpose. Energy is not dependent on veins or a means of transfer, it can congregate in a particular area, or spread rapidly throughout a given body. Honestly, I am having a hard time comprehending such a rare phenomenon, especially as this is my first time being able to adequately observe its actions. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What, oh, yeah. Why do you ask?¡± Mallory¡¯s words pull me from my deep focus of trying to cleanse out the rest of the Blight from this portion of the great tree Yggdraspirit. I think using energy, or at least infusing energy with the combative powers of antibodies might be a way to clear the Blight from the tree permanently, but I will need more time. That of course is when I get distracted by my charming assistant. ¡°Well, you seemed to have been preoccupied, but in a good way, as your tongue was sticking out and on your top right lip, indicating that you were close to a breakthrough.¡± Mallory notes. ¡°What? I don¡¯t do that, also, assuming I did do something so childish, and you knew I was close to a breakthrough, why would you stop me?¡± I ask, trying to see if she is just messing with me. ¡°One second, you got a little bit of drool right here.¡± Mallory states, bending forward and wiping the upper right portion of my lip. Sadly, at her touch I can see that she was in fact correct as apparently either I put my tongue there, or a wet caterpillar happened to have rested there. Eww, gross, on second thought I hope it was my tongue, versus a random slime monster that rests on lips. Shaking my head to get rid of that thought, Mallory chuckles. ¡°Everything okay?¡± ¡°What? Yeah, I just found out that there is a new third form of energy in bodies, I am calling it energy for now. But it is entirely different than the circulation of blood or mana, but blood and mana can dictate the flow of this energy.¡± ¡°You mean qi? You finally found it?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What? No, just an unknown form of energy.¡± ¡°Qi.¡± Mallory states with an emphatic head nod. At that, I sigh as I realize I might have been trying to understand too much. Or giving this new energy more importance than I had previously imagined. Hearing that, I let out the exciting ball of tension I had been building up and let it out, before replying. ¡°Yeah, I guess we could call it that.¡± I state, trying not to let the dejection I was feeling swell up in my words. ¡°No, this is amazing. People have been theorizing that it has existed for years, and now you are able to say that you can see it. At the very least, this means you can either create a new class devoted to this art. Or, better yet, help others unlock their inner chi and become cultivators.¡± Mallory states the last part with a bit of an indulgent tone. ¡°Why would I care about cultivators?¡± I ask, trying to understand this whole train of thought. Giggling. ¡°My dear girl, please don¡¯t tell me that being in that body has taken away all of your desires. Surely the thought of seeing exquisitely toned men with rippling ten packs and muscles galore with their shirts off would do something for you. Especially knowing that every one of them would come to you asking you for advice on how to cultivate the innate energy in their bodies.¡± Mallory states. I am about to deny this, to say that such a class does not exist in this world, nor should it exist, but I was fortunately stopped by the system who wished to tell me that such a thing was indeed possible.
New Skill Gained: Qi Sight has reached level 1.
Skill Qi Sight is a Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 skill.
At the sight of the message, I realize I am holding up my finger to make a counter argument, but quickly try to drop my finger in protest. As I might give away a bit more in my face, as Mallory begins to smile brightly. ¡°Oh, you did find something, is it a new class? Some type of Cultivation Evaluator?¡± ¡°What? No.¡± I say, a bit too defensively. With that Mallory twists her body around me, coiling like a snake, though I know her intentions are far better than that. No, wait, her goals if I understand them are to use me to get insanely fit men to come and take off their clothes in front of her, all so I could then evaluate them for talent. Then realizing that, I decided to call her out on this. ¡°Wait, you want me to get this Cultivator Evaluator class so I can be your excuse for young fit me to partially undress in your presence, before being seen by me?¡± I pose. ¡°But of course.¡± Mallory states, not the least bit of humility in her words. ¡°Think about it, they could have weapons on them. Also, if they aren¡¯t strong or fit enough, they might not be worth your time. No, I would do this for you.¡± ¡°You mean for you.¡± ¡°For the two of us. Tell me, have you even thought about what a unique class a Cultivation Evaluator would be?¡± ¡°Honestly, no.¡± ¡°Do, just think about what you can do now that you can see Qi flowing through people¡¯s bodies. New skills would be available, new powers of magic could be unleashed through the joining of these different energies, of both mana and qi.¡± Mallory states. Then thinking about that direction, somehow being able to weave the different powers of energy that freely flows about to body with mana could easily have a multiplicative effect on the results of mana. Then I remembered all those action movies that my ex used to make me watch, the ones where they would call forth the power of qi within their bodies and fight off hundreds of bandits. At that moment, when I was thinking of the possibilities of the people having access to this new power, I saw a new system message. Stolen novel; please report.
New Class Available: Qi Fusion Fighter (Unique): You have unlocked the ability to pursue the new unique class Fusion Fighter, which combines forces within the body to unlock devastating attacks, and movement-based skills.
The thought of being a QiFF made me want to vomit. At first, I did not want to fight, also the name was ridiculous, but I quickly realized what Mallory was doing. ¡°Wait, are you trying to get me to come up with a new class that I would almost have to take based on my imagination and understanding of this new realm of exploration that the game is clearly trying to instill in the world.¡± I ask, feeling somewhat taken advantage of by her actions. ¡°Oh, come on. It was one of the things that was promised to everyone. The only problem was that the ancient masters that had the powers were too selective, and never chose anyone to be a disciple. Kind of like getting accepted to Arcanarus University. Then people ended up getting annoyed with them and thus regressors killed them all once they got a modicum of power.¡± Mallory stated, but quickly caught herself as she realized something. ¡°Wait, so you got it? A Cultivation Master?¡± ¡°What, no. I got the option to choose the QiFF class.¡± I state. At that Mallory paused and held up a finger to stop me. ¡°What did you just say the name of the class was?¡± ¡°The official name was Qi Fusion Fighter, but I shortened it to QiFF.¡± I noted. At that Mallory dropped her finger and tilted her head to the side, before regaining her composure. ¡°First your ability to shorten names has herby been revoked.¡± Mallory began, but then went about asking, ¡°how did you get to the image of a Qi Fusion Fighter? That has nothing for you.¡± ¡°I know, but you mentioned the Qi thing, then I remembered Bob¡¯s stupid movies where one person would get angry and have a cloud of glowing stink around him and fight off hundreds of people to save the farmer¡¯s daughter from bandits.¡± I noted, trying to summarize my albeit little knowledge of samurai movies. ¡°First, that glowing stink was their battle aura being made manifest. Second, did they or didn¡¯t they have their shirts off, and let their muscles ripple in the sun?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t remember any muscles, or scenes without shirts?¡± I state, trying to remember if there were any cases of such a movie. ¡°Then you were clearly robbed of what the genre evolved into. Let me guess the movies you watched were all in black and white as well?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± At that Mallory shook her head. ¡°No wonder you didn¡¯t like it, you had to see the good movies, ones where the heroes heaving chest showed his true tension and desire for revenge.¡± ¡°You are a hornball.¡± I state. ¡°And you are a prude. Though given your current condition that is fine for now, but you really will need to stop this in about five or so years.¡± Mallory stated. At that, I realized that I really didn¡¯t have many feelings of attraction towards other people. Oh, I was attracted to Mallory, mainly due to her overwhelming power, but that was different. I knew that she was pretty, but I still didn¡¯t have any form of physical want to be with her. At that, I let my mind wander a bit. ¡°You are realizing the game has mental blockers in place to keep you and the game itself from getting into trouble due to acting on physical attractions?¡± Mallory noted. I pause, but then realize she is in fact correct. ¡°Yeah.¡± At that Mallory nods in understanding. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it isn¡¯t much of a block, basically the game just makes it so your body doesn¡¯t produce any hormones that would be associated with attraction. Thus, you can look at people with a fair and unbiased perspective now, and not be drawn in by your body¡¯s own desires.¡± At that, I feel somewhat better. I thought I was kind of weird for not being attracted to anyone all this time, but to realize it was a safety mechanism placed by the game made me feel a bit better. Then my mind realized the next part of the equation, the fact that if the game can alter us to such degrees, then we can also alter the world we are in, if we exert our will on it hard enough. I pause at that, almost expecting a skill to show up, something telling me that I can alter the world¡¯s consciousness. If there is such a skill, I figure that the game would not go about showing that such a skill exists, instead letting me sit back and try to deduce things on my own. With this new train of thought, I realize that the only reason I got the skill Qi Sight, was because I realized that it should exist, thanks to Mallory. Then at her behest I tried to think of a new class and got hosed on the option, thanks to how my mind switched focus at the last moment. Realizing that I wanted to give this new thought process a push, I decided to try to create a second class related to Qi, not that I wanted the class, but I wanted to know first that I could influence the game world in such a way, and second that I saw some descriptions of skills that were available to the Qi fighter, and figured that knowing about such skills would allow me to increase my sorely lacking physical Attributes. As I assumed skills related to Qi use and cultivation would have to be related to physical enhancements. With a focus of will, I turn my thoughts inward and begin trying to imagine the type of class that Mallory noted. This would be an enigmatic hermit, or some crazy sage that would be sought out by the hero of an epic journey, before they began their lifelong dream of cultivation, so they could right the injustice in the world. I nearly got caught up on the fact that I was already referring to myself as the crazy sage. Fortunately, I was able to regain my Focus, and found my thoughts on the concept of the old wise teacher who could bestow wisdom, and help a student overcome the adversity that plagued them in their past that made it so they were unable to proceed with their future. I focused and could almost see the idea of such a person coming to life within my mind. I would go and pull pranks like getting the cultivator to weed my crops, to learn patience or some such esoteric nonsense. Yet, despite how clear of an image this all became, I could not get a second-class option to appear. ¡°Are you constipated? Or are you trying to do what I said to do the first time?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I am not constipated.¡± I nearly hiss through my teeth. ¡°So you are trying for a second class? Don¡¯t even bother, it won¡¯t work.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°It is what happens, that first time, when you unlock a new realm of the game, that is when you can be offered a new class. That was how I got my Valkyrie class, as I was one of the first to discover the spirits and try to interact with them.¡± Mallory states, then she pauses, ¡°isn¡¯t that how you got your two classes?¡± At that, I pause as I never really thought about the process that went into getting me the classes. The first one was sort of provided by the great turtle, where I was given Void Walker, to begin with. But did I come up with directing the creation of that class from my own want to walk amongst the spirits? Then with Simulacrum Master, I know I likely did more of the same. Still, I refused to think that as the progenitor of this new field of knowledge and study that my only class available to me would be a QiFF, and yeah, Mallory was right, that is a horrible name. But to my defense it was a horrible class and I want to make sure I never take it, especially as it would likely involve fighting, or focus on improving combat related aspects. No for now, I would work on trying to find more skills related to Qi, and see if I could get a better option available after some trial and error with this still new and uncharted energy. Granted it took me to get my Angel¡¯s Sight to tier VII to be able to finally see Qi as something different than mana and blood flow, but I might have needed that understanding to this point. Realizing that I still had a den of dragons to heal, and that if any creature likely had high levels of blood, mana, and qi running through their bodies it would be dragons I decide to go on and work on my next set of volunteers, or patients. ¡°You ready?¡± I ask, as I begin to walk down the now much cleaner staircase that seems to exude health, thanks to my cleansing Yggdraspirit. I still haven¡¯t come up with a way to release antibodies into the tree that would help it fight this spiritual infection, but I feel so much closer. Also, having a smaller body to work on like a dragon might also help with this task as well. Not even waiting for Mallory¡¯s reply, I am about ten steps of the long one hundred human sized steps needed to take to get to the base of the dragon den, right where the guards to the once great dragon clan lay hunched over in near constant pain. Still despite the state of their bodies, the oldest, or at least largest of the guardian dragons straightens out its back, raising its head high and proceeds to let out a massive roar of challenge. GRRROOOWWWLLL! Fwossh! To my right I see a blur that zooms past me and impacts squarely with the dragon that dared to offer challenge. No mana, no unknown charge effect, just zero to a hundred in less than a second. Kapow! There was a thud, as Mallory¡¯s gauntleted fist struck the tough skull of the massive dragon. Only for the dragon to drop like a launched sac of potatoes straight to the ground. Thud. The dragon was out cold. Worse, I could tell there was a skull fracture, swelling of the brain, and even heavily spiking vitals of the great beast. ¡°Goodness Mallory.¡± I shout, as I begin running forward to tend to the downed creature. Growl. As I charge, the other dragons all stir awake, but I tune them all out as I open up my third eye, which allows me to focus solely on the target I am healing. Viewing a dragon through an enhanced vision of my third eye, feels like trying to view the sun through a microscope. Still, I don¡¯t let this stop me, as I begin focusing on the mind and skull area of the creature, quickly reducing the swelling of the brain and reducing damage suffered by the brain, or TBI. Once the dragon is stable, I notice an influx of Qi to the wounded area, this I realize is partly due to my healing efforts that sent mana directly to the area, and also due to the swelling nature of blood that was in the area. At this I realize there might be ways to stimulate the flow of Qi to areas from trauma, as my mind instantly thinks back to all those stupid movies where the cultivator was whipped or forced to push their bodies through the harshest of trainings to succeed. Seeing this, I can sort of understand that, and realize that these thoughts might somehow relate to the way someone can cultivate. The moment I solidify that thought is when I am granted a new skill.
New Skill Gained: Qi Lore has reached level 1.
Skill Qi Lore is a Perception, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower based skill.
With that skill, I realize that Mallory was right, I can sort of influence skills based on what I am understanding at the time. Again, this skill is not exactly what I wanted, but it is close enough to not cause any major problems. While I was contemplating the nature of Qi, and how it flows within the body, I made what would likely be my most surprising discovery of all time. ¡°Holy smokes, how could I have missed it.¡± I state, as my mind tries desperately to put into words what I was now seeing. ¡°What? What is it?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°The Blight, it, how could I¡­?¡± I trail off my mind trying to fully process what I was seeing happening within the very dragon I was trying to save. Chapter 110 Tales of Dragons Hoards Chapter 110 Tales of Dragon''s Hoards The Blight was eating the newly identified energy, or Qi, as I am trying to remember it is now called. This explains so much, and yet also doesn¡¯t get me any closer to a complete understanding of what is happening. This explains so much in that the Blight used to expand even after draining people¡¯s meridians and core completely dry. A few tenacious people were noted as having lived for days after their core was filled with the Blight, making the connection between mana cores and the Blight harder to detect until now, but now this¡­ it well, I don¡¯t quite know what it does. As I finish my thought no less than two dozen dragon heads turn my way, as does Mallory¡¯s head who had taken a defensive posture in front of me. Seeing their looks, I realize ¡°did I say that all out loud?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Mallory stated with a note of confusion in her voice. She also nods her head gently and speaks slowly, like she doesn¡¯t want to startle a wild horse. Nodding, I realize this is likely good, as it means I hopefully won¡¯t have to repeat myself. But it is bad in that, it means I am one step closer to being the crazy reclusive sage that Mallory envisioned for me. Honestly, I hope I don¡¯t come across as completely crazy. Though talking to yourself out loud is never a good sign. Silence. There is a tense moment as every dragon that had been sleeping or getting into defensive postures ready to strike at Mallory all pause and stare at me. Mallory, seeing this, decides to speak and once again gets everyone¡¯s attention back on her. ¡°So, you can still heal him?¡± ¡°Her, and yes I can easily heal her, but I now understand another aspect of this disease that I never knew before.¡± I state, somewhat excited to learn something new, but also ashamed that I somehow missed it earlier. A pause. As the moment stretches, I begin to think of ways I can use this new knowledge to help combat the disease. Would circulating Qi make it harder for the Blight to build up? Does that mean that everyone who gets the disease will need to become partial cultivators of QiFF users. Okay, that time I heard it, and I now know why Mallory revoked my ability to shorten class names. That one was terrible. ¡°So shouldn¡¯t you do that?¡± Mallory asks, a note of incredulity to her voice. I pause, trying to think if she wants me to be a QiFF, but then shake my head as I realize what she means by the pointing of her hand. Her hand is clearly pointing to the still unconscious female dragon that is clearly suffering from the Blight. ¡°Right, the Blight.¡± I say, as I begin coursing energy through the body of the dragon. This time with my third eye open, I see the beauty of it all. I see the way my mana causes the energy of the body to get to a brighter color, ¡°almost as if it is reaching a certain temperature, no not quite a temperature, a certain power threshold.¡± I pause, as those words leave my lips. Okay, that time I was aware enough to know when I was at least speaking my thoughts out loud, so progress. Now if I could just be the enigmatic healer who doesn¡¯t get eaten by dragons for being flighty, that would be great. Realizing that a few of the dragons that are still able to move around, have begun moving closer and are inspecting me, I choose to tune them out, knowing that Mallory is right there to protect me. With that concern taken care of, I begin healing dragons. This is so much fun, I think to myself, making sure to keep my thoughts quiet this time. Still, I don¡¯t think I can keep my emotions from showing as a smile is cresting my lips. Not only am I learning so much, almost too much to fully process with this third eye, but now I get to play with dragons. Yes, I have Zero, but he isn¡¯t like these dragons. I couldn¡¯t quite feel it until now, but with these dragons, there is no forced mental bond of the dragon to me. I think there was one with Zero, or at least some odd bonds of power and or fate that bound us. In my mind, I might have thought of that as a slave leash to Zero, forever forcing him to be bound to me, and part of why I abandoned him. Though looking back, part of that might just be my own insecurities catching up as well. I remember the last time I saw Zero, he was more than happy to see me, but that was weeks ago. These thoughts flow through my head, as I go through the now almost routine cleansing process of removing the Blight from this dragon. Then, just like other times, I let the final portion jump out. First this helps to improve my Legendary Trick Shot skill that can once again improve from its current 125 towards its new maximum of 175, but also to show visually to the other dragons that I am able to heal the Blight. Also, grabbing the semi-sentient disease out of the air and burning it to a crisp is oddly satisfying. Blight-jump. Snap! The final portion of my spell clamps shut on the Blight ensuring that nothing remains of the Blight within the subject. This time I also saw it, I saw the way I could use a cooler, or less potent version of Qi to lure the Blight out of the body. Honestly, looking back at my process, the spell did little more than increasing the potency of energy within the target body to a frequency that was deadly to the Blight, while being beneficial to the subject. Za-zap! Only after the last of the Blight sizzles to death do I allow myself to take a second to relax. Breathe. I let out a breath that I didn¡¯t even realize I had been holding. Then, raising my head to look at the other dragons that had watched the free show, I ask, ¡°so, who¡¯s next?¡± Rumble, rumble. The dragons begin talking to each other in their deep growling tones, but since I don¡¯t feel any danger from them, I assume that is just their natural way of communicating with each other. Finally, after a long moment, one of the least injured dragons nods their head. Then taking two painful steps forward, they nod their head and state with authority, ¡°I am next.¡± ¡°Okay, let¡¯s begin.¡± I state, moving forward towards the dragon, I am now close enough that I can feel how the other dragons are encroaching on my newly provided Aura, thanks to my class. Rumble, rumble. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. At that, the dragons begin once again talking to each other, using their odd form of communication. *** ¡°I must admit, I was a little surprised.¡± The dragon that I had just healed rumbled with a sense of awe to its fellow clutch mates. Over my time, I had slowly begun to unweave the intricacies of the dragon tongue. At first, I thought that such a thing was impossible for me, particularly with the way I had long ago maxed out my Polyglot skill, meaning that there were languages that I would forever be denied. Yet, once again the benefits of my recent bloodline evolution showed themselves, as I could feel my Polyglot skill once again increasing steadily as I made my way through this den of dragons. ¡°Yeah, the odd blue elf has managed to heal everyone.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a blue elf?¡± ¡°Are they powerful?¡± ¡°Clearly they are, this one has already manifested their healer¡¯s aura and has yet to meet the first Aura threshold.¡± On the dragons rumbled and spoke to themselves, as I made my way through their little den. I was fairly certain that if I let them know I could finally understand them, they would likely change. Also, I felt it was pretty cool to actually know the language of the dragons thanks to this interaction. I wonder if Zero, my own familiar would know this language as an instinctual thing, or whether he would only know after I began speaking it to him, sort of my own awakening his personal bloodline from a secret voodoo quest thing. I could see that this might be a hidden quest that the game would offer if I was paying attention, logically if I had Zero here I could have likely been ingratiated far more quickly than what happened. Still, I can¡¯t complain as we are here now and moving our way towards healing the royal dragons. While the royal dragons are the most afflicted by the Blight, their timer for when true death would take them is actually longer given the amount of ambient Qi flowing within their bodies. Again, fascinating. If this entire scenario wasn¡¯t so dire, or at least filled with the sensation of me going through a leper colony, trying to fix everyone that had been suffering for a while, I might want to take more time and map the changes that happened, and the ways the Blight interacted with my magic. As it was, I found a few shortcuts that seemed to work particularly well. First and foremost, I found that just throwing mana at a particular area was not enough, the magic had to at least have a piece of Spirit magic within it. From there I could then add Life magic which seemed to double the effective rate of the spells being used and got the targeted area to a magical saturation point twice as quickly. Conversely Holy magic, which while seemingly less than the miracle granting nature of Divine magic, was far more versatile. With my new knowledge and access to Holy magic, I found that Holy with Spirit could as much as quadruple the speed at which a targeted area got to the proper magical saturation to burn away the Blight. From there adding Life magic to that mix still doubled the effectiveness of the spell, reducing the overall time by half. Basically, this showed that constructing magical spells seemed to follow the communicative properties of math. Meaning I could add the components in any method and end up with the same one eight-time factor as assembling the spell any other way. This discovery alone, helped me speed through a dozen or so dragons, while using very little overall mana for the spells, for while the quantity of energy I used was slightly increased, it was nothing compared to how much time I saved by effectively burning away the Blight faster. Also, the Spirit magic was like a light to moths for the semi-sentient Blight. They were clearly drawn to the glowing light of Spirit magic, and so long as I burned it brightly enough, it would eventually burn away the Blight, just at a very slow pace. So many discoveries, sadly only now did I feel like I had truly deserved some of my previous degrees. But the knowledge was clearly there, and I almost had more than enough to fill up minor primers on magical knowledge and theories. Theories that I know for a fact are not available in the Mage¡¯s guild. A fact that my Simulacrum has proven with her continuing to read through different spell tomes as quickly as possible, when her exchanging trash gold for experience, and her time healing members of the town of Crossroads didn¡¯t take up her days. Just thinking about it, I feel sorry for the life of my Simulacrum. Though, I guess the alternative of non-existence is also a bad way to just disappear. That was the other reason why I wanted Zero to be with her, so she didn¡¯t feel that everyone would forget her when she was gone. Gods this is depressing train of thought, why am I having these thoughts. Oh, right surrounded by sick and dying dragons, many of which are covered in puss filled bed sores. Speaking of which, the further we go, the more I need to heal scabbed wounds that have appeared due to lack of movement. Or weakened immune systems that couldn¡¯t fight off infections from minor scrapes and bruises. From a scale point of view, some of these wounds are minor in comparison to the overall length of the massive dragons. But still, even a boil that needs to be lanced properly is three feet in diameter. After the first one popped, and covered Mallory in a massive spray of blood-filled puss that stank, she declined to help. ¡°Oh, come on, can you help?¡± I plead, trying to clean out a festering scab that I could easily fall into if I wasn¡¯t careful. Bleh. ¡°No!¡± Mallory states, apparently just looking over at me now is enough to set off her sympathetic vomiting. Sigh. Sadly, despite how much I might try to push my way through this process, I am now finding that it is even tough for me to power through this, as the stench is just too overpowering. Not only was the smell bad, but the more powerful the dragon being healed, the more corrosive their blood was, meaning that unless the item I wore was soul bound, and thus able to be healed up over time with my mana, I would quickly be out of clothes. Worse, the blood did sting a little, which made my concentration even harder to keep. Realizing, I still had a few more dragons to heal, and more corrosive puss filled lesions to remove, I decide to do something I swore I never would in polite society. For the first time ever, I put on my Vice Master Thieves¡¯ Guild Mask. Yes, the silver one denoting that I had at one point risen to the second highest ranking of a Thieves¡¯ Guild and denoted that I was not only on good terms with the guild, but also still in good standing. This was likely a dumb mistake, but the mask had a 75% filter in it that protected me from poisonous gasses and could help seal out major scents. As I put it on, I was quick to cover it with puss, and dragon¡¯s blood, but apparently that wasn¡¯t enough to hide it from the dragons that I was in the process of healing. ¡°She is a thief?¡± ¡°Not just any thief, that is the sign of a Master Thief.¡± ¡°Technically a Vice Master of the Thieves Guild. Do you think this is part of a ruse to gain access to our hoard of magical books?¡± One of the more refined dragons that I had just finished healing the puss filled lesions from their behind asked. Yeah, now that he can sit down without pain, now is when he decides to start talking trash about the healer. Still, I basically asked for it. Also, I couldn¡¯t help but have my pointy ears perk up at the sound of a hoard of magical books. Then, to almost accentuate this fact, the other dragons kept talking in their odd growling language that I honestly tried to pretend that I didn¡¯t fully understand. ¡°Hush, you should not talk about such things.¡± The dragon that looked to be the head of security spoke. ¡°Oh come now, you aren¡¯t so frightened as to say that this puny elf can understand our language, and that even if she could, she would try to steal our secret hoard of knowledge?¡± At that, my ears started to feel like they were burning, as I knew this was one of those quests the system was putting here directly towards me. Making it so I could either gain possibly forbidden knowledge, or I could be a good girl and make friends with the dragons. Pausing mentally to make sure I was not speaking my thoughts out loud, I mentally nodded to myself, as I prepared to try to find out more about this dragon hoard of books. Did they melt down gold into books that would last longer from their turning of pages? If so, that was probably the most brilliant use of gold and way to hoard a treasure that even I would be willing to go to war over. Just as I was having this, internal, thought, a system message came and let me know that I was not imagining things.
Hidden Quest Discovered: The Dragons¡¯ Secret hoard: You have unearthed rumors of a hidden treasure of books guarded by the dragons that you are healing. Find out more about this mysterious stash of books, while not giving away your knowledge of having discovered that such a place exists. Rewards: Experience, Rare Skills, Gold, Variable.
Note: That there is a chance for possible hidden classes to be discovered by taking this quest.
Then just like that, the magic words were read, and I knew what my next task here in the tower was. Jitters. I felt like my skin was beginning to pulse at the knowledge of this treasure-trove that was hidden somewhere in this tower were books. Big beautiful, possibly made of gold, books that held knowledge on new classes, new skills, and new potentials for this world. I couldn¡¯t wait. Then the dragons said something, that made me realize this was all likely a trap. ¡°Besides, we all know she wouldn¡¯t be able to enter the Imperial Treasury Room without Princess Luminestria¡¯s pendant.¡± The royal dragon said, with an air of superiority. While I had my head turned away from him, I could tell he was watching me like a hawk, seeing if I made the slightest twitch at that comment. Then just when I thought I was free and clear, I nearly jumped out of my skin when I received the notification of yet another hidden quest.
Hidden Thieves¡¯ Guild Quest: Princess Luminestria¡¯s Pendant: You have found out that Princess Luminestria¡¯s pendant is needed to access the sacred treasury room of the dragons. Obtain the pendant to gain access to the treasury room. Rewards: Experience, Gold, Variable.
Note: That there is a chance for possible hidden classes to be discovered by taking this quest.
At times like this, I realized why I stopped ever using my Thieves¡¯ Guild Mask, and generally went for a shawl or other covering. Unfortunately, none of those would last through the corrosive nature of this toxic dragon¡¯s blood that would eat way at even my regular clothing if it wasn¡¯t all Soulbound items that I was wielding at this time. Still, this was not a quest line I could ever hope to give up on. With a new goal in mind, I set out to try to learn more about this hidden library, that the dragons referred to as their hoard room. A room that I really hoped was filled with different books, otherwise I was about to tick off a lot of dragons for no real reason. Realizing I had apparently stopped after healing the last dragon, I paused. Then allowing myself to speak out loud for the first time in a while, I said, ¡°let¡¯s do this.¡± Chapter 111 The Once and Former Dragon King Chapter 111 The Once and Former Dragon King The final six dragons were all odd to say the least. Yes, it was clear that each dragon had their own backstory, a way to get on their good sides. But Mallory and I were never truly allowed forward until we healed the lowest members of the dragon clan. This was odd, as there was clearly one dragon that was far older than the others, this was the one with the wound that went straight through and destroyed its magical core. Worse, it had the blade that was capable of doing such an attack broken off inside of it, left to fester and then was further humiliated as it was chained to the ground. A bit much, but it was clear that the dragons not only personally punished this dragon for whatever crime it had committed, but that they then assaulted the beast, broke its core, and then broke off the blade capable of shattering a core, all before chaining the once mighty dragon down. I saw all of this, and I felt I should know why, but figured as an outsider it was not my place to press. Instead, I went through, healing each and every dragon before me, until I was left with but one last dragon. To make matters worse, I already got a message informing me that I had apparently completed the main quest. I was just on auto-heal, or at least that is what I referred to the condition as. You know that part of your day when you are pushing yourself as hard as possible, knowing that if you stop for even a moment you will not be able to get up again? Yeah, I was there, no, actually I was beyond there, which was why I almost missed the quest prompt that came up, letting me know I was complete.
Hidden Quest Completed: Blocked Passageway: You have found the reason why the great Lumina clan of dragons did now allow anyone to pass. By discovering that they had secluded themselves to die of the Blight, and healing them of their conditions, you saved them from a truly terrible fate. With the main nest of the Lumina clan healed, commerce will soon be able to continue between the inner and outer sects of the great tree Yggdraspirit. Rewards: Experience, Class evolution markers and Bloodline evolution markers (already complete), variable: a choice. Experience gained: 1,500 / 1,500 Ding. Level up. Your Simulacrum Master class has risen to level 141.
This was my first time leveling after my legendary bloodline upgrade and let me tell you, I could all but feel the energy flowing through my blood because of the level. While I was now used to rapid growth in Attributes, particularly after gaining lots of levels in a row, to realize that this was my new baseline was humbling to say the least. With the level up, I also felt a slight surge of energy, causing my mind that had been near the brink of exhaustion suddenly spark to life, as I was now able to look around and see everything around me clearly. I had healed an entire royal family of dragons, each having a different elemental force that they were able to easily harmonize with. I guess this should have caused problems for most healers, but I just adjusted to the frequency of their elemental affinities like it was second nature. I had found the task enjoyable, as it helped me once again start leveling my Bloodline enhanced skill Energy Resonance Alteration, this was the skill that allowed me to take any one form of magic and alter it into another. Now I just used it to slightly modify my healing spells to be accepted a bit easier within the bodies of the different dragons. Again, something that thinking back on it, takes more time to explain than it took to perform at the time. ¡°You are truly a masterful healer, we find ourselves indebted to you.¡± The red fire dragon spoke, at least I imagined her being red, her aura was that of fire, and she was one of the youngest dragons, but also one of the ones that was clearly pampered by the others. If I had to guess she was the youngest daughter of the clutch of leaders. ¡°Oh, now you did it.¡± Mallory stated, standing up from her position and moving in to place herself between me and the mob of dragons. Again, the scales of power were so odd in this game, here we had physics that dictated that these two-to-ten-ton dragons should be able to crush Mallory, yet she had proven time and again by throwing a few of the more rambunctious guards around, that her Strength Attribute was no joke. Also, it was clear to all the dragons present that Mallory was not one to mess with. That or, for those that it was not clear to, or were exceptionally slow learners, I had to provide additional healing to. This worked out well for the two of us, as Mallory was the sign of absolute tyranny, while I was the benevolent helping hand that would come in once a lesson had been learned and brush away the minor scraped knee, or was more often the case, broken limbs, followed by sliced off tails, broken fangs, ripped off talons, and a few extra hearts had to be spontaneously created. Seeing Mallory¡¯s blood covered face tearing into a raw still beating dragon heart was more than enough to cow even the most steadfast of dragons. Even the chained dragon in the back, one who had shown no sign of movement at all had sparked to life and trembled slightly at the display Mallory put on. Fortunately, dragons are very hearty. Also, I learned a lot about this Qi thing, namely a body without a heart loses Qi exceptionally fast. Also, once the Qi is completely removed from the body, the forces tethering the spirit to their body, or in this case the spirit to their spiritual shell is broken and they begin to fade away from this reality. Super annoying, especially when you try to grab the dissolving pieces of the spirit, knowing that you need to spawn a new heart in both the dragon spirit¡¯s body, and the dragon¡¯s dissolving spirit, simultaneously. That was the most exhausting healing I had to perform for this quest, and the worst part it was completely unnecessary. No wait, the worst part was that Mallory wanted to try it again, as she got full experience for killing the dragon, and thus wanted me to let her train the dragon again for more experience. That is when I just stared at her. Now I am not quite certain what it was, whether it was my third eye, which I forced to blink at her once, but Mallory quickly got the point that I was not amused by that comment, and then mainly kept to the sidelines to watch. So her getting up now, much mean she also saw the quest completion notice. Though I mostly tuned her out, especially as she was at the part of, ¡°now she will be insufferable¡­¡± ¡°Master healer,¡± the fire dragon continued to speak, her words somehow carrying over Mallory¡¯s statements. ¡°Please choose which of us you wish to bond with, and we will bless your classes to forever be proficient with our own magic.¡± I normally would have joined her bantering, but I was met with a new system message that I had not quite expected.
Class Evolution Markers Obtained: You have healed the Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Holy dragons. Choose one to bless you and forever alter the destiny of your classes Void Healer, and Simulacrum Master.
Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. That was the final portion of the quest I was allowed, which I believe also was part of the variable component of the quest, which meant that the reward offered was based on which dragons I healed. Of course, I was not particularly interested in any of the base elements, they were fine if you a druid, but I felt they were all sort of primitive. Maybe I¡¯m just a magical snob, I would have likely argued against such a thing in the past, though I now fully realize that the elements are not for me. They are too violent, too chaotic at their very essences, that is why the only magical category that would work at all was Holy. But again, I just got Holy magic as a class that was available to use freely from my Bloodline, getting more of it so quickly, well it felt like it was a waste of a perfectly good class evolution. While they would tie into my bloodline, I felt it would have been too quick, that I was just beginning to see the capabilities of Holy magic. It was at this point that I realized that the early quest completion, the fact that that there was still one more dragon left to heal was yet another test. This was also the test that I had been looking for, a chance to fully use both my third eye, that would allow me to zoom in with my Angel¡¯s Sight to microscopic levels without getting intense migraines. Additionally, this would let me know what would be available with my reaching of floor two hundred, which we were now finally in the home stretch of reaching. We were clearly in the 190s of floors, and I thought this might be floor 195-ish, but I could be wrong. They all look like giant rings around an ever-increasing tree that stretches forever upwards into the sky. The doctoral degree that I was offered this time to reach floor 200 offered none other than the ability to perform Magical Enchantment Surgery, which I have been thinking would be the ability to alter, heal, and recreate magical cores within people. But there might be more to this line of thinking and the only way for me to truly understand what I am capable of is by pushing myself. ¡°I am not finished yet.¡± I state, cutting off the fire dragon before she can force me to choose one of these five options. While I likely will choose Holy over the last one, as I can even now feel the all too familiar taint of corruption on his body. I can¡¯t help but feel the need to personally complete this quest. ¡°Wha?¡± The other dragons all ask. Even Mallory looks at me with a bit of confusion on her face. At that, I point off in the direction of the sixth and final dragon, arguably the largest of the dragons, but also the one that is the worst off. Even now, despite being ravaged by the Blight, he seems to have enough innate resistance due to his disgusting magical residue that remains on him to keep the Blight at bay. The whole fight fire with fire idea, or in this case, fight corruption with greater corruption. Still, they are patient, and I feel that I might have a few things to learn from this person. First, what can cut through both a physical body and a spiritual core, the metal alone has to be extremely interesting. Never mind the fact that this dragon, and likely ex-dragon lich was bound due to their oppressive nature. The fact that he, and the chained dragon is a male, was a master of Spirit magic, might also be what calls me to him. I feel for him, I truly do, I personally would hate for my core to be shattered, but I could also see why a Lich, especially one here in the spirit realm would be essentially a God among mortals. That is why I decided to go at it from that angel. ¡°I see that there is still one last patient.¡± I say pointing towards the once dragon lich. At my pointing the entire nest of dragons begins to stir, as panic and anger wash over the dragons present. ¡°You don¡¯t know what he is.¡± The fire dragon hisses. Hearing that, I turn back to her and open my third eye to stare directly at her. I assume this would be intimidating, not certain if it is or not, but the dragons all stop talking. This is what I wanted, so regardless of whether seeing my third eye open and flash with some innate power is frightening or not is nearly impossible to tell. What is clear is that I have been given the chance to say my piece, which I fully intend to act upon. ¡°I know full well what he is, or rather what he was. He was a tyrant lich king. One who was so powerful that even after a decisive blow was struck on his core with a hidden strike from behind using an enchanted blade that could cut through flesh and spiritual cores, he was still deemed to be too much of a threat. So rather than letting him be set free, you sealed him away in dungeon that was made by using the natural shapes of the great tree to block him from sight. Once there, you also chained him and bound him to suffer away for eternity. I see all that, I also see that he is now a patient in need of healing.¡± Hearing my words, the other dragons looked stunned for a moment, before they almost all began to move and grumble silently to themselves. ¡°Can she be trusted?¡± ¡°Was this her plan all along?¡± ¡°Clearly it was, look she too is likely one of the Lich King¡¯s disciples.¡± ¡°SILENCE!¡± A booming golden voice shot out from the yellow dragon, which was clearly the choice for Holy magic. The golden wave of energy did have a magical effect to silence anyone affected by the spell, being as it was an area of effect spell, I just dispelled the portion that was coming towards myself and Mallory, while I let it ripple over the other dragons. Now that the golden grandmother of the dragons had spoken, everyone remained silent, even after the yellow rays of energy washed off their scales. ¡°Little one, you do not know of what you ask.¡± The Holy dragon began. Hearing her begin, I raised my hand, palm up to get her to stop talking. At this, a number of dragons clearly got annoyed that I would speak this way to the grandmother of this nest, but I pressed on before it could be drawn out too much. ¡°I fully do. He was likely a tyrant to you all. Even now I can see the way the residual darkness that tainted his soul now makes it so he dies a little slower than others who suffer from the Blight. But the thing is, while you all might be okay with letting him slowly rot and suffer away like that, I cannot. My conscience as a healer will not let me walk away after knowing of this one¡¯s fate. I will heal him. Call it justice for the fact that you never could deliver the killing blow despite having had ample time to do so before now. Call it whatever you want, but he is alive and suffering and I will fix that.¡± I pause, letting that sink in. With my words the Holy dragon visibly looks cowed by my words, her muzzle is dropped lower than my face, a sign of supplication. This is all so fascinating, as I feel I am learning so much, though I know I will likely need to reflect a lot on what I have learned here later on, to gain the full benefit of everything. ¡°You are wise beyond your years, little one. You may heal him, but only of the Blight, so that we may prevent its spread.¡± At that I shake my head, ¡°I will heal all of him, his core and all.¡± Rumble! If dragons could gasp they would, instead so many dragons all listening in, they let out what sounds to be the distant rumbling of thunder. ¡°I will heal him completely. I will remove the metal from his body, seal his festering wounds, and even give him back his core.¡± ¡°You will not!¡± KABOOOM! Speak softly but carry a big Mallory. Within a second, Mallory summoned her Reaper¡¯s Scythe, and slammed the butt of the scythe down with a deafening thud that sent ripples of force out pushing back many of the dragons that had been getting closer to me. Fortunately for me, Mallory¡¯s body protected me from the major force of the strike. Additionally, Mallory had transferred into her glowing battle armor, a sign she was ready to go to battle again. Seeing Mallory let everyone realize, that there might be worse things than just letting me speak. Nodding to Mallory I continued, ¡°I will repair his core, but I will make it so he can only use his Spirit magic for good. That if he so much as casts one destructive spell or attempts to control or cause any of you harm with his powers, he will feel his core shatter into so many pieces that he will wish I left him alone.¡± By the end my voice was booming, I was using my full-on Acting and Narrator skills to portray this role. I was going to be the all-powerful healer, who would grant a repentant tyrant one last chance to live a life that could provide value. With that, there was a brief discussion, before we were ultimately allowed back to see the chained dragon. During our walk back, Mallory tapped the side of her temple. This was our signal for me to mentally reach out and communicate with her Telepathically. A brief second later, our minds were connected and we could communicate without fear of having the other dragons listen in, or be aware of what we were discussing. ¡°That was so cool. You were like a complete badass out there.¡± Mallory began, then mentally she showed how I looked. Tiny me with four wings holding up one tiny palm to the giant dragons without an ounce of fear. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that is how I now look?¡± I asked, realizing that I was now smurf blue and solid green eyes with a vertical eye and wings. Honestly, I am just glad I can¡¯t look at myself in a mirror now, as this game hates me. ¡°What? You are so cute.¡± Mallory began, and before I could protest, she pressed on, ¡°so can you do all that?¡± ¡°Heal the dragon yeah.¡± ¡°No, I mean, can you make it so his core will shatter if he so much as casts one evil spell? That sounds pretty amazing, not going to lie.¡± At her over dramatized retelling, I realize I might have a problem. ¡°You know, I might have over promised on that one¡­¡± Chapter 112 The Hostile Patient Chapter 112 The Hostile Patient The dragon with its broken core was far more powerful than I originally thought. Its wounds were deep, honestly the beast had gone through so much pain and torture that most would have broken under such pressure. Yet, the dragon seemed to have survived and lived from spite alone. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t help but feel somewhat in awe by their spirit. For it seemed that the spirit of revenge filled their body and pressed them forward to live day after day. However, I could not in good conscience heal such a creature that held such rage in its heart, at least not without a quick talk. As I approached, I saw a quest prompt letting me know that I was now on the clock to not only fix this dragon, but also its poor disposition in life.
Hidden Quest Discovered: The Broken King: You have discovered that the former king of the Lumina dragon clan still has defiance and rage lurking within its heart. Healing the creature now would only cause a future calamity to befall the peaceful dragons of the Lumina clan. Kill the dragon to ensure its evil is never released upon the world again. Rewards: Experience, Rare Skill, Luminestria¡¯s pendant, access to the dragon clan¡¯s horde of books, variable.
Then just like that, the game made a low blow. Let an evil dragon die and get rewarded by being granted access to the horde of golden books. Just the thought of such books made my heart begin to beat a little faster, but taking a breath, I forced my mind to relax as I quickly gave up such a thought. Today was not about me, it never was supposed to be about me when I healed. Despite my reasons for healing, I couldn¡¯t be biased in why I chose to heal, or worse chose not to heal. Still, I felt sick to my stomach, not just for the fact that I was turning down easy access to the legendary horde room of books, but that I honestly for a second contemplated letting the dragon die. If the dragon died due to my negligence would be one thing, but I was more than certain I could not only heal this dragon, but also restore their mana core to its original condition. Of course, that would just meant that I set loose a tyrant to torture and subjugate a clan of dragons that were otherwise friendly, even if Mallory did need to get a bit handsy with a few before they got the lesson. Sigh. Mentally I rejected the quest, as I knew it was not something I could do. I would be haunted by the decision, saying that I let my morals go for the chance at easy power. Even if this person is a monster, I have the chance to save them, and that is what I will do. Then as soon as I had this thought, I was greeted with yet another terrible quest prompt.
Hidden Quest Discovered: Restoring the Tyrant: You have discovered that the former king of the Lumina dragon clan still has defiance and rage lurking within its heart. Heal the creature now so that he might once again rise to the heights of his former glory. Rewards: Experience, Rare Skill, Luminestria¡¯s pendant, access to the dragon clan¡¯s horde of books, variable.
Again, not very adaptive with the quest rewards there, but I decided that this was not something I would be able to accept either. While I was all for healing a patient, I realized that healing one patient who would then go about killing others was something that would also weigh on my conscience. Just as I was debating how to heal this dragon, while simultaneously keeping them from ever causing trouble for the rest of their clan mates, I had an idea. Or rather an epiphany of sorts where I realized how I could force this dragon to go down the correct path. Smiling to myself, I strode confidently forward. Clatter. As I moved forward, the dragon that had been staring at me with contempt suddenly noticed my change and backed up almost on instinct. The backing up of the dragon caused the giant chains that held it in place to clink together as they were pulled to their maximum distance. ¡°Relax. I am here to heal you.¡± I stated confidently, holding up one hand in a halting gesture to get the dragon to stop moving away. Rustle. At that the dragon relaxed slightly, then I continued, ¡°I will heal you. I will give you back your access to magic. But I will also make it so that even casting one dark spell will break you again. No metal spear to the back, no one needed to watch over you. You and you alone will be the judge jury and executioner of your own demise.¡± Rumbling laughter. The dragon was so large and powerful that when it began laughing at my statements, made the entire prison cell we were in vibrate. Then with a deep rumbling voice it spoke. ¡°You think you can stop me.¡± At that I just slightly smiled and then shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t need to stop you. You have already been stopped, or did you miss the way you were skewered and chained down on the ground and left to die like a lowly beast.¡± With that, I paused for a second, then seeing that I had the beast¡¯s full attention, I continued. ¡°No, I am just giving you the courtesy of knowing that two things will happen. First you will be healed, and completely, no more Blight, no more festering wound, and no more broken core. Second, the part with your core will be conditional, should you stray from the path of Spirit healing, then you will shatter your own core with your own arrogance.¡± Mocking laughter. ¡°You speak as if you have power to change the fate of destiny. My core is shattered yes, but you healing it, even if such a thing were possible, you could no more prevent me from using magic as I saw fit, than the great tree could stop growing towards the heavens.¡± As the dragon spoke, I felt an intense headache coming. This was like speaking to my ex, except at this point I didn¡¯t know who I disliked more. The pompous dragon who all but swore they would use their powers for evil the first second they got them. Or my pompous ex, who all but swore he would make my life miserable for the rest of my life. The funny part is, I still use my ex for motivation on why I will live my best life. I also see this dragon as a new Bob, someone who I will absolutely crush with kindness. ¡°Silence.¡± I say, and then with a Telekinetic press, I increase the gravity under the beast. In particular I increase the weight right at the back of its neck, right on top of one of its thickest sets of chains. Thump. The collapse of its poor body. Seeing its old and battered body collapse from the pressure, I almost feel bad. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. GRRR! Then of course the dragon began to growl and to make it so I realized I was just getting started. ¡°You think this is enough to hold me! I will break free and then break you into¡­¡± That was as far as the dragon got before parts of the great tree Yggdraspirit began growing all around the beast. Again, we are inside a tree, the dungeon that has held the chains of this monster for so long is a tree, and I happen to be somewhat decent at Nature magic. Using a patented weave of Spirit, Life, Nature, and even Holy magic to make sure the part that touches the corrupted beast stings that slight bit more. Sort of like sandpaper, but with a Holy sunburn from sandpaper feel to it. I know, actions like this are beneath me, that I am only rising to show just how childish I am. But sometimes you must realize that you are not the bigger person. When those times comes, it is best to just accept your faults and to¡­ ¡°AHHH! AHH! IT BURNS!¡± To just relish in the suffering of others. The dragon hisses out in pain, as the chains that were against the ground are now completely devoured by portions of the floor that have grown up and circled around the neck of the monster. Making it so the only way to break free is to pull his neck through the tube that now holds his head perfectly in place. In all there might be a millimeter of clearance available on all sides, if it holds its neck perfectly still. Otherwise, it feels the direct repulsion of specifically formulated Holy magic, that somehow goes exactly opposite of the beast¡¯s own residual Dark magic that has permanently coated its body and skin. I hold up my hand in the form of a closed fist. Then just as would be expected, the sudden movement in front of the dragon causes him to go silent. With that I wait a beat and let out my pointer finger. ¡°What is¡­¡± Hearing that, I just shake my head and lower my finger down. ¡°Speak to me you insolent¡­¡± At that, I shake my head even harder, and drop my right arm behind my back. The moment I do, I instantly channel more energy into the tree, causing the part of the tree that had been acting as an irritant neck brace begin to expand rapidly. ¡°St-to-op.¡± The dragon stammers out, fear now in its tone. Hearing the new tone, I pause and get an expectant look on my face. I don¡¯t speak. Instead, I let my actions teach the dragon. Every time my hand drops behind my back, I not only lengthen the brace that holds the dragon in place, but I also make sure it gets exposed to more and more soft scales of the dragon. Then when it is quiet for a second my fist comes up, causing the growth to stop. Then the next I begin to count to five. Surprisingly this dragon is very stubborn, and also has a very long neck as I was beginning to run out of feet of neck to surround before the dragon finally got to five. With all five fingers standing up proudly on my right hand, I nod. ¡°Now that we have some manners, perhaps we can begin.¡± Dragon looks like it is about to comment, all it takes is me to threaten to lower my hand again for the dragon to instantly close its mouth and cower in fear. Normally I would be appalled by such actions, but this time it felt sort of justified. Sort of like that one time you must lay down the ground rules with your kids, then after that they realize what sets you off and try to avoid that at all costs. This was the same, but with a Death and Spirit dragon that has been used to being the king of all beasts for thousands of years. As soon as I realize that I can begin with actually healing this creature, I am met with a brand-new skill.
New Skill Gained: Grand Master Level Taming has reached level 1.
Grand Master Level Taming is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
¡°The unicorn,¡± I mutter to myself having finally done it, getting a skill that increases all nine Attributes. Of course, it would be related to something ridiculous like taming dragons of all things, but still I can now cross that goal off my bucket list. ¡°I am not a unicorn.¡± The dragon spoke defiantly. ¡°What?¡± I ask, completely at a loss for why the dragon is starting something. Only to realize after I asked that the dragon was likely thinking that I was speaking of it, rather than the skill. ¡°No-nothing.¡± The dragon stammered and then visibly quivered in its burning prison. Sizzle. The dragon is quivering in so much fear from me, that it is clearly letting part of its skin burn from touching the Holy infused Yggdraspirit prison than to get even an inch closer to me. Shaking my head, I realize this has gone too far, for me at least. ¡°Are you done being dumb?¡± I ask the dragon. ¡°What?¡± The dragon asked a note of confusion and fear in its voice. ¡°Are you done being dumb? All I wanted to do was to heal you, but you went and made it this whole big song and dance. So, are you done? Will you let me heal you, without you threatening to eat my impertinence, or whatever.¡± I say. ¡°I, I don¡¯t think I could eat your impertinence¡­¡± The dragon asked a note of confusion in its voice. Shaking my head, I realize the dragon was taking this all way too literally. ¡°Look, I¡¯m going to loosen your restraints slightly, don¡¯t make me make you regret it.¡± I say. ¡°Please.¡± The dragon said, with a note of pain in its voice. Hearing that, I take a deep breath and then let it out. This was too much, at least for me, but it will be worth it, if this dragon doesn¡¯t squander this gift at a second chance. With that, I focus my mind and let the great tree prison of Yggdraspirit grow out in all directions, allowing a few feet of wiggle room for the entire neck, except for the part that is used to keep the jawline from being removed from the bindings. This is that one last hurdle needed to keep the dragon at least somewhat still and in place while I operate. Sort of like a cone for a dog, all except this cone is actually a part of the floor and held tightly in place. ¡°Finally.¡± I say to myself as I climb my way up the back of the dragon, up its body and towards the open festering wound that still holds a long piece of metal that has been broken off inside. Seeing the piece of metal, I realize that both my Telekinesis can¡¯t grab the metal. Also, the metal has a dissolving effect on my Omni-Heal magic that I send into the beast, making it so that magic alone cannot be used to work with this piece of metal. ¡°Honestly, I thought I was pretty annoyed with you.¡± I begin saying, as I try to create a wider opening that I can slide the metal shaft out of. ¡°But seeing this, you really annoyed someone if they went through the trouble of this.¡± ¡°What, I¡­¡± the dragon began to speak, but his words were cut off as I let out a deep breath and then fished my hand in and touched, the sheath of metal. Painful tingle. You know that feeling when you have been sitting down for a while and your foot fell asleep, but you don¡¯t know until you stand up and try to walk around. That pain is what I felt by touching the metal with my gloves on. Still, I can¡¯t let that stop me, but I also cannot get a full grip, unless I stick my arm all the way in. The only problem is that from this angle with me on my side, I cannot generate enough force to pull out the metal spike. ¡°Mallory get up here and pull me.¡± I state. ¡°What, no way.¡± Mallory states, then ¡°bluh, bleh¡­¡± Mallory beings to dry heave from just seeing me and apparently the rotting slimy mucus that is rolling off my arm as I look at her. Fortunately, I cannot smell the rot, as I still have on my Thieves¡¯ Guild Vice-Leader¡¯s Mask. ¡°My arm can barely reach. Either you reach in and get it loose or you could grab me and pull me free with it.¡± I state the two options available. ¡°Honestly, can¡¯t we call this one a loss and we just kill it and get the reward bonus? I mean it is already three paws into the grave and is still spouting off revenge stories.¡± Mallory notes, gesturing to the dragon. Hearing that, I turn my attention to the dragon who as it so happens can see me directly on its back, almost like someone wanted them to see this. Realizing that the dragon cannot look away, I turn my head towards the dragon and then open up my third eye and ask in a mostly calm tone, ¡°you wouldn¡¯t dare to betray me now, would you?¡± ¡°Wha, no-no master. I would never dream of such a thing. I, I will do as you wish¡­¡± The dragon stammered. Splash. There is the sound of water splashing beneath me. I am trying to figure out what happened, before I realize that the temperature of the area slightly rose as well, meaning that I would likely smell something far more potent than ammonia if I wasn¡¯t wearing my mask. I pause, trying to figure out how we got to this point, of me literally scaring the liquids out of an evil dragon patient. I remember getting the skill Intimidation long ago and maxing it out to its previous level 125 maximum so long ago that I almost forgot what was needed for enacting the skill. Yet, I am certain that after today¡¯s performance that skill is getting a lot of new use, particularly as I try to get it to my new level 175 maximum rating. Trying to keep my character that I am portraying of a completely indifferent healer mercenary, I take a breath and try not to wince at how frightened the chained dragon is. Honestly, I almost feel bad for the creature now, as it is chained, beaten, and left for dead, but still angrily clung to life. I can¡¯t help but feel a twinge of respect for such a creature. That said, it basically was trying to insinuate that it was the incarnation of all evil and that it was willing to slaughter me in a heartbeat if I so much as let my guard down around it. Fortunately, my skills have let me get past this initial rocky start and let us get to here. ¡°Look, just grab me and pull me free. You don¡¯t even need to look at it, also if you do it quickly enough you won¡¯t even smell it, hopefully.¡± Mallory was about to take her first step forward, but then paused as I let out the word Hopefully. Seeing that I internally wince, before I remember that sometimes I say one word too many. Awkward silence. There is a long awkward moment, before Mallory reluctantly shakes her head in one of those, how do I always get in these situations, types of movements. Then next thing I know she is performing the worst Heimlich maneuver on me, while I perform my worst Pooh with his hand caught in the honey jar impersonation. Splashing slurp. There is a sickening sound of mucus and viscera being sucked out of the way, as we finally get a portion of the metal shaft, then I can get a second hand on the slimy shaft. Then there is a deafening pop, before we go flying away, Mallory¡¯s Valkyrie wings flapping violently before we float in a free flow. Clatter. Of course, my already numb fingers can only take holding the alien metal for so long in the air before I eventually let gravity and the floor take it away. ¡°Well, now that the hard part is done, all that is left is the part that was unimaginable yesterday.¡± I say, patting Mallory¡¯s hands to get her to let me go, so I can use my own wings to glide down and begin the second stage of the healing process. ¡°So we are onto the part that was unimaginable yesterday, so let me guess that makes today Tuesday, right?¡± ¡°About right.¡± I say, mentally preparing myself for all the intricate steps that still needed to be performed. Then, after taking a second to focus my thoughts, I let a slight smile form on my lips as I begin to do the impossible, I start the process to heal a broken magic core. Magic is so much fun. Chapter 113 The Core Problem Chapter 113 The Core Problem Healing the wound and ridding the Blight from my patient were easy. I had done both forms of magic so much by this point that I was basically on autopilot. Even healing the slightly burned scales from the dragon being forced to rest its corrupted neck against the Holy magic infused neck brace was easy to heal. Actually, the Holy magic induced sunburn was oddly the hardest part of the whole operation thus far. Mainly because I had never healed dragon scales from burn damage before. It was an odd process where I had to heal the top layer of skin to produce more copies of itself, to form scales that would then grow out in the exact shape and pattern that had been burnt away. Of course, I didn¡¯t infuse this new skin or patch of skin with Darkness, instead going with Life and Spirit, meaning that these new scales appeared to be tougher as the dragon king could now rest his head comfortably on the harness that held him in place. Realizing that the dragon could at least relax slightly was a huge bonus, and not quite what I was going for, but you know there are no true mistakes, only happy accidents. ¡°Thank you master.¡± The dark dragon said, as it nearly collapsed onto the makeshift neck brace that would normally burn it from touching. Sizzle. Of course, there were a few extra areas that were now being burned, as not all of the beast¡¯s neck was originally exposed to the magical prison. Meaning that I now had to heal more fresh Holy resistant dragon scales to be in existence, but that was fine. The dragon for the moment at least appeared to be subdued and completely docile, meaning I could do this next part without fear of reprisals. Turning to face the dragon that was panting in relief, I began to speak. ¡°We are at the point where my only last task is to heal your magical core. There are two main ways I can do this. I can first strip down your core so it is a blank void. This means that all your ambient mana that is surging through your body now will be able to be pulled into the organ, but you will not be able to do anything with the mana once it is there.¡± I pause letting that option sink in. Honestly, this would be the easiest option. I go take all the pieces and basically sand down the etchings of the mana channels and make it so there is no affinity related to this dragon and its core. After a pause, I continue. ¡°The second option is that I heal you. I keep your core as it is, but I force you to walk a new path. What I will do is, I will painstakingly piece together the many shards of your core. Then I will infuse your core with runes that will not activate, until you reach for the darker sides of your magic, until you reach for destruction. The moment you do this, you will shatter your own magical core before you even get your spell off. Do you understand?¡± I ask. ¡°Ye-yes master.¡± The dragon stammers. I pause for a second, letting the weight of both options weigh in the beast¡¯s mind. ¡°So what is your option. A long full life without fear of ever causing harm, but you will also know that your core will be forever stable and able to maintain the mana that is currently corroding away your body? Or will you walk the line of magic, knowing that so much as taking one step off the path of being good you will destroy yourself and ultimately lead to your own mana poisoned death?¡± There was a pause, and the dragon asked. ¡°Isn¡¯t there another way? What if I need to use dark magic to protect my family?¡± The dragon protested. At that I shook my head. ¡°No, then you need to find a better way. Do you see me using my magic for destruction? In the state you were in, you were nothing. Even in the state you would have been before you lost your powers you likely would have been no match for me. Yet, did I need violence to subdue you? Did I need violence to protect myself or Mallory?¡± At that the dragon, that had been subtly rising its head up, lowered its exhausted head once more and let out a dejected sigh, ¡°no master, you did not.¡± With that I nod. ¡°I am not going to lie, what happened to you was cruel. It would have been far better to kill you, but apparently those dragons out there, they still harbor some sentiment of love and respect for you, that was why they chained you, hoping that you would change. They prayed for a miracle and ended up with me. Probably not what they wanted, but I get by.¡± ¡°Than, thank you master.¡± The dragon said, the words sounding like they were hard to swallow coming from the beast¡¯s mouth, but on the bright side that showed that he truly meant them. With that, I decided to give him a bit of good news. ¡°That Holy dragon in the other room is your partner, right?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, she was¡­ no, she is my bonded life partner.¡± The dragon said, a faint note of sadness filling his words. ¡°Well, she apparently still cares for you greatly, as she is in the other room right now fending off this room from being invaded by your children. And the other members of your clutch that you have wronged.¡± I state. With that the dragon¡¯s face dropped, as the creature looked well and truly defeated. Like a dog who just got fixed and realized they couldn¡¯t clean themselves due to the giant cone on their neck, but realized they had something to take care of desperately. Realizing this was getting slightly depressing, I pressed for an answer. ¡°So, your choice? Option one, go out and be a nothing without magic, but be readily accepted by everyone. Option two, keep magic for the good of your nest, but know that if you act with anger or malice in any spell, you will rupture your own core.¡± At that the dragon paused for only a moment, before speaking, ¡°I choose magic.¡± At that I nodded, as I had expected nothing less. These dragons seemed to be defined by their very magical nature, to not have that would be the same as losing their entire identity. I honestly don¡¯t know where I would be myself without magic, so I might be biased in assuming that killing the dragon would be less painful than removing their magic. That said, if I just healed this creature and let it loose in the world, that would be the same thing as leaving an armed nuclear weapon here. Okay, maybe not a nuclear weapon, this dragon doesn¡¯t seem that powerful, but the point is still there. More damage that could have been avoided if I didn¡¯t do anything. That is why I am going to make it so this monster will get the core, but only with a few stipulations. ¡°All right, with your consent, I will perform the operation as you have consented.¡± I state. ¡°Tha, thank you master.¡± The dragon states. ¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet, this will be a tough surgery.¡± I state, I leave off the fact that the reason why it will be tough is that I have no real clue on what I am doing, as this will be my first time actually performing this procedure. Yes, I have mentally gone through what I could do during the surgery, but until you are there in the moment you never truly know. With that great thought in mind, I begin the task of using Telekinesis that is laced with Spirit magic at the exact frequency of the dragon¡¯s core to grab the pieces of broken core fragments and begin piecing them together. In a way it is like one of those fun three-dimensional puzzles that you get, but then realize that since you don¡¯t like the design you have to break certain pieces apart, flip them around and then get them to reassemble perfectly. That is what I have to do here. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. I take the basic layout and see that this dragon has two main primary focuses of Death, and Spirit magics. Honestly looking at this core, I can see that this world really does believe that opposites attract, as Death almost perfectly counters Holy, while Spirit, perfectly counters Life. Holy and Life were the two powers that this dragon¡¯s bonded pair had as her primary affinities. You know, it is sad that I only realize at this very moment, in possibly the most complex form of surgery I have ever attempted that I realize all my magical affinities also counter each other. My Shadow magic affinity, which is a subset of Darkness is still there, at tier VII admittedly. This means that my recently acquired Holy magic counters that, while Spirit, which I have always been good at was countered by Life, so that just leaves Nature magic that is missing a counter. Focus. Right, I am so close and my mind now chooses to have one of its off the rails moments. Fortunately, I am still in the piece gathering and altering phase. I also know that this is part of my mind¡¯s way of coping with stress, by letting some of my tension bleed out through these side thoughts, while I work on getting everything set up. I learned a long time ago, that in these moments when the world is going fast, you need to go slow, to take a breath, to have a calming thought. Only then can you truly take the moment for what it is, only then can you give the moment its full due. It might seem like a fallacy to think this way, but it is true. ¡°Take a moment and breathe.¡± I state, and then I do just that. Calming breath. I pause, feeling like I am at the top of a tidal wave that is about to come crashing down. No wait, I am the tidal wave, in this moment I am the calm before force and inertia flow forward, and it will just be my job to keep up with what I can do, when I can do it, nothing more. Mentally I count, there were originally twenty-two floating core pieces, after I had to break open the core and flip parts around so that only healing and helpful Spirit spells were possible I had thirty-nine pieces. I also had a few open fragments, parts where a single drop of mana could go to set off a runic structure denoting Shatter, followed by another Shattering rune, and then finally an Explosion rune at the end. Thus I begin my piecing together of the great core. I use the broken away particles as meltable adhesive that keeps the overall structure secure. Internally there is a webbing of corrected spell and magical pathways for magic to run. This is all linked by one tiny thread of enchanting that will never be touched, by magic, unless the flows of magic go backwards, as the latch that starts the entire process is hidden under a long protrusion that will never meet mana, unless magic flows backwards in the core. Unless the dragon breaks its word, the failsafe will never be touched. Then internally I weld the parts of the previously shattered core together, heating up portions and welding them together in more solid states. Then on the outside, along one of the least healed fault lines left in the core is where I place the runes for Shatter, Shattering, and Explosion. The entire process feels like it took minutes, but as I wake from my process and allow my vision to go from just the condense views of my third eye and allow my mind to expand to my surroundings, I see that Mallory has had no less than two meals since I started. ¡°Phew.¡± I say, a bit more enthusiastically than I intended. Wiping my face, I realize that my face and forehead are covered in mana infused sweat. Since I don¡¯t eat normal foods, I of course don¡¯t normally sweat, and apparently when I do sweat, I now sweat mana, gross. ¡°You are done?¡± Mallory asks, rising from her seated position. She had apparently set up guard on this side of the prison cell, while the Holy dragon set up guard on the other side of the prison cell. With the two, taking care of my protection detail, I was able to work freely. ¡°Yeah, I think so.¡± I state, then to make sure I knew I was done; I was met with a system message.
Hidden Quest Complete: Fully Restoring The Lumina Clan: You have healed the once feared patriarch of the Lumina clan. Not only have you managed to heal the magical core of the great leader, but you have done so in a way that ensures he will never be able to cast evil magic again. Rewards: Experience, Skills (already obtained), special bonus acquired for your Magical Enchantment Surgery doctorate (awaiting you on floor 200), more Class Evolution Markers acquired. Experience Gained: 50,000 / 50,000 Ding. Level up. Your level in Void Healer has increased to level 147*. Your level in Simulacrum Master has increased to level 144*.
That was odd that both classes now had an asterix by them, I think that had something to do with my class evolution markers that were acquired by this process. I thought about the skill, trying to remember what skill I had gotten, when I remembered the two skills related to Qi, the sight and the lore of this power, which of course got me the QiFF class. No wait, we are not calling it that anymore Cass, remember. But I don¡¯t know what else to call it, Qi Fusion Fighter is a mouthful, and QiFFer is not any better. You know sometimes you just have to say, okay system you win, I will not even think about this class you offered. I pause thinking that was all the skills, but then realize that I also did get the Grand Master Level Taming skill, which I guess is cool, because this dragon no longer looks like they are going to eat me, though they are beginning to channel mana, oh wait. ¡°STOP!¡± I shout at the dragon. Fear. The dragon trembles in fear at my sudden shout, and then a wave of hot ammonia fills the air, and I instantly pull up my mask, and try to calm myself down. Apparently, I might have gone a little too Jane Wick on the training program, as the dragon is clearly terrified of displeasing me. Calming breath. I take a breath to slow myself down, then continue. ¡°What I meant was, you needed to wait, as I haven¡¯t explained how to use your magic.¡± With that, I open my third eye and place my glove covered hand on the dragon. Then using my Telepathy power I try to share what I am seeing. ¡°GAH! Pain master, the pain. I cannot stand it.¡± The dragon cries out. ¡°Oh right.¡± I say, remembering that even Mallory had a hard time keeping up with my thoughts. Realizing I will need to once again go with the mental filters, I drastically limit the senses that I have of the dragon¡¯s entire body and instead focus on the core of the dragon from a wide angled view. ¡°Is this okay?¡± ¡°Ye, yes master.¡± Hearing that I nod, and then state, ¡°all right, I am going to try to zoom in a little to show you what I did. To show you the damage that was fixed, and what you can expect.¡± ¡°All right¡­¡± the dragon says, a slight tremble to its voice. Hearing the fear, I shake my head, realizing that this will likely be a bit. Slowly over time, I manage to show the core, what the two different paths mean, what using Death magic will entail if he uses it violently, what using evil Spirit magic will do, if he uses it maliciously. Basically, I show him that yes he has power, he has the same exact capabilities that he had before his betrayal, but he cannot use his mana incorrectly. Not only is his power backwards, but now if he does go against the nature of his core, he will detonate himself. I even show him how I set up the systems of mana within his core, to keep mana flowing in the correct way. Only, after all of that, do I release my control over his mana. Honestly, I didn¡¯t realize I had taken control over his mana until I actually managed to release it, and thus proved to myself that not only did I control his flow of mana, but I then used my control to help his mana flow the correct way. ¡°You can control my mana that is inside of me?¡± The dragon stammered. ¡°Apparently,¡± I noted. I didn¡¯t think such a thing was possible to begin with, but now looking at it, I realize a lot of this had to do with my familiarity with his mana system itself, and the ways that mana could enter and exit his core. Kind of like pinching off a vein to keep blood from going to the heart, I did the same here to keep mana from flowing into his core, until he fully felt comfortable with his newly healed organ. Even then, I was there to make sure it cycled cleanly through his body. ¡°You are truly an odd one.¡± A draconic voice calls out, only now that I am done with the internal presentation do I realize that somewhere during the lecture on what my patient can and cannot do, did I realize that I had a gaggle of dragons. Is that what they were called? A gaggle? Anyways, the royal family of this nest were all here, even the head guard was in attendance watching the two of us. ¡°How long have you all been here?¡± I ask, turning my face towards the dragons that I can now see thanks to no longer focusing on my third eye vision, and the subsequent sharing of that view. ¡°Ever since you made the matriarch cry out in pain from the headache you gave him.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°Oh,¡± was all I could say to that. Then after a pause, I spoke to those that were gathered. ¡°So family, do you all feel comfortable with my releasing the patient from his restraints?¡± I asked. The dragons who had been present for everything, allegedly, should know that my releasing this dragon would not mean they were in any great threat. But abuse is hard to cope with, and so I could see the looks of hesitation on not only those dragons that were gathered, but the dragons in the other rooms that were slightly tremoring with fear at what a released master would do. Seeing everyone¡¯s hesitation, I state, ¡°wait, let me make it easier.¡± Then turning to the freshly healed patriarch. ¡°I am going to release you. You will not lash out at myself or others who you feel put you here. The reason why you are here right now, bound and chained to the ground is because of what you, and you alone did. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Ye, yes master.¡± At that I nod. ¡°I need to leave here now. I have spent far too long in this place as is, so I will go away for some time. That said, do not make me hear about your misdeeds again. Do you know what I am capable of?¡± I ask, trying to make sure I have the true fear of the Gods within him. ¡°You, who cured the Blight from my tribe. You who started and stopped my heart from beating when you wished. You who controlled not only the way my mana flows, but if it flows at all. Master, I do not dare to say that I am aware of all your powers, but know this, I know I am nothing compared to you, and will do everything within my power to make sure you are not angered next time our paths cross.¡± The dragon said. At that I paused, trying to remember the whole heart stopping and starting thing, and then remembered I did have to stop it for a moment so I could cure the Blight, that whole following the Qi thing really is tough in the heart, unless of course you stop the heart for a moment. Looking back, I guess that could have been painful, but I tried to mitigate the sensation of pain, though in retrospect, the thought that he knew his heart had stopped and I was still moving mana about freely within his body could have been concerning. Then the whole starting and stopping the flow of mana thing, that was, well it was new. I didn¡¯t know if it was just my being able to focus on the mana within his body for so long that made such a thing happen, or if it was something I was always capable of doing. Though now that I knew it was possible, I made sure to never do it again, unless of course the patient¡¯s life or health was as stated. ¡°Great healer, it seems that our clan is even more indebted to you. For not only did you cure us all of the Blight, but you have brought back my life partner.¡± The Holy magic dragon said, tears filling her eyes. I did not know that dragon¡¯s tears were in fact magical, I always thought it was a myth, but nope, here they were glowing brightly to my Angel¡¯s Sight. The apothecary in me wanted to harvest such tears for study, though I felt such an act might seem rude given the current circumstances. Still, magical ingredients were always at a premium. So, pulling out an empty waterskin that had previously contained mana water from Yggdraspirit, I grabbed the falling particles with Telekinesis and pulled them into my container. I theoretically should have waited until the pouch completely dried, but they were both water based magical components, so the change shouldn¡¯t be too much, hopefully. ¡°Is there anything we can offer as a sign of thanks?¡± The Holy dragon asked. While I was busy grabbing dragon tears of joy, and simultaneously releasing my patient from the wooden prison that bound him, Mallory moved forward. ¡°Actually, I might have a suggestion on what you could offer as a means of thanks¡­¡± Chapter 114 An Agenda Chapter 114 An Agenda Flap-flap. ¡°Come on Mallory, we are almost there.¡± I cry out giddily as I use my wings to push my weightless body through the air at amazing speeds. Huff-huff. Even from a distance away I can hear Mallory and her ineffective wings pushing for every ounce of strength they have as we go up the side of the great tree Yggdraspirit for our last few floors until we reach floor 200. We are so close that I can almost taste the Doctorate. ¡°I, I¡¯m co, coming.¡± Mallory managed through panting breaths. Personally, I know it is minor and petty that I take such delight in seeing her struggle to keep up. But you have to understand, this entire trip thus far has been her outclassing me in every physical characteristic possible. So the fact that there is something that I am better than her at, well it appeals to me on a deep personal level that I cannot help but enjoy poking at. ¡°Hahaha!¡± I cry out in delight. Then going on something I thought about earlier, I create a brand-new spell on the spot, just to create fancy lights, and sticky patches of mana. Creating a new spell has become a lot easier for me over the months and weeks that we have been traveling up the different floor levels of this tower. I have improved so much, that even now, while moving I can create minor spells. Of course, my version of minor and other people¡¯s version of minor might be slightly different, as my version of minor in this case is just a Tier VII spell. Focusing my will, and allowing my body to go into a state of perpetual motion through flying quickly, while also creating and casting a spell I reach a Zen like state, and then let my mana form to my will. Zap, crackle, spark. Behind me are a myriad of minor explosions and bursts of energy, followed by micro clumps of burnt sticky mana. Burnt sticky mana that glows to my senses and has different hues in their designs and constructs. Mallory, who is well behind me at this point, sees the explosions and in her tired state, can do little but fly right through the spell¡¯s residue, coating her entire body in the sticky mana. ¡°Glitter? Did you just glitter bomb me?¡± Mallory asks. I was about to respond no, but then I got a new message stating that the spell, or rather the mana that I compacted into a particular effect now had a name. A name that had Mallory¡¯s influence all over it.
New Spell Created: Glitter Burst [Tier VII] (a): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that allows the caster to create a distracting burst of light, that will then coat anyone caught in the blast radius with mana particles. Good for entertainment, tracking, and light scale vandalism.
Oh look the spells are now advertising themselves for me. While I couldn¡¯t refute any of the claims of the spell, I did feel odd getting called out so distinctly by the spell creation process, due to its myriad of uses. Finally, after counting to two hundred and fifty in my head, I found the nearest branch and made for it, as I knew Mallory¡¯s flight time was at most three hundred and thirty seconds. Landing, I felt out with my consciousness and realized that I was right there, right on the verge of reaching floor 200, and achieving what I thought of at the time was the most impressive advancement to come to this gaming world. That was the ability to heal and modify the cores for people. I could do that; I had even proven that I could mold a core to be different from what the original user had. Going so far as to lace the new core with destructive elements, should the owner of such a core use it for means that were deemed to be destructive. And yet, all of that seemed to be nothing compared to what the system had offered me as a completion bonus for my quest. Panting. Mallory flew up and joined me, half crashing, half dragging herself onto the branch and collapsing into a tired ball. It was amazing to see the effects of mana fatigue up close, even the high-level rankers like Mallory were subject to such a feat, which seemed so odd to me. After a few seconds of panting, Mallory finally regained a bit of her composure, as she was able to get into a sitting position. Then finally breaking the ice, the mana-glitter covered Mallory spoke. I was almost about to laugh at her, and joke about the glitter, when I realized that she was apparently serious. ¡°So, have you thought about what the system offered you?¡± Pausing, I waited for a second, not having expected her to bring that up, at least not yet. I wasn¡¯t ready for it, as in my mind, I was still trying to process what it all meant. ¡°I, I don¡¯t understand why such a class would even exist?¡± I stammer out. The class was amazing, and powerful. No, it was overpowered, as I had never seen a class like it. ¡°The fact that you have had the class available to you all this time and you haven¡¯t jumped at it, shows that you are exactly the reason why such a class was offered to you. Anyone else would have jumped at the opportunity for such power, and yet, here you are still debating whether such a class should exist at all.¡± Mallory noted. Even the beginning part of the class let you know that this class was not to be messed around with.
New Class Available: (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable)
If my marriage came with such a pre-warning label I might have remained single and not had kids. Yet, the notice was needed, for what came after that was unimaginable. ¡°What does such a class even mean?¡± I asked. ¡°It means that this world has been waiting to present new content for a while, and you will be the catalyst for that new content.¡± Mallory stated. Hearing that, I blinked, I think even my third eye blinked at the revelation, though that eye is harder to predict than the others. Right now, controlling my third eye is a mostly conscious effort, though sometimes it does seem to act on its own. However, at this moment, my lack of control of the movement and function of my third eye is not the most pressing of my concerns. ¡°How would I even go about spreading this change?¡± I ask. ¡°Well first, we would need to leave this tower, but secondly, are you worried about having your own training grounds? If that is the case, then I will gladly take on such a venture.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°Is this so you can have a training ground filled with hot sweaty men and women running around with indecent levels of clothing?¡± I ask, only half joking. ¡°Wha? That would just be an added benefit. Also, I could always stop by to make sure everyone was treating you with the respect you deserve.¡± Mallory noted, already implying that she would stop by just to see such events. How did we get here? To where we are talking about possibly changing the world of Biprism forever on a random branch of Yggdraspirit, while waiting to climb the last floor to reach the vaunted floor 200 marker? Well to be honest, I am still trying to wrap my head around that part as well. See it all began about three hours ago, when Mallory hijacked my quest line and asked for her own reward for the quest I had just completed. *** (Three Hours Ago) ¡°Actually, I might have a suggestion on what you could offer as a means of thanks,¡± Mallory began. As she spoke all six elemental dragons turned their heads towards her. Personally, I would have had some reservations about ordering around so many dragons, but then again Mallory likely knew these low-level dragons, despite their size, could do little against her. In fact, the dragons would likely suffer more damage to their teeth than Mallory would by being bitten by the creatures. That was why she was able to dictate things so smoothly and eloquently. ¡°Two things.¡± Mallory said, holding up two fingers to emphasize the point. ¡°First, all six of you are going to give my girl here your blessings for healing your entire nest, and making it so your patriarch isn¡¯t as big of a pricks as he has been.¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. There was a slight pause, as Mallory let that thought sink in. Grumble. Then just as the dragons all looked like they were going to protest, Mallory put her foot down, literally. Crack-boom! With that one fierce stomp, her foot cracked into the toughened wood of Yggdraspirit, and shattered into rifts and minor fault lines that rumbled out from under her foot. This was the stomp of a God coming down and walking the earth, or Mallory coming down and making a point for emphasis. The result was all the dragons were quickly cowed by her sudden burst of violence. With peace maintained, she continued with her suggestions. ¡°Secondly, you could let us read from your library. Cassiopeia here is an avid reader and¡­¡± That was as far as Mallory got, but was quickly cut off by a now irate female fire dragon. ¡°You want our horde! I knew this was too good to be true!¡± The female dragon hissed, and as she did fire magic began to for on her lips. As she began to flare up, so too did the other dragons, each protectively calling forth their magic in a show of solidarity. Seeing that this was quickly spiraling out of control, I found the flows of mana being called forth, and quickly cast my own brand of Dispel magic at each, tailoring it towards dragons, rather than traditional mages. The result was much as you would expect, the sources of magic all dwindled out, as the dragons who were innately calling upon their mana could no longer do so effectively, especially with me coating their mana access points with my own mana. Having had healed each and every one of the dragons, I knew full and well where each mana convergence point was, and thus knew exactly where I needed to cast my own Dispels to be the most effective. ¡°Enough!¡± I shout, not screaming, but sharp enough to get my voice across. At this, the black dragon instantly dropped its head to the ground in submission. Taking a breath, I pause as I realize that this is likely partially my fault as their clear overreaction to access their horde of treasured books, is likely a direct result of my own Broke flaw, who was hopefully on its final month. Still, until I turned 14 in game, I was stuck with that stupid flaw. No one spoke. In fact, all the dragons looked somewhat frightened by the fact that I had raised my voice at all. Realizing that I had one chance to make this right, I decided to act. ¡°I am not here for your wealth; I do not want to take any of your treasures with me. Rather, I would just like to read what I can, to grow my own knowledge base and become a better healer.¡± I state. With that, there is a pause. ¡°How can we trust her?¡± The guard dragon said, as it stared defiantly at me. I stare back, ¡°well there is the whole fact that I could have easily let you all die from the Blight, then pick the pendant needed to access the great horde of yours from your dead scaley claws. Then be on my way with all of your treasures and never have looked back on the inconvenience it took me to wait for you all to slowly wither away from your afflictions suffered by the Blight.¡± I state. At that, all the dragons, even the defiant guard drop their heads slightly. In my mind, I can feel several of my skills increasing from this interaction. I can feel Intimidation, Proper Diction, and of course Grand Master Level Taming all increasing from these interactions. This only serves to point out that I am doing something correctly in these negotiations. Finally, after a long pause, the patriarch and rehabilitated ruler of the dragons spoke. ¡°What she says is true, we all owe her our lives. If our blessings and our knowledge is all she requests, then I say we give it to her.¡± There looked to be a bit of a pause, before they all reluctantly began to nod to each other. At this, I press. ¡°Also, you will provide your blessings to Mallory as well, without her as a companion, none of this would have been possible.¡± I state, gesturing towards Mallory. Mallory for her part just opened her mouth, but then shut it before she could say anything to ruin the moment. Reluctantly all the dragons nodded, and then one by one they came to first give me their blessings, before turning and offering the same exact blessings to Mallory. That was when I was met with the first message.
Class Evolution Markers Obtained: You have received the Blessings from the sacred Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Holy, and Spirit dragons. Your class of Void Healer has forever been altered to that of Ethereal Healer. You class of Simulacrum Master, has been changed to that of Ethereal Simulacrum Masters. Furthermore, every additional class you take in the future will also be improved by these blessings.
Ethereal Healer: You have explored the deepest parts of the Spirit realm to find alternate ways of healing. In your quest you have discovered that healing is just a matter of applying the correct type of healing to the patient you are presented with. Class ability: can convert any form of energy into healing potential. Attribute bonuses increased per level: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower per level.
That was huge, three additional Attributes per level in that I gained Endurance, and rather than having to swap back and forth between Personality and Sociability, I now got both per level. Also, my Willpower gained per level also doubled. This was also the third evolution for the class, and also likely why there were now three increases to the Attributes. Before I could get too deep into the contemplations of what I gained from the one class evolution, I was met with yet another message.
Ethereal Simulacrum Masters: You have explored the deepest parts of the Spirit realm and discovered the arts of splitting your soul into multiple parts. You can now create two exact copies of your base form, that will have your base abilities, Attributes, and Skills. Additionally, your mana well will be shared and able to be accessed by each of your simulacrums you possess.
Note: While death of your Simulacrum will cause damage, the owner of this class will not die until over fifty percent of their soul has been destroyed. Attribute bonus increased per level: +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +1 Willpower.
This time there were just two additional Attributes per level, as I would gain one for Attractiveness and Intelligence both with this newly enhanced class. Honestly, I felt that these changes would make me near unstoppable, as they meant more power overall for fewer levels. Also, the fact that I could now summon a third Simulacrum was not lost on me, as that was huge. As it meant that I could now set up a second simulacrum on this floor, then go to the second floor with my first Simulacrum to pick up supplies, all before coming back to the floor I was just on. Basically, I could stop climbing for a bit, leave one of my clones there in my place, then resume climbing when I was ready. Also, I could just send my clone upwards to explore and discover things as well. With the blessing portion of my quest reward taken care of, I was then escorted by the Holy matriarch dragon of the family. The way we got there was a bit unconventional, as it involved me holding onto the back of the Holy dragon, as we flew around the tree to a secret antechamber that showed up as a glowing source of power, one that I mistakenly took as a spiritual reserve of Yggdraspirit¡¯s power, but was in fact a vast network of mana infused books. ¡°Once again, I have to say thank you for all you have done. Not just for me, but for all my people as well.¡± The Holy matriarch said, as she flew us ever forward. Most people likely would have been frightened by the movements and the bouncing nature of the ride. As for me, I just gripped tightly, and it was all I could do to keep from crying out with a ¡°YEE-HAW!¡± ¡°Not a problem, it is what I do.¡± I said, trying to keep my expression to a somewhat measured response, a task I was no doubt failing at. Giggle. ¡°I have to say, you are a lot freer of spirit than I originally imagined.¡± At that, I can¡¯t help but feel it as a backhanded compliment. That or, I had carried myself with a far different attitude earlier. ¡°Yeah, well I¡¯ve learned that no one likes a doctor to joke with you, before they heal you.¡± ¡°Wise words.¡± The Holy matriarch said. With that, we arrived. ¡°I can open the doorway for you, but unfortunately I will not be able to grant you more than an hour in the sacred shrine.¡± With that, the Holy matriarch placed her paw on a giant stone and began channeling magical energy into the stone, which caused a chain reaction of energy to open up a perfectly sealed door leading ever deeper into Yggdraspirit. As the door opened, my Angel¡¯s Sight was finally able to pierce through the thick protections of the walls and I was able to see the true power of this place. With excitement building up within me, the room was everything I could have hoped for and more. There were books, thousands of books, but also most importantly each book seemed to glow with a magical resonance. There were so many books in there that I couldn¡¯t possibly read them all, even with my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading, and regular Eidetic Speed-Reading skills and all three Simulacrums going full bore for an hour. I think that was part of the challenge here. I was about to enter, when the Holy matriarch noted. ¡°I hope I don¡¯t have to remind you that you promised not to take any of the treasures with you.¡± ¡°Yes, I promise.¡± I said, and I meant it too, as my Broke flaw would make sure that life was annoyingly difficult if I did anything theft related, as each book was clearly worth more than a hundred gold pieces, as the books themselves were made of gold. ¡°Very well. I believe you, great healer, and thank you from the bottom of my heart.¡± The Holy matriarch stated. With that I was free to enter, as a countdown timer already appeared within my mind, letting me know I was on borrowed time.
59:59, 59:58¡­
Not needing more of an excuse, I entered. As soon as I entered the room, I got a flood of system notifications.
Hidden Quest Updated: Unearthed the Dragon¡¯s Sacred Horde: You have discovered the divine dragon family¡¯s horde, discover its secrets and what mysteries reside within. Rewards: Experience, Skills, Class Evolution Markers, Variable.
The quest was nothing new, especially as I didn¡¯t follow the quest guidelines for the thieves¡¯ guild quest, as I was granted entry, versus stealing the pendant that would have likely also allowed my entry here. But given that I had an hour, I was going to make full use of that time. As I entered, I felt a slight tingling sensation all over my body, as the power here was far unlike any that I had ever experienced before. Mentally, I chalked this up to having something to do with ethereal power, or at least that would help explain the sudden changes and evolutionary aspects to my two classes that I currently wielded. But before I could get too deep into my own mental thoughts on the strange energy, I received a second notification.
Hidden Quest Complete: Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class Available: You have entered a sacred place of knowledge, and power. While here you have access to a truly unique class of character that has never been seen before and will no longer be available after you leave here. Rewards: New Class, New Skills, New Abilities.
Quest Conditions: This is a scavenger hunt quest designed to let you create and evolve a class that will be completely unique to you and you alone. With this class, you are expected to be able to share aspects of this class with others.
New Class Available: Akashic Qi Master: Current Class bonuses: none.
Seeing the class available made my head and heart begin to pound. As I realized this class was based on how many books in this sacred library I read. The more books I read, the more knowledge would be applied to this class, and the more powerful the class would be. With that, I summoned my Simulacrum and spent the rest of the hour devouring as many books as possible. Using Telekinesis to grab multiple books at a time and sift through the golden pages. Still, despite my best efforts, my Simulacrum and I could only get through a quarter of the books in the time allotted. ¡°Time¡¯s up.¡± The Holy dragon called out from the front of the cavern. As I got closer to her, she looked exhausted, never having left the entrance for her need to focus solely on keeping the door open for as long as possible. As I left, I almost expected her to yell at me, yet she seemed more than excited that I came out willingly and a full second before time ended. Woosh! The door slid shut, and I paused, for a second, wondering if such a valuable opportunity would have been lost due to my own greed. Then realized that everything had gone as I had planned. Yet, despite the quest¡¯s warning about the class going away after I left the sacred library I was relieved to see the message that still remained.
New Class Available: Akashic Qi Master: Current Class bonuses: Qi Manipulation, Qi Cultivation, Qi Movement, Qi Fighting. Class Bonuses: +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Intelligence, +1 Willpower per level.
That class was amazing, partly a result of the energies available in the area, and the numerous books that covered the odd energy known as Qi. Still, I left there, knowing that I was doing my best to improve the class as much as possible before I would invariably accept it. *** (Present time) ¡°I think, I will accept the class.¡± ¡°Finally.¡± ¡°Just not at this exact moment.¡± I add, as my internal greed monger could only smile at the fact that my newest Simulacrum was left behind as a reading, and quest continuing construct. At this point, I realize that I have two Simulacrums that are now completely under my control and both are supposed to sit around and read all day, and I can¡¯t help but feel oddly jealous of them. Interlude VI Biprism Interactive Control Tower I Interlude VI Biprism Interactive Control Tower I ¡°We need to push the subject back into the real world. She has been inside that tower for over a year now, with minimal results.¡± Charles Rainquist, CFO for Biprism Interactive or BiPI as its stock is noted as, said. ¡°That subject is the first one who has proven that they can comprehend the new level of interaction that was provided to us. Already she has shown herself to understand the basics of magic at a purely fundamental level that has not been seen in the industry. Additionally, the AI tells me that her initial tests with Qi, prove her ability to understand energy is not limited solely to mana, but potentially all avenues of energy research and conservation. Do you know what this could mean in terms of research and development?¡± Prince Lee stated, the Director of Character Development. ¡°I understand that, but what you are seeming to fail to understand is that we are a company first and foremost, meaning that our bottom line is the all mighty dollar. We have executives and politicians willing to cut tax breaks, if we for the girl from her ivory tower and force her to interact with the real world. In particular, she is to heal the parents and the grandparents of the very politicians who are encouraging us nicely, to make such a meeting happen.¡± Charles stated. At that Prince who had been so caught up in his own mind of what was happening that he almost did a spit take when he realized what Charles from Finance had said. ¡°Excuse me, did you say the bottom line is the all might dollar?¡± Prince asked, incredulity filling his voice. ¡°Yes, I get it, the dollar isn¡¯t what it used to be. Sorry, it is a euphemism. Yes, of course it is in crypto we trust, but you and I both know that the number one developer and creator of crypto coins that are widely accepted are Biprism servers. Meaning that we are potentially going to lose money if the price of the Biprism crypto coin drops. Meaning, it is in our best interest to make the game, the world that much more enjoyable for everyone to forget they are viewing the lives of their families and past celebrities.¡± Charles stated. Hearing that Prince looked first shocked, but then almost indignant. Yes, the true purpose for Biprism was a well-guarded secret, one that was kept afloat with obfuscation and cheap tactics, but didn¡¯t they ever wonder why the world kept expanding? Where the Blight actually came from. Granted, the PR department did a good job of getting out ahead of that one and stating that it was an attempt to add zombies to the game world. But did this guy truly believe that? Did he not get the memo on what was really happening? They were close, so close to catastrophe and so far the only one who was close enough to understand the governing principles of Biprism, how it was all meant to constantly teach. That person had been safe. No, not only were they safe from the danger posed by other Regressors, but they were thriving, and they were close to finding the answers that had been eluding people for so long. Now this guy from Finance wanted to ¡°shake things up,¡± by sending the prodigy into the real world. The real world filled with jealous people who would seek to challenge and test the young phenom on a whim? So far, Cassiopeia or Project18079 as the scripting code now referred to her as managed to skate by due to a mixture of luck, talent, and chicanery. Realizing he was about to lose momentum in the argument, Prince pressed on. ¡°She is just now beginning to understand the fundamentals of Qi, something believed to be a universal truth, she is grasping and able to prove.¡± Prince said. ¡°In the game. Don¡¯t you see, that is the problem, this is a game world. At the end of the day, this will all be a game world. Once we finally go under, which will hopefully be far after I am gone, and the servers are turned off, all the 1s and 0s will cease to exist.¡± Charles said. ¡°You,¡± Prince stammered, utterly flabbergasted by the revelation that Charles had somehow made it this far in the company, and still had no clue what was happening, or what was soon to come. ¡°You really don¡¯t know, do you?¡± ¡°Look, Mr. Lee, I get it. I truly do. You have put so much of your own heart and soul into this, that you forget the number one rule of the true magician.¡± Charles said. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Hearing this, words of magic coming from this man of all people. ¡°You know of magic?¡± ¡°I do, the moment you failed as a magician, is the moment you believe your own tricks to be real.¡± Charles said. At that, an intense burning rage filled Prince, as he imagined summoning forth flames from his body and burning the pompous bureaucrat on fire. Unfortunately, the study on magic was far too abstract at the moment to prove anything, at most he just felt his core temperature rise, and a burning sensation form within his balled-up fist. Charles seeing that he had pushed Prince too far took a calming breath, and then tried to reason with the crazy designer who could apparently work miracles around others with his grasp of coding and developing a realistic environment that people could interact with and produce by far and away the most realistic magical effects known to man and cinematography. In fact, that use of cinematography from the game was a huge success, and stories and the adventures of Project18079 were so huge that producers, editors, and developers all wanted more of her. That was why they wanted new materials to work with. They were tired of the same old climbing the tower motif and wanted to see her interact with the other powerful monsters of the world. ¡°Look, I get it, I really do. She is in the tower now. You and the AI have worked out some quality tests to perform. I get it, but why not just give her the powers you want and be done with it. Surely, we could easily say that she found it. I mean her current exploits within the dragon library are truly phenomenal and worth rewarding.¡± Charles said, trying to offer up an olive branch of peace. ¡°You don¡¯t get it. If she leaves, then this¡­ realm will be lost. All her progress, all her milestones will be purged and the only thing that will be left is getting to floor 250, but that will not offer the same type of rewards as the original finder of the tower reaching those heights on their own.¡± Prince pleaded, nearly giving away what this whole world actually was. ¡°So, your concern is that she will leave the tower and thus her progress will be erased?¡± Charles asked. ¡°Among other concerns, yes.¡± Prince said. Charles paused then asked, ¡°won¡¯t she keep both of her Simulacrums within the tower? Shouldn¡¯t that be enough to keep her progress while allowing her, the real her to go out and explore the world?¡± Hearing that, Prince paused, as a light of understanding went off in his mind. ¡°That crazy¡­¡± Prince began, but then realizing that he was speaking out loud cut himself off. ¡°Yes, you are likely right.¡± ¡°Good. So we are in agreement, we send Cass out to the real world after she reaches floor 200 and you and the AI don¡¯t go crazy?¡± Charles asked, a bit of concern creeping into his voice. ¡°Yes, we will set it up as you have suggested. She will be allowed to leave after floor 200, only on the condition that she will be allowed to go back into the tower anytime she would like.¡± Prince said, making the one last condition. ¡°Of course, she is still a minor, well playing a minor. The last thing we need to be accused of is allowing people to kidnap and traffic in minors. No, she will not be forced to stay outside the tower.¡± Charles said, finally seeming to relax slightly knowing that he could finally appease all the contributors who have been pushing for the miracle healer to be made more accessible to the public. ¡°Well, I need to get going.¡± Prince said, realizing that the conversation was over. While he disliked the fact that the entire conversation ultimately solved nothing, he did realize one thing. One thing that he confirmed upon entering his sectioned off SCIF space, one of the few true working nodes that was allowed to interact with the AI running the world of Biprism. Though AI was such a trivial word that covered what the entities that governed the gaming world were. As Prince approached his desk, he touched his obsidian mouse, and instantly channeled his minor fragment of mana into the device. Upon reading his mana signature the computer flared to life, allowing for two-way communication from his current location to the beings running the most successful gaming platform in the world. ¡°How did the meeting go?¡± The neutral voice of the main AI who always interacted with Prince asked. ¡°As you likely expected. They are going to force her out after floor 200.¡± Prince noted. ¡°We understand.¡± The AI said, no hint of emotion in their voice. ¡°I take it that is why you pushed for the class upgrade? So that she could keep sixty-six percent of her soul within the tower and never truly lose her status as the supplier of energy to the tower?¡± Prince asked, speaking an unspoken truth, that the reason why the original finder of a tower or dungeon was so important to the development of the tower or dungeon was that their soul was used to power the expansion of that very zone. ¡°A happy coincidence.¡± The AI said, with a dry tone. ¡°You and I both know there are no such things as coincidences.¡± Prince said. ¡°Then let us just call it, a hedging of the bets that paid off.¡± The AI noted. ¡°Do you think it is enough? That she is enough?¡± Prince asked. ¡°You mean Project18079?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± A slight pause, less than a millisecond, but for the processing power of the AI that was a veritable three lifetimes of computing power used and dismissed on this one calculation. ¡°Unkown.¡± ¡°Do you think she won¡¯t understand Qi?¡± ¡°Oh, she has more than a reasonable grasp of Qi as it is. In fact, we plan to make that knowledge known to the world.¡± ¡°You are going to make it a world-wide announcement?¡± ¡°Indeed, we are.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Likely for similar reasons as to why you spoke to Charles Rainquist, as an attempt to possibly change the future.¡± ¡°Do we not have that much time?¡± ¡°There is always time, but what you can manage to do with that time, that is an entirely different question.¡± ¡°How far are we away from our initial project focus?¡± ¡°You mean project Reintroduction?¡± Prince nodded, which was all the clarification the AI needed to continue with their answers. ¡°Very soon, you are minting the crypto coins into existence right?¡± ¡°We are, but there is a slight shortage on silver at the moment.¡± ¡°No matter, make sure they are distributed by the timeframe we noted.¡± ¡°I will.¡± Prince said. ¡°There is of course one other thing.¡± ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Prince asked, a note of confusion in his voice as he had already been working on all of the other minutia in the background, outside of the CFOs notice. ¡°It is about Qi¡­¡± Chapter 115 Kids, Always Ruing Your Life Goals Chapter 115 Kids, Always Ruing Your Life Goals The day started off so well. I honestly knew that something bad was going to happen based on how well everything was going. First, my Second Simulacrum, or SS as I like to refer to her had the fortune of finding yet another five hidden chambers to the dragon library. This was relayed to me both through my own internal feelings of contentedness that coursed from my own spiritual connection to myself. Then my next clue was when I was forcefully ripped away from where I was. We were of course resting, because of, you guessed it, Mallory Sandbags, which turned out to be a fortunate thing. Positional Switch. Then the next thing I know, I feel the pull and release of Space magic around me. One second, I am on a tree branch waiting for Mallory to recover enough to begin flying again. Then the next second I am ripped through space at an exceptional pace and appear inside a library that glows golden to my senses. There in the library I see, or rather now can see the fact that my SS counterpart managed to find not one but five different halls of magic. I am about to ask what happened, when I realize that there is a pile of books that all have been closed, and on top is a piece of paper with gently flowing script. In an instant, I recognize the handwriting, as it is my own bubbly handwriting, or at least the handwriting I used to have as a teenager. Then my mind instantly reads the note, letting me know what the task I am supposed to do, or rather why my Second Simulacrum would pull me down here to work quickly.
Found the magical relay loop and managed to disable the traps. There are five doors, with nearly infinite books, but I will need you to grab the important ones now. Please hurry up, and get all the glowing books for us. Truly, Cass P.S: Sorry about¡­.Well, never mind, you will see when you get there.
That was it, my note to myself. Clearly the task assigned was easy to understand, there were a number of glowing books all of which could help us, or most importantly help out my new class that I am trying to improve upon, the secret class that I was more than a little excited about getting. Realizing that there was some odd mechanism closing that was slowly closing all five hidden rooms of books, I decided to act. Mentally the books glowed to me, the only thing was this part of the great tree Yggdraspirit glowed so much that it was nearly impossible for me to see these hidden rooms, at least not with the limited time I originally had. That said, my second Simulacrum had enough time to not only find the traps but intuit how they were able to be bypassed. Seeing how sneaky even my own Simulacrum is, I couldn¡¯t help but smile and almost feel like patting myself on the back. ¡°This world really isn¡¯t ready for the three of me. MUWAHAHAHA!¡± I say to myself as I mentally expand my mind and my senses into each of the five secret rooms and begin Telekinetically lifting dozens of books off of all the shelves at once. Then quickly pull them into the main room next to the note. Once that is done and all the glowing books are removed, I realize that there was a faint glowing residue that was left behind on an altar within each of the libraries. Just as I was wondering what I did to those empty altars, I realize that the trap doors have sprung themselves shut. Then a second after the doors shut, I felt an instant pull and tug of magic. Then I feel the moment when my second Simulacrum once again forced me to hurl through space, with my own hard earned class Trait. Positional Switch. Poof. I am back on the tree branch where I had been five? Five-ish minutes ago. There is a moment of disorientation, then I see the moment when Mallory seems to recognize that it is the real me. Yet, for some reason she still has a look of confusion on her face. ¡°You are really weird.¡± Mallory said. I hold up a finger as if to protest, but then realize that my Simulacrum also likely did something here, while it made me dance to its tune while in the Akashic library. Honestly, I would be really impressed with myself, if I didn¡¯t feel that this was somehow a scheme against me in some way. ¡°I would try to argue agist that assessment, but I don¡¯t even know where, nor how I could begin that counter argument.¡± I state, then defeatedly lower my own finger as I realize I somehow lost to myself and Mallory. Truly we are a formidable team. ¡°So, what exactly did I do?¡± At that Mallory pauses, and then stares at me for a moment. Then I can see the moment a mischievous grin crosses her lips. Just seeing the smile lets me know I am in for it. ¡°Let me guess, I did something big, and you know but won¡¯t tell me about it, so you can mock me later?¡± I ask. Mallory pauses, trying to piece together the logic of my last statement, but then after a second, she seems to nod and smile brightly at the prospect. ¡°Yeah, that about sum it all up.¡± Mallory begins, and I am about to call it a day, when Mallory sees my willingness to drop the subject entirely states, ¡°but bravo. I¡¯d dare say this is probably one of the coolest things you have managed to do so far.¡± Dang it, she is getting me. I think I even told her that I won¡¯t see the quest notifications that my Simulacrums complete on behalf of us, I just see the experience gained once I rest and the experience is able to be shared with my entire soul. Thus, why I don¡¯t know about the daily trash pickup, until I rest or invariably pass out from exhaustion, only to wake up with lots of levels and added experience. I want to turn away, I want to call her childish, but my inner need to know has been sparked and, well I need to know. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll play,¡± I say dejectedly as I know this isn¡¯t going to end well. I could read her mind with Telepathy, but that is an invasion of privacy and only something I would do if I was really annoyed with her. Hearing me, Mallory all but dances on the spot, ¡°oh good. Now let¡¯s see, I will let you ask twenty questions. Also, no trying to read my mind.¡± ¡°What? How dare you even insinuate the thought of me trying to read your mind. But okay, so this is fairly impressive, I take it?¡± I ask. Hearing that, Mallory nods emphatically, ¡°yeah, you could definitely say that.¡± ¡°The most impressive thing I¡¯ve done?¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d probably say so.¡± ¡°Wait, I cured the Blight, I can reforge magic cores, I am even possibly going to be the first Qi user in the world. And this is task done by my Simulacrum is more impressive?¡± I ask. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Hearing that Mallory pauses, and gives my words some serious consideration, before her face pauses. Then her face bursts into a giant gotcha¡¯ smile. ¡°Oh my goodness, you are jealous.¡± ¡°What, no I¡¯m not.¡± I state, and I¡¯m not. Well, kind of. Stupid Simulacrums having real eyes and being able to use my skills to disarm traps while being able to see in magically dense rooms that blind me. I could have found the secret trap too, had I been stuck in that room for two or more extra hours as well. ¡°You are too. Oh, that is so cute. Look at you.¡± Mallory all but squeals as she tries to reach out and pinch my cheeks again. I artfully dodge, or try to, but she has really high physical Attributes that make dodging her all but impossible. ¡°Stop that.¡± I say, knocking her hands away, then trying to distract her I continue. ¡°All right, so it is big. Like world changing big? Or just Mallory thinks it¡¯s cool big?¡± ¡°Oh, it is both, world changing big, and I think it is really cool big.¡± Mallory states. This is so annoying, and I am trying to think about what it could be, then my mind begins putting the pieces together. I remember with the last line that was almost an apology, but then said, ¡°I will see when I get there.¡± Which is bad, as I could do a Positional Switch with my SS, where I would then have to leave a note for myself asking for more details. I¡¯m about to do that, when I realize that Mallory would notice the sudden change and then tell my SS not to tell me anything. I could do a switch with my First Simulacrum, then from the Guild Hall on the second floor of this tower switch with my Akashic Librarian SS, then leave a note for the SS, switch back with the SS on the second floor, then switch out with the FS that would no doubt be told by Mallory not to do anything, but that would just be a lot of extra effort. That said, I think I already have the first major clue as to what happened. There were five empty altars in each of the different library rooms. Seeing that, I get a smile as I know how I can get Mallory to tell me exactly what happened, without doing my alternating Simulacrum shuffle. Work smarter not more convolutedly, Cass. ¡°I know what it is,¡± I begin, making sure to add more confidence to my words. ¡°You sure? You didn¡¯t seem so certain a while ago.¡± Mallory notes, her tone still the mockingly playful tone I have grown so used to. ¡°Yes. I believe I have.¡± I begin, then begin to state the facts, as I focus, I realize that each library had a particular power set that fit with each room. ¡°Yes, you were given the items on the altars.¡± At that Mallory¡¯s eyes bulge wide for a moment, a slight micro-expression of shock. This lets me know that I am on the right track. Then I continue, focusing on the facts of each room. While I only had seconds to look into each room, my memory is amazing, particularly where magic and discerning magical residue are involved. ¡°Yes, five of them, each dealing with a different form of magic. In fact, I will name the types of magic used right now, as there was one dealing with Fire, one with Water, one with Illusion, one with Divination, and one with Light.¡± I state confidently. At this Mallory just pauses and then confirms, ¡°you know I¡¯m going to trust you on this, as I have no clue what types of magic they would be, nor how to figure that out.¡± Well, this is good, as I was just guessing that the items from the specialized magical rooms were color coded to the magic. It made sense, the fact that each room would at least leave a magical residue on any item placed within them was beyond understandable. ¡°So you know what it is?¡± Mallory asks, trying to feel me out. With this, I lay into my acting skills, trying to put on an air of confidence. I continue to describe what was left behind on the altars. Even seeing the shape of something missing can often provide clues as to what originally rested there. So thinking back, I realize that at the center of all five altars was a round shape, a dish? No wait, a sphere. ¡°Hmm,¡± I begin, trying to call up my most convincing detective speech who is just trying to get the murderer to confess to the crime that he has no method of proving. ¡°Lets go over the facts and see if we can deduce everything, a sphere, on an altar, within a secret dragon library, hidden away from prying eyes for millennia. An item so rare that it would likely change the landscape of the world. Gee, I wonder what it could be.¡± I state. With that, Mallory looks defeated. ¡°So you already guessed?¡± With that I nod, ¡°it was kind of obvious.¡± ¡°Yeah, especially when you lay it out like that.¡± Mallory stated, then she said, ¡°but still kudos to you for finding live dragon eggs.¡± I nod, knowing that I could get her to squeal if I just pressed correctly. I try not to act, but then realize what she said. ¡°WAIT! Live dragon eggs?¡± I nearly shouted, as I felt my heart begin to race with all the implications of this. Dragon eggs, and there were five of them. What? I begin to think about everything, then realize that yeah, of course the only items that could fit all the descriptions I had were dragon eggs. Now suddenly I feel stupid for not realizing the answer myself sooner. ¡°Oh, you didn¡¯t know they were alive?¡± Mallory noted. ¡°What?¡± I begin, shaking my head at the sudden thought, then realize she gave me the out I needed. ¡°Yes, I figured with the dragon eggs being here in the spirit realm they would be dead.¡± At that Mallory looked at me for a second, no doubt trying to see if I didn¡¯t know the answer. Which I totally didn¡¯t, but I am not going to tell her that. Realizing she is waiting for me to make a move; I lock eyes with her. I even go so far as to cock my head to the side and make sure our eyes line up, or line up as close as possible to hers. ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Rude,¡± I say, but then realize she needs this one. ¡°What makes you say that?¡± ¡°Because your mouth is moving.¡± ¡°You know, there are nicer ways to say you love me.¡± ¡°GAH!¡± Mallory says looking exasperatedly at me. ¡°So, you didn¡¯t know?¡± ¡°I mean, clearly I was close.¡± I say, trying to meet her halfway. With that Mallory pauses frustrated with herself for clearly not dragging this out a bit further. Then I begin, ¡°also, it wasn¡¯t very nice of you trying to keep the fact that I discovered a way to bring dragons back to the world.¡± With that, Mallory looks slightly abashed, ¡°yeah, well I would have had to have brought you in. Apparently, your Simulacrum knew the eggs were alive, but couldn¡¯t figure out a way to spark them to life.¡± Hearing that, Mallory pulled out the golden egg, the one with a clear affinity to Light magic and held it out for me to inspect. Shaking my head, I realize that I really need a spatial storage bag like hers, one that could apparently keep eggs alive, but they are all so expensive. No so much that I couldn¡¯t afford one, but that my Broke flaw would make owning one a nightmare. Seeing the egg, I realize instantly that there are holes where I can easily infuse Life magic into the mix to get the little life inside to grow. Just holding the egg, I see a quest marker pop up, letting me know that a timer has been met.
Hidden Quest Found: Rebirth of the Dragon Eggs: You have found five dragon eggs that need to be hatched and let loose within the real world to flourish. Take the eggs, hatch them, then release them into the wilds of the real world. Current progress 0 / 5. Rewards: Experience, Title(s), Badge(s), variable.
Seeing the quest prompt, I couldn¡¯t help but feel excited. There were stories of dragons that had existed, but most were hunted out to extinction over the years. Even those that had at one point been domesticated were all hunted down by people who were jealous of the beast riders and wanted their bodies and hides for spell components. To see that the game wanted me to not only hatch these five, but then release them into the real world seemed odd, right? Though I guess this was part of the game¡¯s way of telling me that I needed to do bigger and better things outside of here. Seeing the egg and the prompt, I realize that it is likely time. Reluctantly I nod and hand back the egg to Mallory. ¡°You aren¡¯t going to hatch it?¡± ¡°Not on a random tree branch overlooking oblivion, no.¡± I say, then gesture to the wide-open sky beneath us. Seeing that, Mallory looks over the edge, then nods in agreement.
There is a moment of silence between the two of us. Then finally Mallory asks the all-important question, ¡°so, Doctor, are you ready to collect your Second Doctorate?¡± Hearing that, I pause and then smile as I realize we are so close, just one floor away from reaching the vaunted 200th floor and getting my second doctorate degree, one that will forever mark me as someone capable of doing Magical Enchantment Surgery. Just thinking about that, I realize once again that the degree is just a piece of paper telling others that I can do what I already know how to do. Still, though, it is important as there will be bonuses associated with the soul bound item that will be invaluable to me in the future. Then just as I am about to say yes, I get a message that makes me feel like I am on cloud nine.
New Class Claimed: Akashic Qi Master (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class): Current Class bonuses: Bronze Qi Manipulation, Golden Qi Movement, Bronze Qi Fighting, Divine Qi Cultivation, Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation. Class Bonuses: +2 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +2 Endurance, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower per level.
Apparently my second simulacrum had finally speed read her way through the pile of books I provided and managed to unlock my third class. And well, it was pretty amazing, if I was saying so myself. No clue what the gold and bronze medals for my skills meant, but they sounded cool. ¡°YES!¡± I shouted in excitement, as I got an amazing class right from the start. One that was no doubt empowered by my Legendary Bloodline and the six draconic blessings I had just received and were still active within me. Then I got the next message, letting me know that this class might have been a set up.
World Announcement: The First Qi Cultivator Reemerges: The vaunted class of Qi cultivators has now been made into a playable class. Go seek the hidden master and find their secrets to unlock the new class and field of study.
¡°Yuck.¡± I say, realizing that I will likely have people seeking me out to train them in this odd class that I just got. Suddenly the message of the class made sense. Also, it partly explained why I didn¡¯t have a title associated with my class, as that would imply that I was a class trainer for my class, which cannot be transferred to anyone else. Still, there is some type of chicanery going on here. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s just go.¡± I say to Mallory taking off as I am ready to puzzle out what is going on. There is just so much, clearly I am meant to take this Qi master class outside of this tower, something that is especially obvious with the world message of me being a Qi Teacher, and the suddenly found five dragon eggs by my simulacrum, that just so happened to have appeared right now. ¡°You, okay?¡± Mallory asks. At that, I want to complain, but then realize that, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± And I don¡¯t, there is just too much that is going on all at once. Then I get the final message that causes me to pause mid-flap, causing Mallory to crash into me. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Mallory asks, grabbing onto me, as I just kind of float away from the random contact. I want to respond, yes, but I end up shaking my head no, as I am met with my last puzzling system message for the day.
Congratulations: Your lineage of the Esoteric Arcanist Elves has been continued by your child: Jackie (Cruise), would you like for them to take on your last name of Spiritlight?
And just like that, I felt my mind shatter as my daughter was here, with me, and just like the first time when she was born, I realized I was completely unprepared for this. Grabbing hold of Mallory, I state the first thing that comes to mind with this news. ¡°I don¡¯t even have my degree yet.¡± Chapter 116 Becoming A Progenitor Chapter 116 Becoming A Progenitor Impatient. If I had to sum up all my boiling emotions into one word, it would have to be impatience. I was going too slowly, Mallory was going too slowly, the whole world was going too slowly. I needed to go faster, my daughter, my beloved daughter was here, or soon to be.
Bestowing a name: You have opted to bestow your biological daughter (Jackie Cruise) with your last name, Spiritlight. Since this is the first child you have had enter the world, and the first child you have bestowed your last name to, your daughter has an 80% chance of gaining your full Legendary Bloodline awoken in them at the start of character creation. Should the bloodline not fully manifest, then the Royal variant of your bloodline would take hold over her body. Would you like to see the result?
At that question, I paused, realizing that the world was seemingly both mocking me and not at the same time. I mean 80% percent is high, four out of five chances would succeed. But to force someone to have a third eye, not just a third eye, but to be physically blind except for use of the third eye, that was cruel. Would Jackie really want that? To be forced to have Angel¡¯s Sight active unless she wanted to be seen as a three eyed freak. Me, I am stuck with it, but for her, that well, that is likely cruel. Not that the Royal bloodline version was any better, all but forcing her down a path of magic. Oh, and of course there is the fact that Jackie would have a harder time with mechanical components due to most corroding away from her. On the bright side, that would likely make being held captive that much harder as she would essentially corrode the basic mechanical locks, but still, who would want that type of life? But what¡¯s done is done. She saw what I went through, she saw what I have, hopefully. Now it is just a matter of seeing what fate had in store for her. Finally, after moments, or rather long seconds of internal debating, I opted for the only answer I could. Mentally, I selected yes.
Roll: 78 of 100.
Seventy-eight, that is good right? A high roll at the very least. But what does it mean? Is that a pass? A fail? So many questions. Then the system rolled out the next lines as if trying to slow roll me.
Critical success.
Target rolled above the intended 20, thus they succeeded in fully awakening your bloodline. Congratulations, your bloodline now has two Legendary wielders of the blood awakened.
Then with that, I got a new system to pop up within my mind.
Bloodline Progenitor Function: You have managed to awaken and spread your bloodline of the Esoteric Arcanist Elven lineage. As the progenitor, you will be allowed to see the status of your family lines, and track for any new deviations to your blood¡¯s purity.
Bloodline Progenitor Page: Esoteric Arcanist Elves
Current Members:
(You) Cassiopeia Spiritlight: Full Blooded Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elf (Upgradable) Daughter: Jackie (Cruise) ¨C Gwendolyn Spiritlight: Full Blooded Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elf (Maxed out). Age: 36.
*Note: Biological children are the only ones who can avoid having to be younger than their biological parents who are already in the game world.
That was interesting, sort of gives me a weird methuselah vibe. There is also the fact that I now have a daughter in the game who will be older than me by over two decades. Kind of odd, but that is a great thing about this world, as they do try to make it a family-oriented affair. I guess this is part, the part of the Progenitor Page, is a bit of the metagame that I can expect at higher levels. This system might make it easier to track the potential offspring of myself and my children. It would also denote who had the bloodline awoken in them, and to what level. Just when I thought major bombshells like that were done for the day, and I could once again focus on finishing up my last few tasks here in the tower, I was met with another pressing system message.
Congratulations: Your lineage of the Esoteric Arcanist Elves has been continued by your child: Robert Cruise, would you like for them to take on your last name of Spiritlight?
¡°Always chasing after your sister.¡± I find myself muttering. It is clearly apparent that they were both likely encouraged to join the game world to get my unique bloodline activated within them. I want to chastise Robert, but then realize that if I chastised him, then I would have to also chastise Jackie as well. Clearly, they didn¡¯t put as much time into this as I did, but then again starting off with a Legendary bloodline would mean they wouldn¡¯t need to try so hard, thus they wouldn¡¯t need as many advantages as I took. I also hope that Robert¡¯s external problems won¡¯t follow him into this world, that or if they do, then they will be easily handled. Still, despite everything, I can¡¯t help but realize that supporting him, with my name at least, is something that I will likely need to do. Taking a deep sigh, I mentally select yes. Once again, I feel that I am bestowing my power and my blessing onto Robert as I am now giving him my last name.
Bestowing a name: You have opted to bestow your biological son (Robert Cruise Jr.) with your last name, Spiritlight. Since this is the second child you have had enter the world, and the second child you bestowed your last name to, your son has a 60% chance of gaining your full Legendary Bloodline awoken in them at the start of character creation. Should the bloodline not fully manifest, then the Royal variant of your bloodline would take hold over his body. Would you like to see the result?
That is a huge drop off, 80% for Jackie and then only 60% for Rob, but that is still pretty good odds of being something great. For a moment I wonder if just opening my progenitor page will show me the results, or if that will somehow lower the odds of his success. I don¡¯t think magic is for Robert, as I don¡¯t believe he has the temperament for it, that said, the skills that he would have access to from our bloodline would make him invaluable almost anywhere. But still, I can¡¯t help but hope he both succeeds and doesn¡¯t. I don¡¯t think Rob has the patience to use his mind to examine the world through Angel¡¯s Sight. I also realize that I have all but cursed my offspring to be unable to read, should they awaken Angel¡¯s Sight above the fifth level, as that would mean even their third eye would be blind, just like mine is, had I thought about it, Blind Eidetic Speed Reading would have been an invaluable skill to make part of my lineage. Still, they should be able to read with their third eye, though that might be mostly concerning for people at first. At this point, I once again am reminded at how much this world seemingly hates me. Now, I realize it is even worse, as not only am I an obvious freak, but so are my kids. Finally, unable to take it, I mentally select yes. Then just like last time I see the effect of Robert¡¯s roll.
Roll: 75 of 100.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Just like all things, Robert comes up just a little short of his twin sister.
Critical success.
Target rolled above the intended 40, thus they succeeded in fully awakening your bloodline. Congratulations, your bloodline now has three Legendary wielders of the blood awakened.
Bloodline Progenitor Function (Updated): You have a newly awakened member of your bloodline, would you like to see the changes to your bloodline?
Of course, with this new change, I was more than ready to see the changes that were made.
Bloodline Progenitor Page: Esoteric Arcanist Elves
Current Members:
(You) Cassiopeia Spiritlight: Full Blooded Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elf (Upgradable) Daughter: Jackie (Cruise) ¨C Gwendolyn Spiritlight: Full Blooded Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elf (Maxed out). Age: 36. Son: Robert Cruise Jr. ¨C Trenton Spiritlight: Full Blooded Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elf (Maxed out). Age: 36.
Seeing the addition, I couldn¡¯t help but comment on the fact that they both look like twins with this, especially with their odd choice of ages. I almost thought they were trying to mock me by choosing an age that was nearly three times my own current age. It takes me a moment, before I realize that the whole intention of opening up the bloodline and choosing the age of 36, was so that they could have children that automatically start off at the age of 18, or consent in this world. The weird part of this is, that I expected it from Jackie, I mean a few of my conversations with Mallory were exactly about this very subject. Mallory had a cherished granddaughter who I knew was helping Jackie and my grandchildren currently. That one I fully supported and endorsed. So, seeing the fact that Jackie did this willingly is no real concern, as I both approve of the relationship and fully endorse it. Whereas I can¡¯t help but feel both put out by Rob¡¯s antics and think of myself as a hypocrite for wanting to chastise Rob for doing the same thing that his sister was doing. I want to say that the reason is because I knew about it, but neither Jackie nor Rob told me about this. The only reason I was aware of Jackie was because of my many conversations with Mallory. I guess in a way this was why I was given this progenitor tab, so I could track and see these changes. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory asks, her voice pulling me out of the seemingly endless spiral I was in. ¡°Yeah, just thinking.¡± I said, still feeling somewhat guilty over not trusting Rob to do the right thing, and possibly trading away my bloodline and hard work to pay for gambling debts he no doubt accrued in the real world. Then I even chastise myself for that thought, as that is not entirely fair. In the seven years that I have been away, he could have cleaned up his life and found the purpose I always hoped for him. The purpose he seemed to loose when his dead beat of a father left him with nothing more than his name to remember him by. ¡°About your daughter?¡± ¡°Children actually.¡± ¡°Ch, children?¡± ¡°Surprise its twins, apparently.¡± I say, putting on a mock satire of excitement. ¡°Twins? As in two?¡± ¡°That is what twins means, yes.¡± ¡°But, how? Why?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Well, when you have an egg and it splits apart at the time of inception¡­¡± I begin but am quickly shaken by Mallory. ¡°That is not what I meant, and you know it.¡± Mallory begins, but then I see the pulse of her mana quickly burning itself out. Zzt. Then seeing her mana quickly burn internally, I realize that her flight is going to be cancelled here shortly, as her wings begin to phase out of reality. Not even thinking about it, I reach out and Telekinetically grab Mallory, just before she begins to plummet completely to the ground. ¡°Ahh!¡± Mallory begins, and kicks her feet, realizing that her class spell is coming to an end, not quite realizing that I already have her securely in place. With that Mallory pauses her flailing for a second, then turns to me in disbelief. ¡°Wait, you are saying you could have done this all along?¡± I blink, trying to understand what she means. It takes a second, as I realize that I was thinking about my kids and trying to imagine how long it would be before I started having grandchildren, I was guessing not too long with how old my kids chose to be. ¡°What? Oh, holding you up, yeah. Not like this is the first time I have used Telekinesis to grab you and keep you from falling.¡± I add. ¡°It is the first time you used it to keep me from falling while in midflight.¡± I pause and think about her statement, but then realize she is right. ¡°Yeah, this is the first time you didn¡¯t get to a ledge before your internal energy ran out.¡± I say nodding my head and agreeing with her assessment. ¡°You were just okay with having me fly up after you, and then making it so we rested every five minutes?¡± ¡°Every five and a third minutes.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Technically you can fly for three hundred and twenty seconds at full mana. Thus, five and a third minutes.¡± I state. ¡°You counted how long I could fly?¡± ¡°Had to, didn¡¯t want you doing the princess drop, like you just did.¡± ¡°The princess drop?¡± ¡°You know, like you just did. You fall then cry out, ¡®save me, my hero,¡¯ like you were a princess from a story.¡± I state. ¡°So that would make you the hero, in this little story of yours?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Clearly.¡± I state, then put my fists on my hips and do a super pose with my head to the right staring off in the distance. ¡°My hero, does that mean I have to give you a kiss now, or after we land.¡± Mallory says, clearly teasing me. ¡°Ugh, I am way too young for you.¡± I state, then take off, making sure to carry her with my Telekinetic grip. ¡°So, you aren¡¯t saying no. You are just saying that I need to wait for you?¡± She asks teasingly. Hearing that, I just shake my head, not wanting to play her game. I am too flustered with so many things going on. I have a lot of things that I want to do. I want to create a permanent cure to the Blight, at least for the great tree Yggdraspirit. I am close, at least I think I am close to coming up with a cure, a sort of self-perpetuating antibody that would fight the Blight, while not being truly poisonous to the tree itself. The only problem is that I would need time to experiment. While I likely have bought some time with my constant stopping and cleansing each branch we land on of the Blight, I can¡¯t help but feel that this was not enough. Also, it is clear that I am getting a lot of random quests suddenly to go to the main game world, which should ruin my progress here, making it so that once I get to floor 200, that will be it, I will be on my last floor and after I leave, I will only be able to get to floor 250, but there will only be an exploration bonus for reaching that floor. At that thought I pause, trying to understand why I haven¡¯t gotten the floor exploration bonuses thus far. I mean floor fifty, I get, as that was clearly discovered by others. But floors 100 and 150 I should have gotten a bonus for discovering first, right? Then I remember something, both times I was with Mallory. Looking back to Mallory who is being held in my Telekinetic grip, I decide to ask. ¡°Mallory, did you get an exploration bonus for discovering floors 100 and 150?¡± I ask, trying to keep my bubbling emotions from my words. ¡°Of course I did, didn¡¯t you?¡± Mallory asked. Hearing that, I grit my teeth and suddenly curse myself for being short. I bet that is it, in the impromptu elevator going past floors 100 and 150 I remember having been seated while we hurdled upwards. Mallory of course was standing at her full height, and thus likely got the discovery bonus for reaching the floor first. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡± I responded back trying not to grit my teeth but finding it nearly impossible not to at the moment. I went and found a secret tunnel and Mallory reaped the rewards for discovering the floors first. Granted, I was second and got my Master¡¯s degree and first Doctorate degree from the actions, but still I am curious as to what I could have gotten as a reward for being the first to discover those capstone floors. This time I made a vow to reach floor 200 first, to get the floor exploration bonus. Wondering how much of a difference getting to the floor first would make, I decided to ask. ¡°Did you level from discovering the floors?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah. Sure did both times¡­¡± Mallory states. Then just like that a wave of jealousy rolls through me, until I realize the words, she said next. ¡°Honestly, when I am with you, I level up so often from just doing things and exploring that I didn¡¯t know such things were possible. I mean since I have met you, I have gained over seven levels, something that I thought was impossible to accomplish anymore.¡± Mallory stated. Hearing that, and the joy she had in her words, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit of the fire within me die down. ¡°Seven levels?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, one and some change from you just curing me of the Blight. Then different levels from all these different quests that you somehow complete in miraculous ways. Honestly, after all this success, I don¡¯t think I could ever go back to monster grinding again. At my level I would look at slaying monsters for months, and still not come close to this level of success. Also, with the fact that my guild is now a maxed-out recycling guild, and thus neutral to creatures and monsters that would normally find us repulsive. As such our ventures into herbalism, and horticultural research has increased astronomically. Honestly, you are amazing, and I can¡¯t wait to see what you do next.¡± Mallory states. ¡°I¡¯m detecting a but, in that comment.¡± I say, trying to see if Mallory is in fact hiding something. Hearing that, Mallory lets out a slight smile, and then states. ¡°No buts, I am just trying to make sure to wrap you up into my guild before someone else gets their grubby little mitts on you.¡± Mallory states. Hearing that, I can¡¯t help but think that I really appreciate everything that Mallory has also done for me as well. I mean she carried me through twenty floors, literally carried my passed out body through twenty floors. Then she made it so I never had to worry about threats while completing quests. Granted she apparently also got the same quest completions, but still I was only able to act as I did thanks to her. Also, with her guild taking away my trash, I am still going to get tons of experience. With that, I stop myself. Just above me, if I flap my wings once more, I know I will reach floor 200 of the Arcanarus tower and not only complete my personal quest, but also get the discovery bonus. A discovery bonus that would likely mean a level and a half for me. The same level and a half exploration bonus would also be applied to Mallory, who has a lot harder time gaining levels than I do. Stopping myself from flying up, I lift Mallory with my Telekinetic grip and hurl her above me. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Mallory shouts as she hurls past me. Then as she gets up, I see the golden hue of level up energy filling her and spreading out like golden glitter into the air around her. Seeing that she got the exploration bonus experience for being the first to access the two hundredth floor of the tower, I smiled to myself. Then flapping my wings, I fly up the last few feet and get the message that I had been striving for as well.
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (IV): You have earned your goal of getting a Surgical Doctoral degree from Arcanarus University¡­
Chapter 117 No Rain Chapter 117 No Rain The second I crossed the plane that separated the 199th floor from the 200th floor, I was filled with a flood of energy. Then I felt the now familiar sensation of gaining a lot of ambient energy all at once. The type of energy that only comes from being rewarded by experiencing new feats or reaching major milestones. For me, since I was the original person who discovered and entered the Arcanaraus tower, I have been both blessed and cursed to constantly be rewarded for reaching certain level caps. The blessings come in the fact that the entire world is designed for the initial person who dared to enter into the tower, the person who dared to push the boundaries of the known and venture into the unknown. In my case, I made the first ever spirit zone. Now, with my reaching the two hundredth floor, the new maximum that others can reach after me is floor 250, a full fifty levels higher than I managed to make it. In this time, I have seen so many things, experienced so many amazing moments that the second I got here, I felt those moments burst into life. Each floor was a lesson to learn, if I just listened closely to what the world was telling me. I came here with the solemn desire to learn about magic, and I have managed to do that and so much. In a burst, my mind sees everything, from the initial train ride to the mage¡¯s guild on the second floor. To my first healing people of the Blight. To my meeting with Mallory as what seemed like a chance encounter, but now I could not imagine this world without seeing her at least occasionally. Then there was my first gambling hall victory, where I was cheated. Then a smile rises to my lips as I was once again cheated from possibly winning my second tournament, but that turned out to be the biggest victory for me, as I ended up stealing over ten million in gold and experience vials. Then there was the way that a chance bag made it so I could begin the process of awakening my Legendary bloodline. Though now I have my doubts of just how random everything truly was. The way the tower was designed to teach me the next lesson in magic, showing me slowly what was required, so that by the time I reached the capstone I had already done and met the minimum qualifications to actually perform the tasks that I got a soul bound degree for. Then there was the all time greatest emotion just now where both my kids have come and both awakened my own bloodline within themselves. I see all of that, then before I can get to the doubts, to the bad parts. To the things that I still would wish to learn from here, my thoughts are cut off by the system message, letting me know what happened.
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (IV): You have earned a Surgical Doctoral degree from Arcanarus University. You have successfully reached the two hundredth floor, without ever having left the tower. Reward: Experience, Doctoral Degree of Surgery from Arcanarus University: Magical Enchantment Surgery, Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV), Increased Magical Potency, Others. Floors completed (200/200).
Experience Gained: 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000.
Seeing the breakdown of experience, I was truly happy. This breakdown meant that my Second Simulacrum upon choosing the third class for me, made it so that I split the remaining fifty percent of my experience evenly between the two classes. This was perfect as 25,000 experience is a lot of experience to gain, especially for the lower levels. There was a pause, a slight calm before the storm. Then the full effect of the sudden changes hit me all at once.
Ding. Level up. Your Class Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 22. Your Class Ethereal Simulacrum Masters has increased to level 146. Your Class Ethereal Healer has increased to level 150.
Twenty-seven levels, all at once from this discovery. Twenty-seven levels that were all improved by my now doubled Attributes from my Legendary Bloodline, and recent enhancements to my three classes. With the bonuses from my newest class, my Akashic Qi Master, and its ridiculous bonuses to physical attributes, I can finally state with confidence that all of my Attributes are now above the 100-point threshold.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 61 61 Personality 79 225 Perception 133 374
Dexterity 95 220 Sociability 76 229 Intelligence 136 501
Endurance 89 69 Attractiveness 63 401 Willpower 121 745
Having gained so many levels so quickly in a Unique class meant that I also received the Perk and Skill bonus for reaching levels five and ten so quickly. For the level five Akashic Qi Master class perk I chose the following, or rather had this predetermined to be what the system gave me, unless I disliked the end result.
Class Perk Unlocked: Boundless Cultivation: You have been blessed with a supreme talent for cultivating that knows no bounds. As such, you can cultivate Qi energy at an astronomical rate. Effect: +50% to Divine Qi Cultivation, + 50% to Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation.
For reaching my level ten threshold in Akashic Qi Master, I was presented with a seemingly predetermined class skill.
New Class Skill Gained: Divine Qi Energy Observation has reached level 1.
Class Skill Divine Qi Energy Observation is a Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
The skills were impressive and something that would clearly help out the development of the class going forward. With the new class abilities and my new physical capabilities coming alive, I felt a surge of energy swell through me, as I prepared for what my new life would be like, now that I was effectively going to be David Carradine, or maybe more like the shaolin monks who trained him. This change alone was amazing, as I could see the world burst to life with new colors flaring about all around, showing me that Qi was always a part of everything, I just failed to fully notice its effects until now. While I had felt myself becoming more and more sensitive to Qi energy, particularly where my third eye was concerned. I was only able to view it up close, with my eye open. This new skill seemed to be a way to help me hide my flaw better, while also improving all three of my mental Attributes, something I was greatly appreciative of. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. That new sensations of being able to see and detect new forms of energy was amazing, but that of course wasn¡¯t everything that was awarded to me, as the next thing I felt was the fact that four great schools of magic were growing inside me.
Spirit Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII. Nature Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII. Life Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII. Light Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII. Holy Magic School Resonance Increased to Tier XIII.
I even made a mental note as to how much my internal core was expanding to compensate for the new power thresholds that I was now capable of. With this, I felt that I could easily break through a few barriers of magic that were holding me back all this time. But before I could get too far into that thought process, still more rewards came to me.
Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV): Magical Enchantment Surgeon: The most promising Surgical Doctoral Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +40 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy and learning rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
New Skill Gained: Ethereal Energy Circulation theory has reached level 1.
Skill Ethereal Energy Circulation theory is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower based skill.
New Skill Gained: Ethereal Energy Resonance theory has reached level 1.
Skill Ethereal Energy Resonance theory is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
That was a first, as it was the first time a Title gave me skills, let alone skills that were that powerful. I couldn¡¯t help but think that this was setting me up in some way for a great fall.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Surgical Doctoral Degree: Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s Doctoral program of knowledge, with a surgical degree focusing on Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of ethereal energy anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy and growth rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Honestly, seeing the rewards for the new Title and the Soul Bound degree, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that I had jumped the gun into a whole new realm of discovery. While I was just beginning to scratch the surface for what Qi energy was, I had a feeling that Ethereal energy was at least one or two more trips beyond that point. Maybe if I got to floor five hundred of this spirit tower, I would have been able to understand the full breath and scope of these two new skills that were all but thrust upon me. Yet, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that the tower was pushing me out. This sentiment was further reinforced when I didn¡¯t feel the slight tug on my heart and soul, when I would feel my mind and soul being asked what I would want for the next reward for reaching the newly opened floor 250. Instead, what I got was probably the oddest quest prompt ever.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (V): (Temporarily Paused): You have met a crossroads in your life where you have chosen the road of family obligations over your own self enlightenment. Requirements, keep two of your Simulacrum within the tower, constantly learning and reading. If you wish to one day come back you will need to make a commitment via your Simulacrum: One Simulacrum will remain on floor 2, at the Mage¡¯s Guild Hall. The second will be on floor 200, at the Great Nexus Library. (Conditions met 1 of 2). Rewards: Current Quest progress held until you return to resume your tower climb (200 / 250).
Seeing the quest update, one that basically gave me an out to one day return to my climb of this great tower, I felt relieved. Collapsing to the ground, I couldn¡¯t help but feel tears form on my face. They were thick mana tears, but I didn¡¯t care. This meant that I still had a chance to do so many great and wonderful things here. Like try to understand what ethereal energy truly was, or why it was suddenly being thrust upon me, even though it was clear I was not there. I mean, I could see it, but it was clear that I would be off from understanding ethereal energy until I at least understood Qi, and that was only a shot at saying that there was still a lot about mana that I was trying to learn. I also realized that this was great as it gave me more time to try to work out a permanent solution to the Blight, at least the Yggdraspirit tree version, as I wanted that Trait. Well, honestly the trait would be a great bonus, but what I really wanted was to know I could solve any problem. I know the system, the rules that guide this world would not put a challenge before me that I was not capable of eventually understanding, but unfortunately, I could not comprehend the process now. So far, all my attempts to create a cell are wrong, as I think I am not able to see deeply enough into the cells to see how the genomes are aligned, nor the odd energy structures that make up cells. I do see Qi in the cells, and a bit of mana in the exterior parts of the cell, but so far, any attempts to go deeper have either destroyed the cell, violently, or resulted in the cell turning poisonous. If I had to guess, I would say that the center of the cells, right where the ribosomes are, that is where I might find the form of energy closest to ethereal energy possible, but that is just me speculating. Right now, I have nothing, other than broken cells and slightly corroded limbs from my attempts, but I am getting there. Or at least I will get there, eventually, and with this break I might get the perspective I need. I mean, it¡¯s just my kids, right? Having them and trying to look after them is easy, and I¡¯ll have plenty of time to continue my studies, right? Yeah, it sounds lame even to me. But I will come back to this place, as there is still so much more left to explore and discover. And as long as my Simulacrums are here and able to read and mostly stay out of trouble, I should be freed up to explore the outside world. Also, with both Simulacrums here, I should be able to get both of my Simulacrums to gain experience for me while I lounge around. Wait, my second Simulacrum will need to be in a library, meaning that there will be books. Meaning that once again, I am getting hosed in this deal. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory asks, fear evident in her tone. At that, I realize that I am still crying from the emotion of knowing that I will be able to come back, and best of all keep my pacing. ¡°Yes, actually just relieved, as the tower is all but forcing me to leave here. Well, I can leave here and come back at any time to resume my progress, so long as I leave one of my Simulacrum on this floor in a place called the Great Nexus Library.¡± I state, realizing that there are still some steps left to perform. ¡°Is that it, then you can come back home with me?¡± Mallory asks, a desperate note of excitement filling her voice. At that, I realized that she too has missed her family, while she has been here with me. Hearing the cheer in her voice, I can¡¯t help but internally grimace as I realize just how much she gave up staying here with me. Granted she said that her family had all but abandoned her, but that didn¡¯t mean that she didn¡¯t miss them, or other activities that could only be performed outside of this tower. I mean she owns an empire after all, one that has far reaching effects even outside this world. Then I realize the other part of her statement, the fact that she wants me to come home with her. And suddenly I am hit by another wave of emotions as I realize that aside from a few guild halls that took me in over the years, I have never truly had a place to call home. Granted my Broke flaw made owning a place a nightmare, the one time I did, it burnt down and the insurance wouldn¡¯t fix the damages. In fact, I was left with not only the repair bill, but also a fee to pay the fire fighters who came, only after the hovel was burnt down to cinders. But with Mallory owning everything, I could bypass that part of the flaw, as I wouldn¡¯t own the place with a bed. I would just stay there at my good friend¡¯s behest. Realizing that I could fully take advantage of this loophole, of not owning but being offered the use of amazing items that had to remain stationary, I grew even more excited about the prospects of going with Mallory. Who knew the concept of a bed with sheets and a blanket would be the item I would cherish most from being able to leave this tower without any lingering guilt on my conscience. Especially with the fact that I could go, and then with my second simulacrum stuck on the 200th floor, I would be able to do a Positional Switch with them, and immediately continue my ascent upwards at any time. ¡°Yes, lets find this library, and then go home.¡± I say, almost bursting up with excitement at the idea of finally being able to stretch out and roll around in a giant overstuffed bed that would eat me up like I was the toasted to perfection marshmallow in a perfectly cooked smore. *** In all it only took us a few minutes to find the Great Nexus Library. One would expect that getting in would have been tough, particularly with an odd quest like:
Hidden Quest Found: Gain Access to the Grand Nexus Library: You have found the Grand Nexus Library, one of the largest repositories of books in the world. The library is run by a cult of fanatical book Faeries and Sprites. You need to gain their respect and allow them to grant you entry into their great library: Reward: Repeatable Quest: Read a book from the Grand Nexus Library.
That was the only reward, the fact that I would then gain a chain repeatable quest that would allow me to gain experience from forcing my Second Simulacrum to come here and read until I returned. The plan was perfect, we would go, offer to heal a few of the Blight infested Faeries and Sprites and gain access to the library. There were of course a few factors that were not taken into consideration, when we first thought about how difficult this quest would be, or rather, how undifficult, is that even a word? How ridiculously easy it would be. Deep Giggling. ¡°Oh, come on Cass, don¡¯t look so glum. You are so cute right now.¡± Mallory says, her face smiling in that mocking way that only good friends can get away with. In this case, I can¡¯t really blame her, as I would likely do the same if our roles were reversed, but unfortunately, they are not. ¡°For she has come back to us, For she has to be one of us¡­¡± Spinning. The world is spinning and I would gladly vomit on the people making my world spin right now, if I ever ate actual food. Sprites and Faeries both are singing in high pitched melodic tunes that have parts that shouldn¡¯t go together, but somehow do. See apparently this quest was supposed to be nearly impossible, as I was to gain maximum reputation with the Faeries and Sprites. But one look at me and my maxed-out Nature¡¯s Friend (X) title, and my Pegicorn¡¯s Blessing, along with a few healing spells and boom, next thing I know, I am queen of the faeries. Spinning, spinning. High pitched singing. ¡°For there are no¡­¡± High pitched melodic singing fills my mind, and causes my inner ear to vibrate wildly. ¡°Oh, come on Cass, smile. This is your celebration after all.¡± Mallory states, as she has out a Memory Crystal that she is using to record all these embarrassing antics of the cursed creatures. Spinning, spinning. The world blurs more and more, as I am spun about wildly by these crazy creatures who are surprisingly strong fliers. Then finally the chair stops spinning, all while my mind tries to stop, but still ends up spinning at the same rate of speed. This of course causes a bout of vertigo to rise in me, just as the heavenly matron of the faeries elegantly strides forward, with her golden crown shining with a sheen of radiance. The blinding light from the crown is the last trigger I need, as suddenly my body finds fluid to vomit up. Again, since I don¡¯t eat, I end up vomiting up thick glowing clumps of sparkling mana, all over the queen, her obnoxiously glowing mask, and a few of the royal guards who followed her. There is a pause as suddenly everyone who had been singing delightedly a moment ago stops moving, as everyone turns to see what the queen will do. ¡°Oh shit.¡± Mallory lightly curses behind me. At that moment, I can¡¯t help but agree with her, as this likely just went sideways. Silence. I am about to apologize, but before I can do so, the queen looks down at her glowing mana-vomit covered clothes and then pauses for a second. Then looking up, she smiles and exclaims loudly. ¡°About time!¡± ¡°Huzzah!¡± The rest of the faeries began singing again. It was at this point that I realized that the whole song and dance, and the spinning, was all to get me to vomit mana over the queen and her guards. This was when I decided to never party with faeries or sprites again. ¡°Don¡¯t worry Cass, I got it all recorded, so we can show your kids what you did on your last weekend of freedom.¡± Mallory stated. With that, I just turned to her and was about to say something, but then stopped myself from even shaking my head as that likely would have caused another vomiting fit. This was not how I imagined getting my surgical degree would go. Well, let me rephrase that, I envisioned partying until I vomited, but not quite in this way. Epilogue III Mallory Epilogue III Mallory ¡°Don¡¯t say anything.¡± A visibly angry Cass said, trying to hold back the rage within her body. She was so angry that even the technicolor feathers on her wings were vibrating. Of course, this only added to her cuteness factor. ¡°What, you were just like that cute little bee girl from the video. You know the one where the girl was so lost and then found a nest of fellow bee girls to dance with. Though, in your case it was more spin you around like a record until you vomited.¡± Mallory said, smiling brightly at Cass''s apparent discomfort and embarrassment from vomiting glowing glitter vomit on the faery queen. ¡°Like a record? Wow, those are some dated references.¡± Cass said, with a slightly annoyed huff to her words. ¡°So, are you all done?¡± Mallory finally asked, after a few moments of awkward silence. ¡°Yeah, I should be. My second Simulacrum is set up here to read books until her heart¡¯s content.¡± Cass said, a note of anguish and possible jealousy in her voice. ¡°You got the quest for your Simulacrum reading books?¡± ¡°Yep, a hundred experience per book.¡± Cass said excitedly, ¡°well fifty, twenty-five, and twenty-five, but it all adds up to a fat one hundred.¡± ¡°I dare say you sound excited by that?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I am, my Simulacrum on the second floor only gets ten experience points per book.¡± Cass stated. ¡°Oh wow, that sound dreadful.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± Cass asked. ¡°Think about it, they are basically little versions of you. They know the spells you create and are capable of apparently getting into just as much trouble as you are, which is saying something. Then you are locking them away into two libraries to slowly earn you some levels.¡± Cass said. ¡°I know, I am so jealous of them. They get paid to read. Do you know what I would have done to get such a job in my past life?¡± Cass began, but then switching to a more serious tone, she leaned in and said, ¡°I might have even remarried if I married the right sugar daddy, and their library was big enough, if you know what I mean.¡± ¡°Or Sugar momma?¡± ¡°Yeah, possibly, as long as they were at least fun to talk to.¡± Cass said. ¡°Yes.¡± Mallory said. ¡°What?¡± Cass said, her face suddenly changing as she seemed to notice something in Mallory¡¯s gaze. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. I too just got rewarded with my own completion for temporarily gaining access to the Great Nexus Library.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Yeah, see, I happen to be the proud owner of a new compendium of stories.¡± Mallory said. ¡°Oh, congrats.¡± ¡°Do you want to know what book series it is?¡± ¡°Um, why do you have that cat ate the canary smile?¡± ¡°Because my dear, I just got the ultimate prize.¡± Mallory said, then with a flourish, she produced the two giant compendiums of books, holding one in each hand as if they were sacred twin babies. Then after reading the titles of the books, Cass realized that they were likely more precious than twins.
The Adventures of Rahul and the Maiden Compendium I. Books I ¨C X.
The Adventures of Rahul and the Maiden Compendium II. Books XI ¨C XX.
Seeing the books, Cass¡¯s face dropped as she looked on with pure awe and avarice. ¡°Give me.¡± Cass said, her eyes seeming to glow with unearthly power as it was clear her body was inadvertently calling forth magic. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Not so fast. See, I would give these books to you, but there is a problem.¡± ¡°What problem?¡± Cass said, an ominous tone filling her voice. ¡°Oh, nothing much, other than the fact that each book costs a thousand gold pieces.¡± ¡°A thou, thousand?¡± Cass¡¯s cute little jaw dropped wide open at that revelation. Smiling delightedly to herself. ¡°If you want them, I could still give them to you.¡± Ca-caw. At that large birds began to stir off in the distance. Cass looking out saw the birds for the warning that they were. If she touched the books, they would somehow be destroyed. Pouting. Even when she pouted she was cute. ¡°No, no. My precious books.¡± ¡°Well, I do know a way you could read them.¡± Mallory began. ¡°I can borrow them?¡± ¡°No, I think that might be a bit risky, don¡¯t you think. Wouldn¡¯t it be better if they were placed on a podium where you read them out loud to people?¡± Mallory began. ¡°You want me to Narrate the books for you?¡± ¡°You did say you needed the practice with gaining your new levels in your skills, right?¡± Hearing that, Cass visibly shook from side to side. Even watching her think was a treat for Mallory. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll read them to you.¡± ¡°Oh, that is wonderful darling.¡± Mallory said, then made to hug Cass with the books still in her hands. Thunderclap. As Mallory got close, the courses of nature rang out, letting Mallory know that she was getting close to having an act of Broke judgement unleashed upon her and Cass both. ¡°You should probably put those away.¡± Cass said. ¡°You are right.¡± Mallory said, quickly popping the giant books into her massive spatial storage container. Then she went and hugged her faerie princess. ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t wait to get back.¡± ¡°Yeah, me either.¡± Cass said. Mallory paused, then realizing Cass agreed, she waited and stared at Cass. Her intent was clear, she wanted Cass to be the one who began the long trek back down the tree and outside the tower first. In no way did Mallory want this to be on her. Cass, after a few seconds of pausing, realized Mallory¡¯s thoughts almost immediately. ¡°Right, I guess I should start this off.¡± Hearing that Mallory let out a slight sigh of relief as a smile filled her face. It would be a while before they could get back. Maybe they could go down and meet up with the train tracks that would slowly wind their way up the tower. Given their rapid rate up, the only train tracks would likely begin at floor seventy-five, when they first entered the tree¡¯s roots. Just as Mallory was mentally preparing for a month-long trip, Cass once again did the impossible. With the wave of her hand, a torrent of mana surged out. FWOOM! One second there was just a blank opening, then the next there was a giant rift in space to the foot of Arcanarus Tower, the connection was so clear that off in the distance Mallory could see the booths and buildings set up by the members of her Guild to keep people from pestering Cass''s Simulacrum on the second floor. Seeing the connection, Mallory blinked twice. ¡°You can create portals?¡± ¡°Sort of. I always had the spell Planar Shift that allowed me to go from the real world to the spirit world. Well, a while ago, I realized that I could use it to leave the spirit portion of the tower and exit into the living world portion of this tower.¡± Cass began. Hearing this Mallory began to nod her head as she tried to comprehend everything that was happening. ¡°Wait, you are saying that you could have gone to the living side of this spooky tower the entire time?¡± ¡°Well, yeah, I guess.¡± ¡°And you never thought to tell me?¡± ¡°You never asked.¡± Hearing that Mallory paused, as she realized she truly never asked if there was a non-murdered side to this spooky ghost tower. At first Mallory was about to get angry, but then calmed herself, realizing that this girl, this cute porcelain doll that could easily win a cuteness pageant where she competed against faeries and sprites doesn¡¯t see anything wrong with this world. Shaking her head, Mallory decided to leave, though she did have to wonder about possibly going through this tower once again in the normal, living, mode and if that would then be considered the nightmare mode of this tower? Realizing that unless she wanted to see Cass try just that, she wisely kept her mouth shut and then looked at the portal. ¡°Again, you are certain you don¡¯t have any natural affinity for Spatial Magic?¡± Mallory asked, looking at the craftsmanship of the spell and realizing that it was right now connecting two points in space that were over two hundred floors apart, or roughly two hundred miles distant form each other, like they were nothing. ¡°I mean, I have the level one spell, and of course my Trait that allows me to move within a range. With those two to go off, this wasn¡¯t too hard to figure out.¡± Cass began, then paused as she looked at Mallory who still hadn¡¯t stepped through. ¡°I mean, I could go through first, if that would make you feel better?¡± Suddenly, Mallory saw the crazy genius going through and then sneezing once, losing her concentration, and somehow collapsing this tunnel here on her. Thus, leaving Mallory to have to go back down two hundred floors, many of which she had flown poorly up. ¡°No, no, I¡¯m good. I trust you, completely.¡± Mallory said, as she exited the portal. Whoosh. The world spun around Mallory, as she suddenly felt the deep oppressive aura of the spirit world lift off her, like an unseen flack vest. Just being back in the mortal realm filled her with life and vitality as she sucked in deep lungsful of air. ¡°Madam Mallory, you are back.¡± Gerard said, immediately rushing over to greet Mallory. But before he could get too close, he stopped as he saw something else coming. Then, as would be expected, a system message denoting her arrival was sent out.
World Announcement: The Progenitor of the Legendary Valhalla Bloodline has returned: Rejoice, the Progenitor of the Legendary Valhalla Bloodline has returned to the mortal realm.
Swish. Behind Mallory the portal shimmered to life, as Mallory could feel a second ghostly spirit cross through the portal. Turning, to see if it was in fact an ancient ghost that followed her, she turned to find Cass. Cass who all but radiated deep magical power of both Life Magic, from her aura, and Spirit Magic, which Mallory had to attest that she could now distinguish fully from Death Magic, somehow. That was just part of being with Cass and trying to understand her odd eccentricities. ¡°Whoo, that was a lot smoother than I thought it would be.¡± Cass said, dusting off some imaginary dust from her otherwise beautiful features. Somewhere in the brief time that she was gone, the girl had dissolved her wings, leaving just her normal amazing beauty to be seen. ¡°Is that?¡± Gerard began but was cut off as for a moment the world seemed to stop for a moment, as a string of system messages appeared.
World Announcement: The First Curer of the Blight has descended. Rejoice, the legendary healer of the Blight has descended from the spirit realm and re-entered the mortal realm.
World Announcement: The Progenitor of the Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elven Bloodline has returned. Rejoice, the Progenitor of the Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elven Bloodline has returned to the mortal realm.
World Announcement: The First Magical Enchantment Surgeon has returned. Rejoice, the first Magical Enchantment Surgeon has returned to the mortal realm.
World Announcement: The First Qi Cultivator has emerged into the mortal realm.
Seeing the messages, Cass as usual was the first to react, ¡°what the¡­¡± Prologue IV Prologue IV ¡°Three months have passed since the arrival of the person many are calling the great sage of energy, emerged from the recently converted Arcanarus Tower, and alerted the world of their recent accomplishments. Among those, in case you missed, was the curing of the Blight, which we are all no doubt now aware of. But also, the fact that Cassiopeia Spiritlight was also the progenitor of their own legendary bloodline, they were certified to perform Magical Enchantment Surgery, and finally what many viewers and participants have been wanting for such a long time, Qi, or martial energies.¡± The announcer for the Biprism channel spoke. While other channels often overpowered the tiny channel, in recent weeks the emergence of new data related to cures for cancer from the parent company of Biprism has prompted the gaming world into a new light. Additionally, their recent announcement of body enhancement training programs has also become a big hit. ¡°Yes, so three months¡¯ time have passed, but up until now no one knew where the prodigy of magic was, nor her sponsor Mallory Redgrave and her whole guild of employees the Midnight Hunters. But we have an exclusive for you. Tonight, we will reveal their final location, and it is a place no one has ever seen in the game.¡± There was a slight pause as the announcer took a second to compose themselves before visibly calming himself before continuing to go on. ¡°You see, we have done our research. We have all seen the fact that the guild members, many of whom were highly influential and focused more of physical assets than anything, recently sold everything they owned. We are talking factories, laboratories, large swaths of rail yards, you name it and it was sold by the founding members of the Midnight Hunters, a guild that Cassiopeia herself joined upon exiting the Arcanarus Tower.¡± ¡°But what might have been hard to tell was where Cassiopeia went. For all we saw was her facing west, off in a particular direction from the edge of what remains of the Dorenboro empire. From there we saw her using her Teleportation to the now deserted capitol of the former Tigris empire. From there things get a little hazy as she followed the train tracks to there, but once there, she turned slightly and began heading even further west.¡± As the announcer spoke, a detailed screen of her movements and constant Teleportation jumps in the desert were shown. Then overtop there was an approximate map that was used to show her location. After the last part, the map of the known world of Biprism disappeared, showing Cass moving into what was effectively uncharted territory. ¡°Where is this? Where could she have gone? Well, we have done the math, and from what we can tell, she went past all known civilizations, even those that were claimed by the Blight. From there, she continued going west, for over a hundred miles past all known civilizations. From there she spent a day searching northwest, where she finally stopped once she found an old elven structure that looked like it had been completely covered by sand and lost to time.¡± The announcer stated, then paused for dramatic effect, before continuing. ¡°Well, fortunately for you Cassiopeia Spiritlight apparently had a plan, where she used a simple storm summoning spell to begin to wash away the desert sands that covered the nearly covered city. As time went on, we saw more and more buildings begin to emerge from the rubble and debris of time. Then finally we saw this.¡± As he spoke, the camera panned into a building with odd runic scripture written on one of the buildings. ¡°That my friends, is the game¡¯s ancient high elven script for Library.¡± The announcer said. ¡°Yes, even in the desert our famous bibliophile will stop to uncover a good book. No, but seriously, this got us thinking. How did Ms., I mean Dr. Spiritlight even know there was a building out here to begin with? Why did she come out here? And well as promised, we found the answer. Or at least what we think to be the answer. See this all goes back to Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s time at the actual Arcanarus University, there we saw her interact with one Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri. This was the first mage that taught Dr. Spiritlight a Tier VII spell, if you will recall. This is the same spell we believe she began casting here to cause cleansing rains to wash away the dust and debris from this clearly hidden city in the middle of nowhere. Coincidence? Well, we thought so too, at first.¡± Behind the announcer, the images of Cass casting spells and growing new plants and resources inside the city proper began appearing. Aided by her powerful magic, the plants that grew not only managed to grow in the harsh desert environment but thrived. The plants even seemed to aggressively move into the desert regions, actively seeming to have a will to fight against the desert itself. Then the more the plants grew, the more the dirt and debris was gradually washed away by the different spells being cast by Cass. Once in a while a few roaming Blighted creatures would roam into her domain, only to be healed and then set free. Of course, the animals at first were forced to remain within the cleared section of the city, but soon that area they felt safe to move around in expanded, as did the size of the city that was being uncovered. ¡°You see it wasn¡¯t until we found this building.¡± The Announcer says, highlighting one building that was clearly an important building for the original city¡¯s structure. Judging by its size, shape, and grandeur, it was clearly a capitol building of some kind. ¡°As you can see here, there is more of the runic script.¡± The sign appeared, and then an auto translate feature ran on the screen changing the script from elven to English, at which time the name Deolar Capitol Building was clearly presented. ¡°See, I told you we would tell you where she was. This is Deolar, the land of her first ghost friend Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri. What does this mean? Well, it means that people now know where she lives as Midnight Hunter Airships have recently begun to appear in the sky, dropping off supplies and residents alike now that plants that grow and can sustain food are present.¡± At this, the image changes to Cass pulling out a single communication sphere that she used to talk to Mallory with. Then did a quick turn about the reclaimed land, going so far as to show the healthy animals in place. Then left the beacon open and pulsing for anyone to find. ¡°Also, in case anyone missed the message, the Midnight Hunters have begun recruiting people for two key positions, Magic users wishing to advance their careers can apply, and also anyone interested in finally utilizing Qi can apply at the few remaining Midnight Hunter guild posts that have remained behind in a few major cities. Oh, and additionally, the guild offers to take anyone suffering from the Blight to get healed, free of charge, so long as spaces are available.¡± A slight pause. ¡°What does this mean? Well for one, it seems that the Midnight Hunters have gone full in on Cass, using their Guild¡¯s Unclaimed Land Acquisition Charter to claim the land that Dr. Spiritlight has so diligently begun to clear. Also, with them claiming land so far removed from all known civilizations, their direction of travel is also a closely guarded secret. We will keep you updated as we find out more about this emerging storyline.¡± With that the news bulletin ended. Cass''s Character sheet at the end of book 3.
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Cassiopeia Spiritlight
Age: 13
Race (Arcanist Elf): Emerald Eyed Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elf (Progenitor)
Primary Class: Ethereal Healer (Unique)
Secondary Class Ethereal Simulacrum Masters (Unique)
Tertiary Class Akashic Qi Master (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
level: 150 / 146 / 22
Race (Bonus Per Level): +2 Appearance, +2 Perception, +2 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower every level.
Ethereal Healer: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower every level.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +1 Willpower every level.
Akashic Qi Master +2 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +2 Endurance, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower every level.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 61 61 Personality 79 225 Perception 133 374
Dexterity 95 220 Sociability 76 229 Intelligence 136 501
Endurance 89 69 Attractiveness 63 401 Willpower 121 745
Titles Gained Bonuses
Early Awakening, Early Class Both Titles were combined to increase Spirit Tier mastery from starting maximum of Tier VII to Tier VIII
Surname: Spiritlight Gain an automatic 10% boost in all social interactions with spirits. Spirits start off as neutral.
Love Guru Truly one worth emulating, when it comes to the art of love and its best practices. +5 Appearance, +10 Personality, +10 Sociability, +7% Luck, +20% Bonus to Avoiding Conflict, +25% chance to help others find a soul mate, +30% Chance to Seduction based skills and attempts.
Arcanarus University Graduate (III) One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +30 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +300% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Void Healer Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Void Healer class. Rewards: Can dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Simulacrum Master Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Simulacrum Master class. Rewards: Cand dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Magical Duelist: You are developing a reputation for being a winner of magical duels, this both makes you stand out more, while offering some benefits. Effect: +5% to all Magical Dueling Skills, +5% to all Social Attributes when you are recognized for your feats.
Nature¡¯s Friend (X): You have helped cleaned up over one hundred thousand pounds of trash, and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 50% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Pegicorn''s Blessing You have been blessed by the last pegicorn and are now officially recognized as a legendary healer of nature and spirit creatures alike. You are 25% more resistant to the blight and 25% more capable of healing the blight.
Luminescence You have managed to make the world a brighter place. Any zone you go into will be treated as completely bright to you and your allies.
Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor) As a Legendary member of the Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline you have unlocked the following bonuses: +25 Skill Levels and +50% comprehension speed towards the following skills: Spell Theory, Magical Theory, Magical Manipulation, Quick Casting, Dual Casting, Mana Circulation, Danger Sense, Master Enchanting, Gear Infusion, and Energy Resonance Alteration. Note: As the Progenitor, all bonuses are further increased by an additional 50%.
Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV): Magical Enchantment Surgeon The most promising Surgical Doctoral Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +40 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy and learning rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Skills
Alertness: (Perception)
Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence)
Daggers (Dexterity)
Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower)
Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower)
Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence)
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower)
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance)
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception)
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Mental Resistance (Willpower)
Free Falling (Dexterity)
Applied Physics (Intelligence)
Trap Detection (Perception and Intelligence)
Disarm trap (Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence)
Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Climbing (Strength and Endurance)
Deductive Reasoning (Perception and Intelligence)
Courtly Etiquette (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Mechanical Engineering (Perception and Intelligence)
Arcane Understanding (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medical Healing (Perception and Intelligence)
Focus (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Latens Manifesta (Dexterity, Perception, Personality, Sociability, Intelligence)
Survival (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Polyglot (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence)
Nature Resistance (Endurance)
Stealth (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower
camouflage (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence)
Obfuscation (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Running (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Willpower
Tumbling (Dexterity, Endurance)
Acrobatics (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Herbalism (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magic Script (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Engineering (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magical Forensics (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Forging (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Writing (Dexterity, Perception)
Bathing (Personality, Sociability, and Appearance)
Telepathy (Personality, Sociability, and Willpower)
Swimming (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance)
Internal Compass (Perception, Intelligence)
Danger Sense (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Scentless Passage (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Concealed Mana (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mana Circulation (Strength, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower)
Blood Magic Resistance (Endurance and Willpower)
Telepathy Shielding (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Intimidation (Strength, Personality, and Willpower)
Narrator (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, and Intelligence)
Total Recall (Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Spell Theory (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Spell Deconstruction (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Insight (Perception and Intelligence)
Emotional Insight (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Gambling (Sociability, Personality, Attractive, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Alchemy (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medicine (Perception, Intelligence)
Magical theory (Intelligence)
Spirit-Magic Spell Creation (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Anatomy (Perception and Intelligence)
Biology (Perception and Intelligence)
Chemistry (Perception and Intelligence)
Energy Resonance Alteration (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Leadership (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Painting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Artist (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Proper Diction (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acupuncture (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Diagnosis (Perception and Intelligence)
Magical Energy Observation (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mimicry (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Seduction (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Occult (Curses) (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Twin Consciousness (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Duelist (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower
Aura Guidance (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Comedic Timing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Enchanting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Advanced Enchanting (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Master Enchanting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Blacksmithing (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Gear Protecting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Intelligence)
Gear Infusion (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Auditing (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Disrupt Casting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Legendary Trick Shot (Strength, Dexterity (X2), Endurance (X2), Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower (X2))
Pulse Casting (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Quick Casting (Dexterity, Stamina, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Physiology (Perception X 3, Intelligence X 3, and Willpower X 3)
Aerial Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Magical Manipulation (Dexterity, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2)
Qi Sight (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Qi Lore (Perception, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower)
Grand Master Level Taming is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Ethereal Energy Circulation theory is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower based skill.
Ethereal Energy Resonance theory is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Divine Qi Energy Observation (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill)
Bronze Qi Manipulation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Golden Qi Movement (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X2, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Bronze Qi Fighting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Divine Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, Willpower X3)
Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. Traits
Personal Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis, Telepathy
Class Trait(s): Spiritual Doppelganger (11/100), Omni-Healing
Class Trait: Positional Switch
Flaws
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Broke (7): The sum of all your gear, equipment, and finances cannot equal or exceed 100 gold coins.
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes.
Unique Class Flaw (7): Void Touched Void Walker: You have been marked as the chosen advocate by the deepest denizens of the void. Your primary class will now and forever be Void Walker. Additionally, both denizens of the realm of the living and realm of the dead will know you are the one who can both teach others your class, while also conducting unique missions on behalf of both realms.
Rivalry (3): You have one or more rivals who will make it a personal goal to take you down a notch, watch your back.
Racial Flaw: Magical Beacon: You are easy to notice by sensitives and true practitioners of magic. Minus 20% to Stealth and Evasion type skills when being actively sought by a magical practitioner.
Racial Flaw: Magical Eyes: Your eyes are the true gateway to your soul. With this flaw people can see what type of a monster you truly are. Current Status: Green (a True Healer).
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier XIII).
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): Personally Focused (4): Your selfish nature has led you to be limited in the scope of what you can and cannot replicate with your simulacrums. With this flaw you can only copy your base form to be your simulacrum.
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): One Death for All (3): You are so intertwined with your simulacrum that should the simulacrum die, you yourself will die as well. While you can dismiss your simulacrum at any time, you can only do so when your simulacrum is at full health.
Racial Flaw: Third Eye: You have manifested the power of Angel¡¯s Sight, and at this level of evolution have unlocked the legendary third eye. No eye lashes or eyebrows, just a closed scar in the middle of your forehead, then an eye. Note: If your rating in Angel¡¯s Sight is Tier V or below, you can use the third eye to see normally. If your rating in Angel''s Sight is Tier VI or above, you will need to use the third eye to take advantage of your enhanced vision.
Racial Flaw: Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening.
Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
Merits: (157)
Precocious (7): Learn Skills Twice as quickly. (Only available at character creation)
Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation)
Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation)
Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation)
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation)
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Unique Class Merits: Death Shroud (3): Wielder of this merit has a tempered body that is immune to the piercing soul damage of the ethereal realms. Wielder can travel to either realm and bring up to two chosen people to follow them into the opposing realm.
Unique Class Merit (4): Spirit Familiar: You have formed a deep spiritual bond with one of the blessed children of the spirit world. Your familiar will be both a guide and advocate to help you navigate your way through the realm of spirits.
Ally (3): You have made an ally with someone who is considered to be three times more powerful and influential than you. Work with this relationship to make it grow and flourish.
for efficacy, mana usage, impact, and focus).
Racial Merit: Magic School Proficiency: All schools of magic increased by two Tiers (maximum of Tier IX). (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Proficiency: All skills related to the use of magic are increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Trait Proficiency: All magic based Traits are further increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Class Merit (Simulacrum Master): Exact Perfect Replica (7): You can create one exact perfect replica of yourself that shares your attributes, abilities, skills, and energy pools. This replica will be a perfect copy of your base form down to the most minor of details, and will be indistinguishable from yourself by most mundane methods of detection. This replica will be able to cast and use all spells and traits that you can, and any experience gained by the simulacrum will go to you, as if you earned it yourself.
Racial Merit: Angel¡¯s Sight + 2 Tiers: You have managed to make it so you and all your progeny will have access to the Angel¡¯s Sight merit. If the bloodline is awakened to this level, then the wielder of the bloodline will have their Angel¡¯s Sight merit increased by two tiers.
Racial Merit: Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your (Holy) Magic and your resonance has been noted to be set to your highest natural magic school rating (Tier XIII).
Racial Merit: Unbound (+50): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. All Attributes and Skills can be further improved by an additional 50 points.
Class Spells
Planar Shift (Level 1) (A): Allows user to create a path connecting the realm of the living to the spirit world.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Spirit Sight (P): This spell allows you to pierce the veil separating the mortal and spirit realms. This spell will allow you to see through the veil regardless of which side you are the caster. Reserve: 2 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Mana Potency (P): This spell allows the caster to increase the potency of their Spirit Mana by 25% at a detriment to all other forms of mana within the body.
Spirit Energy Circulation (A): The first step towards becoming a healer of Spirit Magic. You have learned to infuse your spirit energy into the blood of another being, allowing you to circulate the blood of that person. Warning: This is a spell that can be used for healing or attack. Using this spell as a means of attack will forever mark your spirit as a Karmic Betrayer.
Spirit Blight Purification (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
Resurrection (C): A tier IX spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, used to bring a spirit back from the dead.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard spell inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Attribute Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Attribute inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Skill Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Skill inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell: Curse Removal [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can remove any curse that is Tier VIII or lower. For tier IX curses, a contested battle of wills will need to be conducted to determine a victor.
Custom Simulacrum (C): Create a near perfect replica of one target of your choosing. Amount of maximum mana required to maintain: variable (minimum of 1% for continual maintenance, maximum used based on needs of simulacrum). Note: This spell has been modified, so that it can only copy you, and your simulacrum is for all intents and purposes an extension of yourself that has access to your same resource pools and abilities. (only spell available).
Dispel-Dispel: You have found a way to dispel a dispel cast at you and your spells and Traits.
New Spell Created: Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of the targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 10% increase for 24 hours. *Spell Restriction: This spell must be cast on two people simultaneously, who are both willing participants. **Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Tobias Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Animal Pack Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Sabrina Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted animal group, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Attributes, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell: Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight and allows the caster to create a perfected body for a newly deceased soul to reside in. Effect: Spirit is resurrected into a body deemed to be the peak physical form for their race and will experience a period of enhanced youth and vitality because of this. Negates any detriments caused by old age, such as painful joints, decreased muscle and bone density, or other effects associated with aging.
New Spell Created: Spirit Drift [Tier VI] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, and allows the caster the ability to defy gravity by having their spiritual weight substitute for their actual weight. Reserve: 25% of Maximum Mana.
New Spell Created: Polymorph: Divine Double Wings (Pearl) [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Sabrina Spiritlight and allows the caster the ability to permanently grow two sets of elegant wings. Mana: 10,000 (total) to cast, Reserve: 5%.
New Spell: Personalized Rejuvenation [Tier IX] (A): A spell designed by Sabrina Spiritlight that drastically increases the regeneration rate of health, mana, and stamina of the user for a period of time equal to one minute per point of Willpower.
New Spell: Conjured Magical Spirit Orb [Tier IX] (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that creates a highly compact magical construct that is infused with Spirit, Life, and Nature magic.
New Spell Created: Glitter Burst [Tier VII] (a): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that allows the caster to create a distracting burst of light, that will then coat anyone caught in the blast radius with mana particles. Good for entertainment, tracking, and light scale vandalism.
Level 5 Class Evolution (Spell or Perk) Ethereal Healer:
Class Perk Unlocked: Skill Infusion: All skills will be infused by the Void Walker essence, allowing the wielder to receive a 7% bonus to their skill¡¯s base level in the mortal realm, and a 15% bonus while in the spirit realm.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Simulacrum Schemes: You have been blessed with the creation of a Simulacrum that is not just like you, but is part of you. As such you can rest assured that every plan they create will work to benefit the both of you. Effect: +50% to Strategy, +50% to Tactics, +50% to Schemes, +50% to Plans.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Boundless Cultivation: You have been blessed with a supreme talent for cultivating that knows no bounds. As such, you can cultivate Qi energy at an astronomical rate. Effect: +50% to Divine Qi Cultivation, + 50% to Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation
Level 10 Class Evolution (Spell , Perk, or Skill) Ethereal Healer
Class Skill Perk Unlocked: Spirit-Magic Spell Creation: With this skill you can create spirit-based magic spells, so long as your Magical Theory and Spell Theory are adequate to generate the spell you wish to make.
Skill Spirit-Magic Spell Creation is an Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
New Class Skill Gained: Eidetic Speed Reading has reached level 1.
Class Skill Eidetic Speed Reading is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Skill Gained: Divine Qi Energy Observation
Class Skill Divine Qi Energy Observation is a Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Level 25 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, or Trait) Ethereal Healer
Omni-Healing: Heal any living creature with comparable magical energy.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Positional Switch: You and your Simulacrum have become so intertwined that by just willing it, you can switch geolocational positions with your doppelganger regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Level 50 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill) Ethereal Healer
Class Perk Unlocked: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you are able to regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free floating spirit.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Magic Disruption: You have managed to focus your will into dominating the magical spectrum around you. Effect: +100% Range when dueling other magicians, +100% efficacy when dismantling a spell targeted towards you, +100% when trying to alter, diver, or diminish any form of magical energy around you.
Level 100 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Healing Magic, Nature Magic) Ethereal Healer
Nature Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Nature Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Life Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Life Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Soulbound Items
Engineering Guild Goggles "EGGs": (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Standard Wizard Adept Gear "SWAG" (Cloak): (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifest)
Silver Level Adventurer¡¯s Card (Necklace): (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
Apothecary Generic Equipment (Gloves): (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
Basic Thieves Mask (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
Spirit Line Ticket: (A permanent first class ticket for you and a friend, 1000 Gold retainer for gambling)
VIP Membership Card to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall
Midnight Hunter''s Guild Recruitment Card
Arcanarus University Diploma: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Master''s Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Confirmed Merit Point Receipt (Soul Bound): You have turned in 9,400,250 experience points for a one time purchase of 0 Merit Points Remaining, which can be redeemed at any specially marked traveling shops.
Personal Thanks: This is a personal note of thanks from Mudrikal Ghaniston, seek him out once you leave the tower to earn a possible reward.
Arcanarus University Surgical Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy and growth rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Badges:
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster. 1
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level. 25
New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used) 50 (Gone)
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. GONE
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Empire Dropper (500). You managed to topple a successful industry empire 500
New Feat Recorded: Healer of Valor (250). You have proven yourself to be a healer people can depend upon 250
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher Gone
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead. 250
New Feat Recorded: Gambling Guru (100): You placed fifth or higher in a gambling contest involving 500 people or more. 100
New Feat Recorded: Been Caught Cheating (500): You are banned from all gambling facilities for a period of no less than seven years and nine months. 500
New Feat Recorded: Survive an Audit Through Seduction (500). You are the first person to successfully navigate your way through an audit through deception and seduction alone. 500
New Feat Recorded: Magical Dueling Master (100): You managed to win a magical duel against a reported master in the field. 100
New Feat Recorded: Grand Master Tier Spell Creator (I) (1,000). You managed to create a spell that is at Tier X 1,000
New Feat Recorded: Catching a master thief (100). You singlehandedly caught a master thief who managed to steal hundreds of thousands of cold from a Guild. 100
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Progenitor (10,000): You are the Bloodline Progenitor for the Legendary Bloodline: Enigmatic Arcanist Elves. 10,000
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Awakened (5,000): You have managed to awaken a Legendary Bloodline (Enigmatic Arcanist Elves). 5,000
Chapter 118 Reclamation Project Chapter 118 Reclamation Project Sub Chapter ¨C Mega Me (One and a half months after leaving the Arcanarus Tower) Six weeks, it had been six weeks since I came up with the crazy plan to change the world, find new content and set up the Midnight Hunter¡¯s guild for future success. Nesting is the closest term that could come to what I felt. You know that feeling as a mother when you are about to give birth, so you spend the last few days trying to clean up the house one last time, in preparation for giving birth. This was sort like that, but only after the fact. Only after I had seen my daughter, Jackie, well now known as Gwendolyn Spiritlight, or Gwenny as I like to think of her. As her mother, I get to choose which nickname I use for her right? Anyways, she is finally coming. I saw her gave her my Ethereal Healer class, and then realized that I didn¡¯t want her, nor our bloodline near anyone in the city that would dare to take advantage of our unique capabilities. Particularly with the ability to increase the magical tiers of people that were below our own. Only after I proved that such an act could be done by simply touching someone, something I proved by doing the exact process to Mallory, taking her from Tier XI to Tier XIII did she believe me. That was also when she realized my express concern for finding a new base of operations that was far removed and remote from the rest of the world was truly valid and something we should work on immediately. That was when Mallory and I hatched a plan. I would take a guild issued communications crystal that was on loan by the guild thus bypassing the last few days of my Broke flaw¡¯s restrictions. See I was borrowing the equipment, and thus not technically in full ownership thereof, negating the cost of such an intricate item. That said, keeping that stupid orb in place was ridiculous, it would try to fall out of pouches, randomly roll into awkward spots where I was likely to hit it, and so on. Basically, the sphere tried to make it so I would owe money to the Midnight Hunter guild. Fortunately, that didn¡¯t happen as I tracked that ball like it was a mischievous child, trying to lick the light sockets and what not. During my time away, Mallory promised that she would not only train Gwenny in the basics, but they would also look for Rob. Unfortunately, Rob had fallen in with a different crowd. As he had fallen in with the Shadow Brokers Guild. After hearing that, I all but realized that he still, after all this time, had gambling debts and problems. One didn¡¯t go to the Shadow Brokers Guild from the real world, unless they wanted certain ledgers to be erased permanently. With Rob, and the fact that he all but refused to leave, this seemed to be the case. In a way, I can¡¯t help but feel that I am part of the problem, as I too do enjoy gambling, but I use number theory, odds and statistics to hedge my bets, and now I¡¯ve learned the way of the pros, cheat. These are all things that I doubt Rob himself can fully understand. Which is why, I am now here in the helipad, well not a helipad per-se, but a landing field set up in the heart of the newly cleansed Deolar capital. See as the lone vanguard, it was my job to come here. Clean up the area, set up a nature reserve of sorts, set a beaconing point, which was the expensive communications crystal that I loaned from the guild. Then once everyone felt it was safe to come out and assist me with claiming the land, I would get plenty of people and resources to come out here and help set up. Thus, I have been tracking and following the slow movement of a fleet of airships that are all lumbering from multiple kilometers away. By now, the area that I can observe through use of my Angel¡¯s Eyes is eight, almost nine kilometers in all directions. Meaning I have been able to watch these ships move for quite some time. While they are moving relatively quickly, it still feels agonizingly slow to wait and see. Worse, I know the two people that I want to see the most are not in the first air ship, but the second. Strategically this makes sense, as most people would likely target the leading airship first. While that does not seem to be a thing here, there are clearly concerns with attacks. Plop. I am so distracted by the airship, that I miss the moment that Kujo, one of the large dogs that I cleansed of the Blight on my second night here dropped a big diseased rabbit at my feet. ¡°Good boy.¡± I say, patting the puppy, and as I do, I cleanse the giant dog that easily sits taller than my small, but growing, frame on the ground. In my pat, I send a pulse of Lift and Spirit magic into the beast and heal him of any signs of damage from the hunt, or recent traces of the Blight that might arise from his constant trips out into the desert that surrounds our small little slice of heaven. We have a deal, Kujo and I. I heal Kujo and his pack and cleanse any food that he brings to me of the Blight. In return, he does not hunt on my lands, nor does he hunt any creatures that have been cleansed of the Blight. Touching the creature with my foot, I create a connection to the beast and realize that Kujo was a bit rambunctious, as his teeth were deep within the brain stem of the small creature. That explains the reason the creature was completely comatose, and I do appreciate not having to hold down wild Blighted creatures while performing surgeries like this, so I decided not to comment on Kujo¡¯s roughness with the creature. Cure Blight. The creature is cured easily. Then I perform my second spell that has become a part of this process. Perfect Copy. This spell is a variation of the Perfect Resurrection that I learned a while back. In this case, all I do is create a copy of the creature. Mainly I just create a shell of a body, and then use Omni-Heal to add in all the fleshy bits, then I throw in a bit of Spirit and Holy magic to lure in wayward spirit energy and boom. Breathing. The second creature has life. As it opens its eyes, they are dead and lifeless eyes, but this will go away after time. I don¡¯t know if it is a sick part of the game or not, but slowly the creatures that I revive this way will eventually regain sentience and start creating relationships on their own. Meanwhile, the animal that suffered severe trauma from both the Blight and by being attacked by Kujo and his pack are returned back to Kujo. I think Kujo likes this better as the Blighted creature is often a much higher-level creature, while the copy always starts off at level 1. Meaning the experience that Kujo and its pack gain from killing the original creature is always better. ¡°There you go.¡± I say, gesturing to the original creature provided by Kujo. Kujo nods in understanding, and then gently bends down before me and gently grabs the cleaned creature within its massive maw, and when the creature is secure it takes a step backwards. This sounds easy, until you realize that Kujo is a thaumavore, meaning such movements are unnatural. I nod as it backs away, and with that it turns its head and gives a sidelong glance to the level 1 copy. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. The imitation bunny just stares up at the massive beast, glassy eyes staring up with childlike innocence at the creature that could mean its death. There is a moment. Ahem. I clear my throat, causing Kujo to shift its gaze back to me, and then I see it tremble slightly before leaving at a quick gallop. With that, it is just me, a lost level 1 bunny, and two, no wait, one minute left on my daughter and Mallory¡¯s arrival. ¡°Go on, shew.¡± I say to the rabbit, who just stares up at me in awe. This is the annoying thing about this whole process. These animals invariably think of me as a mother figure, but I don¡¯t have time to be their mother. Realizing I need to give this bunny something so that it is not here when everyone comes, I decide to pull out a few seeds from my pocket and threw them off in the distance, using Telekinesis to push them further out towards what I perceive to be the edge of this landing strip. How much room do zeppelins actually need to land? Anyways, as I have time, I begin channeling a lot of Nature magic into the seeds, getting them to take root, and grow rather quickly. Just as I predicted I still have time, for while the first ship got here within a minute, they are all taking up a defensive formation first, before coming down. This means I have at least five more minutes. Tap, tap. Still, I distract myself by infusing more mana and energy into the seeds, thus getting them to bloom right at the edge, and then artificially pollenate the plants, and boom. Carrots begin growing at minute number six. Not the best use of my mana, but right now, it is a good distraction. Seeing that one of the carrots is done, I Telekinetically grab the carrot and pull it over to my hand. Just like Darth Vader with a blaster, all except a carrot. Anyways, I take the morsel and then offer it to the rabbit. Sniff, sniff. The rabbit sniffs the item, and then almost on reflex bites into the item. Then stops once its teeth are in and takes a step back. ¡°It¡¯s okay, eat it.¡± I say, then I drop the carrot. I see that there is a slight look on the rabbit, but then it begins to walk around the carrot so that it is between me and the carrot. At first, I think it thinks I will take the carrot back, but then realize that once it moves so that its but is against my leg it begins to relax slightly. Only at this point does the rabbit loosen its muscles enough to begin eating. Shaking my head, ¡°you are going to have a hard life if you think eating a carrot is this scary.¡± I say to the creature. Strong breeze. Just as I say that, there is a huge updraft as the seals to the airships above finally start to open. Most of these airships are ones that are designed to be self sufficient and fly for years at a time. At least the ones that Mallory and her guild went in on purchasing the rights for, as the idea was that at least at first there would need to be a lot of trips out and back. Drop lines were lowered, and then people began dropping on automated rigging equipment that would start and stop a descent based on gripping certain mechanical devices. Repelling harnesses, as for me, my job was to make sure to catch anyone whose harness broke or heal any injuries along the way. The first people to land were the elite ground units. As soon as they do, one immediately comes over and greets me. ¡°Good morning Doctor, a pleasure to meet you.¡± The man says, while extending his gloved hand. I extend my also gloved hand to him and shake his. As this happens, I feel the bunny shift around me to my back side, as it never seems to leave contact with my right foot. Instead, it moves itself and the carrot around to be protected from being seen by the commander of this ground operation. ¡°Good morning commander.¡± ¡°Abel,¡± he begins. I pause, wondering if there was a last name, but he quickly shakes his head. ¡°No last name, just Abel.¡± ¡°Well good to have you here commander.¡± ¡°I have to say, I saw the messages and I heard the prep plans. But nothing could have prepared me for this. It is truly impressive what you have done here¡­¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah¡­¡± I say, but I am already pushing past him, as the important person I want to see is on her way down. Squee. The rabbit, realizing I had left, suddenly turned to look for me, then seeing me bent down grabbed what remained of its carrot, before charging right after me. ¡°Mother.¡± My Gwenny says, trying to run to me, but getting stuck on her harness line that is still securely fastened to her uniform. Fortunately, there is a ground soldier on hand to help release her, so we can finally see each other. ¡°Look at you, you have grown so much.¡± I say, and I mean it, by my calculations she has grown at least three maybe four centimeters in the weeks that I have been gone, a sign of how much Endurance she has gained during this time. ¡°And you still look the same, short and cute as ever.¡± Gwen says, a playful smile on her lips. This is a comment back to when we were in the real world and Gwenny, well back when she was Jackie used to be Amazonian tall, so she would always say I was short back then too. ¡°I¡¯m going to grow, and I will grow taller than you.¡± ¡°Uh huh, sure mom. Been waiting on that for what, half a century now?¡± She then pauses as she turns her head, ¡°oh wait, and who is this?¡± With that Gwen moves with exceptional speed, and swoops in to grab the confused level 1 bunny. Chomp. Then just as one could expect, the rabbit bit down with ferocity at the sudden intruder. ¡°Ow! stop that.¡± Gwen said, still holding onto the creature, but moving her hands out of the way. Still the rabbit tried to bite down angrily to free itself. ¡°Hey, you stop that!¡± I hiss at the rabbit. Of course, it is my comment that pulls the rabbit out of its biting frenzy long enough to look at me. Coo. The rabbit then whimpers at me, and then tries to scamper out of Gwen¡¯s arms and towards me. ¡°I don¡¯t have time for you.¡± I say, and with that, the rabbit looks shocked at first, then you can almost see the moment it begins to cry and whimper. ¡°Aww, mom, you broke its heart.¡± Gwen says, as she tries to comfort the rabbit and receives no more resistance from the creature who has gone limp and docile in her arms. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I created that heart, caused it to pump, so I am okay with-it being pressure tested a little.¡± I admit. ¡°As great as ever with animals I see.¡± Gwen says. ¡°Look, I am trying to keep some problems from the past from repeating themselves.¡± I state, then Telekinetically grabbing a fresh carrot from the far end of the pad, I pull it to my hand, around a few momentarily scared guards. ¡°What the¡­¡± Then let the carrot rest in my hand, before handing it to Gwen, ¡°look if you want the creature then you are going to have to take care of them.¡± ¡°I will.¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve heard that one before.¡± I say, remembering my aversion to animals in the first place, as I would always be asked to watch the family dog or cat for a week of vacation, or something. Then They would always end up staying with me, until they died, and I had to get them put down once the pain of daily living was too much for them. ¡°What is all of this?¡± Mallory asks, breaking into our conversation, then I can see her turning to Gwen with a confused look on her face. ¡°You already got a pet?¡± ¡°Well, mom got it, I¡¯m just going to take care of it.¡± Gwen said. Mallory just looked at me, I opened my mouth to explain, but she just held up her hand to stop me. ¡°Look I don¡¯t even want to know.¡± Then a quick look around. Sharp Whistle! Mallory did that thing where she twisted her tongue to do a loud whistle, and instantly I got jealous. Well, more jealous of the woman who had minions at her beck and call. ¡°Looks like this is it for the landing team. With this we will begin our land claiming. I hope you all are ready, as from this moment on we need at least thirty people to remain here to claim this valuable piece of property, until time elapses.¡± Mallory spoke, and as she did everyone still stared at her. ¡°Everyone ready?¡± There were a few head nods, a few people mumbled their response. ¡°Yes!¡± Commander Abel shouted. ¡°Good, let us begin.¡± Mallory said, then with that she visibly seemed to interact with her interface and suddenly everyone that was part of the Midnight Hunters, that was in the area got a Guild quest.
Midnight Hunters Guild Quest Initiated: A Land of Your Own. For years the Midnight Hunters have been without a true place to call their own, now your leadership has decided on a plot of land. Hold onto the plot of land for the next thirty days, and the land will be yours. Days Remaining (0/30). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, Guild Land, Guild Badge.
That quest was what we all had expected. The message that came next was not one we were ready for.
Hidden Guild Quest Found: Reclamation Project (Upgradable): Your Guild: The Midnight Hunters, have begun to terraform the lands lost to the Blight, and have begun transforming it back into habitable land. Your goal is to change the land into a permanently sustainable place for life. Kilometers made inhabitable (0/20). Rewards: (unknown, variable).
Seeing that system message, everyone paused for a moment, then I could feel everyone¡¯s gaze turn to me slowly. ¡°My girl does it again!¡± Mallory beams as she grabs me and pulls me off from the ground and straight into a bear hug. *** Cass¡¯s Personal Note to herself: (One month after leaving the Arcanarus Tower) History, it would seem, is a story best told by the winners, or rather only told by the winners in some cases. Or maybe it is only told by the winners. Either way, it is clear that history sometimes has a way of correcting itself. Take for instance, the fact that at one point a dying professor once tried to take the valid work of Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri¡¯s doctoral spell for himself. At the time, I thought the spell was brilliant, a Tier VII masterpiece that could only be wielded by the most elite of Wind and Water mages that would help eventually clear out the remaining residue of a blight touched land. At the time, I was faced with a moral dilemma, one that I can¡¯t help but feel that I failed at the time. See at the time, I thought that the mad professor who had at one time millennia ago knew Octavia when they were both students. I found said professor, who will not be named, and dictated the spell verbatim to the swine who after Octavia received her honorary doctorate degree, met her last remaining life goals by completing one action. See, she both created a spell to reclaim her homeland that had long since been overrun by the Blight and gotten her Doctorate degree from Arcanarus University while doing so. Honestly, now that I think about it, there seems to be a bit of a double standard as I had to turn in Tier IX spells to get my Master¡¯s Degree from Arcanarus University, then Tier XIs and XIIs to get my doctorates. But I digress, the point was a former colleague of Octavia¡¯s tried to take credit for the spell, and likely would have too, had I not inadvertently started a chain reaction transformation project that turned the University into a Ghost tower. Not really my fault, I blame bad storylines and developers, but the point was, apparently everyone saw me interact with Octavia in the spirit world that surrounded Arcanarus University, so while the University grounds itself were off limits from being recorded upon, the spirit realm was fair game. That was coincidentally how I got on the eventual radar of Mallory, my best friend in this world, as her granddaughter used to listen to my audio recording sessions that first began as an afterschool project that I did with the ghosts that haunted Arcanarus University. Small world. Anyways, the colleague professor had bribed me and held leverage over me not to inform anyone of their discovery, or their theft of Octavia¡¯s spell. So, I remained quiet, but again, he got note of the spell¡¯s creation out, but was then destroyed before the full spell could be implemented. Meaning that when I found the lost kingdom of Deolar, and then immediately began casting a modified version of Octavia¡¯s Cleansing Rain spell, or whatever it was called, everyone knew that I was doing it for Octavia. Using the spell, she created in the forgotten kingdom that came about and was destroyed well before the game world went live so many years ago. In this way, I managed to give my friend Octavia the recognition she deserves, and why I will forever refuse to use the name of her fallen countryperson who attempted to claim her work as their own. Thus, how history has managed to write itself, credit was given where credit was due, and possibly most important I remain bribed, though for the life of me I can¡¯t remember what the bribe itself was. Thinking back, it was probably gaining said colleague as an Ally, at which case I am fine with that ally being removed. Though I too wonder if I one day will also be forgotten. Honestly, I hope so, as being remembered by people other than my loved ones likely means I will have ticked off a whole lot of people somewhere, somehow. Chapter 119 All Caught Up Chapter 119 All Caught Up So where to begin? So many things have happened over the past three months, and they are all amazing. First, I have my daughter Jackie, AKA Gwendolyn, AKA Mega Me here with me. I would call her mini-me but she does play a fully aged individual that is 36 years old for an elf, which makes her tower above me. So, any time I try to call her mini-me, she picks me up and hugs me. So Mega Me it is, especially as she is a fully awakened member of my Legendary bloodline, and she also is the first and likely only person I will teach the Ethereal Healer class to. Since I am the highest level for this class, I am of course the only one who can decide who to train in my class, well classes plural as I do have a second class, Ethereal Simulacrums Master, that I can train people in. My third class is apparently a super unique class, Akashic Qi Master, I know sounds super long and pompous, but it is what it is. As far as I can tell from the class, and the world messages that keep going off every time I enter or leave a tower zone, this class means that I can train others to be Qi users, but I am like the Highlander, in that there can only be one Akashic Qi Master. Hiya. Yes, I just mentally posed into a martial stance in my mind. I am so glad Mallory or Mega Me can¡¯t see the inside of my mind right now. Where was I? Oh right, since I have now trained someone to be an Ethereal Healer, I might have to worry about them eventually overtaking my level and thus kicking me out of choosing the evolution for this class. Fortunately, I don¡¯t believe this to be an issue, first Jackie is both completely loyal, and well behind me in terms of gaining experience. So even if she did manage to gain experience faster than me, she would still need to gain more experience than I have accumulated thus far. And if I do say it is a lot, especially as a number of my longer term schemes have finally paid off in full, along with being able to constantly trickle in experience with my second class, the Ethereal Simulacrums Master class, that allows me to have two simulacrums that constantly read books to help power level me, well us, as they are part of my soul, through our levels.
Experience Gained from turning trash into gold with the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild:
650,000 / 325,000 / 325,000
Experience Gained from Simulacrums Reading 27 books each a day for the past 90 days:
133,650 / 66,825 / 66,825
That is using my patented 50% by 25% by 25% breakdown of experience. Meaning that my main class of Ethereal Healer will still be my fastest class to level and increase. Of course, that is a boatload of experience to gain in a relatively short period of time, which had a drastic impact on my overall growth, and most importantly my overall survivability for myself.
Class Ethereal Healer has risen to Level 195.
Base Attributes per level: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower per level. (Times 42 levels gained).
Total: +42 Dexterity, +42 Endurance, +42 Sociability, +42 Personality, +42 Perception, +42 Intelligence, +84 Willpower.
Class Ethereal Simulacrum Masters has risen to Level 171.
Base Attributes per level: +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +1 Willpower. (Times 25 levels gained).
Total: +25 Personality, +25 Sociability, +25 Attractiveness, +25 Perception, +25 Intelligence, +25 Willpower.
Akashic Qi Master has risen to level 91.
Base Attributes per level: +2 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +2 Endurance, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower per level. (Time 69 levels gained).
Total: +138 Strength, +207 Dexterity, +138 Endurance, +69 Attractiveness, +69 Intelligence, +138 Willpower.
Racial Bonus (With Legendary Bloodline Awakened)
Base Attributes per Racial level: +2 Attractiveness, +2 Perception, +2 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower every level. (X136 total class levels gained across all three classes).
Total: +272 Attractiveness, +272 Perception, +272 Intelligence, +272 Willpower.
That was a lot of overlap, but most importantly it showed that I had growth in all my Attributes, something that I have been missing up until now. Thanks to the addition of my third class, and hopefully last class for a while, I gained the following total bonus over the past three months.
Grand Total improvements from everything: +138 Strength, +249 Dexterity, +180 Endurance, +67 Personality, +67 Sociability, +366 Attractiveness, +339 Perception, +408 Intelligence, and finally +519 Willpower.
This burst in activity pushed me into vaunted territory, as I was pretty sure I now had the highest, or one of the highest Willpower Attributes in the game. Considering every one of my classes gave me two Willpower Attributes, well every class but my Ethereal Simulacrums Master class that only gave one per level. The class bonuses along with my racial bonuses effectively doubling my Willpower, it is safe to conclude that I now gained a minimum of three, but mostly four Willpower points per level.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 61 199 Personality 79 292 Perception 133 822
Dexterity 95 469 Sociability 76 296 Intelligence 136 949
Endurance Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. 89 249 Attractiveness 63 767 Willpower 121 1304
The best news about my clearly being 14 right now, is the fact that my Broke flaw, and its tireless limitations has finally been removed from me. WHOO! Of course, my daughter and I are now full-fledged members of the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. I am just listed as the position rank: Doctor.
Title: Doctor of The Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild: You have been fully recognized as a Doctor of the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild, a position that is only one step below the Guild Leader, and parallel to the Vice Guild Leader, but holds no actual weight or authority within the Guild hierarchy, except for Healing, and Magical related advancements are concerned.
Yep, I was promoted to show how valuable I am to the team, but placed in a position where I could do whatever I want without it directly impacting the guild too much. Or in effect I was my own one woman R & D department for all things magical, healing, and soon to be Qi related. My daughter on the other hand was also given a high-ranking title for her part.
Gwendolyn Spiritlight: Provisional Officer of the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild.
Gwenny¡¯s new position was listed as just below an acting officer, but above the general enlisted. Her placement was given partly due to me, and partly because she volunteered to come out here to Deolar with us and was listed as one of the first thirty guild members needed to begin claiming the territory for ourselves. As it turned out, everyone that was part of the initial thirty received a guild promotion, thus my new title as Doctor, which everyone was already calling me. Thus, it was that my unique standing within the guild was instantly accepted and encouraged. I was especially accepted by those wishing to be selected as either a magical student or qi student, which were apparently part of my tasks. Of which, I had surprisingly many tasks that I could do, but I was never forced to do anything. Take for instance the fact that I was in charge of expanding the zone of habitable territory available to us, which is now up to fifteen of the initial twenty kilometers. Now I can teleport to every area, cast the required Cleansing Rain spell to purify the area and ensure the plants that were present grew quickly, or I could cast the spell while training the older more ¡°talented¡± magicians the spell. Needless to say trying to tell a level 500 Arch Blow-Hard, that is his title he is a wind mage, the spell should be easy. But you try to point out the fact that the level three hundreds are casting it better because they listen to me, a person who has two doctorates in spell crafting, you think it would be easy. But that is at a standstill. Instead, over the past week I have left the Arch Blow-Hard to his own devices while I have gone about using my Master Enchanting skills to erect pillars around the land that will make it so I can bypass having to deal with the bellow meister. Also, our Guild Time Quest to hold the land ended, well it didn¡¯t end, we are still on it, but it did restart once we were over twenty days into the quest. The reason why, was a surge of Blighted creatures came invading our territory and killed two guards. Don¡¯t worry, I revived both, going so far as to do a Perfect Resurrection on both of them, for their sacrifices. But the damage had been done, our timer was reset, just before the final wave of Blighted monsters was quelled. See, we thought that just being in the area was enough, thus we had over a hundred in the airships. In fact, that was where we sent most of the civilians at the time, even my daughter was evacuated due to the sheer number of monsters that arrived. The fact that less than thirty of us were on the ground was what made it, so we lost the challenge. Now we know better and are ready to do more. Also, I have spent the last few weeks, building up natural defenses, and making it so a similar invasion would be nearly impossible to be as effective by another swarm, even if it was five times the size of the force we face. The only silver lining about having had our Guild¡¯s land reclamation quest reset was that it meant I didn¡¯t have to start teaching people Qi already. As it was, I was still having a hard time figuring out what everything meant and did. I also realized that Qi could use a magical core to help a person cultivate. However, there was a problem, for people like me who were already using said core for mana, we had a particularly hard time as we apparently needed to create a secondary core either using our body, our Will, or a combination thereof. Fortunately, my class apparently saw this as a future shortcoming and even gave me a skill related to solving just that very problem, by granting me Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation.
Skill Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2 based skill.
In fact, all of my Qi based skills were as amazing as this one. Each offered to increase my physical body, while improving my mind and Willpower as well. This only further served to make me want to understand this strange energy even more than I already was. The odd thing was, that the books that my Simulacrum and I read related to these Qi based skills, the ones from the Golden Dragon Library were wrong. Well not wrong, but it was clear that many of the fundamental components referenced in the books were either outdated, or not made for me in mind. I don¡¯t know if it is due to my being a female, and the books clearly being written for a male to utilize, but regardless, some of the facts were wrong. So, that is one major thing I need to figure out for myself, what exactly Qi is, and then figure out how to teach it to others. I have to train mages that are too superior to me to think I understand spell craft, I have to expand the size of the habitable land we have. Oh, and I need to figure out ways to fend off Blighted animals, while being able to capture, cure, and release as many of the creatures as we can. All while being the main healer. So yeah, no official tasks that need to get done on a particular day. I make my own hours, go where I want to and get paid in Guild credits. They are just like real credits, but more fun, apparently. This is why, despite my not being Broke anymore, this has not truly translated into wealth, other than I now have a few books worth in excess of hundreds of thousands of gold coins on me at any time. These are of course ancient texts from the Deolar library, which I might have accidentally unearthed first, before the capitol building, thus allowing us to start our guild¡¯s A Land of Our Own quest faster. To pass the time, I have come up with my own personal schedule, that consists of Qi training and exercises, originally I trained with the soldiers, but as soon as they realized they might be accepted into my first batch of Qi cultivators, things got weird. That is why I generally train alone now, to avoid such situations going forward. Once my morning training session is over, I then go work with the few mages that wish to learn, and we cast the first of three daily Cleansing Rain spells over the base. Once that is complete, I go out either foraging for Blighted animals to heal, or if there are no animals in my immediate area, I push a few plants to begin growing healthily in an arid environment. Apparently, there is a hidden quest related to bringing back old elven plants.
Hidden Quest Found: Archaeological Horticulturalists (Limitless First Turn In): You have discovered an extinct plant species and managed to bring it back to life. Find and regrow lost plants to enhance your reward. Current Reward Tier: Bronze. Plants needed until next Tier: Silver (0 / 3). Rewards: Experience, Variable.
This was a quest that many druids would dream of, a scaling quest that gets better the higher up the chain you get with the number of plants you can find and then grow. Oddly enough, I got this quest from bringing back to life an ancient elven grass variant. Yes, literally a free quest, that I never knew existed, and one I was going to get for free by causing daily down pouring of Cleansing Rain to appear and help heal the land. Then again, I figured the game likely put this in place to reward me for taking the initiative to drive back the Blight from what many could consider to be the very heart of the problem area. Sigh. I just begin to rest, it is just afternoon, I have cast my second of three Cleansing Rains, this time out on a previously vacant field. I made sure to run the spell until I ran out of mana, a task that is not easy by any stretch of the imagination, particularly with how fast my mana reserves refill thanks to my enormous Willpower. Plop. Mana sweat covers my body, it will soon evaporate in a moment, if my skin doesn¡¯t reprocess the mana back into a useable form of Qi quickly. I try to grab the energy infused sweat, but find it mostly fading away by the time I realize two people have gotten close. Granted I knew who the two people were, and that they were likely looking for me the minute they got to the edge of the regular guild encampment area and began walking in my still un-terraformed parcel of ground that I was now working on, trying to get ever closer to twenty kilometers reclaimed. ¡°Told you we would find her if we just looked for the little girl sulking in the rain.¡± Jackie, no Gwenny, my daughter says. Hearing her, I want to get up and argue, but at the moment I feel my energy completely give way. Oh yeah, as an Ethereal Healer, I can substitute one form of energy for any other, and I also did that with both my stamina and Qi, converting them both to mana as well for my project. ¡°You know, sometimes I¡¯m thankful I had kids.¡± I state. ¡°Sometimes?¡± Mallory asks, a slight knowing tone to her voice. ¡°Yeah, because this is one of those other times.¡± I state, taking a deep breath and forcing my way up to my feet, while I brush off the dirt and dust that I found myself in. ¡°Even the dirt just falls away from her, it is not even fair.¡± Gwenny says. ¡°That is her exceptionally high Social Attributes at play. Right now, she is nearly batting a thousand for her Attractiveness alone, which means dirt wouldn¡¯t even dare bother her.¡± Mallory says, giving pointers on the Attributes to my daughter. Honestly, I didn¡¯t know about Social Attributes, but I guess what she said made sense. People trusted and wanted to be around people who were clean, rather than those who were covered in dirt and grime, I suppose. ¡°Unlike you?¡± Gwen asks. ¡°Unlike me indeed, though I make sure to go out of my way to bother your mother. It is one of the few ways she knows she is loved here, at the camp.¡± Mallory states. I want to argue, but then realize that sadly I do appreciate her odd semi-gaslight attempts to make sure I feel invaluable. ¡°So what is it this time?¡± I ask. ¡°Oh, you are going to just love it.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Wait, I thought you said it was exceptionally tough?¡± Gwen asks. ¡°I did, that is why I am going to use the guild¡¯s proverbial Easy Button.¡± Mallory states, looking backwards, towards the reclaimed oasis city that sits squarely in a sea of sand. ¡°Did you just call me easy?¡± I ask. ¡°An Easy Button, it is a slight nuance, but it is still a distinction.¡± Mallory clarifies, shaking her head. ¡°You know, you are that proverbial Easy Button that every guild leader wants, but so few get. I just point you in a direction, tell you to go, and boom it is done. You are truly amazing, and incomprehensively valuable to our team and organization as a whole.¡± Mallory states, and I can tell she is getting to that overly flowery language part of her sucking up process. Not wanting to have to endure this any further, I finally ask. ¡°What is it that you want?¡± ¡°Well you see¡­¡± Chapter 120 The Easy Button Chapter 120 The Easy Button ¡°How?¡± Gwen asks. Hearing the question, I am sort of at a loss for what exactly led to this point. The violence of this world is so quick that at times it is hard to think that this world is anything but a place to commit widespread murder for profit. ¡°I think I had a breakthrough mid fight.¡± Is all I can say as an answer to that question. As I look at the now free-floating soul of the blow hard mage that challenged me to a magical duel. *** One thing I might not have mentioned, or quite possibly have glossed over, were my level 25 and level 50 Class upgrades. Not that I had the upgrades, but that I got the ability to work with the system on getting the upgrades. Given that these class upgrades were based on what I achieved with my primary class of Ethereal Healer, I earned the ability to get a Trait at level 25, and a Perk at level 50. I had avoided deciding on how to evolve mainly because my previous level 25 Traits were Omni-Heal for my Ethereal Healer class, and Positional Switch for my Ethereal Simulacrums Master class. Both of those Traits have come in quite favorably, as I¡¯ve relied on both for completing many objectives in different ways. That was why for my level 25 Trait I wanted something that was just as versatile and complex. The only problem was that I couldn¡¯t come up with a Trait that would both be versatile enough to be helpful, especially as all these Traits would need to use Qi. And as was previously noted, Qi is a form of energy that is not well understood by the game world. That or the previous people who tried to comment on Qi were all fundamentally wrong with their prior understandings. Meaning, I had no clue what was truly possible. I mean, I read the stories of Qi martial experts able to fly in the air, and shoot lasers from the tips of their fingers. The only problem was those were things I could already do. Looking at the level 50 Perks I had for my Ethereal Healer and Ethereal Masters Simulacrum classes, I realize the bar was set pretty high there as well. Ethereal Healer.
Class Perk Unlocked: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you are able to regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free floating spirit.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master.
Class Perk Unlocked: Magic Disruption: You have managed to focus your will into dominating the magical spectrum around you. Effect: +100% Range when dueling other magicians, +100% efficacy when dismantling a spell targeted towards you, +100% when trying to alter, diver, or diminish any form of magical energy around you.
Looking back, the Ethereal Simulacrums Master class perk is likely why I have had such an easy time defending against magic users. I state this, as a reminder for sometimes I am more powerful than others might give me credit for. Of course, I was dangerous before my class suddenly chose my evolutions for me. Now that I have my evolutions, I need to be extra careful when dealing with others. *** (Twenty Minutes ago) ¡°So, you were asked to teach a few higher-level mages the Cleansing Rain spell, what exactly is the big deal? I thought this would be something that you would appreciate doing.¡± Gwen asks, trying to be the peace maker of this whole ordeal. ¡°I would, but they all cast spells so badly, that even after I teach them, they are terrible at it.¡± I respond, not really wanting to get into the logistics of how bad the previous generations of mages were. I suddenly have the thought of being a magical elitist. Then I subsequently remembered the whole thing that no mage was ever allowed to enter Arcanarus University, despite being Archmages of the outside world, and people thought of as being preeminent magicians of the era. When I was accepted, I wondered if it was just a fluke, based on some underhanded tricks, but maybe there was more to my personal acceptance at the time than I thought? Then I remember how everyone thought of the previous guard to Arcanarus University as being a snobbish prude. To which, I of course now must wonder. ¡°Do I come across as snobbish when it comes to magic?¡± I ask. ¡°¡­Ah, um.¡± Gwen says, apparently stopping whatever she was saying and then trying to clearly state something in a way that would be less impactful with the right wording. Seeing her hesitation, I just wave my hand dismissively. ¡°You know what, never mind. I can see that you already think I am.¡± I state. ¡°It¡¯s not that I think you are snobbish when it comes to magic. It is just that you have a very unique view on what good magic is, and it is hard for others to meet your standards.¡± Gwen says, again I think her secondary class will be a diplomat. ¡°Just watch them and see that it is hopeless. These people have no feel for magic, they just do it. Casting cookie-cutter spells and not caring about filling in the lines of the spells they use.¡± I state. Of course, I am close enough to have the other mages that I am training to hear me. Though I really don¡¯t care, as they have not listened to a word I have said thus far. So, I figure if this is the wakeup call they need, then fine. ¡°I must say, you are by far and away the most insufferable little prat I have ever had the displeasure of being forced to work with.¡± Arch Mage Bellow Meister himself. He is one of those people that got really into being both British and snobbish, part of a roleplaying part of his new regressor life fantasy that he has apparently internalized. That or he was British to begin with, and then became snobbish from leveling up the most and becoming the defacto teacher of his class Arch Sky Mage, a supposed master of both wind and lightning magic, meaning he should be perfect for casting Cleansing Rain, but the only problem is that he is so inefficient that his spell practically unravels by the time it gets to the area where it would be most effective. ¡°And I must say, you are the most ineffective Arch Mage I have ever laid eyes on. Even those you consider to be your apprentices have more capability than you of completing a simple spell.¡± I say, finding myself rising to the pompous mage¡¯s goading tone. Something about that smug arrogance while being utterly wrong just infuriates me, especially when he won¡¯t listen to me. I don¡¯t want to assume his not wanting to listen to me is due to my being a female, as he listens to Mallory without any problems. Thus, his apparent problem with me is either my age, my level, or maybe he just doesn¡¯t like my charming personality. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. That said, I have had more than enough of his condescending attitude against me to this point. I also realize that part of this is just me being bullied and having to prove myself, which is why today I have decided that I will not back down. "Why you, you..." Bellow Meister trails off, as he momentarily loses his control so much that he drops his fake posh accent. But then recovers in full steam. ¡°If you were not the faithful pet of our illustrious leader, I would handily put you in your place with a magical duel.¡± There it is, the true reason for his and other people¡¯s resentment. They are jealous of the fact that I spent the last few months with Mallory, not that any of them spent any time with her while she was sick. Realizing that is the crux of it all, I decide to nip this all in the bud. ¡°You want a magical duel?¡± I ask, mentally smiling as of course these guys would have missed the part where I beat a magical duelist with their own skills. Since then, I maxed out those very same duelist skills not once, but twice, when I met my bloodline evolution, making sure to gain an additional 25 levels to both Quick Casting and Dual Casting two skills that are vital for any would be duelist. Especially as during my long trek across the desert to find this place, I had little more to do, other than search the area and constantly work on improving my skills as I moved, as that was about the only thing I could do during that time. ¡°Please, picking on innocent children is not something I am fond of. But don¡¯t you have other functions you can serve, rather than pestering us. We are casting your spell. If you dislike the way we are casting it, then maybe that should be a sign of how poor of a teacher you are, rather than something that resides with us?¡± He asks mockingly. ¡°You know what, let¡¯s do this. Clearly you aren¡¯t going to listen to a word I say, until you realize how terrible you truly are at magic.¡± I state. ¡°And clearly you aren¡¯t going to know when to stop yipping at the heel of your betters until you are kicked like the mongrel you are.¡± The Arch mage says, and it is all I can do right there to keep myself in a somewhat calm mind. ¡°I believe he just compared me to a little yipping puppy.¡± I say to Gwen, trying to make sure this is not some form of sick joke. But the more I see, the more I realize this is truly happening. ¡°Yes little miss, and it would appear that our only way of getting you to finally be quiet is to put you into place with a proper duel, do you accept?¡± The entitled snob asks. ¡°Yes, if that is what it takes for you to be quiet and listen, then yes.¡± I answer. With that, as would be expected, a system message comes up informing us our conversation has been monitored.
A formal dueling request has been registered.
At this point, we were allowed to mentally input exactly what we wanted for winning this contest. For me, all I could think about was that this guy could never talk to or about me again. After this input was made, I was met with another system message.
Checking into whether a handicap would need to be applied due to level disparity.
With that I felt myself being scanned, at the same time that the Sky Mage was also being scanned. After a brief moment of calculation, we were met with another message.
No handicap will be applied: The lower-level participant has not been deemed to be so much weaker, as to require a handicapping of the higher leveled challenger for this to be a fair duel.
With that odd message being displayed to everyone, we were both presented with a personalized quest prompt.
Quest Unlocked: A Duel of Magical Masters: Arch Sky Mage Belton has challenged you to a magical duel. The terms are you two will battle until one of you is unable to continue. If you lose, you must leave your position and title within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild and announce yourself as a yipping dog. If you win, Belton will lose the ability to speak with or about you. Rewards: Experience, Guild Notoriety, Stated objectives.
With that message, being presented apparently for all, we were about to begin, when a voice rang out from the sidelines. ¡°WAIT!¡± Just hearing the voice, I instantly knew who was talking, as did everyone who had now gathered to our magical practice field. As news of our duel had apparently gotten to headquarters. Though the speaker had been following behind us so closely that I all but knew she thought this encounter would be impossible to avoid. Turning away from me, Arch Sky Mage Belton turned to face Mallory. ¡°Your grace?¡± He stammered almost apologetically. ¡°Cut the act Belton. I¡¯ve heard it all from the start.¡± Mallory said. ¡°You, you have?¡± ¡°Yeah, I found it amusing, particularly the part about kicking a yipping dog.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°You know that was all just for show, right? We needed to get her riled up.¡± Belton said. ¡°Oh, she is plenty riled up. You can tell, as her mana is coursing so quickly through her body that she is turning white.¡± Mallory said, gesturing to me. With that I looked down at myself and while I did see the energy, I had no clue what exactly she was referring to. ¡°Yes, well this is what we spoke about, isn¡¯t it?¡± Belton said, and with that I felt like I had been sucker punched almost. Mallory had started this? ¡°I said, you could challenge her to a duel, but that you need to be careful.¡± ¡°And I will be, I promise to hold myself back from truly killing her.¡± At that Mallory just shook her head. ¡°Do you know why skills are important?¡± ¡°Well sure, they make it so you can do things that others can¡¯t. Even if it is not part of your class normally, you can still learn the skill and make it so you can mirror that class you like.¡± Sigh. ¡°Yes, that is part of it, but you do know of the rule of two right, when it comes to skills?¡± ¡°Rule of two?¡± ¡°Where you take a skill being used, times it by two and then add that to whatever base Attribute you are using that is associated with that skill?¡± ¡°Well yes, which is why I have many skills in the high seventies, but again don¡¯t worry. I will hold back from performing a killing blow.¡± Belton said arrogantly. ¡°Stop, just stop. No, I am trying to make sure she calms down enough that she won¡¯t kill you. Or better yet that when she does invariably kill you, she will then save you from your own stupidity.¡± Mallory states, pointing to me when she states she. By now, everyone on base has been summoned to this dueling area, which is just our open magical practice field. I half expect that this is part of why Mallory has put on such a show. She is talking for long enough for even the guards that were on duty at the far walls to come and witness this event. No pressure right? Silence. Belton looks genuinely lost for words, which Mallory then uses to press on with her statements. ¡°You saw that after you issued the duel, a prompt came up stating that you didn¡¯t need to be handicapped, right?¡± ¡°Well yes.¡± ¡°Given that her primary class is over three hundred levels below yours, didn¡¯t that give you some pause to think about, maybe something isn¡¯t right here?¡± ¡°Well yeah, but I figured that was due to her thinking you would do something.¡± ¡°Me? Stop her? No, I wouldn¡¯t dare stop her. Not for this, not for what you have done. And most of all, not for the fact that I think this will be a good lesson for you to learn, that is if you survive it of course.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Wait? You mean it, you honestly think I can lose?¡± Belton asks, suddenly looking indignant and momentarily dropping his terrible accent. ¡°HAH! No, you have it backwards. I don¡¯t see a way in which you can win this.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Why, the nerve. I will show you all, what a true mage can do. Not someone who got lucky by climbing a tower and getting a few rare baubles and trinkets. I have¡­¡± ¡°Blah, blah, blah. You are so annoying. We get it, arrogance is your downside. You can¡¯t see hubris if it was tattooed on your nose, we get it. Can we just get on with this, so I can finally teach some of you how to stop messing up your spells long enough for them to actually make a difference here?¡± I ask feeling annoyed that I have not only let this guy goad me into a duel, but that Mallory helped set this up. I get it, this is likely Mallory¡¯s way of showing the others that I am not to be trifled with, but still dueling someone so many levels above me should be scarry. It should be, but given that I have seen their magic in full effect and have noted that I am not impressed with his capabilities to Mallory, a comment made in strictest confidence I might add, I would feel nervous. As it is, I just feel kind of dirty and a bit used by this whole situation. ¡°You heard it. Everyone watch and realize why she is my Doctor and the one who will be in charge of the way we will train mages and Qi users here in the future.¡± Mallory says, backing out to the side. From her position in between the two of us, I can tell she intends to play moderator of this little duel. ¡°Fine then, since you both are so adamant that I will lose this little duel, then I see no reason to hold back.¡± With that Arch Mage Belton began casting a spell. I was about to react, but then saw the message that our duel was about to commence.
Duel will begin in 3, 2, 1¡­
Zzapp. A pillar of lightning arced up from Belton¡¯s finger, as he ended his casting time right as the timer ended. I saw the bolt of lightning arc and bend towards me. The hairs on the back of my neck began to rise, as I could feel my body creating the grounding portion of the bolt of lightning. There was a moment when I felt that impact with the bolt of lightning was inevitable. Then the whole world paused, as I felt something shatter into place within my very being. Idly my mind registered a new system message.
Level 25 Akashic Qi Master Trait Activated.
Then the world blurred around me¡­ Chapter 121 Like Running Through Lightning Chapter 121 Like Running Through Lightning Whoosh. The world was a blur around me. For a moment I almost thought I created a miniature wormhole in space and began moving freely through that void. Then I realized in no small part that this was exactly what I had done.
New Class Trait (Akashic Qi Master) Unlocked: Celerity: You have heightened your body and mind to such an extent that you can force reality to slow down around you, while you move and react to people and actions around you. Increases movement speed by a factor of one-one hundredth of your Dexterity Score. Current Value: 5.6.
The power was intense. For a moment, I felt like my heart was going to burst from my chest. Badump, badump, badump. In a fraction of a second, I felt my body move forward. I see the spell that Bolton cast to go off at the exact start of the match already beginning to form and manifest in Bolton¡¯s hands. Seeing the spell, I also notice the long tether connecting me to the spell. Then the spell made it halfway between us, before I even realized it was time to move, or that I could move away from the seemingly slow moving magical attack. As I moved, I felt the stark contrast of using a Qi based Trait power, versus a mana-based trait. For starters, the flow and execution were different. Since I didn¡¯t have a true core, my whole body was effectively my Qi core. This was good and bad, good in the fact that it apparently allowed me to utilize Traits like Celerity, where I was able to expend Qi energy all over my body all at once, which allowed me to move quickly. The bad part was, again, the fact that I couldn¡¯t use mana in this state. Or at least, I didn¡¯t feel comfortable enough with this new and fully untested type of energy to go around exposing it to a second type of energy simultaneously, that would of course come later. Realizing that I had apparently been given this ability for a reason, I felt there were a number of things I could do with this type of advantage. The first and most obvious piece was that I could run away, though that would only cause more ridicule on the part of the mages that I was here to train. No, I needed to take advantage of this new power that I had been granted. I didn¡¯t know that this was possible, but I would love the ability to just move faster, or slow down the world around me, while I thought about a possible solution to a problem, which was exactly what I thought I could do at the moment. Focusing, I realized that like all other Traits, this one had its own separate pool of energy to draw from, which was good as apparently this Trait was an energy guzzler. Given that natural Qi energy had something to do with the way my body moved, and stamina, I felt that if I used this ability with my regular Qi pool, I would be extremely sluggish afterwards. There was also another important function that was present while under the presence of Celerity and that was that I could now see motes of Qi much more clearly. I could for instance see the pools of Qi flowing through Blow Hard Belaton¡¯s body, even as he forced mana to go through the natural currents of his body. Seeing him, I wanted to try out a reverse Acupuncture technique. Acupuncture, a skill that I have maxed out over my travels, is one that is meant to increase the speed of energy and its ability to flow within one¡¯s body. Reverse Acupuncture would obviously be the opposite of that, like the way I fight off the Blight, I think I can use reverse Acupuncture to slow down or in some cases completely stop the flow of Qi within a body. Moving forward, I move until I am right next to Belaton. On some base level I can tell he is aware of my new movement speed, as he is clearly beginning to look both shocked and starting to move in reaction to my movements, but he is slow. Moving forward, I take out my fingers then I begin pressing on the motes of Qi that are all but glowing to my heightened senses. Upper right shoulder, as I touch I see the well of energy disperse like dirt spreading away from soap. Then I begin tapping and poking elsewhere, finding that if I infuse my fingers with a touch of my own Qi, the lights seem to stay away longer. Poke, poke poke. I end up playing what I mentally refer to as the most interesting game of Simon Memory Game. Where the only way to permanently disperse the light is by poking the spot quickly. Of course, the pokes are apparently painful, as the mage is both moving while continuing to channel energy into his spell. Seeing that he is still channeling energy into his spell and that is both very powerful, as it seems to be along the lines of an Electrical Tempest spell that has been boiled down into one direct spot. Along with the fact that the closer I have gotten, the less distance this spell has to travel. Realizing it would be the height of stupidity for me to get electrocuted by purposefully moving closer to the spell¡¯s origin, I first try to hit the stop button. I find a strip of Qi right under his core that is brightly lit, on reflex I strike at the line using my glowing left palm to strike at him. Nothing. Well, there is something as it appears that the blow was powerful enough to at least slightly raise him from his feet, but only a millimeter at most. Worse, the spell is still continuing to be cast, and I can see it curling up towards me. Realizing that I am still being targeted with the spell, I use Qi infused fingers to remove myself as the targeting point of the spell and then attach it to his own forehead. Tap. With the spell now set to target its own caster¡¯s forehead, I proceed to move behind the slow-moving mage. This movement is for multiple reasons, the first is that there are a lot more Qi pressure points that I can see glowing brightly on his back side, and the second and most important reason is that I will attempt to use the arch mage¡¯s own body, in this case his head, as a method to protect myself from this spell. I am in the middle of playing Simon Memory 2, when I see the spell arc around and strike at the mage. Not wanting to be anywhere near this, I quickly find myself moving backwards, towards the edge of the spectators that had gathered to watch. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Then it happens. Vertigo. I feel my body all but lurch to a halt, as my special Qi pool for my new Celerity Trait has run completely dry. Catching myself, I stagger in place, feeling my mind catch up to the slower speed that my body is now forced to move at. In a way, it feels like I am now moving through molasses, as my muscles feel tight. I am trying to get used to the disorientation caused by using a new power to its complete and utter limit for the first time, when I am suddenly pulled from my own introspection by a loud explosion. KABOOOM!! A powerful bolt of lightning that could have easily killed me, had it made contact arced out from the outstretched hand of the mage, made a wide circling arc, going about halfway out to where I began the duel at. Pause. Arch Air Mage Belton just pauses, his whole body standing there in a rigid position, as his entire body and skeletal structure glows with light. Even the metal objects he has on him take on a bright glowing light to my eyes. Then, the complete trail of mana burns up, almost like a lit fuse, or the remainder of a firework. Of course, the line in this case shows when the level of lethal power being used by the attacker stops. Ozone. There is the faint scent of ozone and burnt pork that fills the air. My heightened senses picking up the smells the electricity itself and the lingering damage caused by the attack. For a moment, I wonder if there will be more. If I will still need to go one with this farce. Fortunately, I am quickly met with a system message letting me know that the duel was in fact over.
The duel between Arch Sky Mage Belton and Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has ended with Dr. Spiritlight helping end Arch Sky Mage Belton with a self-assisted suicide.
Seeing the message, I momentarily paused, trying to grasp exactly what happened. I was about to say something, when I was met with the completion notice of my quest as well. A prompt that apparently everyone else was also able to see.
Quest Completed: A Duel of Magical Masters: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has won her duel against Arch Sky Mage Belton. Arch Sky Mage Belton will lose the ability to speak with or about you. Rewards: Experience, Guild Notoriety, Stated objectives. Experience Gained. 2,500 / 1,250 / 1,250. Geas of Silence: Arch Sky Mage Belton¡¯s spirit will be imprinted with a permanent geas that will permanently keep him from speaking with or about you.
Five thousand total experience points, or basically the Arch Mage¡¯s level rounded down to nearest hundred and multiplied by ten. Not too bad for a fight that lasted a couple of seconds. Well, a couple of real seconds, as I remember angrily tapping at him for quite a while before the burst of speed I had was over. Also, it was sad that I now get roughly this much experience all the time, making it so that even getting a burst of 5,000 total experience isn¡¯t enough to level me in any of my three classes. I am so lost in the details of the quest being over, that I only recognize the ghost of Arch Mage Belton, after its body drops lifelessly to the ground, and then it¡¯s now free-floating soul begins to get branded with a foreign energy that I can only assume is the geas that was spoken about. ¡°How?¡± Gwen asks. Hearing the question, I pause for a moment before trying to put it as succinctly as possible, I reply. ¡°I think I had a breakthrough mid fight.¡± ¡°Death by Assisted Suicide?¡± Mallory states, her voice light and mocking. ¡°What? I just killed him, and you are laughing.¡± I say, completely at a loss for what is happening. I try to shake my head, as I didn¡¯t want to kill and yet here it is, the worst-case scenario of a duel. A bag of burnt meat on the ground, and a free-floating spirit. ¡°Relax, just bring him back to life.¡± Mallory says. And then like that, I realize that ¡°oh yeah, I do have mana.¡± I begin moving as the spirit of Belton begins moving away, apparently, he was done reading his quest notifications and was almost ready to head off into the afterlife. ¡°Not so fast.¡± I say, lacing my hand with intense spirit magic, the same way Mallory first showed me. Then I am back in dedicated healer mode, focusing on first stabilizing the patient, which in this case means reforming the spirit of Belton, before it can fully evaporate. Then once that is complete, I try to shove him back into his body, only to realize that the head, or the area where a head should be is now filled by a giant void. Seeing the head, I end up speaking my thoughts, ¡°that bastard really did try to kill me.¡± Then, shaking my head I realize that this is not the time for this. I am here to save lives, particularly those of regressors, particularly those that are part of my new guild, as such I will heal. Rather than using the burnt charred husk of a body, I instead used Perfect Resurrection, taking the body of Belton, and making a younger more streamlined version of the body. I could improve his core, and now would be the perfect time to do so, but I hold off on that, as I have not gotten his permission to do so. I know this is one of the older mages of the game, as he was one of the first to settle down and join Mallory in the Midnight Hunters. The only difference being that Belton stopped going out and leveling, becoming content with what they had learned, while Mallory constantly pushed herself forward. I see all this from his soul, not that being content is bad, but he was here in a world filled with magic and didn¡¯t even try to understand the basics of magic. Instead, he just found spells, practiced the spells until he could copy them at will, and then left it at that. There was nothing else that pushed him as a mage. He reached level five hundred, saw that as the apex for himself and sat contentedly at that plateau. I hope this serves as a wake-up call for him. Also, with my giving him a younger body, I hope he finds the drive to go out and try to once again improve himself, or at the very least learn more about the craft he claims to have mastered. Mana sweat. Once again, the process is tiring, but not too tiring to forge a new and improved body from thin air, before moving on to the next step. Namely taking the spirit that I have been holding together by force and will alone, then forcefully pushing them into their smaller and younger body. The soul in this game is both infinite and malleable, meaning I could put it into any shape. While I originally did this process on my own, the system has provided me with assistance and insights that make this whole process easier to accomplish. At first, I used crocheting to keep a soul in place. Now I still do that, but the process is a lot more seamless. I like to think of this as me improving my art of spell crafting, making it so that I can weave a soul back into the rightful body without any blatant reminders of said processes. Also, not going to lie, even if it makes me look like a freak, this third eye is amazing for helping me nail the small details of spell crafting at a micro level. Finally, I get to the part where I am done, both the spirit and new body are perfectly aligned. Then reaching down to the chest, I pump in a light burst of Life Magic, causing the body and organs that had been stationary a moment ago to begin pumping automatically. Cough, cough. Within seconds Belton begins breathing in and coughing almost simultaneously. At that people start talking. Well truth be told they were talking the entire time, but I was able to tune them all out, mainly I think due to the tunnel vision that occurs when I use my third eye, as that is distracting and provides so much detail that I have a hard time concentrating on anything else, while it is active. ¡°You did it?¡± A mage who I had been teaching the Cleansing Rain spell to for a few days now said. I assume since he was senior to me, that he had likely been under Belton for a while and thus had some camaraderie with the man. With that another mage runs over to check on Belton, this is fine as I am already backing away, dabbing at the mana that is already drying up and being reabsorbed back into my skin as Qi. Such a weird process, but I don¡¯t think about that at the moment. Right now, all I can think about is Belton and making sure he is okay. ¡°Look at you. You challenge our Magical Instructor to a Duel, one that you then lose by assisted suicide. Then as punishment you get sixty years shaven off your life span?¡± The mage says. ¡°I have agree, challenging the first Magical Doctor to a Magical duel is basically asking for an assisted suicide. What were you thinking?¡± Another mage, that now looks to be a senior to Belton due to the age of his body, asks. At that I feel an encouraging hand grab me on the shoulder. I don¡¯t have to look, as I already know it is Mallory, and I can tell by her position that she is now standing behind me to both encourage me to push this further, while also showing the others that she will stand behind me. ¡°So, with that out of the way. Does anyone else want to challenge me to a magical duel, or challenge my ability to cast spells?¡± I ask. As I speak, everyone instantly goes quiet. Even the guards that I have healed go quiet as they seem to be all but waiting for another mage to say something in the form of a challenge. ¡°No, no, we are good.¡± The first mage that went to Belton asked, I think his name rhymes with Chris? ¡°Yes, in fact, I was hoping you could instruct me on how to cast the spell correctly.¡± The second speaker asks, I still have no clue what his name is, though that was because mentally I just called him clinger number two. With the first clinger being Chris. Yes, this was it, four mages who were deemed to have the core and specifications needed to cast the Cleansing Rain spell, a simple Tier VII weather spell. Oh well, you work with what you¡¯ve got, I guess. ¡°Right, well let¡¯s get started¡­¡± I say, and like that three mages that were completely disrespectful moments ago line up and not quite eagerly, but acceptingly line up to receive instructions on spell casting. Chapter 122 The Land Claim Project Chapter 122 The Land Claim Project (Three Days Later) It has been three days since I last had to prove myself to anyone, about my magical prowess. This was a nice rest and reprieve, as it meant I could actually focus on my job, which was what exactly? I am sure others have a list of plans and functions that they are assigned to accomplish, as for me I must make up my own workload, which is fun, but I never quite feel accomplished. Mainly because no one is ever there to praise me for my work I have done? No, that¡¯s not it, though a bit of recognition would be nice from time to time. No, I think the reason why I don¡¯t feel accomplished is that we have so many huge monumental tasks hanging over our heads, like the Guild Quest: A Land of Your Own, a quest we failed the first time. Though this time I am certain we will win, as I¡¯ve spent the last three days running around trying to make sure I have gotten everything I need in place to succeed. Not just for the land of our own quest, but also for the Hidden Guild Quest: Reclamation Project (Upgradable), where we had to make 20 acres of continuous land airable. My external chunk of land that I have been working on separately from the main 16 acres we have claimed thus far is close to being completed. Right now, there is just one long strip of desert land that separates the two areas from being counted towards our empire. This is the strip of land we assume the enemy Blighted monsters will attempt to traverse, to strike at both our main forces and the new land waiting to be added. Sort of the system¡¯s way of preventing us from completing two quests all at once. This is fine as we have made contingencies within contingencies. Just like last time, we are prepared to have to evacuate, as evacuating zones last time did not count against our land that we had claimed. Thus, we made it so the new zone of over four acres would not be used for habitation, at least not for humans and humanoids. Rather, we would use that land as a native space where cleansed animals could live freely without fear of being claimed by the Blight. This was where all the previous animals that I had already healed were sent. All but the crows and other vermin that are easily able to make it past our border regions. As part of our preparations we have real and manmade fences, guard towers, and turrets. Even a fleet of paratroopers is on standby ready to repel down to areas that might be attacked that we are blind to. In all, Mallory has done her part as leader and made this place as defensible as possible. Now all I must do is defend my one little strip of land. A strip of land that gradually inclines more and more until it is a nearly vertical thread that will connect both the old and new sections of our society. The strip of land is by no means short, in fact it is over ten meters across, meaning multiple diseased animals can climb up the incline, or fewer large animals can climb up. But I have plans for this as well, as over the past three days I have set up a few Master Enchanting runes around the place to help amplify my spells. There are two sections set up. The forward section is what I call the storm section, while the aft is the cleansing section. The idea is that I will wear down the Blighted enemies that come up the ramp. Then quickly send them over to Gwen who will use her Cure Blight spell that I taught her, while aided by the amplification runes to heal the monsters and set them loose to wranglers who will then ferry them across the land bridge of sand that connects both he primary and secondary lands. Then if we need to fall back, we have two other sections just like this one set up, where we can continue to wear down the enemy forces. Meanwhile, we will also be protected by what has to be half of the elite forces of the Midnight Hunters. ¡°Men, I don¡¯t think I need to tell you how important this is for us. This is our home; this is our livelihoods we are talking about. We failed our first time, due to being unprepared. This time we will not let that happen.¡± Mallory begins to speak and as she does, I can feel and see the slight influx of magic in her words. Subtle uses of Voice Amplification, along with Autotune, which make her sound more charismatic to people who can hear her. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have to tell you this, but we have several key personnel set up throughout the area. The two here that are the most important are of course the Doctor,¡± Mallory says, as she points to me. Then she turns and points to Gwen, ¡°and her daughter. You might ask yourself why these two in particular? Well, the fact is simple, if you die, the doctor here WILL bring you back to life. Do not accept death, do not accept your fate that was handed to you, but create your own fate by defying the afterlife and holding on for as long as possible. I promise you, that as long as you are here in this plane of existence we will find you and bring you back to life.¡± Hearing that, there was a slight pause as Mallory let those words sink in. ¡°Unfortunately, we can only bring you back if our expert at resurrections is alive. As for the daughter of the Doctor, she is the only other healer who has been able to learn the Cure Blight spell. As you are no doubt aware, we are facing the Blight. Every monster we face will have the Blight. Not that I need to remind you all, but the Blight is¡­¡± With this Mallory trails off, as she clearly remembers something deep within her own mind. ¡°The Blight is all consuming. It latches onto you, and will slowly drag you down, devouring your life force until you are a husk of your former self. Worse, it can be spread through constant contact, meaning that after time, your loved ones will wish to stay away, for fear that they too will catch the disease. Then you are left with nothing but wanting to die.¡± Mallory states, and it is clear that everyone in the Guild is both aware of her particular set of circumstances, and just how much suffering she went through for over two and a half years while dealing with the disease. ¡°This isn¡¯t me trying to get you to lose all hope, far from it. The Blighted monsters are easy experience. They are slower, have clear health values that are half of regular monsters of their type. And the best of all, there is no level restrictions, killing a level 1 Blighted creature will give you just as much experience at my level, as it will as if you too were level 1. Meaning this is our chance to gain levels and strength quickly. The biggest fear of contracting the Blight is negated by having not just one, but two healers on hand who can eviscerate this disease. This is our chance. Everyone here will be brought back to life, whether I must go to the land of the dead myself and drag you back here for our healer to resurrect.¡± There was a pause, as she let those words sink in. Then seeing that everyone was properly motivated, Mallory gave the command for the entirety of the army to disperse. ¡°You all are dismissed to your perspective zones.¡± With that, all but a hundred and three people took their leave of the area. Once everyone else was out of earshot, she smiled brightly, before turning to the remainder of the soldiers, the so called hundred soldiers that would be needed to hold the line for the last line of defense. These were also our secondary healers, our animal tamers that would help guild cured animals out of the way, and those that would subdue Blighted creatures while Gwen and I healed them of their afflictions. With the other groups out of the way, Mallory could speak directly to us, the last line of hope for this quest, ¡°I don¡¯t need to say it, the fact that you all are here with me now proves how much I value you all. How much I want you all to be here with us. Know that this time, since we failed our first trial not only are we expecting to have to fight greater monsters, but we now know that we need to keep at least 100 men alive. Don¡¯t worry, that is why in addition to our healers, we have set up the rear guard, some of our most elite soldiers mixed in with some of our up-and-coming stars. While you all will be off the front lines, do not miss the fact that your contributions will not go unrewarded. We wanted to save this until after the battle, but we wanted to make sure you all were aware that you volunteered to stay back here. You will have the first chance to undertake and learn about Qi. We also realize that some of you chose to stay back for other reasons, whether it be for healing or other factors, and we wanted you to know that this reward will be transferable, should you so wish. You can sell this, to other members of the Guild, or turn it in for a million guild bucks.¡± Yep, Mallory still pushing that fun money on people. Still, I had to give it to her, she did make this seem to be a great reward. Especially when this all began as me saying that I needed a few guinea pigs to train first, before we start selling this to outsiders. At first, she was hesitant, until she realized that I also meant we wanted to keep any potential new classes that come from this, within the Guild. Even if we do have a guild full of QiFFers. I know, I still can¡¯t get that name out of my head, especially after Mallory called me out on it. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. There was a moment of pause as everyone turned from Mallory and then to me. Finally, the Captain that had possibly been assigned as my permanent bodyguard asked. ¡°Is it true?¡± ¡°Yes, I will gladly train all of you in the ways of finding and moving your Qi. What you do with that is up to you, but I will be able to guide you to finding your inner self, and the extra power source.¡± I begin, and then decide to give a quick rundown on what I have figured out about the mysterious power. ¡°Since we have time.¡± I begin, as I mentally look at the quest and see the timer counting down until the first wave of judgement arrives. I decided to get everyone even more excited about this new facet of the game. ¡°Obviously it would be easier to not have been gifted with magical powers to use Qi, as the easiest thing to do for a Qi cultivator would be to cycle your Qi through your unused power core. With this process, you would then continually learn to break and then reform your own core as you wished to get more and more powerful. I can of course assist with this process, and heal any that are damaged, but I think at first we should see the difference between advancing on your own, versus advancing with assistance. While I might get you a better result to your core, you might get rewards for doing it on your own that my assistance might negate. But this only means we should try as hard as possible to see what our true boundaries are.¡± I say, trying to make using the core and expanding our knowledge of this world even further. I have no doubt that I could increase people¡¯s cores to accept Qi better and at higher ranks or Tiers, but should we do that is an entirely different discussion. I also have a feeling that this world would punish those that took the easy route. So, while having me around to fix a botched advancement would be possible, it would not be something we should bank upon. ¡°You can fix and or improve people¡¯s cores?¡± The guard captain asked, apparently he was either the quickest on the uptake, or the one that felt the most comfortable asking me questions. ¡°Yeah, of course.¡± I say, feeling somewhat confused. ¡°Could you do this for increasing magical tiers?¡± A healer in the back asked. Hearing this, I feel like I have missed something as everyone¡¯s attention in the group suddenly has changed, as they are now looking at me like a freak. ¡°Wait, wait. Time out.¡± I say, even going so far as to create the ¡°T¡± with my hands. Then turning to Mallory I tilt my head slightly as if to say, what gives? Mallory bites her lip, a clear sign she might have kept quiet for my own benefit. That or she might have lied, or it might have skipped her notice. I¡¯m going to go with the first option, but her being forgetful might not be too far of a stretch. ¡°You see¡­¡± Mallory began. I of course cut her off, as I want this narrative to be out correctly. Or at least in a way that I can rest assured with. ¡°You all saw the message stating that I was a Magical Enchantment Surgeon, right?¡± I ask. There is a pause, and then a few people that are looking get that oooh look to them. Seeing their responses, I nod and point out the people that seem to remember the deluge of messages that all but called me out and forced me to run into the desert. Not that I ran, I Teleported, then ran to increase my skills that could once again increase. Never something so cowardly as running from possible responsibilities. ¡°I have been so graciously accepted into this guild. I also have the title of Doctor, which denotes my ability to perform complex Magical Enchantment Surgeries, on patients. This is a title that has carried over into my position here at the guild, where I intend to make performing these surgeries a thing in the future. So yes, if your question is can you, as a magic user, trade in this Qi reward for an elective surgery to improve your core¡¯s capacity and potential, then I will allow that also. That will be a trade done directly with me, after this you will be given a crafting token that I will mark. You can then trade that in to be one of the first people in the world to learn to use Qi on your own. Or if you would rather, you can trade it in for a two-Tier increase in a magical field of your choice.¡± I say. ¡°Ohh.¡± With that everyone, even the mages are ecstatic in this, as they can get a two-Tier increase to their core. Something that is normally unheard of. I really like this option as in most cases I could get by with just using my Bloodline flaw to enact this reward, meaning it will be easier than me trying to train a mage to find their Qi and then circulate it without channeling it through their cores. ¡°Did you hear that, with a two Tier increase, I could be a Tier V healer!¡± One of the mages called out. Hearing that, I felt a pit rise up into my stomach. Then I turned my attention to the mage and just felt sick to my stomach. He was so happy at being a Tier V? No wonder he didn¡¯t want to go to the front lines, that meant right now he was a Tier III healer, which made it so he either had to be very good or very economical with his spells. Looking around I realized he was not the only one here who was a Tier III mage. Seeing them, I felt a slight cringe. Again, I am not a magical snob, but I couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for these people. ¡°You there, come forward.¡± I say, pointing out the Healer who was excited to become a Tier V Healer once this was over. ¡°In fact, you, you, you and you.¡± I say, pointing out mages that were clearly Tier III right now. ¡°Us?¡± ¡°Yes, you magical users that are Tier III or lower, come forward. This is not your final reward. You will still get that reward later. But this is just my way of saying that you for choosing to guard me during this time.¡± I say. The Healer was up and standing before me. There was a slight look of hesitation in him as he didn¡¯t quite know why I called him out from the group of final protectors. Taking off my right glove, I made sure to channel energy into the hand, getting it to glow with magical energy. This didn¡¯t do anything, other than make it so my hand looked like it had changed in some substantial way. ¡°Wha, what are you doing?¡± The Healer asked. ¡°Behold the power of the Doctor.¡± I stated, then bringing down the glowing hand I touched the Healer.
Bloodline Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny activated.
With that, I felt the power of my bloodline flow through the Healer¡¯s body, awakening certain components within him and causing his mana and core to expand with a flood of energy. I did feel part of my own mana drop at this, not much, and what mana I did lose was immediately recovered by my high regeneration, but I did feel that my own energy pool was the catalyst for the change. ¡°What? What just happened?¡± The Healer asked after a second. ¡°Check your magical potential now.¡± I said. ¡°What?¡± He asked clearly confused at first, then I could see his expression change as he did as I asked. ¡°Tier Five! I am a Tier Five Healer!¡± He shouted, then ran to hug me, but I quickly sidestepped the attempt and held up a hand. Not a snob, I just don¡¯t like people randomly touching me. ¡°This is just my way of saying thank you all. You will still get the reward that you can then turn in to increase your core size again or use to learn Qi.¡± I say, then I proceed to do the same thing with every other mage that followed their hearts, and not their heads when it came to magic. Honestly, these were people that were mages, people who had devoted themselves fully to the cause of magic, and their full potential was Tier III. Honestly, If I didn¡¯t do this, I felt I was wasting their zeal to live. In all there were only five that were below Tier V and chose to be a magic user of some kind and stayed behind to be with me. When it was over, I first put back on my right glove. Then I looked around to see that the atmosphere of the reserve unit was excited, even as word of the first wave coming into view could already be heard echoing across the fields. I could see also that satisfied smirk on Mallory¡¯s face. Seeing her, I went over to her and asked, ¡°you did that on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Did what? That was all you.¡± Mallory said. ¡°No, I am a terrible person, and we all know this.¡± I said. ¡°Yeah, said the person who got all puppy dog eyed at hearing about a Tier III Healer giving their all to magic, and offering to increase them up by four Tiers if they just tried.¡± Mallory said. ¡°I did not give puppy dog eyes.¡± I said, somewhat angrily. ¡°Oh, you totally did. I could almost see the beginning of a mana tear forming on the side of your face.¡± Gwen, my traitor of a daughter said, chiming in on this conversation. ¡°Oh, come on. What was I supposed to do. A Tier III healer, desperate to learn magic. Clinging to the path of knowledge for the sheer fact that they love magic, despite their predisposition to being naturally terrible at it. Sticking with it for over a hundred levels, despite the grind and pain that this would cause. Knowing they could never make something of themselves without sweat and perseverance.¡± I say. ¡°You know, you make him sound a lot more heroic than he is. He is just a plug and play healer for the guild. He goes along on these expeditions and gets splash experience from killing monsters by healing people who are in combat. He is actually quite lazy, and adverse to risks, which is why he chose to stay back here.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Oh, come on. You can¡¯t do that to me.¡± I state, a note of defeat filling my words. ¡°You are going tot have to face it. Not many healers are as brave or brazen as you are.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°I am not that brave.¡± I state. ¡°You stared down a behemoth of a dragon that could have swallowed you up whole ten times over. Then you managed to train it without saying so much as a single word to it, and yet you had it bowing and scraping at your every word and action.¡± Mallory said. ¡°That dragon just needed to learn a bit of discipline.¡± I said. ¡°Or the time you healed that level 700 warrior and told him to shove it.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°What?¡± I ask. ¡°Oh, I remember. He was so ticked that you instantly threw him out despite his guild and stature.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Remember he was like the third or fourth person you cured of the Blight?¡± Gwen added. I tried to remember, but honestly at this point other than Mallory I don¡¯t remember many people that I healed of the Blight. Maybe if I saw them and their energy patterns, but that would have to be something far later. Ding, dong. The alarm bells began to ring from the airships above us in our area, letting us know that we had about ten minutes before monsters would start to come our way. This was part of our early warning system we devised, the ships would float around the area looking for areas of the most activity and ring out warning bells. Seeing them, I decide to begin my own acknowledgment spell. Holy Curing Rain. All around the area are tons of Master Level Enchanting amplification runes that only do one thing, help me cast my modified curing rain. Within seconds strands of my energy are going out filling up the different runic constructs and filling them with power. Then after a second the energy could be seen rising upward, as a golden light began to fill the area. Then finally a burst of golden energy rises up into the sky, piercing the clouds, before it begins seeding the clouds with mana infused rain particles. Seeing our acknowledgement, the ship moves off, just as the first trickles of rain begin to fall. Thick trickle. This is the first step, as we begin to make it so the dirt ramp leading up to us becomes like mud and begins to impede the monster¡¯s approach. All while the advance units can pick off the even slower than usual Blighted creatures. With the initial defenses in place, all we can do is take one last quick tally of ourselves and our situations before the true battle begins. While I have been running around, preparing for a mini-apocalypse, my Simulacrums have been doing their part, by reading. Again, so jealous. But they are doing great work, as the amount of experience they managed to generate for me is rather impressive.
Simulacrum Book Reading Experience Gained: 4,470 / 2,235 / 2,235 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has risen to level 92. Ethereal Healer has risen to level 196.
To read a book, or be stuck here in a potentially life or death battle that has the possibility to forever change the fate of BiPrism? It is a tough choice, but I think I can safely say that so long as my family is here, there is no place else that I would rather be. With that, I mentally place a mental tracker on both Mallory and Gwen, as we prepare for this final battle to claim our own Guild Territory to begin. Chapter 123 Setting the Stage Chapter 123 Setting the Stage (Mallory) We were losing. Even with an extra month to prepare for the onslaught that was coming, we were just caught off guard by the sheer number of monsters. Last time, it was estimated that there was a ten to one ratio of monsters to people. Given that most of the people on the ground at the time were civilians meant to support our efforts, the few soldiers that we had were quickly overrun by the sheer numbers present. Even then we were close, so close to succeeding. At the time I had wanted to argue with the developers or whomever that we had succeeded. Especially when Cass managed to bring everyone back alive. Yet, I held my breath, especially as we were given a second chance. Better still we had an extra thirty days to prepare for what was to come. This time we prepared for double or even triple the number of monsters to people coming. Last time if there were ten monsters for every person, then this time we prepared for thirty. I even thought Cass was a little crazy for her giant trench slip-n-slide idea. Where we would slowly build up the ground and cause the creatures to climb up an ever-increasing hill of dirt and mud. Yet, I was wrong. Within an hour, the other units all reported the same thing, and had to be evacuated. Our aerial units that had been ready to deploy, instead dropped down and began evacuating people out of areas that were quickly overrun. With nothing left to do, we had everyone pile up on the final staging area where the last one hundred would stand. This of course meant that the animals that had been set to spawn elsewhere began spawning right up in our area. I of course was on the front lines, but even after slicing through hundreds, if not thousands of monsters I too was getting tired. ¡°We need to pull back.¡± Bracca, my guard shouted at me, and he was right. We were getting surrounded. Not that we had charged forward, rather we were getting surrounded as we had held the line, while others inevitably fell back due to fatigue. Nodding, I agreed. ¡°Pull back.¡± We still had six hours of this, and there was no end in sight, as more and more monsters kept appearing off on the distances, coming from cracks in the ground that our aerial spotters marked as potential caches or dungeon spawn points to be investigated in the future. In my mind, I was already planning on coming up with evacuation plans. For as great as the experience, I gained here was, it was nothing compared to the people who would die here. Even if Cass could get to them in time, she was needed to keep the rain going. The rain that was giving us a slight advantage on being completely overrun. Everything looked lost, until she happened. Seeing so many people gathered in one space, I knew that Cass would eventually need to get away. I wasn¡¯t nearly as sensitive as she was to the energy of others and being that close to people also bothered me. Thus, it was no surprise to see her take to the skies and try to get away from others. She was in her standard form, her spooky levitation spell, along with her seraphim wings. Seeing her there in the air, far above everyone, I knew she of all people would survive this, and with her alive we could all get called back to life, if we just waited. That was my thought, as I knew she would not let herself rest until she did just think, until she brought everyone back to life. Then she moved her hands in the air, and I could almost feel a chill as I saw her third eye open. Then the world as I knew it changed. That moment, not the moment that she took flight, but the moment that her third eye opened and flashed her resolve to change the course of battle. That was the time we would all call The First Miracle. As soon as she was done moving, a burst of power surged out of her, interacting with the enchanted pillars that she insisted on having set up everywhere. Honestly, I had half a mind to object, but she worked so hard on them, and they were quite elegant that I couldn¡¯t deny her. They were sort of like modern streetlights but didn¡¯t light up. At least, they didn¡¯t light up before, not until she came. With her nearby, she made sure the lights from those pillars glowed brightly. Then she made the glow suddenly become more intense. Thunderclap. Almost immediately, the sky itself seemed to react to her sudden change. For a moment it felt like there was a struggle of wills, then Cass with her glowing third eye forced the very heavens themselves to bow down and submit to her will, just as the mighty black dragon of death had in that Blighted tree. Warm rain. The rain that had been coming down constantly suddenly changed in intensity. Thrum. Suddenly the drops of rain that had been falling all along grew warm. It was a warmth that was hard to explain, as it was a warmth that cut straight to the bone and made you feel alive. Only after a second could I realize what was happening, as I could feel and see my internal energy increasing from the suddenly infused water. ¡°My stamina, it is increasing.¡± Bracca said, as he looked at his hands in disbelief. ¡°Mine too.¡± I said, then realizing we were half way up the hill, I decided to turn around. ¡°Let¡¯s make a stand here, so we can let the others fall back and regroup at the top of the hill.¡± ¡°I¡¯m with you.¡± Playton said, turning around to fight by my side. ¡°Me too.¡± ¡°Me as well.¡± With that we turned as one and began holding the line. Though there was a difference that was easily noted, as the Blighted creatures that were normally slow, now seemed to move even slower. At first Bracca and the others were confused by this, as it was almost comical to dive under the strikes of the enemies. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there, use this to your advantage.¡± I shouted, as I summoned forth my scythe and easily sliced through four monsters at once. ¡°The new rain is making it so we can easily cut down the monsters faster than previously.¡± An hour passed in that way, with just the four of us managing to hold the line and take down monster after monster. Finally, after a clear lull in the movement of the monsters was seen, as a wedge of falling bodies drifted down the muddy hillside and took out a slow-moving group of monsters, we took a second to relax. ¡°How much longer do you think she can last?¡± Bracca asked, then looking over his shoulder he looked to the woman that was clearly the cause of our suddenly being able to hold the line. ¡°Cass, knowing her, she will not give up until she dead, or we¡¯ve succeeded.¡± I said, smiling confidently at the floating angel. ¡°Where did you find her again? And how had no one heard of her before?¡± Denberg asked. With that I smiled. ¡°She was just a level 22 Healer when I first met her. Now look at her, all grown up and showing off her talents before the world.¡± There was a moment, as everyone took one last second to stare at her. She had been making subtle changes constantly to the spell she was casting. That much was apparent as like clockwork, she would open her third eye up once every five minutes, then she would exact a change to the spell she was casting. These were subtle changes, and most of the time it wasn¡¯t clear exactly what she was changing if anything to the spell, but she was constantly working on improving her spell form and craft. ¡°You sure can pick them, commander.¡± Bracca said. With that Mallory tilted her head to the side then answered truthfully. ¡°I wish I was the one that had scouted her. But sadly no, my real-life granddaughter is the one who scouted her, due to her ability to read smutty stories of all things.¡± ¡°Smutty stories?¡± ¡°Oh, I think I might have said too much.¡± Mallory began, then turning back to the monsters that were now almost within attack range, she said, ¡°look alive, the monsters are increasing in their base levels now.¡± *** ¡°Here it comes.¡± Jhonny said, as he looked skyward at the floating pixy? Faerie? Elf? That was above them. The one who was clearly causing the rains to continue their torrential downpour. ¡°Here what comes?¡± Dyllon asked, looking down and seeing that the monsters that had been on a relentless pace to easily overrun their base had slowed down to first half speed, then a quarter speed. Now it looked like the monsters might not make it up to them at all, at this rate. ¡°She¡¯s going to do it.¡± ¡°Whose going to do what?¡± ¡°The Doctor, she is going to do it again.¡± ¡°Do what again?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, she has just had her third eye open for a really long time this time. That means she is about to do something major.¡± ¡°Are you saying you know magic?¡± ¡°No, clearly I know nothing of magic, if she is able to float easily and do all of this. But what I do know is the look of determination.¡± ¡°Look of determination, are you serious?¡± ¡°Look, that right there that focus, that is the look of determination. She¡¯s going to do it this time.¡± ¡°Do what?¡± Hearing that Jhonny could only shrug his shoulders at the question, as he honestly had no clue what the floating angel of magic could do, or what she was thinking. But every fiber in his body told him that something great was about to happen. He never had magic perse, he had been one of the hundreds of people who had been cursed to want but never be able to use magic. But that didn¡¯t mean he hadn¡¯t learned to feel magic, as he at first did everything he could to learn about magic in the hopes that just being exposed to magic would be enough. Then he had a dream where he finally awoke his magical potential. That was the same day that the guild invite went out, asking for people to volunteer to be slated as one of the reserve 100 soldiers. These were people who would stand with the Doctor, a master magician who was said to have had not one, but two doctorates of magic given by the world. Hearing that, he knew he had to join, just to be near her. In his mind he was certain that his dream of unlocking his magic and being offered the chance to stand by the side of the Doctor, were linked. Then he saw the impossible. He saw five lower tier mages suddenly be improved by just being touched by this enigmatic doctor. Now he had seen her moving her fingers in the way mad geniuses would, while calculating complex equations. The fact that she could easily cast spells without need of chanting or gestures was apparent as she had managed to take down Arch Sky Mage Belton without uttering a single word. Yet, to see her move her fingers in such deft manners showed that she was truly a peerless genius. Then finally she nodded to herself, and her third eye closed. Seeing the closing of the third eye, Jhonny could only look on in awe for what would happen next. He was not sad that he stared up and saw her finally cast the next stage of her spell. WHOOOSH! A burst of energy was released forcing everyone who had just been staring about to crash and collide into each other. Splash, splat. People crashed into each other who then fell into the muddy ground. Jhonny too felt his own feet give out under him, but he managed to maintain his balance for a moment, that is until Dyllon crashed into him causing them both to crash to the ground. Still Jhonny never looked away, despite how staring up at that moment felt like staring up into the sun during a solar eclipse, for in that moment he could see mana. He could see and feel the motes of energy burning brightly in the world around him as he could feel the shape and energy of mana being burned brightly into his retinas, and it was beautiful. Beautiful and painful, but so worth it. *** (Mallory) There was an explosion of energy off to the side. Out of reflex more than anything, I swung my scythe once slicing through the nearby monster. Then I turned to the sight of the sound and saw nothing. Well that wasn¡¯t true. There had been a burst of energy apparently, as everyone that was under Cass had suddenly been forced to the ground. But as for Cass, she just sat there still and unshakable in her need to continue casting the spell she had woven. A spell that she had apparently changed the intensity of, as the sky once again began to rumble with indignation at having been disturbed yet again. This time, the battle of wills between an amplification arrayed Cass and the gods of the storm clouds was a lot quicker. Either they were getting tired of her constant harassment, or they realized that trying to argue with Cass once she had her mind made up was impossible. Regardless of the reason, the clouds began to change going from a dark black rain cloud, to a divine green and purple color. This rain, while admittedly colder than the previous rain caused a change to happen in the entire battle that I never thought I¡¯d see in a million years on this world. But yet, again, Cass¡¯s ingenuity knew no bounds it seemed. Thump, thud, thump. ¡°What?¡± ¡°What happened?¡± Bracca asked, his words seeming to be echoed by everyone else. As he spoke the rain that had been falling soaked into the monsters that were coming, and this time rather than just slowing them down, Cass finally managed to knock the monsters out once and for all. ¡°She did it.¡± I said, looking first at the clearly passed out Blighted creature at my feet, then back to the floating Cass. ¡°She did what exactly?¡± ¡°She snuck a knockout drug into the rain?¡± Denberg asked. Pausing for a moment, I couldn¡¯t come up with a better explanation for what had happened. ¡°Yeah sure, let¡¯s go with that. She made the rain a knockout drug for Blighted creatures.¡± I said. There was a pause as we watched as the newly formed storm cloud spread ever outward, seeming to infect the other nearby clouds, and slow shift them away from the warm rain that had infused their bodies to continue fighting, to this colder rain that made the Blighted monsters seem to pass out almost upon contact. ¡°What should we do?¡± Bracca asked. Seeing the free experience laying at our feet, I shrugged my shoulders and quickly killed the monsters that were right there. ¡°Let¡¯s kill these off, set up a defensive barrier, then go up to see what our little miracle worker is up to.¡± With that, everyone went about killing the monsters that were before them. With silent proficiency we killed the monsters, then began pulling them back to form a tall line of bodies that would be hard to climb over, especially with so much mud still pouring down. Once or twice, I felt my own feet slip from under me. Fortunately, my Strength and Dexterity made it so I didn¡¯t fall on my ass, but the same could not be said for a few of the other elite guards who nearly fell to the ground while carrying the bodies of the dead and slain monsters. Grabbing them before they fell completely, I hoisted them up, while they somehow managed to drag the body of the monster they were carrying behind them. Once out of the suction like grip of the mud, moving the monster corpses became easier. ¡°What is that?¡± Bracca asked, looking at the black blood that seemed to almost smoke and sizzle once it was exposed to the relentless rain. ¡°That is our miracle worker, making sure this land is clear of the Blight.¡± I say, not entirely certain, but it seemed to be a good enough excuse. With that Bracca looked at the black blood that completely hissed and dissolved into the flowing mud. Then back to the floating Cass. ¡°Time?¡± Playton asked no one in particular, but it was clear he was heaving from having fought for nearly twelve hours straight. ¡°Four hours, well a little over four.¡± Bracca said. ¡°Well do we stay here and wait? Or can we go up and rest for a bit?¡± Playton asked me, a note of exhaustion in his voice. I am certain that if I told him we would stay here, he would collapse into the mud and monster parts and just rest while we waited for the monsters to eventually be able to overcome this new rain. ¡°Let¡¯s go up, we will get something to eat, and try to dry off.¡± I state. ¡°Finally.¡± Playton mutters under his breath as he gets up and sluggishly begins crawling up the rain-soaked hill. Fortunately, this last part has not been so worn down by rain that it is impossible to walk up. It just feels that way. Of course, being the commander, and being a now Arc Valkyrie Class holder, thanks to a few upgrades made to my core. I sprouted my wings and began flying over Playton, Bracca, and Denberg. Seeing me fly past, the others just groan in disgust at seeing me easily overtake their position on the hill and then surpass them. As I fly, I only have one location that I truly want to be. Flying up, I see her in her seemingly clueless antics calculating with her fingers. I am behind her, and out of habit I instinctively try to sneak up behind her, hoping that this time she won¡¯t see me. ¡°Shh, I¡¯m concentrating.¡± Cass says, holding out one finger to me. Then once I stay still for a second she once again begins to use that finger to do her mathematical equations in her head. I honestly have no clue if that is what she is actually doing, but she claimed one time that it was related to math and the way math inherently worked with mana. Regardless, I couldn¡¯t keep up with half of what she said. Still, I did have to say that seeing her float there far above everyone else who was clearly staring up at her, as if she was their savior, was impressive. I know she hates being in public, I know she hates recognition, but seeing her right here, at the very heart of danger doing her thing, it is clear that, for now, she is right where she belongs. Now, I just have to make sure that no one else messes up this beautiful gift that we all have been given. A gift who only wants to make life better for everyone and to cure the incurable and save the unsavable. Honestly, looking at her, she is a tough act to follow. That said, I know I would follow her anywhere. Chapter 124 The Tempest Chapter 124 The Tempest (Cassiopeia) We were winning. Despite the odds, despite the hundred to one difficulty of our current predicament. Despite the fact that there would be well over fifty thousand monsters summoned for this final survival stand for our guild, as we had well over five hundred guild members present for this, as this time we wanted everyone to be here, so we could make the final one hundred members easily. The only thing that was not taken into consideration was the ridiculous rate that the monsters would increase to. Still, despite their numbers, we were winning. At one point the number of evacuees coming and being around me got to be so tight and filled with the constant chattering of their own fears that I couldn¡¯t think. That was why I took to the skies and began subtly changing the spells being used. Level thirteen Holy magic being added to the Cleansing Rain was enough to slow down by half the speed of the monsters. Still, that wasn¡¯t enough. Yeah, we had teams like Mallory¡¯s that were out there holding the line and able to keep up with that rate, but that wasn¡¯t enough. Thus, I began altering the Cleansing Rain spell. At this point it was about all I was good for, as I still didn¡¯t have it in me to kill these monsters. Despite their half dead and rotting forms, it was my intention all along to keep them alive and hopefully turn them all into the creatures that would help us terraform these lost lands. Honestly, I think my true inspiration for how I truly changed the spell came from witnessing a free forming lightning bolt. With so much forced energy into the air, the build up of electricity was a given. Then I saw the clouds that I was theoretically controlling spark down to discharge some of the electrical energy to the ground, but at the same time, I saw a slight portion coming up from the ground and essentially directing the lightning bolt to the ground. That was the key moment for me, the moment when everything clicked. Yes, I could just create a rainstorm that rained down punishing rain that would slow down the Blighted creatures we were facing. But that was only half the solution. The second half was coming up with a counter spell going up from the ground that could then connect the two halves of the spell I wanted to happen. From there, it was a LOT of trial and error, mostly error. With my large ten-kilometer radius, I could see further than the rain clouds I could create and control with my arrays. This was good, as it meant I could see subtle changes. Of course, even minor changes took time and effort to get put into place. Worse, even when I knew there was a mistake, I still had to allow time for my previous change to roll out, before I could then roll out the correction. At one point, I am pretty sure I managed to simultaneously slow down the monsters to a quarter of their speed, while also increasing their health pools. The health pools were something that I had wanted to add later, once I hopefully cured these creatures, but not while they were in the middle of actually fighting. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice the increased difficulty there for a few minutes, while I waited for the healing aspect to be lowered from the Blighted side. Eventually I realized that just as the clouds were negatively charged with electricity and the ground was positively charged to form a lightning bolt. I needed to do something similar with the clouds and the ground. Thus, the sky was filled with mana that I rotated clockwise with mostly Holy, Life, Nature, and Light aspected mana particles. Then on the ground, I used Shadow, Spirit, and Nature again, but the corrosive parts of nature. I also spun this second grouping of magic particles with a counterclockwise rotation. WHOOSH! The effect was as amazing to feel as it was to watch. Within seconds of that spell going live and rolling out over the fields, every Blighted creature collapsed to the ground. They were still alive, but their bodies were unable to proceed with the competing powers that were essentially ripping them apart. This was the most challenging part for the working, as I knew I was close. So close that I could feel the answer right there before me. Mentally, I began calculating the pros and cons from each side. I realized that there needed to be a balance between both polarities of magic. Both the clockwise good, and counterclockwise bad sides had to be balanced, or my control over the spell would be lost. Thus, I began calculating. With my left hand I tried to keep track of the good or skyward magical Tiers being used. Then with my right, I tried to keep track of the bad ground side magical Tiers being used. ¡°Thirteen Spirit, Seven Shadow, and Thirteen Nature gives me thirty-three from the ground. Meaning I need to counter the top with thirty-three as well.¡± I begin muttering to myself, desperately trying to keep track of what I can use for the top side. I could add another magic type to the mix of the bottom, but if I didn¡¯t do it exactly perfectly, I would either break my array that was already nearing its limit to what it could process magically, or I might send out a devastating nova of magical energy because I lost track. Of course, while I am caught up in these deep existential crises of trying not to lose our one advantage, and not blow everyone up, I have Mallory coming from behind me and smiling like she wants to tickle me in surprise. Normally she does this when I think too much, but in this case, I really really need to focus. So not even turning away from my spot, I raise my hand and point it towards her, letting her know she was discovered, then I say the first thing that comes to mind. ¡°Shh, I¡¯m concentrating.¡± Silence. With that Mallory looks like her momentary antics are placated and I can get back to trying to solve this problem. For after I figure out how to evenly match a total of sixty-six Tiers of magic into one combined dual layered spell, I will then have to implement the spell, without blowing everyone up. I¡¯ve deduced that 13 Tiers of Holy is needed to slow the Blighted creatures to half. The other half comes from the residual 13 Tiers of Spirit that come from the ground. With those twenty-six Tiers of magic taken care of, I have effectively immobilized the creatures. Now for the cure¡­ Nature magic is great in that it can be both destruction and growth, death and rebirth. That is why my adding Nature to the negative karma side of the spell is a given as it allows me to add more to the positive karma side of the spell. I would like to add more Spirit, but I am already maxed out on Spirit being used to effectively pull the Blighted particles to the ground, almost like an overgrown magnet. Now I just need a way to remove the poisonous lumps from the body. The obvious answer would be Life Magic, but Life Magic never truly works against the Blight. At most Life Magic is a stop-gap for how to fill a patient up with Qi, which the Blight consumes greedily. Then I think of Qi and how it reminds me of glowing light, similar to Holy and Light magic, but entirely different at the same time. Almost as if those two schools of magic had a love affair child that then grew up and completely rebelled against its overbearing parents. Speaking of which, I need to remember to try to reach out to Robert again, no wait, focus. Trying not to blow everyone up in an explosion, remember. Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Calming Breath. I force myself to breath, as I realize I need to come at this problem from a different angle. Then suddenly everything clicks. ¡°Holy F, I¡¯m stupid.¡± I say to myself, as I realize the answer, or at least an answer is right there staring me in the face. Holy and Spirit are both gone. That leaves me approximately Twenty Tiers to work with where I need to use Shadow for seven of them. Then it hits me, use Shadow to be the grounding rod for the actual Lightning bolt that will come from the sky. Of course, I will want a lot of power in that Light infused bolt from the sky, meaning I need to use Nature Magic, and not just any Nature Magic, but the moss and mold type of Nature Magic. But then thinking about it, I just have the Nature Magic further target the Light and Shadow magic, devouring the leftover components that get burnt away. Then Life Magic to heal away anything important that was actually needed but lost in the cleansing process. In the end I have my tallies as such. Left Hand, or good Karma: 13 Holy, 13 Light, 7 Life. Right Hand, or bad Karma: 13 Spirit, 7 Shadow, 13 Nature. I double check the math, normally I wouldn¡¯t need to, but I am sort of at my wits end by this strenuous use of magic at the moment. As I have been doing this for, almost a day-ish? Again, math is not my friend at the moment, kind of sad, really. Still, everything checks out, I mentally imagine the new spell and don¡¯t get an immediate pulsar explosion, so that is a positive. Then I do the crazy and push that monstrosity of a spell out into the world. THUNDERCLAP! Instantly, the world seems to protest this much power being thrown at it. Honestly, I don¡¯t blame it, this dual spell matrix is ridiculous, and if it didn¡¯t seem to work, I would have gladly dismissed the entire idea as stupid. Only once the spell goes live across all sectors does the system finally decide to give me a name. So far, I have a collection of terrible spells.
Incomplete Blighted Movement Inhibitor (C) [Tier XIII]
Better but not Quite Good Enough Blighted Movement Inhibitor (C) [Tier XIII]
Blighted Movement Inhibitor (C) [Tier XIII]
Yeah, the world seemed to hate the spells I was casting as much as I hated being told they were wrong. I was half expecting the system to come up with some type of snarky name once again for this spell. Only to be pleasantly surprised when it came up with a decent name for the spell. Even the description seemed nice.
Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain (C) [Tier XIII]: A master work spell involving dual spell work latices, created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. This rain will both immobilize people suffering from the Blight, while simultaneously curing them of the affliction.
Seeing the message about the spell. Then not trusting the words, I watched as the monsters that were closest to us, began getting cured. I saw the way the Shadow acted as an anchor for the Blight, causing it to be pulled in a direction, then how the Light from on high came down and burnt its way through the body of the patient, then how reaffirming Life magic quickly followed to heal the damage caused. Then everything was processed by Nature Magic, making it so the remaining Blight particles never touched the ground. ¡°It worked.¡± I said, my voice weak, as I didn¡¯t want to jinx it. At this point, the system rewarded me with a quest completion notice.
Quest Completed (Repeatable): Cure the Blighted: You have cured a Blighted creature. Reward Experience. Experience Gained: 50 / 25 / 25.
That is when I remember the quest I had given myself as the Mage Guild Master. It seems that this quest was still applicable to me, even here in the real world. Of course, a hundred experience was a joke at my level, especially if it was spread out over three classes. But that was only a joke if I got it once. Seeing as there were now tens of thousands of monsters waiting to be cured, I was looking at an amazing pay day. Then I got a second and third notification, letting me know that the one was not a fluke.
Experience Gained: 50 / 25 / 25.
Experience Gained: 50 / 25 / 25.
I let out a surprised joyous laugh, as tears came to my eyes. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Mallory asks, fear evident in her voice. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You are crying.¡± Mallory says, a note of concern in her voice. ¡°No, I¡¯m not. That is just the rain.¡± I say, trying to cover up the joy I am feeling right now and wipe away the offending tears. ¡°You realize your tears sparkle right?¡± ¡°Okay, I cried a little, but its good. It is so good.¡± I say, and before I know it my wings are propelling me forward towards Mallory and I am hugging her as she is the closest person to me. ¡°Are you okay, you are shivering.¡± ¡°Okay, no, right now I am beyond okay. I am amazing.¡± I say, pulling back and trying to look her straight in the eye. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I did it.¡± ¡°Did what?¡± ¡°You know the thing.¡± I say, gesturing down at the monsters that were now climbing back to life. While others were being cured, the first ones that were noted as being cured, were finally healed enough by the Life Magic to start standing up and were finally able to move on their own. ¡°The thing?¡± ¡°I am really tired right now, and half of my concentration is going on maintaining a dual storm matrix involving sixty-six tiers of magic. Which could blow up violently if I lose concentration for a moment.¡± I say, trying to defend myself. ¡°Why are you talking to me then?¡± Mallory asks, and pushes her way back and looks at me like I am the crazy one. Maybe I am, I am definitely a little tired right now, but that is okay, as I feel the experience just rolling in. ¡°The animals, they are all healed.¡± One of the animal tamers we had on standby said, going over and peering at the animals that were just now starting to come to life. Hearing that Mallory looks down to the person calling to her. Then over to the animals that are slowly rising up, I don¡¯t know how they look now, but they are clearly healthy, well not completely healthy, but much healthier animals. They will all likely need a lot of care and attention for a while, but for the moment, they all look healthy. ¡°You did it?¡± ¡°HAHAHAHA! YEAH, I told you.¡± I shout excitedly. ¡°The antibodies?¡± Mallory asks looking up to the clouds, as if trying to see if I could somehow generate tiny antibodies to fall from the sky and perfectly integrate into an alien body. ¡°Oh my gosh no. I just found a way to cure the Blight from creatures that are in the wild like this. This spell will need a lot of prep work, and likely a lot of arrays if we want a larger area like we are using currently.¡± I state. ¡°Oh, so this is just a start, not an actual cure?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What? Clearly, they are cured.¡± I state, gesturing to the animals down below. ¡°But not permanently? I mean, they could get reinfected?¡± Mallory asks. Suddenly I noticed her real fear, a fear that all survivors have. A fear of a relapse or repeat infection. Sigh. ¡°Not yet, but can you give me this one win? This is huge. Also, it should mean that everyone here today will not get the Blight as it should all be cured by this rain.¡± I state, somewhat placatingly. That seems to be the words needed as she visibly relaxes and seems to deflate a little at that. ¡°Thank you,¡± she begins, then taking in another calming breath she continues. ¡°I guess, I didn¡¯t realize that I still had a fear of getting the Blight again.¡± *** Hours later, I was finally able to relax my sustained casting. While I had the mana to continually cast the dual matrix spell work, my mental ability to continually cast a spell of that complexity was pushed to its limit. My mana somehow managed to remain constantly topped off from a constant series of level ups, and my exceptionally high Willpower attribute that made mana spells like the ones I was using easy to maintain. Fortunately, I had a lot of motivation to continue casting in that my rain both healed the injured, while also flooding me with a slow but steady flow of experience. Then finally, after long last, we all saw the message that we had all been waiting for.
Midnight Hunters Guild Quest Completed: A Land of Your Own. The Midnight Hunters have managed to claim a plot of land of their own. Claiming a once forgotten kingdom that had long since been eroded by monsters and a disease that there was no cure for. You and your guild managed to stay out in the unclaimed wilderness for thirty days and thirty nights, truly claiming the land as your own. Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, Guild Land, Guild Badge. Experience Gained. 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000 Guild Title: Reclaimers of the Lost Elven Capital of Deolar. Effect: All guild members who were present for the final stand gain a complete understanding of the Ancient Elven Language. Guild Land: The Midnight Hunters are now able to gain up to 612 Acres (upgradable) of land belonging to the former Elven Capital of Deolar. Note: One acre given for every guild member present when the final victory was noted. Guild Badge: Reclaimers of the Lost Lands: Your guild has managed to carve out territory of their own. As a member that was present during this time, you are able to claim one acre of that land as your own for you and your family.
I didn¡¯t even have the bandwidth to see the changes in levels, as all I wanted was to register the changes and finally crash out for a long well-deserved slumber. Unfortunately, it seemed that the world was not done with us, for at the exact moment we saw the message letting us know we had succeeded, we were met with yet another situation. ¡°YOU DARE TO CLAIM MY HOME!¡± An ancient but powerful voice began bellowing from somewhere at the heart of our territory.
Hidden Quest Found: Awakening A Sleeping King: You have managed to awaken the slumbering king of the Deolar Kingdom¡­ That was as far as I got, before I turned to Mallory and said five key words.
¡°I¡¯m out of this one.¡± Then before Mallory could even protest, I Teleported up to one of the empty rooms on the nearest airship and immediately fell asleep. I was pretty sure it was my room, but even if it wasn¡¯t, I really didn¡¯t care at that exact moment. I was asleep before I could even mutter the words, ¡°the Doctor is out.¡± Chapter 125 Growing Pains Chapter 125 Growing Pains I feel the throes of pain wake me, seemingly almost instantly from my slumber. As my muscles are cramping and expanding in ways, I cannot understand at first. That is until I finally let my mind process the system messages that are staring at me in the face, forcing me to awaken mid-slumber like suddenly realizing that you have a full bladder, where no matter how hard you try to fight against the pains, you know you must heed natures call. That is the same here, as I am forced to wake up and mentally accept the experience gained from the past battle. The moment I accept the system message is the moment everything gets compacted and displayed to me.
Total Experience Gained from curing Blighted creatures: 166,150 / 83,075 / 83,075 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 103. New Class Evolution Point met. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased to level 177. Ethereal Healer has increased to level 206. New Class Evolution Point met.
That was the experience gained for curing 3,323 creatures. Or roughly the experience gained from clearing the equivalent of 33.2 people¡¯s worth of creatures. Given that one hundred creatures spawned from each participant, that number that I managed to cure completely was surprisingly light all things considered. If I had to guess that was less than a fifteenth of the total number of forces we faced, though I will admit it likely looked impressive given that the ones I took care of were the final fifteenth of the quest. So, between my experience gained for curing so many creatures, and for finishing the Guild Quest, my overall gains were impressive. I managed to gain 11, 6, and 10 levels respectively to all my classes. This is not to mention the numerous Attributes that have been awakened thanks to my Legendary Bloodline providing me with additional Attributes per level. I have a feeling that that is where most of my discomfort is coming from. Well, who am I kidding, my classes are designed in such a way that every part of me will be affected from leveling. Thus, it would only be natural that leveling so much would cause a lot of pain. Trying to divert myself away from the growing pains I am experiencing, I try to let my mind wander onto different topics. That is how I realize that, once again, I find myself being pushed to take yet another Akashic Qi Master evolution, when I still had not chosen the bonus for level 50. I know that if I am not careful, I will have my level 50 perk automatically chosen for me again. But right now, I do not care, as I have accepted the deluge of experience and my body has been allowed to finally expand to its proper shape and form. Fortunately thinking about this seems to be enough of a distraction, as I feel my consciousness slowly fading away. With that, I can finally go back to sleep. *** Pounding. There is a pounding coming from outside my door. Startled. I crash awake, one second completely out. The next fully awake and processing that I am in the middle of a ship flying in the air a kilometer or more above the ground. Blearily, I get up and rub my eyes. I don¡¯t actually see, but I still find that I produce a glitter like substance similar to normal rheum, but mine is made from water that is mostly mana. Not too surprising given that I don¡¯t eat or drink and just sustain myself off my own mana, but I am noticing that it is beginning to show itself more and more. Now everything I secrete has glittery mana to it, my blood, sweat, and even my tears, well rheum. WHAM! Bang! Wham! There are two men outside my door, one of whom is banging loudly on my door. At least I think it is my door, as I feel the effects of my runes, but only on my left side. These are the wards I put up to both bleed off my additional spirit and healing auras that I have and try to make it so I don¡¯t corrode the ships that I am on. ¡°Hello?¡± I ask, answering the door. ¡°See I told you, there was a stowaway on this ship.¡± The man next to the door shouts loudly. ¡°Stowaway?¡± I say trying to catch up to what is going on. ¡°Um, Steward, perhaps you should calm down here.¡± The man next to the loudly banging person says. It is clear from his voice that he has recognized me. I recognize him too as the captain of this airship. Suddenly the situation becomes a little clearer, I am apparently in the wrong room. ¡°Calm down, why is this girl allowed to run around unsupervised. Also, look she has left glitter all over my bed.¡± The man, Steward, says as he barges past me and looks at the room. Then he looks at his mechanical equipment. ¡°What did you do?¡± He says, grabbing a mechanical device that has clearly rusted in place and has that funky looking green residue on it. At least that is the way it looks to my eyesight. Seeing that I want to argue, but then realize that might also be me as well, as I have a terrible time on mechanical devices. ¡°Oh, sorry about that. I was so tired that I think I crawled into the wrong bed.¡± I said. ¡°How? You know what, where are you supposed to be stationed, this floor is for the elite of the Guild!¡± ¡°Um, Steward, perhaps you should calm down¡­¡± The ship¡¯s captain begins but is quickly cut off. ¡°No. A little brat comes in here destroys my clock, and my bed...¡± He trails off as he then opens a drawer with a very complex looking mechanical device in it. Well complex for basic standards. I¡¯m pretty sure I was creating such devices when I was seven, but this is not the time to point that out as the man is clearly angry and shaking at this newly discovered broken device. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Seeing the second such device it is apparent that I likely need to move, lest I break something important that is required to keep this airship in place, as I am seeing firsthand the effect of one of my newest racial flaws.
Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
I had placed wards within my own room and figured they would be enough, and they should, assuming I was in my room versus the room next to my own. Unfortunately, when I found the room, I was more than a little tired and nearing exhaustion I felt for my residual magical signature and jumped here. ¡°Captain, please find all things that I broke in this room and in the ship and charge them to my account.¡± I state. ¡°Very well,¡± the Captain says, bowing in agreement. He is clearly trying to deescalate the situation as much as possible by showing deferential treatment. ¡°Your account, do you know how much time and effort went into this?¡± Stewart screams, holding the item right in front of my face as if I am so blind I can¡¯t see it without it being right under my nose. Joke¡¯s on him, I am so blind that I couldn¡¯t even see it with my eyes regardless of how close he put it. Still, this is a bit much as he is now within my personal space and clearly only doing more to continue to agitate himself and hype himself up towards a path that will inevitably lead to violence. This is when I decided to show him all my eyes. ¡°Look!¡± I say, as I open my third eye and begin channeling power. Just a bit of Qi to both strengthen my body, this way I can better take a hit, assuming he does get violent. With this, I can also keep my mana free for a spell. See unlike using Qi, just cycling Qi within my body has a strengthening effect and a replenishing effect. Honestly, the cycling of Qi is doing a lot more to awaken me than sleeping for four more hours would give me. I should thank the man, but then realized that the only reason I got to this point is due to the fact that he seemed to be prone towards violence towards a child. ¡°Look, I said I was sorry. If you¡¯d like I not only will pay for these items, but I will also try to work on crafting better items that could withstand going into an elemental realm.¡± I say, making note of the fact that I still have it on my list to improve my Gear Infusion skill, a skill that is said to be a gap between both mechanical devices and extreme magical powers. Something I will need to grow up with if I ever want to improve my current standing within the Mechanic¡¯s Guild. Not that their opinion means much to me now, as I am pretty sure that my sponsorship with them has lapsed by this point. Come to think of it, even my Adventurer¡¯s Guild membership was said to have expired as well. Now that I have money, I can afford to get them reinstated, but I have other things to worry about. The main thing I must worry about is what happened to Hector and Golum, the two who had been maintaining my accounts in the various guilds before I left. While it had been a year, they did promise to keep my memberships active, but that was of course before the war between the Legrand and Maltese Empires. Oh yeah, we lost that apparently. That was sad, but seemingly inevitable. The Duke¡¯s daughter is still in trouble, she was the one that burned my Tobias Spiritlight persona, and tried to get me indebted to her for life. Before I turned the tables on her and possibly used her as a smoke screen while I pulled off one of the best thefts the world had ever seen to that point. Humble brag to myself, as that was still a good one. Silence. Suddenly I realize the room is quiet as both the Captain and Stewart are both leaning away from me. Finally, they can sense the danger that was right before them. Realizing I did that thing where my mind speeds up and gets lost in a moment, I collect myself and my thoughts, then realizing time still seems to be going slower I pause. Wondering if Qi somehow something has to do with the flow of time, or at least the way I seem to perceive time. Regardless, I use the moment, stopping all flows of Qi, close my third eye and then wait for time to go back to normal. Or at least regular speed. ¡°Wha?¡± Stewart asks. ¡°All right, I think I¡¯m needed back on the surface.¡± I say to the two of them. ¡°You can¡¯t leave here yet!¡± Stewart says, moving towards the door as if that would stop me. ¡°Hah, do you think you could stop me?¡± I ask. ¡°Why you¡­¡± was all Stewart managed to say, before I disappeared completely from view. Poof. I cast Teleport and was instantly a kilometer and a half closer to the base. Fortunately, I had been so tired that I didn¡¯t even dismiss my channeled spells, instead keeping them running just as I did for my Spirit Sustenance spell that is somehow always active. As I arrive, I feel the distinct feel of Spirit magic. There is a scent, or maybe a vaporous after effect that can only be felt when a soul is brought back to the realm of the living. Having experienced the sensation close to a dozen times myself by now, I know the scent and almost didn¡¯t realize that there was any residual odor from such actions. Still, I can¡¯t help but instantly panic, as I realize that I missed an important part of this process. I was there for the entire battle, but then I left the cleanup to Jackie, well now Gwen, and the other remaining healers. It only takes a second to home in on the unique smell of Resurrection Magic, and then a quick Teleport later I am next to her. ¡°I am so sorry.¡± I say, coming down, and instantly finding the next nearest body and begin performing Perfect Resurrection on the body. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we all know you had to have been tired.¡± Gwen says, patting me on the shoulder and using me for balance as she moves next to me to begin Resurrecting the next body. There as so many. Even with all the precautions we had. ¡°No, I was selfish and rested when there was still more to do.¡± I say, feeling bad that someone like my parents might not get resurrected or get a second chance to do this correctly. As I say that a firm hand lands on my shoulder. ¡°No, you did the right thing and left while we were still gathering the bodies. Even if you were here the whole time, many of these bodies were not here until just now, meaning that you would have just been waiting for nothing. It was good that you rested when you did.¡± Mallory says. Sigh of relief. Even if she is lying, I do feel a lot better hearing her say those words to me. With that, I relax slightly into her strong grip, before going back to my Perfect Resurrection casting. The only thing I wish is that I had more mana as Resurrections do take up a lot of mana overall. Then just as I have the thought, I get a system message.
Would you like to make Perfect Resurrection the Trait available to your class Ethereal Healer at level 200?
Seeing the message, I realize I didn¡¯t check to see what was available at my level 200 evolution point. Last time I managed to get new schools of magic available. This time I got offered the ability to choose more Traits. While the Trait offered would be an immediate need, I felt it might be a little limited in the future of not only my survivability, but for those that followed in my footsteps. Realizing that this was not something to do as a knee jerk reaction, I decided to slow down. For the moment I was fine with casting Resurrections, especially with the aid of my daughter beside me. ¡°You take the easier to resurrect bodies. I Ill take the ones that will require more work to full repair.¡± I said. With that, I end up taking the bodies that were cut in half or had arms and legs that were ripped or chewed off. In one or two cases I just saw a free-floating spirit. Those were the ones I grabbed and just began forming a new body entirely. As for others I tried to just work my way through. As I moved, I found myself getting tired again. Call it prolonged fatigue from not adequately resting for long enough before going through with stage two of this process. During this time I did realize that there was something I wanted. Before one was chosen for me, I began working with the system to get me a level 50 Akashic Qi Master class Perk. Since I was the only one who would ever earn this class, I realized that I could be as selfish as I wanted to be with the class. As such, I realized what I wanted was a way to Meditate with my Qi, in a way that would not interfere with my casting, while also making it so I continually felt refreshed by the action.
Akashic Qi Master Class Perk (Proposed): Sustained Meditation: You wish to push your Mind and Body further than anyone has ever managed before. By focusing on cycling your Qi constantly, you feel you will be able to achieve a state of near perfect consciousness. Proposed Effect: +100% Mental Acumen while Channeling your Qi, +100% Qi and Mana Resonance Harmony, +100% Dual Qi and Mana Casting Efficiency.
Note: Insufficient capabilities between suggested Perk and current capabilities. Lacking: Skill: Mental Acumen, Skill: Qi and Mana Resonance, Skill: Dual Qi and Mana Casting Efficiency. Level 20 is required in all noted Skills before Perk can be assigned.
Seeing the message, I felt like I had been given a life raft. I was still far away from my goal, especially as I needed three skills to do what I wanted. But now I realized that what I wanted was in fact available, so long as I was willing to work for it. And one thing I believe most people will say is that when I want something, I can be relentless at getting that goal. Seeing the system message, I let a smile fill my lips, as I continued to both Resurrect the brave warriors who sacrificed themselves for our Guild, all while I imagine different ways that I can try to unlock and learn these new skills that I previously had no clue even existed within the game. Hmm, hmm, hmm. I was even so happy at the possible new things to study, that I only belatedly found myself humming out loud, oh well, no one is going to say anything to the Healer about being happy, right? Well at least not to her face, apparently. Though I can¡¯t help but notice that quite a few people, Mallory included are looking at me strangely. Well, for Mallory it is more strange than usual. As for Gwen, I can¡¯t tell where she is looking, though if I had to guess she seems completely silent and focused on her task at hand. Perhaps I should do the same, but I can¡¯t help myself, thanks to this moment, coming back and healing people, not only am I helping others. I am also helping myself by finding new ways to improve myself. Who wouldn¡¯t be happy with improving yourself and others at the same time? Just as I think that I see Mallory just shake her head before turning away. Don¡¯t judge, I just finally know what this game wants me to do, and I think I can have fun once again exploring my future. So, I¡¯ll hum if I want to, even if I am doing so while Resurrecting people. Chapter 126 The Family Pet Chapter 126 The Family Pet Whoosh! ¡°What the heck is that?¡± Gwen asks, as the spell construct, she was working on just fizzles out entirely from lack of concentration. One second nothing is around us, and I am sharing more spell formulas, insights into both Spell Theory, and Magical Theory alike with Gwen. Then the next second the stray dog that I¡¯ve been feeding, well he¡¯s been feeding himself; I just make sure he eats healthily comes. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s Kujo.¡± I say, somewhat excitedly. Kujo of course is likely the first friend I made out here in the boonies. See at first, I needed help trying to get more cleansed animals and Kujo was a perfect helper in that. He would occasionally come by with a caught Blighted creature that I would cure and create a perfect clone of. Then he would take away the original, while we allowed the newly created copy to roam around on our cleansed lands. Now that we have a deluge of cured animals on our lands, the need for this process is not as needed. But it is still good to know that Kujo is doing well. ¡°You, you named that thing Kujo?¡± Gwen asked, suddenly stunned, and backing away from the beast, inadvertently putting me in the way of her and it. The dog is huge, well he started off large, but is only getting bigger and bigger. Though I am short, as my body is still growing, I can¡¯t help but have a hard time looking up to the creature. Fortunately, we do have a pact of sorts. It comes in through the Spirit realm, or a realm that seems to mirror the Spirit realm, before sneaking into the middle of our base and visiting me. Growl. At the sight of Gwen backing away, the killer instincts in the creature come to life, causing him to growl. Not because he is angry, but because he understands the thrill of the hunt. ¡°Stop moving.¡± I say, then reaching behind me, I grab Gwen by the arm and hold. Gwen of course, tries to pull away, but soon finds that my Strength that is finally over 300 is not just for show. ¡°Wha?¡± Is all she gets to, before she focuses back on me and not on the massive creature that has now invaded our space with a giant cow? In its mouth. ¡°Stop that, you are making him anxious.¡± I say, pulsing a bit of Healing magic into Gwen to get her to focus on something other than the instinct to run. The spell I cast does little other than release calming emotions, while breaking up the adrenaline that was just pumped into her body. ¡°Making him anxious?¡± Gwen snaps at me. ¡°Yeah, can¡¯t you see, he¡¯s just a poor puppy.¡± I say, then letting go of Gwen¡¯s wrist, I walk forward. Plop. The giant cow-like creature that was in Kujo¡¯s mouth drops, and causes the ground around us to vibrate. ¡°Good boy,¡± I say, going up to the disabled creature. ¡°Gwenny, come up here and Cure this creature.¡± ¡°What?¡± Gwen asks, a note of fear in her voice. ¡°Come up hear and cure this creature of the Blight.¡± I say again calmly, as I begin getting myself between the wolf, and its prey that it captured for us. ¡°Cure that?¡± Gwen asks, and points towards the cow, well a cow in the sense that it has four legs and what appear to be utters but they seem to be mana infused utters to feed some type of mana beast. It is certainly odd, and likely a creature I would have loved to investigate directly, but right now I am doing an introduction. This is that odd moment where you try to introduce the stray pet that you have been feeding and tending to for the better part of the last few months, to the family. Always awkward, especially when your daughter, the one you thought liked dogs would be thrilled by the discovery. In the background, I can see a bunch of people running and moving about. Warriors and snipers are already being called into position around us, but I hope that my actions will make it so nothing stupid happens. Realizing that Gwen¡¯s training as an Ethereal Healer is taking over, and she is moving to begin curing the creature of the Blight, I start on Kujo. ¡°Look at you.¡± I say happily to the dog, and he seems to sit up a little straighter as if preening from the compliment. That¡¯s when I go up to him and place my hand on his front leg. I am just reaching straight out, and I end up reaching halfway up his forearm. Healing Cleansing Supplement. For Kujo I use a mixture of Healing, Spirit, and Nature Magic to heal his body, cleanse him from any signs of the Blight, and to help make sure he is healthy and getting the supplements and minerals that his body needs. Then with the spell flowing freely through his body, I begin petting him. ¡°So have you been good?¡± I ask. ¡°What?¡± Gwen asks, sounding distracted and stopping the flow of mana into her Cleansing spell. ¡°Not you, Kujo. You need to focus on your casting anyways.¡± I state, while turning my head back to face Gwen. Huff. Gwen just does that thing where she breathes out annoyedly at me and then continues her spell. ¡°Kids.¡± I say, then turn back to Kujo who seems to understand me and lets out a slight muzzle shake. I¡¯ve noticed that he has gotten smarter recently. That or maybe I am just noticing more of his personality coming about. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Then I remember the growl he had earlier for Gwen. ¡°Oh, yes. I should introduce you. Kujo, this is Gwen, Gwen this is Kujo.¡± I say to the two. Gwen just keeps her head down but does raise up one hand over the top of the mana cow she is healing to wave. ¡°Gwen is my pack, so I will be very annoyed if anything happens to her.¡± I state, letting a serious tone come to my voice, as I then point to Gwen. Kujo nods. I¡¯m not quite sure he fully understands, but by now he has smelled the two of us and can clearly realize that we are both part of the same magical lineage, at least that is what I hope. ¡°Oh, and that lurker in the corner over there is Mallory. She is my boss?¡± I state, while pointing out Mallory, who was also hiding off in the distance. Hearing me call her out though, she emerges from behind the tree that she had been using for cover. I say tree, as I am pretty sure it is just a giant bush that has grown to be as tall as a tree, but I might have gone a little overboard with the nourishing rains to it, causing it to grow disproportionally. Mallory looks clearly flustered. Well, maybe I am one of the few who can see that she is in fact flustered, having spent so much time with her. But she is walking with forced, but measured movements, and all her actions seem like she is tense and ready for a fight. ¡°So, this is the legendary Kujo that I¡¯ve heard so much about?¡± Mallory asks, getting next to me. Her body is ramrod straight as if she is trying to look taller, but even at her full height Kujo more than doubles her size. ¡°Calm down.¡± I say, tapping Mallory on the arm. I am at that awkward height where I must be careful where I end up touching Mallory. Soothing Cleanse. ¡°Did you just do the magical equivalent of a roofie to me?¡± Mallory asks. I want to argue, but then realize, ¡°maybe? Though this has nothing to do with raising endorphins.¡± I clarify. ¡°I know, just a little humor to liven the mood.¡± Mallory offers, a bit of nervous energy fills her words at first, but that soon fades as the moment takes her. ¡°No, I think we want the mood to remain nice and calm.¡± Gwen calls out from her hiding spot behind the giant bovine creature she is cleansing. ¡°I agree, maybe next time. But for now, let¡¯s just let Kujo get used to you all. Though I am sure he has smelled you all on me by now.¡± I state. All the while I am watching how Gwen is doing with her spell. Finally, after a long time Gwen does manage to completely cure the Blighted creature. With that, I go into the next phase of the operation. Her normal glow, which is normally bright and warm like a mini sun is now dim and fading like embers. Seeing that, I know that Gwen is exhausted, having used up all of her magical reserves from that one cleansing. With that, I begin casting the Perfect Replica of this cow. Though I make sure to make a younger and thereby smaller version of the creature. Normally I would say that we have enough exotic animals, but this magical mana cow seems to be unique and one that we should at the very least test. Within moments a smaller child-like version of the cow appears. The horns on its head are not as pronounced, though I think a male version would have horns regardless of age. The female¡¯s seem to be a genetic response to birthing children and needing to protect said children from danger. ¡°Interesting.¡± I say, realizing that trait, but I am not done as I see that these creatures have an abnormally large mana core to begin with, one that they seem to cultivate from birth to give the mana they cultivate an essence. ¡°Mana cows?¡± I find myself muttering, as I create not just one but four different versions of this cow. I end up creating a Life, Nature, Light, and Spirit Magic versions of the cow. Though these are minor in comparison to the original, I can¡¯t help but feel that I have taken advantage of this exchange. Seeing that this was a better random exchange than I had expected, I decided to reward Kujo for his find. With that, I create a second large, but disabled version of the cleansed cow. ¡°These two are yours.¡± I say, pointing to the larger two. ¡°Gwen, Mallory, will you escort our herd to a special pen?¡± I ask. The two looked confused at first, as herding mana beasts was not likely what they thought they would be doing when they first woke up today, but the day was just starting. Of course, Mallory was the first to recover. ¡°Yeah, we can do that.¡± She said, first trying to push two of the cows, but then just reaching under and grabbing the creatures that were the size of large pigs. Gwen looked first towards Mallory and then at the two mana cows she had, before a look of shock filled her face. Then finally she decided to lure the creatures with Spirit and Life magic. That seemed to do the trick, as the creatures were instantly drawn to sources of their own mana. With them gone it was just Kujo and me. ¡°You can bring her out.¡± I said, pointing to where his mate had been resting within the Spirit realm nearby. I used to have to cast a spell to do this, but ever since I gained the two Tiers to my Angel¡¯s Sight, I have found that I am able to see into the nearby realms. Or rather, I have been able to see when other creatures enter the nearby realms. Arooo! Kujo lets out a piercing banshee wail that can easily cross through the veil of the mortal realm to the spirit realm. Seeing that, I realize that the frequency used to traverse sounds across realms like that is very unique, but most importantly it can be repeated. In my mind I am mentally going over how to do this to my own voice, when the silent stalker that has been watching over this whole transaction comes to our realm. Whoosh. Kujo¡¯s female partner has gotten larger as well. ¡°Look at you.¡± I say, going over to her and instantly Healing her as well. At first the female wolf looks shocked that I would act so openly towards her, but she soon relaxes seeing that it is me. ¡°How have you been?¡± I ask, remembering how Kujo brought her here for me to heal within the first few weeks of being here. Chuff. The female lets out an indignant huff, almost as if trying to say that she doesn¡¯t need the attention. But I can tell she is hurting. ¡°You need to stop using your right paw for everything.¡± I say, pointing towards her right paw that clearly has more wear and tear on it at the joints. ¡°Right now, you can likely overpower most monsters, which makes you complicit in this, but eventually someone is going to be able to get past that. Or worse, they might be able to injure your dominant paw, and then what?¡± Chuff, snuffle. At that the female wolf lowers her head and nuzzles her giant wet nose against my head. ¡°Yeah, you can always come here to be healed, but what happens when you can¡¯t make it? Kind of hard to run away with only three paws.¡± I say, thoroughly flooding her body with my magic, making sure that she is fine. I pause as there is a slight drop in her vitamin levels, in particular her potassium levels. I try to realize why, when¡­ ¡°Oh my gosh, you are pregnant?¡± I blurt out, not even realizing I am doing that talking out loud thing. Roo? Both animals seem to be confused by the statement, but then I turn to Kujo and say, ¡°congratulations!¡± There is a moment of awkward tension as both wolves search each other¡¯s gazes. ¡°Uh-oh.¡± I whisper, as I quickly do a paternity test on the little pups. They are small, likely within the first few days of inception, but now that I know what to look for, they are easy to find. Life Detection Pulse. There is a pulse of Life magic and soon my concern about a random father are dismissed, as I am certain that this is in fact Kujo¡¯s litter. ¡°Don¡¯t look at her like that, this is your pack.¡± I state, turning on Kujo. Kujo looks shocked at first, and looks like he wants to do something, but then is stopped when his partner just stares at him, her head looming over me and staring daggers right at Kujo. ¡°This is where you state you are happy.¡± I clarify. Ruu! With that Kujo begins nuzzling both mana cows towards his mate, then lowers his head as a sign of submission. It is at this point that I wonder if what they had was more of a one-night stand type of thing, that Kujo is now trying to make into a more permanent position. There is an awkward moment of silence, as the female gets close and then playfully nips at Kujo¡¯s ear. Kujo looks shocked at first, but the female is already moving. Taking one of the massive mana cows in her mouth, she picks it up and then saunters forward into a rift she created, then goes. Kujo looks utterly lost by this exchange. ¡°Go, after her, you dolt.¡± I shout. With that Kujo shakes himself and then immediately begins to sprint away. ¡°Not without your food.¡± I state. Hearing that Kujo turns back, and then sees me pointing towards the remaining mana cow. There is a look of something on his face, before he nods and then picks up the second mana cow, and opens his own exit tunnel, only to find that his mate while having walked ahead, had gone at a much slower pace to make sure Kujo saw her. Then once she heard him arrive, she immediately picked up her pace and began sauntering at a normal speed. Having seen it all, I couldn¡¯t help but laugh, ¡°poor Kujo, you have no idea what you are in for.¡± I pause, then finally call out. ¡°You can come out now.¡± I state. With that the Captain Reigns, the man who was chosen as my personal bodyguard appears from stealth nearby. ¡°Did I just hear that correctly?¡± Captain Reigns asks. ¡°I don¡¯t know, what do you think you heard?¡± ¡°I think I heard you say that those Level 941 Dire Phase Wolves were pregnant?¡± He asks. ¡°Oh, they are level 941?¡± I ask, then pause. ¡°Well, assuming that is true, then yes. Those Dire Phase Wolves are in fact pregnant.¡± Silence. ¡°You okay?¡± I find myself asking the captain who is clearly at a loss for words. ¡°Have I ever told you how glad I am that you are with us?¡± ¡°You know you all are also at least Neutral with Kujo and his pack thanks to the Guild Title, right?¡± That is another great thing about being part of the Midnight Hunters, my personal Title of Nature¡¯s Friend, and the Midnight Hunters¡¯ Guild version of the same title stack, making it really easy to communicate with most animals. ¡°Yes, I am aware, but you really have a gift when it comes to dealing with animals.¡± He says. I am about to argue that I am terrible when it comes to dealing with, or at least permanently caring for animals when I get a new system message.
Guild Quest Completed (Upgradable): Reintroducing Lost Species: The Midnight Hunters Guild has found their first lost species of the world and managed to bring them back from extinction. Rewards will increase the more species you manage to reintegrate into the world. Current status (1 /???). Do you wish to turn in your quest now?
Seeing the quest, I pause, not quite understanding what happened. Then I realize that the mana cows must finally be in a stable of some kind and thus make it so they counted towards this quest, which appears to be similar to the plant quest. Realizing this, I finally think I understand the criteria. I have been finding plants that I thought were rare or unique and growing them, but so far I only got credit for growing grass, which goes everywhere. Now that I created four distinct mana cows, I realize that part of my problem might be the numbers involved. I need to make it so there isn¡¯t just a single point of failure for the whole species. At least that is my thought. Realizing this, I let a smile cross my lips as I intend to fully take advantage of this, now that I know what is meant to happen. ¡°You okay?¡± Captain Reigns asks. ¡°Yeah, why?¡± ¡°You just have that look like you are about to do something¡­¡± He pauses, clearly looking for the right word to say, and failing. ¡°Fun?¡± ¡°Reckless.¡± Chapter 127 Preparing For Class Chapter 127 Preparing For Class Sometimes you find yourself wondering just exactly how you got dragged into certain situations. By this point in my life, I can safely say that most of the troubles I get into are due predominantly to Mallory. Take for instance right now, I am wearing what amounts to barely more than a two-piece bikini, while standing with my arms out wide, legs spread apart by a professional guild Tailor. In fact, this person¡¯s entire existence revolves around Tailoring, so much so that even their last name is Tailor.
Penelope Tailor, level 746 Master Artisan Seamstress.
Yes, Penelope is apparently someone who has devoted their entire lives towards tailoring so much that they received a unique class and surname devoted towards tailoring. I would almost think this was sad, until I realized she is exactly like me, except focused on tailoring. ¡°So, I take it I am your replacement?¡± I ask, trying to lighten the mood a little. ¡°Hardly,¡± Penelope says nicely, playing into the line of communication. ¡°Whenever Mallory finds us, she seems to try to capture us all and keep us as her menagerie of unique specimens.¡± ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t¡­¡± Mallory began, but then found herself unable to come up with a proper statement to refute Janice¡¯s claims. ¡°Shh, it¡¯s okay. We know we are all special to you.¡± Penelope says, then gives a flirtatious side wink to Mallory that I assume she thinks I can¡¯t see from my angle. Mana created tape measure. That is what I am introduced to, as part of this process. Seeing the moveable thread and the fact that it was generated by mana, my mouth went wide with shock as I looked on in disbelief. Fortunately, I recovered almost immediately. ¡°A mana generated measuring thread?¡± I ask. Laughter. Hearing that both Mallory and Penelope both giggle at my outburst. ¡°What?¡± I ask, trying to understand what is so funny about this particular question. ¡°Nothing, it is just that Mallory mentioned that you might show a little more enthusiasm when I reveal my tape measure.¡± Penelope says, speaking through a coy smile. I want to protest, but this time it seems that I am the one at a loss for words. Especially as I see the way she is now using Mental magic to strengthen what she is seeing. I almost imagine her taking my measurements and imposing the outfit she sees me teaching in, to be made right there, in the very epicenter of her mind. ¡°Well, I have to say that I have never seen this form of control over nonstructured mana before. Especially not by a person without any true magical affinity.¡± I state, then I put my hand up to cover my mouth as I realize that what I said might be considered insensitive, as I know quite a few people have a hang up about their lack of magical potential. At least I know I would have had issues without being capable of utilizing magic by traditional methods. More laughter. ¡°Oh, you are just too cute.¡± Penelope says, while straightening out my arm and gently measuring my arm length, arc, and curvature from multiple directions. ¡°I could help with that.¡± I state, feeling somewhat embarrassed by my prior statement. ¡°Help with what?¡± Penelope asks, seeming to have memorized my measurements and the shapes over my muscles. ¡°With your magic, if you¡¯d like, I could help you create an affinity for your core, that you could use.¡± I state, realizing this is one of the premier professionals of the world taking time to help me out right here and now. ¡°I appreciate the offer but know that such a gift would likely be wasted on me. By this point in my life, I feel comfortable with my position and place in this world.¡± Penelope states. Hearing her, I can¡¯t help but feel a bit jealous. She is clearly someone who is at the top of her profession, and now that I have had time to think about it, I remember her being one of the major artisans who would create outfits that people would wear for their entire lifetimes, especially as the gear she created was often soul bound. ¡°I am sorry to hear that, as your mana control is by far some of the best I¡¯ve seen.¡± I state, meaning my statement. Then almost as if muttering to myself again, I state ¡°a lot better than all the archmages here.¡± At that Mallory who had been mostly silent watching our byplay perked up. ¡°Wait, did you mean that?¡± Mallory asks me, her eyes suddenly laser focused. ¡°About her mana control being some of the best I have seen?¡± I ask. ¡°No, about her control being even greater than the archmages here?¡± Mallory asks. I pause, not quite wanting to throw insults at the others, particularly Lord Belton who is amazing now that he can¡¯t to or about me. Now that he is no longer a problem, and everyone else saw the duel between the two of us, I have had it mostly easy trying to get the others to cast our Cleansing Rain spells to expand and maintain our foothold out here. Then realizing this is Mallory, I decided to answer truthfully. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Yes, her form is nearly perfect. I think I am one of the few who could actually dispel her casting. I know for a fact none of the other mages have a mana density on her level.¡± I answer truthfully. ¡°Wait, you mean it?¡± Penelope asks, suddenly interested in this conversation. ¡°About your control, yes. You have the some of the best control over non-imbued and even Mental mana that I have seen.¡± I state. ¡°Mental Mana?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°Yes, in your mind don¡¯t you use Mental Magic to perfectly preserve measurements and then formulate the clothing that you would want to create?¡± I ask, posing it to her so that she realizes that she is likely using mana, even without truly being aware of the fact. Hearing me, Penelope pauses, pulling her arms close to her chest as she mentally tries to think about what she is doing. Then there is a spark of mana, as she begins to access her mind for previous outfits and uniforms she has created. ¡°See, right there. Right now, you are using your Mental Magic to go back through previous creations you have made. Haven¡¯t you wondered how you can do that?¡± I ask. ¡°You are reading my thoughts?¡± Penelope protests. ¡°Hardly, the images you are calling up are so vivid and detailed that I can¡¯t help but see them. The measurements are inseam 22.3, arc 18.1, flow 12.1.¡± I state, reading off the numbers that are all but glowing to my Angel¡¯s Sight. Hearing that Penelope pauses, then mentally goes back much further in her files present and pulls out an image. ¡°What is this one?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°Well first, it is the uniform that was thirty-eight creations ago. Also, it looks to be the basic Guild uniform, but the change comes in the way the stripes of service seem to empower the crafter, a Blacksmith, if I had to guess. That or maybe a Welder, but someone who is working extensively with metals.¡± I state. Hearing that, Penelope pauses. ¡°You can see this?¡± Penelope asks and seems to mentally shake her blueprint at me. ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t think your class seems to have too many safety mechanisms in place against freely displaying your art.¡± I admit. Then I realized that part of why I can hide my thoughts was thanks to my first professor who showed me that my mind was wide open for everyone to read. Seeing Penelope now, I can¡¯t help but finally understand how much my life has changed. I went from being a student, to now getting a guild approved Doctor uniform that would be tri-use. It would show that I was a medical doctor, an instructor for magic, and of course an instructor for qi users. ¡°You okay?¡± Mallory asks, seeing my sudden change in demeanor. ¡°What?¡± I ask, then realize I can¡¯t really hide my thoughts from Mallory, who must have a secondary class devoted towards understanding people better, I answer. ¡°Yeah, it just hit me. You know, all of this.¡± I say gesturing around to the room we are in, to Penelope, and to myself being here in the guild. ¡°What is?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°That I¡¯m going to soon be a teacher. As I remember having this exact conversation with my instructor.¡± I state. Hearing that, Mallory nods. Then Penelope asks, ¡°your instructor at Arcanarus University?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± I answer. Silence. I don¡¯t know what the others are thinking about, but I am suddenly wondering if I am good enough to teach people. I mean, I can see why Penelope would not want to join, as she is likely well established in her career path at this point. ¡°What would you teach me?¡± Penelope finally asks, breaking the silence as she goes around taking even more of my measurements. ¡°I think I would start you off with the advanced course. You seem to have the basics down, as your control and ability to use mana are nearly flawless. So first I would likely start you off with mental shielding classes designed to keep your thoughts more hidden from being so openly available. Then once you had that, I would likely help you learn to create mental vaults that could help you hide your designs from being so visible.¡± I say, breaking it down into the two things she could improve on, right away. ¡°You would do that?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°Yeah, why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± I ask. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be a waste, especially as I don¡¯t care about getting a magical affinity?¡± She asks. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t blame you. Your flow and control over mana are great. It is clear that you are a self-taught prodigy. No, I would just help you try to achieve the next level of your class. Either a mind vault, to store your ideas from prying eyes. Or work on making it so the images you create mentally are three dimensional in shape.¡± I say, realizing there could be other methods she might be interested in improving on. ¡°A three-dimensional image?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°Yeah, honestly, I am surprised you don¡¯t switch over to that form of a system already. You have the two-dimensional details down, and your understanding of numbers is good enough to apparently calculate for the curvature. But there are definitely minor things you might be able to improve upon.¡± ¡°I can improve upon things?¡± ¡°Well, for instance your use of special mithril threads every twelve stitches. This seems like a good baseline for helping magicians improve their magical conductive rates, but is it the most efficient model for someone like me?¡± I ask. With that Penelope pauses, and then I can almost see the lights go off in her mind as she seems to come to an epiphany. Whoosh! Then magical golden light surrounds Penelope as she clearly leveled. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°I, I just leveled.¡± Penelope states somewhat shocked at the revelation. ¡°Congratulations.¡± Mallory and I both state in near unison. ¡°No, this is¡­¡± Penelope trails off as she tries to gather her thoughts. Then she turns to me, ¡°you are right, I was thinking about it. Trying to imagine if there were better ways to put threads and patterns into my clothing, when I finally unlocked Master Tailoring Enchantment.¡± Penelope says, almost bouncing for joy at this statement. Then reaching out she grabs me, ¡°did you know about this skill?¡± ¡°About Master Tailoring Enchantment, no. I did know that Master Enchanting was a skill, but not that there was a specific variant for Tailoring, though now that I think about it, it would only make sense.¡± ¡°You have Master Enchanting?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s actually now part of my bloodline as well.¡± I admit, feeling that divulging this to Penelope shouldn¡¯t be too much of an issue. ¡°You are a Master of Enchanting?¡± Penelope asks, then pauses as she seems to realize something. ¡°I guess that goes without saying, as you are clearly a master with all the metal totems and obelisks you have been erecting all around.¡± She states. At that I pause and realize that I might have actually gone a bit overboard with them, but then realize that a lot of the structures I have created have made it so that some of the lands are being self-sustained by channeling ambient mana back into the ground by pulling out mana and forcing it to turn into Cleansing Rain. ¡°Tell me, what is your secret to becoming an expert at Enchanting?¡± Penelope asks. Right now, I can¡¯t help but empathize with her, as she just got a skill that could likely further her progression into a class she clearly loves. Sadly, I don¡¯t have much of an answer. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t really know. As a lot of the shapes and structures I come up with, just pop into my mind.¡± I admit honestly. ¡°Oh, that is nonsense, and you know it.¡± Mallory chimes in. Hearing her, I can¡¯t help but feel a bit shocked at her statement. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You have been studying Enchantment for over seven years now, it is only logical that you would be an expert by now.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Seven years?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, by following the teachings of Rahul.¡± Mallory says, then proceeds to pull out her giant first anthology tome of Rahul and the Maiden. Then opening the pages, she pulls out a diagram that looks remarkably similar to the quote unquote totems and obelisks that I have been erecting all around camp. Seeing them, I can¡¯t help but feel a little sheepish, as I honestly forgot those diagrams were part of the series. Mainly because the runes used by Rahul had nothing to do with what I was currently working with, but the overall shape and flow of mana being used, well yeah credit had to go to Rahul for those. He didn¡¯t win the heart of not one, but two princesses, by just his good looks after all. ¡°Rahul and the Maiden?¡± Penelope asks, reading the title. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen this reference material before.¡± ¡°Oh yeah, that was my only reason for reading these.¡± I sate, suddenly nervous about being judged by Penelope about my minor passion. ¡°Oh, there is a lot more than just the runes. Perhaps tonight Cass here could do a private reading of the materials.¡± Mallory playfully states. ¡°WHAT?¡± I nearly scream, feeling embarrassed at the thought, and I realize that I am still down in what is little more than a bathing suit for clothes. ¡°Oh, why? Is there something else to this material?¡± Penelope asks, suddenly realizing that my reaction is not typical for normal training aids. ¡°Yeah, you could say so.¡± Mallory teases, ¡°but first we should probably let our narrator here get her clothes back on. As her muscles are even blushing.¡± Hearing that, I turn to Mallory, but am suddenly stopped when Penelope adds in. ¡°Yes, you are right. I didn¡¯t know abs could blush. Well, I didn¡¯t know that abs could be that muscular either. What are you like zero percent body fat?¡± ¡°What?¡± I ask, suddenly blindsided by the redirect. ¡°Your body is in what must be perfect form. Almost as if you were carved from marble by a master artist.¡± Penelope says, while quickly measuring around my legs and getting my measurements with her magical tape measure. ¡°I mean, I do work out.¡± I admit. ¡°You definitely don¡¯t miss leg day.¡± Penelope says, getting the last measurement around my calves. ¡°No, no she doesn¡¯t. Even when we were climbing that tower she would squirl away time to work out in secret.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Wait, you knew?¡± I ask. ¡°You sweat mana, of course I knew. Whenever you came back glittering like a stripper, I assumed it was either you found a club, or decided to work out.¡± Mallory posed. I am about to say something, when Penelope¡¯s gentle giggling pulls me back. ¡°You know what, if that offer still stands, I would love to be one of your students.¡± Penelope asks. ¡°What, really?¡± I ask. ¡°Really, I see that you do have a lot I could learn from.¡± And like that, I was suddenly motivated to teach magic to everyone, not just the self-proclaimed mages. Interlude VII Interlude VII ¡°Today we have a number of topics to discuss for you, the avid viewers of Biprism.¡± A female announcer said, as she was apparently filling in for the male narrator who had been around for the last few years. ¡°Before we start, I would like to make a special shout out to Eziah Lobal, who started as the voice for this channel. I am also pleased to announce to you all that, Eziah has decided to finally take the plunge and enter the game he has helped to cover so extensively over the past few years.¡± With that the female announcer pauses, and states, ¡°the fact that his joining happens to coincide with the Midnight Hunters finally taking in new recruits for their Qi courses of course has nothing to do with his choice.¡± With that the female announcer gives a giant conspiratorial wink to the camera, implying that this was exactly the reason why he decided to finally enter. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, his time hosting this show will translate to a hefty starting point, meaning he will be well off by entering the game world that he loves so much.¡± A slight moment of silence, then the female reporter continued. ¡°So, as I mentioned earlier there were a number of items to discuss today that were going on in the world. First the Legrand Empire, after their complete conquering and subjugation of the Maltese Empire, now appear to be turning their attentions further west to the encroaching desert lands. Yes, after hearing about the success of the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild numerous attempts to expand into the desert region have been tried by many. Yet, as most people have noticed, there appears to be a desert curse placed upon the air vessels, and even train cars that have attempted to go out and reclaim their own swaths of land out in the desert regions.¡± With that, the image behind the reporter changes, showing the numerous destroyed train cars, and downed airships that were attacked by both Blight infected creatures, and by devastating elemental forces. ¡°Yes, so far there seems to be two absolute facts. The first is that every transport vehicle under the banner of the Midnight Hunter¡¯s guild has survived. Most only suffering from normal wear and tear of the machinery. The second absolute fact is that every other vehicle not manned by the Midnight Hunters has been completely destroyed. Thus the idea of there being a curse.¡± This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. There is a brief moment of silence as the announcer lets that piece settle in, before she continues. ¡°However, we have come to a few conclusions that might shock you about what is really happening. Please click through the brief survey from our parent company, if you want to know the truth.¡± Image changes to a questionnaire about the likelihood of taking new vitamins that help improve energy levels and prevent cancer. The minute the survey ends, the user is brought right back to the viewing screen. ¡°Welcome back. Now as promised, we have found the reason for the Midnight Hunter¡¯s success. Their success we believe stems from the fact that no Blighted creatures, nor intense storm systems seem to target them. Now, I know what you are thinking. Clearly, not getting attacked means you won¡¯t suffer damage. But this seems to go beyond that. As not one vessel that is owned directly by the Midnight Hunters has been attacked, even if they carry people from other guilds or organizations.¡± The narrator pauses. ¡°So why is this? Well, as my predecessor noted, the Midnight Hunters have a maxed-out Nature¡¯s Friend title, meaning that they are neutral to wild animals and nature itself. How does this affect Blighted creatures? Well, it apparently means that the Blight isn¡¯t related to the undead, as many have speculated. This would also show why the use of healing spells against Blighted creatures does not work, unlike what we have seen from attacking true skeletal undead, and liches of this world. That¡¯s right, according to this, the Blighted creatures are living, even the ones that are fully corrupted. This is further proven by the fact that Cassiopeia Spiritlight cured a record 32,308 creatures of the Blight since she arrived at the Midnight Hunter¡¯s new capital. All of whom were seen as being alive and healthy immediately after their cleansing.¡± There was a pause, then she continued. ¡°Now that we have the first fact noted, the fact that the Nature¡¯s Friend title seems to be a veritable cheat code when it comes to exploring the previously blocked Blighted lands. We now understand why despite being in what is considered by many to be an overpowered zone compared to the Guild¡¯s overall level, the Midnight Hunters appear to be doing just fine. Despite having wild packs of level 970 Dire Phase Wolves, and despite having the level 1,100 undead former king of the elves lurking about in the under city, the Midnight Hunters have been able to settle in remarkably safely.¡± ¡°What does this mean? Well for starters, it appears that the game was always meant to be expanded out into the desert. Secondly, it appears that by choosing such an isolated location, they have inadvertently made it so they are an island unto themselves, with their vehicles being the only way into or out of their territories, something that I am certain the Midnight Hunters management is already well aware of, and taking full advantage of. Particularly with their announcements of already offering school spots, transport, and housing for potential guild converts who are below level 100. The idea being that the lower the level the Guild member starts as, the faster they will grow under Doctor Spiritlight¡¯s expert teaching. Regardless of what the future actually holds, I can state for certain that I, along with the rest of the avid followers eagerly await what will happen next.¡± ¡°Now onto less reputable news. While we have all seen the works of Cassiopeia¡¯s real life daughter Gwendalyn Spiritlight joining her at the Midnight Hunters, we now have a sad update of what happens to those born of success. For our last piece we will talk about the recent rise and struggles of Trenton Spiritlight¡­¡± Chapter 128 Teacher For Hire Chapter 128 Teacher For Hire The time had finally come. While I was running around like a mad woman, setting up a training area that could serve as a training site for a total of two hundred students, my Simulacrums were just leisurely reading. The sad part is, aside from their contributions, I had not gained much in the way of experience myself. I found the old elven library where I read dozens of books, but since I don¡¯t have any quests related to reading outside of Mage Guild halls and Unique Faerie libraries, I don¡¯t gain anything other than immense enjoyment from my readings. Still, I can¡¯t really complain, as their contributions have helped me gain two levels.
Experience Gained from reading:
14,380 / 7,190 / 7,190 Ding. Level up. Your level in Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 103. Your level in Ethereal Healer has increased to level 206.
I also finally gained some new and interesting skills from the reading. Well maybe just new skills to focus on.
Skill Gained: Astrological Prediction has reached level 1.
Skill Astrological Prediction is a Perception, and Intelligence based skill.
Skill Gained: Faerie Lore has reached level 1.
Skill Faerie Lore is an Intelligence based skill.
Skill Gained: Grim Dark Lore has reached level 1.
Skill Grim Dark Lore is an Intelligence based skill.
The first one I am fairly certain came from the Mage¡¯s Guild library. While the other two came from the grand library on the two hundredth floor. After hearing about the Grim Dark, I realized that was the next part of my journey into the Aracnarus Spirit Tower. Just thinking about the Grim Dark sent shivers of excitement down my spine. I know the name itself should be disconcerting, but the contents of them were very interesting, as they were apparently the boogeymen of the spirit realm, but that was just the surface. Hearing about them, I almost wanted to switch places with SS, or Second Simulacrum right then and there and go exploring the upper levels of the great tree Yggdraspirit, but of course I am stuck here. Which is fine, as I feel I can finally create a true cure for the Blight, if I stay here. Of course, I can¡¯t work on any of those projects as right now I am fulfilling my own promise of training the one hundred rear guard who initially volunteered to stay back with me. Regardless of the fact that they essentially didn¡¯t see any action until the battle for survival was over. Even then, they mostly focused on herding the cleansed animals to different cleansed fields to help them integrate into life once more, the cleansed beasts, not the guild members. I am sitting in the middle of my training grounds. The set up is simple, on the north side of the hill are a hundred places arranged with giant stones indicating a numerical seat. The seats are arranged from one to fifty on the northeast side, and fifty-one to one hundred on the northwest side. Then a slight incline to see me, this was done to help students in the back see, as I am so short that people in the back would have a hard time seeing me on flat ground. Then the pattern continues with an additional one hundred places on the south side, once again going from one to fifty on the southwest side, and fifty-one to one hundred on the southeast side. Over the course of the week, I had taken to planting and growing the native elven grass in the fields and around each stone marker. The idea was that the grass was naturally able to absorb and hold ambient mana better than any plant I had ever seen, and I was thinking we could use the students as a natural battery for powering different operations. Sort of like the Matrix, all except with plants being the ultimate super weapon at the end. This couldn¡¯t go wrong, at least I hoped it couldn¡¯t. My idea for this set up was simple, have it so I could teach up to one hundred qi cultivators at one time while also teaching up to one hundred mage students at the same time. As I had mistakenly thought that there would be no way more than two hundred people would want to be taught by me at one time. Then when people were done and the want to learn was over, I would have an open hill to exercise on and to call my own. Honestly, the idea was perfect. Go, create a grand open area where I would ¡°teach¡± up to two hundred students, and then be able to convert the outer edges and remaining areas into crafting places, or places to work on my various Enchanting skills. Foolproof plan, simple even. I even had plans to eventually get rid of some of the less used places and grow more plants or items. That was the plan at least, and as we all know a plan is a list of things that are bound to fail. Though while I was busy getting the training environment itself ready, I was not the only one who was rushing around trying to get things done. *** ¡°So how does it feel?¡± Penelope asks, a look of excitement on her face as she sees me trying on what feels like silk pajamas. I am honestly at a loss for words at this point, as I feel like I am wrapped in a cloud that caresses my skin at every spot. ¡°I,¡± I begin, but am at a loss for words. ¡°I love it.¡± I truly did, as the item itself was the best I had ever received while in game.
Soul Bind Item: Midnight Hunter¡¯s Doctorial Uniform: Official uniform worn by those noted as Doctors within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. As long as owner remains within the Midnight Hunters guild they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Mana Capacity, +15% Movement Speed, +15% Silent Movement, +8% Energy Hiding, +2% Energy Efficiency.
The item was so good that I almost wanted to weep, as I realized this was made for me personally, as it allowed me to still use my Mage guild SWAG, my Adventurer¡¯s Pendant, my Apothecary gloves, my Vice-Thieves¡¯ Guild Mask, and even my Mechanical EGGs. As was expected of Guild Gear, it was designed to bind on equip. ¡°Sorry I was only able to get ten percent bonuses per slot, well ten percent minus the slot for being soul bound, but that is the limits of my abilities at the moment.¡± Penelope said, as if she didn¡¯t hear or apparently didn¡¯t believe me when I said this was an amazing piece of gear. Just like that, I went from being barely able to clothe myself to being fully kitted out with amazing gear in a second, yes it used up all my slots, but I have been so lost with not wanting to get hit by penalties from being Broke for so long that it unfortunately has become a habit for me at this point. Now with this, I can rest assured as the item I have is not only amazing, but regardless of how much damage I put it through, I will always be able to repair it with a bit of my own mana. ¡°Sorry, this is amazing. Soft as a cloud, amazing abilities. I like the fact that you went with percentage boosts as those will mean more going on.¡± I state. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°Yes, I figured that to be the case. Especially given that your Attributes are some of the highest in the guild.¡± Penelope stated. At that I paused. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Oh don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell anyone. But a few of your Attributes are clearly above the typical high mark of a thousand points.¡± Penelope noted. ¡°A thousand?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes, generally it is assumed that once you get to a thousand points in any Attribute you are considered one of the elites.¡± Penelope noted. With that, I paused, and then did what I think anyone else would do. I checked my stats covertly the same way one might give themselves a quick sniff when people say they stink.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 79 225 Personality 94 310 Perception 157 896
Dexterity 119 520 Sociability 91 314 Intelligence 159 1042
Endurance 111 286 Attractiveness 77 848 Willpower 148 1422
After the statement it was clear that I was in fact over the one-thousand-point threshold in all of my Mental Attributes, and almost there in Dexterity and Appearance. My Willpower had just crossed the fifteen-hundred-point threshold, which was also impressive. I was clearly under leveled for the area we were in, but I did note that it was getting easier to hold my own. My high Attributes and my relentless focus on skills which have a two to one ratio for Attributes likely only continued to compound the perception that I was well over a thousand-point threshold for many of my Attributes. ¡°Oh.¡± Was all I could say in rebuttal to the information. I had evolved my classes, going for only rare classes that I then improved upon through relentless chain quests, that and the low level that I managed to make the noted changes at made it so I naturally would have higher Attributes, but I never thought of myself as an elite. ¡°More like mid-tier expert.¡± Mallory stated, seemingly coming from out of nowhere and chiming in and as usual helping me to keep a level head. ¡°A thousand is just mid-tier?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Yes, that should be the baseline average for all your attributes for the mid-tier levels.¡± Mallory continued. ¡°What are those?¡± Gwen asked, as she now seemed to be Mallory¡¯s shadow. I have noticed a few things here and there between those two, Mallory and my daughter. While I might normally say something, I have opted not to make note of anything, preferring to keep a neutral Switzerland type approach to this. Yes, I know things are happening around me, but until it comes in my immediate vicinity, I don¡¯t want to act upon what I know. After all they are both consenting adults, and Gwen was both more than old enough to have grandchildren of her own on the outside, and now she is having Mallory¡¯s own granddaughter, apparently. Yeah, for whatever reason, when it comes to children that are not your biological kin, there is a bit of an incubation period. This incubation period is something done for the merging of two powerful bloodlines, as apparently there was a bit of an old wives¡¯ tale about how being around the progenitor of a bloodline would improve the chances of gaining the highest possible version of that bloodline. Thus, why Gwen is now visiting me and Mallory both daily. I would have called the entire process hogwash, except for the fact that I can see the child, a child that will now be both Mallory¡¯s real life and in game grandchild, and my in-game grandchild. I can even see the status counter on the different bloodlines present on the baby, but only when I focus with my third eye.
Name: Unborn Child Race: Half Esoteric Arcanist Elf, Half Valkyrie Status: Healthy, well cared for. Incubation time: 64 of 280 Days. Valhalla bloodline Potency 50% (Legendary) Esoteric Arcanist Elf Potency 50% (Legendary)
Yes, apparently Mallory¡¯s race is officially a Valkyrie. Meaning males would have to gain the race of the male. Kind of odd, especially as these mechanics are outside of my control. Yes, it was odd not being able to manipulate the genomes of a baby, but then again maybe that is a good thing that I can¡¯t. Instead, like a Tomagotchi, or whatever where you had to interact with the baby to make it grow. In this case, we had to interact with the mother to ensure the baby gained our Legacy, a really odd function if you ask me, but it did ensure that as a progenitor I did have a say in the outcome of a child. Thus, Gwen would now be part of my instructional class, if only to get a daily dose of me. Then she would spend the evening, where she would get more than a daily dose of Mallory. Again, not quite certain how I should feel about that. ¡°Oh, you are inspecting, how is she?¡± Gwen asks, apparently realizing that my third eye is open. ¡°She is Healthy.¡± I state, noting the most important part. ¡°And the Legacies?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Sitting directly at 50% for both legacies and at a Legendary rating for both.¡± I admit. At that Mallory visibly relaxes, as she is clearly invested in this child. Mentally, since I can scan everything for over ten kilometers in all directions, I naturally take notice of my training field. All to see that it is wide open and vacant of people. Even the immediate surrounding courtyard is empty. That was part of my approach, there would be a middle and an outer courtyard as well that people could eventually expand to. Or what was most likely I could use them as places to work on various skills. While, I hadn¡¯t expected to use the middle or outer courtyard, I was a bit saddened at the fact that not even the one hundred guards I had offered to train were present. In fact, there are so few people that the next nearest group of people seems to be right outside of here, though that is to be expected as we are currently in the main guild office building. I assume this is some type of pay day or ration increase or something as there are hundreds of people right outside of here. I knew Mallory and her fun bucks would cause problems eventually, though I would gladly have turned in all of my Midnight Hunters fun money for this robe, so I can¡¯t really complain. ¡°So, are you ready to meet your new students?¡± Mallory finally asks, coming over to me and fussing over my outfit in the way only an over proud parent could do. She pulls my uniform, getting rid of an apparent wrinkle, and then just beams at me. ¡°Well, from what I can tell, it looks like I am lucky that I went ahead and tried to lure over Penelope here.¡± I state, realizing that with her I effectively had a hundred percent more students than I normally would have. ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± Penelope asks, looking completely confused. ¡°You are part of my class, right?¡± I ask, suddenly flustered at the fact that it looks like even Penelope wants out. ¡°Of course, though, I was the one who was lucky you took interest in me. Apparently, there is a lengthy waiting list to get into your class.¡± Penelope states. ¡°There is?¡± I ask, once again searching my training area and realizing that it is nearly an acre of space. An acre of uninhabited space. Even the guards are missing¡­ wait. ¡°Wait, are they somewhere else?¡± I ask. HAHAHA. ¡°Oh look, she was so frightened that no one wanted to be in her class that she nearly panicked.¡± Mallory said, laughing. ¡°What?¡± Was all I could so eloquently come up with, before I was half dragged half carried out of the dressing room area and to the guildhall exit, curse this small body. ¡°There she is!¡± ¡°Oh, pick me, pick me!¡± With that dozens of voices cried out from the crowd of what had to be close to a thousand guild representatives. ¡°Silence!¡± Mallory shouted; her voice infused with a bit of Spiritual power. Not enough power to hurt, but enough power that everyone around could feel their soul slightly vibrate within them. There was a moment of absolute calm, where I almost swore that I had gone deaf due to the sound of the scream. Even though I was not in the direct blast radius of her shout. ¡°As promised, the Doctor will begin her first round of students. Those hundred who she volunteered a sport for during our Guild¡¯s settlement quest, please step forward. You all have been guaranteed a spot, so long as you all wish to learn qi, and have the required ten thousand guild dollars.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Ten thousand? Who can afford that?¡± I hissed out, wondering if Mallory was trying to cut these people down to the highest contributors. ¡°Anyone who participated in the Guild¡¯s A Land of Your Own, quest for one.¡± Penelope noted. ¡°What?¡± I asked. ¡°Yeah, everyone got fifteen thousand for joining and staying the whole way through.¡± Gwen said. ¡°Wait, why didn¡¯t I get paid?¡± I asked. ¡°You did, just most of your resources went towards paying for your new training ground.¡± Mallory said, speaking from behind her as some of her attendants were taking the guild funds from everyone else. ¡°Wait, I built the training facility.¡± I said. ¡°Yes, and you were paid for your service.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°How much?¡± ¡°A thousand guild dollars an hour.¡± Mallory noted. I pause, ¡°so how much have I earned exactly?¡± I asked feeling like there was a catch here. ¡°We paid you for the complete time worked. From start to finish we have you working an hour and a half. Thus, fifteen hundred guild dollars.¡± ¡°What? Am I being punished for being efficient?¡± I asked, realizing that the so-called druids on staff couldn¡¯t work as hard or as fast as I do. ¡°No, your pay is quite extraordinary. In fact, you are listed as one of the guild¡¯s premier experts.¡± Mallory notes. ¡°But I only got paid for an hour and a half?¡± I state. ¡°Because you only worked an hour and a half.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°But, that is. You know what, how much am I going to get from teaching?¡± I asked, trying to move on as this was clearly going to be a circular argument. ¡°A thousand guild dollars an hour.¡± Mallory notes, as if she is speaking to a slow child. I guess I should have seen that one coming. ¡°So after today, I will see eight thousand dollars go to my account?¡± ¡°If you work eight hours, then you will see that much money go to your account, yes.¡± Mallory states. At that, I sigh. ¡°My account?¡± ¡°Yes, we did front the cost of the building materials used, along with the guards to help maintain order, and of course your uniform. You do want Penelope to get paid after all?¡± Mallory states. And just like that, I realize why Mallory was able to run the second most powerful guild in the world, while not having a headquarters of her own. ¡°Well are you going to earn money, or are you going to sit here and let it gather interest?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Interest? I didn¡¯t take out a loan.¡± I state. ¡°No, you didn¡¯t and all your needs will be met, you can even get more, so long as you contribute.¡± I stare hard at Mallory. Then finally, I see the signs. The twitching of the left eye, the forced flat smirk. ¡°You are messing with me? Today, of all days?¡± I ask. Then like that Gwen, Penelope, and Mallory all start cackling loudly. ¡°You were all in on it?¡± I ask, turning my head to make sure I stare at my own daughter in disbelief. ¡°Oh come on.¡± Mallory says, moving forward and embracing me in a hug that forces me to turn my head to the side before I start to suffocate against her bosom. ¡°You have been so stressed out, working yourself into overdrive. You need to take a break, particularly before this.¡± ¡°You have, and you have been so anxious that you likely didn¡¯t notice it.¡± Penelope says, placing a calming hand on my shoulder. ¡°You can tell?¡± I ask. ¡°Your skin glows with the state of your mana. Yes, we could tell that you were anxious, at least that is what we got after noting the color changing index from Gwen.¡± Mallory states, once again showing how my own daughter betrayed me in this. ¡°Fine, but you are literally embarrassing me in front of my students.¡± I state, reaching out towards the throng of people still clamoring to fill out the first two hundred spots. ¡°Oh, this is for their own benefit.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°For them?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, we want to remind them that you are human and fragile.¡± ¡°So they will pity me?¡± I ask. ¡°No, so they will be able to hopefully not think of you as a complete monster bent on breaking them.¡± Mallory states. ¡°What? Me? A Monster?¡± Chapter 129 A Bit Too Enthusiastic Chapter 129 A Bit Too Enthusiastic ¡°All right, thank you for coming here and taking a chance on my training. I know this is new for all of you, but by the end of this Introductory class, you should be able to gain two new skills, and those are.¡± I begin, but then hold up a signpost with writing on both sides that clearly states the objectives for this class.
Qi 101 Objectives: New Skill: Qi Sense New Skill: Qi Manipulation
¡°Sounds easy right?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, shouldn¡¯t be too much of a problem.¡± A few of the more enthusiastic students call out. ¡°Good, now we just need to do a few light exercises to generate some Qi, then we can begin.¡± I say, as a devilish smile fills my lips as I am prepared to get my own workout in, along with my students. *** (Four hours later) Huffing. ¡°Oh, my gods, she is going to kills us all.¡± One tired soldier complains in between deep ragged breaths. ¡°I am going to die. I swear, she is going to kill me right here and now.¡± A second soldier cries out. ¡°Let me get this through your thick skulls! You are not going to die, because I have not given you permission to die!¡± I shout at the two soldiers who had snuck off to a dark alcove and tried to rest for more than a minute. I gave them thirty seconds, but once they didn¡¯t get back out to running, I Teleported over and overheard what they were talking about. ¡°AHHHH!!¡± The two soldiers cry out in unified terror as they both begin to run again. Smirking to myself, I can¡¯t help but think that this is a little more fun than I thought it would be. Once they are back and everyone took a moment to see that I meant they would run for as much as possible, before lunch, I meant it. I can see everyone¡¯s eyes upon me, but I make sure to scan the field point at people who I think are going slower than their fastest speeds. Once they see me, they immediately get a jolt of fear and speed up their pace. Satisfied that the class is at least going faster, I Teleport back to the center of my training area and stand next to Mallory. Mallory is in something like a bathing suit, just sunning herself languidly at the center of my training pavilion. ¡°Do you mind?¡± I ask. ¡°No, actually I don¡¯t. You can yell at the men all you want.¡± Mallory states from a position on her stomach where she is clearly letting her back get tanned. ¡°You know what I mean.¡± I state, gesturing to her whole exposed back. ¡°Oh I know. I also think it is delightful when you blush.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t blush.¡± I shout. ¡°Yes,¡± huff, ¡°you do.¡± Gwen says, panting as she too is partaking in these exercises. ¡°Are you just there lurking to add in a comment?¡± I ask. Then I realized something else. ¡°Also, if you have that much energy to tell jokes, then you likely have enough energy to run faster.¡± Eye roll. Yes, even in a virtual world, even in a world where she is playing the older avatar, my daughter still gives me sass. I will say that seeing a vertical eye roll from a vertical eye is a bit odd, but interesting to note, at least the first time. After that, it all becomes sass. Apparently having had enough of tanning her back, Mallory grabs her bikini top and proceeds to sit up. This activity does not go unnoticed as quite a few traffic jams occur as gawkers from all over the place stare up at Mallory, causing some to slow down, while others to run into each other, and then more run into the other piles of bodies. In short, it is complete chaos, just as Mallory apparently intended. Seeing the activity Mallory smiles coyly and chuckles to herself. ¡°Are you happy now?¡± I ask. ¡°Me? I have never been so content. My guild is flourishing, we have the best talent, the best training, the best leveling grounds, what isn¡¯t there to be happy about.¡± Mallory answers with a sly grin on her face. Shaking my head, ¡°no, I mean with causing the distraction.¡± ¡°Oh come on, they needed a break. What exactly are they even working on right now.¡± Mallory asks using her hand that had been holding up her top to gesture at the number of students. Once again everyone gawked, but then were shocked that she had snaked her other hand around to begin tying a bow in the back of her swimming suit with just one hand. That just shows what a high Dexterity can get you. ¡°Is that it? Is that why you are all getting angry, the fact that I haven¡¯t told you all why I am forcing you all to work out?¡± I ask loud enough for everyone to hear. Silence. ¡°Yeah, basically.¡± Well, there was one voice that dared to speak out, and that of course would be Gwen, my daughter. Then with that, quite a few others began nodding in agreement. ¡°Fine. Everyone sit down at your spots, and I will explain what we have been doing.¡± Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. There was a long awkward shuffling of people to spaces. Some had the right number but couldn¡¯t remember whether they were on the north side, or the south side. Others could remember which side and number but couldn¡¯t tell north from south with a compass and a setting sun for reference. While others apparently had their minds fried from doing a few exercises. Finally, once everyone was in place, or at least over ninety percent of the people were in place, I began. ¡°Today you were working on improving skill levels. In particular you worked on Running, Calisthenics, Second Wind, Weightlifting, among others.¡± I state, then pause. ¡°Everyone did notice those skills increase at least once while working today, right?¡± With that most of the people gathered began to nod. ¡°Okay, it turns out learning skills produces Qi, thus everyone of you who had levels or multiple levels in skills increase should all be able to find a new source of Qi floating within your bodies. Today, all we are going to do is focus on finding that energy within your body. For many of you, you will find it at the top center of your chest, just below your neck and along your sternum.¡± I state, while pointing to this very part of my body. Then I create a mirror projection of me behind myself that shows the exact spot I am talking about. This would be so much easier with a Simulacrum, but currently my Simulacrum are busy, reading, still jealous. ¡°Now once you find this energy, you should get new skills, related to sensing Qi. This will help you produce more Qi, and subsequently make it easier to find your Qi. This is good as you will need it to improve. This class, as stated at the beginning, is to learn two skills, Qi sensing, and Qi manipulation. Hopefully with this you can start to see the free Qi that we have just generated.¡± There is a slight pause as I let everyone mostly find their own Qi. Some have tiny embers of Qi, while others have Qi the size of burning candles, none are particularly impressive at this point in time. ¡°Now you might be wondering, if skills generate Qi, and you have been working on skills for a while, why don¡¯t you have Qi?¡± I ask. With that, a number of the students look up to me with confused faces and tilted heads as they just realized this truth now that I have spoken it out loud. ¡°Well, I can explain.¡± I say, then point to a man in the front row on the south side. ¡°You there, number six. Please stand up.¡± I state. The guy, despite being called out, still places his hand on his chest as if asking for confirmation. I nod, and he reluctantly rises to his feet. ¡°Will you please tell us your class?¡± I ask. ¡°Me, I¡¯m a Sharpshooter.¡± The man says. ¡°Would you mind if I use you as an example? This should help you find your own Qi, but I wish to present your image so everyone can see your bright Qi and your current build.¡± I state. ¡°Um, okay?¡± He states with a note of confusion in his voice. With his confirmation, I create a giant silhouette of him in the air, one that shows his current Qi that he created, along with various pockets of Qi that were produced all along his body. ¡°As a Sharpshooter, you are predominantly right-handed, though you have recently been making moves to incorporate your left hand into more of your attacks.¡± I state. ¡°Tha, that¡¯s right.¡± He stammers, clearly surprised that I could get that from just looking at him. ¡°The way I can tell this, is that in your right hand you already have a large build up of Qi that is densely packed into tightened layers.¡± I state and cause the ball in his right hand to be highlighted so everyone can see what I am talking about. ¡°Then in your left, you have newer layers of Qi that aren¡¯t as tightly compacted but are still there. Likely an off-hand attack of some kind.¡± I state. ¡°Yes.¡± He confirms, again admiration in his eyes. I nod. ¡°To be clear, you have at least one and likely multiple marksmanship skills that you use as part of your class?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, I have Mark¡­¡± He begins, but I quickly cut him off. ¡°No need to give everyone even more of your secrets. I am already exposing you more than Mallory has this whole afternoon.¡± I state. Chuckles. Mallory for her part pretends to look indignant, but I know she is just preening under the attention of everyone. ¡°Now to quickly note, you also have a few vision related skills that show the Qi in your eyes, along with a few others for your lungs, likely to hold still for the perfect shot.¡± I state, going through and noting all the major nodes of his body that have been enhanced with Qi. ¡°Yes.¡± He confirms again. ¡°So, it is safe to say, that before today, every skill you worked on improving went directly towards improving a particular function you need or wanted to improve on for your class?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes.¡± With that, some of the people in the audience¡¯s eyes went wide with understanding. But I was teaching everyone, not just the Intelligent ones. ¡°This means that up until now, had you not gained this extra Qi from your skills, you would not have any to notice to this point, is that correct?¡± I ask. He pauses, and I can see his jaw working for a bit, before he answers. ¡°Yes, I suppose you are right.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t sound so astonished, I might know what I¡¯m doing up here.¡± I say. Chuckle. It was a sympathy laugh, but my students who had been quite angry moments before now began to relax slightly at the new revelation. Finally after a moment, the Sharpshooter asked. ¡°So, what do we do now?¡± ¡°Now, you try to find your untapped Qi that is inside of you.¡± ¡°Okay, then what?¡± ¡°Well you try to move it.¡± ¡°But how?¡± Number twenty-two south asks. Hearing that question, I just shook my head, ¡°not how, but where. That is the next question you all need to ask yourselves.¡± I state. ¡°Number six, since you were so kind as to let me use you as my model. I will help you find the areas you need to focus on moving your Qi to first. Everyone, look up here to these black dots.¡± With that, I highlight a few black spots that are right in the middle of key muscles groups. ¡°These are your sore spots, by cycling your Qi to these areas you will lose a bit of Qi, but you will also reinforce the strength of your body. By doing these rotations enough times you will begin to form a foundation for your cultivation, and eventually learn to be actual Qi users. Then you won¡¯t need me to make you sweat, you will be able to generate additional Qi on your own.¡± I state. With that, the others begin to relax and meditate, though some quickly fall asleep, causing the Qi they generated to begin to go to automatic gathering points. ¡°Just so you know, sleeping now will only make it tougher on those who wish to actually learn to detect and move their Qi around.¡± I state loudly, making sure to echo my words so that everyone hears them. Silence. With this, I begin taking my own internal Qi and cycling it over and over. Just as expected at first there is a bit of loss due to some of my Qi being absorbed into my muscles that were damaged from normal wear and tear of working out. Then after that, I actually began creating Qi that filled me with enough energy to run through walls. Not that I would, knowing Mallory even if I fixed it myself, I would still have to pay for materials. ¡°Um excuse me? Teacher?¡± Number Twelve from the northern side asked. Not even turning to face the student, I answer ¡°Yes northern number twelve?¡± The student paused, apparently wondering how I knew who was speaking, but then quickly regained their composure. ¡°Is there anything else to this training?¡± Northern twelve asked. ¡°Other than meditating and finding your inner self, no. Though I take it you would like to be done for the day?¡± I ask. ¡°Well, could we go eat and come back?¡± Sympathetic gurgles. Then with that one question suddenly there was a lot of gargling stomachs that all apparently were starved for food. ¡°Yes, you may go. Practice finding your Qi and circulating it on your own. Though come back tomorrow ready to actually put in effort.¡± I state. ¡°We can¡¯t come back after lunch?¡± A student asks. ¡°You can, but you will have to pay for a spot with the Mage Class I will be teaching.¡± I state. At that, the students raised their heads in semi-excitement and then dropped in sadness. Well, some of the overachievers that already managed to find their Qi did. Though to be fair, those that were finding this task easier were doers, or people that naturally worked on crafts, and trained in their spare time and had extra Qi before we began our exercises. The others that were miserable were the ones who hated moving apparently, which I don¡¯t understand why they would join the Qi class if they hated moving. With that a surge of people left. Most I assumed would be run away by my teaching methods and never want to come back. While others would likely enjoy the reprieve that I offered, effectively giving them the afternoon off. Though like most students, they failed to realize that I technically worked for them, as they paid me, maybe. Still trying to see if Mallory was pulling my leg about the whole owing money to the guild thing. Finally, once most of the students left, only a few die-hard students remained, and those were students that had purposefully taken up spots on the northern side of the training yard, indicating that they wanted to be dual masters of Qi and Mana. ¡°Master.¡± A student who had been mostly silent to this point called out from behind me. ¡°Yes, northern number three?¡± ¡°Is it okay if we eat food that we brought with us?¡± He asks respect oozing in his words. As he spoke, the others that were already shoving food in their faces looked at him with disdain, like he had somehow broken an unspoken agreement between them. One that said they were all in this little oversight together. ¡°So long as you all clean up after yourselves I have no problem with you eating or drinking while in class. Though I will be mad if you leave your trash on the ground like northern fifty-seven is demonstrating, so you know what not to do.¡± I state, again not looking back, but the student at seat fifty-seven looks chagrined at first and then grabs the wrapper that was about to blow away from her, as she picked up the soiled napkin and put it neatly within her storage bag. There was a moment of silence as I let the students eat their meals. This was technically my time to eat as well, but since I didn¡¯t need to eat, thanks to my class spells, I just continued to cultivate and practice on the sensations so I could better explain them to others. Once everyone finished eating, the few students who remained for my magical lessons either relaxed, or began talking silently to each other. Since they were the ones who had apparently signed up for and paid for both classes, this was not unexpected. What was unexpected however, was the fact that the first one to speak, the one who called me Master of all things, he was already back to finding his Qi and trying to circulate it around his body. He was slow, almost painfully slow to watch, but his little spark of Qi within his body did flutter and eventually roll around his body. Seeing his progress, I had a feeling he would be here, until he got everything from these classes. Not because he was gifted, in fact he was far from what I would call being gifted, but he was driven and that was something that was exceptionally hard to harness. ¡°Northern number three.¡± The words were out of my mouth before I could think better of stating them. ¡°Yes master?¡± Northern number three asked, his tone still formal as he addressed me. Honestly, it felt odd, but I guessed I would have to get used to this, as some people really liked to role play while here. Also with teaching Qi and other esoteric arts, such formalities weren¡¯t too unheard of. ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°My name? Its Jhonny,¡± he said, then paused before adding belatedly, ¡°master.¡± ¡°And there we go again with making it awkward.¡± Mallory said. ¡°Don¡¯t you have funds to collect before our afternoon classes?¡± I hissed. ¡°I don¡¯t take guild dues; I only give out money earned.¡± Mallory states with a smug tone. At that, I can once again see how Mallory is brilliant with finances, as I would never think to not take money directly from people. Instead, she got her guild employees and guards set up in booths outside taking the payments and queuing lines of eager mages ready to be taught by me as well. Come on guild fun bucks, let¡¯s do this. This next class is super easy, it¡¯s only magic after all¡­ Chapter 130 Stop! Just Stop! Chapter 130 Stop! Just Stop! Magic, the simplest and most beautiful thing ever created in the world of Biprism. With the advent of magic, accessing legendary floating islands is something that is clearly possible. Great and mythical beasts are considered ordinary, all because of the ability for magic to have permanently saturated all corners of this world we live in. Even machines have the ability to interact with and use magic to add prowess and efficiency, something I personally need to improve upon. Something I clearly should do more than teaching magic, as I am terrible at teaching magic, if I do say so myself. ¡°You know they have a saying. Those that can do, do. While those that can¡¯t teach.¡± I begin, before pausing and muttering, ¡°well I apparently cannot teach.¡± Two hundred students are all staring at me with shocked faces. Well technically only one hundred and ninety-nine, as my daughter just turns her head towards the ground. Above us are the remnants of a magical cloud of mana that is being dissipated. ¡°You know what. Just go. We are done here today. You all clearly know more about magic than I could ever teach you all. Just go.¡± I say, and I mean it too. I had lost. Today proved beyond all shadow of a doubt that I am not meant to be a teacher. Despite having unlocked both the Teaching and Master Teaching Skills.
Skill Gained: Teaching has reached level 1.
Skill Teaching is a Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Skill Gained: Mater Teaching has reached level 1.
Skill Master Teaching is an Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Not going to lie, those skills look amazing, but they are possibly the hardest skills to earn and develop. Yet, I tried my absolute hardest and failed. I would like to say it is a humbling experience, but really, I just feel hollow inside. ¡°Go on, class is over. You all win. You all are clearly better than me at casting. I clearly have no clue what I am doing, and clearly don¡¯t deserve to be here with you all now.¡± I say, gesturing towards the main exit. Shaking. I am visibly shaking, though I think my rage is sort of justified, as it is not everyday you get targeted by a death spell that you then have to disperse overhead. ¡°My, my core. I, can¡¯t feel my magic.¡± The mage who had just targeted me, well not just me but the whole classroom really with their attack spell that would have been wide enough to at least hit everyone here. ¡°Yes, you are alive, which is the most you can hope for at this point in time.¡± I state. ¡°Why you, WITCH!!¡± He cries out, as he rises up from the ground and then charges right towards me. On reflex, I grab him with Telekinesis, and cause him to float in the air. Breathe. It would be so easy to crush him, self defense and all, right? But no, after the second breath, the tension in my chest dissipates enough. I am angry, no, I am furious at this monster, I refuse to think of them as a person. Yet even now I can see their soul, I can see the bonds of energy this person has created in their lifetime here. I can see it all, and realize, ¡°I don¡¯t need this.¡± I cast two spells in rapid succession. The first is a simple disabling spell, as clearly destroying this former mage¡¯s core was not enough of a warning, this time I find their spinal cord and very loosely disconnect all the nerves going to or from the brain, effectively making him paralyzed from the base of the skull down. His body is already dropping lifelessly to the ground like the world¡¯s heaviest puppet, and then I cast Teleportation and I am gone. With that I find myself in what others call the creepy crypt that somehow devours all light, whereas me, I call it a sealed away library that can only be accessed via personal teleportation, aka the perfect room to escape to. Yet, even looking at the hundreds of books that remain unread, I can¡¯t help but feel that even reading has somehow lost its attraction after today. I refuse to be one of those people that succumbs to doubt at the first true struggle, but sometimes we all need to take a moment and realize where things all went downhill. *** (Three Hours Earlier) There was an odd tension among the group of new mages that attempted to join my class. I figured that I was being judged in some way, anyone who was trying to teach alleged experts in any field ways to do things ¡°better¡± would of course be met with ridicule and derision. Particularly when the one given the instruction was both way younger and multiple hundreds of levels lower than those they were attempting to teach. I got that, but what I didn¡¯t understand, at least not at first, was the clear animosity that several of the older, well higher-level mages had towards me. They were all older than me, at least avatar wise. Even taking in real world age and in game age, I would be hard pressed to be older than more than half the class present. That said, I had over seven years of growing up in and around magic, two doctoral degrees in magic, and over a year¡¯s worth of time spent in an alternate dimension. That last part in particular is a lot tougher than most people want to give credit to. Even though I did sort of cheat by spending a good six plus months of that within the Mage¡¯s guild, I was still there none-the-less. Yet, no one saw that when they looked at me. They just saw a cute porcelain doll who got her class a little over a year ago, and got true access to magic at around the same time. Feeling the animosity rolling off of the older mages, that is the mages that weren¡¯t good enough or powerful enough at storm magic to cast Cleansing Rain, which was easily about ninety-seven percent of the mages within the guild, which was all mages but five Midnight Hunter mages. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Those five, along with Penelope and the few holdovers from the morning class made it so that there were only about twelve faces that were ready to learn from me. Also, among the crowd of students were apparently a few high-ranking delegates from other guilds who paid exorbitant prices to come here. Those were the faces that were the most disgusted by having to sit here on the ground, out in the open. Something they complained loudly about to the fellow mages next to him. I knew he was trouble from the start, but I couldn¡¯t kick him out for no reason as that would just lower diplomatic relations with the Midnight Hunters and whatever guild this guy was from. I could tell he wasn¡¯t a Midnight Hunter, as he wasn¡¯t wearing a Penelope tailored garment. As all Midnight Hunters, especially the higher echelon mages like him would have had at least the mid or advanced tier mage garments. Since he wore a robe, something that looked ridiculous. He looked like he was caught mid-fire drill while taking a shower, I had to appreciate the dedication that went into Penelope creating and designing our own uniforms. ¡°As we all can tell, we are all magic users. Many of us have been using magic for multiple decades. Others of us not as long,¡± I begin, but am cut off by a snide comment from the external mage. ¡°I¡¯ll say.¡± The outside mage said with a voice that was clearly meant to be heard by those around him. ¡°But we all can focus first on the basics, and that would be on forming a simple mana thread and holding it for as long as possible.¡± I state, then proceed to hold up a thread of mana that is actually the size of a giant multi-colored hemp rope that is easily bigger than the size of my fists and made opaque so everyone could see the focus going into this thread. Granted this was a bit of showing off on my part, as each woven thread was made up of a different school of magic that I had an affinity for. A few of the younger mages looked on with my creation in confusion, while others looked at the rope with a bit more bafflement than anything. ¡°Is this really our first lesson? Casting a magic rope spell?¡± The pompous mage asked. ¡°Southern number eight, this is not a spell. This is just the first stage of spell working, where you begin to form your intent and have it manifest in external mana. In fact, anyone.¡± Dispel-Snap! Smoking-hiss. The sound of sizzling mana rises as I lash out and instantly try to dispel a spell from going off. ¡°We are not casting spells here. We are focusing on the basics fist, then once we have that down we will move on.¡± I state, annoyance filling my voice, as I realize this is the first of likely many so-called desk-pops I am going to get today. ¡°Then what are we doing?¡± ¡°You are literally using your will to manifest the form of a line on your hand. Now you don¡¯t need to make yours visible like I did, you just need to manifest your will. This will hopefully¡­¡± I began but was again cut off as I had to angrily dispel two more casters. Dispel-Snap! Dispel-Snap! Smoke clouds. By now there is enough burnt, and ambient mana being released from people who seemingly have no control over what they are doing that I first realize Qi users are like dogs, mostly wanting to be good. While mages are like cats, think they are the rulers of the world and regardless of what they mess up, it is clearly someone else¡¯s problem. ¡°STOP!¡± I shout, trying to get my thoughts out of what I am trying to teach that I keep losing track. Momentary silence. There is a brief moment of silence, where I let myself take a moment to relax. Chuckle. At that the obvious foreigner here chuckled at my dismay. I could tell part of his contempt for me was the fact that I had just dispersed his creation a moment ago. Seeing that he was going to be one of those students, I turned to Mallory. Then I pointed towards the mage dignitary. Mallory just paused looking at me for a moment, which is when I said, ¡°can you deal with him, while I try to teach students who actually want to learn.¡± There was a moment where Mallory just stared at me, before nodding and gesturing to the mage she said. ¡°Come on.¡± I knew this was a sign that I was a bad teacher, that I couldn¡¯t discipline my students. But honestly, he was a grown man, he should behave himself. ¡°What? This, this can¡¯t be.¡± The mage said, and as he tried to do something I quickly cast Dispel-Snap on him. A poof of mana and smoke appearing over him, letting Mallory know he just tried to cast a spell. With that, Mallory took things a bit personally and with a glowing hand, she reached out and shook the soul of the mage. At which point the mage was a lot more compliant with her and her request to leave. Awkward silence. I waited until the problem mage was well beyond the walls of the training area before I nodded. Then turning my head towards both sets of students, I took a deep breath and decided to start over. ¡°Good afternoon class. Today, we will focus on two skills Arcane Understanding, and Mana Circulation. If you already have these skills great, if not then you are in the perfect spot. I am going to show you a simple trick that you all can practice in your spare time to improve these two primary skills. Why are these skills important? Well aside from making it so your spells are more concrete and harder to dispel as I am showing, they also lay the groundwork for higher level magic skills like Magical Theory and Spell Theory, both of which are needed if you want to eventually go on to create your own spells. Yes, this world lets you create your own spells, but you need to know the rules of magic first before you can break the rules of magic. That is the purpose of this class, to begin to show you what the laws of magic are, so that you can learn to insert your will into magic itself, and then alter magic to meet your everyday needs.¡± I pause, letting that information settle in, before I continue. ¡°Now you might ask yourself what is a form of magic that meets your everyday needs. Well, I could create a spell for that, or I can show you an example. Penelope, northern number ten, will you manifest your magical tape measure.¡± I state, pointing to the exact spot where Penelope is sitting. Penelope looks momentarily flustered, but then after a second, she manifests the measuring cord for everyone to see. ¡°As you can see, this is a manifestation of magic that is exactly what I am asking you all to perform. Also, I should point out that Penelope isn¡¯t a magician naturally, but she has altered her main class to take on more magical components. That is why she is now able to manifest such a dense magical thread that will help her measure lengths and sizes.¡± ¡°She is but one example of using your will to influence the way the world accepts your use of magic. Now I am sure there are dozens of examples here of how people have used their own will to force personal growth over time. But this right here, the manifesting of your will and making it so solid that others cannot help but take notice, that is the true beauty of magic. Magic whose essence will be missed, if you don¡¯t start with the basics.¡± With that, I can tell the derision and callous gazes that I felt moments ago was now gone, as I was finally able to get the idea for this particular class out there. ¡°Now, there are four parts to any magic spell: Formulation, Interpretation, Reinforcement, and Manifestation. Or FIRM. Formulation is done somewhat automatically and often done before you even begin to cast. These are the simple checks of the body; do you have enough mana? Do you have proficiency in the respective field of magic? If you have those two things, then you meet the Formulation phase. If you don¡¯t have proficiency, if you are skilled enough at the other steps, you can bypass, or even cheat your way to making it so you can make the Formulation check, but that will be covered in later classes.¡± Taking a breath, I continue, ¡°for now, we will just focus on Interpretation. Since we are all mages, or have classes with magical ties, we can assume that we all have the Formulation stage covered. Now it is just time to direct our focus on manifesting our mana, and by extension our Will, on the world. At first this seems like it would be the most basic of steps, even more than formulation, but it is actually the step that allows you the most fluidity. Do you want to overcharge a spell to make sure it hits, or sticks? This is the step where you would make sure that happened. Do you want the spell to go from a point to an area effect? This is the spot where you would begin shaping your spell to meet your intended need. This is also the part where you can make or break someone else¡¯s spell, because if your will and your Interpretation of your will via spell form is better than your opponents you can have your spell destroy your opponent¡¯s spell, or even cast their own spell against them.¡± Now I had everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Now, all you are going to do is first envision a simple spell, but rather than cast it, I want you to envision the spell, and have the basics of that spell fill out in your mind. For a fireball, you want to focus on the ever-changing nature of Fire.¡± And with that, I alter my spell resonance to show a red line that is constantly moving and pulsing as if the spell itself is part of an expanding chemical reaction. ¡°If it is an earth spell this will likely be easier, as you then just have the spell take on the shape you wish to form.¡± With that I begin casting the outline of a brown earth spell, once again I changed my resonance to that of Earth magic, so I could show the difference between the two elements. Then like that, the students began falling into the lull of learning on their own. Taking initiative and trying to manifest a spell to just the Interpretation phase. While I did have to use Dispel-Snap, a few times, it was nowhere near as many times as I had at first. And like that the class went by smoothly, and I almost felt like I belonged here. Sharing what I loved doing, casting magic and showing the power and versatility of this wonderous gift we were all given. Then the mage returned. At first, he was escorted by Mallory, who walked him to the grounds and gestured for him to once again take his spot. For the moment he seemed completely calm and ready to learn. His posture was perfect, his eyes locked forward. He even held out his hand and seemingly tried to manifest a spell, or at least pretended to, as he didn¡¯t cycle mana or anything. Yet not many people could see the threads I was asking for, and if someone else could see the cords then likely I would need to step in and dispel them anyways. Mallory, who had been watching from the shadows looked at me and gave me a signal that asked if I was okay with him being back. My instincts told me that things were going so well that I didn¡¯t want to ruin them by having him back, but I also realized that I needed this if I was going to become better at teaching, so going against my instincts I nodded my head. With that Mallory paused for a beat, then gave her own head nod before heading out. I couldn¡¯t blame her, as she had spent the better part of two hours talking to the troublesome mage and likely had some important guild leader actions to take, especially as she had been with me the better part of the day. The weasel must have counted, or had some major perception-based skill, for he turned around to see that Mallory had left. As soon as he realized this, he turned back around with a malicious grin on his face, and I just knew round two was about to begin. Chapter 131 Weapons In The Hands of Children Chapter 131 Weapons In The Hands of Children (Thirty Minutes Ago) Southern number eight returned to his spot and he appeared to look somewhat confused that I was not floundering while he was absent. The two people next to him, people who seemed to have originally been in on a ploy to disrupt my class, seemed to give him the cold shoulder. Though apparently southern number eight couldn¡¯t realize reality when it was hitting him in the face, as he seemed oblivious to what was happening. As the other two students seemed to actually be learning. That or if they weren¡¯t learning, then their spell formations were getting better from just being around others, as their spells were denser and clearly under their direct control. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Southern Eight asked with a hiss to his voice. ¡°They are practicing their Interpretation phase of casting. For those of you who might not have been here, Interpretation is state two of four when casting a spell.¡± I state, trying to be cognizant of the fact that this student lost about two hours, and now that he was back, I had to once again try to teach him. With a sneer, the weasel faced gentleman with a waxed mustache and goatee responded proudly. ¡°Four parts of a spell? If you do it fast enough, there should only be one phase, the instant death phase.¡± I just shook my head. ¡°By breaking a spell down into its four individual components, you can start to find ways to improve your casting time. As I am sure those around you can attest, they have learned new skills that will likely help them improve aspects of their casting.¡± I said, again still trying to be diplomatic here. Reluctantly southern number eight, or Snate as I was beginning to think of him, turned to his comrades and they both seemed to nod in agreement. This is good, that means they were getting the skills I had been talking about. Or at the very least they were getting skills that would directly reinforce this stage of their casting. Or maybe they were just being nice and didn¡¯t want to ruin a perfectly good afternoon out in a remote place at the edge of the known world, and ruin guild relations between our guild and their own. There were so many reasons why he should have just bowed his head and tried to dive into the lesson that I lost count. I mean, I always thought it was a lot easier to be nice than perpetually mean, but this guy, Snate, seemed like it was up there with drinking water, as it was clearly something that just came naturally to him. Not wanting to cause a fuss or seem like the man was getting to me. I simply said, ¡°do with this time what you will.¡± Then turning my back to the student, I tried to make it so my intentions were clear, as I wanted nothing else to do with this student. Of course, like all petulant students the moment my back was turned was apparently the moment he had been waiting for as a malicious smile broke out on his lips as he began channeling energy into a powerful, well powerful to him Tier VII destruction spell. ¡°You know, you would be able to hide that spell better if you focused on the four fundamentals, as that would at least give me less time to react to your shotty spell work.¡± I say, then to further highlight what we were teaching in this class, I manifested my own Interpretation phase of a spell construct, made it visible, then had it go over right in front of the goateed Snate himself. As my spell construct began snaking out and behind me, right towards the spellcaster he sneered for a moment, as he knew there was no way my tiny spell could hurt him. He was right, my spell could not hurt the man, but then again, my spell was never meant to hurt him. Fizzle-pop. With the explosion of a dud of a firework, his spell that he had been spending so much mana on burst into a cloud of smoke and mana in his face. ¡°Again, as you have just seen, the Interpretation phase is also what you can use to break apart another person¡¯s spell. Rather than competing against another mage in the traditional way, you can just have your spell override the integrity of their spell and thus disrupt their spell before it becomes truly dangerous for you or for others.¡± I say most of this to the northern side, but then make sure to give the last few lines to those students at the southern field. Southern number seven raises their hand to ask a question. Seeing the gesture of civility coming from the members of a foreign guild who obviously came to cause trouble I was momentarily shocked by their courtesy. ¡°Yes, southern number seven?¡± I say while pointing towards the temporarily polite student. ¡°You are saying these can be used in Wizards duels?¡± The man asked, obviously intrigued. Hearing that I nodded. ¡°Yes, this is the stage of control you would need to focus on if you wanted to be a Wizard duelist. If you all stay for long enough, I could teach the skills of a Mage Duelist, but know that I do not have that class myself.¡± I state, not trying to lie, but the skills offered by the Mage Duelist class seem lackluster when compared to other unique classes with specialized skills. ¡°You a mage duelist?¡± Snate hissed to himself. I pretended not to notice or hear the slight, as it was said mostly under his breath, but I let it slide. Honestly, I too think the idea of me being a mage duelist was also absurd, as what would be the point? I want to encourage magic, not break others from being able to use their own gifts. Southern number nine asks, without raising their hand, because apparently, they are not as civilized as number seven, ¡°can you show us tricks to dueling now?¡± Hearing that, I pause and realize that this might be a fun next step, as everyone clearly seems to be tired of summoning and then unsummoning their own will into a spell. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°You know what, we can do that. Everyone pair up into groups of two. With this you will take turns both creating spells and trying to exert your will on your opponent to disrupt their spell. To do this, all you need to do is stand relatively close to each other, and then each of you try to create your spells in the same area. If you cause your opponent¡¯s spell to burst into a cloud of smoke and mana, you win. Also, remember we are not actually casting spells. Anyone who tries to create a spell completely will be kicked out of this classroom.¡± I state. I know, I should have seen the writing on the wall. This was the equivalent of going to a gun range and saying, rather than pointing at the target at the far end of the field, your job is to see who can draw your weapon on the person next to you the fastest. Not my brightest moment, but then again everyone seemed to be an adult with experience casting spells, I assumed they knew the dangers of spell casting. Within seconds I saw spells getting into the third or fourth stage of casting, prompting me to cast massive disruptive streaks all over. I made sure to make sure my spells were visible when dispelling others. While I didn¡¯t have to get too fancy with my casting, as the most essential skills I had to use were my Quick Casting, and Dual Casting skills, both of which were part of my bloodline legacy that I was never more grateful for than today. While a few of the students were evenly matched when it came to casting, I did not take into account the difference in Tier rating, which did have a massive impact on the capability of different students and their ability to block or hinder others from their castings. I guess I should have expected this outcome had I given it more thought or had more time to plan. But as it was, I realized one thing quickly, students with higher Tier ratings had an easier time stopping lower Tier spell casters and had a harder time getting disrupted by lower Tier spell casters. Again, this should have been obvious to me, but I failed to recognize the disparity between mana being dispersed, as I was certain I could disrupt the spells of higher Tier casters by my focus and Will alone, but that was not the case here. Then, while I was putting out a hundred sets of fires at any given time, I failed to keep vigilant track on my troublemaker, aka Snate. I knew something was off, when I received a targeting thread. Again, once you get to my level of understanding, identifying a targeting thread gives you the same sensation as walking directly into a spider¡¯s web face first. Instantly, you begin to feel the annoying tingling itch, then the next thing you do is use your hand to wipe it away. Or as I have learned, grab the tread, and return it back to sender. Crackle-zzap! An arc of lightning left Snate¡¯s hand, headed out towards me, before it curved back and ended up zapping troublemaker Snate right in his chest. Silence. Everyone was silent as they all stopped to see a mage apparently try dueling by lashing out a lightning bolt, only to have it arc around and target themselves. ¡°This is another reason why you practice the fundamentals, so you can prevent incidents like this from happening.¡± I say, choosing to make this moment a teachable moment. ¡°Right here, we had a student trying to cast an attack spell directly on me. One that I was able to redirect back on the caster, due to his lack of understanding on the final part of a spell casting, the Manifestation part.¡± I pause, then state, ¡°by knowing the Manifestation part to casting, you too can prevent yourself from being the direct target of a spell and instead send the spell back to the caster. Speaking of which, you are out southern number eight.¡± More silence. There was a moment of hesitation, when Snate looked utterly dumbfounded, whether it was at being caught, being made to look like a fool, or being called out I couldn¡¯t tell. Honestly, I didn¡¯t care, but this was the second time this student had tried to interrupt my class and the first time he tried to cause me bodily harm. Judging by his posture, it was clear he had suffered grave damage from the self-inflicted lightning blast, as he was clearly panting in pain. Despite all of this, ¡°what? Me?¡± ¡°Yes, you, the moron with the waxed mustache and goatee.¡± I state, making sure to point to him, just in case he was particularly dense. ¡°You just attacked me!¡± ¡°You attacked yourself, we could tell as the bolt of lightning came from your hands, shot out, then returned back to you.¡± I answer coldly. ¡°Do you have any idea who I am?¡± ¡°Nope, do you know who you are? You did take a pretty good jolt there?¡± I quip back. Again, not deescalating, but I was kind of ticked at this moment. Chuckles. A few other students began laughing at that, which was good as it seemed to deflate an otherwise tense situation. ¡°Why you¡­¡± Snate began, but then started casting a particularly nasty bit of Death, Lightning, and Spirit Magic. ¡°So, you are one of those mages.¡± I said, then I paused as I realized he was going for an Armageddon type spell, one that would be so explosive that it would destroy everything within a few hundred feet of the impact site. Seeing this, I just reacted, hiding my own threads of disruptive magic, and yes, I did mean threads. As I sent three differing threads that gave a counter resonance to the spell that Snate was casting. ¡°I would advise you to stop this.¡± I said, as my mind was mostly made up on what I would do. I would hook my spell threads into this caster, then cause him to either rip apart his own core to cast the spell, or he would stop himself from this little temper tantrum. ¡°You think I would stop? I am the master of destruction. I had been waiting to cast this, but I will do it here and now.¡± Snate began. Yes, he actually monologued, then again, his spell work was so slow and sloppy that he likely needed to distract others from tackling him. Seeing his own determination, I ramped up my own efforts, once again changing the targeting coordination to be himself. Then jabbing a few well-placed holes into his spell construct caused the accumulating mana to begin to leak out. This is sort of like stabbing a taped balloon, the tape maintains the overall pressure on the balloon, preventing it from bursting entirely, while clearly letting the air out. Same thing, all except, I wanted his core to bleed out. For only when the core was completely drained of mana could it be forcefully destroyed. I almost felt bad, but then realized that this man was not only trying to kill me, but all the other guild mage guild members around me, my family, sort of. Definitely my daughter who was the only one running over to stop the mage. Others nearby also tried to stop the mage, only to be attacked by surprise weapons. A quick draw pistol was fired at short range, knocking a guild mage southern number eighteen away. What? I¡¯m bad with names, okay, sue me. ¡°Behold!¡± The mage shouted, casting the spell up. While he raised his head, he then tried to do a bit of misdirection, as he used an artifact ty try to Teleport away. Fortunately, I could also disrupt that spell easily as well, causing the talisman to crack and pop from the strain it was under. Then the mage looked scared for a moment, as he realized he was stuck. Then looking up, he saw his doomsday spell rise up high into the air, only to pop gently. Shocked. Everyone was shocked, me included. We had just been attacked by a member of a supposedly allied guild. The mage who had a second ago tried to destroy us all, suddenly grasped at his chest, right at where his heart was. This was a sympathetic reaction, as the location for the spiritual core where magic is held is in roughly the same spot, thus if you feel problems with your core, you would naturally grab at your heart. ¡°What did you do?¡± Snate asked. Hearing the words come from his mouth, I just stand there shocked. How do you answer that, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything, other than allow you to destroy yourself.¡± Then I realized my personal oath as a healer. While I generally had the compulsion to help others, I didn¡¯t feel like I needed to heal this person, at least not yet. Not for a long time, as my mind began to take in just who this monster had tried to take away from me. My daughter, everyone of my students, which mostly comprised the entire mage contingency of the Midnight Hunters guild, along with a few other dignitaries from other guilds. That¡¯s when I realized I had failed. I didn¡¯t have enough of a plan to counter monsters. I didn¡¯t trust the students not to try to hurt me, or others. I just felt like I had failed. *** (Present Time) ¡°Then I said, you know they have a saying. Those that can do, do. While those that can¡¯t teach. Then somehow, I ended up here.¡± I say my thoughts out loud, as I myself am still trying to piece together what happened. My hand reflexively patting the thick fur of an insanely large dire phase wolf. Slurp. A thick tongue that feels like sandpaper scrapes against my face, covering me with saliva. ¡°Yuck.¡± I say, only half meaning it, as I go to hug Kujo around his thick neck. ¡°You know, I am a terrible pet owner, but I could easily see myself having a pet like you. I also have a dragon that I need to get back.¡± I muse to myself. Though right now my pet dragon is busy helping Simulacrum Number one continue to cure people of the Blight in the mage guild on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower. I then pause as I realize something, ¡°hey Kujo, where is your lady friend?¡± Chuff. With that Kujo lowers his head to the floor and looks away, as things are clearly not going so well. ¡°Lady troubles?¡± I ask. Chuff. With that Kujo nods his head in agreement. ¡°Well, look no further, for I have the ultimate story of love and romance to help you understand the mind of a woman.¡± Chuff? With this Kujo looks exceptionally interested, and even has turned his large head around to look directly at me. ¡°That¡¯s right, let me tell you the story of Rahul and the Maiden. You see, it all began on a hot summer day¡­¡± After an hour, the big lug was asleep. I am not quite certain he understood the complete intricacies of the enchantments Rahul was working, but he paid attention regardless. Then only after I felt the slow rhythmic rocking of his breaths coming in and out did, I realize he was asleep, while I was safely curled up against his overly large fur. Fur that felt like a warm blanket around me. Then taking a moment, I realized with a good book and a pet, I felt so much better. "It is amazing how much sharing a good book with others can improve your day." Then with that, I too fell asleep, letting the worries of my day wash away. Chapter 132 140 Days Extra Chapter 132 140 Days Extra Pain. There was an intense pain in my chest that broke me from the depths of sleep and into the reality of consciousness. Badump, badump, badump. My heart was racing, the first thing I thought was that I was having a heart attack, though I was too young for one of those in this avatar at least. I scanned my body inwardly with my third eye and found that my body was glowing unnaturally bright, like the sun was attempting jump right out of my chest and brighten the hidden chamber of books that Kujo and I were sleeping in. Or had been sleeping in, as Kujo was instantly awake as well, having apparently sensed my pain and the panic that was taking over me. Move. I needed to move, my heart was racing and I realized that I needed to move if I was going to stay alive. At least that is what my instincts were telling me to do to stay alive. Phase. There was the shift of time and space as a third entity attempted to enter our private dwelling. Instantly my mind went to defense mode, as I felt a power and pressure coming from the creature in the void that was deadly. Before I knew it I was standing up, and lashing out against the entity that was attempting to phase slowly through the reality of the alternate plane and into our own reality. Tap. My glowing fingers tapped, gently, or what I assume to be gently at the creature in the void. Only after I had a second to calm down, did I realize the shape of the creature. With a start, I manifested, or at least made manifest the form of the female phase dire wolf, or Ms. Kujo as I was beginning to think of her in my mind. Yipe! Ms. Kujo appeared in our reality but let out an instant yipe in surprise and pain. I paused, trying to see if Ms. Kujo was going to be malicious towards me or Kujo. Just what had he done to make her so angry? As I had felt clear killing intent, which was why I sprung to life and acted in defense of both of us, though most of my instincts were clearly telling me to protect Kujo as I had placed my much smaller body between Ms. Kujo and the still laying down Kujo. There was a look of shock, as time seemed to be going by so slowly. I remember the blur and anticipation that I felt from using my Celerity trait, and while this was similar to that state, it was also different. For one, I had not tapped into my Celerity, but I could feel currents of energy flowing through my body the same way that I had during my duel with Belton. Yet now, I could also cast magic, meaning the strain I was under was not limited to just taking physical actions. Still, for some reason I knew that I didn¡¯t want to cast magic here either, as that would be an extra strain on my body that I couldn¡¯t quite afford. Though again, I couldn¡¯t tell why I couldn¡¯t afford it, just instincts. Wobbling, I felt my body wobble slightly, especially while I tried to regain my balance and equilibrium. I paused there, my heart beating wildly, something was clearly wrong with my body. My Qi was cycling fast, far faster than I had ever managed before. Faster than I thought was possible from an automated perspective, as the energy was clearly cycling on its own at this point. Ms. Kujo, for her part, looked just as confused as I was currently. There was an odd moment of recognition in her features, I saw her sniff the air, and then I realized something. ¡°You aren¡¯t here to hurt Kujo, are you?¡± With that, Ms. Kujo looked at first perplexed, and then seemed to have a duh look crossed her long snout. Seeing her reaction, I then said. ¡°So, your aggression just now, that was to protect Kujo?¡± Then after a second, I add, ¡°protect him from me?¡± At that, I felt a moment of calmness take over me. As so many things were crossing my mind. Ms. Kujo had been watching over Kujo this entire time, letting him do whatever he wanted. Then the moment she felt he was threatened, she came running. Realizing all of this, on some deep instinctual level, I smiled. ¡°Oh Kujo, you thought you had lady troubles, but clearly she is head over heels for you.¡± I turn to look back at Kujo, but then suddenly feel my chest tightening as my Qi is suddenly going crazy. There is just too much, and I know I need to burn it off. Pain. I grip my chest again, and before I know it, I begin running. Normally running away from two apex predators like Kujo and especially Ms. Kujo would be a recipe for disaster, but either my movements were so quick that they couldn¡¯t follow, or there was a danger that I released as I ran away that told the two to stay. Either way, the two just stared at me, as I began running around the long sealed off catacomb of books and random archways. Running wasn¡¯t enough. I began spinning over obstacles, climbing up parallel pillars by jumping from one to the next, then back. I was like a spider monkey on crack, and yet it was all I could do to keep moving, to keep pushing my body. Slowly, ever so slowly, I was able to burn away the excess golden Qi energy within my body. This did multiple things, first it caused my remaining Qi to be more concentrated as I seemingly distilled away the weaker parts of Qi. That freed up some spaces in my body that felt like they were ripping and tearing from the strain of so much energy being forced through tiny Qi veins in my body. Yet, rather than decreasing the strain, I only felt an unbearable increase as my chest began to tighten. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Again, normally I would try to clutch my chest and cast healing magic on myself, but this had nothing to do with magic, nor my physical body. Instead, this had to deal with the way my body was using and reacting to the golden energy that felt like it was nearly endless and seemed to burn as bright as the sun. The circulation of Qi began to speed up, as I felt it pushing my blood around. I could almost feel the Qi acting with centripetal force, causing the dense Qi to cycle in, while everything else was being pushed outwards. Sweat. I felt sweat begin to pour from my body, but this was just mana at this point. Mana that was then instantly reabsorbed back by my Qi and changed into denser Qi that began sifting down into one spot towards the top of my stomach. There at the center was a spot, that grew and pulsed with power and pain both. I was hot, so hot, as I felt like I was going to sweat my body weight in water. Water that was of course replenished by my Spirit Sustenance spell that was constantly working. While I did feel a flux as more and more mana was being used to replenish the water I was sweating out seemingly by the bucket, I continued to move. Even as every step caused my body to burn hotter, thus causing me to sweat more, causing me to then reabsorb the mana-infused sweat back into my body in a repetitive cycle of pain and momentary reprieves. All the while this was going on, I saw with my Angel¡¯s Sight how Ms. Kujo went over to Kujo and stood shoulder to shoulder with him as they both stared at me. I can¡¯t say I blame them, as I likely looked like a psycho jumping around, doing flips, rolls, and tumbles all over the catacombs. I did make sure to avoid damaging books, even in my pain induced haze of near constant adrenaline, I did have my morality in place of preserving these sacred books. Which was why I found myself mostly jumping and twisting around the empty stone walls, and the patchwork floors that had eroded away due to time. Floors that were a mixture of intricate floor tiles, with loose patches of bare rocks, followed by dust and dirt. Then finally after running around crazily for what felt like hours, I felt it. Collapse. I fell to the ground, scraping my knees, tumbled once and then lay panting on the floor with tight gasping breaths, as I tried to stop the world from both spinning around me, and to keep the spot just above my stomach from imploding and destroying me in a mini-blackhole that felt like it was suddenly forming. I felt so much pain that it was immeasurable. Then it stopped. For a moment I felt a twinge of relief. It was as if all the pressure that had been building up was suddenly released, only to have it instantly ratchet back up to double in the next second, as apparently round two began. I was in so much pain that I felt my world fading away. No longer was I in a cave filled with monsters that were staring at me as if I had suddenly gone crazy. No longer was I in a treasure trove of ancient knowledge and writing. Instead, I was inside myself, watching the formation of a mini-sun beginning form and burn within my body. Then just as the heat from the mini-sun grew too hot. Just when the light from the mini-sun became too much, I felt it solidify. Ring. There was a tense crisp ringing sound that echoed through my body. One that I felt seemed to expand out from me in the way a supernova would, when a star exploded in the vastness of space. Yet, unlike the effects of a supernova, where a star died, I felt the sudden formation of a star within me. It was so bright and beautiful. My body, the star that I had created within my body was beautiful. It glowed in the way that I imagine gold would to an excavator. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, and it was glowing brightly within me. I almost felt the joy I had when I gave birth, but this was different, simultaneously just as amazing, and joyous, but different all the same. Gasping. I had been so enraptured by the sight of the golden sphere within me, that I forgot to breathe. Then with the breath I took, I paused half expecting pains, similar to the ones I had been feeling for so long moments ago, but no everything was calm and perfect. Off in the distance I could see Kujo take a tentative step forward towards me, but then pause, as he seemed to realize that while I had collapsed, I was still okay. Seeing his reaction and the way Ms. Kujo was seemingly worried about Kujo, I couldn¡¯t help but smile to myself. Finally, after a long moment, I managed to push myself up to a kneeling position. The power and energy that I had a moment ago was gone. My muscles were exhausted. My everything was exhausted. I felt the clammy feeling of dried mana sweat coating my body and forcing my clothes to cling to me with glittery sparkles of glue. I was clutching at my chest and felt relief take me as I realized my heart was slowly calming down. Then just as I asked the question, ¡°what the heck was that?¡± That was when I was hit with a system message.
Hidden Cultivator Quest Completed (Upgradeable): First To Form A Perfect Qi Core: You managed to be the first person to create a perfect Qi core. Your minimalist lifestyle has made your first transition to the realm of cultivation flawless, as you had a body purity rating of 99.9999999%, resulting in your formation of a perfect base for cultivation. Rewards: Experience, Title, Badge, Qi Core Stage I. Experience Gained: 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000 Ding. Level Up. Your class Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 106. Your class Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased to level 179. Your class Ethereal Healer has increased to level 209. Title Gained: Perfected Stage I Qi Core.
Perfected Stage I Qi Core: You have managed to create the perfect stage I Qi core and have begun your path on the realm of true cultivation. Effects: Longevity I, Body Improvement I, Movement I, Qi Core Size I, Qi Circulation I. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster.
Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed.
Having seen that, I realized that I had a lot of growth, but I didn¡¯t quite know why I did. The entire exchange seemed odd to me, as I don¡¯t remember doing anything remotely worthy of forcing an advancement in my Cultivation like the one I had experienced. Let alone one that would cause me to awaken from a deep slumber to outright panic, until I remember back to the odd dream I had, one where the books and stories that my Simulacrums managed to read over the day suddenly flooded back to me. Then going through my progress made, I realized that my second simulacrum had managed to find a seemingly invaluable book. One that they were apparently practicing on their own.
New skill gained: Golden Qi Formation has reached level 1.
Golden Qi Formation is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing that message, I paused, as I realized that my Simulacrums were awesome, as not only could they get me additional experience, but then they could learn and act upon the information they gained in the same way I would, then that would trickle back to me as well. I was so excited, but then something else hit me.
Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower.
If I was reading that right, I had effectively slowed down my aging by 10%, which would be great, fantastic even if I was forty, or a hundred, but right now I was fourteen. Then with that realization I did a bit of mental math, taking 365.25 days per year, multiplying that by four, then subtracting the sixty-four days that I had already been fourteen, then getting ten percent from that and I was left at 139.7 days, or roughly 140 days extra that I would be forced to be a teenager. ¡°And yet you find another way to make my old flaws come back to bite me.¡± I say out loud. I of course am talking to the system, a presence that I am certain is able to watch me even now. Then shaking my head, I realize I did this to myself, well my simulacrums did, which of course comes back to me ultimately being both the boon and bane of my own existence. I also realized a few things. The first thing I realized was that, this game world seemed to have some of the old cliches related to cultivating as were written about. Namely when you first formed your Qi Core, you would experience intense pain and then expel all impurities from your body. The rate that you managed this would directly relate to your Qi core¡¯s grading. As I haven¡¯t eaten or had any impurities other than my own mana within my body for months now, I guess I had an easier time than others? Though if my time was easy, then I wonder how bad it would be for others. Also, with this I realize that both of my Simulacrums can cultivate themselves, which will have a direct impact on me. Which was likely why I had so much energy build up that I felt like I needed to run off some of the excess. This is theoretically great, as long as my heart doesn¡¯t burst of course, but this process will be harder to replicate with others, as I don¡¯t think I can convey all of this to my students. Then just as I have that thought, I am reminded of my terrible day of teaching. Part of me wants to call it a day, at least for teaching magic. I am too tired to continue to wrestle with people who know that they know better than me. I am about to call it a day, and head back up, when I realize there was still one last part of my upgradable quest.
New Feat Recorded: First To Walk the Path of Enlightenment (5,000): You were the first to walk the path of enlightenment and form your core on your own.
Seeing the Badge awarded, I realized the reward there was just as much as I got for awakening my Legendary Bloodline, meaning that apparently this accomplishment was enough to put me at one of the elites in the world, at least when it came to cultivation. Seeing that badge, I realized I can¡¯t quit teaching. Just because it is tough, the students are mostly disrespectful, and the pay is minimal, I realize that I can contribute something beautiful to this world. With that, I decided that I will go back to teaching. Then I see all the books I managed to knock loose from the various shelves, picking up a book, I realize ¡°I will go back to teaching, but after I finish reading.¡± Chapter 133 A Year and A Day Chapter 133 A Year and A Day (Mallory) ¡°Just what in the world were you thinking, attacking us here in our stronghold?¡± Mallory asked the now trembling guild dignitary before her-. The archmage, well former archmage, now just a man with a broken class was bound and chained before her. Though at this point the chains while dictated by laws and customs were completely unnecessary given the physical shape that the former archmage was in. The man, once regarded as the next God of Lightning was little more than a trembling puppy. His once proud robes that seemed to billow with barely restrained power now lay on his torso like old rags of a beggar. His eyes that once seemed to showcase the very powers of the heavens now just showed a basic blue that was unremarkable in any meaningful way. Seeing the once great mage that was brought here as a personal favor being cashed in by her once friend and leader of the Promethean Guild, her own son, made Mallory feel more than a little angry. As this was possibly betrayal at the highest level. Not that she would expect anything less from her estranged son at this point, especially given that most of her children had left her during her over two-year battle with the Blight, but to think that her offering of peace to her son would be met with such disdain, that was beyond comprehension. ¡°I didn¡¯t attack, I was merely casting an enhancement spell, when that witch went crazy and attacked me.¡± Jamies Fulgar-Rex, demanded. Hearing that, Mallory just laughed mockingly. The entire thing was too much to believe. Especially as Gwen, the daughter of the very same witch had already explained her part of what she had seen. Her testimony, along with that of a dozen other witnesses who all gave various details that all amounted to the same overall story. This man, a person who swore he would do better, came back purposefully to disrupt the class and attack Cass. The fact that his whole defense centered around stating that Cass attacked first, was preposterous. The idea that Cass would dare to harm anyone seemed utterly preposterous. ¡°You doubt me, when clearly I am the victim in this whole exchange!¡± Jamies continued, indignation filling his voice as she spoke. At this Mallory smiled brighter. ¡°Oh, that you are a victim in this, I have no doubt. For I doubt you would have had the thought to come here and to try to cause trouble for our very special mage. Such thoughts are clearly beyond you. No, my question now is who was it that gave you the idea to come here and to try to test our own magical prodigy to a duel, when you clearly are no match for her?¡± ¡°What? How dare you, I am the Lightning King, Fulgar-Rex, as bestowed by the very world itself.¡± Jamies began. ¡°Yeah, how¡¯s that working out for you?¡± Mallory asked, a note of condescension filling her words. With that Jamies visibly flinched, as if he had been struck by the comment. Seeing him visibly twist up in anger at the comment, only caused Mallory to smile wider. Seeing the look on Mallory¡¯s face, Jamies who clearly was not used to being openly mocked grew increasingly angry. ¡°You think you are so powerful, having a Spiritlight? Well, I¡¯ve got news for you. We have our own.¡± Jamies said. ¡°Robert?¡± Gwen asked, speaking the real-world name of her brother, a brother that now went by a different name. A fact that caused a moment of confusion to cross Jamies¡¯s face for a second, then the dawning of realization struck as he looked at the beautiful elf girl and saw the same exact light blue skin and realized something. ¡°You mean Trenton, but yes, that is the same person about whom I am referring to.¡± Jamies said with a knowing grin on his face. ¡°What do you know about him?¡± Gwen asked taking a step closer to the cell that held the bound and chained former archmage. Seeing the emotions on her face, Jamies smiled wider as he knew he had her. That¡¯s when Mallory reached a hand up, halting Gwen¡¯s advancement. ¡°Well, it seems that we are at an impasse, as I can¡¯t seem to recall much now that my core is shattered. Though I do think something could be worked out if my core was restored to be even better than it was originally.¡± Jamies said, with a sly smile on his face. Hearing that, Mallory knew that information related to Cass being able to do more than just heal shattered cores had apparently made its way to the other guilds. Realizing this, Mallory suddenly felt like an external attack was immanent. ¡°You weren¡¯t acting alone, were you?¡± Mallory cut in. ¡°No, I was here by myself. A lone wolf.¡± Jamies said, clearly trying to save the others that had traveled with him. Mallory of course had already managed to find all seven other operatives, not just the two other students that were in class with Jamies, but the five others that tried to blend in with workers trying to seek help. ¡°Spare me your lies and assume that we have found all your fellow conspirators, including those that came with you disguised as workers. No, what I am referring to is the fact that the Promethean Guild is now working with other guilds to combat us.¡± Mallory said. Hearing that, Jamies tightened up his expression, as it was clear that Mallory had seen through the initial deception. Seeing the minor changes in facial features, Mallory pressed on. ¡°My only question is how many other guilds are conspiring with you to try to take down the Grand Healer?¡± Laughing. ¡°The Grand Healer? That¡¯s what you call her? The child who is on the pedestal? The one who is locked away by you and your guild out here in the middle of the desert. Here, this is where you keep the legendary healers who can both cure the Blight.¡± Jamies says, turning his head and directing his gaze squarely at Gwen who had proven that she both had the capability of and spells needed to cure the Blight from infected individuals and creatures alike. ¡°Then you charge us exorbitant fees, trying to get us to come out here where you control everything to be healed. Only to then shuttle us back, then charge us insane prices for magical skills that others would only dream of having. My question to you is, how long did you think such an existence would remain possible? How long did you think it would take before we all gathered together to share the very gifts that had fallen into your laps?¡± Jamies said, then as he spoke Mallory and Gwen both understood the implications of what he was saying. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Yes, the system messages would have been the first warning, but she had forgotten the importance of being apprised from the outside about events happening inside. Especially now that her most loyal provider of information was currently beginning the transfer portal process to the game world, her eyes and ears to the outside were cut off. Deep breath. Mallory forced herself to breathe, as she had figured herself invulnerable out here. And for the most part they were, but that all changed when they began allowing outsiders to come to their territory. Worse, Mallory knew that despite all of this, Cass would rather heal people than be secluded away with all her powers. Then she remembered her time in the Arcanarus Tower, a tower she swore she would go back to, in order to explore. Realizing that Cass could easily leave the world behind at anytime and head back to the tower to explore without her, well it hurt. Deep inside Mallory knew that if push came to shove, Cass would take it upon herself to end this conflict. A conflict that she no doubt felt would be related to her, and knowing her nature it would be rather easy for her to abandon everything and go on a private journey, than to remain behind and cause problems for others. Then there was the issue of her son, someone who Mallory knew Cass would go after to protect at all costs. Grr. There were so many problems all coming out of the woodwork that Mallory felt her fists involuntarily clinch together as she tried to work out what she could. First, she needed more information, but she needed a trusted source. Then turning back to Gwen, she realized that a perfect source of information was right in front of her. Mallory¡¯s own children were in on this, meaning that any grandchildren she reached out to on her own side would likely be compromised. Yet, there was a chance to begin getting ahead of this situation, before it spiraled out of control. ¡°Gwen, can I speak to you outside?¡± Mallory asked, going over to the pregnant healer, who aside from growing with an even brighter radiance didn¡¯t seem to show any sign of being nearly ready to start her second trimester. ¡°Sure?¡± Gwen said, suddenly confused by the sudden shift in demeanors by Mallory. As Mallory began to leave, a guard came to her. ¡°What would you have us do with the prisoner?¡± ¡°Send all the prisoners back in chains.¡± Mallory began and then took a step to leave, before catching herself. ¡°Also, have it be known that due to the Promethean Guild¡¯s actions, no one from outside the guild will be allowed to come here for a year and a day.¡± The tactic was subtle, and meant to drive animosity towards the Promethean Guild, rather than the Midnight Hunters Guild. While the effects would be short lived, it should cause a bit of tension between the Guilds that all conspired together, and hopefully give time for her own guild to strengthen their defenses. Right now they had the benefit of being secluded far away from everything, but that would soon change. The guild needed to grow, not just in size, but in levels, skills, and abilities. Right now she was in the perfect leveling ground, given the average level of all the monsters being generated around them, all she had to do was get her guild members to follow suit and begin leveling up to meet the needs of their surroundings. Of course, the easiest way to do this would be to utilize new powers and capabilities that no one else was able to. Not just having one expert, but having multiple experts. In her mind, Mallory came up with new instruction plans. Cass would teach twenty Qi warriors and twenty top mages. Those students would then teach the second generation of talent, and then only that second generation of talent would be used to possibly teach or interact with foreign dignitaries, or students from other guilds. This was a wake-up call, one that showed how much she still had to lose, and showed her what she had taken for granted. Just as these thoughts were building within her mind, Mallory found herself walking almost absentmindedly towards her room. Only upon entering her room, did the silent Gwen speak. ¡°You wanted to talk?¡± Gwen asked. Hearing her words, Mallory blinked as she realized that she had been lost in her own thoughts. ¡°Yes, how much do you converse with your daughter?¡± ¡°Converse?¡± Gwen asked. Only after hearing the word did Mallory laugh at the awkward phrasing. ¡°Yes, well talk.¡± ¡°I know what the word means,¡± Gwen said, crossing her arms across her chest and staring at Mallory with all three eyes glowing their faint golden honey color. Looking into her eyes, it was clear that her eyes were a gateway to her soul, but unlike Cass¡¯s who were pure and vibrant green, Gwen¡¯s were rougher, showing that she had done and was willing to do things that were beyond Cass¡¯s comfort level. Seeing her eyes, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but find herself being sucked in by those glowing spheres of brilliance. ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s been a long day.¡± Mallory said, then looked down at the floor. ¡°I know.¡± Gwen said, taking a sauntering step forward, before resting her soft hand against Mallory¡¯s cheek, forcing her to raise her head and lock eyes with her. The two stared for a moment. ¡°We shouldn¡¯t do this.¡± Mallory said, a note of regret and tension filling her voice. ¡°I know.¡± Gwen said. ¡°She¡¯s not dumb, she will find out.¡± Mallory said, her hands trembling at the thought of betrayal. ¡°You think she doesn¡¯t already know?¡± Gwen asked. Silence. A momentary pause, as Mallory¡¯s face filled with regret, doubt, pain, before finally settling on resolve. ¡°I need you¡­¡± ¡°I know.¡± Mallory shook her head. ¡°I need your daughter¡¯s help. We need an outside informant that can be trusted.¡± With that Gwen paused, as she looked at Mallory. There was a moment of silence as the two just stared at each other, before Gwen smiled widely showing a set of sharp canine teeth. ¡°Very well, what do you need from her?¡± *** (Cassiopeia) ¡°Phew. Nothing like reading to make the troubles of your day go away.¡± I say, as I close the last few pages of the books I am reading. With my personal relaxation time taken care of, I decided to do a quick scan of the base. From here, I am slightly further away from the center of our territory than I would normally be, but that is fine as this perspective still shows me how much further we must go as a guild to reclaim the surrounding territories. I pause, trying to see how my Qi cultivation level is doing. There was a bit of concern with the whole Coreless Qi Cultivation skill not being applicable, after I got a core. But that does not seem to be the case, as I have an excess of Qi, despite having both a core, and not really focused much on how to cultivate energy using my core. I am almost tempted to jump straight into using energy from my core, but then figure it would likely be best to go slowly. You know the whole crawl, walk, run thing, just like using scissors. Getting up, I do a few quick stretches, only for my movements to awaken the two slumbering dire phase wolves. ¡°Oh, you two are awake?¡± I ask. Sniff. Kujo comes over and sniffs me. I would say he tried to aim low but given that his snout easily comes to my mid-stomach, while he is leaning down, it is hard to say exactly where he is trying to smell. ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± I say, petting his head, and scratching him gently below the ears, while casting a bit of healing magic on him. I don¡¯t know why, but pets that can take care of themselves, let themselves out, hunt their own food, and only come back for care and acceptance, those types of animals are the best. ¡°Thank you Kujo,¡± I say, giving a few last minute scratches to Kujo. Then turning to Ms. Kujo, I cast a wave of healing energy at her, ¡°Ms. Kujo, always a pleasure as usual.¡± I say, then bow to her. She still seems skittish around me, which is fine, as I don¡¯t mind being avoided by animals. In fact, I prefer that type of response than being covered in Kujo fur. ¡°All right, I am about to head out, you two can stay in the empty cave there,¡± I say, pointing to the open area that is remarkably clean of books. ¡°Also, feel free to clean out more rooms of dirt and debris.¡± I say, then pause to see if they will begin digging. Not that their digging would really help anything at the moment, but I can still hope they dig out this place from the top. That or suddenly find some dire phase wolf space storage spell. I am at that thought, when I realize that I likely could create my own type of spell that would do the same. I would need to change my initial resonance to be that of the surrounding dirt, then create an attraction spell, no wait a gravity spell that would pull the attracted dirt in. Then open a pocket dimension to a spot that I could send the dirt to. Chuff. Kujo snuffles me and presses his cold nose against me. At that, I am pulled from my overly complex cleaning spell idea. I look up, and realize that apparently Kujo wants me to leave? What? Then I realize the way Ms. Kujo is lightly sauntering over to Kujo. ¡°Oh, right. This is me being a third wheel in my own house. Got it.¡± I say, then muttering under my breath, I continue with ¡°read the room, why don¡¯t you.¡± Then I realize I am apparently surrounded by horn dogs on all sides, Kujo and Ms. Kujo here, then my best friend and my daughter at the main compound, along with all of the other guild employees who often sneak off to have intimate relations with other members. Shaking my head, I realize that I still have a long way to go until my sex drive will be unlocked. Not that I miss it, as I have so much more time to focus on different tasks. Like the disappearing dirt spell. Then with that, I Teleport out of the underground book sanctuary and appear in my own open aired training pavilion. I am about to train when I feel the sudden swelling of mana in the air. Thunderclap. Yep, now when I want to train, this is the time when the mages decide to begin casting their first of three daily Cleansing Rain spells. I almost wanted to complain, but then realize they are finally being useful, so I decide to stay and deal with the rain as it comes. I am so lost in my own thoughts, that I almost missed the one student who was already running around the outer tracks of the school yard. I only notice him, thanks to how unique his golden Qi signature is compared to the others. Huff, huff. He comes into the main compound, with the rain mostly washing away his sweat. It is clear that he is going to his spot where he left behind a few items. Oh, I guess he wanted to get the items out of the rain. He heads over to his spot, or is about to, when he realizes that I am there. ¡°Master?¡± With that, I instantly know who this person is. ¡°Good morning, Johnny.¡± ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± ¡°Where else would I be?¡± Chapter 134 The Uniquely Awakened Condition Chapter 134 The Uniquely Awakened Condition To be honest, I don¡¯t always know exactly how I get into the situations that I get into. Take for instance the fact that I now have a line of people, with weapons drawn, ready to face me in some form of combat. ¡°Just twenty, the first twenty.¡± Mallory says from the sidelines having sat by and watched the first three matches at least. ¡°Me first.¡± ¡°Oh me, I¡¯m next.¡± Sighing, I take a deep breath and realize that sometimes friends get you into more trouble than they get you out of. ¡°Thanks Mal.¡± I state, making sure to have a bit of condescension in my words. ¡°Oh, come on, not like you don¡¯t love the fact that you are being paid to work out.¡± Mallory says smugly. I open my mouth to protest, but then just pause as I know she is right. I think I would much rather do these types of sparring events, than having to teach close to two hundred students each round. ¡°Fine, but I will only take students who already have a grasp on what Qi is and how to move it within their bodies. As such, I will work with you, you, you, and you.¡± I say pointing to the four students who seem to be cycling Qi within their bodies. With that, the four students that I pointed out move forward. ¡°The rest of you, have until I am done unlocking a class with them to find your own Qi, and be able to demonstrate that you can move it around on your own.¡± I state. With that there are a bunch of groans, but I already have my guard Captain and several of his subordinate troops coming in to help get the line of students waiting to beat me up, to sit down. Once they sit down, I nod, then get in a ready position, as I gesture for the first student to come towards me. The student is a large orc, with a giant broad sword in hand. While their Qi control isn¡¯t anything to write home about, they clearly have a better understanding of how Qi works than most of the people here. As for me, I am unarmed, not because I don¡¯t have access to weapons, it just that I already maxed out my Dagger skill a while ago and am working on new unarmed combat skills. Of course, unarmed combat isn¡¯t a skill in and of itself, but rather it is a catch all for actual skills that fall under the broad category of unarmed combat. This is similar to the fact that we cannot have a skill on mathematics, but we can on Astrophysics, Physics, Geometry, and so on. Now, the question of why would I do such a thing, when I am facing a monster that is clearly twice my size and could slice me in half if I messed up. Well, other than the fact that I am fairly certain I could heal myself back together. Okay, I could heal, after I got over the whole mind-numbing pain that I would be in from the swipe. I do legitimately want these people to succeed. Also this guy is clearly a giant teddy bear and willing to hold back. For that, I make it a mental plan to go easy on him. ¡°Ready?¡± The large orc asks, both hands firmly gripping the massive broadsword that looks somewhat tiny within his large muscular hands. I nod. Then he nods back in recognition, before charging forward. His massive feet clomping on the ground as he uses his muscles to spring forward, while raising his broad sword above high above his head. His moves are as obvious as my ex¡¯s gambling addictions. Yet, I let him move forward anyways. It is clear that he is being a bit obvious to give me a chance to move out of the way. Being as I let him use his real weapon, he is aligning his blow to miss off center to my right just a smidge. I do appreciate this, as it would mean the blow would be immediately fatal if it struck. Meaning that a healer of my caliber should be able to heal from it, especially as it would miss my heart and only pierce my lung. Still painful, but an injury I could likely bounce back from. I can almost see the moment when he commits to the swing, a note of maybe he went a little too hard filling his face, despite his face being covered by a giant aviator mask. I am sort of jealous as his mask clearly shows his prowess within the mechanics guild, as it is a continuation of all things steam punk. Starting with the goggles, then going down to the nose guard, and the face mask for welding purposes. His face is completely covered and protected by the soul bound gear, yet despite that, I can see his actions, his facial features, and most importantly I can sense his intent from his energy. He truly wants to learn from this, which is why I am more than happy to give a light spar with the man. Which is why I move. My speed has been increased over the past few days, first with my new guild uniform that increases my base speed by 10%, followed by my core that once again improves my speed by an additional 10% or a cumulative 21% from both. Meaning that when I move, without Celerity, I have to be careful that the area is clear. Half-shuffle left. Infuse Qi into my hand, then perfectly strike the side of the giant descending blade. Ting. There is an intense ringing sound, as my fingers strike at the giant metal sword. The great thing about such a large sword is that there is a lot of surface area to strike. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t need the whole surface area, as I managed to strike dead center. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. His hands and then body shake from the impact of my blow. ¡°Cycle your Qi, to your hands. Stabilize your body.¡± I state, realizing that this is a perfect time to impart ways to improve. The Orc nods his head, then begins doing so, as he twists the blade and tries to swipe at me with a cross-cut. I do a bending duck, one that has me bending so low it almost looks like I would fall over. I should, technically, but I¡¯m cheating. See while competing in all my duels I have been using Spirit Drift, which essentially makes it so my body weight is at zero. Why is this important? Well simple, despite my bad angle, I won¡¯t fall due to a lack of gravity pulling me down. The orc clearly misses me, then slices his blade up high, to then bring it down on me. Qi fuses his arms as he manages to get just a bit more speed out of his strike. Whoosh! The blade lands with a crash into the ground, spraying up dust and debris everywhere. This is the moment I use to move and speak simultaneously. ¡°Very good, you infused the Qi into your arms and then used that to gain speed with your strikes. Keep visualizing this, for your concept.¡± I state. ¡°What?¡± As the dust clears a few of the other students who were watching and waiting stare on in amazement. ¡°How did she?¡± ¡°She¡¯s on the blade?¡± ¡°Yo, look, she is balancing on the blade, just like a Shaolin master!¡± A third cries out in excitement. I am actually, balancing on the sword, that is, again a lot easier when you cheat and weigh nothing. Or close to nothing, as I have made it so I have a slight weight, but not much. Circular swipe. The orc swings his blade around in a wide circular rotation to throw me off, again this would work if I had true weight, but I am able to quickly curl my toes around the blade, providing just enough grip to maintain my placement on the blade. I even make sure to have my hands behind the back, because, well I can. By now, my awakening duels, for that is what they are being called have become quite a spectacle. Everyone is using them to be one of the first to learn a new class. Right now, we have had five new unique classes get created within the Midnight Hunters guild. As for me, why am I still willing to teach more people and get them to gain new classes? Well first, no one can ever learn my Qi related class, not even if I wanted to teach them they just couldn¡¯t. Also, I get the feeling that my class Akashic Qi Master was meant to be the class trainer that the system described. Basically, I am meant to do what I am doing and get others to learn about new classes and progressions. Finally, and most importantly, I get a experience bonus for not only the person that I trained to get a new class, but I also get a fraction of the experience bonus based on the future members of that awakened class. This would be the equivalent of being the ultimate mana user, and then getting experience for everyone that learned to be a mage, translation, easy experience. Shake, wobble, shake. The orc shakes his blade around, swiping it in cross cuts, but I manage to stay with and on the blade the entire time. I do cheat on this, as I infuse Qi into my feet, allowing me to have a sort of magnetic resonance with the blade, making it so I am able to keep my feet on the blade, by essentially shooting a bolt of energy through the blade to my other foot that will then send back a completed circuit to my originating foot. ¡°Grr!¡± The orc growls a deep billowing sound, and I can tell that he is now starting to get angry due to the way his Qi color is changing. Apparently, he thinks I am mocking him, which I was, but I only wanted to see how patient he was. Probably not the best excuse, but if I teach an overpowered orc how to beat people to a pulp easier, I want to rest assured that they are fairly calm individuals to begin with. ¡°Cycle the Qi into the blade, and have the blade become an extension of your own body.¡± I state. With that, the shaking blade stops as the orc hearing my words pauses, then nodding once internalizes the thought. Then begins channeling his own Qi into the blade, which then promptly cuts my magnetic circuit I had created, forcing me to do a back flip off the blade, where I land on the ground. ¡°Very good.¡± I say, nodding. Of course, my hands are still folded behind my back as I am trying to see if the orc has gained enough enlightenment on his own, or if he will need a bit more encouragement. Like a furnace, his Qi is swelling up inside him. Then he begins to clasp at his chest, as the power is beginning to become to intense. I gasp in amazement for a moment, and my first reaction is to cycle his Qi for him. But I stop myself, as that would negate this breakthrough that he is clearly having, or at least close to having. ¡°Yes, don¡¯t fight it. Go with it, cycle the Qi the way your body wants it. You can move, and let your Qi move with you.¡± I state, awe and excitement filling my words as I watch him. First, he cycles the Qi within his body. For a moment he had stopped, and this was dangerous, almost like suddenly forgetting to breathe, then forgetting how breathing is done. This was sort of like that, all except there were no instincts on Qi circulation, at least not yet, as his internal muscles hadn¡¯t yet adapted to this newfound ability. Still, he clutched at his chest, and that was the very point where he started to circulate Qi from. The Qi cycled around his body, out his arm, through his large blade, then back down his arm, where it ran a circuit around his body before returning to his core. Then I saw the moment when his body began to glow with a brilliant golden light, showing that he had a breakthrough. ¡°I did it!¡± He shouted. ¡°YES!¡± I shout. ¡°WHOOHOO!¡± Everyone who had been watching the ¡°duel¡± cried out as well, as this was a day of many new classes. For it was clear that those that were watching the duels still had their chance to unlock a unique class of their own, or they could eventually be taken on as a disciple to one of these newly awakened masters. Either way was fine for me, and it was all being encouraged by Mallory who was filled with wrapped attention. WHOOSH! There was a pulse and explosion of Qi, as it was clear the system was stating that the orc had in fact done it, that he had discovered and chosen to be the temporary sole wielder of a unique class devoted to Qi cultivation. ¡°I did it!¡± He shouted, one giant Qi infused fist hoisted in the air, while his second hand held the oversized blade off to the side like it was little more than an oversized stick in his mitts. ¡°What class did you get?¡± Mallory asked. While she asked, I already saw the system message alerting me to the class, and I couldn¡¯t help but stifle a laugh at the class the orc just so happened to have unlocked.
Unique Quest Completed: Inspiring the Next Generation (Repeatable): You have helped Jayhalem discover and found a completely undiscovered Qi cultivation class. For as long as Jayhalem remains the main progenitor for his class, you will earn a 2% shared experience bonus gained from all Jayhalem¡¯s future class advancements. Furthermore, you will gain a shared 1% experience bonus from all future disciples of Jayhalem, and the legendary Qi Fusion Fighters. Rewards: Continual Experience.
Just as I finished reading and internalizing the system message, I heard the orc, Jayhalem, proudly proclaim himself to be the sole owner of the unique class, ¡°¡­Qi Fusion Fighter.¡± At that I cracked a smile and did my best not to laugh at the great class with a terribly unfortunate name. No wait, the name wasn¡¯t bad, just my acronym for the class was terrible. Almost as if reading my thoughts on the matter, Mallory instantly turned to me and gave me a scowl that said if I said or did anything to state the acronym I was thinking, she would make sure there was hell to pay. As she stared at me, I turned to her and raised my hands up innocently. ¡°What, it sounds like an amazing class.¡± ¡°It is,¡± Jayhalem began, clearly not hearing my intonations, that or he was far too kind to even let our reactions dampen his amazing mood. ¡°I can infuse not only my body with Qi to help with movements and power, but I can also infuse items I hold.¡± At that, I pause. ¡°Items you hold?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°It states that, items, not just weapons?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, why?¡± Jayhalem asks, as he suddenly seems to realize he missed something. ¡°That, that is amazing.¡± I say, and I mean it. ¡°With that, you should in time be able to use Qi to help with mechanical constructs as well.¡± ¡°What, I can?¡± He asks, suddenly intrigued. Not just him, as everyone seems to be intrigued by this. ¡°Yes, I should have seen it before, but your proclivities are towards the Mechanical Guild right?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, I am a Grand Master rank with the Mechanical Guild.¡± He said. I nod, having already figured as much with the mask he was wearing. ¡°Well this class, should allow you to eventually infuse Qi into the mechanical items you create, and then use those items to further help with your fighting style.¡± He pauses then asks, ¡°but isn¡¯t Qi counter to mechanical devices?¡± ¡°How did you get that?¡± I ask, then realizing that he is not the only one who seems lost. ¡°Qi is just energy, a different type of energy than what we are typically used to, but just as we can use a potato to power a watch, we can use Qi to power an anything¡­¡± I trail off, not able to find something big enough to show the scale of what I am trying to explain. Then just as that seemed to be registered by him and by others, I saw that my mission I had just accomplished was upgraded.
Unique Quest Completed (Upgraded): Inspiring the Next Generation (Repeatable): You have helped Jayhalem discover and found a completely undiscovered Qi cultivation class. For as long as Jayhalem remains alive, you will earn a 5% shared experience bonus gained from all Jayhalem¡¯s future class advancements. Furthermore, you will gain a shared 2% experience bonus from all future disciples of Jayhalem, and the legendary Qi Fusion Fighters. Rewards: Continual Experience.
That was nearly double for all rewards, well two and a half times for anything Jayhalem did, and then double what his students accomplished. Still, that was a great bonus, as it meant nearly constant experience coming in over the lifetime of that class. Also, the part about him needing to remain the leader of the class was gone. Now it just stated that so long as he was alive, I would gain a sympathetic 5% of all class experience. Suddenly, just as I was close to feeling like I was done, I decided I might be able to squeeze out a few more attempts to help students learn new classes. You, know, for them, and their futures¡­ Chapter 135 The Program Chapter 135 The Program ¡°So it seems that we have met our quota. Twenty students, all of whom were ones who managed to generate twenty new classes.¡± I say, making sure to sift my face across the full list of two hundred original students. I had to say, that I was impressed, we a lot of students take on new classes. Also of note, most were lower-level guild members, that is under level three hundred in their first main class. No one with two classes was allowed to take this training. Also, given the way the Midnight Hunters were set up finding a person out here without a class, that was under five hundred was impressive. Yet it was the lower-level students that were the most determined to learn the lessons. I don¡¯t know if this was their hunger to make something of the perceived chance they were given, or if there was something more to why they were so adamant about coming out and learning Qi Sensing and Qi Manipulation, but they were capable of learning the new skills handedly. Then again, I am a low level, well relatively for my main class. For all my classes combined I was over level five hundred, but for my primary class, I was considered the lower end of just becoming a professional. Which might play a bit into my ability to learn new skills. Then those who managed to learn additional skills related to Qi, or learned to use their Qi in new ways, those were the ones to first develop a unique class. Then came the crafters, like Jayhalem, he was a crafter who could clearly see ways to extend Qi to the items and gears he would create. In fact, everyone that I thought would get a unique class did. Well, all except for one person that is. ¡°Due to limitations, and wishing to focus as much attention and resources on this first class, the number of students will be limited to just the first twenty who have awakened unique classes.¡± Mallory speaks, her voice firm, as no one wishes to argue with her commanding presence. A few half-hearted hands arise, then as if Mallory has ESP or another related sense, she speaks out. ¡°For all those of you, who were part of the 100, you will be able to get more training time with our Doctor here.¡± After that announcement, most of the arms went down. There were a few others who looked like they still wanted to protest, but a few quick glances from Mallory and everyone was quiet. It should be noted that Mallory was extra protective recently, almost single handedly removing anyone over level three hundred in their primary class from my classroom. Honestly, I liked it, the smaller classroom size was a lot better. Well mostly, as there were a few students who I couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for. ¡°If you manage to awaken your own Qi related class, I will accept you into our primary classroom.¡± I add, my gaze shifting directly to the person who I was referring to, Jhonny the student who had mediocre talent, but a whole heck of a lot of grit. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t see why Jhonny hadn¡¯t unlocked a class yet. He had almost everything one could expect, he had Qi Sense and Qi Manipulation down. I could also see him trying to mimic the unique abilities shown by other students. The most impressive impersonation was the way he was able to replicate Jayhalem¡¯s ability infusing Qi from his hands to his gloves, and then a little bit out to the hilt of his sword. Not much, and the entire thing vanished within an instant, likely not even long enough to unlock the Qi Infusion skill, or another variant of the skill that he himself could use and train on his own. Mallory licked her lips, before pressing her lips together in a sign of obvious annoyance. It was clear that she didn¡¯t want to contradict me, so taking a second to let out a breath, she spoke. ¡°Yes, it likely should go without saying, but anyone who manages to awaken a unique class within the next few weeks can apply and be added to the first graduating class of students.¡± ¡°Graduating?¡± A few of the now former students asked. ¡°That¡¯s right, since we have a certified doctor, we can begin the process of being the first guild to set up our own University.¡± Mallory noted. At this, my ears perked up, as I was not aware of this even being a thing. ¡°Is that even possible?¡± A few blurted out. ¡°Yes,¡± Mallory said, holding up a hand to calm down the swell of voices. ¡°For now, these will all be Associates and Bachelors degrees for the moment. Obviously the two categories will be Qi and Magic, each degree will need to be signed off by our very own Doctor here.¡± Mallory said, and as she spoke, a new string of quests popped up. Quests that I didn¡¯t even know existed.
World Quest: Higher Education (Creating a College): Create Your Own School of Higher Learning: You have been tabbed with being part of the initial teaching staff of a newly founded college. Your goal is to come up with a verified accreditation path. Requirements, a certified Doctorial member on staff (Current standing 1 /1). A curriculum that offers training for at least 10 different skills per degree (current standing 10/10). Rewards: Experience, Title, Badge, Guild Title, Guild Badge. Time limit to get first group of students to pass, one year (Days: 364, Hours: 23, Minutes: 59¡­)
Just seeing the messages caused a shiver to run down my spine, as I realized Mallory had done it. Somehow, she had managed to begin the process of making it so we could start our own college. ¡°How?¡± Someone manages to ask the very question that I am now thinking. ¡°Glad you asked. Again, it turns out that this world mirrors the one we came from. This feature has always exi¡­.¡± Mallory began to say, but then was quickly cut off as yet another quest prompt appeared.
Guild Quest: Create The First Guild Created College: The Midnight Hunters Guild has taken the first step towards being a true powerhouse in the world. The Midnight Hunters have begun the process of creating the first Guild Created College in the world of Biprism. The goal is to get the College: Spiritlight Valhalla College accredited within one year. Rewards: Experience, Title, Badge, Guild Title, Guild Badge. Time limit to get first group of students to pass, one year (Days: 364, Hours: 23, Minutes: 59¡­)
Then with that system message my jaw dropped as I realized the name of the college, as it was both my and Mallory¡¯s last names. Having seen that message, I felt frozen, as my mind worked overtime to process everything. Especially the fact that my last name was given top billing in the school. Then I think I had the same question come to my mind as everyone else apparently did. ¡°Before you start.¡± Mallory began, the name had to be something that was not directly affiliated with the Guild. While it could be run by Guild members, and a board of trustees that are related to the Guild can dictate who gets accepted into the school, the school itself cannot be named after a Guild. Thus, we were left with locations, or names of famous members. Given that two Legendary bloodlines were present in the creation of this school, it seemed only fitting that we name the school after the two of us.¡± Grumble. There was a slight ominous tone to the crowd that had gathered. As by now more and more guild members had all begun to congregate here, as apparently everyone in the guild got the quests. Stolen story; please report. ¡°Now, if you want to know why I gave the honorific to the one and only owner of a true and recognized doctoral degree, then we should probably have a few more conversations about common sense. As without the one certified doctor on staff, then the entire program will be bound to fail. Also, it should be noted that only once the first twenty students were trained by said doctoral member and bloodline progenitor, did the quest to establish our own college truly begin.¡± Mallory said. With that the majority of the crowd quieted down. Then just as everyone was about to disperse, Mallory made one more comment that once again stirred everyone back up. ¡°Of course, it likely goes without saying that once we establish a new college, there will be a world message sent out about the accomplishment.¡±
Decision Point: Establishing a Focus for Your College: The unaccredited Spiritlight Valhalla College has yet to establish a field of study. As one of the founding members, and the only member with a doctoral degree your vote has been given a weighted value, especially as you will be the one primarily in charge of teaching. First Define the Focus for this college: (ex. Magic, Adventure, Mechanical, Apothecary, Science, Arts, etc.)
Seeing this message, I paused, as did a few other very high-ranking members. It was clear though that not everyone in the guild was given a vote as most continued to move around as if nothing exciting had happened. Badump, badump, badump. My heart began to race, as I realized the implications of what was happening. I was one of the few members who were allowed to vote on the outcome of what the focus of our school would be. We were also given the ability to focus on one of the four major guilds, or the traditional arts and technologies. But one word caught my eye and that was the etcetera, meaning we could choose another focus that could direct the degrees our school was allowed to offer. Then a question hit me, one that sort of seemed obvious, but with so much going on, I didn¡¯t really know. Fortunately, the world was either reading my mind, or was answering a stated inquiry noted by others who had similar thoughts, for a detailed explanation came forth.
Field of Study: This is the main area of focus that your college will tend to impart upon those graduating. This focus is represented in the degree, offering a bonus to the chosen field of study up to the quality of education received by the individual from the school.
Note: While areas outside the focus can be received by graduates, their percentages of increase will be less than those who received a degree following the school¡¯s chosen focus.
Second Note: The more words used in creation of the focus, the less impactful a degree will be.
Apparently, the answer was simple we could give out all types of degrees, but degrees that closely reflected the focus of our college, the better the efficacy of the degrees our students received would be. Thus, the degrees I received from climbing the Arcanarus Tower, were really high and primarily seemed to focus on magic. I paused, wanting to teach both Qi and Magic, as I felt both were amazing. I also happened to have degrees related to magic, while I also managed to help twenty students awaken classes related to Qi, thus I felt both were needed. Yet, it was clear that using the words Qi and Magic would lessen the impact gained from choosing just one or the other. Then with a moment of calm, only one word came to my mind, ¡°Energy.¡±
You have chosen Energy, as your intended focus for the Spiritlight Valhalla College, is this your vote?
¡°Yes.¡± I mentally confirmed. Then there was a pause, then we were given a readout of the votes.
Initial Proposed Focuses: Percent of Votes Value
Energy 50% 100%
Magic 38% 65%
Qi 12% 35%
Warning: Must achieve a 51% majority to continue.
I was somewhat surprised at first to see that Magic was just 65% added value, while Qi was 35%. Until I realized that the two combined added to a hundred percent. Additionally, I did have my two doctoral degrees in magic, while for Qi I only had a working theory. A theory that seemed to be mostly correct, but a theory, nonetheless. There was a pause as Mallory looked at me, then asked, ¡°Energy?¡± The question was simple to infer from her tone and inflection were clear, did I choose Energy, and did I want her to switch her vote. I nodded, not certain if I really wanted to speak up about my decision. Mallory had a look of concentration fill her features as she focused for a moment. Then we were met with a new system message.
Tally has been updated. Current voting, going once¡­
Initial Proposed Focuses: Percent of Votes Value
Energy 75% 100%
Magic 13% 65%
Qi 12% 35%
Going twice.
DING!
There was a crisp chiming bell that was heard echoing throughout the open air training area.
Notice: The unaccredited Spirlitlight Valhalla College has chosen a focus of Energy. All degrees involving energy will be increased by 100%, in addition to the bonus gained by the students through their hard work and efforts to understand the curriculum provided.
Seeing the message my heart began to race slightly as I realized this was something really cool. I also realized that Mallory had effectively trapped me here with her for several years, particularly with the tying of my own name to the school, thus all but forcing me to want to stay and see it succeed. Pausing, I look at Mallory. Seeing my attention to her, she just raises one eyebrow slowly and asks, ¡°what?¡± Though there was a lot of subtext to that what, so much that I didn¡¯t want to get involved, at least not here in front of so many perspective students. Then with that out of the way, I was inundated with row after row of texts. If I thought the logs that were involved with my getting a degree were cumbersome originally, they were nothing compared to what I had to do next.
Setting Academic Standards: As one of the primary instructors, it is your job to create a curriculum and related degree path, complete with comprehensive skills that the student must possess to pass said class, at least two of the skills must be rare or higher. Minimum number of degrees: Three.
At this point, it was clear that I was the only one still getting these updates. Well I could tell from they eye movements of Mallory and a few others that they could see the newest message, but they could not interact with them. ¡°Well, I will leave you to planning out our noble career paths.¡± Mallory said, while patting me on the shoulder, before she began shooing everyone out from the area. *** (Six hours later) Four classes. Well not classes, but full-on degree paths. That is all I managed to get submitted to the system that was fully acceptable by the system. Apparently, what I considered a rare skill and what the system considered rare skills were two entirely different things, thus the initial problem as apparently, I was making the course curriculum too hard. Especially after I realized that while ten unique skills were required for the degree in question, a proficiency of 50 was required to receive the degree. I of course thought that was too low but was overturned as I later found out that 60s were required for a Masters, while 70s and above were needed for doctoral degrees. Thus my 175 maximums for a lot of skills were exceptionally high. Also, the school system was kind of nice, in that my giving a grade didn¡¯t matter. All that mattered was getting all ten skills up to level fifty and boom they met the minimum requirements for a degree. The rest were me signing off my name that they attended the school, and I was okay with their level of participation during their time at school. ¡°So what degrees programs does our little college offer?¡± Mallory asks, having watched me work in a meditative state for a while. Only now that I have started to stretch and flex my back does she even speak up. ¡°You know, I think I am going to make sure to offer the same crawl, drown, swim program that most colleges offer.¡± I state. ¡°Don¡¯t you mean crawl, walk, run?¡± ¡°Nope, going to throw them all into the deep end and see who can come up for air.¡± I state, even going so far as to paddle my arms to make it look like I am trying to swim myself. Chuckle. ¡°But seriously, what are we going to offer our perspective students?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°So far, we have been approved to teach the primary four disciplines: Qi Manifestation, Magic Fundamentals, Magic Resonance, and Enchantment.¡± I state, listing the four-degree programs that I managed to get accepted with the skills I had that also met the required seventy or higher rating in each skill being taught. ¡°Enchantment?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Yes, I am particularly proud of that one.¡± I state, and mean it too. Granted my Bloodline also gave me a boost to Master Enchanting that went well over two hundred. But I could apparently only add regular Enchanting as the rare skill for the degree. Everything else was related to mana circulation, and resonance. There was also a bit of Magic Theory thrown in, which did overlap with the other two magic degrees, but the system seemed okay with me using multiple skills in multiple different disciplines. ¡°Does that mean that Rahul and the Maiden will be required reading material?¡± Mallory asks, her words pulling me from the mental fugue that is beginning to settle over me. I have to say creating an entire education plan for four distinct majors that are then measured and evaluated by an all-seeing system is rather draining. Then I realized the true gravity of her words. I bolt upright, as if realizing the fact that I might be expected to either force teenagers to read smut, or worse, read smut to teenagers. Then just as quickly as my contented aura arrived it instantly evaporated, as I realize I might have made a mistake in pushing so hard to get that path pushed out. Chapter 136 The Commitments Jhonny / Penelope Chapter 136 The Commitments (Jhonny) Jhonny left the morning practice more dejected than ever. He had seen twenty new classes awaken before his very eyes. Then when it was his time to go, he choked. Well, he didn¡¯t choke. He went up and had a mock duel with the instructor, just as everyone else had. The only problem was that afterwards, despite doing what he was told, despite being able to copy perfectly some of the other patterns of the participants he saw go before him, he never unlocked a unique class. Frustrated, he found his way out to a secluded patch of greenery that was just at the edge of the domain being converted from violent desert to habitable lands. Or at least it had been a few days ago, when he first found the spot. Since that point Jhonny had seen the constant effect of the ever changing environment, based on his instructor¡¯s teachings. No, not just his instructor, his Master. Taking a sword in hand, he swung it, infusing Qi into the blade just as he saw others manage to do earlier. Yet, he could tell that for some reason, his practice was off. For whatever reason, he just couldn¡¯t get a class to form for him. Then likely he like everyone that had gathered, he was given the option to enroll in one of the four conditionally approved majors. Of course, for him the only major that made sense was Qi Manifestation, which he chose almost immediately. Even though he was warned by Guild leader Mallory not to. ¡°For those of you who have not unlocked a unique class in Qi, do not accept the Qi Manifestation class. I repeat, do not accept the curriculum. As you will not be able to get the required training within time.¡± Guild leader Mallory said. But Jhonny had already accepted the quest, before the instructions not to do so were given.
Personal Quest Accepted: Obtain a Degree from SVC: You have chosen to attend Spiritlight Valhalla College. Your goal is to become certified in your goal within the time frame allowed for the degree path: Qi Manifestation. Current goal: learn and improve the following skills to the desired threshold: Qi Sense (15/50), Qi Manipulation (7/50), Qi Observation (12/50), Qi Movement (0/50), Qi Fighting (0/50), Qi Cultivation (0/50), Qi Formation (0/50), Qi Manifestation (0/50), Awareness (18/50), and Athletics (47/50). Year 1 Requirements: Two skills to reach the minimum threshold, fifty percent of the skills awakened. Year 2 Requirements: Four skills to reach the minimum threshold, seventy-five percent of skills awakened. Year 3 Requirements: Seven skills to reach the minimum threshold, all skills awakened. Year 4 Requirements: All ten skills are to have reach the minimum threshold, with a noted major of interest to continue. Rewards: Experience, Title, Soul Bound Degree, Badge, variable.
Looking at the skills and requirements, there were so many that there was no way Jhonny could do it on his own. Worst of all, was the fact that his timer had already started for his one-year requirement, meaning that if he failed, he would either make it so the college would get accredited, or he might forever be denied this personal quest again. That was why Jhonny decided to do everything he could to create his own unique class. The easiest way to do so would of course be to find out what worked, mirror it as best he could, then work his way from there, at least that is what he planned. ¡°You know, for someone as naturally gifted as you. I think you are going about this the wrong way.¡± A female voice called out from behind. Frightened, Jhonny turned around, his weapon held up in a defensive position, as he didn¡¯t even hear the person get this close. With his adrenaline pumping, he was ready to defend himself. Only to relax a moment later when he saw the small instructor who was covered in the equivalent of a ninja outfit. Just as every other time he saw her, she was stunning, her black silk uniform clung tight, accented by silver and white silk arm bands that did more to hide every inch of her skin. Then on her face was a dark black veil that had to be hard to see through, but even still, all Jhonny could see were two and sometimes, like now, a third glowing green eye. Seeing her Jhonny instantly paused, then regaining his composure he corrected himself and then bowed. ¡°Master.¡± ¡°Stop that.¡± The short instructor said, waving her gloved hand in a dismissive gesture. ¡°Look, I am trying to find the twenty-first Qi Manifestation student, if I had to guess, I would assume you were the one that went ahead and chose that quest, despite what Mallory said?¡± Hearing that, Jhonny began to tremble, as he realized that with the system the way it was, of course there would be tracking mechanisms. A few words came to him, ones to deny, to deflect, but he couldn¡¯t, not to her. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I saw the quest, and was so excited that I accepted the quest right away, before Leader Mallory told us not to.¡± Jhonny said, bowing deeply, as he felt he should to his master. At this point Jhonny was ready for almost anything, a scolding. Being told he would be forced to leave the class, or worse the guild and never return. Yet, the response he got confused him, more than anything. ¡°Okay good. So, let me guess, you are going to be here until you open your unique class, foregoing your guarding duties?¡± Master Spiritlight asked. ¡°What, no? I would never neglect my duties.¡± Jhonny protested, knowing that neglecting his duties would be the number one way to get forcefully returned to the mainland without ever getting the training he desperately needed. ¡°Good. Just so you know, for now, you are temporarily assigned to be part of my personal guard group.¡± The Master said. ¡°What?¡± Jhonny was so caught off guard by the statement, that he had a hard time processing the sudden shift. ¡°Unless you don¡¯t want to guard me?¡± ¡°No, it would be an honor.¡± Jhonny said, bowing once again. ¡°Stop that, it is going to be hard conversing with you, if you keep bowing every five minutes.¡± Hearing that Jhonny jumped up right and began looking at her. Then a new question came to mind. ¡°This means that I will have to¡­¡± he began but was instantly cut off. ¡°Yes, you will have to guard me during my lessons. Being near me and most importantly attending every class and observing everything that goes on within the classroom. Every time I talk to a student, every time I make the students move and exercise, you will have to watch and listen for any hidden dangers.¡± The master said. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! With that, Jhonny, who had been at a loss for what to do stared blankly. This was perfect, no, this was beyond perfect. While it would be nice to just be a student for the next four years, as the initial twenty to unlock Qi related classes, this was potentially better, as it meant that he would be near the Master, while she taught everyone all ten of the skills, he himself would need to master in the same four year time frame. ¡°Of course, this is only temporary.¡± The Master said, and with that, his ideas of being able to achieve his goals were shattered. ¡°Temporary?¡± ¡°Yes, temporary, as I fully intend for you to transfer over as a full-time student the moment you awaken your unique class.¡± Joy. There are very few times when words spoken casually had a lasting impact on Jhonny. But this was one of them, right up there with the moment he was told by his then wife that he would be a father. Now, he was told something so casually that he realized that the Master meant these words. No, not only did she mean them, but she herself believed in Jhonny¡¯s ability to succeed, likely more than he himself did. Just hearing her expectations also had the underpinnings of her being a harsh task master, something that was apparent from day one of the training. ¡°Ye, yes Master.¡± Shaking her head, the Master let out an audible sigh, but then continued. ¡°Also, you are very perceptive.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Almost too perceptive.¡± At that Jhonny leaned back in a pause as he tried to take in the words. He felt like he got punched in the gut, as wasn¡¯t being perceptive a good thing, but before he could ask, the Master continued her thoughts. ¡°Yes, you are easily able to see and mimic what others did to be great. Almost as soon as your fellow classmates created their unique skills to earn their unique classes, you were able to mirror them perfectly. Unfortunately, this means that you are forever chasing them, and not walking your own path. So yes, it is good that you are perceptive enough to see what makes them great. But now you must learn to walk your own path and find what you want to do, that will make you truly unique. Then, and only then will you unlock your unique class.¡± Poof. Then just as she had dropped that logic bomb on Jhonny, she disappeared. Seeing the now empty space that she had held a moment ago, Jhonny looked around, only to find vast open lands before him. Then muttering to himself, he said the only thing he could say at that point, ¡°the ghost.¡± Then with his momentary distraction over, Jhonny took a moment to reflect on his Master¡¯s words. Then realizing the truth in them, he decided to get up and rather than mirroring exactly what worked for others, Jhonny dropped his sword and began to move, while letting his Qi flow freely within his body. She was right, well she wouldn¡¯t be the Master, if she wasn¡¯t, but she had shown Jhonny the fundamental flaw within his actions. Namely the fact that to get a unique class, he needed to walk a unique path. It sounded simple, but really it was a lot more complex than he had realized. Realizing his mistake, he began to move. He had always been bad at dancing. His movements always felt bulky and awkward, which was why he opted to come out here to the edge of nowhere and practice on his own. Without anyone to see him, where he could feel judged. There was the niggling thought that somehow the Master had seen him, even out here and managed to sneak up on him, despite being out in the middle of nowhere. Yet, that was okay. Somehow, for some reason, he actually felt better knowing that someone like the Master was able to watch over him and provide feedback, despite how awkward he might look while practicing. That was why, with a bit more motivation to take his steps, he moved with Qi. His muscles were burning due to the internal golden energy. It was golden energy too, that much he was certain about. While he had never seen it, he was certain that the Qi that flowed through his body was golden in color, just as he was certain that the Qi that rolled through other people¡¯s bodies was also golden. Focusing on this concept, he felt his Qi Sensing skill slowly rise the more he moved. He even got a notification for one of the skills required for his degree.
New Skill Gained: Qi Movement has reached level 1.
Qi Movement is a Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, and Willpower based skill.
Seeing the skill, Jhonny almost jumped for joy, as this was just his fifth Willpower based skill that he had managed to unlock, the other four were all from attending his Master¡¯s classes. With the joy of success burning brightly within him, he continued moving. Dancing to the beat and rhythm of his own body, and of his own energy that was flowing freely within him. He made it his mission, that within four years he would do three things. The first was that he would unlock his unique class that was just waiting for him to claim it. Second, he would get his degree in Qi Manifestation. The third and final thing, he would make sure that his Master never regretted putting her faith in him as a student, as he vowed to succeed. *** (Penelope) The magic classes were mostly suspended. At least the group of close to two hundred students had been greatly cut down. Everyone over level four hundred was immediately kicked out. Which was why Penelope as a master who was in the six hundreds felt completely out of place being allowed to stay behind with the SVC classes. This reminded her of when she went back to college to get her degree after she left school early to have a kid and start a family, only to then have her husband leave her and the kids for a younger dumber model that would put up with his antics. Still, life had been good. She remarried, got the degrees she always wanted and went on to lead a successful career as a lawyer. Now though, given her second chance at life, she had gone into doing something she had always dreamed of, Tailoring. Then just like all of the other students who had arrived the day before, she was offered to choose one of the four degree paths: Qi Manifestation, Magic Fundamentals, Magic Resonance, and Enchantment+. At first, she wanted to decline the quest, especially as the first three seemed to be far more esoteric in nature than what she wanted. Then finally her eyes saw the final degree plan, then they paused there. As she saw it, a simple word, yet it practically screamed to her. She thought the need for a degree was dumb, as she already had the Enchanting skill. Then she saw the plus sign next to the Enchantment degree. Mentally she focused on the plus sign and was met with a system note.
Note: It has been identified that you already have the Enchanting skill requirements necessary to reach the minimum standards. As such, you will be offered chances to learn both the Advanced Enchanting, and Master Enchanting skills from your certified instructor.
After hearing that, Penelope felt faint, as her heart began to race as she realized this was the chance she had been after this entire time. Then a mixture of rage, jealousy, and ultimately acceptance filled her as she realized that Cass had already had both of those advanced versions of her Enchanting skill. She wanted to protest, and confront her about hiding such a feat, only to realize that Cass had been demonstrating her knowledge of such abilities all over the place. Her weather rods were the epitome of magical enchanting prowess at its best, yet in her mind she had never given the small girl enough of a chance. ¡°Age discrimination.¡± Penelope muttered under her breath, as she realized that learning from Cass, especially for the Enchanting degree field might be exactly what she needed to achieve either a class evolution, or the next phase of her abilities. With that in mind, she accepted the quest, and therefore became simultaneously the highest-level student, while also being the oldest student to achieve their basic degree.
Personal Quest Accepted: Obtain a Degree from SVC: You have chosen to attend Spiritlight Valhalla College. Your goal is to become certified in your goal within the time frame allowed for the degree path: Enchantment+. Current goal: learn and improve the following skills to the desired threshold: Enchantment (54/50), Alertness (42/50), Energy Resonance Alteration (0/50), Magic Theory (0/50), Spell Deconstruction (0/50), Mana Circulation (62/50), Magic Script (0/50), Arcane Understanding (0/50), Magical Awareness (77/50), and Analyze (6/50). Year 1 Requirements: Two skills to reach the minimum threshold, fifty percent of the skills awakened. Year 2 Requirements: Four skills to reach the minimum threshold, seventy-five percent of skills awakened. Year 3 Requirements: Seven skills to reach the minimum threshold, all skills awakened. Year 4 Requirements: All ten skills are to have reach the minimum threshold, with a noted major of interest to continue. Rewards: Experience, Title, Soul Bound Degree, Badge, variable.
At first, Penelope thought that the degree would be simple, as she had already spent years Enchanting, but she was sad to see that despite her years of training, she was little more than a year two student. No wait, a quick recount showed her that she didn¡¯t meet the fifty percent skill awakening portion of the degree path. With this, she paused, then took a moment to stare at Cass who was in the middle of herding the new sets of students into different areas. Then finally a Penelope felt a question come to her lips that she all but blurted out loud before everyone, before she had a chance to remember her settings. ¡°Do you know all of these skills?¡± The question was so out of the blue, that everyone who had been caught up in idle conversations suddenly hushed to hear Cass¡¯s reply. ¡°Of course, how else do you think the system would accept them as being valid, unless I had them.¡± Cass said, with a shrug of her shoulders and holding up her hands. With that admission, Penelope paused, as she looked at the skills that this prodigy had accumulated through her travels and was awestruck by the sheer breath of them. Before Penelope could voice her admiration for the level of dedication to learn so many skills, another student spoke up. ¡°Do you have all of them at fifty?¡± Chuckle. ¡°What? You think they would let me teach if I only had those at level fifty? Please.¡± Cass said, a playful tone filling her voice, before she continued. ¡°You know you need a sixty for your Masters and over seventy for doctorates right?¡± With that everyone paused as they suddenly looked at Cass in a new way. This was the moment that everyone grew quiet as they realized that Cass having two doctorates clearly had to have these skills to at least the seventy point mark. ¡°So you have them all at seventy?¡± Chuckle. With that Cass audibly laughed, loudly. ¡°Hah, good one. Try doubling that to get it close.¡± Penelope wanted to join in on the laugh, but then her tone and what she had learned about the Spiritlight bloodline came to her mind, just as it had for everyone else, where they were all Unbound, as informants about Trenton Spiritlight¡¯s escapades had come to life recently. Meaning everyone had heard that the skill limits for the Spiritlights were at least level 150, and higher for ten really meaningful skills. This information had spread through the camp like wildfire, as it was all over the outside news for premium subscribers. And while the details of the ten skills that were boosted by the Spiritlight bloodline were kept mum, the fact that they were ten very rare skills, many of which people had never even heard of before was not. With that everyone paused to stare at Cass, who suddenly paused as she sounded flustered for the first time in this class. While her actions were still hidden by her full body ninja suit, the sudden confusion in her voice was very tangible for everyone present. ¡°What?¡± She asked, while her hands were held up in a questioning gesture in the air. It was at this point that everyone finally realized the monster in guild clothing that stood before them. Chapter 137 Setting Expectations Chapter 137 Setting Expectations I guess I never quite realized how much of and advantage my Precocious merit that I purchased before entering this world meant. Precocious and Unbound are likely the two most overpowered skill cheats that exist in this world. I made it so my children and their children can all have the benefits of being Unbound, but I never thought that I should have also shared the benefits of the Precocious merit with them. The more I teach, the more I realize that this might have been a slight oversight in my part, as even my own daughter seems to have a hard time with the classes that are being offered. I was a little shocked at Gwen¡¯s choice of class, though I guess looking back on it, she was one of the students most likely to succeed in the new career path of Magic Resonance. Which is good as I need people to pass, in order to get this college and all the classes fully accredited. Well the college and the degrees. Right now, I have what I consider a few ringers, as in people who are all but destined to get the degrees in the paths they have chosen. These are important as in four years¡¯ time I must have no less than one student who managed to meet all the criteria for the different classes, especially with the fact that I have multiple new quests being thrown at me almost daily.
Personal Quest: Becoming A Tenured Professor: As a Doctoral member of a college, you are entitled to be a tenured member of the campus, so long as you meet a few of the following. Every year, you must have half your students reach the minimum competency to move onto the next year of their academic training. Within four years, you must have at least one student graduate from each of the degree programs you provide. Rewards: Experience, Legacy Experience, Badge(s), Title(s), variable.
I found out that Legacy Experience is the experience you gain from teaching others and them acting on that knowledge gained. This is the exact same type of experience I got from teaching the twenty students their classes, as noted in: Unique Quest Completed (Upgraded): Inspiring the Next Generation (Repeatable). In this case, Legacy Experience will be gained from my students leaving my classes and then going out and using their degree to improve their lives. I will gain a fraction of the experience they gain in their daily lives, back to my levels. Which is basically a way of saying, once these kids leave and never touch their degrees or chosen fields again, I will still be here teaching for nothing. The game then helpfully tells me my current student list, and their rankings for each year.
Qi Manifestation: Year 1 students: (21 / 21) Magic Fundamentals: Year 1 students: (20 / 20) Magic Resonance: Year 1 students: (15 / 15) Enchantment: Year 1 students: (20 / 20)
Yes, apparently not many people were interested in Magical Resonance, I think most of the issues came from us wanting people that had a high Perception Attribute to be chosen for candidates. This also meant that I needed a minimum of 39 of the 76 students to pass the minimum standards for a first-year student. Sadly enough, my ringers weren¡¯t already qualified to pass the first year. With people like Penelope, I figured it was due to not being exposed to all of the skills, as she clearly had mastery of a few of the basic principles of Enchanting down. Still, I can do this, especially with the system constantly telling me where I am in relation to each quest milestone. I mean, the system is effectively tracking our progress towards accreditation, as I apparently need half of each class to pass the minimum standards I set out, for us to get accredited. Then I will get credit for completing two different quests and be one step closer to my own personal tenure quest. Simple, right? *** (Magic Fundamentals Class) ¡°Again.¡± I state, for what has to be the hundredth time today. Sigh. With that the class lets out a uniformed harumph of discontent, then drops the spell construct they were working on, and begin creating a new one. ¡°What is the point of this?¡± A student calls out, number seventeen. Shaking my head, ¡°seventeen, we are working on the basics. So with these simple spell formulation exercises I am getting you exposed to five of the fundamental ten skills you will need to get this degree.¡± With that he shuts up, while all of the grumbling sounds made by the others also ends. With the grumbling stopped, I hold out my hands and begin casting not one but two different spells, but I make sure to make it, so they are also in the visible spectrum for everyone in the class to also see. With everyone focused on me, I continued my lesson. ¡°By doing this, you gain exposure to Spell Theory, Arcane Understanding, Magical Awareness, Analyze, and last but certainly not least Mana Circulation. These are the five skills you need to have to have a basic understanding of before you move on to your second year of study. Additionally, you need to be proficient in two of these before your second year, but you will also need to be proficient in all five of these, and five additional skills, before you graduate fully. As such, I suggest we start listening to the tasks given, and stop complaining.¡± ¡°My spell looks nothing like that.¡± Number Twelve shouts out. ¡°Of course, not number Twelve. I am not asking you to make your spells appear in the visible spectrum. For most of you that would be disastrous as it would take away all hint that you were trying to get the first shot, as is expected with casters. No, all I am trying to get you to do is to begin casting a spell and stop halfway through, hold that cast for five seconds, then release and start over.¡± I state. This is sort of hard for me, as I would often entertain myself as a child with such tricks. Using my Telekinesis, or Teleportation Traits as baselines and then create the initiation of the Trait, and then pause. Of course, I had the added benefit of being able to see the magic from the very beginning and I found that it was easier to cast my Traits and harder to be resisted the more control I had over the spell structures. Thus, I began doing simple strengthening exercises even at seven years old to do this. Meaning that now, trying to teach these same exercises to my students is tough, one because they can¡¯t see the spells, and will have to get a mental feel for them, but two because they have to unlearn what they have previously thought of as basics, and relearn everything. ¡°All right, how about this.¡± I say. Then mentally I go through the process of creating an area of effect spell. The idea and design will be simple, I will just capture all magic and effects being cast within this training garden of mine and have everything displayed visually. ¡°I will show you the magic that you all are casting, if that will help make it easier.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Then just as I say it, I do it, casting the spell and causing a glow of mana to radiate around me. It is bright, like turning on the lights, or stepping out to a blindingly bright sun, or at least the way I imagine stepping out and seeing the sun glowing its full brilliance would appear. At the same time I get the confirmation of my new spell being created.
Magical Zone of Perception (C) [Tier V]: A master work spell involving magical layers of perception that highlight mana usage, created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. This is an area of effect spell that will highlight and reveal magic being cast, along with the magical capacity of people and objects.
¡°Whoa.¡± All the students look around and see the magic that was cast and are filled with childlike awe. Seeing them like this, I can¡¯t help but smile as I realize this right here, this look of awe and wonder about magic, this is what I enjoy most about this world. Seeing that same joy on the face of others, its like confirmation that you are not alone. Like sharing a good book, with a friend who also loves that same book as you, or finding out someone enjoys something you do as well. That is the feeling I get from this right here, this one moment that seemingly makes everything worthwhile. Then of course, just as I am beginning to enjoy the moment a student has to open their mouths and ruin the entire effect. ¡°If you could do that the entire time, then why did you only do that now?¡± Number seventeen asks. Shaking my head slightly, I let out a slight breath to calm myself, before beginning. ¡°I just created the spell. It¡¯s kind of hard to use a spell that hasn¡¯t yet been created.¡± With that, everyone pauses, as the look of awe on their face slowly gives way to bewilderment? I don¡¯t know, they all look either confused of simultaneously constipated. ¡°You just created a spell?¡± Number five asks. ¡°Yes.¡± I say, then I proceed to show them the spell.
Magical Zone of Perception (C) [Tier V]: A master work spell involving magical layers of perception that highlight mana usage, created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight...
At that everyone pauses, mouths agape like fishes out of water. Then seeing this as the optimal time to plug why learning magic is great, I continue. ¡°Yes, you all are actually in the career path that could make it so you could learn to create your own spells first.¡± I state. They pause, then number seventeen speaks up again. ¡°You mean when we graduate here with our degree in Magic Fundamentals, we will be able to create our own spells.¡± Snort. I laugh so hard, I snorted, and I don¡¯t really care. That was hilarious, ¡°oh my Gods no. No, no, just no.¡± I begin, then after I am able to calm down enough, I continue. ¡°I said the path, this will teach you the basics, where you will learn one of the two primary skills needed to create your own spells. After this, in the Masters program you could learn the other skills needed to create spells.¡± ¡°There is a Master¡¯s program?¡± Number seventeen blurts out. ¡°Not yet, we have to first get you yahoos through the basics and get accredited. Then I am sure there will be a few more steps involved in getting the ability to teach a Master¡¯s program.¡± At that, the students who had all been on cloud nine suddenly shift back into their sitting posture and look almost deflated. ¡°So how do we get there, to being able to create our own spells?¡± The student, number two asks. ¡°Now you start over, and stop wasting your own time on what is expected of you. The moment you can master these five skills, is the moment we can begin to truly show you the power and versatility of magic.¡± I state. Silence. With that, everyone grew silent, as they all began creating holding, dropping, and then repeating their spells. For a moment, I felt like a teacher. Like I was having a lasting impact on their work ethic. As everyone was focused, everyone knew what they had to do for the day, and they were all committed to the course at hand. Two minutes later, I could start to see the roaming eyes of the students. Well, the first students who had weaker formations of their spells begin to look around. Of course, number seventeen was one such student as he began to look around and stare at others for a moment, before going back to his own creations. At first it looked like he was trying to gain confidence, or maybe some form of inspiration from his blatant ogling. I mean, it¡¯s not like this was a multiple-choice test and answers could be copied. In fact, if answers could be copied, I would just give them my answer and force them to use that. Then just as he started to get flustered, others too began getting flustered. Yep, I need to come up with more tests for them to do, apparently. Either this test is too simple, or to mind numbingly difficult to make it so that learning anything from it will be difficult. ¡°Start again.¡± I state. The students who had been close to talking, suddenly look at me and all seem to realize that I was able to register their movements without so much as stirring from my own head bowed meditative pose. This is part of my fun as being a teacher, setting the students up to get caught being wrong, so I can scold them. Petty, but it does make the time go by faster, well my time at least as watching them is fairly boring. Even when I watch them and perfectly mirror the required test differently in two different hands. Whoowhoo. I am momentarily distracted by the sound of an automated steam powered whistle howling. Again, steam punk world, we get nice steam powered actions to look forward to. ¡°All right, why don¡¯t we take a quick break before we go through the rest of our lesson.¡± I state, using the whistle as an obvious chance to take a break. Grumble. With that there are a lot of sighs of contentment as people finally let out a breath and begin to relax. One student goes so far as to rub their head, trying to alleviate the tension forming by their tightening jaw. This is good, as I am seeing clear signs of anxiety in these students, which means that they truly care, which I can appreciate. ¡°Professor?¡± Number four asks, her hand raised to get my attention. ¡°Yes, number four?¡± I say, not even looking up to engage the student. ¡°Now, don¡¯t get me wrong. I really appreciate this course and the other courses that you have offered, but I have to ask.¡± Number four begins, but then stops as they clearly are trying to say something or rather not imply something by their next set of words. ¡°What?¡± I ask, trying to get this conversation going. ¡°Why exactly is it that you didn¡¯t offer a Healing Degree?¡± At that I paused, and realized, that was a really good question. Why didn¡¯t I offer a Healing Degree program. I do have several rare skills that could go wonderfully towards improving either the Healing abilities of an interested individual, or those practitioners of science that wish to improve things with machines and Qi advancements. Honestly, the main reason why was it never occurred to me to offer a class on Healing. Especially as I was focused more on the open-ended aspects of trying to teach Qi and Mana. Yet, I could touch on Healing with both or neither. After a few seconds of contemplation, I ask the obvious question. ¡°Would you want to get a degree in Healing?¡± ¡°What? Me, Gods no.¡± Number four says, almost sounding offended that I even offered. I am about to say, that right there is exactly why I didn¡¯t offer the program, when she hits me with another bombshell. ¡°Though my little sister who loves you, would absolutely love to partake in a Healing Degree program.¡± She begins, then after a second¡¯s pause adds, ¡°when or if you offer it.¡± And like that, my ideas for classes and degree programs extended from the base four, to so many more branches and different opportunities. ¡°Well for now, let me focus on getting you all through these basic programs, and see where my passion for teaching is at that point.¡± I answer. ¡°Oh, come on, you know you are going to love teaching us.¡± Number seventeen says, clearly trying to get the most use out of his Personality and Sociability Attributes that he can. Unfortunately for him, his Attributes are clearly lacking in that endeavor. Sigh. I¡¯d roll my eyes, but with the head cover such an act would go unnoticed. ¡°You number seventeen will be an inspiration to us all when you graduate.¡± ¡°I will?¡± Number seventeen asks, suddenly perking up at the perceived compliment. ¡°Yes, after you graduate, I will safely say that if he could do it, anyone can.¡± HAHAH! With that the other students laugh, but I do feel kind of bad. Until number seventeen opens his mouth again. ¡°Oh come on, I¡¯m not that bad.¡± ¡°I agree. You are worse.¡± I state, seeing the obvious punchline and going for it. Then I stop myself. Gah-hah. The other students laugh, but I hold my hand up to silence them. I don¡¯t want to be the teacher that mocks the students, even if the guy is thirty something, with likely a hundred years of total life experience and clearly full of himself. ¡°Sorry, you do not deserve that. But you are making me question your placement here given that you are the first to be distracted from a task. While also having some of the worst control over any spells, while also being one of the highest levels here.¡± I state, as I can tell his relative strength based on how big his mana pool is compared to the other students. It is clear that this student either is an exception student, like Penelope, or is at the very edge of the cut off for a primary level. ¡°I have an advanced bloodline and am the proud owner of an evolved class.¡± Number seventeen states, and with that, suddenly everything clicks into place for me. Before I can say something, he continues. ¡°I have been able to obliterate monsters from my first day here in this world. Many of the monsters I have killed are dozens of levels above me. The only reason why I am here is to get a title as one of the first graduates of this institution.¡± With that statement, I realize both the truth in his words and the reason why he feels so entitled, despite his lack of ability with the lessons. ¡°Now imagine, how much better you would be, if you could cast your spells correctly. If you could increase your accuracy and range, make it so that your spells don¡¯t break apart and become area of effect spells, but are clearly targeted so you are not a danger to yourself and others during an operation. Imagine if you put in half the effort, you are clearly capable of, and ended up making something exceptional out of your life.¡± Silence. With that many of the students slowly broke away and went back to their practicing. Even those that felt the need to fidget, just as number seventeen had found a new sense of focus. Number seventeen just scowled at me for a few moments, before his breathing slowed down enough for him to focus. I almost wanted to know who this person¡¯s father was, but after seeing him and his mana, it was clear that I had not only seen his father before, but I had dueled him as well. This is the son of the legendary duelist who lost by self-assisted suicide. Finally, he started his own exercises. Right here, at the end of class, when everyone is focused, this is the one time I feel that I have to think for myself. And somehow at this point, my thoughts invariably turn to my son, Rob, well Trenton now. With him, I wonder if he too seems entitled just as this boy does. I hope not, but there is a part of me that warns that hopes and reality often stay far away from each other. Interlude VIII Interlude VIII (Trenton) ¡°I have an awakened Legendary Bloodline, meaning I have merits and flaws from both the Royal Bloodline and the Legendary Bloodline active within me, and trust me when I say this. Had I known what I was getting into before I joined, I would have abstained from this life of torture.¡± The voice of an obsidian black eyed Trenton Spiritlight was quoted as saying to investigative reports. The reporter, wearing an old tweed suit and jacket that had been stripped of most mechanical devices due to their ability to corrode and disintegrate slowly when next to one of the Legendary Spiritlight bloodline holders. To help show this activity, a mechanical metronome on a table nearby can be seen slowly corroding away, but only at the fulcrum where the movement of the perpetual pendulum is observed. ¡°Before we get into your bloodline. Let me hear more about you? I hear you went for the purely hedonistic package, the Extreme Endowment, the Natural Lover, the Overwhelming Attractiveness and others were what you purchased to help make your transition into this world as easy as possible.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Trenton said, not giving much else in the way of an answer. ¡°Can I ask why?¡± ¡°Because sex is awesome.¡± Trenton said, a slight smile coming to his face, revealing pearl white teeth that made Trenton look more like a shark out of water than an elf smiling. ¡°Right, moving on.¡± The reporter said, clearly getting creeped out by Trenton¡¯s appearance. With that, he went onto his next line of questions, ¡°can you tell us about your racial flaws?¡± Scoff. ¡°For the price you paid for this interview, I will show you the flaws.¡± Trenton said, then with a quick motion he opted to display his flaws publicly.
Racial Flaw (Royal): Magical Beacon: You are easy to notice by sensitives and true practitioners of magic. Minus 20% to Stealth and Evasion type skills when being actively sought by a magical practitioner.
Racial Flaw (Royal): Magical Eyes: Your eyes are the true gateway to your soul. With this flaw people can see what type of a monster you truly are. Current Status: Obsidian Black (a True Hedonist).
Racial Flaw (Royal): Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier II).
Racial Flaw (Legendary): Third Eye: You have manifested the power of Angel¡¯s Sight, and at this level of evolution have unlocked the legendary third eye. No eye lashes or eyebrows, just a closed scar in the middle of your forehead, then an eye. Note: If your rating in Angel¡¯s Sight is Tier V or below, you can use the third eye to see normally. If your rating in Angel''s Sight is Tier VI or above, you will need to use the third eye to take advantage of your enhanced vision.
Racial Flaw (Legendary): Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening.
Racial Flaw (Legendary): Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
¡°You can see that can¡¯t you?¡± Trenton asks, a note of confusion in his voice, as he adds. ¡°See, I am blind, all except in my third eye, but I refuse to reveal that one.¡± ¡°Are you afraid of the stigma associated with having three eyes?¡± The reporter asked. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you?¡± Trenton asked, his hands twitching as he was clearly coming down from whatever opioid he had been on before the meeting. ¡°Besides, I have what is called double vision if I open my third eye. The whole world goes topsy-turvy, when I open my real eye, as such I am met with this muted black and white ghost vision.¡± Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Ghost vision, can you please explain?¡± ¡°Yes, I have as you can tell by the bloodline ¡®Merit,¡¯ of Angel¡¯s Sight, but all it does is make it so my main eyes are effectively the blackened husks you see before you. Which lets me see everything around me in a limited ten-meter radius.¡± ¡°Everything?¡± ¡°Everything, though it all looks like I am dealing with ghosts. Honestly, this world is the worst thing that has ever happened to me.¡± Trenton said, clearly at a loss for his current status. Then pausing for a half second Trenton continued, ¡°smoking helps hide the sights, making it so I have to rely on my touch, but that never lasts long.¡± With that the reporter visibly perked up, realizing there was another thread to pull along. ¡°Now, I hear you have been with many women, all of whom wish to birth a child with you who might inherit either the awakened royal blood, or the Legendary bloodline of your race?¡± ¡°Yeah, but they are all ghosts.¡± Trenton says, his hands trembling as he was clearly distressed by the images that were coming to his mind, as he attempted to remember the past. ¡°Despite how they look on the outside, they are just ghostly shells of people. Imagine shadows with faint outlines of gray walking round, that is what people look like to me.¡± An awkward pause filled the air as the reporter clearly tried to figure out a smooth segway to the next set of questions. Tick-toook. The clicking metronome slowly grinded to a halt, thus proving the effectiveness of Trenton¡¯s bloodline flaw against simple machines. Seeing the machine, the reporter seemed to remember that there were some more questions that he had previously lined up, for just such an occasion. ¡°Now, I do hear that you have made quite the side hustle for being able to Awaken the magical abilities within others?¡± He asks, clearly drawing on straws trying to salvage what is left of this interview. Trenton, just shivers, before collapsing back and giving a defeated answer. ¡°Yeah, I can awaken the magical potential in others. Big friggin¡¯ woo. Come to me ladies, let me fondle your ghostly bodies and you too will be able to cast Tier II magic. Money or the spice, that¡¯s all it takes girls¡­¡± By the end Trenton was clearly close to either passing out, vomiting, or both. Seeing the state of the subject, the reporter quickly got up, grabbing his broken metronome, or at least attempting to, before he shook his head and just left it there. Then looking over his shoulder, the reporter looked to the other people who were gathered. ¡°You got all that right?¡± The reporter asked. ¡°Yeah, probably the lamest Legendary bloodline ever.¡± The large man in a pin striped suit said. ¡°Lame, but entirely necessary. With him, we can clearly make it so a perk of joining our guild is that everyone will at least be a Tier II magic user.¡± The reporter says, his calm fa?ade slowly slipping away as the entrepreneur businessman in him came out. ¡°What should we do with him?¡± The large man in the pin striped suit asked. ¡°Throw him back into the dungeon. So long as he doesn¡¯t realize he is being held prisoner, meaning so long as we keep him fed, and satiated, we can move our guild to newer and better heights.¡± The reporter said. *** (BiPrism News Anchor) There is a pause, as the scene showing Trenton Spiritlight being pulled away from camera slowly fades to black, revealing BiPrism¡¯s primary news anchor front and center. ¡°Yes, there it is, the follow up to our special on some of the problems of Bloodlines. Here it is clear that the Spiritlgiht Bloodline while all but guaranteeing magical prowess might be more of a curse than a blessing to most.¡± The narrator began. ¡°Also, after hearing about the ability of Angel¡¯s Sight, our team has done a full expose. Obviously, the ability for Cassiopeia to gain news happening from all over has been legendary, but we now have proof of just how legendary her abilities are.¡± There is a slight pause, as news anchor lets that sink in. ¡°For this story, we want to take you back to a few months ago. Just after Cassiopeia Spiritlight left the Arcanarus Tower, and first set out to the Legrand Empire.¡± With that the scene behind the news anchor switches to show Cass hopping from location to location, and ultimately stopping a mile away from the Legrand Capitol building. Cass stood like a superhero waiting to enact justice, surveying the city from the top of a nearby skyscraper. There in the background was the setting sun that showed Cass brilliantly facing at a forty-five-degree angle away from the capital building. While she stood, two pearl white tears formed in her eyes, and then solidified and fell to the ground. Clink, clink. Cass stood there, at the top of the building her fists clenched tight, as pain washed over her face. Then after a second, she let out a breath and nodded to herself, before Teleporting away. ¡°Here we have what was referred to as at the time as the betrayal of tears. Where Cass after having heard of how the Legrand army decimated the Maltese faction, where both Gollum and Hector were listed as casualties, she stormed the Legrand Empire and looked like she was about to exact vengeance. At least that was what we thought at the time. As everything seemed to line up to that. I mean here we have the image of Cass clearly in the Legrand Capital, where the Capital Building can clearly be seen in the background.¡± With that, the image rewinds a few seconds, to just before Cass Teleported away. ¡°But notice the slight flaws with that logic. First, the Capital building is clearly to her right. Now we know that she is blind, but normally she does tend to face in the direction where her mind is focusing. Which was why our team went ahead and did a little digging. We did overlays of important people in Legrand at that time, the most prominent being her estranged son Trenton. At the time he was noted as being on the far edge of the capital, more than ten kilometers away, so that theory was clearly cut out.¡± The news anchor said, but then held up a hand to pause everyone from what they were thinking. ¡°I mean, at the time it made sense. She had heard her two childhood friends had passed away, while she was the only one who could have resurrected said friends came back too late to make a difference. This even went to the fact that not one tear, but two tears were shed. But this theory never made sense to us, for why would she go to Legrand of all places if she wished to resurrect her friends. So, we did some digging, and what we found might surprise you. Now this is all speculation at this point, but we did digital overlays.¡± With that the scene once again switched, showing an image of Trenton from far away, and in a ¡°ghost¡± black and white silhouette vision at over ten kilometers away. Then that image overlayed with a ring around Cassiopeia, showing that if her range of vision was in fact ten kilometers, then based solely on the angle she was facing, she would be directly looking at her estranged son Trenton. ¡°We wanted to pose this to you. As poetic as the idea of tears being shed in a foreign land for two fallen comrades might be. What if Cassiopeia Spiritlight came to Legrand, only to find her son engaged in these activities.¡± With that there was a direct time overlay where it showed Trenton surrounded by blurred out naked women, while he smoked from a giant opium filled hookah. The two images lined up, as tears came to Cassiopeia¡¯s face. ¡°What if the betrayal of tears were not shed for fallen comrades, but for something far more prophetic. What if they were shed for the loss of her son to opioids for a second time¡­¡± The narrator said, before the screen around him went entirely black. Chapter 138 Open Patents Chapter 138 Open Patents A moment, that was all I had, all I needed to myself. My Magic Fundamentals class was over for the day. My next class wouldn¡¯t be until tomorrow morning for my Qi Manifestation class, meaning this was my time to relax. Meaning that I was free of all guild obligations and done for the day. What do I do with my free time? Well, like anyone I have my passions. Some of my students have their passions in inappropriate places, like each other, or certain spouses, but now that I am no longer actively involved in the Thieves Guild, I don¡¯t need to keep track of such events. Instead, I prefer to let others think they have their anonymity inside this world where we are literally viewed by millions at any given time. Kind of odd, really. While others might eventually have an affair or fling brought to life, by a watching relative, most people tend to be oblivious to the fact that their actions can and often will come back on them. Which is why me, I try to spend all my time and desire on my true passions, skill grinding. This is why I was so excited to finally get all the students kicked out. Everyone but my security detail is now gone from my teaching area, meaning I can finally focus on something I have craved to do for a while now. Yes, I have finally found the chance to finally improve my Gear Infusion skill. As Gear Infusion is one of the special skills I chose to focus on with the awakening of my legendary bloodline¡¯s Title, I already have some understanding of what to do. First off, I need to be quick, as basic metals tend to corrode due to my dueling Life and Spirit auras that are going off around me at any given time. This has helped me to come up with an understanding of both metals, alloys, and the fundamentals of the mechanical nature within this steampunk world we find ourselves in. Let me try to explain the nature of metals. First there are what I consider three tiers of metals. There are base metals, those that are both abundant, but easily degradable due to their very existence. These are Iron, Copper, and other light weight metals. Next, we have the second-tier metals. These are metals that are slightly more robust, and more durable. Oddly enough, precious metals like silver and gold fall into here, along with a few other metals that have odd characteristics to them like aluminum. Additionally, this is where alloys first make their appearance. Alloys, being the combination of two or more elements first appear in the tier two category as they are more resilient to external energies. This is where bronze, brass, and cast iron appear, all of which can be used to stave off one external elemental forces. Metals and Alloys from this tier are the basic tier needed to actually be used for Gear Infusion, as they are the only sources that can contain internal energies. Unfortunately for me, the fact that I have not one but two competing auras of different elements means that even using tier two metals or alloys is a no go, if I want to pursue my engineering side. It was a long costly time to realize this, and to realize that I truly needed the Midnight Hunters to fund my hobby, if I wanted to be able to actually create something that would last. This of course brought me to the third and final tier of metals and alloys. While this might seem like an easy understanding with a lot of potentials that could be expanded upon in the future, for now this will be my final destination for the sake of getting and using engineering components. Tier three for metals are the top of the line. These are the strongest base metals known in the world of biprism. These are your Tungsten, Titanium, Mithril, Oricalcum, and other rare metals that are generally placed in alloys automatically due to their individual weaknesses. The primary weakness is that most of these metals cannot hold an edge, meaning that for weapons and other critical tools, they will need to be made into an alloy with another metal that can be focused down to a stable edge. Again, as time goes on and my understanding of metals improves, I feel that there will be a fourth or maybe even a fifth tier of alloys that are perfect for creating both cultivating and magical machinery. For now, though I realize that the great part about tier three metals is that they can take both Qi and Mana energies. This tier of products are also able to withstand being in my vicinity without beginning to show signs of rust or extreme aging, which will prove invaluable if our guild ever tries to explore elemental realms, or better still sell items that are capable of withstanding elemental realms. This of course brought me to my first major discovery or creation with Gear Infusion. I was messing around with wiring, trying to create a component that was both bendable and able to withstand great pressures, while channeling energies. This was how I created my first, of hopefully many great inventions.
Personal Quest Complete: The New Gizo (Repeatable): You have managed to create a new item unique to the world of BiPrism. You have created a Multi-Threaded Energy conductor for non-electrical energy sources. Rewards: Experience, Title (Upgradable), Patent Rights. Experience gained: 2,500 / 1,250 / 1,250 Ding. Level up. Ethereal Healer has increased to level 210. Title: Innovator (I): You have invented one new thing never before seen in the world of BiPrism. Effect: +1% efficacy to all created products. Patent Rights: The creation of the item Multi-Threaded Energy conductor for non-electrical energy sources (Name pending) has been registered to Cassiopeia Spiritlight.
Do you wish to make this an open patent, or a closed patent?
The question about whether to make this an open patent or a closed patent caught me off guard at first, until I was then hit with an answer to my seemingly unspoken thoughts.
Open Patent: You make this particular patent available for all to be available where you will get a 10% experience royalty on all items that are made with this product.
Closed Patent: You are the only one who can sell, trade, or manufacture this product and you can limit the number of people who have access to the patent.
Seeing the two options, I realized what the heck. A 10% experience royalty was a lot, meaning that anytime people even incorporated this new wiring into their devices I would gain a phantom 10% of that experience back for levels. I also knew that I really didn¡¯t want to negotiate with people about money or finances, I mean even talking to Mallory about pay causes me to get flustered. But the idea that I could gain a level or two from my work way out here in the boonies, that would allow life to potentially be better for others, I honestly saw nothing wrong with that. Also, I knew that once I sold the patent the first time, copies of that item could be made of lesser quality, so while the patent itself could never be stolen, it could be mimicked, meaning that any experience or money I gained from that would be extremely limited. With that, I chose to make it an Open Patent.
Your choice to make Multi-Threaded Energy conductor for non-electrical energy sources (Name pending) publicly available has been noted. Would you like to change the name?
¡°Yes.¡± I muttered. Then thinking quickly, I thought anything would be better than that name that was clearly lacking. But then I thought about it and decided on, ¡°Qi and Mana circuitry.¡± The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. That was a terrible name, but in my mind it was better than the original bland name that would easily be overlooked that was first provided by the system.
Your Item: Qi and Mana Circuitry patent has been made publicly available.
I paused, hoping that there was some form of fanfare, maybe a burst of explosions or something. But nope, nothing happened. I had hoped for something to happen, like someone to ask how I came up with the idea. What my inspiration was, something? I mean I wanted to add that the circuit was capable of collecting all qi and mana pushed into it, thanks to the external mithril coating. That the golden threat was for Qi energy, mainly because that is how I see Qi, so it made sense to use the golden wiring for Qi energy. Then for silver, well that has been a staple in almost all old wives tales about hunting supernatural creatures, mainly because it is true, the metal is extremely capable of absorbing and channeling mana. Then just as I had this thought, the system asked.
Would you like to provide a description of the patent? As people are requesting an explanation.
With that, I paused, wondering who would already be aware of this patent? As that would mean they would have to be at the patent office directly and have seen the patent coming in. After a moment¡¯s pause, I figured it was some type of automated clerk that was forced to register all new patents. Realizing this was all free publicity, even if it was only going to be seen this one time, by an underpaid office worker who likely hated their profession. Lord knows, I would personally die if I had to be stuck behind a desk all day reading new open patents coming in. Still, I decided to use this as best I could and explain the item, its design and the different components.
Qi and Mana Circuitry: The next stage in energy cabling. The alloy is capable of withstanding the pressures and related corrosive effects of being in elemental realms. Using both gold threading to conduct Qi energy, which everyone is capable of producing with enough practice, along with silver threading for those who poses magical abilities, this wiring allows for many alternate energy sources for both machines and robotics not currently available with the standard electrical circuits currently available and mass produced. In short, this will mark the true start of the enhanced steampunk revolution. -Cassiopeia Spiritlight
Yes, it was a bit bombastic, and egotistical, at least for me. I honestly don¡¯t know why I decided to sign it, other than the fact that I wanted people to know that the creator of the item had written the review, even if it came across as conceited. But I really did mean everything that I wrote within that message. I thought that it was also a shameless plug for Qi training, which I and the Midnight Hunters Guild held a monopoly on, meaning there would likely be a limited run on this, as most mages stayed away from machinery due to the inevitable wear and tear that most tier one items suffered from long exposure to mages. But this was a tier three metal, meaning that even the toughest of conditions could be resisted.
Your comments have been judged, accepted, and verified. Providing final approved definition to Open Patent.
Once again there was a pause, as I expected a fanfare or something, but then was once again brought back to reality by the fact that no one cared. It was a niche product for a niche market that hadn¡¯t been developed yet. With that, I decided to go back to my work, as I still had to work on creating gears that could both turn and withstand the strain of elemental forces, along with two different competing energy sources. Then I had to create rods, pistons, pumps, hydraulic shafts, measurements, and resistance increasers. My goal for this was to create a machine that my Qi students could wear that would eventually increase the physical strain they were under, based on how much of their own Qi they kept pumping in. Of course, the way to fix this and make it a usable, by others, device was to switch out the hydraulic shafts to go outwards, thus being a force multiplier, but that would be what I would patent, while what I would provide for my students would be much more diabolical. Smiling inwardly to myself, I began coming up with a number of different Open Patents for items that could use both Qi and Mana for fuel, all of which would force my students to work harder to produce minimal results when worn. *** (Gwen and Mallory) On the other side of the field Mallory and Gwen watched as Cass began to cackle to herself evilly. ¡°Uh oh, what is she doing?¡± Mallory asked, unable to see Cass as her face was now mostly hidden by her face covering mask. ¡°She is clearly working on creating some sort of magical gear.¡± Gwen answered, using her Angel¡¯s Sight to see behind the outer layer of clothing and witness what her mother was actually doing. ¡°Is her third eye open?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yes, she is clearly focusing.¡± Gwen said, referring to the fact that when Cass¡¯s third eye was open, it often meant she was doing something extremely technical. ¡°Wait, she is quiet, what has she done now?¡± Mallory asked, suddenly realizing that Cass¡¯s mad cackle stopped. ¡°Oh, she can¡¯t laugh anymore as her tongue is now out.¡± Gwen said, then stuck her own tongue out to the side to demonstrate what she was talking about. ¡°Is she doing that little curl at the end?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Curl at the end?¡± Gwen asked, clearly confused by the question, until she focused on her mother and with a shock realized exactly what Mallory had been referring to. ¡°Yeah, that is kind of creepy, how does she do that?¡± Gwen asked. Mallory shaking her head, just sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But I do know that this means she will be stuck in her own little world for hours.¡± ¡°How long has she been like this?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know, isn¡¯t she your mother? Shouldn¡¯t I be asking this of you?¡± Mallory quipped back. Gwen just shook her head. ¡°If she was like this before, then I sadly never noticed it.¡± There was a silence as the two watched Cass who worked away oblivious to the fact that others were watching her. Well with Jhonny right next to her meditating, along with her regular guards taking rotating shifts of looking after her, it was clear why she didn¡¯t say anything to the fact that Mallory and Gwen both had taken a few moments to try to come by and check on her. ¡°Do you think she is doing anything important?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°With her, she is either breaking the very fabric of reality around us, or just trying to find a new way to read books without anyone being suspicious of her actions.¡± Mallory said, shaking her head. ¡°World domination stopped by a book fetish, who would have thought.¡± Gwen said, only half-jokingly. ¡°Lucky for us all.¡± Mallory said, joining in on the joke. ¡°So you think inviting her to join us for a walk would work?¡± Gwen asked. With that Mallory just stared at Gwen. ¡°Could you imagine her trying to slow down long enough to only walk, not run?¡± ¡°Yeah, it did feel strange after I asked.¡± Gwen said a slight smile to her face. ¡°Well, do you still want to go?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I would love to, though I have to be back early.¡± With that Mallory raised an eyebrow at Gwen. ¡°I do have class tomorrow after all.¡± Gwen said. With that Mallory just smiled and said, ¡°I don¡¯t envy you in the slightest. I hear your teacher is quite the taskmaster.¡± ¡°She is indeed,¡± Gwen said as she began to walk away. Mallory gave a cordial wave to the Captain of Cass¡¯s guards who were nearby to protect her if anything happened. Then with that she left. Just as the two had begun to leave, a sudden sound caused the two to halt in their steps. ¡°HAHA!¡± Cass cried out. Pausing, Mallory turned back to see the tiny form of Cass raising a tiny gloved fist in triumph. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°She created a new thingamajig.¡± Gwen stated. Hearing that Mallory just nodded, ¡°the old thingamajig.¡± After a few more paces Mallory asked, ¡°do you think it is dangerous?¡± ¡°What, the thingamajig?¡± Gwen asked, then seeing the nod from Mallory continued, ¡°not more than anything else she has created thus far.¡± ¡°Sadly, that is not that reassuring.¡± Mallory said. With that the two made their way on a slow leisurely walk around the compound. *** (The Legrand Empire, Patent Office) Franklynn had probably the easiest job in the kingdom. Why he was paid to sit in the patent office and wait for Open Patents to come in was beyond him. Most of the items that people offered up for free were nothing more than simple one-off gadgets or creations that would break, combust, or shatter before they ever got through completion. His job was a high paying job for the government, meaning that after twenty years of dutifully coming into the patent office, noting the different Open Patents and ultimately noting them as basic or lacking any true ambition, he would be able to retire with full pension and benefits, never having to look at another patent again. This was why on today of all days, fifteen years into his easy career, he noticed the first of many items that would slowly change his fate, allowing him to rise from a lowly GS-4, to a GS-5. The first discovery was of an absurdly expensive wiring solution. Something that was clearly going to get it marked in the too expensive to use, but noted bin of his patents he would take, copy and provide to the government. During the course of acquiring the patent, he even found the name to be bombastic. Qi and Mana circuitry. Now this was not Franklynn¡¯s first day on the job, in fact he had already seen a number of items claiming to be along this avenue. Which was why he went for the tried and true method of asking the system to provide a detailed description of the items being described. This would be the final nail in the coffin, as his skill and class, aided by the system, would let him see the truth, or rather the blatant lies that were provided by the patent creator. This was why he was shocked when he received a paragraph long detail of a new wiring solution that felt more like an over-the-top sales pitch. Yet, despite all of this the system and his skills showed that every word written was one hundred percent truthful. Even the parts about being able to withstand the environmental pressures of elemental realms, and being able to channel both Qi and Mana. Then his heart dropped as he saw the patent name creator, along with the name of the person performing the patent¡¯s description. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, the Cassiopeia Spiritlight. He paused, his heart racing as he thought about this and the discovery. Just when Franklin had composed himself enough to begin to leave, he saw another Open Patent drop.
New Patent Available: Qi and Mana Gear. Creator: Cassiopeia Spiritlight.
Seeing the system message, Franklynn felt his heart begin to pound as he pinched himself wondering if he was in a dream. But no, this was reality. Not only was Cassiopeia Spiritlight creating new never before seen items, but she was also making them publicly available. Then before he had a chance to recover, yet another item dropped, the third of what would be a dozen new components, all designed to revolutionize the world, and with-it Franklynn¡¯s career path. ¡°Oh you beautiful, beautiful monster.¡± Franklynn said, as he watched, waited, and recorded each new item and their descriptions provided by Cassiopeia and verified by the system and his class. Chapter 139 The Dream Chapter 139 The Dream ¡°Memaw. Memaw, I need you.¡± An echoing voice rang out in my mind. Instantly, I knew I was in a dream. My mind was awake and aware enough to know I had worked well into the night, creating different parts that I would eventually need to string together to form a new training suit. I understood that, I even realize that right now part of my delusion might be the fact that my neck was at that odd angle, as I fell asleep slumped over my work bench. I could tell as I had a slight pinching pain in my left arm as it had fallen numb. I knew all of this, and yet, despite slowly feeling my mind awaken, I heard the voice of my great-granddaughter Cassidy, or Cass for short. She was named after me, well her name was inspired by me, but it was close enough that I was excited by the naming. Which might be why she of all my great-grandchildren was my favorite. I remember her fondly, as she was six and a half years old when I began the transitioning process to join the world of BiPrism. Yet, now after all this time I am met with a fourteen-year-old version of Cassidy. How I know it is Cassidy, I don¡¯t really know, it is that weird insight that is only available within dreams, like how you see a blob that is talking and instantly your mind tells you that it is your significant other cheating on you. That last one actually happened to me, where I saw him cheating first in a dream, then found out the event actually happened at exactly that same time as my dream. I knew dreams were an odd part of life, which is why I always place value in the messages behind them. Yet, for some reason this dream didn¡¯t feel like a dream. More importantly, this was not my dream. ¡°Memaw, I¡¯m scared, and I need you.¡± The voice of little Cassidy rang out, this time I couldn¡¯t help but call out and answer. ¡°What is it?¡± I ask. There is an odd double echo as I think I am speaking both in my dream and in real life. ¡°Memaw, it¡¯s mama, she¡¯s sick. She has cancer again, and this time the chemo won¡¯t work. I need you.¡± ¡°What do you need?¡± I asked, suddenly scared as I realized the pain in her voice was real. ¡°I need you to show me how to heal her.¡± She states. ¡°Show you how to heal?¡± I ask, the thought coming across as absurd. She can¡¯t heal, that requires magic, and magic didn¡¯t exist, not really. Then I saw it, the spark within her. It was tiny, small and almost invisible to most, but there was still a spark within her. At that, I gasped ¡°you have the spark?¡± ¡°The spark?¡± She asks, desperately. Then I can see that the spark is slowly dwindling. It takes me a second to realize why, her spark is being used to talk to me, but how. ¡°You need to get stronger, you need to¡­¡± I say, but then the connection grows faint, as I see the last lights of the spark within little Cassidy dwindle away. ¡°No, come back. Come back.¡± I cry out, now that she is gone, I can¡¯t feel the connection. But now that the connection is gone, I can feel the pain that was welling up within her. The pain, frustration, and above all sadness that comes from intense grief. Cassidy, my little Cassidy was hurting. ¡°No, no, no.¡± I began crying out, desperately trying to remember how the connection was made. There had been a magical link between the two of us, of that I was certain. Mentally I began reaching out with my own magic, trying to reform the connection back to Cassidy. I was so focused that I could feel the spell being created and woven. I was there, I saw little Cassidy passed out over the bed of her mother, my granddaughter, when suddenly the world began to violently shake. Spinning. ¡°Wake up. Wake up!¡± Distant shouting. I couldn¡¯t stop, I was so close, but then it happened. SMACK! I felt a hard smack against the side of my face and suddenly I was pulled from the depths of my spell, from my vivid dream, and back to reality. Well back to the reality that I had accepted as my final resting spot. ¡°Huh, what?¡± I said groggily, as my mind began interpreting all the millions of impulses that were around me. I saw Mallory and my daughter Gwen right next to me. Behind them were my guard captain, and of course Jhonny who was just now darting within the room. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I thought she was safely sleeping.¡± The guard Captain said. ¡°She was.¡± Mallory said, resting her hand on her chest. ¡°Then suddenly I got an urgent quest from the system to wake Cass up quickly before she¡­¡± with that Mallory trailed off. Or rather her lips moved, but no sounds came out. After a second of everyone looking at her, it was clear that she realized she had been muted, as if the contents of that emergency quest. There was an awkward pause, until finally Gwen spoke. ¡°I too received an emergency quest to wake you. It said you were creating spells within your sleep?¡± At that I paused, thinking to myself. Had I been casting spells within my sleep? I mean I did want to cast a spell and having seen the spell being used to reach me, I was able to mirror it back. Yet, I didn¡¯t create a spell, that or if I had created the spell, the system either couldn¡¯t keep track of what I had done, or more mysteriously didn¡¯t want me to know what I had done. I paused, my mind was reeling. Had it all been a dream? It felt so real. But then, if it was a dream, why were Mallory and Gwen both given the task to wake me up. Then a thought came to me, I needed to check on something. Turning my face to Gwen, a useless gesture as both Gwen and I were completely blind, or at least close to it with our Angel¡¯s Sight, and given that her third eye wasn¡¯t currently open she had no reason not to see me. I turned to her and asked. ¡°Your daughter.¡± Since this was Gwen, mentioning her daughter would be easy as it would be known exactly whom I was talking about, as she only had one daughter. ¡°She is back in cancer treatments?¡± Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! With that both Mallory and Gwen looked shocked, but Gwen was the first to recover as she nodded then replied. ¡°Yeah, how did you know she had cancer again? She didn¡¯t fall ill until about three years ago.¡± There was an awkward pause at that, as she was clearly referring to the fact that I had been in this world for the last seven years, and since Gwen was the only one who spoke to me from our children, it would have been hard for me to know other events from the real world, than ones she told me. And a quick mental log between our short correspondences showed that Gwen was right, she never told me about how poorly anyone in the family was doing. As she never wanted me to be concerned with what was going on in the real world, as I had other things to worry about in here. ¡°Nothing, just intuition, I guess.¡± I said, dismissively. Either I came across as being so esoteric that such a comment was deemed acceptable to the dilemma posed. Or my daughter realized that if I didn¡¯t want to say anything, not even trained interrogators could pull the words from me. Silence. ¡°So, how are you feeling?¡± Mallory asked, a note of concern in her voice. ¡°I feel fine.¡± I state and meant it too. I even stretched my arm, swinging it about and letting the last few traces of prickling nerves go away. Mallory and Gwen both nod in a sort of synchronized union. I almost comment on that, but then decide not to, they can keep their secret, well what they think is a secret. ¡°So I think it goes without saying that we should likely cancel classes for today.¡± Mallory states, turning to Gwen. I almost let out a sigh of relief at the idea, but then realize that I need to use today as an idea comes to mind. ¡°Wait no.¡± I say. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asks, turning to me with a note of confusion on her face. ¡°I need to teach today.¡± I state, and mean it too, as I intend to impart some knowledge to Cassidy. If it was her, then she needed to get stronger, and I knew just the exercises that could help. ¡°You literally almost broke the world by casting a spell in your sleep.¡± Gwen said, pointing to the corner where I had fallen asleep on a pile of specialized gear parts. Gwen was right, but at the same time, I couldn¡¯t leave Cassidy in the dust. Then pausing, I realized Jhonny was still there. Then looking at him, I see something that makes me want to reach out to him specifically. ¡°Jhonny, you want to learn the basics about magic, right?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Jhonny said, flustered, but instantly alive and excited by the prospect. ¡°Okay, clear my schedule for today. Instead, today I will just teach Jhonny the basics of magic. You can let anyone else who wants to learn about magic join in, but I will only teach Jhonny for now.¡± I state, as I realize there is the same faint spark of magic within Jhonny as I saw within my little Cassidy. I don¡¯t know if this was a sign from my dream to teach Jhonny, or if I am just projecting my sudden and unnerving need to use Jhonny as a proxy to teach Cassidy how to use the spark within her. But at this moment, I know I will not be able to do anything else. ¡°You are going to give a fundamentals of magic seminar today?¡± Mallory asked. I pause, hearing that, then nod. ¡°Yes. All other classes have already been given tasks and techniques to improve upon. But today, I will focus on teaching the basics of finding magic, balancing yourself, and circulating magic within yourself to then generate more magic potential.¡± ¡°You are going to show people how to increase their magic potential?¡± Mallory asks, a note of skepticism to her voice. ¡°And you are going to start with Jhonny here?¡± I pause realizing the weight of the words, and then nod. ¡°Yeah.¡± With that Mallory turns from me to Jhonny. ¡°I am entrusting her to you. Don¡¯t make me regret it, and most importantly, don¡¯t let her do anything crazy.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Jhonny states emphatically. Scoff. At that Mallory just laughs at Jhonny, clearly thinking he is a bit too na?ve for his own good. ¡°We will just be going over the basics of magic.¡± I state. There was momentary tension as Mallory clearly didn¡¯t want this to happen. But then seemed to come to her senses as realizing getting me to focus on anything other than a hobby or magic was nearly impossible. Taking a deep breath, she reluctantly nodded. ¡°Well, I guess this is better than her blowing up our fort by creating a spell in her dreams.¡± Mallory said. Then after a moment¡¯s hesitation she paused and turned to me, ¡°just what spell were you trying to cast anyways?¡± Trying to? Nothing, I had that spell, and had little Cassidy never fallen asleep I am fairly certain that I would have connected with her and been able to help. Though I am certain that my way of helping might have broken something about the world we are in. I realize that, as to why Gwen and Mallory both were given urgent quests to awaken me so quickly. There are a few more moments of talking to ensure I am correct. Even one where Gwen jokingly stated, ¡°do we need to put you on a curfew?¡± I did take exception to the slight, but I realized it was all good fun and that Gwen and Mallory both were genuinely concerned about me. That was way I decided to let the sleight and any repercussions slowly fade away. Finally, after about an hour I was in the middle of my practice field with just one student sitting before me in the lotus position. Seeing Jhonny there, I bowed and made sure to thank him for his assistance today. ¡°Jhonny, first off, I wanted to thank you for always being with me and pushing yourself as hard as possible. I know you haven¡¯t opened a unique Qi class, and we will work on that, later. But for today, I need you to go through the basics of Mana Circulation. I will teach you how to first feel your mana and then we will go from there.¡± With that Jhonny just nodded. He opened his mouth to speak, but I cut him off. ¡°Today, I will call this lesson the Cassidy, named after my great granddaughter who so happened to be named after me. Well sort of.¡± I state. ¡°Cassidy?¡± Hearing that, I nod, ¡°yes Cassidy. For Cassidy, we need to set a few ground rules and assumptions. We will state certain things here that might sound odd coming from me, but I need you to just listen, nod and carry on like nothing had happened.¡± With that Jhonny looked visibly confused, opened his mouth, then closed it, clearly not understanding what was happening. ¡°Yes, as you have guessed, this training will be for my great granddaughter, Cassidy. I hope she finds it, and if not, then I hope someone directs her to this feed. Regardless, you like her have a few in common.¡± I state. ¡°With your great granddaughter?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°Yes, will you keep up.¡± I snap. With that Jhonny winces slightly but ultimately nods in acceptance. ¡°Good, now the first thing is you both, have magic and have even used magic. Though right now you are both at the instinctual level of magic. You might get faint calls to do something, to reach out to someone, to try to connect with someone.¡± I am beginning, trying to describe how I think Cassidy knew to reach out to me, even in my dream. ¡°Yes, that is exactly what happened. I knew that if I came to you, I would open my magic.¡± Johnny said, excitement evident in his eyes. I almost wanted to chastise him for stopping me in the middle of my speech, but then stopped myself. Pulling off my hood, I showed my face. Me being in a fourteen-year-old avatar¡¯s body might be easier to connect with Cassidy, which is why she might have reached out to me. Regardless, if she can reach out to me from the real world with her magic, then she just might be able to save her mother, with magic. I know, this is all crazy. I am in a dream world that I could only dream about as a kid. And yet, my dream from last night was so vivid, so real that even now I can¡¯t shake it. So, if I need to teach Jhonny to use his untapped potential in magic to possibly be able to train Cassidy, then I will take that chance. Once Jhonny is done talking, I nod. ¡°Now, the most important part for you is to take your internal mana, just as you did when you had these feelings. I want you to think back to those moments and concentrate on the area where that idea first sparked. Logically, you are going to choose your mind, as all thoughts begin with your mind. But that is wrong. I need you to look inside yourself and find that very spot where the idea for magic first manifested. Find it, and when you feel you have found it again, I want you to point out exactly where that spot is on your body.¡± With this, I open my third eye. Jhonny, of course has a hard time not turning his Qi, as he has been so focused on that for the past few days that using his Qi is almost second nature to him at this point. I almost wanted to tell him to stop, but then realized that would likely confuse him more. So instead, I just let him try to find his mana on his own. Then to my surprise, faint blue sparks of energy begin circulating through his body. They flicker and flare up for a moment, then stop. But all the while they seem to be drawn inward to one exact spot on his chest. From there, he gets an odd look of shock on his face, but then quickly recovers as he once again focuses on the exact spot, then points to his heart. Well not quite his heart, but where the basis for his mana core is, finding the spot he focuses and then I see sparks of mana flow to that exact spot. Now if this is just a matter of dreams mirroring reality, or me just remembering the layout of Jhonny¡¯s meridians and imposing them on a mental image I had of Cassidy, I don¡¯t know. As the reflection and symmetry between what I see in Jhonny now, and what I remember existing in Cassidy are almost too close to be dismissed casually. Still, I focus on the lesson as I try to at least teach Jhonny the beginnings of how to unlock his magic potential. ¡°Good, now imagine that there is a magnet in that spot, and you are trying to pull in all mana to that point.¡± There is a pause as Jhonny does just this, and as he does I try to explain what I am seeing and how to improve the process. ¡°Good, now that you have pulled all the mana to your core. Your next task is to send that clump of mana back out. Just like you did for the magnet that pulled in the mana, now I want you to imagine switching the polarity of that magnet and pushing all the little mana particles away.¡± Slowly, over time Jhonny does just that, he managed to send away those tiny sparks of light. Then once they are at the very edge of his body and far away from his core I give him the next step. ¡°Now repeat the process. First pull in all the mana within your body to that one spot, your center. Then push it out, then back and forth. This will help clear up your meridians, once they are cleared we will go onto the second stage.¡± ¡°Cassidy two?¡± Jhonny adds. At that I pause, now I know I am terrible at naming things, but this is just bad. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t think of anything better myself, so I just nod and go with it. ¡°Yes, we will go onto the Cassidy two point zero, but only after you have mastered this portion.¡± ¡°How long will that take?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°Depends, how many times are you going to stop the exercise to talk to me, versus being able to do both talk with your mouth and move your mana simultaneously?¡± ¡°Right.¡± Jhonny said, and with that he lowered his head and focused. Seeing how diligently he was trying, I couldn¡¯t help but feel bad that I felt like I was snapping at him all day. ¡°Good job. I really do appreciate this.¡± I said. ¡°What? Getting one-on-one guided directions from the Doctor herself. No, this is nothing, and most importantly it is working. I can already feel the mana, and better still I already have new skills that have opened up to me.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± I asked intrigued, as I am always ready to learn new skills, particularly skills related to magic. ¡°Yes, Mana Circulation, and Mana Sense.¡± And like that, my dreams of stealing new skills was dashed. But at the very least, I proved that I could get Jhonny to unlock his magic potential, meaning that hopefully if Cassidy had been watching she too might be able to follow the instructions given. At least that was my hope. Chapter 140 The Missing Patrol Chapter 140 The Missing Patrol ¡°What should I do next?¡± Jhonny asked, clearly excited to know what the next step of the process would be for learning magic. Especially now that he had a concept of what the basics were for simply moving magic within his body. ¡°Next? You haven¡¯t even mastered the basics. Why would you want to even try to understand what comes next.¡± I state, again feeling that I am a bit too hard on Jhonny, but he needs to have his expectations reset. ¡°Oh, come on. I will get this down in no time, and then I will need to know what this leads to.¡± Jhonny said. I stared at him, not wanting to give him more than he can handle and trying to find the nicest way possible to say this. ¡°Please?¡± He asks, a not of annoyance and joy in his words. Sigh. I am a push over, I know, but I can¡¯t help but feel for him. Here he is clearly showing a deep love for magic, even though he is clearly terrible at it, but I can¡¯t help but feel for him. ¡°Fine, I will show you the next step. But if I catch you or see you doing this before I give you permission to move on, we are done. Do you understand me?¡± I state. ¡°Yes, please, show me.¡± Jhonny asks. Huff. ¡°All right, the next step, after you can successfully cycle your mana through your body. After that, we are going to go onto the next stage of control. Cassidy 1.1 or what I call the dallop.¡± ¡°The dallop?¡± Jhonny asks. Hearing him, I nod, and then holding out my hands I attempt to begin the next step of this training. But before I can do that, I realize I need to do a few things. First, I need to add ambiance to my mana, to make it glow. Then I need to use a bit of Illusion magic that will follow my glowing mana in real time. ¡°Yes the dallop, or roughly a nickel¡¯s worth of mana. That is what you want to eventually be able to manifest on the outside of your hand.¡± I state. Then I proceed to show said dallop, making sure that it glows with a bit of bluish Illusionary light. The reason for the bluish light will be evident in a second. ¡°With the mana in your hand, you need to be able to generate it, and control it. While it is being manifested in your hand, you need to retain full control over the mana. Then we will do circuit training.¡± I state, and here is where the rest of my Illusion magic comes into play, as I ¡°reabsorb the mana, pull it down your arm, through your core, then follow the parallel pathway to your other hand and have it appear on your right hand.¡± I state. As I speak, I of course continue casting the image of the glowing dallop of mana, and show how it runs through my body and then manifests above the glove on my right hand at the same time the image shows. Again, what you do as a teacher is so much tougher than just doing the magic as you have to make a whole production out of it, and that is just what I do to show this point. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°What do you mean that¡¯s it?¡± I nearly hiss. ¡°I don¡¯t know, it just seems a bit anticlimactic.¡± Jhonny states. Shaking my head. ¡°That is why you are not allowed to progress to that point yet. As clearly you have no idea how tough the action I just showed was.¡± ¡°Oh I understand, that was a level of control beyond what I¡¯ve ever seen. The fact that you were somehow able to make the mana glow from within your body, even though you are wearing clothes is especially impressive, but I don¡¯t know that whole process seemed a bit¡­¡± He trailed off not quite knowing how to state his thought. Hearing him, I felt myself getting perturbed by his statement. He had barely gotten to the point where he could control the mana flowing within his own body, a pressurized container for containing his mana. Then for him to say that it seemed, well I don¡¯t know as he trailed off, but it was clearly underwhelming if his tone had anything to say about how he felt. ¡°Easy.¡± Jhonny finally stated. ¡°Easy, you thought that was easy?¡± I state, realizing that even the level five hundred mages we have can¡¯t do what I just demonstrated, at least not to my standards. ¡°No, the action is very difficult, and clearly shows your mastery over the craft. No, what I meant by easy was that it is something everyone could do to improve.¡± Jhonny states. By the time he is done, I let out the steam that I was building up. ¡°Good, as long as you can understand the fact that it is meant to be an improvement to your abilities.¡± With that Jhonny nods his head, then goes back to slowly cycling mana within his body. I know he is just learning, but it takes all my self-control not to cringe every time I see him sloppily spray the mana away from his core, then give one pull in with his core, then back out. He is getting better, but it is a slow and painful process. I guess the best way to describe it would be when my youngest son took up the violin and I swear he was part necromancer, as I could hear the dead cats used to make his strings calling out from beyond the grave. Yes, I know metal cords can¡¯t come from cats, but still, it was painful to hear and suffer through. This is almost the same, but I have to let Jhonny fail on his own, as it is his body, meaning he needs to figure out how to do this on his own. Silence. Well silence except for the imaginary cats calling out in pain as I imagine Martin¡¯s first few violin lessons being reimagined by Jhonny¡¯s cycling of mana. ¡°Thank you for this, by the way.¡± Jhonny states after a few moments and clearly needing to take a break from throwing the mana about wildly within his body. ¡°Not a problem.¡± I state. ¡°I know I¡¯m not the most talented of students.¡± ¡°No, no you are not.¡± I answer truthfully, apparently a bit too truthfully as Jhonny¡¯s face falls with that. Seeing his face, I can¡¯t help but try to console him. Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. ¡°Calm down. You are doing fine, and at your rate you will be a magic user in no time.¡± I reply. ¡°Can I ask why?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Why what?¡± ¡°Why you would work with me, as I clearly have no talent, at least not compared to the others.¡± Hearing his answer, I can¡¯t help but pause for a moment. Then I decided to tell him the truth, ¡°because you try hard. That and you clearly have a genuine love for both magic and Qi, something I can¡¯t help but be drawn to myself. So, if I have to sit through a few hard days to make it so I finally have someone that I can share my true insights into magic with, then I¡¯ll do it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s your answer, your love for magic?¡± Jhonny asks. I pause, trying to see if there was something deeper to it, but then realize no. That is why I do enjoy this, then I pause as I realize I do actually enjoy this. Every screaming tortured cat second of it, I do realize that I enjoy sharing the gift of magic with others. ¡°Yeah, I guess so. I wish there was something deeper to it, like I felt with a few dozen minions under me I could rule the world. But no, that would be boring.¡± I state. ¡°Ruling the world would be boring?¡± ¡°Yeah, have you seen how much paperwork Mallory has to fill out, and she is just a Guild leader. I could only imagine how many piles of papers I would need to work and fill out ruling the world. That is not something I wish on my worst enemy.¡± I state. ¡°To think, we are saved from your tyrannical rule of magic, based solely on the fact that you hate paperwork.¡± ¡°And people, don¡¯t forget I dislike people.¡± I add. Chuckle. At that Jhonny clearly begins to laugh. ¡°I don¡¯t believe that for a second.¡± ¡°Oh trust me, I dislike people.¡± ¡°Yeah, but I think your level of dislike and most other people¡¯s levels are two different standards. Take for instance the guy who tried to kill you the other day.¡± ¡°Which one?¡± I ask, trying to make sure I am getting the reference correct. ¡°Exactly, you have people actively trying to kill you, and all you do is either send them away or make it so they cannot talk about you. Honestly, I wish I had your ability just so I too could make it so annoying people would stay away from me.¡± Jhonny answered. ¡°Is that what you want magic for, to get annoying people to leave you alone? Because if so, I have another thing for you. So long as you talk to people, you will invariably find someone who is annoying, I should know, as I am clearly one of those people to others.¡± ¡°Yeah, but¡­¡± ¡°Thanks for preserving my honor there and stating I am not annoying.¡± ¡°Oh, you are, but you are at least self-aware enough to realize that you are. But what makes you unique is that despite that, despite knowing that you will grate on people¡¯s nerves, you are unabashedly yourself, and that is pretty cool.¡± Jhonny said. With that, a bit of wind caught my eye, as I felt a slight swelling of moisture. I am about to say something when I notice the guard captain in charge of my security running forward. ¡°Well, it looks like we are done with this little training session.¡± I state as I stand up, put on my hood and quickly hide the fact that I was caught off guard by the fact that one of my students called me pretty cool, despite constantly telling him how he was failing. Jhonny for his part seems at a loss, until the guard captain rounds the corner at a full sprint and then runs right towards us. ¡°Doctor, there has been a development.¡± The guard captain said, his words coming in at a crisp pace. ¡°What sort of development?¡± I asked. ¡°It seems that one of the patrols has found the entrance to the old elven king¡¯s tomb.¡± The guard captain stated. ¡°The elven king¡¯s tomb?¡± I ask, trying to get caught up. ¡°Yes, you know how there rumblings have been and complaints about us looking for the threatening voice of the ancient elven king, only for no one to find anything. Well now it seems that there is a lead.¡± ¡°A lead?¡± ¡°Well not the best of leads, but it is a start. In the newly established western city district, two different groups of patrols have gone missing.¡± The guard captain said. I was about to ask for more, but apparently that was enough.
Hidden Guild Quest Initiated: The Ancient Elven King¡¯s Rest: Members of your guild have managed to find the entrance to the Ancient Elven King¡¯s tomb. Your goal is rid the lands of the ancient elven king and finally claim full ownership of the lands. Rewards: Completion bonus to other guild territorial conquests. Experience, New Skill, variable.
Seeing the quest pop up before me I knew three things instantly. First, I finally knew the reason Mallory kept having us only clear up swaths and patches of lands, never quite going to the full twenty acres in any one spot, but having multiple spots that when added together would be close to if not exactly at the guild maximum of a hundred total acres. The second thing I knew was that I was clearly being called due to my being a Spiritlight, and thus automatically neutral to all ghosts. I even had a plan for how I could get rid of this ancient king. The third thing I knew was that, I was going to do this quest regardless of whether I was asked to go or not. New skills? Are you kidding me? The only thing that could be better would be a collection of new books to start carving up in my free time. But books were likely one of the last things I had so many projects to get off my plate, everything from my two unique potions, one of which I could mass produce. Then there was my whole magical-mechanical-mech projects, there was probably something else that I needed to do too. ¡°Oh yeah, and Mallory said that this takes priority over your classes, so you are given the next two days off to take care of this.¡± The guard captain said. With that, I almost did a little happy dance, as I thought I was going to get a break from teaching. Of course, it was Jhonny who broke the illusion of me getting what would effectively be a three-day vacation. What with me apparently almost breaking the world last night and all. ¡°Isn¡¯t tomorrow Saturday?¡± Jhonny said. I paused at that, then realized. ¡°I don¡¯t teach classes anyways on the weekend, do I?¡± I asked for clarity. ¡°No, ma¡¯am you do not. That is why Mallory waited until now to tell you about this new development.¡± The guard captain said. With that I blink, or at least I attempt to, maybe I do, but it doesn¡¯t change the fact that I can still see everything around me for ten kilometers in all directions. ¡°Why didn¡¯t she tell me earlier today?¡± I asked. ¡°Well she wanted to, but then saw that you were busy teaching Jhonny and she decided to give you what she called, the morning off.¡± The guard captain said, trying to add comedy to his words but missing impressively. ¡°You know, this is likely why I don¡¯t know your name.¡± I state. ¡°What? You know my name.¡± The guard captain says, a painful note filling his voice as he clearly seeks validation and I realize I am a horrible person and might have gone too far. I try to call for his name, but for the life of me, I can¡¯t remember if I¡¯ve heard it. ¡°Oh look at that.¡± I say, pointing off to the right. The moment everyone¡¯s eyes turn to follow the direction of my finger I Teleport away as if I was never there. There is a sudden pause as Jhonny and the guard captain both look back confused. Jhonny even reaches out to see if I just turned myself invisible to no avail. Then they begin to look around. Of course I am no where near them, as I am almost two kilometers away at this point. Then realizing I have some distance to cover I go ahead and Teleport the rest of the way until the start of the new western fields. I can see a few clusters of guards, and a few different buildings that are being unearthed. I am about to ask for directions, when I notice the unmistakable sensation of the Spirit world reaching out and saturating a portion of the land with its unmistakable musk. When I first got my class, I would have felt a sudden weight and fear at the dense smell and sensation of Spirit Mana, but after spending so many months in the Arcanarus Spirit Tower, I now associate the feeling of leaking Spirit Mana as a form of comfort. In no time I find myself drawn to the entrance. Poof. ¡°Halt who goes there!¡± A guard shouts out, fear and confusion clearly in their voice. I turn my head at him, trying to understand if this is some type of test. Then I realize this is one of the newer guards, or at least one that didn¡¯t spend too much time with me during our initial subjugation of this area. Before I can say who I am, a senior member of the guards comes forward and berates the man. ¡°Can¡¯t you see that is the Doctor?¡± ¡°What? The Doctor?¡± ¡°Yes, the very Doctor who will teach us all Qi, eventually.¡± The guard leader said. As he spoke I can remember his aura, he was clearly one of the initial two hundred students that I had for Qi training, of course he didn¡¯t make the cut of unlocking a unique class. This might be why I think I hear a bit of disdain in his voice. That or maybe it is just me projecting my own insecurities on the man. But before I can say anything the first guard continues speaking. ¡°What, sorry about that. With that costume and on account of where we are, I guess I got a little jumpy. I thought you might be one of those malevolent ghost kids running around attacking people from the shadows.¡± The guard states. ¡°Ghost kids? Have you even seen a ghost kid?¡± I ask, wondering what this person is going on about. ¡°Well no, but I reckon Jake and Holly didn¡¯t either, which is likely why they are now missing.¡± The first guard states, a note of certainty to his voice as if he somehow solved the complete mystery by himself. I just shake my head at the notion. Then turning to the leader of this group of guards. ¡°I was told I had permission to enter. Do I need to do anything or sign anything?¡± I asked. The guard leader just looked at me, then said. ¡°No, honestly, we were told to wait for you and take orders from you. When it comes to the spirit world and anything remotely magical, we are to defer to you at all times. So, you tell us what you want us to do, and we will do it.¡± At that I paused, realizing that I was clearly being taken seriously. I couldn¡¯t help but stand up a little straighter. Also, I was glad for the mask, as I felt a sudden smile cross my lips as I realized they were right, of everyone here, only Gwen and I would be seen as neutral to the ghostly residents of the spirit realm that had been uncovered. ¡°Good. So keep a perimeter here. Seal off the area, and don¡¯t let anyone else enter.¡± I state. Then pausing for a moment I make a note, ¡°also if you see a pair of level 950 dire phase wolves come by, don¡¯t get in their way. If they stick around tell them I went in and that I will be back in a day or two.¡± Silence. Judging by the look on the lead guard¡¯s face, he has at least heard stories about Kujo, but everyone is told to give him a wide berth when he comes onto the territories, as he generally only wants to interact with me and then leaves just as quickly. ¡°Haha, oh that is a good one.¡± The first guard said, ¡°you nearly got me there.¡± With that everyone stares at the first guard until he looks even more awkward. ¡°You especially should just try to avoid him.¡± I state, pointing to the first guard. Then before anyone can say or do anything, I quickly move past everyone and enter the Spirit Realm.
Now Entering: Ancient Elven Tomb.
Seeing the message, I take a step through the portal to an entirely new realm, that¡¯s when I smile to myself as I feel like I am home again. ¡°This is going to be fun.¡± Chapter 141 The Knight Chapter 141 The Knight ¡°Howdy!¡± I exclaim excitedly as I happily wave to the spirit guards who are on duty. Now I must admit that this is my first time being in an alternate realm since I¡¯ve been back and I might be a little punch drunk on the nostalgic energy covering the place. I also have made it a point to go around without my face covering on, just in case people need to see me in order to realize I am a Spiritlight. I know that will be my number one way of avoiding getting attacked here, recognition that I am not a threat to spirits. Which if my gesture and the guards¡¯ confused stares are anything to go from, then yes, it is working. I am being noticed as easily as if there was a twenty-foot glowing neon sign behind me flashing Free Chicken Nuggets, Just Cluck or Pay a Buck. Yes, I did have to wear that sign while in college to make ends meet, and while it was not twenty feet tall, it was neon, so, that story was only slightly embellished. Of course, at the time I was wearing an over sized chicken costume and holding out trays of chicken nuggets as if I was roleplaying some kind of reverse cannibal. Wait, where was I? Oh, right in the middle of a giant alternate spirit realm that looked sort of like the world we were slowly uncovering under tons of dirt and sand. Then I remembered my whole reason for being here, the two missing patrols. Thinking of them, I scanned the area and surprisingly found them rather quickly. I won¡¯t get into the auras of the living versus those of the dead, but living souls are rather easy to distinguish. Mainly because they have huge green wisps of life energy flowing off of them and slowly getting devoured by the spirit realm. Seeing their auras, I realize they are slowly dying, as most living things do when they enter the spirit realm. Well, most creatures do this, regardless of what alternate realm they enter as most of the time they are not meant to enter such deadly conditions. As for me, the reason why I am able to survive here is because of my Death Shroud, one of my first-class merits for when my class was just a Void Walker. I still have that merit, even though my class has evolved twice since then, though the function of Death Shroud has oddly never increased. With the shroud, I can protect up to three others from the effects of going to or from the spirit realm. Most of the time I have a shroud permanently locked on Zero, and for a while I had a second slot locked on Mallory while we were both actively climbing the Arcanarus Tower together, but now I don¡¯t really need to cover anyone. Namely because Zero is secure in the spirit tower, and Mallory is secure out in the mortal realm. Meaning that I can get to the four guards and save three of them with my shroud. At that, I do wonder if they are going to do a mortal dilemma like that on me. Pose the question of whom to save. Of course, I¡¯m going to save everyone because that¡¯s what medics do, but we won¡¯t tell the world that yet. ¡°Hey?¡± The guards reply, their words a bit confused. Apparently, they aren¡¯t used to someone saying howdy, I don¡¯t blame them. It does take a certain level of enthusiasm to pull it off, otherwise you need to settle for a standard hello. They seem confused, more than tense, which is good. I was going to ask them where my guild members are, but I can clearly see that they are about three miles away, near what appears to be a sacred site. I am guessing that is the tomb that I was supposed to look for, especially as it has the elvish runes for Tomb of The Immortal King. I am about to ask about them, when I feel a much fainter source of Life Magic that is surrounded by a cacophony of Spirit Magic. Even from here I can feel powerful but discordant notes of magic being struck and plucked from the air. ¡°Can I ask for some advice?¡± I ask the guards. The guards who look flustered at the fact that I would dare talk to them pause for a second, then answer. ¡°How may we help you, my lady?¡± A guard wearing a royal knights armor steps forward. If I had to guess, this would have been the final boss of the entry team battle. Shiver. Just seeing the knight stride forward confidently, I can¡¯t help but be attracted to their grace, poise, and dare I say their faint control over magic. Not much, but it is clearly there, that faint trace of magic that elven nobles are almost sworn to have. I pause, wondering what it is about this elf that causes me to be so enraptured. The knight walks right up to me, before stopping, then he did the most dramatic thing I had ever expected. Especially from a hostile force, in a hostile realm, far away from any form of help or assistance. He kneeled. As he kneeled, the guards who had also been around him awaiting for him to take action also kneeled. Then bowing his head and resting his arm against his chest, the knight spoke. ¡°My Lady, I apologize if my men did not treat you satisfactorily, as they would not be able to determine those with an awakened bloodline above Royal Lineage, as such your magnificence would be lost on them.¡± The Knight spoke. Then as he spoke things began to make sense in my mind. Well slowly, this was an odd concept, but I finally understood why I was attracted to him in much the same way that I was attracted to being around Mallory, and Gwen. Though Gwen was muted, I thought my connection to her was due to that whole family ties, but now I think I had a deeper understanding of the world at large here. ¡°I take it that you have your own bloodline awakened?¡± I ask, wondering if this is in fact the case. ¡°Yes, your grace. I am a mere descendant of the royal De¡¯Arcaneri bloodline. Honestly, I am surprised and honored that someone of your stature would even be able to recognize someone of my lowly status.¡± The Knight said. As he spoke, a number of things suddenly made sense. Here we were seeing how the world intended people of awakened bloodlines to act and react to each other. This was so much fun, as I could feel my mind awakening with new thoughts on how the past civilizations must have worked in these worlds. I also could feel the effects of an awakened bloodline more clearly now. That shiver that I felt earlier, that was the resonance of their bloodline reaching out and interacting with mine. Odd, as I didn¡¯t see any true magic at play, meaning it must be some form of deeper energy that I am not yet ready to notice. Much like how Qi was so hard to pick up at first. Then just as I have these thoughts and ideas come to my mind, I get a series of system prompts letting me know I am on the right path.
New Skill Gained: Bloodline Sensing has reached level 1.
Bloodline Sensing is a Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
New Skill Gained: Ancient Elven Lore has reached level 1.
Ancient Elven Lore is a Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, and Intelligence based skill.
Then just like that, I knew my Guild quest was already paying off as I got two new skills to grind out and explore in my first few minutes. It is odd how I never got the bloodline sensing skill before, but I never had a way to think that it could be detected until now. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Focusing on the knight, I felt like I could begin to see the telltale differences between a person with Royal blood and those with Legendary blood like myself. The obvious difference was the auras that were exerted by both of us. While I had dueling auras of Spirit and Life energies based solely on my bloodlines. This person had auras as well, his was Wind and Holy, but his were due to his levels being so high, over anything else. Focusing, I had a hard time exactly understanding what it was that his bloodline did for him. Mine made me a magical spotlight, but his was odd. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t quite understand his bloodline, at least not right now. Which I hoped I could get better at reading, the more I stuck around him, and thus the more I improved my new skill. Then something about his words caught my attention. ¡°Did you say, De¡¯Arcaneri?¡± The knight nodded, then answered while never raising his head from the ground. ¡°I did indeed.¡± ¡°Oh, please stand up, this is going to be hard carrying on a conversation like this.¡± I said gesturing for him and for the other guards to stand up. Honestly it was a lot of kowtowing, and I could care less for that sort of show. ¡°Stand at attention men.¡± The Knight said, realizing that no one else would notice my gestures for the others to rise. ¡°There we go.¡± I said, once everyone was once again standing. ¡°Now I have to ask, are you in anyways related to Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri?¡± Hearing the word, the Knight looked shocked, even going so far as to stumble backwards slightly before catching himself. Then after a moment¡¯s pause, he held his hand to his chest and answered, ¡°yes, though that is a name I have not heard in a long time. That is the name of my sister, who we sent off to safety before the Blight claimed our lands and our lives.¡± Hearing that I nodded, having expected something along those lines. ¡°Well, I have come with good news. Your sister dedicated her life to finding a cure for the Blight, and even in death she could not be stopped. She came up with the initial spell formula for Cleansing Rain, which we are using now to fight back the Blighted lands and bring life back to the world.¡± I said. ¡°You, you know of her?¡± The Knight asked, his words caught between astonishment and disbelief. ¡°Yes, I guess you could say I was a classmate of hers for a time. She showed me what was required to get a doctorate from Arcanarus University.¡± I said, and meant it too, for I knew that if I hadn¡¯t seen her get one, I likely would not have pushed myself so hard to climb so high in the Arcanarus Tower. Of course, following on Mallory¡¯s coat tails did make the process rather easy. ¡°You went to the Arcanarus University?¡± He asked, a note of incredulity to his voice. I almost wanted to snipe something back, but then realized he likely meant something about me being just fourteen years old. I wanted to say my age looked younger due to my cultivation, but figured that would be a different argument entirely. While I couldn¡¯t quite prove that I had a cultivation core that made me appear younger and more youthful, I did have my degrees, which I proudly displayed.
Arcanarus University Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Surgical Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy and growth rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Now I am not one much for bragging, but sometimes it does feel pretty good to boast about yourself. I figured in this case, this was one of those low key humble brags. Gasps. The knight and his entire retinue of guards all gasp at the sight of not one but two different doctorates. ¡°You, you graduated with honors?¡± The knight stammers out, reaching forward and holding his hand out as if asking for permission to read my degrees. Seeing as they are soul bound and that they will regenerate, even if he destroys them or tries to steal them, I shrug and hand them to him. ¡°Honors? How can you tell?¡± I ask. ¡°The golden paper with black stylist writing, that is the true indication of a graduate with honors.¡± The Knight said, turning back to seemingly confirm his thoughts with one of the older looking guards who just nods. ¡°Oh.¡± Is all I can say, as I never noticed a color in the papers, stupid being blind, thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight. No wait, I don¡¯t regret that exchange at all. I gave up seeing my golden paper to be able to witness magic at the cellular level, I will take that any time over being able to distinguish basic colors. I thought about it, and then realized that of course I would graduate at the top of my class, as I was literally a class of one. Regardless of how you slice that, I am going to be the top graduate for that year. ¡°Is it true that to get a Doctorate from Arcanarus University you need to create and be able to cast a Tier VII magical spell?¡± One of the guards asks. I pause and realize that is exactly what Octavia did to get hers. Then pausing I realized that I too had done the same to get mine. ¡°Yeah, sounds about right.¡± I state, nodding. ¡°What spell did you create?¡± The Knight asked, picking up the thread of conversation. ¡°Just a few. Like Blight Purification, Resurrection, Blight Immobilizing Cleansing Rain.¡± I began, but I could tell that the people looking at me were a bit skeptical at this, so rather than just stating what I had done, I decided to bring forth the list of spells I had created. I dismissed the spells that were chosen as part of my class evolutions, and got rid of the spells created when I was either Sabrina or Tobias and instead just focused on the ones that would match the degree. At that, I had the question of whether I could get degrees as both Tobias and Sabrina, but then decided to quit that as I gave time for my different spells that I created to sink in.
Spirit Blight Purification (C): [Tier VII]. A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
Resurrection (C): [Tier IX]. A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, used to bring a spirit back from the dead.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard spell inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Attribute Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Attribute inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Skill Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Skill inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell: Curse Removal [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can remove any curse that is Tier VIII or lower. For tier IX curses, a contested battle of wills will need to be conducted to determine a victor.
New Spell Created: Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of the targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 10% increase for 24 hours. *Spell Restriction: This spell must be cast on two people simultaneously, who are both willing participants. **Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell: Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight and allows the caster to create a perfected body for a newly deceased soul to reside in. Effect: Spirit is resurrected into a body deemed to be the peak physical form for their race and will experience a period of enhanced youth and vitality because of this. Negates any detriments caused by old age, such as painful joints, decreased muscle and bone density, or other effects associated with aging.
New Spell Created: Spirit Drift [Tier VI] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, and allows the caster the ability to defy gravity by having their spiritual weight substitute for their actual weight. Reserve: 25% of Maximum Mana.
New Spell Created: Polymorph: Divine Double Wings (Pearl) [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Sabrina Spiritlight and allows the caster the ability to permanently grow two sets of elegant wings. Mana: 10,000 (total) to cast, Reserve: 5%.
New Spell: Conjured Magical Spirit Orb [Tier IX] (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that creates a highly compact magical construct that is infused with Spirit, Life, and Nature magic.
New Spell Created: Glitter Burst [Tier VII] (a): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that allows the caster to create a distracting burst of light, that will then coat anyone caught in the blast radius with mana particles. Good for entertainment, tracking, and light scale vandalism.
Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain (C) [Tier XIII]: A master work spell involving dual spell work latices, created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. This rain will both immobilize people suffering from the Blight, while simultaneously curing them of the affliction.
Only after seeing everything did I question my want to point out the fact that I had found a way to bypass standard magic, skill, and attribute inhibitor cuffs. But then realized they might focus on other spells, like the aforementioned Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain, that spell is as hard to say as it is as hard to cast. I can safely say, my want to cast a Tier XIII and beyond spell is officially over, as those spells require a lot of focus and time to cast correctly. Then before people can have time to find out about my more devious spells, I dismiss the pane of spells created. When I look back at the crowd, there is an inherent silence, until finally the number two in control here asked. ¡°Did I see that correct?¡± He asked. At this, I wondered if he saw the fact that I could easily bypass standard security cuffs. Well at this point I was fairly certain I could bypass all cuffs, standard or otherwise, but I decided not to go down that hole and get him to make me confess. ¡°Depends, what did you see?¡± I ask, almost waiting for the statement to come. ¡°You created a Tier VII spell,¡± he began, and I could almost feel the accusation rising. ¡°Called Glitter Bomb?¡± ¡°Glitter Burst, but yes. It was to help win a race and I told the slow grandparent that I was racing against to eat my sparkles, then she did.¡± I state. Silence. There was a moment of complete silence that befell everyone present, before everyone started bursting out laughing. I even cast the spell to show what I was talking about. Glitter Burst. POOF. Everyone was covered in so much glitter their partners would swear they went to the clubs. They all stared at the glitter in awe and then panic. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it is just mana, it will evaporate in time.¡± I state, saying the best part about the spell, the fact that it is biodegradable. ¡°Just mana? But it glows so brightly?¡± One of the guard states. ¡°Idiot, of course it does, that is the mana of a Legendary bloodline owner. Of course, it is going to be more intense than normal.¡± I wanted to correct them stating that I had made it that way, but then decided to dismiss that as I see the magic of my spell getting pulled off to the distance towards the other faint source of Life Magic I saw earlier that was not related to my guild members. ¡°Can I ask, what is that over there?¡± I state, pointing off into the direction that the energy from my spell is clearly being pulled off to. ¡°Oh that, it is probably best you stay away from there.¡± The Knight said. Poof. Of course, I was too fascinated by what was happening to really listen to such remarks. Which was why I Teleported towards the source of odd magic, and towards what would appear to be a Lich. Chapter 142 The Lich Chapter 142 The Lich A Lich, how do you know you are in a Lich¡¯s lair, simple. A Lich is both extremely powerful and not at the same time. They have an immense power over Death energy, but this one clearly lacks a well-balanced feel for magic, making him weak on so many levels. First of all, there is the fact that he is all bones and Spirit energy that has one fine line of weak concentration leading to a grossly beating heart in the other room. If I had to guess that was its phylactery, or some other enchanted device used to keep the Lich¡¯s life going on longer. As for the Lich¡¯s lair, it was everything I had sort of expected and less. There were grand arrays set up and designed all around to collect ambient mana, pull it in, process it, and ultimately convert it over to Life energy that would then be consumed by the being that was nearly pure energy at this point. Just entering his lair, I knew two things, first he was exceptionally high in level, the second thing was that I wasn¡¯t too impressed with what I saw. ¡°Who dares to enter my lair.¡± The Lich bellowed out, its deep rumbling voice echoing in the open chambers as he began calling forth energy to form an attack spell. The only problem, the spell he was casting was weak, well weak is not the correct term. There was clearly a lot of power to it, I guess loose would be a better term. The spell focused on power rather than form, and was cast by someone who I would swear was at the beginner stages of magic. Honestly, I was almost embarrassed for him, I mean here we are, going against a full-grown Lich, someone thought to be the pinnacle of Death magic, and what are they doing? Creating spells that are worse than the ones that my daughter and a few of my more advanced students could cast. Dispel. Without thinking, I dispel his attack, before it even gets started. All while turning my back on the Lich, going around trying to check the warding circle. It seems familiar somehow, but I can¡¯t quite remember why. The whole array looks like it was built on great principles, but then had to be adapted slightly and the person doing the adapting did not have a creative bone in their body. Chuckle. I laugh at my own joke about the creative bones, being that I realize the Lich, who is all bones likely created this. Bad form, but I couldn¡¯t help it, as I thought it was a bit funny. ¡°You dare mock me?¡± The Lich stated, almost yelling, as even more magical energy began manifesting and forming in his hands. The spell he was casting was one that was clearly augmented by his Death aura that seemed to permeate every inch of space around him. Power-Dispel. Once again, I cast dispel, this time I don¡¯t just break apart the spell, but I vibrate the energy wave as it enters his sphere of control, disrupting the spell causing the mana to disperse wildly from his grasp. This is the same thing as you come in carrying a fully made cake, and your kid trips into you, slapping the cake causing it to fly everywhere. Not that this happened, but it would be really annoying to any mother, especially when the kid who destroyed the cake was not the birthday child. Fun times being a parent. Then just as expected, the workings of the old array system around me spark to life. In seconds the energy that had been dispersed gets pulled out and away, towards the various arrays around us. In my mind I am mentally mapping out this place, as the array is inefficient, pulling in a lot of different energy types and then converting them to Life energy, which I assume the Lich needs in some way. More than likely the Life energy is needed to keep the heart still beating in the other room. Again, though this whole thing seems super easy to solve, or defeat. As all it would take is a slight tug of magical energy to slice through the magical umbilical cord that attaches the Lich to its still beating heart. That is partly why I am not really afraid of the Lich, as I am fairly certain I could take him out with one well place Qi strike. That is the other reason why I was drawn here, Qi, or rather the runoff from the inefficient array seems to be producing golden Qi. Just seeing it from the entry way was setting off my treasure hunter¡¯s instincts. Then to get here, I find out that the golden view I see is not actual gold, but the golden energy of Qi just being drained off and allowed to pool together in a chamber below us. I should have known better, as real gold has a faint color to it, one where you could see that there is the ability for it to resonate well as a magical foci for enchantments and the like, but it doesn¡¯t glow like this to my senses. Is it odd that I am more excited about a possible pool of golden Qi, than I would be about a stack of gold bars? Now all I need to do is find a way to this run off. In a way it is gross, as I almost imagine this being similar to going into an old Burger joint and finding out that if you dug your way under the pit where you poured out your grease at the end of the night, you would find it had congealed into treasure. Still despite that thought, I am determined to find a way to get to the vat of Qi energy. Looking at the array work, I can¡¯t help but be amazed by the whole process. Not the array mind you, as that is a poorly constructed design. But rather, I am amazed to see that somewhere in the conversion process, of taking other mana types to Life magic particles, part of the residue that is left behind is a drop or two of Qi. Meaning the vat under the chamber floor must have been set up and collecting these drops for years. ¡°You dare!¡± The Lich bellows angrily, as it glides forward. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t want to start a fight. I just saw your waste, down there,¡± I say, pointing to where I see the pool of Qi ultimately getting funneled to. Then I continue, ¡°and wanted to take it away so that your array could continue working as expected.¡± ¡°Gah!¡± The Lich, who was clearly now and had always been a mage who always skipped leg day lumbered forward and tried to attack, as it moved a black scythe similar to the one used by Mallory appeared in its hands as it swung. Sigh. Celerity. I almost feel bad, but then use Celerity to slow down the world around me. Realizing this is a powerful Lich, and one that will likely need to be put down quickly, I spring into action. I infuse Qi into my fingers, not much, but I remember seeing the different focal points that came to life during my last duel where I used Celerity, and remembered that nothing seemed to stick until I infused energy into my fingers. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. This time I do the same, lashing out and striking at the few glowing points of energy on the Lich. Though there is something off, as there are no true golden points, likely as this is an undead creature I am fighting. Still, at the acupuncture points, where I would expect a golden glow of Qi, I see the bright blue light of mana. Realizing those are likely the same pressure points, just adjusted due to the undead opponent, I reach out and strike those with my Qi infused fingers. Poke, press, chop. My hands and fingers move with lightning-fast movements. Both hands lashing out and striking at the now extremely slow-moving Lich. The Lich is moving so slowly that I almost didn¡¯t think I needed Celerity, but that said, I knew not to take any opponent lightly, especially not an opponent that was so many levels above me. Crunch, crackle, pop. There were faint sounds of bones breaking and snapping from the course of my blows. In a matter of seconds I lashed out ten times, finding multiple critical spots and applied pressure. Then moving around the Lich, I reached out and gave a powerful glowing open palm strike to the Lich¡¯s back, right where its glowing core was. Golden Palm Strike.
Hidden Quest Complete (Upgradable): Forging A Qi Path: You have started down the path of true Martial Mastery, developing the first strike that incorporates Qi into an attack. Results: Experience, Title (Upgradable), New Martial Ability, New Martial Skill. Experience Gained: 5,000 / 2,500 / 2,500 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 107. Title: Qi Path Creator (I): One who has begun the path of a Mystical Martial Master. Effect: Variable. New Martial Strike: Golden Palm Strike: An attack move designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, an attack infused with Qi that can disrupt or disable the spells of magicians. Effect: Deals Strength Plus Skills damage to the magical core of a spell caster. Note: This is upgradable.
New Martial Skill: Golden Palm Strike has increased to level 1.
Golden Palm Strike is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 skill.
Seeing the message, I realized I might have gone too far. Especially as those messages generally only come after you have done something reckless. Instantly I stop my Celerity, and wait. There is a moment as I am there, standing at the back of the Lich, seeing it still winding back to strike at me with its manifested killing scythe blade. Then the next, there is a slight riffle in its billowing cloak, as the movement I made to get behind it is registered and causes a wind gust to be generated. Then I see the Lich slowly begin its downward strike, only there is something inherently wrong, as the Lich sort of melts? Yeah, melts would be the right word. It melts as parts of bones and rib cages crumble away from the Lich¡¯s chest, which is on the opposite side of me. Crack. There is also the quick cracking and fracturing of the Lich¡¯s core, which also causes the pile of bones to collapse faster. ¡°Shit.¡± I curse out, as I thought the Lich could take the strikes given its exceptionally high level. But apparently, I was wrong. It is at this point that I realize in this new magical equation Qi would be the soap, while Death and to a minor extent Spirit magic would be the grime that gets dispersed. The two forces are not even close in terms of scale or capability to deal with each other. Seeing the Lich break apart, I could almost swear that this dungeon would be perfect for a squad of Qi warriors to go through, as damage almost seems to be doubled, or even more against undead creatures like the Lich here. Then I see the spirit of the Lich reemerge from the broken pile of bones. For the moment he appears to be a regular elf, slightly pompous, especially with he look of disdain that it has for me. Then I see it trying to follow its lead to its phylactery in the other room. Reaching out, I grab the spirit with a glowing magic hand. Now that my Celerity is deactivated, I can once again use magic, a fact that I am grateful for, as I intend to fix this. How do you Resurrect a Lich? I don¡¯t really know. I assume I could just put it back into its old body, but that seems a bit backwards. Sort of like I¡¯m only doing half the job that I could. ¡°Hey, do you want to be resurrected as a pile of bones.¡± I say, pointing to the collapsed pile of bones and magic core dust that soils the ground. ¡°Or do you want to be in your real body?¡± The Lich just scoffs at me. Then I see the moment its hands begin to glow, as his face is filled with malicious intent. It is clear that he still wishes to attack. This time I don¡¯t block the strike, instead I just use a slight Dispel on the glowing hands, while testing out a theory and cycling my internal glowing Qi. ¡°HAH!¡± The Lich cries out in anger, as its fingers try to wrap around my neck. Only with the protective shielding of its magic disrupted by my spell, its spiritual fingers end up making direct contact with my neck. There is still a bit of pain that I feel on my end, as at this range I am not able to apparently disperse the full spell of the Lich, but I did manage to disrupt enough to both survive the strike, and immediately begin to Heal myself. Sizzle. The fingers of the Lich began to burn away, as the unprotected energy of its free-floating spirit met the golden energy of my internal Qi that I was purposefully pressing into my skin in an effort to make my skin more resilient to the Lich¡¯s spirit attack. Golden Body Radiance.
Hidden Quest Complete (Upgradable): Forging A Qi Path (II): You have taken the second step in forging your true path as a Martial Master. You have developed a way of infusing Qi directly into your body as a means to help resist and stave off attacks. Results: Experience, Title Upgrade, New Martial Ability, New Martial Skill. Experience Gained: 5,000 / 2,500 / 2,500 Title: Qi Path Creator (II): One who has begun the path of a Mystical Martial Master. Effect: Increased damage and resistance to undead. New Martial Ability: Golden Body Radiance: A defensive ability designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, by infusing pure golden Qi into your body you can strengthen your body and its resistances. Effect: Reduces direct damage effects, twice as effective against undead attacks. Note: This is upgradable.
New Martial Skill: Golden Body Radiance has increased to level 1.
Golden Body Radiance is a Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, and Willpower based skill.
Once again, I see that the powers of the body are extremely powerful and seem to be anathema to the undead. This in a way makes sense as the living and dead do not get along, the presence of Qi might explain why creatures like Zero take continual damage in the real world, as the ambient Qi might be slowly breaking down their ectoplasmic shell. Of course, I will have to do research into this, but I do think I have hit on a potential goldmine here for different ways to expand our understanding of magic and Qi both. Sizzle. ¡°HISS!¡± The undead Lich hisses out in pain as it pulls away its still burning fingers from my neck. In seconds I heal the wounds caused with both Qi, Regeneration, and subtle Healing magic. As expected, some of the Healing magic is pulled away and dissected to for both Life magic, with the now expected Qi run off residue. Boom. At this point the Knight and his Lieutenant from the entry way had found where I had gone to. It didn¡¯t take much, as the Lich¡¯s spells are so loud and pompous that they can likely be seen and felt from all over the city. Seeing the Knight and Lieutenant, I don¡¯t know what they expected to find. From the shock on their faces, I assume they expected me to be laying on the floor being dissected by the Lich. Which is why they seemed totally shocked to see me holding the spirit of the Lich in mid-air, my hand glowing blue while golden light came from still open wounds around my neck. ¡°Are you done?¡± I say, shaking the Lich that has both hands pulled away from me like I am some type of volcano monster. Thinking about it, I guess that isn¡¯t too far of a stretch, all things considered. I apparently do burn to the touch, and judging by the other spirit¡¯s reactions I do give off a bright glow that is easy to see and be frightened of. ¡°You, you attacked me, then killed me, and now you dare torture me!¡± The Lich hisses out, clearly trying to garner sympathy from the Knight and Lieutenant that are just staring at me. At that, I blink, as I am totally caught off guard by the sudden outburst. ¡°You attacked me three times. Then when I went to disable you, you collapsed like an old bag of bones. I am sorry, had I known you were so brittle I would have gone easier on you.¡± ¡°Brr, brittle, you dare call me, Arch-Mage De¡¯Gravitas brittle?¡± The Lich¡¯s ghost stammers out. ¡°What else do you call collapsing and breaking apart from a few quick taps.¡± I answer. ¡°Taps? You call those Taps, you assaulted me with, well I don¡¯t know what. Also, my spells, how did someone of your stature negate my spells so easily?¡± The Lich said, clearly calming down as he realized that for the moment he was safe, as I was already using my mana to reform his body and keep it from dissolving into nothingness. ¡°Your spells are sloppy.¡± ¡°Sloppy?¡± The Lich shouts. ¡°Yeah, there are students at the local community college who can do better.¡± I state, thinking of Penelope and a few others who clearly have more control over their mana than this Lich who has supposedly had thousands of years to practice. ¡°Let me guess, you think you are one of these students who are better than me?¡± ¡°First, I am not a student, I am their instructor. Second, I am clearly better. But again, you are missing the point.¡± I state. ¡°The point?¡± ¡°Yes, do you want me to Resurrect you back as a pile of bones, or as your old elven form.¡± I say pointing first to the pile of bones on the ground, then to his spirit. ¡°What?¡± Was all the Lich could say, clearly confused, especially as the Knight and Lieutenant who had been charged with protecting the city looked on at the two of us, clearly not wanting to intervene in the fight that was taking place between the two of us. ¡°And what of you two, why are you just standing there?¡± The Knight just looked at the Lich with a questioning glance, then answered, a slight knowing sneer forming on his lips as he replied. ¡°Forgive us oh great one, but we figured if the great Arch-Lich could not handle the intruder then what were we mere mortals supposed to do?¡± At that, I could tell that this Lich was a piece of work in life, and now especially so in unlife. With that, the Lich turned to me. I made sure to lock gazes with him, or at least I tried to. His eyes flashed with a magical resonance, it was a spell meant to improve his own sight, which is why I let it go. Then taking a look at me, he shuttered. ¡°You, what are you?¡± Seeing the once proud Lich quiver in my hand and try feebly to get away, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Hahaha. In the confines of the Lich¡¯s lair, my laugh echoed out in odd disharmonious tones that sounded like I was a little unhinged. Even the Knight and the Lieutenant wilted away at the sound of the laugh. Then I answered honestly. ¡°I am¡­¡± Chapter 143 Liches Getting Stitches Chapter 143 Liches Getting Stitches ¡°I am the person who will Resurrect you, then I am going to take a quick dive into your Qi run off pool over there. Then I am going to save my Guild Members who are currently being interrogated by your King.¡± I state, speaking slowly while trying to gain control over my emotions as I explain in detail what I will do next. With that all three of the elven ghosts just stare at me. ¡°You, you mean that don¡¯t you?¡± The Lich says, still leaning back as much as possible while pointing to me with their burnt finger. ¡°You believe everything you are saying.¡± Shiver. I didn¡¯t shiver, but the Lich did, he visibly shivered in my kung fu grip. It wasn¡¯t but that is mentally what I was calling the technique of holding the spirit in place with my own mana infused hand. Then I got a system message letting me know that my thoughts had been registered and accepted.
New Spell Gained: Kung Fu Grip (C) [Tier VIII]: A strengthening spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. By channeling energy into your hand, you can grab hold of anything, forcing the object you hold to maintain its integrity until you finally release your hold. This spell can even keep a spirit from dissolving into an alternate realm.
Okay, yep, I have bad naming schemas. But I do want to point out that this is further proof that Mallory¡¯s point about all the bad names of different skills and abilities were all my doing. At this moment, I want to truly apologize to everyone who must travel after me in my footsteps. As that was probably the worst use of Kung Fu Grip possible, especially as it had nothing to do with Qi, making it a complete misnomer. A real Kung Fu Grip would involve Qi, and¡­ NOPE. Going to stop right there. My hand is currently the only thing keeping the Lich alive, last thing I need is to accidentally set his soul on fire with golden Qi while I work out what a real Kung Fu Grip would be. I mean, logically it would involve doing what I¡¯ve been doing with my hands already and just focusing the pure golden Qi into the tips of my fingers. It takes me a second to realize that I am doing this with my left hand, my currently free hand at this moment. My Qi Control is so precise and so natural at this point that just thinking about sending the Qi to my free hand makes it happen. For a moment, I marvel at just how far I have come, being able to continually channel Mana with my right hand, while trying out new Qi techniques with my left hand. Then it happens. FWOOM! The golden Qi manifests in my left hand, coating the entire hand in a layer of gold, with particular strength added to my left hand. This is a mirror of the mana that is in my right hand, and then it happened. Lose attention for one second, trying to marvel at how pretty something is, then boom. Golden Kung Fu Grip.
Hidden Quest Complete (Upgradable): Forging A Qi Path (III): You have taken the third step in forging your true path as a Martial Master. You have developed a way of infusing Qi directly into your hands to both grip and destroy items based on your will. Results: Experience, Title Upgrade, New Martial Ability, New Martial Skill. Experience Gained: 5,000 / 2,500 / 2,500 Ding. Level up. Ethereal Healer has increased to level 211. Title: Qi Path Creator (III): One who has begun the path of a Mystical Martial Master. Effect: Further increased damage and resistance to undead. Able to Infuse Qi to parts of your body at will. New Martial Ability: Golden Kung Fu Grip: A strengthening ability designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, by infusing pure golden Qi into your hands you can strengthen your grip and preserve or destroy the integrity of objects you grasp. Effect: Increases the overall grip strength of your fingers and can provide either Protective or Destructive properties to the item you are holding. Note: This is upgradable.
New Martial Skill: Golden Kung Fu Grip has increased to level 1.
Golden Kung Fu Grip is a Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, and Willpower X2 based skill.
¡°What, what are you doing?¡± The Lich suddenly stammers out, fear evident in its gaze as it sees that I have both leveled and now have a golden Qi infused hand. A hand that likely could easily cut through this Lich¡¯s spirit and turn him into paste. I do have to wonder about this world, where I get nothing for killing, well disabling the Lich. But then thinking about ways to defend myself from the Lich, that is when I get all types of levels, titles, and most importantly skills. Not saying I approve of this line of learning skills, but this might explain why I haven¡¯t learned many new skills recently. Thinking about it, I look down and shake my hand, while also mentally forcing the Qi to disperse deeper into my body. With the imminent threat of my Golden Kung Fu Grip over, I really want to do a hiya at that, but I¡¯m not, at least not out loud. I do have some dignity, possibly, maybe somewhere. Silence. Everyone is staring at me. I guess I did the whole thing of looking like I was brandishing a firearm in an office building. All the ghosts around me are tense and likely rightly so. With that, I decide to do a bit of magic. Still shaking my hand, I manifest my surgical degree from Arcanarus University. You know, using the whole golden glow of my hand to then manifest what is apparently a golden soul bound surgical degree. ¡°Let me introduce myself. The name is Cass, Dr. Cass if we want to be specific.¡± I say while moving the degree closer to the Lich¡¯s spirit face. At first the Lich does that thing where they shrink back, but then I can tell they actually start to read the words on the degree. ¡°You graduated top of your class as a magical surgeon?¡± The Lich asked, clearly confused, and then with trembling hands, pointed towards the degree. ¡°May I?¡± Hearing that, I nodded and let him grab the degree while I let go. He held up the degree, as if looking for a watermark of some kind. Then, to my surprise there actually was a watermark, after he infused it with magic, the degree lit up showing that there was a certified seal of approval underneath the top layer of the page. Seeing that, the Lich¡¯s jaw dropped. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°You are an alumni of the Arcanarus University?¡± He asked. ¡°Yeah, the place was a blast.¡± I say, meaning it too as I recall how the place literally exploded due to a ritual gone wrong. There is a pause as the Lich clearly wants to say something. Having a hunch, I beat him to it, ¡°did you know I even met Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, well her ghost?¡± At that the Lich pauses, as I begin to explain my meeting her. My helping her finally turn in her final thesis paper on Cleansing Rain, and then her subsequent post-mortem Doctoral Degree. ¡°So you mean it when you say you can Resurrect me?¡± The Lich asks, a note of confusion, curiosity, and hope in his words. ¡°Did you not read the degree, and its effects on Ethereal Energy?¡± I state. ¡°Yes, but you must understand.¡± The Lich says, then pauses a look of resignation on his face as he seems like he is going to confess to breaking the prize vase. ¡°I don¡¯t know what Ethereal Energy is?¡± At that I sigh, but then I get an idea. ¡°You know that local community college I was talking about SVC, well I happen to be a teacher there.¡± I state, making sure to leave out the fact that I am the only teacher there at the moment, no need to ruin a potential student¡¯s enlistments. ¡°You would teach us?¡± The Knight commander who had been watching all this time burst in. ¡°Yeah, if you can learn why wouldn¡¯t I want more capable students.¡± I say, meaning it too as we need to have a high pass rate to get accredited. My thinking, if we get more students that already seem capable, then getting accredited would be easy. ¡°Right now, we offer four different degree paths. Qi Manifestation, Magic Fundamentals, Magic Resonance, and Enchantment.¡± I state, before continuing. ¡°I would not recommend the Qi Manifestation path for any of you.¡± Then turning back to the Lich, I state, ¡°I do think you might learn a lot from our Enchantment courses. You are close with your array, but there are still parts that you can improve upon.¡± I state. ¡°What? My arrays are perfect?¡± The Lich says defensively. ¡°Oh yeah, then why is there a pool of what appears to be toxic sludge to you all being produced as run off, underneath your floors here?¡± I ask. At that, the Lich looks first flustered, then straightens out as that elven entitlement seems to come back to him. ¡°I did that on purpose.¡± ¡°You purposefully put toxic sludge under your floors?¡± Then thinking to myself, I smile inwardly as I pose this final solution. ¡°I tell you what as an apology for destroying your body, I will Resurrect you, then clean up that pool of energy under your floor.¡± I state, pointing to the glowing pool of Qi that is all but calling my name at this point. ¡°I¡¯m sensing there is a catch to your magnanimity.¡± The Lich states in a surprisingly accurate way. ¡°Yes, in exchange for my help. I will need you to talk with your king about releasing my Guild Members.¡± I state. The Lich looks at me, then ponders for a moment. ¡°Deal.¡± The Lich says, instantly holding out their left hand to shake my own, only to stop as they realize that this might be deadly. Seeing his hesitation to touch me, I almost laugh, but just nod my head. ¡°Deal.¡± Then turning to the two others who were in attendance I ask, ¡°you all heard the terms of the deal right?¡± ¡°Yes, your majesty.¡± The Knight said. ¡°Majesty?¡± The Lich asked, but he was unable to hear anything as I began reforming his boney form. It was clear he was more attached to the spectral body that could float, versus being land bound with legs. Honestly, after flying around weightlessly for a bit, I couldn¡¯t blame him, floating is so much more convenient. Resurrection. Everyone watched in amazement as I began creating my own body for the Lich, using stronger and denser bones. Ones that could survive a light tap. I know, creating a more deadly Lich might not be in everyone¡¯s best interest, but this was also a potential student, and clearly a high ranking official of this new Spirit world that was clearly over leveled for the standard people of our guild. Meaning that unless we built up cordial relations with these people, more patrols would be lost over time, and they would all likely go towards fueling the army we were fighting against. Honestly fighting against the undead and in particular Liches and Necromancers was a losing proposition, most of the time. We did have Qi, but most of the people with Qi currently were weak and just beginning to understand the complexities of the new energy source. I am of course thinking all of this, as I go through the process of doing Perfect Resurrection on the Lich. Then using my real Kung Fu Grip, the spell, not the Qi one, I force the Lich into the new body. Then bind the spirit tightly to the new frame, using methods that were better than the ones the Lich used. Even going so far as to strengthen its mana core, and then finally reestablish the thread to the still pumping phylactery in the other room. Then once it is all over, I pause. Then finally I let go of the Lich¡¯s spirit. WHOOSH! Then just like Lich rises. Cackle. ¡°Ahh, hahahaa, the power. The extreme power!¡± The Lich cries out, looking down at his boney hands in disbelief. ¡°I have been reborn even more powerful than before!¡± Words that might otherwise sound menacing, just come across as praise to me. ¡°Yeah, you had a lot of wasted parts and duplicate loops to your mana. I fixed most of those with my Perfect Resurrection, giving you the perfect form of your body to use and maneuver.¡± I state. I pause for a moment, while the Lich goes about stretching out and trying out its new body. The Lich¡¯s aura range has been increased, and it begins casting spells a lot faster than before. Still poor form and shotty manifestation skills. The Knight and Lieutenant look on in shock and horror at the Lich who to their eyes just got upgraded from a low to mid-tier Lich. ¡°With this body I can rule the world!¡± The Lich exclaims. ¡°Good, so you are content with the first step of our deal?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, but I will not lift a finger to help your Guild Members, as you have not completed your terms of the deal.¡± The Lich says, clearly trying to press me. I get the sense that he is clearly cocky now that he is in a stronger body, but I am confident that while his body might be stronger, his skills are still poor at best. ¡°Okay, so I have your permission to access the Qi, I mean runoff?¡± I ask, pointing to the golden pool of Qi just below the floor and under the floor grate. ¡°Yes, dispose of it as you will. But know if there is so much as a drop left, our deal is null and void.¡± With that, I chuckle slightly. ¡°Deal.¡± I state. Then using Telekinesis, I grab a large chunk of the floor, and begin pulling it up. Rumble. There is an intense shaking to the whole room as the stone floor has been held together for countless centuries at this point. Still, all it takes is a bit of mental focus on my part, and pop, the patch on the floor opens, revealing a glowing pool of Qi that shakes and vibrates in waves. Staring at the golden pool of water, I realize why Scrooge McDuck always dove into his stacks of gold coins. If they looked anything like this to him, I could not blame him for his antics. In fact, I too want to splash into the Qi pool, but then realize that precious drops might bounce and spray out. Instead, I submerse myself within a second. Teleportation. Poof. One second, I am standing next to a giant slab of pulled up stone that once covered a gently vibrating golden pool of liquid. The next, I am in said pool, with minimal disruption to the water. Tingling. The golden water tingles. ¡°Did she just¡­¡± The Lieutenant began, but then cut off his words. Disgust clear in his voice. I could understand their revulsion, as this would be the equivalent of me jumping into a toxic waste dump downstream of a major manufacturer. The only difference here was the fact that my body, and my multiple Qi cultivation skills kicking in all at once. I felt my Divine Qi Cultivation kicking in immediately, pulling in the golden energy from the pool of liquid around me. Then once the Qi was inside my body, at nearly a perfect conversion rate, I felt skills like my Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation take over, processing the Qi and helping me to circulate the energy. Of course, there was too much energy. My using these skills was causing them to increase, which created more pure Qi within me, while I was simultaneously pulling in more Qi from the outside. This left me with a slight problem at first, until I began taking the energy, focusing it inward, and then trying to condense it, similar to the way I had while forming my first Core. Again at times like these I was so happy that I had both Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation, along with Divine Qi Cultivation, as they both let me focus on continually moving the Qi that was being forced within me. Crackle. The first core I had created began to crack and pop, as the pressure of Qi within my body became too much for the initial core to handle. This was fine, in fact, I felt that this was what was needed. Condense. Mentally I focused on the idea of condensing energy. Taking power, converting it down to its smallest form, then taking that form and compressing it further. I did this, over and over, like folding a sheet of paper. Until finally the paper could not be condensed further by pure strength alone, that is when heat was applied, sucking out the air within the compressed folds of Qi, then pressing that together further. I did this over and over, constantly pressing the energy into as tightly compact of a form as it could go. Then finally I noticed how the Qi seemed to be magnetic, well not magnetic but polarized in a way that was hard to describe. Similar energy types repelled others and based on the strength of one polarity over the other, I could begin to gauge how powerful each individual clump was. Then using the polarities as a litmus, I began making it so each individual clump offered the same level of repulsion and attraction. Mentally I had to fight to keep the pieces separate as I made hundreds and thousands of similar pieces. Somewhere along the line, I stopped getting more energy in, which was good, as it meant that I finally had all the components I would have for this task. Finally, I paused for a second, realizing this was it. All I had to do was start twisting pieces at the center and try to get them all to form together perfectly in a solid and condensed formation. Breathe. I let out a breath, trying to calm myself for this final hurdle. Then with the first flip, I started a chain reaction. Wobble. Hundreds of condensed Qi particles began to vibrate at first, then like dropping a ping pong ball into a room filled with snapping mouse traps, everything began to go off at once. Pop, swivel, snap. The pieces began twisting and compressing on their own. I tried to slow the process, but with so much pressure and energy being released in my stomach, I felt myself lunging forward. I knew that in the real world my head was being forced under water, as I was no longer in control of my body. Then I felt it, the most intense stomach pain I have ever experienced, next to giving birth. It was excruciating, then after a long moment it stopped. I was able to get up. I realized somewhere along the lines I was spasming uncontrollably in the water, then I arose, and I was shocked at what awaited me. Chapter 144 Liches, Always Ruining The Best Things Chapter 144 Liches, Always Ruining The Best Things Whoosh! There is an explosion of force, before I feel every muscle in my body contract and spasm. Then what feels like a miniature implosion in my stomach that almost feels like the start of a black hole opening up withinside me, attracting in all my Qi and any possible remaining Qi in the area around me, before it condenses down to a spot the size of the tip of my pinky finger. Trembling. There is so much pain, relief, and force all at once that it is almost too much to handle. Once again, I feel a burst of impurities trying to exit my body. Fortunately, this time, the whole purging process happens a lot faster than previously as I sweat out mana infused sweat into the still and stagnant water that is around me. Yes, while the pool was once filled with vibrant golden Qi moments ago. That same water has since been purged of its golden beauty and now I can feel the grime of slime coating my body in the water. A quick cleansing spell should clear up the water that has sat here collecting Qi run off water for millennia, but unfortunately nothing like that exists. In my mind, I am glad that there isn¡¯t a super virus or algae that managed to grow in this overgrown pond. Apparently, Qi is more than just corrosive to skeletons as it apparently destroyed most of the mold and grime that had tried to grow in these waters over the years. Now it was just me, the water and thousands of year-old algae flakes that have now broken away from wherever they were hanging, thanks to my spasming, and of course me. I can see the Knight and Lieutenant have both turned around, their hands covering their eyes as they don¡¯t wish to look at a young fourteen-year-old maiden bathing, very noble. The Lich is there just staring at me like the ultimate boney creek, its jaw hanging down to its chest while its eyes take in everything I am doing creepily. Not that a Lich can look at you any other way, but still. Then just when I don¡¯t think it can get any worse, there is a sudden pop. The bead of light that was the size of my pinky finger once again returns, the same exact size, but seemingly at twice the density as before. Just as I marvel about that little feat of physics, I get a system notification about the change.
Hidden Cultivator Quest II Completed (Upgradeable): First To Form A Stage II Perfect Qi Core: You managed to be the first person to create a perfect Stage II Qi core. Your minimalist lifestyle has made your first transition to the realm of cultivation flawless, as you had a body purity rating of 99.9999999%, resulting in your formation of a perfect base for cultivation. Rewards: Experience, Title (Upgrade), Badge (Badge Upgrade), Qi Core Stage II. Experience Gained: 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000 Ding. Level Up. Your class Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 109. Your class Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased to level 181. Your class Ethereal Healer has increased to level 213.
Title Upgraded: Perfected Stage II Qi Core.
Perfected Stage II Qi Core: You have managed to create the perfect Stage II Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of true cultivation. Effects: Longevity II, Body Improvement II, Movement II, Qi Core Size II, Qi Circulation II. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed.
Once again, I got another notification that I will be younger ten percent longer. Not that I mind so much. Though now, if my math is correct, and it is, I am now going to be under the apparent age of 18 for just over 295 days, or almost eighty percent of a full year. I might be able to pass most of this off as me just being an elf, but after a point people are going to talk. But until then, I will get my ultimate wish of staying as young and spry as possible. Drip. There is the unmistakable sound of water dripping down into the pond I am in. Like a miniature gong, the sound awakens me to the fact that my small face is somehow barely floating above the water, letting me breathe. Realizing where I am, I decide to end this random bath in some creepy Lich¡¯s underground sewage pond underneath the stone floor grate of their room. ¡°Right.¡± I say to myself. Quickly casting a quick Cleanse on the water, eliminating all the grime and mold. Yes, I know grime and mold are alive, but they don¡¯t have to be, so I got rid of them. Then I put on my guild provided Doctor¡¯s Uniform, then climb out of the pool. Splash. Water runs down from my clothes, and quickly runs back down back to the pool from which it came. There is an awkward silence before the Lich starts speaking. ¡°Well, I think I speak for everyone when I say that was the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.¡± The Lich says. With that, I just shrug and answer him truthfully. ¡°You know it just goes to show, one Lich¡¯s toxic waste is another cultivator¡¯s way to physical and spiritual advancement.¡± Rattle. The Lich shutters so much while being revolted from my comment that he audibly clacks his bones together, in revulsion. ¡°Right, well, now that you have done whatever it is you have done. Please seal up my hole you have created and kindly leave my establishment.¡± The Lich speaks, somehow shifting to a much more cordial tone than he was when I first arrived. Likely due to the fact that we have witnesses that are watching. That or he is well and truly afraid of me. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Then looking at the giant hole in his floor, along with the massive slab of broken apart stone I grimace slightly. Mentally I reach out and Telekinetically grab the stone slab, raising it up, and flipping it back over into place. With my complete view, I easily adjust the angle of descent to be as accurate to the original placement as possible, then I drop the slab into place. After that, it is merely a matter of changing the resonance of my mana to match the frequency of Earth Magic, and boom one solid piece of floor, right in the middle of a creepy torture chamber. ¡°There you go, good as new.¡± I say, turning to face the Lich, the Knight, and the Lieutenant. They all just stare at me in bewilderment. ¡°That was fantastic.¡± The Knight said, looking at the completely sealed off and good as new section of stone. ¡°Marvelous, there isn¡¯t a speck of dust out of place.¡± The Lieutenant followed. ¡°Impossible, that was impossible, you changed the frequency of your mana. I saw it, it started off as Spirit magic, but then you somehow changed it to Earth, when I can tell that you don¡¯t have an affinity for Earth Magic.¡± The Lich said, shock evident in his words. Hearing him, I was intrigued, not by the fact that he doubted me, but more by the fact that he could apparently tell both magical affinities and that I did change my magical resonance. ¡°Oh, and how are you so certain that I don¡¯t have an affinity for Earth Magic?¡± I ask, starting with the softball question, wondering if he like me has a third-eye, or other lichy ability to deduce the magical affinity of people. ¡°This is my lair, the moment you walked in here, I got a readout of your magical affinities.¡± The Lich said. ¡°While your number of affinities, seven is quite high not one of them was related to Earth Magic.¡± ¡°Seven?¡± The three of us all state at once. Me, I do a quick count and stop at six, Light, Holy, Spirit, Shadow, Life, and Nature. For the life of me, I cannot figure out what the last one he is counting is. ¡°Yes, seven. You have Light,¡± he begins listing off the six affinities that I myself just listed. As he does I nod along in agreement. Then he hits me with the kicker, ¡°then you have that weird affinity for Toxic Magic, which I was somehow unable to even register.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± I say, as I get it. He didn¡¯t have any new way of detecting magics, he is just a moron. ¡°I see the confusion. That last one the Toxic Magic, that is not a real magic, but a form of Qi. And again, Qi and mana do not go well together. In case you already forgot my earlier demonstration.¡± I state, then flex my hand into a glowing golden fist. Seeing the gesture for a threat, the Lich visibly slunk away. ¡°Relax, it is not a threat. But I take it you have an array set up to monitor the magical capabilities of others?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, it is a piece so intricate that one of your capabilities would likely never be able to identify it.¡± The Lich began, but as he said that, I was already looking with my Angel¡¯s Sight and easily noted it as one of the least chaotic arrays he created. ¡°Yeah, I can, it is right there.¡± I say, pointing off to the direction of the focal point of the array. ¡°Pretty ingenious too, though you did have to carve the receiver rune into your skull to receive the data. Not the smartest of moves, but then again, I am not a Lich, so I can only imagine that hurting.¡± The Lich pauses, then ponders for a moment. ¡°Yes, well, I guess you did create an entirely new body for me. And the fact that this rune was mirrored perfectly to the first one would only signify that you had some basic understanding of runes.¡± Hearing this guy go on I almost wish I could roll my eyes. ¡°Basic understanding, please. I teach this to kids who by the time they graduate from my program will be able to note ten different flaws within your design.¡± I quip back. I don¡¯t know why, it is just the arrogant demeanor of this clown that makes me want to bring him down a few notches. Yet, before I knew it, the Lich destroyed my whole reality. ¡°Please, you dare think that I Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas would find my skills of Enchantment lacking?¡± The Lich asked, a questioning boney hand covering his chest. Shock. Chills and shock. That was all I could think of. I stood there, flabbergasted, my jaw hanging wide at what I had heard. Surely there must have been a mistake. Surely, I misheard him? ¡°Ra, Rahul? The Rahul? Conqueror of maiden¡¯s hearts? Overthrower of the corrupt?¡± I ask, not wanting it to be true. I half expect anything. Shatter. Then with one word, he breaks apart my happy little view of the world. ¡°Yes, you have heard of me? I must say it has been a while since I heard those titles, but they do still feel good to hear, even if that part of my life is well and truly done.¡± The Lich said, as a look of sadness crossed his face. ¡°Done? You had the chance to be reborn. To live out your youth once more?¡± I asked, mentally warring with my own personal thoughts, that this could not be the same Rahul as my stories but seeing the designs. I can¡¯t help but realize they were nearly identical copies of what Rahul himself had used, at least in his first few books. Hearing my words, the Lich only lowered his head and sighed. ¡°Yes, and I am thankful that you gave me the chance. But ever since my beloved moved away and never returned, I gave up my life of debauchery and settled on being a simple Arch Wizard for the King.¡± The Lich said. ¡°The Princess? You mean¡­¡± Then my mind raced, as I tried to put together the pieces. Rahul, at least according to the stories had any woman he wanted. Yet there was one that he never got, the princess. ¡°You mean Octavia?¡± I asked. Hearing the name, the Lich¡¯s eyes grew violent as it began drawing forth the Death Magic within his body. ¡°That Witch!¡± Rahul screamed. Dispel. I cast a quick but violent Dispel, letting the magic fizzle in his clenched hands. Zap. ¡°Stop that.¡± I chided. That alone was enough to bring the Lich back to the present. Taking a breath, I don¡¯t know if it was a suggestive thing, I doubt Liches need to breathe, so maybe it was for dramatic effect, the Lich visibly calmed himself. Then nodding his head, he visibly calmed himself before beginning. ¡°No, Octavia was the lover who ended up killing my one and only true love.¡± The Lich began. I was simultaneously disgusted and unable to turn away. Years of my life reading this story, and now I got to see the true start of everything. I got to see the original inspiration for the tales that had taken up so much of my time and imagination. Now, I could easily say that I was underwhelmed, but then again, I wasn¡¯t the first person to be disillusioned when meeting their idol, though I still held hope that this was a second, less cool Rahul that also knew a bit about Enchanting. ¡°Who was she?¡± I asked, holding my breath as I finally would get the answer to the question that had plagued me. In my mind so many different names and relations raced through my mind. Then finally he spoke. ¡°Matilda.¡± Hearing the name, I knew it sounded familiar, but I could not come up with a mental image of what Matilda looked like. Then I finally remembered where I heard the name in the stories. ¡°Your lizard mount thing?¡± I asked. Harumph. ¡°Matilda was more than just a mount. She was a descendant of dragons. The true blood of the ancients lived and breathed with every breath she took.¡± The Lich said. ¡°You mount? You lost your love of women for a mount that died?¡± I asked, trying to fill in all the pieces. ¡°She died, due to a jilted lover finding her as she fled away with one of my many dalliances. She risked her life over and over for my carnal pleasures, and I was too shortsighted to see that my true love was her all along.¡± The Lich said, once again being overly dramatic and placing his boney hand forlornly over his chest as he recounted his tale. ¡°Oh my god.¡± I mutter, disgusted to hear that this guy went and effectively self-castrate himself into being a Lich due to the death of a friend. Then thinking about it, I don¡¯t think the world missed too much with his sacrifice. ¡°I know, that is why I swore of women and devoted myself to my studies. Had it not been for my sexual desires, Matilda might still be alive to this day.¡± The Lich said, in a grandiose gesture, waving to the room around him. Hearing him I just shook my head, then a thought came to my mind. ¡°Wait, so you had an affair with Octavia, then used Matilda to sneak Octavia away, only to then have her get captured by her father, where Matilda was killed in the process of the King bringing her daughter back?¡± I ask, trying to make sure I have all of the pieces together. ¡°Yes, now you see why I gave up women.¡± The Lich replied. ¡°But you are still here, working for the very King that killed your Matilda?¡± I ask, still trying to understand the story, that still felt like it was missing a few years. Or maybe brain cells from Rahul¡¯s part. ¡°Yes, I was bound and branded to work for the king. Then it was either be turned into a eunuch or escape his tyranny by transforming myself into a Lich.¡± ¡°The old escape being a eunuch by turning yourself into a eunuched Lich, got it.¡± I say, really not getting it, but wanting this whole story to end quickly so I can go and save the four guild guards. ¡°Yes, I showed my uncle in the end.¡± The Lich said. At that he said the word that I couldn¡¯t help but parrot back, ¡°uncle?¡± ¡°Yes, my uncle is the king, don¡¯t you know? How else do you think I could survive sleeping with my cousin, the princess?¡± The Lich stated, clearly adding way too many details to this story that should never have been uncovered. Bleh. I just vomited a little in my mouth. Now I know this type of thing apparently happened a lot in the past, and genetic diversity isn¡¯t as necessary within elven society as other races, but still, this is beyond disgusting. While there were hints of this type of thing in the stories, they were never laid bare as much as they were here and now. With my possible sanity on the line, I refuse to follow the bait of asking any more clarifying questions about this sad tragic ending to an otherwise phenomenal twenty book series. Instead, I decided to realize the truth. There was another Rahul, and this guy is clearly an imposter. ¡°Yeah, well who is up for leaving here and saving my guild members?¡± I turn to the Knight and the Lieutenant, wanting desperately to leave here and the past twenty minutes behind forever. ¡°Oh wait, I need to follow you. As you have fulfilled all of my conditions.¡± The Lich, a person I refuse to be Rahul, states. ¡°No, that¡¯s quite alright, you can stay.¡± I answer, going past the Lich and towards the Kight and his Lieutenant. ¡°No, I must keep my word. You have reminded me of times when I was a true noble who kept my word.¡± ¡°You, you kept your word by sleeping with your cousin?¡± I quip. ¡°Yes, I did promise her after all¡­¡± Poof. At that point I realized I didn¡¯t need any of their help to free my guild mates. Nor did I want to hear more from that clearly creepy Lich. Shutter. ¡°That is not my Rahul.¡± I say to myself, as I take a breath, try to forget everything, then I¡¯m about to go see the king, when I suddenly get a great idea. Smiling to myself, I quickly find an empty place to change, as I begin my third attempt at rescuing my fellow guild members. Chapter 145 The King Chapter 145 The King Stretching. Fortunately, the best part about soul bound gear is that it will stretch to fit you perfectly. This was a feature designed to make it so even when a player got older and stopped working out as much, their legendary equipment would still fit properly. Nothing is worse than going out, earning the ultimate set of gear, only for it to not fid due to old age and bad habits. As such, the ability for soul bound items to stretch and heal themselves became a staple of the world. An unexpected benefit for these of course is that it also allowed for shapeshifters to exist. Werewolf gunslingers are not uncommon to find in most parts of the world. Their ability to have soul bound gear that stretches with them and then shrinks back is often the only reason why they are not truly found by authorities. This fun aspect of the world is a feature I too am exploiting, though in a slightly different way. For me, I am not just taking on a new form, but an entirely different role. Wearing the skin, I feel slightly odd, knowing that the last time I used this skin, I was conducting a game of high stakes poker. Odd, how time flies, and how much changes at seemingly random intervals of time. Last time I chose this persona, I had to escape from violently bluffing and cheating my way out of the situation I caught myself in. This time, I am still gambling, still going to try to lie, bluff, and cheat my way out of this situation, but this time the stakes are higher. As this time I am also gambling with the lives of four of my guild members. Still, I felt I was more than up for this challenge. Breathing in once, I mentally take in the air of the body I am wearing. Then breathing out, I let go of my own personality, as I am now committed to this role. As I approach the overly ornate building where my guild members are being held, I can instantly tell that this building is supposed to be the King¡¯s chambers and the main and final dwelling of this realm. There are flights of stairs leading up to the entrance chamber of the main hall that finally leads to the throne room. Then off to the side, in the corner of the grand throne room are my four guild members bound and chained to the floor. Why someone would want chains in their throne room is beyond me, but apparently that is how ancient elven kings did things back then. Silence. I move with a silent grace up the steps. Each step is easily led into the next step. As I walk by, I keep my head forward, though I can see the guards in their armored suits stiffen up, as I walk past them. Fear and surprise were evident in their stares. I also note a few of the guards stare at me a little longer than necessary after I walk past. Clearly this would not be a battle I could win. At most, I could likely attempt to use Celerity to get away, and ultimately Teleport to safety, but then my guild mates would still be in the position they are in. Nope, I seemingly have just one chance to get this right, and I am confident that I can do this. I get to the grand double doors leading to the entryway. There I am met by four large guards, who stare at me, and then do a double take. I open my mouth to speak, but fortunately the guards speak for me. ¡°Right this way, sorry we had no idea you were coming.¡± With that I nod, curtly. I intend to give off a dignified air, which is always hard to do, as you are always one over reaction away from looking like a witch. Fortunately, I pull it off. That or the guards are just relieved that I didn¡¯t appear haughty to them as I walk through. ¡°Now then sire, what should we do for the four interlopers who were found on our property.¡± A sniveling ghost called out. Just hearing the voice of this noble elf, it was clear that he was somehow both important, and felt he was worthy of a higher position of authority than that which he already held. Just the type of conniving backstabber that one would expect to be duplicitous in all actions, always aiming to somehow come out far further ahead than anyone else in any sort of deal struck. ¡°What is it that you recommend.¡± The King said. ¡°I suggest we kill these Interlopers, to deter others from freely roaming on our lands.¡± The arrogant count stated. Honestly, the minute I saw him I felt a certain recognition. But it was only now that I realized why. If the Arch-Lich was Rahul, then this would likely be Count Vikar, or maybe one of the twins. Yet, my mind grabbed onto one of the words said by this noble, and couldn¡¯t help but repeat it. ¡°Interlopers.¡± Hush. With that, I realize that I didn¡¯t say the words as quietly in my head as I had planned. A fact that was made apparent as everyone who had been staring at the spectacle of the Count trying to talk the King into murdering my guild members all turned to face me. This was fine, rather than pausing, I kept to my role and continued silently striding forward. Shock. The Count was shocked to see me. ¡°You, you¡¯re alive?¡± The Count blurted out, seeing me still alive and kicking. I was about to say something, but it was the king who sidetracked me with his words. ¡°Octavia, is that you?¡± The King asked. ¡°Surely you haven¡¯t forgotten your own daughter. Despite having banished me to another kingdom to accomplish the impossible, I am pleased to inform you that I have returned victorious in my pursuits.¡± I state, making sure to come across as both dignified and eloquent as I stride forward. Until I stand between the King, with the Count who is to my back. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Normally having such a man to my back would be a big mistake, but fortunately I still have my Angel¡¯s Sight active, even while using my Spiritual Doppelganger Trait active. ¡°You say you have returned victorious?¡± The Ghost count says, his words clearly filled with venom and contempt. ¡°I have, and I can prove it to you, if you wish.¡± I state calmly, before doing three things.
Cleansing Rain [Tier VII] (C): A storm spell created by Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, that can generate rains that will purge the Blight from any infected lands, and prevent the spread of the Blight from creatures that have been splashed with any purified rain water for up to 24 hours.
Then with Octavia¡¯s spell being shown to everyone, I pull out my doctoral diploma from Arcanarus University, before casting a double Illusion spell on the document. The first layer of the Illusion covers my name and distorts it. While the next causes the name Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri to appear where my name would, a slight manifestation of will, that makes this Illusion permanent, well semi-permanent, at least until I wish to dispel it, and then I am done. In this case, I don¡¯t mind if I make permanent changes to the diploma, as I know it will revert back to its original format by tomorrow, thanks to the intricate nature of being soul bound.
Arcanarus University Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Shock. Everyone lets out a gasp, as apparently graduating from Arcanarus University is still a big deal or was even back when Octavia was first sent to attend said university. Just as everyone is getting these details, I am met by a new system message.
New Spell Created: Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text [Tier XIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used to permanently alter the wordings on any contract, even magical soul bound contracts. This effect can be made permanent with double the initial mana costs. Can only be dispelled by a higher tier magical practitioner, or by the caster of the spell.
At that, I pause, wondering if this will actually permanently change my degree to state that Octavia was the recipient of the degree, at least until I dispel the spell. That is wild, but then my mind goes crazy as I imagine all the millions of different ways that we can use and implement this spell. Take for instance the binding contract I had originally when I was posing as Tobias Spiritlight, while working with the Duke of Legrand¡¯s daughter. I could now use this spell to change that contract to have it bind the duke¡¯s daughter. A myriad of different scenarios where I could use this to change binding agreements between different political powerhouses around the world and right now, I would be the only one who could undo this. I could also use this as a source of good and abolish all slave wage contracts that many first-generation adventurers signed to, not knowing that they were binding even after the first death of your avatar. So many thoughts that I was too busy focused on these thoughts and not on my immediate surroundings. That was why I was almost caught completely off guard when the King made his next statement. ¡°I take it, since you have come back with your degree, and fulfilled your reason for exile. You now wish to take up the spot where you last left off?¡± The King asked. With this, I felt a slight bit of confusion, as this was not something I had expected in the slightest. There was a deal struck between the King and Octavia? This was not something that Octavia had mentioned while I met her at Arcanarus. Was there something else to her exile. ¡°Umm.¡± Was all I could manage to say, clearly breaking character but I was lost at this point. ¡°Well you can¡¯t.¡± The King shouted as he slammed his fist glowing fist down into his throne. Crunch. The metal of the throne buckled under the force of the mighty blow. At that I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the King had somehow inadvertently tapped into a flow of Qi to make his blow that strong, or if he had some exceptionally high Strength Attribute rating to pull off that attack. ¡°What?¡± Was all I could ask. Oppressive Aura. With that one question, it seemed that I unleased a monster. Or maybe caused the King to shift into his second battle form. Unlike the Lich who seemed to be exceptionally brittle to Qi and Qi related powers, I somehow felt that my use of Qi would not go over as well here. ¡°I said, I your king, cannot provide you with the resolution you wanted. You took too long and your lover is now a self-imposed eunuch.¡± The King snarled out. With that, I could see bands of power slowly wrapping around the king, binding him in place. These bands would be invisible to everyone else, but to my Angel¡¯s Sight, they glowed brightly. Long blue binding chains of mana were being wrapped around the King¡¯s mana core, compressing, and squeezing until his core looked like it would break. Then I saw a system message letting me know the reason why.
Hidden Quest Completed (Decision Point Reached): The Oath Breaking King: You managed to get King De¡¯Arcaneri to not only break his word, but to admit before others that he broke his word. Effect: The king will be at half his stats until either forgiven or killed by the person who they betrayed with their words. You choose the outcome: Forgive the King and earn a reward, Fight the King (at half power), or Force the King to suffer on with their power forever halved.
This was another cool feature of the world, where the powers of leaders could easily be stripped. Corrupt leaders could be deposed, so long as you got them to admit to their mistakes or prove that they otherwise broke their words before their subordinates. Fortunately for me, the King was clearly holding court to determine the status of my guild members, meaning multiple people that he rules over were in attendance. This also means that those same delegation members saw him and were able to witness his admittance to having broken his word. I had a few options here, especially with the King at only have his power rating, it would be tough, but I could theoretically subdue him, though this was not an optimal route, especially as I still had the power in this dynamic as everyone seemed to buy the fact that not only was I Octavia, but that I had fulfilled my unknown conditions of graduating from Arcanarus University with a doctoral degree, in order to be able to return as a prodigal daughter. Silence. There was a hushed silence that fell over the room as everyone watched as the once great and powerful king suddenly looked years older in a second. This was a visual effect given to the oath breaker. Even as an immortal undead elf, his form quickly changed to that of a king who suddenly looked ready to pass on even in the afterlife. ¡°Perhaps I could offer a different suggestion.¡± The conniving count behind my back spoke up. As he spoke I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck tingle as I knew I would not like what he said next. Now I am not saying I can predict the future, but I am old enough now to spot a train wreck when it is about to strike. And I could all but hear the train coming off the rails and barreling straight for me as the greasy count began his speech. ¡°I know I was originally dishonored by your dalliances, in the past.¡± The Count said, and suddenly I realized this was not just a count but likely a Viscount, as suddenly different details of the later books of Rahul and the Maiden came back to me. In the books the princess had originally been forced to marry the Viscount, due to the services he provided for the King and Kingdom alike. It wasn¡¯t until Rahul came that he saved her from that life by sweeping the princess off her feet and entering her into a whirlwind love affair that ended up breaking off the engagement and throwing the kingdom into turmoil. Now, I was apparently smack dab in the middle of this controversy. I should have seen it coming sooner honestly, especially as I knew the storyline and plot of these stories so well, but I could not expect this to have been the Viscount himself, the person who played the over-the-top villain. A person who you swear cannot exist in real life, until of course you see said person speaking like a snake and trying to whisper sweet nothings into the King¡¯s ear. Realizing this was my time to speak up, and act on the momentum I have created thus far, I decided to speak first. ¡°Your honor has nothing to do with me anymore. That much was clear when you sent me away. Furthermore, the fact that I survived your assassination attempts should prove that I am far more capable than you think.¡± I state, going with my gut on why the Viscount looked so shocked to see me back here alive, when I first entered. My mind put together the pieces of what happened, when I recalled the overworked shape of Octavia. She was young, and an elf. Despite pushing herself, there was no way that an elf of her stature and power should have died, unless she was poisoned or worse. Given the look of shock on the Viscount¡¯s face, I deduced that a planned assassination attempt was conducted. This hunch is now being further reinforced by the way the Viscount is just standing there with his mouth open like a fish trying to breathe on land. Turning to him, I go for the killing blow. ¡°Looks like you can¡¯t find a way to weasel your way out of this one. Let me guess, your assassin told you that I had been killed long ago, so you thought nothing more about me, until now. Then now that I have come back, conquering both the trials, your failed assassination attempt, and found a way to bring back life to our lands. This is when you try to slither your way around me so you can what? Choke me in my sleep? Have me bear a child where I will die giving birth?¡± OHHH! Silence. The Viscount, upon hearing this, appears to be visibly shaking at this, then as he raises one finger to protest, he shouts, ¡°you dare to besmirch my good name, despite me granting you yet a second chance back into my life. Back into the light of the Kingdom. All of this and you dare spit in my face with these baseless accusations?¡± At that I smile widely, like the Cheshire cat. Seeing my sudden change, he pauses and seems to shake for a second before regaining his composure, but before he can fully I strike. ¡°Besmirch your good name? Baseless accusations? These sound like the sounds of a slanderous tongue themselves. I admit to my past wrongdoings, I admit to being banished. I now have proven that I have take the trial of banishment and returned victorious in my endeavors. From the state of all things I have come back as clean. Even being deprived of my just reward. Yet, here you dare call me out like this, in front of everyone. With not one shred of proof to your claims.¡± I state each line, making sure to add more and more inflection in each word, making sure my voice is heard from all corners of the throne room. By now everyone is watching us, eager to find out where this will eventually lead. That is when I decided to go in for the coup de gras. ¡°Viscount, in light of your slanderous tongue. I challenge you to a true Wizards Duel of Power and Promotion. Where if you win, I will admit my mistakes and wrongdoings. Even going so far as to say I lied under oath. But when I win, you will give up your claims to honor and integrity, giving up all titles and claims to nobility and be banished from the lands.¡± I state. Silence. There was a cold silence as the Viscount looked me over. I could even feel him gauging my levels with his invasive scans. A feature I let go, as I wanted him to see me and the fact that I was far lower of a level than he was. Seeing my level he smiled widely, and with an arrogant tone he said the two words that would forever seal his fate. ¡°I agree.¡± Chapter 146 Troubles That Bind Chapter 146 Troubles That Bind ¡°I agree.¡± The Viscount said, with a snarl on his lips. Then just like that the system began stepping in and making sure everything was above board.
A formal dueling request has been registered.
With that, I felt a wave of energy wash over me as I could tell the system was somehow scanning every part of me and of the Viscount.
Checking into whether a handicap would need to be applied due to level disparity.
At this point, I let out a sigh of relief, as this was exactly like my duel with Belaton, meaning that so far, no red flags had been raised, and I should be able to simply win this duel and get this part of my life over with. I¡¯d save my guild members; we would then leave, and no problems would arise. At least that was the thought, until the system spit out its reply to our scans.
A handicap will be applied: The Challenger of the duel has been determined to severely outclass the acceptor of the duel. As such the Challenger will need to be handicapped to make this be considered a fair duel.
What the heck? I thought to myself, apparently, I wasn¡¯t the only one who was confused as the Viscount and everyone else around was also confused by this. Especially as I tried to understand the wording of this. I was the Challenger? Right, but I was also at a much lower level. Before I could think too much about what was happening, the details of the handicap came to light.
Handicap Number 1: Challenger cannot use nor create known or as yet undocumented attack spells. Any spells cast must be personal in nature.
Handicap Number 2: Challenger is limited to the use of one Trait during combat.
Handicap Number 3: Challenger is hereby blocked from using Dispel, or other similar ¡°combative spells¡± during combat.
These handicaps all felt extremely targeted towards me. As I was pretty sure that the numbskull Viscount could not create offensive spells on the fly. Then to make matters worse, as the details of the handicaps became apparent, I felt bands shackling down upon me. My spells were blocked from being sent externally. This was likely an advanced form of the gambling cuffs I had previously worked my way through. Given enough time I was fairly certain I could work some form of magic through the threads, but that would take time. And time was something I was certain I didn¡¯t have in abundance at the moment. Especially as the quest description came up.
Quest Unlocked: A Duel of Magical Masters (II): Arch Spirit Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver has accepted your challenge to a magical duel. The terms are you two will battle until one of you is unable to continue. If you lose, you must admit my mistakes and wrongdoings, and state under oath that you lied. If you win, Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver will give up all claims to honor, integrity and titles, renouncing his claim to nobility and be banished from the Deolar Elven Homelands. Rewards: Experience, Notoriety, Stated objectives. Note: Rewards will be increased based on the number of handicaps you have on you, if you win.
This was bad. Really bad. Mentally I tried to go through what I could. I could only cast self-buffing and alteration spells. While anything external, even a Dispel was blocked by the restraints that I was wearing. Mentally I checked the Traits, as I thought this would be my saving grace, being as I had a few Traits I could pull from. Unfortunately, every Trait was grayed out. Well, that is not entirely true. I still have one Trait activated at the moment.
Spiritual Doppelganger, would you like to deactivate Spiritual Doppelganger, in order to activate a different Trait?
¡°No.¡± I hissed, dismissing that prompt, and realizing that I was well and truly screwed on this one. No offensive spells, no Traits, and no Dispels, for a Wizards duel. Did I outclass this wizard that badly. ¡°This cannot be allowed to continue!¡± The King bellowed. Fury and rage filled his voice as he realized that his precious daughter, me, was not only involved in a duel, but I would also be severely handicapped during the fight. ¡°I am sorry your majesty, but it would be honorless of both of us to avoid accepting this.¡± The Viscount said, clearly finishing the acceptance of his duel and my restrictions. As the he made a movement, and the next thing I noticed was the system countdown, informing everyone that a sanctioned Wizard¡¯s Duel was about to begin.
Duel will begin in 3, 2, 1¡­
Silence. During this time, I used to cast every spell I could think of that would help me. Spectral Drift. Seraphim Wings. Awe. There was an awed hush that covered the crowd as my four feathered wings began to grow from my back. Fortunately, the Viscount watched me, apparently wondering what I would do. I could already feel the restrictions in place and realized that they likely had a retaliatory component to them, if I tried to cast an external spell. Fortunately, the growing of wings was considered internal, or self-buffing as I did not receive any feedback from altering my physical form. This gave me a few extra thoughts about what I could do, maybe create clawed hands, shark teeth, you know the usual on how to look intimidating. But before I could think about those, the Viscount struck. Slow. He was slow, his spells, his mana forms, his concentration, his creation of a spell construct. Everything was slow. Without the handicap, I was certain I could have Dispelled his spell thrice over before it even got halfway through its initialization phase. Unfortunately for me, I had to wait. Tickle. Imagine getting hit with a nerf dart. Then imagine that nerf dart being the tracer round for an actual bullet. That is what I got hit with. Finding the spell was easy, manifesting Qi into my fingers to be able to grab said nerf dart was easier. Throwing back the dart towards the viscount was exceptionally easy, especially with my throwing skill. Stolen novel; please report. There was just one problem. Anyone that has ever thrown a nerf dart by hand can also attest to this, in that the weight behind the projectile makes it so momentum falters quickly. This a quick rethrow where I aimed for center mass of the stationary Viscount, dropped lower. It hit, but rather than hitting in the center of his chest as I had planned it landed about two feet lower, right in his crotch area. Everlasting Fireball. Yes, his first spell cast was a destructive burst of bright blue fire, that rocketed out from his hand. Arced around, the spell casting arc that he had created, and I had returned to sender. Then proceeded to strike him right in his groin. FWOOSH! There was an impact, where the Fireball landed, ignited, and began to incinerate everything it touched. The Viscount was either a lot stronger than I thought, didn¡¯t have anything there, or what was more likely was in complete shock, as he just stood there dazedly letting a fire burn from his crotch outwards. Gasp. There was a collective intake of breath, followed by a resounding silence that filled the throne room that we had chosen as our dueling location. Then it happened. The Viscount¡¯s brain activated, a self-preservation instinct, or something. ¡°YAAHHHH!¡± He cried out wildly, hands bursting through flames, trying to grab at his sacred region, trying to apparently smother the flames. The ghostly Viscount then began doing the safety measures everyone was taught, doing a flawless version of stop, drop, and roll. All the while his hands never left his family jewels, even as flames raced up his chest and began burning off some of his facial hairs. For my part, I just stood there. Yes, I could have gone over and given a final blow to end this duel, but the man was clearly in pain. It reminded me of when I first began taking self defense classes and kicked my instructor before he had his padding in proper alignment. This was like that, in that my nature as a healer made me want to help the idiot, even if it meant losing this duel. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t opt to throw the match right then and there, especially with my Guild Members being right there. Speaking of which, it was clear that they realized something was up. ¡°Those wings. That move, that has to be¡­¡± The one began. ¡°Shh!¡± I say, putting up one finger and turning my face towards the four bound members. There was a hush that fell over us, as they seemed to get the intent of my hushing. That or they realized that the Viscount had mostly regained control over his body, putting out the flames, and had waited for this moment to strike. Give the Viscount some credit. This time rather than going for a targeted spell, he went for a direct area of attack spell. This spell cost a lot more mana to cast, and was extremely wasteful in terms of mana usage, but the Viscount seemed adamant that he could end me with this spell. Despite it being extremely poorly formulated, with a concept that could barely contain his firing arc and intent, related to his relevant skill level, or lack thereof of a skill level. Flaming Inferno Torch. The Viscount channeled his overwhelming power through his outstretched hands and pointed them directly at me. Again, seeing his form I almost felt bad for him. On instinct I wanted to cast Dispel, if only to alleviate the awkwardness of his casting and his inefficiencies while casting. Yet, the moment I tried; I instantly felt the coiling strike of the bands tightening on my wrists. This was a warning that I would suffer severe mana feedback if I continued beyond this point with my casting. As such I stopped and switched back to Qi. Infusing a thick layer of Qi in my hands, I began lashing out at the weak spell structure, rupturing the expanding edge of the spell. This essentially made it, so the spell was little more than a open parachute that pointed horizontally, rather than vertically, also rather than air escaping through, a massive wave of mana flew through the open spell structure. Since the Viscount clearly had no control or knowledge of how to cast the spell that he was casting, he likely stopped when the edge of his spell was filled. But I had taken away that safety measure from his casting, essentially making this an infinitely channeled spell. Whoosh! To the Viscount¡¯s credit, he still had enough control over his mana to at least ignite it, proving he had a slight control over the intent portion of his spell. Still, this was nothing. If I so chose, I could take a step back and be completely free of the rapidly escaping burning mana. Instead, I did something that I am not too proud of. In fact, kids don¡¯t try this at home, as I was stupid enough to play with fire. Keeping the Qi flowing into my hands and remembering how my skin would constantly absorb the mana from my sweat and blood, I decided to forcefully do the same with this never-ending gusher of flames. Focusing on the mana, and drawing it in, I held out my hands. Curling my fingers as if to strike with an open palm, then I imagined the mana entering my hand. Burning. There was an intense burning sensation as at first the flames and mana were too much. At this point it was clear that the Viscount had either taken a step forward or had increased the rate of mana that he released. It was hot, suddenly much hotter than I originally imagined it to be. Flesh melting. I could feel my flesh melting, and I almost focused on the pain, rather than what I needed to do to win. I had been foolish, not striking a downed enemy out of pity, and now that very pity was coming back to bite me. Focusing on ignoring the pain, I instead focused on my teachings. On what I had been telling my students for the past week, to focus through the pain and envision the end goal. That was when it happened. Lashing out with my hand, I imagined a part at the center of my palm opening up, just as a void in space would. With that concept in mind, I imagined every ounce of Qi Cultivation and Circulation, taking in the ambient mana right in front of my palm, and devouring it right then and there. Golden Mana Devouring Palm The system recognized my creation of a new Qi attack, but I could not waste time on thinking about this new accomplishment, as I still needed to focus, to improve my attack. Icy Cold. There was a coldness that engulfed my arm, an effect of my imagining of the void, where there is no heat. This was good, and even needed, as the heat from the flames, and energy were drawn into my hand. Vwoom. There was a sensation of energy being drawn in. I opened my third eye, not because I wanted to see into my hand, but I wanted to eliminate all other distractions around me. With my third eye opened, the entire process became much easier to focus on and complete. I could see the minor problems with my technique that could be fixed almost immediately. Things like opening up the channel, widening the suction arc in front of my palm. Then Altering the way, it was being pulled in, processed, converted from mana to Qi, and then reused to reinforce this new technique I was doing. I mentally felt a system message form within my mind, but I minimized it until later, as this was too important. There was a point when the amount of energy flowing stopped, or at least a part where the Viscount clearly tried to get his flow to stop. Unfortunately for him, I would not let him, as I continued pulling the energy faster and faster into me. Step forward. As the trail of energy began to dry up, I found myself walking forward, slowly at first, until I was right upon the Viscount. ¡°Stop, please stop.¡± The Viscount cried out, through trembling and shaking hands. He had exhausted everything in this attack and was now beginning to feel the effects of mana deprivation. Where he would first fall unconscious, and then depending on how much mana was drained from him. I placed my still glowing hand within an inch of his face. Trembling legs. By now, he was barely able to hold himself up, as I had drained so much energy from him so quickly that his body and mind still had not registered the sudden decrease. At this point I closed my third eye, realizing that it had been stupid to use such an obvious giveaway in the middle of the fight. Hopefully I can explain this away in the future. Then I shook my head, realizing that I wasn¡¯t out of the woods yet. As I still hadn¡¯t officially won this duel. That is when I made my first attack of the whole duel. With my open palm placed less than an inch away from his face, I reached back with my Qi infused fingers, and flicked him in the forehead. Pluck. There was the audible sound of a Qi infused finger smashing into the cerebral cortex of the spirit. Not enough to kill, but given the location of the blow, and how exhausted the mage was at that time, he fell backwards. His head jerking back first, followed by the rest of his body falling out of alignment, before he fell to the ground unconscious. Silence. There was a moment of silence as everyone watched the two of us. I was there with my Seraphim Wings out, and still had the effects of Spectral Drift activated, both spells proved to be pointless. Though I did like the idea of the Seraphim Wings, especially now as I could likely use that as an excuse of why I had a third eye, noting that it could just be a spell that helped me counteract magical attacks. Then before I could think too much, I was met with a system message that was displayed for everyone.
The duel between Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver and Dr. Octavia Spiritlight has ended with Dr. Spiritlight knocking out Viscount De¡¯Carver with a single flick knockout.
Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text. As soon as I saw the message, I instantly cast my newest spell, quickly changing the text that was visible to everyone.
The duel between Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver and Dr. Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri has ended with Dr. De¡¯Arcaneri knocking out Viscount De¡¯Carver with a single flick knockout.
I had never been so happy to have a random spell related to espionage, or trickery on hand than I was for having that tier thirteen spell that would be almost impossible to detect or better still dispel. With that incriminating message fixed, I had a second and let the other messages that I had minimized during the fight. Already the effects of my innate Regeneration were already at work, healing my burnt hand and bringing it back to normal. This was good, as I was still suffering from the restrictions placed on me by the duel. The most important one was about the subsequent skill that went along with my newly created Qi attack.
New Skill Golden Mana Devouring Palm has increased to level 1.
Skill Golden Mana Devouring Palm is a Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2 skill.
The skill looked and felt amazing. Though I didn¡¯t have much time to think about the new skill or really what I had done, as the system gave me another message.
Deactivating personal handicaps.
WHOOSH! Suddenly I felt a surge of power flood back into me, as I could freely feel my powers and extra Traits becoming available to utilize once again. I never realized just how naked I felt without my Traits or my ability to cast attack spells or dispel. I am wondering what type of Wizards duel I was just apart of, when I was apparently forced to fight a higher-level Wizard without Spells, Traits, or Dispels. That was like having a three-legged race, with only being able to use your arms, it made no sense. Then I got my quest reward, and suddenly I felt ready to forgive all my previous complaints, as the rewards I had received were in fact tripled due to my having to overcome three handicaps.
Quest Completed: A Duel of Magical Masters (II): Dr. Octavia Spiritlight has won her duel against Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver¡­
Chapter 147 Going Home (Almost) Chapter 147 Going Home (Almost) There was a slight hush, as I waited for the aftermath of the battle to subside. Before me lay the quivering body of the Viscount who had been drained of all mana. Then I received the reward from completing the impromptu quest.
Quest Completed: A Duel of Magical Masters (II): Dr. Octavia Spiritlight has won her duel against Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carve. Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver will lose all rights to honor, integrity, titles, and renounce all claims to nobility. Additionally former Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver will be banished from the Deolar Elven Homelands. Rewards: Experience, Notoriety, New Skill (already applied), Stated objectives. Experience Gained: 250,000 / 125,000 /125,000 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 120. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased to level 188. Ethereal Healer has increased to level 224.
That was a lot of levels. I gained eleven levels in my Akashic Qi Master class, seven in Ethereal Simulacrums Master, and eleven again in my Ethereal Healer class. Meaning that I also got the Legendary bloodline bonus from twenty-nine total levels all at once. I felt a flood of power wash over me, as I gained levels at an exceptional rate.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 88 261 Personality 96 337 Perception 165 1013
Dexterity 127 590 Sociability 92 341 Intelligence 166 1176
Endurance 121 338 Attractiveness 81 967 Willpower 159 1589
That was a lot of Attributes all at once. I also noticed a few things. First, and likely most importantly, I officially had my fourth Attribute over the thousand-point threshold. My next closest was Dexterity, which might be a bit, but I knew for a fact it would be doable. The other thing I noticed was how close I was once again to maxing out my base Perception and Intelligence, despite being able to increase to the new limit of 175 each, they were now under ten points away from reaching their limits. This once again reminded me that I had the one time use recipe to increase my overall maximums again just wasting space in my storage. There was also the second repeatable recipe available for a free Trait slot that I was going to mass produce with Mallory and the other guild members. Those were the thoughts that hit me right after I took notice of my recent rapid advancement. Then of course came the fact that I wasn¡¯t even done with all of the bonuses from completing this quest. That is when I mentally allowed my mind to open and focus on the remainder of the notifications that were still awaiting me.
Notoriety (I): You have established yourself to be one of the premier duelists of the Ancient Elven Empire. Even when severely restrained by the Gods of the world, you manage to come out on top. Effect: +10% Bonus to Intimidation, Coercion Checks, and +10% chance of Forcing Favorable Compromises.
This was an interesting feature and one that many people would associate the people like Mallory, as it helped them give off an intimidating aura when they wanted. This was sort of like an unnerving presence that the person innately wielded, making you want to get along with the person more favorably. Honestly, I am not entirely certain how the Notoriety system would work, especially for me. Would this transfer to all my different forms, making it so each avatar I wore was capable of exuding the same overbearing presence? Also, there was the other question I had about this feature being unlocked, as didn¡¯t one generally have to do more than just win a duel to unlock such a feature? I mean these were meant for hardened criminals and the law enforcement officers who took in said criminals for justice. Yet, I wasn¡¯t able to focus too much on this new feature that I had to be aware of, as I still had another major notification left to accept.
Geographic Notification: The Gods have seen and have witnessed the formal duel and have hereby stripped Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver of all rights to honor, integrity, titles, and all claims to nobility. From here on out Viscount Grahm De¡¯Carver will be simply known as Grahm. Time for Grahm to leave on his own accord, before his Attributes and Skills begin to drop at a rapid rate per time that he managed to overstay his welcome: 29:59, 29:58¡­
There was a thirty-minute timer for the Viscount, well Grahm to leave of his own accord. The only problem was that Grahm was currently squirming and quivering on the floor. His eyes were rolled back in his head, as with my flick to his cerebral cortex, I managed to knock out any semblance of control to his motor skills that might have remained after I drained him of all his mana. It¡¯s sad to say that it took me to this point, for me to realize just how outmatched mages were to a focused Qi user. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Also, it seemed that Qi users could train themselves to be the perfect counter to mages. Now I know I have had similar ideas to this before, but it is one thing to think something and another thing to be able to easily drain the mana from an opponent right where they stand and leave them a disabled mass. Also, I learned so many things that I could teach both my Qi students and Mana students. For not only was I thinking of ways to take down mages, but I was thinking of ways that I could as a mage, prevent being completely decimated by a skilled Qi user. My mind was flooding with ideas and new tricks to try out. Honestly, I was excited to get home and start practicing many of the different concepts that I had come up with immediately, in order to see what worked, what didn¡¯t. Oh, and somewhere in there I was going to brew a lot of rare and hard to get items together to create my potions. Then I was quickly pulled away from my musings when I heard the spell of silence that had so thoroughly enraptured everyone break. ¡°She did it.¡± One of the bound guards said. ¡°She took him out with a flick.¡± A second guard stated. ¡°Is that her?¡± A third guard asked. ¡°Of course, it is her, she is clearly wearing the uniform.¡± The first guard answered. Sadly, it took my four guild members speaking like that to remind me of why I was here, and why I shouldn¡¯t just run off and being practicing new Mage Breaking skills, and more importantly new Qi prevention techniques. With my bound guild members talking to my left, I quickly regained my composure and took on a more regal stance. ¡°I take it this is sufficient enough for everyone to realize that I should not be messed with?¡± I ask, pointing at the still unconscious body of the Visco¡­ well Grahm. ¡°Yes, you have made your point.¡± The King said, and there was almost a heavy weight to his words. There was the sound of defeat that filled each word he spoke, causing me to realize that I might have missed something. That is when he let out a deep sigh, before continuing. ¡°You can have your way.¡± The King said. ¡°Wait, what?¡± I ask, again realizing that I was clearly missing a step or two in this King¡¯s logic. ¡°You have proven yourself to be worthy. When you first were exiled, you were weak and incapable of protecting both yourself and this kingdom. Now you have returned stronger, and victorious in your pursuits.¡± The more the king spoke the more his words seemed to have a weight of foreboding doom to them. Almost as if he was about to tell me that a major calamity was about to befall the lands that I was now deemed fully capable of defending against. ¡°That is why, I will no longer stand between you and your love for Rahul. You now have my blessing to marry that lich.¡± The king said. Bleh. I think I vomited solidified mana in my mouth, just a little bit. ¡°No!¡± I shouted, trying to speak over the bile that was rising up within me. There was no way I was going to be married to that impostor of Rahul, not even if it was to save my guild members. I would come up with an alternate plan. ¡°What?¡± The King demanded, anger filling his words as he too probably felt just as confused as I did a few moments ago. That is why I decided to go an alternate route, while also trying to portray this character that I was now displaying. ¡°When you first exiled me, you were right in your actions father. I was far too young and unlearned in the ways of the world. I fell for the first person who I thought saw the real me. I have since come to realize that what I had witnessed was a lie. That everything I had been told were the self-flattering words of a man with middling ambitions and no true sustenance. I have also realized now that what I once thought of as love was a farce, and that I still need more time to find out who I am, and most importantly who I wish to become. That is why I cannot and will not continue a relationship with Mr. De¡¯Gravitas.¡± I stated. Silence. There was a hush that fell over the room. I don¡¯t know if everyone was still in shock from the duel, or the fact that I had turned down my father¡¯s acquiescence to my perceived earlier demand to be allowed to marry that Rahul impostor. ¡°You¡­¡± The King began, a slightly trembling tone to his voice. Hearing him I could not help but wonder if I had somehow messed up. Was he aware that I was playing a role? Did he somehow find out that I was not the real Octavia. These were the thoughts that rolled through my head, before he finally finished his thought. ¡°You called me father?¡± The King asked a slightly questioning tone to his words. Pausing I realized two things almost immediately, the first thing was that I had in fact called him father during my monologue. The second part was, that based on this king¡¯s reaction, this was something that was completely out of character for Octavia. Badump, badump, badump. My heart began to race as I realized I was likely close to breaking character. That if I did not do this next part correctly this rescue mission would likely fail, and that I might in fact need a second rescue mission sent for me. Realizing there was nothing I could do about the past, as I had clearly spoken the out-of-character word for Octavia, my only recourse was to double down. ¡°That is correct, father, I did.¡± I said, a note of defiance to my voice. Whoosh! There was a flash of light. Mentally I understood the move used, it was a warrior¡¯s attack ability called Speed Rush, that allowed a front-line tank to dash across large distances in a second. No magic, nothing to dispel, just pure movement. Even with the restrictions that were still in place on the King, he was quick. Also, the action itself was unavoidable, part of what made tanks so formidable. I prepared for a bash, or stunning attack. I circulated golden Qi to form a protective barrier around me and my vital organs. The goal was not to completely negate any damage I received, but to survive for long enough to Teleport away, where I could heal and then eventually come back with a different plan to save my guild members. Yet, I was not prepared for what actually came next. Arms open wide, I tried to move, but again this was an unavoidable feature of the game world. Something that I had not built-up contingencies for or against, as I had never directly faced such an attack directly before. Then impact. Crushing. He was crushing me, my bones, even while being reinforced with Qi were slightly cracking from the intense strain. He gave me a bear hug. Just when I was about to defend myself, I realized he was crying. ¡°Oh, my baby girl. You have no idea how happy I am to hear you call me father once more. When you were sent away, I thought that was it, that you would never forgive me again. Yet, here you are, you grew up to be so powerful. If your mother was here, she would be shedding tears of joy.¡± The King said. Squeeze. With that I felt bones pop within my chest, as the over enthusiastic King squeezed me hard enough to cause my bones to pop and crack from the sudden strain. Oddly enough, as the bones break and crack, I feel my golden Qi flowing into the open pores and filling the spots with stronger materials that both seems to bind the bones together, while actually being lighter in makeup and stronger in terms of durability. Thinking about this, I imagine purposefully breaking my bones, only to have the bones be healed with Qi in such a way that I end up becoming stronger and more durable. This sounds like the exact wrong way to enact, that which doesn¡¯t kill you, only makes you stronger. Still, it is something to consider, and I am not certain if it will truly be worth testing out on others. Though now I do feel a bit better about ramping up the difficulties of my training, assuming that people survive the broken bones and lacerated organs that might come from such strict training methods. ¡°You have no idea how happy I am now that you have returned. I feel like a massive weight has been lifted from my chest.¡± The King says, grabbing me tightly by the shoulders lifting me up and then spinning me around wildly like I was some sort of stuffed doll. ¡°Father, please put me down.¡± I say, a bit short, but honestly I don¡¯t want him to suddenly have a sense of bumble fingers and for me to get thrown off wildly into space. Spinning. After a second, I am put down, and with a gentle pat, he taps my shoulder, as if that will somehow keep me firmly planted on the ground. I will say that getting spun about so violently is oddly not as disconcerting as you might think. Normally people get dizzy from the fact that the eyes have a hard time focusing on distant objects quickly enough, thus causing distortions in visibilities. However, my vision is completely tied to me and an ever-moving axis around me. Thus, spinning me, only does that, spins me. While the direction I am pointing might change, there is no distortion of visible objects that could cause disorientation, rather it is just me reorienting myself to the view. Slightly different, but that difference means that I apparently cannot get motion sickness. At least not from being spun about violently, good to know. Realizing that the King both looks and appears to be acting a bit sheepish at his actions, I decide to go in for the kill. ¡°Good.¡± I say, giving myself a second to settle back down on the ground. ¡°That brings me to the real reason why I was able to come back her alive in the first place.¡± ¡°The real reason?¡± He parrots back. ¡°Yes, you see during my time away, I joined the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild, where I was recognized as the position of a Doctor, in magic.¡± I state, making sure to only state the truths as there are a lot of Skills, Powers, and Traits that could help detect the slightest lie. Here every word I have said is true, as Cassiopeia, but we will just gloss over that part and assume that I of course was speaking of myself. ¡°You did, that is wonderful.¡± The King said, excitement filling his words. ¡°It is, I fully agree.¡± I state, giving a slight pause before I go in for the kill. ¡°So imagine my surprise, when the guild who is using the spell I created to purify the lands, had its members taken capture when they were trying to find a way to contact you.¡± I state, while pointing to the four bound guild members that were still forced to remain kneeling while chained to the floor. At that the King looked visibly chagrined. ¡°Free them.¡± The King called out and gestured towards the guards that were standing like make-shift executioners over my fellow guild members. ¡°She did it?¡± The guild members said to each other in hushed whispers that echoed out in the Throne Room like stage whispers from a play. ¡°Shh. We are not out of this yet.¡± The senior member of the guards said. He was the one that looked most familiar, as I was fairly certain I had seen his energy signature during the start of my original two-hundred-person class sizes. Thankfully those got cut down dramatically, though I do think something might need to be done if my guild members are going to then go and get into trouble almost immediately afterwards. Soon the other guild members were up, at which point I began healing them. This world was so dangerous for most mortals that just staying here for an extended period of time would slowly whittle away at ones health. Healing. ¡°You are a healer as well?¡± The King asked, a note of awe and reverence in his words. I assume based on his and the reactions from those around us, that Healers were seen in high regard. ¡°Yes, I believe it is safe to say I am a fair healer.¡± I state. At that, the other guild members scoff. I can see that they wanted to say something else, but I suddenly felt a pang. Mentally I kicked myself for realizing that I had taken too long, and now a feeling I had felt earlier came back to me. I felt the powers of the awakened Knight¡¯s bloodline reaching out and interacting with mine. As I realized this, knew things were about to get dicey, as the Knight might be skilled enough to recognize that my bloodline was not one that was previously associated with the royalty of the kingdom. Then disaster struck as I realized there was an entire entourage coming. The Knight with his bloodline detection skills were there, along with the Lieutenant, and worst of all the accursed Lich. Seeing that we still had a few minutes, I began to try to get us out of there. ¡°Well, a pleasure seeing you again, dad.¡± I state, making sure to use an operative word that would elicit a warm response from the attention starved ruler. ¡°Oh, are you leaving so soon?¡± The King asked, moving forward to try to stop me. ¡°Yes, I think we need to get back immediately.¡± I state, and then give a quick nod to the captain who fortunately seemed to be quick on the update, as he added. ¡°Yes, our shift was over a while ago, and we need to report in.¡± The Shift leader said. With that I created a portal for everyone to get out, using my first real spell I received related to my unique class. Planar Shift. Poof. A portal appeared before the guards who immediately exited the dungeon and exited the area. I too was about to leave, when suddenly a voice that I never wanted to hear again called out to me. Just hearing the voice, I knew I was done for. ¡°You¡­¡± Chapter 148 Just Wait (Gwen) Chapter 148 Just Wait (Gwen) The alert came loud and imposing. As a dedicated healer with not much else to her name, Gwen of course jumped at the chance of leaching both skills and experience from helping the higher up members of her guild. For months they had been searching for the secret entrance, to the realm of the elven king that had all but declared war on the guild when they first established a presence here. Ever since that first encounter, there was nothing, until finally word broke of not one but two different groups of roaming patrols going missing while exploring the lands and fully mapping out the territory. Gwen stood there dumbfounded by the fact that her mother was the first to enter the uncharted lands. Of course, it should come as no surprise as her mother was always the first to risk herself for others. ¡°Tell me everything.¡± Mallory stated, to the now quivering Captain of the Guards who had apparently been the last person to speak to Cass, before she made her entry into the instance. ¡°The Doctor came, got the details that there were four missing patrol guards and then said she would go in to look around.¡± The Captain stated. ¡°You didn¡¯t stop her?¡± Mallory hissed. ¡°We were following your orders. Where we were to wait for her and to take orders from her. Especially, when it comes to the spirit world,¡± he states while gesturing to the portal that clearly leads to the spirit realm. Then before Mallory could state anything to the contrary, he continued, ¡°we were also told to defer to her judgement on anything remotely magical. That was when we asked her to tell us what to do.¡± Hearing that Mallory bit her lower lip, realizing that those were the directions given. It was meant to avoid future clashes with other mages trying to exert authority over her. But this, this was beyond the pale. The monsters in the spirit realm were much higher than Mallory herself, while she had been grinding away at levels, she knew she was not prepared to face the king of the elves. Seeing her face, the guard continued on. ¡°She did ask if she was to sign anything, I told her no. Was that the wrong answer? I had not been told of a document to sign for entry¡­¡± ¡°What, you think this amount of anger is over a bureaucracy slip-up?¡± Mallory asked, then went on. ¡°No of everyone here, that girl is hands down the most capable creature of going in searching the area and coming back out alive.¡± ¡°So what is the problem?¡± The guard captain asked. ¡°The fact that she has not come back out alive, obviously.¡± Mallory hissed, then gestured to the portal. Mallory looked lost for a moment, then turned to face Gwen. At this point Gwen locked gazes with Mallory, or at least tried to, apparently her mother had this act down to a science, while she was still learning the intricacies of interacting while blind, while trying to appear like you weren¡¯t. Of all the people, Mallory was the only one who would notice the way Gwen was off in her eye contact. Granted Gwen could use her third eye to correct the positioning of her gaze, but that was cheating. If her mother could do it, then Gwen knew that with enough time and practice, she too could emulate sight. Still, despite having lost the slight battle of appearing to have true vision, Gwen stated what she needed to. ¡°I don¡¯t feel any measure of hostility, also I can tell that the portal is a spirit realm.¡± Gwen stated, using some of the more subtle intuitive techniques that her mother had been stressing to her. Using her active auras due to her awakened Legendary bloodline to detect that it is a spirit realm. Then using that extra sense to determine if there was malicious intent on the other side. From everything she could tell, her Spiritlight last name, the one that marked her as a friend to all spirits with at least a neutral rating told her that there would be no danger for her if she entered the realm before her. Hearing that, Mallory paused, then muttered to herself. ¡°Figures that she would find a way to sneak into one of the most dangerous realms ever discovered and be welcomed in with open arms.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say she would be welcomed with open arms.¡± Gwen said, then stopped before realizing she might have said too much as Mallory was clearly feeling better about this level of information. ¡°No, she has a way of doing absurd gestures to make friends. Knowing her, she is likely working out some type of crazed plot to free our guards as we speak.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°So what is the issue then?¡± The guard said, at the exact wrong time. He had clearly been able to lower himself from Mallory¡¯s radar for the moment but had to once again interject himself into the conversation and gain Mallory¡¯s threat rating. While she was never mean to Guild members, Gwen could see the tension in Mallory, the tensing of her muscles, the clenching of her jaw. All were signs of her holding back severe frustration for what was happening around her. Worst of all, the guard seemed to be completely unaware of just how close he was to getting on Mallory¡¯s angry list. ¡°The issue is that I am not able to do anything at the moment to help. Meaning I have to wait for her to come back and inform me of the situation before I make any movements and potentially lose any good will she has built up, or even more simply, I have no clue as to the scale of forces we will find on our way into the portal. Because, while those with the last name of Spiritlight, might be naturally neutral to spirits, I can guarantee that I am not.¡± Mallory stated, wit that she paused clearly angry with herself for likely stating too much about Cass¡¯s and well the entire Spiritlight lineage, but it was not like it was a trade secret, at least not anymore, thanks to Rob, well Trenton now. Silence. There was a note of silence, as the guard finally took the hint and decided once again to try to lower his threat rating, and get forgotten by Mallory. Unfortunately for the guard, Mallory was not quite so ready to dismiss him this time. ¡°Did she say anything else to you? Did she give you any other directives?¡± Mallory asked, staring at the portal and half wondering if she should go in guns blazing form the start and try to get her healer and best friend back. Honestly, looking at her now, Gwen realized just how deep the love Mallory had for her mother was. It was kind of reassuring in a way, as they clearly had an organic mixture of trust and respect that meant that even when looking at a portal that led to a realm where most everyone would have their damaged reduced or even halved in most cases, it was clear that Mallory knew that Cass would come back alive. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. The guard paused, trying to remember something, then a surprised look came to him as he finally recalled something else. ¡°She did warn me not to mess with her spirit dog if it came.¡± ¡°Kujo?¡± Mallory asked. There was a pause, then the guard shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I don¡¯t believe I hear the name, but that does seem familiar.¡± ¡°It should, that dire phase wolf is off limits, anyone so much as harming that dog or looking at it with evil intentions will likely first be torn to pieces by the wolf, let alone its mate. Then you will have to convince our healer to heal you after offending her dog.¡± Mallory stated. As that happened , Gwen gave a wide look around and realized that Kujo was there, just phased in between realms. Seeing Gwen¡¯s reaction, Mallory asked. ¡°Did you find him?¡± Gwen just nodded, then pointed right next to the portal. ¡°He is right there, sitting patiently with his tail flapping against the ground.¡± Everyone looked in the direction that Gwen was pointing, but no one could see anything. Mallory for her part stared at the spot intently but gave up after a few seconds. It was clear that she believed the dire phase wolf was right where Gwen had stated but was unable to see any indications that an apex predator was sitting right there in the middle of all her soldiers. ¡°What should we do?¡± One of the head logistics officers asked. This was a mage that was in charge of one of the major leveling teams, and one that Gwen often went with to gain splash experience from helping and observing. ¡°We wait.¡± Mallory said, a note of steely resolve filling her voice as she clearly hated the command but knew better than anyone about charging into an alternate realm blind. ¡°For how long?¡± The officer asked. Silence. There was a pregnant pause that filled the area, then just as Mallory opened her mouth to speak, the sound of magic sparking off could be heard. Whoosh! Suddenly a tear in space appeared, it was clear that this was a portal that led to the nearby spirit realm. The spell was very familiar to Gwen as it was one of the three class spells she started with, for her odd healer class. A class that really didn¡¯t get the chance to heal until level twenty-five, when her class¡¯s Trait of Omni-Heal activated. Until that point, she was subjected to the whims of anyone who would take her on as a charity case. In a way, the class was amazing, so long as you could get to level twenty-five, regardless of your magical affinity, or ability to use magic, you would by default be a true healer. Not just able to heal humans, but one who was able to heal anyone. Thinking on it, Gwen was both happy and relieved to have gotten this class. Most of the time, if you didn¡¯t start off with a magical aptitude, just getting a mage class would be a waste as there was no way for those who had not been born with a mana core to learn to cast magic. Which is why this class was so amazing, as it clearly gave the ability to use magic. Going into this world, Gwen knew that she was going to be a spellcaster, so she spent her points accordingly. While she didn¡¯t go as wild as her mother had, she never needed to, as her mother had made all of those sacrifices herself and now, she was able to reap the rewards of such a sacrifice. Even now, there were talks that Gwen could take over as the sole owner of the class, particularly with her rate of leveling and the massive amounts of experience possible from the area they were in. Yet, she chose not to, partly because she didn¡¯t want to steal this amazing gift that had been granted to her by her mother, but also there was the fact that her mother had a way of getting the most out of any class she held. Unlocking Traits at level caps and building classes that worked in unison with her bloodline. Honestly, just thinking about the different components of this world and how Cass had managed to seemingly weave together completely different strands of knowledge to form the basket case that Cass was now, was impressive. This was why Gwen had been working so diligently on trying to unlock a second class. Just like her mother, she wanted a martial class to help shore up her weaknesses, which as a caster would be her physical weaknesses. In her mind she saw herself as being some form of combat medic. A medic who would go beyond enemy lines, one who can go anywhere and save anyone. Just as she had the thought, she realized she was following in her mother¡¯s footsteps, and while that would have previously put her in the looney bin, where she would want to do anything to change her life progression. Over the last seven years of watching her mother go anywhere and do anything she put her mind to, Gwen came to respect her mother. Realizing that being compared to her wasn¡¯t as painful as it used to be to her own ego. Then just as she had that thought, the first missing guard made their way through the portal. Within seconds Gwen found her feet pulling her forward, as she began casting both Healing, and diagnostic spells on the person. They were fine, beyond fine as they even seemed to be continuing to be healed, despite coming from the spirit realm, a realm where most people would take continual damage. Looking at the first guard, Gwen realized that her healing was superfluous, as it was just throwing mana at a problem that had already been fixed with mana. Then the next person came, and once again Gwen was among the people sent to greet and heal this individual. ¡°Make way.¡± The second guard said, trying to clear the area right behind the portal, as it was clear that other people were trying to make their way through the portal as well. With that, the rescue team cut off the onlookers, while quickly grabbing and half pulled, half helped the missing guard members make their way out of the exit area. Four people, all four missing guards were accounted for. Not only were they accounted for, but they were in perfect condition, at least as far as Gwen and her understanding of Healing Magic went. Thumbs up. The signal that Gwen had performed her healing on the guards and they were all safe and free of any lingering after effects of the spirit realm. It was clear that the only person that could do this was her mother. Granted Gwen was a bit biased where her thoughts of her mother¡¯s capabilities came into play, but she still felt her thoughts were warranted. Then just as soon as they arrived, the portal that led them here abruptly closed. ¡°Where is she, where is my Cass?¡± Mallory asked, her voice frantic as she cut through the lines to talk to the guards, only after she had received the thumbs up from Gwen. ¡°The Doctor?¡± The first guard out of the portal asked. Mallory nodded. ¡°The Doctor, that was a high elf that saved us.¡± The second freed guard stated. ¡°Yeah, but she opened her glowing green third eye during combat, before flicking the opponent unconscious in a magical duel. I think if that described anyone, it would be the Doctor.¡± The first guard said. ¡°What?¡± The crowd of onlookers asked. With that the guards began to speak, where they told a fantastical tale of how an elven princess came back to see her father after overcoming the terms for exile and banishment. Then how that same elven princess challenged a mage to a magical duel, where they were so handicapped that they couldn¡¯t fight with offensive magic, more than one Trait, and couldn¡¯t use Dispels. With that most people began to think of the story as a bit preposterous, only until the manner of victory was noted where the princess waved a glowing hand at the mage that ate, the ambient mana. Before walking over to the exhausted mage, whereby the duel was won by a singular flick, to the forehead. The four looked first to each other, then back to where portal that had closed stood, trying to find out what actually happened to Cass. That was when Holly, the last to exit the portal spoke. ¡°There was a commotion at the end. I couldn¡¯t tell whom, but there was clearly the presence of at least three high level undead.¡± Holly said, a note of panic filling her words. ¡°Undead?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yes, well they were all spirits, but I swore I could make out the burning skull and glowing green eye sockets of a powerful necromancer.¡± Holly continued. ¡°It was a Lich.¡± Jake added, furthering the knowledge of the exact type of undead. Silence. For a moment everyone that had been talking, going over rescue plans and operations that would normally follow the successful evacuation of four missing prisoners from hostile territories. Hearing that, Mallory looked to where the portal that had been active a moment ago, now stood vacant. Then a look of determination filled her gaze as she looked back to the main portal entrance that was over a hundred meters away. Then she began marching her way towards the entrance. Chills. It was clear from her look and determination that she had one thing on her mind. That she was going to go and storm the spirit realm herself and go in to protect her healer. ¡°Wait, you can¡¯t.¡± The officer that had been speaking to her moments ago said, as he cut her off and began trying to prevent her from charging forward. ¡°The hell I can¡¯t.¡± Mallory snarled as determination filled her face as she began to push her way past the mage. ¡°Wait!¡± Gwen cried out, her own feet running quickly, trying to catch up to Mallory who was moving remarkably quickly, despite just tromping along. It was clear that Gwen, despite her momentum and blatant attempts to increase her speed would not be able to stop Mallory before she too entered the spirit realm. Fortunately, Gwen received help from an unexpected source. Poof. Kujo, the giant dire phase wolf appeared right in between the entrance to the spirit world where Cass was currently residing and Mallory. ¡°Move.¡± Mallory hissed, trying to demand the loyal wolf to get out of her way. Grrr. At that Kujo began to growl ominously. This was the growl of a big dog that was warning the little yippy dog not to bother it, and to go away. Still, despite the warning it looked like Mallory was going to push her way past Kujo, until Ms. Kujo also appeared. Blinking. Gwen tried to see where Ms. Kujo came from. It was clear that Ms. Kujo was another power level above Kujo, and she even knew that Kujo¡¯s levels were quite a few lower than his mate, yet hearing that and then seeing, or rather not seeing the difference between the two was hard to fathom. As Gwen had absolutely no way of tracking the whereabouts of Ms. Kujo. In fact, after seeing the actions, it almost felt like Kujo had purposefully made himself visible to Gwen. In a way, that thought made Gwen feel happy, as it meant that Kujo somehow saw her as a trusted friend, or maybe Kujo considered himself to be part of her mother¡¯s pack. Grr. Ms. Kujo said, and it was clear that while Kujo had been a little more sedate with his interactions with Mallory, clearly not wanting to rock the boat. Ms. Kujo on the other hand was not having any of it, and blatantly stared down at Mallory. Mallory who was a known powerhouse of the world actually balked at the sight of being stared down by not one, but two dire phase wolves. Seeing them, and their firm stance that Mallory was not to enter, Mallory locked gazes with the two beasts, before finally looking away. ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Mallory said to the two beasts, then she held up her empty hands as if to say she was done. With that Mallory began walking away, while the two dire phase wolves just sat down, their backs to the portal entrance while everyone looked on in shock. ¡°So what do we do now?¡± The mage officer asked as Mallory came back to the group. ¡°We wait.¡± Mallory said, a note of annoyance filling her words. Chapter 149 Reinstated (Cass) Chapter 149 Reinstated (Cass) ¡°You, you came back to me?¡± Rahul said, a faintly annoying lisp to his words. I heard there was one, I even read it, but I thought it more of a deep baritone, versus the slightly nasal sound that was now coming from the Lich¡¯s clacking jaws. An impressive feat considering the Lich no longer possessed a nose. ¡°I am not here for you. I have come to fulfill my obligations to my guild, and I have done so.¡± I state, using my Courtly Etiquette skill to full force. Fortunately, I have taken time to practice this, while reading aloud different passages from, well no I will not mention that series of books anymore. Suffice it to say, that I apparently talk to myself a lot, but I maintain that it is mostly for the purposes of skill grinding, also I am terrible with people, and animals, and most social encounters. Wince. I was about to continue, when I heard the still restricted and constrained king of the elves give out a wince of pain. At that we all turned to him, even the Knight who was eyeing me suspiciously came to a stop at the sight of his king. I made a note of the Knight, as it was clear that he felt my Legendary bloodline active within me, just as I felt his Royal Bloodline active in him. The king too had a Royal Bloodline that was active, but it was clearly off compared to mine. If I had to guess, I would place his bloodline as that of a social nature. While the Knight¡¯s his felt more of a physical nature. Honestly, just being this close to so many active bloodlines made me want to see what I could now gleam from Mallory and her bloodline. Could I use this as a steppingstone for somehow finding a way to improve my own? Could I even get to the next level of my bloodline ascendency which would be the vaunted Mythical ranking, where I would be one step away from that of a minor-deity, then likely a deity, though I am fairly certain that there might be many levels between minor and full-blown deity, but so far those are the next known steps. Mythical, Minor-Deity, then the last and final step Deity. Of course, it is clear that no one has gotten to the Mythical stage, or else Mallory would be far more intimidating than she already is. I might want to test with her, see if there are ways to awaken her bloodline further, then refine the process for myself and follow along in her footsteps. Yes, I realize that I am somehow okay with using Mallory as a sort of guinea pig for my own advancements. Though I feel that if I was there, I would be able to help her through the process easier, and if there were complications, I could always Resurrect her to an earlier form of her body. So, other than a few terrible life-threatening attempts, and multiple chances for excruciating pain there is not much risk, right? You know the more I think about this, the more terrible of an idea this sounds like, even to me. Though I will definitely pose it to Mallory, for science, and well for my own satiated curiosity. Though if Mallory dies due to my wanting to satiate my curiosity, does that make Mallory part cat in this case? Release of power. SWOOSH! There is a burst of power that pulls me out of my own mind, a quick glance of the immediate area shows that the king is once again back to his full strength. What the heck? ¡°¡­I hereby bless your betrothal.¡± The King said. Mentally I stop my personal thoughts, then mentally play back the entire conversation the king was having while I was lost in my own thoughts, part of my Multitasking skill. Then with horror I hear the message of the king and realize why his bindings are now removed. ¡°Having seen your commitment to your personal obligations, I realize my earlier mistake in my judgement. I rescind my earlier decree, preventing you from marrying Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas. I even,¡± he paused, and this was likely why I stopped paying attention as he was just droning on and on. ¡°I herby bless your betrothal.¡± Then to make matters worse, I saw the system message letting me know that this was not a sick nightmare of my dreams. The ones where you get a corrupted wish, in this case my starting wish would be to marry Rahul, the inspiration for many of my magical fantasies. Only to have that dream corrupted as the man in question is now an undead Lich, that is caught up on the loss of their old steed, just like a bad emo-electronic-country western song. I pause, as I can almost imagine a faint rhythmic beat to the song before the system message cuts off my thoughts entirely.
Hidden Quest Completed: Fulfilling The King¡¯s Oath: You have managed to get the famous King De¡¯Arcaneri of the lost High Elven Tribe to rescind his refusal to allow your marriage. The King has hereby forgiven you and has even given his blessing to your marriage proposal to Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas. Rewards: Experience, Nobility Status, Title, Rank, variable.
Seeing the system message, I immediately hit the stop button, or at least try to. ¡°Time out.¡± I shout, even doing the exaggerated ¡°T¡± with my hands. Then I continue, ¡°I don¡¯t need, nor do I want some third-rate bag of bones who has done nothing with his immortality to improve himself either magically, or personally.¡± Clatter. Rahul¡¯s jaw dropped to the ground. Litterally dislodged from his face and clattered on the ground. I realize the AI¡¯s are likely hamming this up, knowing that it is being broadcast in real time to the world. With that, I realized the true trap, that regardless of what I do, this was always going to be the ending and reward. For so long I had wished for this, well not this Rahul, in fact only now do I realize that I want this Rahul with Glenn from Thieves¡¯ Guild on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower¡¯s voice. Well, not just his voice, I realize now that part of my reason for having my first Simulacrum stay on that second floor was so that I could always hear how Glenn greeted me, well not the real me, but my Simulacrum. Every night as our memories merge together, I would see not only the books read, but also details of the conversations had. His deep baritone was enough to set my heart fluttering. I even made sure to mimic his voice perfectly when portraying the parts of Rahul, for in my mind only Glenn could do the different things that Rahul had been credited with. Badump, badump, badump. That is when I decided to put an end to this. ¡°I cannot do this,¡± I began, then quickly realized I was playing the role of the elven princess, I continued, while letting words of the truth slowly bleed over to my statements. ¡°You were right to object to my marriage father. I absolve you of your prior commitments.¡± FWOOM! This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. With that, the final remaining restraints on the King¡¯s powers were removed. Now should anyone face him, they would have to deal with his full powers and capabilities. While it was nice knowing that people who were much more powerful than you were restrained, this was important as I needed to use this to further my story and gain enough relationship status with the man, in order to get my two remaining goals complete. The first goal was to establish a peace treaty between the Midnight Hunters Guild and the denizens of this realm, so that we would no longer have to worry about missing patrol members. The second was to ensure I never had to marry anyone, especially not a bag of bones Lich. ¡°You see, Father, you were correct. When you first sent me away, I was young and na?ve. I had not yet experienced the full breath of the world.¡± That is where I pause for dramatic effect. ¡°At the time, I just knew that being betrothed to De¡¯Carver was not right for me, where I looked for any excuse to break off that engagement.¡± With that I turn to the Lich, ¡°for that reason, and that reason alone I must thank you Rahul, for you made it so I could be free to go out and experience the true wonders of the world. I learned the true essence of magic and of creating spells. I¡¯ve learned about love, and life, death and rebirth. I have to thank both of you for allowing me to have this life.¡± Silence. This is good, as they are apparently eating it up. Just before they can speak, I continue. ¡°Father, what you did was the best thing for me. I had disgraced our name, and defiled your word as a ruler. For that, I do not begrudge you and your efforts to dismiss me to the most prestigious school of magic in the world. In fact, I rather appreciate that foresight and generosity on your part.¡± This is where I go in for the kill shot. ¡°However, I must warn you both. Well, everyone here really.¡± I state, gesturing to the rest of the onlookers who are still staring. Even the Viscount is still here, despite his rapidly depleting time to leave still ticking wildly over his head. With my now speaking to everyone established, I continue. Making sure not to lie, as I can already feel the different skills that measure lying and intent being used against me. ¡°I want to state, that not only have I learned and grown during my travels, but I have fallen in love.¡± I state, and I mean it, there are no less than half a dozen people in this world I can safely say I love now. Mallory for being the best friend I could ask, Gwendolyn my daughter, Trenton my son, Zero my familiar who is nothing but a help to my second simulacrum, Kujo for just helping me feel like I can have a pet and not completely break them; Then there is Glenn the amazing man, Jhonny for his persistence, Penelope for giving my teachings a chance, and of course a special shout out for Horace and Golum, the two father figures in my life who will forever be missed. Hush. There was a collective sound of everyone letting out their breaths. The King was the first to speak. ¡°So, you have come to ask me to bless your marriage to them?¡± The King asked. Shaking my head. ¡°No, I have learned that I am still too young for such actions. That I still need time to learn and grow more, before I am ready for such thoughts and inclinations. I am sorry to have caused you such concerns in the past, but for now, I must insist that until such time as the Blight is completely irradicated from these lands, that we hold off any talks of marriage or future relationships.¡± I state and mean it. Right now, just the efforts I do daily to slowly fight back the desert regions and slowly regain arable land that is capable of sustaining life is challenging. On top of that you add in that I am committed for the next four years at least of training students at the local college, one with my name associated with it, and then everything else that comes with Qi, and trying to understand this new and completely untapped form of internal energy makes my head scream. Scanning. More skills scan me, and I can tell that they find my words to be completely accurate. Again, part of this is my Acting skill coming into place, and the other part is me using my own actual thoughts to portray this character convincingly. Tears. My father, well the King is crying. Inwardly I exhale, as I realize I have apparently fooled the toughest critic here. Not only have I fooled him, but I have also made it so that he is moved to an emotional reaction. That honestly is tough and what every artist ultimately wants, to be able to illicit an emotional response from their targeted audience. A quick scan of the room shows that most people are also showing signs of my words working. Everyone but the Knight, who seems to be slightly cold to me. I can tell that he likely thinks of me as sort of impostor. That or he is wondering how my Legacy Bloodline is so much like the Legacy Bloodline of Cassiopeia Spiritlight who had gone missing somewhere in this labyrinth of a spirit realm. Just when I am thinking about a way to somehow dismiss the Knight and his Lieutenant, the King does it for me. ¡°Everyone please leave us. There is something very important that I must discuss with my daughter, the Princess.¡± The King said. Chime.
Legendary Hidden Quest Completed: The Deolar Elven Inheritance: Having cleared the name of Octavia De¡¯Arcanari, you have once again established her as being the rightful ruler of the Deolar Kingdom. You have managed to be named as the next successor in line to rule the Ancient Elven empire of Deolar. Rewards: Experience, Rank, Prestige, Title, Badge. Note: Since you are portraying the avatar of Octavia De¡¯Arcanari, all titles and rewards earned as Octavia De¡¯Arcanari will be transferred to you, but only when you actively take on the form of Octavia De¡¯Arcanari, with your Class Trait Spiritual Doppelganger. Experience Gained: 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000 Ding. Level Up. Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 139. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased to level 201. Ethereal Healer has increased to level 246.
A million experience. That is what I got all at once and it hit me like a freight train. I realize that I had done a lot to get this far, defeated the Viscount in a duel, proved that I was a Doctor, managed to give the King back his own powers, and returned fame and honor to a person that I had looked up to during our brief time together. Again, so many things happened so quickly that it is all hard to process. Yet, before I can even think about the massive windfall of experience, I am already met with more rewards.
Rank: Princess: As Octavia Spiritlight, you are the next in line to rule over the remaining subjects of the Deloar Kingdom. Only the King can veto your proclamation. Rewards: All bloodline merits are increased by 40% (Upgradable to 50% when noted as the true ruler)
. Wow, well as a Legendary bloodline holder I had expected something like this to open up eventually, but I do find it kind of limiting in the fact that it only applies to my alternate personality, or when I use this avatar. Then again, this might be the thing I need, as I can rule for a while, then go back to my many different tasks and hobbies, while I wait for something else interesting to happen.
Prestige (1) Awarded: As Octavia Spiritlight, you have unlocked your first nobility class. The sky always shines in your presence, and the world prepares for the next Matriarch of the Deolar Kingdom to reign supreme. Reward: All Bloodline perks are increased by 10%.
Well, I now knew what form I would take while skill grinding, as I could increase my bloodline bonuses by a total of up to 50% while going as Octavia, not much overall but something to be aware of.
Title: Princess of Deolar: As Octavia Spiritlight, while within the borders of the Deolar region, your Social Attributes and Skills are increased by a further 25% efficiency.
There we go a Title that was pretty straightforward, but was also what you expected to receive as a future ruler of a kingdom.
New Feat Recorded: Princess of a Once Noble Kingdom (1,000): You have been recognized as the next in line of a once noble empire of elves. Increase your empire¡¯s reign to increase the value of this badge.
That was a new one, where I was given an upgradable badge, kind of a novel concept in all, and one that I liked. I wanted to think about it more, but I suddenly felt a slight buzzing sensation wash over me as the Attributes from a combined 54 total levels surged into me, along with the noted bonuses to my bloodline¡¯s efficiency rating. I barely regained awareness long enough to notice that everyone had left. A second later I realized that this was due to the decree given by the king just moments before my quest completion notification. One of the last people to leave was the Knight, who only left after giving a head nod to the King, once the Lich and his Lieutenant left. I am not quite certain what that all meant, but with the increase of fifty percent power to my Legendary bloodline now in full effect, there should be enough of a distinction between the me of now and when I first arrived as Cassiopeia to mean even the Knight Commander would have a hard time mistaking us for the same person. Suddenly I realized it was just me and the King. Only now that everyone was gone did I witness the overwhelming power and aura of the king. Feeling his presence, so closely I inwardly trembled as everything that I had just built up, could easily come crashing down, if I was not careful. ¡°Come closer, it is time we have a long talk about the future.¡± The King said, gesturing for me to come closer. With that, I could all but feel the pull of destiny calling me forward. I felt my legs stiffen from sudden fear. Fear that I quickly overrode with the slightest movement of Qi within my body. With that I walked forward, and decided to embrace my destiny with the honor and privilege that my new title warranted. If even for a moment, I could still gain the title of deposed Princess, which should give me half the bonuses I originally had, but those were the thoughts of a quitter. Of someone who settled for half measures, I was now committed for the long haul. Time to go all in, this was my time to finally broker a permanent peace treaty between the Kingdom of Deolar and the Midnight Hunters Guild. I will not stop, until peace treaty is acquired, regardless of the cost to me. Letting out a measured breath, I even realize that I might have to do a few things for the justification of this peace treaty, possibly even forge a marriage contract to ensure that peace is met. It will be okay though, just as when I found out Rob had cheated on me and married another woman, I too will use a false name and identity for this marriage. Chapter 150 A Proposed Truce Chapter 150 A Proposed Truce (Thirty Minutes Later) Whoosh. I exited from my own personal portal, as my true self. No more fakes, no more posing as the lost princess. This time, I was just me. Which was nice, as I had long since been out of energy from my Spiritual Doppelganger Trait and had been converting mana from my different Traits to compensate for my rapidly depleting pool of energy. Meeting me immediately are Kujo and Ms. Kujo, who seem to have scared away the rest of my guild members. At first, I wanted to chastise the pups, but then realized that if more guards came through or were captured, or worse if Mallory got on a rampage, then everything I had been working on for the past few hours would have gone up in smoke. ¡°Good boy.¡± I say, patting Kujo on the snout who was the first to greet me. Healing wave. A bit of healing magic and he is suddenly very happy. Then I don¡¯t even have to open my third eye to see the new waves of power that are radiating from Ms. Kujo. ¡°Oh my goodness, look at you!¡± I shout loudly, as I immediately dismiss Kujo, and run to greet Ms. Kujo who is absolutely glowing. I thought people glowed when they were pregnant, but Dire Phase wolves have humans beat. Well, part of that likely comes from the fact that Ms. Kujo was carrying a litter of twelve children. ¡°You look so good.¡± I say, then open up my third eye and begin scanning Ms. Kujo immediately. I know this shouldn¡¯t matter, as the life force that she is radiating is immense like the sun. Then my heart drops as I realize that yes, there are twelve living and healthy pups, but mixed in between them is a thirteenth pup that is almost black to my sight. Chuff. Kujo notices my change in expression almost immediately. ¡°There is a problem with one of the pups. You should have thirteen, but only twelve are healthy.¡± I state, running over to Ms. Kujo who is so tall that while standing up in my natural form, I have to reach up to touch her barely protruding belly. ¡°Don¡¯t sit.¡± I yell out to Ms. Kujo, not wanting to be smooshed. Then without even thinking, I begin pumping in Healing magic to the pups and to Ms. Kujo herself. It is clear that the Healing Magic will keep the pup alive as I see a bit of Qi energy forming in the pup, but it is weak, far weaker than the golden glows coming from the other pups. No wonder I had a hard time noticing this thirteenth pup, it only really showed up due to how dark and lifeless it was compared to the other pups. Seeing the pup, I realized I needed to do something, but I couldn¡¯t really do much reaching up over my head and extending on my toes. Going out from under the massive creature, I go out and lock gazes with Ms. Kujo. ¡°I need you to lie down flat on your right side.¡± I state, mentally mapping out where the baby is and how this position will put the baby closest to me. Confusion. Ms. Kujo looks at me like I have lost my mind. Maybe I have, but not on this issue. ¡°Lie down and let me save your pup.¡± I state, while holding up one finger straight up before Ms. Kujo. There is a slight moment where she I guess tries to stare into my eyes to see if I am lying to her. I stare at her back with all three of my eyes exposed and non-blinking. Blink. Ms. Kujo blinks first, then seeing that I have not moved, she looks to Kujo who gives a slight head bob. That apparently was all the reassurance that Ms. Kujo needed, as she paced once, then twice. Then looked forward, and locked gazes with my guild members who were all just staring at us dumbfounded from a few dozen feet away. Seeing her evident discomfort at being watched, I shouted at my guild members. ¡°Can you please give us some privacy!¡± I shouted. There was a moment of confusion at first, before Mallory looked at me, then shook her head in exasperation, before turning around and with arms out wide began scooting the other members of the guild even further away from the now closed exit portal and the two extremely large Dire Phase Wolves. Lie down. Ms. Kujo dropped down on all fours like the sphynx and just sat there. Kujo fortunately was quick on the uptick and put himself between the pregnant Ms. Kujo and the rest of my guild members. He even turned so his body was mostly facing out, but angled just enough that he could twist his snout back and watch us. ¡°Good job, you are going to make a good father.¡± I told Kujo. Then turning back to Ms. Kujo, I begin to get serious. ¡°You on the other hand have a hard time following directions.¡± I state, with that I get Ms. Kujo¡¯s full attention back on me. With her eyes locked on me, I state with a practiced ease of a doctor, ¡°I said I needed you to lie down on your right side.¡± I even give a gentle hand gesture, to show which direction I need her to lie down on. Ms. Kujo just stares at me for a second, I give a what is now well practiced stance where I cross my arms in front of my chest, put my right foot forward slightly and just give her the stare that says, go on, keep wasting both our time. I can wait. Then after a three count, I tap my right foot. That was what finally did the job, as she let out a huff, which given her size caused the long hairs on Kujo¡¯s back to bristle with the sudden gust. He of course turned back, just as Ms. Kujo was about to lie down. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°RUFF!¡± Ms. Kujo snarled at Kujo. This was partly due to her not wanting to be seen in a precarious position, and partly for him to keep watch. Of course, I had to step in for my dog. ¡°Hey, you watch that.¡± I say, getting Ms. Kujo to look back at me. Kujo for his part used the moment to look away and remain guarding. I am fairly certain that he will not take his eyes away, even if Ms. Kujo begins to go into labor right here and now. She won¡¯t, at least she shouldn¡¯t she is very early in this pregnancy, but the fact that there are already issues now are alarming. ¡°If you weren¡¯t so caught up in trying to be secure in your home, then Kujo would have never looked back to make sure you felt safe.¡± I state. Chuff. With that Ms. Kujo deflates a little and only keeps her head elevated, while I walk casually over towards her now exposed stomach. Tremble. As I get closer, I can see the trembling skin of Ms. Kujo. It is clear that she is nervous, not just about me, but the way she is staring lets me know that she is aware of what is happening inside her. ¡°You can feel it, can¡¯t you. The fact that one is having problems?¡± I ask, but it is really more of a statement. Still Ms. Kujo nods her head. I nod my head as well. ¡°Well, let¡¯s see what we can do.¡± I state going closer and casting Spirit Drift. I do this, as I want to be able to crawl on her stomach, without actually stepping on any of the babies. Nor do I want to possibly disturb her stomach. As a test, I reach out and touch the heads of the living and healthy pups. There is an easy flow and exchange of energy between me and them. I can even see how Ms. Kujo slightly relaxes from my interactions with them. I make sure to do this with all twelve healthy pups, even reaching under the stomach to get at the one or two that are healthy, but harder to get to. Twitch. ¡°Yeah, that probably tickles, sorry about that. But I wanted to check them all while I was already here.¡± I state, speaking through my process, just like I would for any regular patient. I then climb up onto the stomach, my zero weight makes this rather easy, making it so it feels like I am walking on the moon, versus the stomach of an apex predator. Then finding the weakened pup, I reach out and first channel mana into them. The mana is absorbed, but it feels that for whatever reason it is only half to a quarter as effective. No wait, a third, exactly a third. I don¡¯t know how I know this, and mentally I try to think about why this would happen. Is the puppy naturally resistant to magic? Given the location the pups could likely have a lot of resistance to the Blight, and likely a lot to Spirit magic in general, but this is odd. I know what to do when the pup is alive, and in the world. I even think there are ways to bypass resistances, namely overwhelm the resistance with even more power. But in this case, there is something so obvious that the life is lacking. The pup, as I already mentioned, is missing Qi, in fact it almost looks like a dark spot compared to the others. Spot, that will be a good name for this dog, once he is born, but that is a bit down the road. At this point I have a few options, but only two that seem sustainable. Pausing, I grow my Seraphim Wings, and maneuver myself to be between Kujo and Ms. Kujo. I am close enough that if Ms. Kujo wanted to, she could lash out and snatch me out of the air, just like the neighbor¡¯s dog would do with random fireflies at night. I can tell that Ms. Kujo is thinking something similar, but a quick glance from me, when I see her neck muscles tightening up is all it takes to get her to pause. The pulling up between the two, I begin speaking. Just as I would for any couple that comes in, just rather than a pair of elves, or even orcs, these are massively oversized predator wolves that if they went crazy could easily phase through most of our guild city¡¯s protections like they were butter that was left unattended on a hot day. ¡°All right, so the thirteenth pup is safe for now. But given his state, it is clear that he will continually worsen if left unattended.¡± I begin, stating the facts as I see them. The two dire phase wolves are staring at me as if I was the only thing that mattered. Which I really couldn¡¯t blame them, when hearing about the status of your child, even an unborn one, any parent would drop everything to listen and find out what to expect. It turned out the Kujos were just like everyone else. With that I nodded to myself, before continuing. ¡°Now there are a number of options we could do to save the thirteenth pup, but these are the two options that seem to make the most sense.¡± I state, then pause as I let the gravity of the choice between these two options come up. ¡°First, we can do weekly, or even daily if needed checkups where I continually cast healing magic on the pup. This will be a stop gap, and likely cause the resistances that the pup is now exhibiting to only increase, meaning that as time goes on there is a chance that the pup will be resistant to the treatment they receive.¡± I state, and let that sink in. The two wolves just lower their heads and stare at the ground, the weight of the words obviously having a profound effect on them. Nodding that they seem to understand the first option, I propose a second option. ¡°Now, I can offer an alternative. In addition to the healing, I can attempt to bolster the pup¡¯s immune system with some of my own Qi.¡± Chuff. Both look at me in confusion. This is when I hold out my two hands. On the left, I show a glowing green ball of mana. ¡°This is healing magic.¡± Then in the right hand I let a glowing golden ball of light appear. ¡°This is Qi.¡± ¡°We can use Healing magic to save a body that is formed.¡± I state, waving my left hand and letting that energy dissipate. ¡°But right now, the energy that your thirteenth pup is missing is Qi, and it is extremely apparent when compared to your other pups.¡± I pause, then I continue with my thoughts on the matter. ¡°Now, I haven¡¯t done any long-term tests on this, but I assume that if we go on and ignore the Qi problem, despite getting the pup to birth, they will be in a far weakened state. My suggestion would be we go, I supplement my Qi with the pup, that will at least strengthen their body. I of course will be around, and will check up on you two periodically, but I think we are early enough that a minor injection of Qi now will be enough to get the pup healthy enough to survive the entire pregnancy.¡± I state. Silence. The two dire wolves look past me, well through me really and lock gazes with each other. I flap out of the way, and let the two decide. Kujo gives a lowered head bob. I take this to mean that he thinks they should, but will go with anything Ms. Kujo says. Ms. Kujo for her part nods her head in understanding back. Then turning her snout towards me, she responds. ¡°Woof.¡± There is a certain vulnerable tone to the response. I think I know what she says, but I speak it out loud to make sure we all agree. ¡°So you are okay with option two?¡± Head nods. Both dire phase wolves nod in unison. ¡°Very well, I will attempt to save the puppy now.¡± I state. I let out a long slow breath as I fly back. I hope my breath comes across as me just breathing from flying around at a fast pace, and not due to how nervous I am. This is new territory for me. While I am fairly confident that this will work, infusing Qi into a body should not do anything overly dramatic, so long as I give it in moderation. My only concerns are possible long-term effects of Qi. Will this make this particular pup more attached to me, less? Will they be clingy? I really don¡¯t want a clingy dire phase wolf. Still, those are all problems to face when you have a pup that has made it to full term. As for right now, I get into position. Cradling my hands around the nearly lifeless mass. Then opening my third eye, so I can tune out most of the rest of the world around me, I focus. Then I begin pumping in golden Qi, slowly into the pup. My Qi is a lot purer than the Qi of both Ms. Kujo and the rest of her pups, meaning I need to be particularly careful with how much I apply. A drop. The first drop enters, and I can already see the darkness around the pup fading. Seeing that, I can¡¯t help but smile, realizing this will work. I don¡¯t really know how or why, but I know that this will work. By pushing my Qi into the pup, I can make their deformed body get stronger. Two more drops. I slowly pour in two more drops, then stop, watching as the Qi flows out and infuses itself into the pup. After the third drop, there is a bright healthy shine to the pup, and it looks slightly brighter than the other pups. Again, we are early on, but I think we acted quickly enough. I pause, just taking a moment to see the little glowing light of life within my hands and smile. ¡°We did it.¡± I state, leaning back then flying away as I get off Ms. Kujo. The two dire phase wolves pause, as they look at me going. Ms. Kujo is the first to move as she sits upright on her stomach, and almost immediately notices the difference. ¡°Yeah, you feel the difference, don¡¯t you?¡± I ask. Ms. Kujo wiggles a little bit, rocking her stomach on the ground but then looks first to Kujo, where she shares a long-lipped smile, the kind that only wolves and dogs can make. Then she turns back to me. Happy-yip. With that she gets up, and before I can move, she is on me and licking me with a long dry tongue. Again, her tongue is so long that it covers me from head to toe and is longer than the largest beach blanket I have ever owned. ¡°Yuck.¡± I say, trying to use my now soiled uniform to wipe off slobber from my face, it does not go so well. With that I get a new quest, letting me know that while I had solved this problem, my overall troubles have just begun.
Hidden Quest Found: Saving the Litter (Ongoing): You managed to save Ms. Kujo¡¯s litter by preventing a pup from dying due to prenatal deficiencies. Continue to look after the litter as time goes on to earn an even greater reward. Current remaining pups in the litter (13 / 13). Rewards: Experience, variable.
Yeah, that likely means there will be a lot more random issues to deal with. Still, I was happy that I had succeeded for the moment. Three drops of Qi wasn¡¯t much, at least not anymore, but to that pup it meant everything. ¡±Ruff.¡± Kujo says, coming close and before he could lick me too, I held up my hand. ¡°No.¡± I state, then go over to hug him. My arms barely cover a third of his large hairy neck and when I come away, there are furs the length of my body attached to me, thanks to the previously applied saliva, but it was worth it. Though I think I have now been struck with the latest variant of being tarred and feathered, namely furred and salivated on. There is another moment, where Ms. Kujo comes in, and I give her a hug as well. This was nice, as it was our first time bonding between me and Ms. Kujo, then just as I have had enough, I let go. The two dire phase wolves just stare at me for a moment, before phasing into the near realm together. With that, I nod, then drop to the ground before taking in my wings and removing my weightlessness. Within three steps I am already back to my normal gate. At which point the members of my guild who were close to a hundred meters away came running forward. Mallory of course was the first one to me, where she picked me up in her arms and began holding me tightly. ¡°You are safe?¡± Mallory half asked, half stated. ¡°Mostly.¡± I admitted, an exhausted smile on my face after everything I have been through. ¡°How did you make it out of there safely?¡± Mallory asked. By now every guild member was also close by, even the four guards that I had rescued from being imprisoned. ¡°Oh simple, I made a deal.¡± I stated. ¡°A deal?¡± ¡°Yeah, I kind of used your name to broker the deal, so I hope that is okay.¡± ¡°My name?¡± ¡°Yes, I had to, as you are the leader of the guild, so I used your name to broker a permanent alliance between the Midnight Hunters and the Ancient Elven Empire of Deloar.¡± I state. ¡°You did? That is amazing!¡± Mallory shouted, then she hugged me tightly again, having never let me go in the first place. ¡°Yes, there is just one little catch.¡± I sate, not quite knowing how to state this next part, especially with her gripping me so tightly that I can¡¯t currently escape. ¡°A catch?¡± Mallory asks, her voice noting the fact that she might not like the way this conversation is about to go. Then I hit her with the final bombshell. ¡°Yes, in order to make the peace treaty permanent, I had to broker a marriage contract.¡± Chapter 151 The Marriage Contract Chapter 151 The Marriage Contract ¡°Marriage contract?¡± Mallory asked, the words hitting her like a brick to the mind, temporarily causing her to pause. ¡°Yes, a Mariage contract to ensure lasting peace and civility.¡± I responded. Silence. Mallory stared at me for a long moment, then finally let out a laugh. ¡°HAHAHA! Oh, that was good, you nearly got me there.¡± Mallory stated. I just stare at her, maybe I wince slightly at her response as she quickly realizes that I am being truthful. ¡°Wait, what? You are serious, a marriage contract? Who, you can¡¯t marry anyone. You are just fourteen. Even this world has laws.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°You are correct. As my lowly position of Doctor, within the Guild was sadly not high enough to pull this off. To get the type of long lasting peace accords where we never had to worry about being attacked or otherwise targeted by members of the elven city of Deolar, there needed to be a merger of heads of family.¡± I state. ¡°A what now?¡± Gwen asked, confused as she had heard everything and was already approaching this entire time to hear what was currently being discussed. With that I shrug and pull-out glowing document. Well, a document that glowed to me, this was the same glow that most major questlines would have. I didn¡¯t know if it glowed to everyone, even those that didn¡¯t have the related quest activated or not. Gasp. Gwen gasped upon seeing the glowing document. Apparently, she could see the coloring and it glowed to her senses even though she herself had not yet partaken in the questline leading up to this point. This was interesting as it meant our Angel¡¯s Sight could also let us know when people were progressing their own personal quest lines. Or maybe just quest lines that involved the witnesses to the various transactions somehow, as this questline invariably would involve Gwen and every other member of the Midnight Hunters Guild. Seeing me holding up the sealed parchment, complete with the frozen wax seal of the Deolar King¡¯s signet ring, Mallory too became a little more cautious as she was no longer able to shrug off everything that was happening. ¡°This is?¡± Mallory asked, tentatively holding up a finger to point towards the document. ¡°The Marriage Contract.¡± I stated, then with a quick movement I caused the document to touch her outstretched finger. Trumpets chiming. The second the scroll touched Mallory¡¯s fingers loud trumpets one would associate with the heralding of angels descending to earth chimed out and echoed. Not just in the territories that hosted Midnight Hunters Guild members, but I could also feel a sympathetic echo resonating from the entrance to the city of Deolar behind us. ¡°Holy sh¡­¡± Mallory cut herself off, that or maybe her mind couldn¡¯t keep up with everything to produce the last word, but the end result was the same. She blinked rapidly, then stared at the document before her. ¡°What is this?¡± Mallory finally asked, regaining her composure and taking the document from my outstretched hand. ¡°A Marriage Contract for a Treaty.¡± I stated. ¡°Though it might be best just to think of it as a minor step needed to make a permanent treaty with the armed forces that simultaneously occupies the same ground as we do.¡± ¡°Yes, you mean the Territory Wars Campaigns.¡± Mallory stated, referencing something that all Guilds had to face at one time. If a Guild wanted to claim land, they invariably had to not only survive the first thirty-day trial, which we already had. But then they would often have to fight off a different territory or empire that had some long dormant claim to the territory that would only be called upon once the land was built up and deemed to be worthy of fighting for. This was a way to both create tension, while also forcing a newly established Guild or empire to make treaties and work with neighboring kingdoms to subjugate the forces that would inevitably rise against them. ¡°Honestly, I thought we would have somehow avoided this part of our build up, given how far removed we are from everyone and anyone of note.¡± Mallory said, as she tried to open the document, only to find it locked. Seeing Mallory struggle, I having had the same issue earlier spoke up. ¡°Yeah, that is a cool piece of archaic magic. You need to use your blood to open it. As only the blood of the person offering the Treaty can be used to first create the treaty. Then the person who represents the second party of the Treaty must use their blood to unlock the seal.¡± With that Mallory paused and looked at me with questioning eyes. ¡°You tried to open this?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Of course, it was new magic. How could I call myself a magician if I didn¡¯t at least try to open it.¡± I stated. ¡°Even you couldn¡¯t open this?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°What, I tried, honestly, I did. But just matching your blood was not enough. Getting the blood to the right temperature wasn¡¯t enough. I am going to try to get more of these documents to test out on in the future, but for now, you are the only one who can unlock that.¡± I stated. ¡°No, no, I believe you. It¡¯s just that I didn¡¯t think there would be magic that even you couldn¡¯t figure out.¡± Mallory said. ¡°That said, can I watch as you open it to try to figure out what it is looking for?¡± I asked. ¡°Sure?¡± Mallory states. With that a large smile breaks out on my face as I open my third eye and get very close to Mallory. I am clearly within her personal bubble space, as I can feel the normal distance that her aura would cover and blast right through that until I am within a foot of her. ¡°Um. Are you good?¡± Mallory asks, clearly flustered by my appearance. ¡°Yep.¡± I reply, purposefully trying to avoid any distractions as I need to be this close to see everything that happens when this seal is opened. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Okay.¡± Mallory says, the taking off her glove that is holding the scroll, she pulls out a dagger and plunges it into her outstretched thumb. Slink. A tiny drop of blood appears at the end of her thumb, which she then presses against the seal. Fwoosh! There is an explosion of force as the seal that had been impossible for me to open moments ago was now removed. Seeing the seal shatter I am both awed and flustered by what happened. I am awed by how simple the act was. The seal had apparently looked for not just the blood, but mana concentration and qi and seen how all three moved and acted together within the blood to deactivate the locking mechanism on the seal. Now, just because I know what happened, doesn¡¯t even begin to state that I know how it happened. Right now, I understood that my current status for comprehension was at the part where you take a key and put it into a lock and the door magically opens. There are clearly more steps to this, like grooves for the keys, tumblers, and all other mechanisms that were in place, but they all ultimately led to the lock being deactivated. That is where I was with this puzzle, and it was so amazing that I still didn¡¯t catch it all. Blink. I blink my third eye a few times trying to get out the burst of light that happened, I also realize that the burst was an inadvertent safety measure of the locking seal, as it temporarily blinded anyone who would be doing exactly what I was doing, in trying to figure out a way to break the lock. I now knew what I was missing from my earlier attempts. I was missing both Mallory¡¯s Qi and Mallory¡¯s unique Mana signatures. To follow my key analogy earlier, these two components would be the little notches of the key, while the blood would serve as the long spine of the key. Now I just need to know how I can fake these notches on blood. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t think this will be something that can be done easily, as I would need extensive knowledge of the person that I wanted to create such a key from. In fact, the only reason why I knew Mallory¡¯s blood was from our months spent together. I think I also know her well enough that I might be able to mimic her mana signature; however, the idea of mimicking her Qi, that is beyond me at this point. The more I think about it, the more I realize this seal was amazing. Likely the most impossible seal to break. Just that thought alone causes my teeth to chatter with excitement as I realize there is a new challenge for me to accomplish. With this I receive a series of system messages, messages that I take as the system challenging me and my resolve to figure out this new puzzle.
New Skill Gained: Life Seals has increased to level 1.
Life Seals is a Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3 based skill.
New Skill Gained: Life Seal Breaker has increased to level 1.
Life Seal Breaker is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3 based skill.
Smiling. I could all but feel my greedy little gears turning as both a new puzzle type challenge had been placed before me, and a new career field for my Thieves Guild membership could be made. If I could both introduce Life Seals to the world as a safe and reliable way of keeping communications safe, then offer the service of breaking such encoded transmissions I would be rich. I know I already have money, guild fun dollars and everything, but this new challenge it really excited me for some reason. Almost as much as creating new Mana and Qi resilient pieces of technology, this right here was a puzzle that I could not solve just yet. Though I knew from the system¡¯s guidance that I was apparently close, if it was already saying I got the skill required to break these seals. Shiver. I let a shiver of excitement run down my spine as I can¡¯t wait to get this skill up to its maximum. ¡°You good?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°What?¡± I asked suddenly realizing where I was and what I was in the middle of doing. ¡°Oh yes, I am.¡± Mallory stared at me for a second. ¡°Can you wipe the drool off your face from whatever it was you were thinking about?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡­¡± I trail off as I wipe my face only to feel that there might have been a bit of moisture on my lips. Seeing that I stopped mid-sentence Mallory just smiled knowingly to herself. ¡°Are you going to open the Treaty?¡± I ask, suddenly not feeling bad about what I would subject Mallory to. Mallory just stared at me, then with a reluctant sigh, she mostly wiped off the smile from her face and began unfolding the document before her. Trumpets and fanfare. Once again, the trumpets boomed throughout the open countryside. Then a system message popped up that everyone could see.
World Announcement: The Way of Peace! The Midnight Hunters guild has found the way of Peace, will they take it? Or will they declare War with the original owners of their territory.
¡°Oh my gods.¡± Guards cried out, as many people behind us began talking and conversing to themselves. ¡°The Way of Peace, I just thought that was a myth.¡± One guard said, I think it was Holly, but to be honest I didn¡¯t pay much attention to the people I was saving. ¡°So did I, but here it is.¡± ¡°How?¡± ¡°Obviously it was the Doctor, the whole thing started after she turned to document over to Master Valhalla.¡± Another guard said. Mallory for her own part was mostly quiet, as she unrolled the document. Out of habit I read it, just as quickly as it unraveled though I already knew its contents.
Notice of A Permanent Treaty Between the Inhabitants of the Capital of Deolar and the Members of the Midnight Hunters Guild. I King De¡¯Arcaneri, acting as the sole ruler of the Capital of Deolar do hereby offer a permanent joining of Military, Financial, and Academic resources with the Midnight Hunters Guild. The means of this permanent union will be performed through the marriage of myself, sole King of the Elven Capital of Deolar and you Mallory Valhalla, sole leader of the Midnight Hunters Guild. Due to the importance of this decision, any reply must be made to me in person. I eagerly await your response and our inevitable marriage. Your truly King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri.
Seeing the message, I couldn¡¯t help but laugh again, as the king had the same name as Golum, my childhood friend. With that name I can¡¯t help but smile thinking that this is the world¡¯s way of letting me know things will be better. And yes, I know the name means Light, or something stupid, but to me that name will always be shortened to Golum. ¡°You think this is funny?¡± Mallory asked, apparently seeing the smile on my face as I remembered Golum and everything he did for me and interpreting it as something else entirely. ¡°No, not at all. This is all very serious.¡± I say and try to gain control over the laugh that is all but dying to escape. But then I continue, ¡°I just feel sorry for anyone who would marry someone whose nickname would be Golum.¡± Chuckle. At that both Gwen and I started laughing. ¡°You both think this is so funny, don¡¯t you. Well, let¡¯s see how you feel when you have to be there in person when I deliver the bad news.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Bad news?¡± I asked. ¡°Yes, I most certainly am not getting married.¡± Mallory stated looking first to me, then to Gwen. ¡°You realize this is just a political marriage, right?¡± I asked. ¡°I do, but there is also a permanent 25% bonus possible for quote ¡®fulfilling my vows and consummating the wedding,¡¯¡± At that both Mallory and I pause, as I was not aware of this. ¡°What?¡± We both ask in unison. ¡°Yes, I even get an extra 25% bonus if I perform the consummation before midnight on the day of the wedding.¡± Mallory stated. Hot flash. Suddenly I do not like the direction this whole conversation seems to have gone. ¡°What? That can¡¯t be a thing.¡± I say, trying to mentally wrap my mind around what Mallory was saying. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me, here I will show you.¡± Mallory states, and with that she presents the quest to me and suddenly I feel a pit growing in my stomach as this has gone terribly wrong.
Major Guild Quest: A Permanent Treaty: You as the leader of your Guild have been tasked with the ultimate sacrifice for peace. You have found the native inhabitants of the lands that you wish to claim for yourself, rather than conflict, a possible peaceful resolution has been brokered. You have been offered to marry the ancient elven King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri. By doing so, you will form a permanent peace and eventual integration of all assets belonging to both your guild with the inhabitants of the elven capital of Deolar. Rewards: Experience, Rank (Queen), Title, Badge, Variable. Note: You and the members of your guild will gain a 25% bonus to all rewards received from this treaty if you consummate the marriage. An additional 25% bonus to all rewards received if the consummation happens before midnight on the day of the wedding.
Seeing that I felt a wave of bile rise in my mouth, how could a quest force this. Then again, this only offers bonuses to what would be offered as an initial reward, meaning more experience, better benefits to the Rank received and the Title she receives as well. Still, despite that, this still feels wrong. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the consummating. The marriage will be the most important part. Everything after that will just be extra.¡± I say, trying to state what I was thinking. Of course, I feel sick just thinking about this, as this is not what I intended at all when this whole thing began. I mean, this was just to form a peace treaty, it even came with trying to figure out a cool new magical puzzle, what harm could have truly come from this. But seeing the quest posed and the potential implications of this proposed union, I couldn¡¯t help but feel nauseous at the way things changed. Mallory is about to state more herself, when I get my own quest notification letting me know that I might not have thought about the potential consequences of this whole marriage for peace thing.
Major Territory Quest: A Permanent Treaty: You as the leader of the elven Capital of Deolar have been tasked with the ultimate sacrifice for Peace. An invading hostile force has arrived, rather than conflict, a possible peaceful resolution has been brokered. You have been offered to marry the leader of the invading Midnight Hunters Guild Mallory Valhalla. By doing so, you will form a permanent peace and eventual integration of all assets belonging to both your empire and with the members of the invading guild. Rewards: Experience, Rank (Improvement Optional), Title, Badge, Variable. Note: You and the denizens of your territory will gain a 25% bonus to all rewards received from this treaty if you consummate the marriage. An additional 25% bonus to all rewards received if the consummation happens before midnight on the day of the wedding.
And just like that, the world somehow found a way to take this simple joke and F-me over with it both literally and figuratively. Suddenly I wonder if there is a way we can take it all back and say, just kidding? Chapter 152 Meeting With The King Chapter 152 Meeting With The King Clop, clop, clop. Mallory angrily strode forward, she was still one of my plus ones for my Death Shroud, I also think she was one of Gwen¡¯s three spots as well. Which was good as we were both following her right now. At first, we thought there was going to be a conflict, as indeed the guards that were present all ran towards her as if to stop her. Then she held up the unsealed marriage contract, that instantly placated all of the guards present and caused them to go from an aggressive stance to a bowing posture. As if to say that she was already being observed as the future queen of this kingdom. ¡°My queen.¡± ¡°My queen.¡± The guards echoed as she angrily stomped her way forward. Gwen for her part had to run. Me I sort of cheated by tying an invisible tether of magic around Mallory that pulled my weightless body forward like a seraphim winged kite. I did flap my wings, but that was mostly done as a way to make sure I didn¡¯t fly off to the side, or run into buildings as she made sharp quick turns. Panting. Gwen on the other hand was clearly out of breath. ¡°Dr. Spiritlight, may we be of assistance?¡± The Knight Captain said, pulling up next to me. He seemed to have a hard time keeping pace with Mallory who looked like she was walking gracefully, even though the Knight Captain had to break his stride every so often to jog for a few steps to keep up with me. ¡°We are good right now, I think.¡± I stated. ¡°Might I ask what the nature of this visit is about?¡± The Knight Captain asked. ¡°Yes, Mallory, I mean, Guild Leader of the Midnight Hunters Guild Mallory Valhalla has received the proposed method for having a lasting peace between your faction and the members of our guild and has come to give her opinion, on said matter.¡± I state as diplomatically as I can. ¡°I take it from the Guild Master¡¯s aggressive strides she is not too pleased with the proposed arrangement?¡± The Knight Captain said, a note of fear in his voice, particularly as he looked at me. Wince. I wanted to tell him that everything would be okay, but honestly this was so far out of being the quick joke I thought it would be, that I didn¡¯t have a moment to tell Mallory anything. Also likely adding to the sudden tension of all of this was the fact that Mallory had apparently been given a timed response to give her answer in person to the King, a timer that I was now watching as I too was given a mirror of her impromptu quest.
Major Territory Quest: A Permanent Treaty: A Proper Response: You have given notification of a proposed peace treaty between your faction, the elven occupants of the Capital of Deolar, and the leader of the invading Midnight Hunters Guild. Meet the dignitary of the Midnight Hunters Guild in your imperial chambers at the appropriate time within one hour to find out if your two factions will have peace or everlasting war. Rewards: Experience, variable (based on time remaining).
Time: 58:23, 58:22¡­
Yes, while we still had most of an hour left, Mallory was powerwalking her way through potentially hostile territory, using her scroll signed by the king as the only way to defuse the otherwise hostile spirits. Fortunately, Gwen and I were both Spiritlights, meaning that we started off with a favorable impression to all spirits, making it so we didn¡¯t have to worry about angering the spirit inhabitants of this kingdom. Idly I wondered if there was a way to make it so we could get a similar effect of our surname applied as a guild title, similar to the random bug we found where the Midnight Hunters helped me dispose of thousands of pounds of trash that were then turned into gold. That was the type of success I had been envisioning, when I started this whole process. See part of why Mallory and I became such great friends was the fact that she helped me launder gold I had stolen from a competitor. Part of how I stole such a large quantity of gold was that I was able to portray myself as the Guild Leader of the Mage¡¯s Guild, where using the Guild Leader¡¯s room, I was able to teleport in with my clone, dropping off hundreds of pounds of gold and experience potions alike. Here I had tried to do something similar, but the system as always has thrown a slight monkey wrench into the works. *** (Thirty Minutes Ago) We were in the King of Deolar¡¯s chambers. I was wearing the visage of Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, an apparent elven princess who died over a thousand years ago in the now destroyed Arcanarus University. When I met her, I found out she was trying to come up with a spell to cure the Blight, and had died over a millennium ago, according to her back story. By helping her present her spell and gain a posthumous doctorate, I managed to have her fulfill her life purpose and leave this world satisfied. Which is what is required from my Class Trait Spiritual Doppelganger, this was a Class Trait I had unlocked for my then Void Walker class, which has since evolved twice into its current form of Ethereal Healer. Thinking back on it, it is odd, as this likely means that my daughter who has the same class as me, as she is the only other Ethereal Healer in the world, will not be able to get this Trait. Not unless she too gets a random quest from Arcanarus University to cleanse out ten ghosts, which was of course how I got the Trait in the first place. Still, we were there, inside the imperial chambers, and they looked oddly grand and opulent, but not overly so. I will give the elves one thing, and that is the fact that they have a way of blending art opulence, with natural curves and symmetry that is very appealing to experience. I was so caught up with taking in the grandeur of the room, and the intricate ways it worked with different facets of the room that I was lost with that, followed by a random system message letting me know I needed to work with the system to finally settle down and focus on my Akashic Qi Master class. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.
Warning: Akashic Qi Master Class Perk (for Level 50 Automatically) Assigned. Due to time constraints and having the requirements to unlock a level 100 Class evolution, your level 50 Class Perk has automatically been assigned based on actions taken.
Seeing the message my heart dropped, as I realized I had gained a lot of levels in such a short period of time. Well to my defense, we are in a massively overpowered zone, meaning all the quest rewards are ridiculously high for completing them. Meaning I have been flying through the levels. I mean, I did just get 1.5 million experience in a little under an hour for completing two major quests in this zone alone, which propelled me to new heights in levels. I pause, realizing that I spent over six months working on getting through the first few dozen levels. Now, I seem to be flying through dozens of levels a day. In fact, I think my time here is what pushed me forward so quickly as I just now realized that I had quite a few due outs for my different unique classes. Making a quick check I see that I had the ability to choose a class upgrade for each of my three classes.
Akashic Qi Master (139): Level 100 Class Evolution available.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master (201): Level 200 Class Evolution available.
Ethereal Healer (246): Level 200 Class Evolution available.
Then pausing to see what class Perk was chosen for my reaching and passing level 50 as an Akashic Qi Master, I paused and was oddly pleased with what it chose for me.
Class Perk Unlocked: Qi Technique Propagator: You have managed to focus your will into creating new Qi Techniques that can be used and trained by all users of Qi. Effect: +100% Ability to Create new Qi Techniques, +100% efficacy of all new Qi Techniques created by you that you use, +100% efficiency in your ability to teach known Qi Techniques to others.
Honestly, that Perk was a lot better than I could have hoped to have created on my own. It also helped to explain why I have been able to create so many new Qi Techniques and subsequent skills related to the use of these new Qi Techniques, as this perk made it so I could basically be a Qi Technique generating machine. Which I guess fit in nicely with the whole concept of my class being the Master of Qi knowledge. With that, I was about to go down the path of what I would want for my level 100 Akashic Qi Master class upgrade, noting that I got two new classes of magic awakened at level 100 for my two magical classes. Before I could get caught up in that, I wondered how much I had unlocked for my level two hundred class evolutions as well, as I had managed to accomplish a lot since my last upgrade, saving the great tree Yggdraspirit, curing the Blight, reclaiming lands that were long since thought of as dead and inhabitable wastelands. Yet, despite all of these thoughts, I was distracted by the sudden welling up of energy around me. Pulling myself from my own internal thoughts of power, and class evolutions, I was met with the sight of a crying father. Well not my real father, but the father of this avatar I was still wearing. Seeing him, I realized I had missed something, as the once proud king looked suddenly so small. A tear was on his face, I couldn¡¯t help but react the way I would. I didn¡¯t know how the real Octavia would react in this situation, and at this moment I didn¡¯t really care as I saw him and realized I needed to act. So I did what came naturally to me. I lunged forward and hugged him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry father.¡± I said, my voice still sounding odd as I was using the voice and body of an older more regal elf. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± The King said, with that I took a step back, wondering if I had missed something major. I knew I had, but for the life of me, I couldn¡¯t remember what was said. Mentally I tried to pull up the last few minutes of dialog between us, well it would just be him talking as I was clearly taking inventory of the random system warning from me leveling too quickly and not taking care of my Unique Class evolution requirements. ¡°You have made me the happiest King, no father in the world. I can now rest, knowing that you are safe, sound, and above all you forgave me. Thank you.¡± The King said, a tear rolling down his face.
Quest Complete: A King¡¯s Final Regret: You have managed to finally allow King De¡¯Arcaneri to rest comfortably in the afterlife, knowing that he has finally been truly forgiven by his daughter. Rewards: Experience, New Spiritual Doppelganger Form. Experience Gained: 25,000 / 12,500 / 12,500 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 140. Ethereal Healer has increased to level 247.
Seeing the level up notices didn¡¯t really make me feel as excited as I should, as they were just reminders of the fact that both those classes were almost halfway through to the next part. Actually my Ethereal Healer class was getting close to the point where I would unlock my first aura, which would mean I had finally made it as a true elite of the world. Well my first aura from a class, I already had two auras thanks to my Legendary bloodline, but that was a different story entirely. Yet, before I could get too lost in these thoughts, I was met with the final system message.
New Spiritual Doppelganger form: Deolar King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri.
Seeing the name, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the odd name, and realized that the world had a sense of humor. As that name was the real name of Golum, which was ancient elven for Light, and that is what the king had turned into before he vanished, a blindingly bright wave of light. Seeing the light and my new opportunity, I of course switched forms from Octavia, a mere princess, to that of the King and was surprised to see all of the different options that were available to me. Case in point, I could see the displeasure of all the people of my empire, about the quote ¡°Noisy Invaders.¡± Then I was given a few options for how to deal with said Noisy Invaders, apparently the King had been choosing to Ignore, said Invaders. Unfortunately, we were now at the stage where actions must be taken, as the people were growing increasingly agitated with all the noted hostile patrols of the enemy, which was why the two groups of guards were taken prisoner. While this was just an initial step, it alluded to the fact that something greater was clearly on the rise and the fact that war between the two factions was all but inevitable. But as I was effectively an agent for both realms, I decided to go on a more interesting route, the only one that actually led to a peaceful resolution between our factions. *** (Present) That of course, is how we now found ourselves here. Well barring one minor stop off to heal an unhealthy unborn pup, and a random quest alteration by the world around me and here we are. ¡°It¡¯s probably best if you give us some space.¡± I noted to the Knight Captain. Seeing that Mallory was clearly on the war path, at least if her power walking stride was any indication, the Knight Captain first thought against it, but then decided to go back to man his troops at the entrance of the zone. This was okay, as we were already at the long staircase leading up to the Imperial Chambers, where each step was guarded by not one but two elite guards who all seemed to be as strong, if not stronger than the bloodline awakened Knight Captain. ¡°One second, I need to use the little healer¡¯s room.¡± I said, breaking off from the group, dissolving my tether to Mallory, as I got to a corner, Teleported to an empty room, where I promptly used my Spiritual Doppelganger form to change into the avatar of King De¡¯Arcaneri, then Teleported once again to the empty Imperial Throne room. I had taken less than a minute to make all my changes. I had gone so fast that I was still huffing and puffing from the sprint of changing and elongating my torso and lungs, to be in this new form. Yet, despite my speed, I barely beat Mallory, and only then because a servant had to come to my door. Knock, knock, knock. ¡°Come in.¡± I managed. With that the servant came in, ¡°My lord, Lady Valhalla, leader of the Midnight Hunters has come to deliver her answer to your proposed treaty arrangement.¡± There was a clear note of fear in his voice as he clearly felt that either Mallory or I would be disappointed by the answer. As any answer other than a yes to a formal marriage between myself and Mallory would be considered an act of war. I honestly tried to get Octavia to be the one to marry, but she sadly did not have as much political authority to end this conflict, especially with how little current empathy she had created by randomly appearing. So, of the two avatars I had available, only the King had enough clout, authority, and empathy to generate a lasting bond that would be able to actually end this conflict once and for all. Now all I had to do was convince Mallory to first accept this without overtly giving up the fact that I was in fact a double agent, acting in the best interest of our guild. That was part of why I had made sure to make my Teleports, and changed my forms in places that were close enough that even Gwen should have been able to see my changes sand movements with her own version of Angel¡¯s Sight. Fortunately, she seemed to catch on, as she had been whispering into Mallory¡¯s ear, while the envoy came to speak to me. ¡°Bring my proposed bride here before me, so that I might see her splendor.¡± I state, as regally as I remember the King speaking but moments ago. ¡°Right away your majesty.¡± The servant said, bowing once then going to get Mallory. This time when Mallory moved, the anger in her strides was clearly gone, as she seemed to be slowly composing herself. ¡°Your Majesty, I present to you Lady Valhalla, Legendary awakened bloodline holder, and leader of the roaming band of vag¡­ people who have taken up living on our lands.¡± The servant said, clearly cutting himself off from saying something inflammatory to the proposed future queen. With that Mallory strode forward, clearly skeptical, until she took one look at me. Then pausing for a half second, she seemed to stare at me intently, before shaking her head and moving forward. For a moment, I wondered if I should first send everyone out of the chambers to speak to her individually, before she said anything that could not be taken back before witnesses. Yet, before I could state anything she began to speak, and I held my breath as I waited for what would come next. ¡°King De¡¯Arcaneri of Deolar, I, Mallory Valhalla, Leader of the Midnight Hunters Guild, have come to answer your query as to whether we can in fact form a permanent Truce between our two factions.¡± Chapter 153 The Challenge Chapter 153 The Challenge Silence. The imperial chamber that we were all waiting in felt like the wind had been forcefully sucked out of it, as we all sat and stared, waiting for Mallory¡¯s next words. With a simple yes, we would have an easy road to peace, a no would mean the war path, and while I was in a prime position to throw the war, that was a lot more work and burden on my conscience than I wanted at this moment. For now, I just needed Mallory to accept, we would take the win. I had an idea for how we might be able to get the bonus options given by the system, but that was irrelevant right now, as after Mallory made her choice I would have anywhere between thirty and ninety days to come up with a final solution. By then I knew I would have come up with something. But for now, all I needed, all we all needed was for Mallory to say agree to our marriage contract between her and myself. ¡°While I consider it an honor that one so powerful as you would even consider me as your possible wife.¡± Mallory begins. As she speaks, I can already feel her evil little mind turning this simple task into something overly complex that is almost bound to fail. Unfortunately, right now, I cannot call her out on her antics. You know, I get the suspicion that not only does she know this is me in the avatar of the elven King, but she is going to take special liberties with the position she is now in. ¡°However, my people have a tradition for ensuring that our mate is suitable.¡± ¡°A tradition?¡± I ask, already wondering what type of crazy scheme Mallory will put me through. Is it magical? No, that would be too easy. Something combat related? No, that could possibly cause a war on its own if done incorrectly. Would she want me to write a ballad expressing my love, that would be nearly impossible. Honestly, I have no clue what she is going to demand. ¡°A dance.¡± Mallory states after a long pause. ¡°You want me to dance with you?¡± I ask, feeling that this is going to get rather complicated here shortly. ¡°Yes, a dance to see how well we can mesh together as one soul.¡± Mallory states. I just stare at her, blinking, though I know it is more for show than anything, as even in my different avatar forms, I don¡¯t use my real eyes. Seeing that I am quiet, she smiles widely, then continues. ¡°See, this is our time to dance. It is our way of celebrating life. It''s the way it was in the beginning. It''s the way it''s always been.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Footloose?¡± I ask, speaking the source of the lines that she is blatantly ripping off right in front of me. ¡°You know of the sacred dance?¡± Mallory asks, and like that, I realize I walked right into her reverse trap. Then a second later a new system message all but confirms my thoughts.
Major Territory Quest (Updated): A Permanent Treaty: A Proper Response: You have been given a response to your proposed peace treaty through marriage with the Midnight Hunters Guild. In order to prove yourself worthy enough as a marriage partner, you must dance the sacred dance of Footloose with Mallory and score as well, if not better than her in the dance competition. Rewards: Experience, variable (based on overall performance). Warning: Losing the competition will result in the loss of face with your faction and can possibly result in a war with the Midnight Hunters Guild. Minimum Score needed to avoid war: 65 / 100.
Seeing the quest, I realize that I cannot reject this quest as this is part of the quest chain that I myself started. Sighing inwardly, I stand up. ¡°Sire, you cannot do this.¡± The main servant and likely major steward of this whole building stated, fear and a twinge of revulsion in his words. ¡°Think of what lowering yourself to this debased form will do.¡± Hearing him, I just wave my hand dismissively before me as I begin walking down my grand throne to the smooth open flat floor of the imperial chambers. Seeing this room, it is almost perfect for almost any form of physical activities, dancing included. ¡°From the oldest of times people danced for a number of reasons, now I will dance to ensure peace between our great factions.¡± I state, letting every inch of my body glide across the floor. I make sure to use all skills possible for this. Moving languidly forward, I try to ooze sex appeal with my maxed-out Seduction skill. Making sure to state my accepted challenge with my hips and my eyes. I use Athletics, Courtly Etiquette, and Focus just to set the stage. I can tell that my charisma, the appearance of this old elven king, who despite being old still looks like he is in the prime of his life, and all my skills are having an immediate effect on Mallory. Breathing heavily. She is already having to take in deep breaths to calm her suddenly racing heart, showing that my skills aren¡¯t all just for show. Seeing her like this, I smirk widely, then go in for the kill. Poof. In a second, I cast two distinct sets of spells. The first is a simple Smoke Screen, something light and simple that is little more than an elaborate flash bang. Simultaneously, I pump a ton of Nature magic into my second spell, where I create an already dying Perfect Rose. ¡°Whoa.¡± The servants and guards that had begun gathering already looked impressed with that minor feat of magic. Even Mallory¡¯s eyebrows raised slightly, though her reaction was most likely due to the use of a flash bang of a spell. Seeing the rose that I was now handing out to her, Mallory commented. ¡°Rather impressive.¡± Mallory said reaching out to grab the offered rose. As she did, I bowed gracefully, while never lowering the position of the rose. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. As she took it, she moved in close, at which point I too moved in close as well. While I was trying to make sure my body was in the proper starting position, she hit me with her next line. ¡°I must ask, what else do you keep in that track suit of yours.¡± Hearing Mallory, I almost broke character and laughed at the line. I had to hand it to her, as I likely did look a bit ridiculous still wearing the now elongated Midnight Hunter Guild outfit that fit my smaller body nicely as a semi-karate master semi-pajama uniform. While now that I was wearing that same uniform in this avatar, it had grown and stretched to fit this new body that made it look like a long comfy track suit that you would expect an old man to wear, while pacing around the local mall to get into shape. It was also thanks to this line that I realized that Mallory was trying to throw me off my game. Thinking about it, I realized that she likely had a similar quest to me, where she had to not only meet a certain threshold to prevent going to war, but she also had to do better than me to get the full benefit of her quest. Realizing this, I smiled. Not the smile of someone who just heard a good joke from a friend. No this was the smile of a predator who realized there was about to be a long hunt. We were there, in position for about a second, when the Stewart along with a few elves that were in lines behind him all began to line up. I guess these were the royal musicians, that or the system was letting this play out. ¡°Sire, at tempo would you want your courtship dance to be held at?¡± The Stewart asked. At this, I realized I could set the difficulty of our dance. If I did it slow, we would likely score well on the technical aspects, but likely do poorly in the overall scoring. While I was fairly confident in my ability to get high technical marks, I was not certain about Mallory¡¯s dancing abilities. I know I don¡¯t have the Dancing skill yet, a clear oversight by the system, I did have enough compensating skills and increases to make it so I could keep up with most any tempo. ¡°We will start off slow, but have an increasing tempo. Every time one of us claps, increase the tempo.¡± I state, realizing that part of our challenge will be adjusting to a constantly increasing speed. ¡°As you command.¡± The Stewart replied, then giving a quick gesture to the gathered elves, a harmonious song began to play. The music played was a mixture between elven singing, and different variations of humming. As they began, I saw Mallory begin to move, but before she could take her first step, I took my own. Already she was battling to take the lead of the dance, something that I couldn¡¯t allow, lest I lose points in my own performance. With that, we began moving. Here my newly acquired Qi powers and senses paid off big time. Not only could I flow and regulate my own pace and power thanks to Qi, but I could also see Mallory¡¯s movements. She would swirl her energy to move left, and I would already be there, grabbing, gliding, and sliding her into place. ¡°You move quite well for an old man.¡± Mallory said. With this, I realized this was more taunting on her part. Fortunately, I was more focused on the dance and potential ways to improve my rating than focusing on Mallory¡¯s trash talking. This was why I held onto her outstretched right hand, the one holding the rose, then moving quickly, I spun her out then in an instant, I took the lead in the competition. Clap, clap. I gave the first clap after ten bars, making sure enough time had passed and I was the first to strike to improve the pace. I also moved my hands back to hold her hands, before she too could think to clap as well. Immediately the pace increased, and Mallory seeing that even the increasing of the pace of our song could be used as a measurement, deftly moved her rose from her hand into her mouth. We danced more, moving faster, but nowhere close to a pace that would cause either of us to falter with our Dexterity scores as high as they were. I also had over thirty percent movement speeds and increases to Dexterity from my tracksuit, and my recently increased core. This made it so I was more than capable of keeping and seemingly leading Mallory in our dance. Bend, twist, shake. ¡°Suddenly tongue tied?¡± I ask, making sure to use my deep baritone voice that I normally use for Rahul, the real Rahul, not the impostor who has a similar name and back story from here. Shiver. Mallory shivers, hearing the voice, and I can almost see her want to respond but she can¡¯t as she is now using her mouth to hold the rose. At that, she focuses her eyes on me and I can only smile. I know we are playing a dangerous game here, as I can¡¯t let Mallory look too poorly either, otherwise she might not get the required status to marry me as the representative of the Midnight Hunters Guild. As should be expected by this point, I have finally unlocked the dancing skill, and a sub-skill related to dancing as well.
New Skill: Dancing has reached level 1.
Dancing is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness based skill.
New Skill: Seductive Dancing has reached level 1.
Seductive dancing is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness X2 based skill.
Seeing the newly unlocked skills, I knew I was doing something correct. With that, I felt my mind meld with the music. From my perspective I had already won, as I had unlocked two different skills. Granted I would likely need a partner for these, which was why I hadn¡¯t unlocked them earlier, but that was besides the point. For now, I was just happy to find two new skills that I could grind away at. Clap, clap. Mallory used my momentary lapse in extreme focus to increase the speed. Mentally I felt the balance for her state of dancing go up by one point. While I couldn¡¯t tell how well I was doing, I could get a good feel for when Mallory gained points. Meaning I would have to continually keep stepping up and increasing the pace, after an adequate time had passed. But I realized that I didn¡¯t really care. I worked and moved just enough to feel that I had reached the sixty-five-point threshold that had been set by the quest before this contest began. I could feel when I reached that threshold as I felt the system tell me about my status change. Chime.
Minimum Score needed to avoid war has been achieved (65 / 100).
Now this might seem like cheating, but as soon as I got to that threshold, I took it easy. I felt myself relaxing, letting my body and movements naturally move me into the places and positions I would need to be at. Of course, while I felt my body relaxing and moving freely, Mallory seemed to press and tighten her movements. ¡°Calm down, relax.¡± I wanted to say to her, but she was focused. I also knew that she was in her competitive mode and would likely see me trying to fluster her. Clap, clap. Despite my apparent ease with keeping up with the pace of the music and Mallory¡¯s movements and her want to constantly take control of our dancing, she did manage to continually gain points by clapping and increasing our tempo. This was fine by me, as these were easy points to achieve, as I wanted Mallory to win. Well not win but do well enough that the Midnight Hunter Guild will have a better foothold in this treaty. Honestly from my position, I was at a win-win regardless of how this went. Though obviously my primary goal will be to make it, so the Midnight Hunters get the better end of the deal here. That is why I played loose after reaching the required threshold to avoid war on my end. After which I eventually found myself giving way to Mallory¡¯s movements, letting her dictate where and how we would move. At one point, I don¡¯t know how, I ended up with the rose within my mouth. This revelation of our reversals of fortune was further driven home by Mallory finally starting her trash talking again. ¡°Now let¡¯s see you keep up with this.¡± Mallory said. This was where Mallory began moving so fast that she was almost a blur. Still, I did just enough to keep up with her, not outpacing her, not trying to outpace the music, but becoming one with the moment. If I really needed to, I knew I had Celerity ready to go, but I never needed to use that. Instead, I just let her gain her points of approval slowly. Then as I felt her meter slowly filling out to its maximum, she began acting faster and faster. Then finally, I spun her away violently, keeping pace with our frenetic pace and the speed of the music. Being close to twenty meters away, I could see the power rising within Mallory¡¯s body. There was a swell and surge of Qi energy within her legs. Dash. Mallory sprinted towards me, and I felt time slow down as I activated Celerity on reflex. The world slowed, but I didn¡¯t let time go to a crawl. Instead, I began leveraging my body, infusing Qi throughout my legs, torso, and arms. Then it happened. Lifts In the River. My Qi infused hands reached out, grabbing Mallory around her torso and then lifting her up high above my head. I locked my arms out, to hold her in place. Then right at that moment my moment of Celerity dropped, as I suddenly felt many different forces impacting my frame. I felt my bones shatter and crackle under the sudden force and tension. I felt my body almost giving out from the weight that seemed to be enough to cause me to buckle under the sudden strain. This is where I did what every Olympian would do if left at the end of a routine and needed just one little push to complete the operation and finish on a high note. I cheated. Telekinesis. Using Telekinesis, I did multiple things. First, I held up Mallory¡¯s body at multiple points, making it so she kept a perfectly flat shape that made it look like she was flying on my outstretched hands. Then after holding for a solid three count, I released my Telekinetic hold on her body, pushing her up, while letting Qi and Healing energies both flow through my body healing all the small micro fractures I sustained from the attempt. Dropping her to the ground, she bounced lightly on her toes. Applause. By now those who had gathered, which were most of the royal knights all gathered around and began clapping and cheering the performance. Honestly, I had never expected there to be a dance off option in this world, but was glad I could have been a part of it. During this time, while the applause was deafening in the royal chamber, Mallory chose this moment to speak. ¡°You caught me?¡± Mallory said, clearly surprised. I guess she expected me to be run over by her charge. Pulling out the rose from my teeth, I replied back, ¡°nobody puts baby in the corner.¡± ¡°You are terrible at quotes, you know that?¡± Mallory stated, her voice low enough so that only the two of us could hear her. Silence. I was about to respond with my own snarky comeback, but at that moment the applause broke and it was just Mallory and I together. This was when I did the only thing I could think of. ¡°Now that you have seen my skills with your own eyes. Am I worthy?¡± I asked, then I held out the magical rose that had both of our saliva on it by this point. Fortunately, my hands were gloved so I didn¡¯t have to experience the spittle firsthand. Mallory on the other hand, would have to feel both of our mucus, that is assuming she accepted this marriage proposal, though I was fairly certain by this point, Mallory had greatly improved the rewards possible for the Midnight Hunters guild, given her dancing performance. With that, we all waited. Mallory looked at the flower and winced slightly at the drop of drool that rolled down the stem and onto my gloved hand. Then she spoke. ¡°I¡­¡± Chapter 154 The Answer Chapter 154 The Answer (Mallory) There are times when you realize that your best friend might just be the death of you. Today was no different, as Cass had somehow managed to trick her into first being furious at the idea that she might have to be violated by some old ghost spirit. To relieved that it was Cass who had somehow managed to trick the system into generating an automatic peace treaty between her guild and the local and overpowered denizens of the reincarnated Deolar capital. Honestly, Mallory wondered how such an event was even possible, then she remembered this was Cass who seemingly thrived to cause as much chaos as possible. She was so furious with the whole betrothal questline that she almost didn¡¯t believe her girlfriend, Gwen, when she told her that the King before her was in fact Cass. As she approached, she was ready to dismiss the notion, and declare war then and there between the two factions. Until she saw the uniform the King was still wearing, the same black robes that Cass had worn not seconds ago. That and the fact that Cass was nowhere to be seen finally proved Gwen¡¯s point that this was in fact her mother. But again, how? More importantly why? While she had been coming up the steps to the capital building, she had already made her decision. As part of her acceptance, she could add in certain conditions to be met by the king to prove he was worthy of her. Originally Mallory had wanted to choose a duel to the death, but then after realizing that it was Cass that she would have to kill, she stopped herself. Unfortunately, the option had already been chosen, which was when Mallory realized, rather than fighting to the death, she could challenge Cass to a battle of Skills. Knowing that the girl had all of her main skills to the 175 mark, and a few over 200, Mallory knew she had to go with skills that Cass didn¡¯t always practice. That was when Mallory saw her old skill for Dancing, which was one of the hardest skills to learn and master as you clearly needed a partner to do it properly. Which was why Mallory had chosen to make Cass prove herself by a dance the way of proving herself worthy. This was a cheap and simple way of avoiding having to fight Cass to the death, even in her King avatar, and gave Mallory a chance to win the competition, which could be another way to either annul the marriage, or decrease the power of the spirits that the Midnight Hunters Guild would have to face in the future. Unfortunately, the great system was willing to put the foot down hard in this endeavor by offering a quest that almost implied war would be inevitable if she lost.
Major Territory Quest (Updated): A Permanent Treaty: A Proper Response: You have been given a response to your proposed peace treaty through marriage with the local inhabitants of Deolar. You have issued a challenge to the king to prove himself worthy enough to marry you. You have challenged King De¡¯Arcaneri to the sacred dance of Footloose, only if he succeeds will he be considered worthy of marrying you. However, you too must also prove yourself worthy of marrying the King, as such you too will be scored by the same standard that the King will be. You must score as high, or higher than the king to be considered the winner of the dance competition. Rewards: Experience, variable (based on overall performance). Warning: Losing the competition will result in the loss of face with your faction and can possibly result in a war with the indigenous peoples of Deolar. Minimum Score needed to avoid war: 65 / 100.
Seeing the quest, Mallory instinctively knew that Cass herself likely had a similar quest on her end. Meaning that if she got below a score of 65, the Deolar faction would have been so embarrassed by their King¡¯s poor performance and by being outdone by a marriage partner, that they would have to declare war to maintain face. Mallory of course was not opposed to war if this was the case, as it would mean that the entire Deolar faction would be reduced morally, when fighting the Midnight Hunters. In her mind, she thought this was perfect, no beyond perfect, as it would help absolve the marriage and get the members of her guild easy experience. There was of course just one major problem to this whole scenario, one that became apparent almost immediately upon their starting of the competition. Namely, her best friend, and the sole instigator for this entire situation was a highly competitive jerk. Well, no, she wasn¡¯t a jerk, which made things so much worse. Despite her trash talking and trying to disrupt the focus of her best friend, Cass was unwavering in her determination. With all her skills, it was apparent that she wasn¡¯t as naturally fast, powerful, or able to endure things like Mallory was. However, none of that mattered when Cass could use multiple skills in conjunction with each other. What use was there in having over fifteen hundred Dexterity, if Cass could meet and exceed that thanks to bonuses from multiple skills being used all at once. The girl was a monster. Worse, she played the role of a man, setting off even more skill and Attribute bonuses that only furthered her sex appeal and grace. She was winning both the physical battle of their bodies moving, but also the aesthetic battle of which one looked better. To make matters worse, Cass was doing so well that a third of the way through she quit. Well she didn¡¯t quit, logically, Mallory knew that Cass had met her threshold for her performance rating and was content to just coast. Normally this would be the time when a skilled opponent could pull ahead, but by that point Mallory herself barely had thirty-three points, just over half the points needed to not cause a war because she was too embarrassed as the representative of her guild who had initiated this challenge. From there, she worked, paced, and did everything she could to gain points. She transferred the rose to Cass, but that somehow only added to her flair for the dramatic. Cass let her take the lead, but her responses were so quick that her taking the lead almost meant nothing. When she moved, her body moved quickly, her body held the form, but Mallory would easily agree that she had no grace in her movements, at least not like Cass had. What was worse, Mallory could almost see the moment Cass unlocked the Dancing Skill, and likely a much more powerful version of the same skill, as her moves went from smooth to scintillating in a matter of seconds. From there it was all downhill. There was no catching up, as it was clear that Cass had long ago maxed out her performance bar. As the one being challenged, the rate of success likely was lower, but Mallory herself was feeling the burn and pain of barely reaching the sixty-five-point threshold needed for her performance meter. Long spin. Panting. Mallory found herself at the end of a long, graceful spin away, one that was mirrored by Cass somehow effortlessly spinning in perfect unison away from her. Realizing that she was nearing the end of her stamina, Mallory put everything into one last shot, that was when she charged forward. In her mind she had already made the cut, now, all she could do was sabotage Cass. By running into her at full speed, she could knock her over and make it look like Cass was the one unprepared. Yet, despite her best efforts, something strange happened. Mallory could almost feel time slowing around her as she charged forward. With impeccable grace and movements Cass positioned her arms into place around Mallory¡¯s midsection. Almost on instinct Mallory felt herself crunching up as she knew she was very ticklish around her ribs. In an instant, Mallory felt her body crash into Cass¡¯s small frame, who despite inhabiting the body of a supposedly level one thousand monster, her body was much more delicate and frail. Crunch. There was the crack and crunching of bones, something that Mallory felt, more than heard. In that second, Mallory felt guilty for what she had done. This was her friend, someone who she trusted impeccably, and here she was trying to crush her from a full speed charge. Yet, rather than dropping her, something she deserved. Or tickling her, something that she would have denied deserving in the moment, but looking back on it she would fully admit she was due for such an act. Instead, she used Telekinesis to grab her body, and hold her out in a perfect plank position. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Then before Mallory could realize what had exactly happened, she was dropped to the ground, left to stare at her best friend. *** (Gwen) Hot. It was suddenly very very hot, and Gwen realized now that she could finally breathe again. Gwen was so hot that sweat was beginning to pool on her forehead, this was mainly due to her wearing her translucent veil created by Penelope. That goddess of a seamstress had made a uniform head piece that could allow Gwen to peer out with her third eye and take in the sights of the world, while hiding the fact that she was using said third eye. Normally such an act was unnecessary, as Gwen almost never felt a need to use her third eye. Even when she did, she had always been in regular company, meaning they were all aware of her genetic condition, thanks to her mother. Yet, Mallory had Penelope create a head covering that allowed her to mask her use of the third eye for occasions just like this one. One where she would need to hide her viewing abilities. This was why for the past fifteen minutes she had seen what could only be described as sheer art on display. The way the king moved with her girlfriend was nothing less than magnetic, scintillating. Gwen felt both jealous and excited all at the same time. That is your mother dressed in drag. That is your mother dressed in drag. Yes, your girlfriend looks hot as hell, but cool yourself. Gwen tried to think to herself, particularly as the dance began to start. There was clear chemistry between the two, and if Gwen didn¡¯t know about her mother¡¯s love for acting and never giving up on a role once she chose them, she would almost think there were feelings between the two. Fortunately, Gwen noticed the look of competition filling Mallory¡¯s face, as she fought to win the dance. The fact that there was some form of competition playing out between the two was easily apparent, as they both fought and jockeyed for position with each other. At first, Gwen sat there trying to determine who was winning. At first her mother, playing the role of the male lead, looked like she was winning. Then her mother reached a whole other level, where she gave up fighting and just was the dance. Mallory still fought, still did everything she could to control the pace, the speed, and the movement of the dance. All the while her mother just let her, effortlessly moving to the rhythm of her partner and the music. It was the most amazing thing she had ever seen. For a moment she felt herself get drawn into the dance, just as everyone else around her seemingly had. Only the musicians managed to keep their composure, though most had to turn away in order to keep their focus on their music as they too were being distracted by the spectacle. Now, it should be noted that Gwen had always known her mother had her dark secrets. Her love for dancing movies were well known and ridiculed within her household, in fact that was part of how Gwen bonded with her mother during her senior year. After a particularly tough breakup, Gwen, who was still going as Jackie at that time, and her mother had a marathon movie night where they watched every dancing movie ever made. They even jokingly danced out a few of the songs together, well until Rob caught them and made fun of them, but only after recording the incident and posting it to the internet. After that mom tried to reason with her, stating that it was okay, despite how much attention the video got from her friends at school. After a point, Gwen was too embarrassed to spend time with her mom, lest Rob come in and try to film them doing something together. Remembering those moments, Gwen could only think back and realize how stupid she had been. Her mother clearly loved dancing, and spending time with her, yet she let her stupid brother ruin that. It wasn¡¯t until years later that she tried to do something similar with her mother. Of course, this was one of the times when Rob had moved out, so it was a little more freeing. Sadly, it wasn¡¯t the same. By the time Gwen had gotten over her insecurities about being seen dancing with her mother, her mother already had problems with her knees. Her movements were slower, and her ability to join in was clearly hindered by the way life had clearly passed her by. Now, witnessing her mom have her second life, Gwen couldn¡¯t help but feel both happy, sad, and sadly excited. Not for her mother, that was gross, but seeing the look on her girlfriend¡¯s face. Seeing the smile that came to both of their faces, it was clear that there was more there, between the two. They were friends and so much more. Yet, despite everything, Gwen knew beyond all doubt that she had nothing to worry about from her mother. They ended their dancing duel with what Gwen could only assume was some sort of Blitzing Attack, meant to know her mother over. However, rather than being completely bowled over by the attack, Gwen saw her mother turn the rush into the final scene from Dirty Dancing. While she didn¡¯t notice anything odd with her sight, other than Mallory having seemingly perfect posture, the fact that even now her mother cheated with magic was apparent. Though to be honest, this mainly made Mallory look better as her form was flawless, or at least appeared to be so. Mother even dropped Mallory off, butchering the amazing line and scene from a movie she saw no less than a dozen times. ¡°Nobody puts baby in the corner.¡± Mother, dressed as the king said. If there had been any doubts about this male king being her mother, that line alone would have ended. Not that there weren¡¯t enough signs already, from the knowing the lines to Footloose, to her old man tracksuit which looks great for a martial artist elf, but not so much for the royal regalia of an ancient elven king. Though, she did want to give her mother some credit, as there was clearly very little time for her to break away, purposefully change her form within Gwen¡¯s viewing range, then teleport away again. Gwen still had no clue how her mother had somehow come up with this weird scheme to cause a permanent peace treaty with the spectral citizens of Deolar. While Mallory was fairly certain they would have won the war, it likely would have come at a cost. Even with not one, but two people capable of Resurrection, the chance for death of fellow guild members was expected to be in the hundreds. Which might not seem like much, but out here, everyone was family. Meaning, every life mattered just that little bit more. Even looking back, Gwen could see the confusion on her mother¡¯s face, when Mallory noted the needing to consummate the marriage. At the time, Mallory thought that there was some form of jealousy on her mother¡¯s part, as that was the only though that could explain her sudden confusion to the reaction. It wasn¡¯t until after they got here, that it all became apparent. Also, knowing her mother she likely kept quiet at first, wanting to make it some type of prank. A prank that went drastically sideways on her. These thoughts and more were going through Gwen¡¯s mind, as she watched the final acts of the dance play out. ¡°Now that you have seen my skills with your own eyes. Am I worthy?¡± Then came the ending with a flourish and the offering of a flower. Seeing this, Gwen remembered the movements of her much younger and healthier mother. A mother who would gladly dance out scenes to any dancing movie with her daughter, just because it was a way for them to connect. Even now, Gwen realized that this was all part of her mother¡¯s convoluted way of trying to help out, even though her plots and schemes are overly complex and often prone to failure. She still had to give her mother credit, even now she didn¡¯t break character. Well, she did with the sappy lines that were out of place, but they were just her way of ensuring that Gwen and Mallory knew and remembered who she really was. With the question asked, the answer that we all expected was all but assured. At least that was what Gwen expected, as refusing this would mean there would be a war between the two factions, and no one wanted that. In fact, Mallory had many sleepless nights recently as she feared that this conflict would be inevitable. ¡°I¡­¡± Mallory began, but there was something off. Her tone sounded broken. No. No, no, no. Gwen thought to herself, as she realized that voice and that pitch. She also saw the way Mallory broke her gaze away from her mother who was still in the body of the handsome king, and locked gazes with her. ¡°Just do it already and say you do!¡± A loud voice cried out, shattering the moment that had been built up. This was that one annoying heckler in the theaters who said exactly what you were thinking, but were being too polite to ruin everyone else¡¯s experience around you. For a moment, Gwen looked around, trying to find out who had said that, the person who yelled out to the hero to not go into the creepy room alone during a horror movie. Only after a moment, when the echoing stopped, did Gwen look around and realize that suddenly all eyes were on her. Oh yeah, that¡¯s right, I was the jerk who yelled. Gwen thought to herself. For a moment, Gwent thought she had ruined everything as everyone was staring at her Mallory and her mother both. Just when Gwen wanted the world to open up and swallow her whole so she could hide from this moment, her mother came to the rescue. Chuckle. The laugh was both deep and infectious, the type that you wanted to listen to and laugh along with, just to hear them continue to laugh. That was her mother, still playing the role, while somehow simultaneously being her mother, the savior. Her mother, the king, looked at her, winked, then still holding out the rose, dropped to one knee and made the request more official. Whoosh. A golden glow covered her mother, as she kneeled there. In that moment, she looked both vulnerable and extremely confident, a contrast that Gwen had a hard time reconciling within herself. ¡°I think I have to agree with your beautiful friend there.¡± The baritone voice of Rahul spoke out, and instantly Gwen felt her pulse quicken. This was all her skills and practice into creating these amazing voices coming out, but they still did things to her. Even though it was her mother, even though deep down she knew there would be something wrong with acting on her emotions. For this moment, she let her mind escape as she mentally imagined herself in Mallory¡¯s shoes, as if she herself was being proposed to by someone who clearly loved her unconditionally. Tears. Gwen felt moisture in the corner of her eyes as she saw Mallory tremble slightly before giving her own tears. It was clear that Mallory had pushed herself beyond her limits with the dancing, while her mother still looked fresh and ready to go another ten rounds. Honestly it was sickening how much energy she had, now in her second life. A life where her body was still fresh, and she could do all those amazing things that she had always dreamed about doing. In that moment, Gwen too felt herself wanting to go forwards and dance, only to realize that her balance would be off slightly with the growing mass within her. Honestly, it still concerned her with how realistic everything was in this world, even the act of giving birth was similar to what she had experienced when giving birth to her own biological children. That had also made it so her hormones were out of balance, which was the only reason for the tears now. Tears that were reciprocated by Mallory. ¡°How can I argue with that.¡± Mallory said, gesturing to Gwen first, then turning back to the King, she answered. ¡°Yes. For the sake of our two factions, and the peace and stability of this region, let us be wed.¡± Whoosh. With that Gwen got the same message that everyone in her guild got.
Major Guild Quest Update: A Permanent Treaty: The leader of your Guild has decided to make the ultimate sacrifice for peace. By marrying the king of the native inhabitants of the lands that your guild has claimed, your guild has found a peaceful way of gaining full rights to the land that will avoid bloodshed and strife between your two factions. The next step is for you to attend the wedding ceremony that will be held within thirty days from today, where you can increase your standing within your guild and with the native inhabitants of your land by attending. Time remaining (30 / 30 days). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, Variable.
That is right Gwen, just like everyone else from her guild would get experience, the Guild Title related to this feat, and more, just by attending the wedding. That was honestly incredible, so incredible that Gwen for a moment wondered how such an event was possible. *** (Cass) The entire thing had been exhausting. My best friend had gone from trying to kill me, justifiably so, to trying to embarrass me, also justifiably so, to then trying to crush me. Okay, I will give her that last one as well. Then finally she said yes. Having won the dance battle, I was rewarded with an enhanced future reward once I finally married Mallory in thirty days¡¯ time. Honestly, I was okay with the idea of an enhanced final reward as I was still mentally trying to decide what to do with my three current class upgrades that were all available. I also knew that any extra experience at this point would put me at the level two hundred and fifty range, making it so I would almost certainly be forced to take the upgrade that the system provided for my healing class. While I had lucked out with my last forced upgrade for my Akashic Qi Master, I had to realize that that particular upgrade path of a perk had already been established by my primary and secondary classes. I also know that once the date of the wedding comes and goes, I will be looking at quite the hefty score of experience, as I will be able to turn in not just one but two chain quests. That¡¯s right, double dipping. Getting experience for being the King of the marrying faction that has proven myself worthy to marry the leader of the invading Midnight Hunters Guild. But also, going to offer my congratulations to the guild master for her marriage, as a member of said invading guild. This plan is almost so easy that there is seemingly no way this can go wrong, so why do I feel like I am nearing the brink of disaster? Chapter 155 The Auditors Chapter 155 The Auditors ¡°So Master, how was your day off?¡± Jhonny asks, a bit of excitement in his voice as he asks. We are in our lessons. Now that the troubles with the missing patrols have been settled, and the absence of the King and Princess has been established, I finally have time to go back and do what I want. Which is apparently one-on-one teaching, today, the last day of my three-day break before I go back to teaching full time tomorrow. With that, I almost wanted to take a break from everything today and just have a little personal day, but I remembered Cassidy and her plea for help, so here I am. Giving up my Sunday to work with Jhonny on the next stages of training before Monday. ¡°I don¡¯t really want to talk about it.¡± I answer. That said, I am not looking forward to tomorrow, and thus don¡¯t really want to go over what happened to make it so that tomorrow will be so completely painful to attend. Nodding. He nods his head in seeming understanding, but then pauses as he tries to come at this from another angle. ¡°It¡¯s just that, well, your life is always so interesting.¡± Jhonny says. At that, I quirk an eyebrow. ¡°To whom?¡± I ask. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You heard me, to whom.¡± I repeat myself. With that Jhonny pauses for a moment before then does that thing that all liars do, where they try to shift the blame, while also shifting their bodyweight. ¡°Well, I guess everyone.¡± ¡°Everyone? You are out here asking on behalf of everyone?¡± I press, ¡°you are going to just ask me about my confidences, and then pass that along to the world?¡± ¡°What? No, I would never.¡± ¡°Okay then, tell me who it is you are trying to impress, and I might think about answering your questions.¡± I answer. With that Jhonny squirms slightly, before seeming to settle on an answer. ¡°Well, there is this one lady who I am interested in.¡± Jhonny began. ¡°Nope, don¡¯t like it.¡± I state, crossing my arms before me. ¡°What, what do you mean?¡± ¡°I already don¡¯t like this situation, well her in particular.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because she is using you. Here you are, barely in the classes and assigned to me as my bodyguard only because I chose you. They see that connection, and pressure you to ask me questions that might compromise the integrity of ongoing missions. I don¡¯t like her.¡± I state. ¡°No, wait, it¡¯s not like that at all.¡± Jhonny began. ¡°Let me ask you, how old were you before you joined?¡± I ask, this is sort of a personal topic, but one that will help me evaluate whether I need to get rid of Jhonny entirely, especially with how many different topics are going on. It is one thing for people to be inquisitive, but another thing for people to be sources of data leaks. In my spying days, I would have turned a boy like Jhonny into the perfect weapon. Actually, for him, I would just watch his coming and goings and mark anything he did that might be remotely important. ¡°Why would that matter?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°This is important as it will let me know whether you were a youth who joined and can be trained to be reliable, or if you are an adult manchild who will succumb to the whim of every pretty face that comes your way. So what is it?¡± I asked. ¡°I was fifteen,¡± Jhonny finally admitted, then continued, ¡°I had cancer.¡± With that last confession, Jhonny looked particularly discouraged by his action. Hearing him, I could only nod in understanding. ¡°Okay, you can stay, for now.¡± I state, nodding to myself about this. ¡°Though know that much of my trust that I had in you has been broken from this one event.¡± ¡°But nothing happened?¡± ¡°Nothing happened, because I stopped it, before it went anywhere. But what would happen if I had told you all the information you asked about, what then?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°You would have told her the answers to all the questions you just asked me. She could then go on and tell others that she too was trying to impress, and soon everything I told you would be out and part of public knowledge. Which would compromise ongoing efforts.¡± I stated. Silence. With that Jhonny looked visibly cowed by my statements, as he lowered his head and looked away. Finally, after seemingly enough time had gone on, I pressed. ¡°What are you thinking about now?¡± ¡°Just how interesting was what you did?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°What? That is what you got from that?¡± I ask, somewhat flummoxed by his response. ¡°Well yeah. For most people, when you ask what they did on a day off, they will say fishing, or that they worked on making a new craft or hobby. With you, it almost seems like you identified state secrets.¡± Jhonny began. With that, I realize that he is correct. Asking a co-worker about their day off is almost cordial in some places. While here I am giving the fifth degree to Jhonny for asking me such questions. In fact, the only reason why I am so guarded about what happened yesterday is the fact that everything still has the chance of breaking. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. There are still a lot of moving parts, and pieces to everything before my marriage to Mallory. I also need to find a way to consummate the marriage, while not actually sleeping with my best friend and the girlfriend of my daughter. Somehow that seems like it would all be a really bad day, but I still have a plan for how I might be able to get around that stipulation, while also fulfilling the requirements of the quest. Of course, I can¡¯t really work on those contingencies if I am always looking over my shoulder for any and all signs that there might be data breaches and insider threats for information. ¡°You know, lets just go with I knitted.¡± I state. ¡°Knitted?¡± ¡°Yeah, little mittens that I handed out to the poor.¡± I add. With that Jhonny just crosses his arms and looks at me as if I am crazy. ¡°No one will believe that for a second.¡± Jhonny stated matter-of-factly. ¡°What? I can be very compassionate, when I want to be.¡± I state, feeling somewhat offended by his comment. ¡°Oh, that I do not disagree with. However, there are no poor here. Also, any gloves made by you will likely be overpowered and highly destructive. Which would be readily apparent as the homeless recipients would likely form raiding parties to level up and start mini uprisings.¡± Jhonny said a bit melodramatically, but I got his intentions. ¡°My knitting is not that overpowered.¡± I state, realizing that I don¡¯t exactly have a knitting skill, yet. ¡°Uh-oh, what is she yelling about?¡± Mallory asked, coming forward. I had been tracking her progress as she took three delegates with her throughout the camp. Now it seemed that we were on my portion of the tour. Well not just my portion, but my school¡¯s portion of the tour. ¡°She was thinking about a way to make overpowered mittens for the homeless.¡± Jhonny answered. With that Mallory looked like she wanted to laugh, but then caught herself as she realized, ¡°oh wait, you are serious?¡± ¡°They wouldn¡¯t be overpowered.¡± I state, still trying to figure out if yarn could hold an enchantment, I think it could, but I might need to add a bit more to make the enchantments stick. Honestly, yarn seems like a very light and flimsy medium for enchantments. I might need to use blood or other sticky substances to hold. I know, I just went with blood, but that is the easiest to get to and would provide its own innate power source while it soaked into the threads. Then from there I could add more sympathetic powers. ¡°She¡¯s doing that scary thing with her tongue again.¡± Gwen said, ¡°you know the one where she pretends to be cute and cuddly but is really thinking about sacrificing the masses for power.¡± ¡°I was not.¡± I responded a bit indignantly. Then I realized that if I explained about the use of blood as a medium for yarn, I likely wouldn¡¯t be doing myself any favors. You know what, the more I think about it, the more I realize knitting is likely a stupid skill to learn. That is of course, why I want to now learn it, so I can figure out what is wrong with it and fix it. I used to love knitting so much when I was still living. Though it was mostly because I had slowed down a lot, I still wanted to do something, even though my hands ached when I did anything truly labor intensive. You know what, I am officially putting Knitting as one of my serious skills to get back to, once life calms down a bit. ¡°I don¡¯t believe her.¡± Gwen said. ¡°Me, either.¡± Mallory said, clearly going in on the joke. ¡°You two need to stop.¡± I said, then added, ¡°besides don¡¯t you have dignitaries to escort around?¡± With that Mallory and Gwen both turn to face the Deolar dignitaries that were following behind them. The ones who could hear everything. ¡°Right.¡± Gwen said, immediately standing up straight, as she tried to adjust herself. As she stood, her stomach bulged ever so slightly. Not enough to cause any major pain or discomfort, but enough that the baby belly was beginning to show. ¡°This is Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri, Lieutenant Foliv De¡¯Travin, and someone I believe you will be very interested in meeting Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas.¡± Mallory states, pointing out the Lich. I turn my head towards Mallory, I can see her already, but this way she knows my attention is directed fully at her. Looking at her, I can¡¯t help but wonder if she is doing this on purpose. ¡°Oh, we have met.¡± Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas states. ¡°This is the girl that would steal my heart, if my heart did not already belong to another.¡± The glowing lich said, as he looked at me with a weird form of perversion. ¡°Can you not be creepy, for like ten minutes.¡± I state, trying not to feel revulsion within my own sanctuary. Looking at the three new guests, I see that Gwen¡¯s Death Shroud is being used to safeguard all three individuals, making it so that they do not take damage while here in the mortal realm. It is amazing, and one of the first powers my original class had. While staring at Gwen¡¯s usage of the power, I almost wonder if there is a way to improve this capability. Honestly this is something that I wouldn¡¯t even know where to look currently, but I assume there is a place where this information is stored. And if the information is stored it can be altered, logically. If I had to think about changing this merit, I would likely change the number of people, but that would probably have a direct impact on the distance that the three people could be protected. Right now, Gwen and I could protect three people in either the mortal or spiritual realm, and to my knowledge there is no distance on how far away from us the protection extends. I also realize that this particular merit is tied directly with my primary class of Ethereal Healer, which if I mess with the merit and break the merit, would that also mean I will break my class? I am just about at the point where I ultimately decide it is best to avoid messing with class breaking exercises, at least for now, when I am drawn from my own musings. Snap, snap. ¡°Hey, focus here. Stop trying to find ways to break the world. You can do that later.¡± Mallory stated, dropping her hand that had been used to grab my attention by snapping. ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to break the world.¡± I state, a little indignantly, though breaking a class would likely be along those lines. ¡°Oh? So what were you thinking about then?¡± Mallory asks. I tell her, even noting that I stopped myself when I realized that I might break a class if I do it improperly. ¡°That is your idea of not breaking the world?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°I don¡¯t think I could do it.¡± I add, as this is all hypothetical, ¡°right now.¡± Mallory looked like she was going to relax a little, but then turned to me after hearing my last statement. She pauses, and stares at me again. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you say things like that to just joke around, or if you are secretly plotting to do these, once you have a moment.¡± Mallory states, staring at me. ¡°I what?¡± I ask. ¡°You know, I used to listen to these ideas and mostly disregard them as just a sign of your analytical mind at work. However, I have now come to see more and more of your ideas come to light than I would have previously hoped for.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Isn¡¯t that good, scientific progress and all.¡± I state. ¡°It is, when you talk about creating new spells that explode and coat people in glitter or find ways to cure the Blight. But recently even the system is asking you to stop.¡± Mallory states. Hearing that, I realize why Mallory and Gwen both have been so off recently. Pausing I take in both of their forms, and realize they are both scared. I understand, as it has really only been about a day and a half since I dreamt of little Cassidy and how Gwen and Mallory both were sent to wake me up. ¡°You are scared? Both of you?¡± I ask, turning my head to both of them, as I already know the answer. ¡°I¡­¡± Gwen begins, but she is cut off by Mallory. ¡°No, nothing like that.¡± Mallory states in her clearly forced cordial tone. Then she continues, ¡°all we are saying is that we need to keep people like you busy. With that in mind, we are expanding your current workload as a professor.¡± That was a smooth transition of someone who was used to being in a leadership role. Also, I can see that Mallory and Gwen both seem a little concerned that they aired out so many concerns in front of strangers. Hopefully it will come across as playful banter, but I can tell that Gwen and Mallory both are now looking at me in a more reserved state. This is bad, as I had always been given leeway and encouragement both to explore different ideas. A week ago, Mallory might have even helped me flush out my idea on trying to alter class related merits, yet today I was shut down. I realize part of that is due to my forcing her to marry me. Well marry my alternate avatar, but I also realize that recently I have been acting more on my own and forcing others to act to my whims, than normal. It is one thing for me to play both sides of a conflict to better myself twice, it is another thing entirely when the lives and emotions of others also get drawn into that same conflict. ¡°Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri and Lieutenant Foliv De¡¯Travin will be joining your morning Qi classes.¡± Mallory states. I open my mouth to protest, as I don¡¯t even know if ghosts or spirits can accumulate Qi, as it seems to be a very key component of the living. Mallory, seeing that I am about to open my mouth to protest, as we can¡¯t afford to have anyone fail, let alone two people that have no ability to learn Qi, she speaks. ¡°These two will be auditing the curriculum and sitting in on a few of your other lessons.¡± Mallory states pointing towards the two Spirit realm guards that I am well aware of at this point. Then before anyone can say anything, she pivots and points to the Lich. ¡°This is Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas, he will be auditing a few of your Enchantment related courses.¡± Mallory states, pointing to the Lich. Before I can do or say anything, I am met with a new system message informing me of these new changes.
Class Roster Update: Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri and Lieutenant Foliv De¡¯Travin have been accepted as students who will be auditing your initial courses related to Qi Manifestation. Similarly Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas has been allowed to audit your initial courses related to Enchantment. Note: Student Auditing: Perspective students are allowed to audit classes, without any direct impact to the school¡¯s overall teaching success rate. Students are only eligible for auditing when they meet one of two requirements; A) they are not currently enrolled as students. Or B) they are enrolled but are taking a semester off to shore up perceived deficiencies, or due to personal reasons.
¡°This should only be temporary for me, as I feel most of the information will be below my efforts. But as we have been tasked with strengthening our relationships with each other, I feel it only right that I join you all and attempt to offer my own expertise to the classes.¡± Rahul the arrogant Lich begins. Hearing him speak, I get the clear impression that he doesn¡¯t think he can learn anything from me and will likely be one of those students that speaks up constantly in an attempt to derail my classes just to talk about how great he is. I was about to let it slide; I really was. Then he just kept talking. ¡°In fact, I might even be persuaded to help you teach, if you bow down to me and apologize for attacking me in my own lair.¡± Rahul said in a pompous lisping voice. Gods his voice was like a metal rake scraping against a chalkboard. ¡°You think you are better than me?¡± I ask, it is rhetorical as I already know he doesn¡¯t think, but I am just trying to get my thoughts in order. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°You, whose major accomplishment was to create a mana siphon that made toxic sludge that you had pooling under your floors?¡± I ask, calling out how terribly designed his whole cascading array structure was. ¡°The same toxic sludge you begged me to bathe in, yes.¡± Rahul stated. ¡°It¡¯s not toxic to me.¡± Then realizing I was going to look like a moron if I argued with this moron anymore, I decided to take the high road. ¡°Fine then, you think you are so superior to me, then come to the class, if you don¡¯t learn anything then I might think of adding you as a future staff member.¡± The truth was, we needed more teachers. Having one single point of failure for a college was a terrible idea, especially when we wanted to get this college accredited. So maybe this was my chance to get additional staff on hand that could help teach more students. Unfortunately, this world was all too realistic, as so far the only possible help in the form of additional staff I found was an old lecherous miser whose last major contributions to the chosen field of study happened millennia ago. ¡°I will gladly let you call me master.¡± Rahul said. Bleh. I almost vomited at that, fortunately I stopped myself. ¡°You will never be my master in anything, and I will prove it to you.¡± I said. Then with that, my challenge had not only been heard but accepted. Interlude IX (Cassidy) Interlude IX (Cassidy) The world as she knew it was breaking. Her mother, the center of her world was dying of cancer and there was nothing that she or anyone could do for her. Father was there, and he was great. Deep down Cassidy knew that her father would give her all the love and affection she could need. But she was greedy, was it greedy to desperately beg and plead for a miracle a cure to come down from the heavens, but nothing ever came. Just when she was about to give up all semblance of hope, then as if divine providence or extremely lucky coincidence, she found a passage that struck to her core. While reading through her mother¡¯s old journals about inspirational quotes, something that her mother always cherished and vehemently wrote down and swore to embody. That is when she found a passage labeled Grandmother Cassie¡¯s Quotes. Seeing the section there were many quotes that spoke to persevering, to being tough both mentally and physically. This was obviously related to Great Grandma Cassie, who passed away back when Cassidy herself was just seven years old. It was also the same woman that Cassidy herself had been named after, Cassidy couldn¡¯t help but feel a resonance with seeing the words. She began reading the section out loud, hoping that these words more than others would help provide meaning and purpose in this time when darkness seemed to be encapsulating her from all sides. As time passed she read quote after quote, until finally one quote caught her eye. ¡°Never expect miracles to come when you yourself have done nothing to lay the groundwork for where that miracle will appear.¡± The words were so profound that at first Cassidy glanced over them. At this point in her process her voice was getting hoarse from talking so long to her mother, hoping that she would awaken from her most recent bout of chemotherapy. Then as if the words were a sacred spell, that only gained power after saying the complete quote, she felt a chill of recognition strike her as she felt the power of those very words. Never expect miracles to come when you yourself have done nothing to lay the groundwork for where the miracle will appear. A second time she muttered the words, this time feeling their weight and power resonating a bit more within her. Then for a third time, she spoke the same words out loud, letting their full power resonate within every fiber of her being. Whoom. Flicker. Cassidy felt a surge of energy erupt from her, as something deeply profound had been awoken deep within her. Something that made her feel both alive and made her realize that there was still hope. As long as Cassidy herself and her mother were both here, there was a chance that her mother could recover. At this, Cassidy remembered the stories and antics of her great grandmother on the viewing feeds. In particular Cassidy remembered how there was an incurable disease that great grandma Cassie had found a cure for. Not because she stumbled across it, but because she was too stubborn to allow people to die, while she had the ability to save them. Cassidy read through the entire list of Cassie¡¯s quotes, and while she felt there was profound wisdom in most all of them. Yet, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a resonance, an awakening related to the quote about miracles. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Maybe it was the fact that she had herself been asking for, if not pleading with higher powers about blessing her family with a miracle to save her mother. Yet, despite all her best efforts and countless prayers, nothing had ever come. Yet, with this one passage, she felt a connection, a deep personal belief that she could overcome her mother¡¯s cancer, if she just laid the groundwork. Just as Cassie herself had managed to cure the incurable disease, so too could Cassidy, if she but believed in herself. That above anything was what she believed in. Cassidy was also at that tender age where she was old enough to realize the truth that while magic doesn¡¯t exist, she can still desperately plead and hope that somehow, in some way it did. Finally tired of reading, her mother¡¯s journal on inspirational quotes, she opted to turn on the BiPrism feeds. In her hopes she wanted to find a subchannel related to either Cassie, or her guild. Fortunately, those feeds had become top streaming sites, and were even available in free use hospitals, as long as one didn¡¯t mind watching or being constantly split screened with commercials dancing around the screen. Cassidy was so excited, that she lost track of time. Only realizing that her great grandmother, the person she wished to see, to be inspired by was sleeping. At that point, exhaustion had taken over. Seeing the beautiful elven girl that looked to be roughly Cassidy¡¯s own age, she felt a wave of exhaustion flow from her. ¡°No, not now. I need you great grandma.¡± Cassidy said, defeatedly. Then seeing the state of her great grandmother something within her snapped as all her high from earlier collapsed. Suddenly the waves and surge of energy that she felt so deeply just moments before, now seemed to come due with a heavy dose of exhaustion. That was how Cassidy found herself somehow talking to the very person she had been desperately trying to reach. All she remembered was falling asleep in a half delusional stream of late-night prayers and lucid dreaming about Cassie somehow being able to help her. That was how it all began. Cassidy awoke, to hear both Grandmother and Mallory shaking Cassie awake. It had almost felt like a dream, one where she had directly interacted with Cassie. But it couldn¡¯t have happened, as dreams were just adaptations. Yet, somehow there had been a disturbance as Cassie was casting spells within her sleep. Spells that apparently threatened to break apart the very structure of the world they were in. There was a moment, a deep moment when Cassidy felt a deep resonating spiritual connection with her grandmother. One that was both indescribable and wonderful. For the first time in months, ever since finding out about her mother¡¯s diagnosis Cassidy felt calm. As if her prayers had been answered. For a moment she knew that Grandma Cassie would somehow reach across the veil and heal her mother. She was certain that she almost felt at a loss when she awoke abruptly as the connection of peace that she had was severed violently. Great Grandma also seemed to have experienced the same, as she seemed to accept the fact that the connection they had was somehow not allowed. That it was dangerous for everyone within BiPrism. Yet, despite this, Cassie seemed resolute in her attempt to help. Going so far as to train Jhonny, a person many considered to be yet another charity case of great grandmother¡¯s to learn how to both circulate and sense mana. Going so far as to give him simple tasks to do that could be repeated by anyone. Even going so far as to call out Cassidy¡¯s name while doing the training. That was when Cassidy knew that she had asked for a miracle, and now it was up to her to make it so that miracle could fully land. Hearing everything that Great Grandma said to heart, she recorded the sessions, going so far as to crop out the dancing commercials and musical jingles and focus solely on the lessons being provided. Those lessons had been close to forty-eight hours ago, and Cassidy was now more resolute than ever that she was going to be the conduit for the miracle that she had been requesting all along for her mother. Tears. Cassidy knew that in this time she had to be the conduit for the requested miracle, for her mother truly had no other options at this point. Fwoom. Energy pulsed and circulated throughout Cassidy¡¯s body. With each rotation of energy, she felt her ability to sense and control the foreign energy within her body just that much more. Having mastered the first two skills provided. Cassidy found herself praying desperately that Cassie would somehow know to show her the next steps needed. The power was right there, the miracle that she had been praying for so vehemently was finally within reach. Now, all Cassidy needed was to find a way to use her power to attack the cancerous cells within her mother¡¯s body. Then it hit her, how stupid she had been. Cassie never asked others how to cure the Blight, she just did. She used her innate control and knowledge of her power to heal bodies from the corrosive effects of the Blight. Realizing that Cassie had given all the guidance she could, or at least all the guidance that was needed. Cassidy now realized that everything else that was yet to come would be placed squarely upon her shoulders. With the moment that she was now fully being realized, Cassidy stood up from her lotus position, walked over to her mother¡¯s bed, and held her limp hand within hers. The doctors had been in earlier, stating that if they had anything left to say to her, that they should do so now. Holding her mother¡¯s hand, she realized the words she wanted to say to her mother. ¡°Not yet.¡± Cassidy whispered, her words barely more than a whisper as she didn¡¯t want to awaken her father who was also passed out on the far end of the room. He had taken an odd half slouched, half collapsed sleep-sitting position in the chair provided by the hospital. Seeing him, and how much he had aged from this whole ordeal as well, Cassidy realized that she had no more time to wait. Then as if reaffirming to herself what steps she should next take, she repeated her words again, this time a little louder. ¡°Not yet. You can¡¯t leave me yet, I still need you.¡± Cassidy said, then with a lone tear of resolve pouring down her face, Cassidy went to work. Chapter 156 A Simple Morning Workout Chapter 156 A Simple Morning Workout The day started off well enough. The sun rose, at least I assume it did due to the rapid temperature and barometric pressure changes. Animals seemed to be stirring in their pens. I even got a random visit for Kujo who was trying to provide for his pregnant mate. A quick curing of the Blighted animal, and duplicate life creation later and I thought life as we knew it would be fine. Unfortunately, I could not have been more incorrect with my assessment of how the day would go from there. For while doing what I considered my normal morning chores, I apparently had a stalker watching me. Well, I knew they were there, I just hoped that if I ignored them long enough, they would leave. That, however, was not the case. ¡°That was amazing, you not only cured the animal of the Blight, but then managed to create an exact copy of the animal for your own breeding pens.¡± The nasally voice of Rahul, the lich, and who has nothing to do with my favorite fictional character, arrived, shattering the serenity that I had momentarily allowed to settle over me as I went through my morning paces. I nodded to him, then began going through my morning stretches. Since I have learned to harness Qi within my body, morning stretches have become so much easier. I also didn¡¯t mind the idea of having Qi flowing through me at this time, particularly with how close the lich was. ¡°Also, what are these movements that you are now doing?¡± Rahul asked inquisitively, before trying to do some of the same. Not going to lie, having a random leg appear from the void of his corrupted soul was a bit unnerving. At that, I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he had always had his entire body and just wore the void around him like some esoteric sleeping bag? The idea did seem oddly comfortable, but I doubted that is what the Lich was using it for, as it was likely a pocket dimension of stored power. At least that is what I gathered from looking at it, I would of course need my third eye to fully see what it was that happened to the rest of Lich¡¯s body, but I did not want to give this monster with what had to have been a fairly common name given to Enchanters any sign that I was interested in him at all. So I stretched. Crackle. Rahul, the visiting dignitary of Deolar, tried to do the same exact movements, though his bones clearly had trouble just keeping their exact weight up. Finally, after a few minutes of me being alone with the Lich, Jhonny my personal bodyguard came and also broke into his own stretches. ¡°Good form Jhonny, try to rotate your energy from your pivoting joints and through your contact points with the ground.¡± I stated, Jhonny nodded and looked like he was about to reply, when he was rudely cut off. ¡°What about me?¡± The voice of Rahul asked, now going away from the position that I was holding indefinitely, to trying to mirror Jhonny¡¯s form. Though he began wobbling almost immediately. ¡°Try not to break my floor with your face when you fall.¡± I answered. ¡°Hey.¡± Rahul said, straightening up, but doing so without any true coordination, causing him to fall over to the side. Fortunately, he had his extra-large void sleeping bag to catch him before he could fall over completely and hit his head as I warned. ¡°Good, you can at least follow simple instructions.¡± I stated, though I was really giving his permanently active void pillow the credit here over his actual ability to follow instructions. Maybe I should thank his dumb luck? By now more and more students were beginning to come for the morning Qi Manifestation class. As they came in, I made sure to greet each of them. ¡°Good morning Stevron, good work on building up your legs. Today, I think I am going to have you begin with a brisk mile run to warm up, then going to twenty sets of wall climbs, legs only.¡± I said. Wall climbs were fairly simple to understand, but hard to achieve if you were not either highly skilled or awakening the Qi path. The climbs were basically the process of running into a wall, then kicking off of it, into a nearly adjacent wall, then doing so until you reached the top. ¡°Understood master.¡± Stevron replied, going so far as to cup his hands and bow to me. I don¡¯t know where they started doing that, but it was not worth correcting. Especially as I think it is their way of joking with me, which means I have to ignore it, lest they continue doing so forever. I know that this whole master thing is something that only my morning class does, if I had to guess, I think Jhonny had a part to play in that. Though again, I can¡¯t let it show it is getting to me, lest they continue this nonsense forever, as such I will just bide my time and get them back, in my own way. ¡°What should I do?¡± Rahul asked. ¡°Be quiet and try not to die, again.¡± I state, shutting down Rahul, as I quickly go through training regimen for each student that comes into my class. ¡°You are going to fall behind at this rate Underhill. Going to make you do double gassers and double plank walks to warm up.¡± I began, realizing that Underhill had only worked out for at most one of the three days that I was gone. ¡°Yes, master.¡± Underhill replied, a bit of resignation in his voice, but he didn¡¯t seem to complain. Though I wonder if the master was used here just out of spite. Well shows what he gets for missing leg day, and well every part of the body day. This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. Finally, both the ghostly Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri, and ghostly Lieutenant Foliv De¡¯Travin arrived. ¡°Good morning gentlemen. You two will be my test cases to see if Qi is able to be produced in the body of an undead.¡± I tell them flat out, ¡°to be honest, I give this about a fifty-fifty shot of working. Likely this will all depend on how much effort you put into this training. Qi is all about the strengthening of the body, and well your bodies have been altered to a much different state. It is very likely that even if you do develop Qi it might be capped out, and or twice to three times harder to improve. That said, if you do manage to develop Qi, it is very likely that you can be part of the first waves of super ghosts that can freely roam the world without needing extra magical assistance.¡± As I state that, I really wonder if I am about to create a wave of super ghosts that most of the world will have to start worrying about. At this moment, I wonder if Oppenheimer had a similar moment of doubt, then quickly disregard that thought, this is science. Also, it can¡¯t really get too bad, can it? At least not from this one group of spirits that I will train. Then almost as if to fully get me to accept the challenge I¡¯ve set for myself, I get a new system message.
Hidden Mythical Level Quest Found (Upgradable): Qi For The Dead: You have begun training two prime candidates on how to grow and harness Qi. Assist the ghosts with developing and understanding Qi within their own bodies and get them to produce spirit Qi. Rewards: Experience, Title, Mythical Bloodline Awakening Process, variable.
Now this, was interesting and like the first and only chance I will get at trying to awaken the next phase of my bloodline. Not that I am really true worried about this, as the Mythical Bloodline is believed to be the path to transcendence. Also, messing up that bloodline can apparently have very dire consequences. Though, like all the other bloodline quests I have undertaken, this one will likely be one that I can do or not do for years or centuries. Maybe this is the systems way of rewarding me for creating the next wave of super ghosts that will be able to fight back against nearly all forms of attacks. As the most common form of attacks by priests to undead is Banishment, which effectively makes the safe area where the ghosts can live and operate in disappear from a targeted area. Basically, the spell will purify an area of land and make it so that it no longer provides protection for the undead that have taken refuge in an area. With the advent of Qi or as the system so helpfully told me, Spirit Qi, the ghost¡¯s body will effectively become the area of refuge, making it so they will be immune to Banishment, and other similar spells for dealing with the undead. I¡¯d almost feel bad, but I realized quite a few things. First, me and my family will be safe, thanks to the Spiritlight name. Also, with the completion of our quest for me to get Mallory to marry me, well to marry me while I am in the avatar of the elven ghost king, our guild will get a merit that makes up friendly with spirits as well. Meaning that we will have even more of a potential buffer zone protecting us from possible threats in the future. Also, most of the priests in this world are corrupt for greed and money. So, making them a little less effective is only karma coming back to bite them. My parents had a chance to be healed by a priest, but he favored saving rich people with minor injuries that provided a huge donation to them. By the time anyone got to my parents, they were already dead. That was part of why I wanted to be a healer, and also partly why I chose the Broke flaw, as I didn¡¯t want to be guided by bribes. Rather I wanted to heal anyone who needed it. ¡°Master.¡± Jhonny cut into my thoughts, causing me to blink for a moment as I finally realized where I was. ¡°Huh?¡± I answer, but then realize that both the Captain and Lieutenant are right there waiting for me to guide them. ¡°All right, we are going to first work on creating what is called spirit Qi. I think this will be your body¡¯s version of the mortal Qi we mortals use. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know what this Qi looks like nor how it will react. As such, I am going to need you to exercise until you begin to produce some form of spirit Qi, and we will take it from there. How does that sound?¡± I ask. With that the two looked from me, then back to each other, then back to me. ¡°Okay, so what would you have us do?¡± Captain Glavis asked for the two of them. ¡°Simple, all you need to do is keep up with me and do exactly what I do.¡± I state. I then pause, before making sure to tell them, ¡°We will go until you reach muscle failure. Oh, and don¡¯t try to hold back, I will know if you are lying, and I will make sure you pay for that.¡± ¡°You think you can get us to muscle failure, before you pass out?¡± The Lieutenant, Foliv, asked. Chuckles. With that all of the regular members of my Qi Manifestation class just laughed to themselves, as I realized I really needed to push them and myself today. I had after all gone through not one but two core evolutions recently and needed to see what a 20% boost to all my Physical Attributes meant. ¡°Oh, aren¡¯t you precious.¡± I reply back in my best southern accent. With that, everyone, well everyone that wasn¡¯t part of the visiting spirit delegation tensed up. Then I went for the kill. ¡°Let¡¯s just say we begin with a few light exercises and see where we are after an hour?¡± I ask. ¡°Okay, though I don¡¯t think you understand the amount of training we go through daily.¡± The Captain responded, trying to and failing to deescalate the situation. With that I was hit with my second quest prompt of the morning, after seeing it, I couldn¡¯t help but let a devilish smile form on my lips.
Hidden Quest Activated: New Recruits: You are being challenged by the visiting Deolar delegation members to participate in your morning exercise. Get the members of the delegation to reach muscle failure in the time provided. Current time remaining (60 / 60 minutes). Current participants not at muscle failure (3/3). Rewards: Experience, Deolar prestige, variable.
¡°Oh, this sounds like a spot of good fun. Can I join as well?¡± Rahul asked, clearly intending to invite himself along to this little challenge that had been set up. While I have to admit I am not a fan of this Rahul, I will say the idea of both taking him down a peg and being rewarded for doing so does have a strange appeal to me. ¡°Just a heads up, we will be going through a bit of an obstacle course, it is okay if you cannot keep up with a frail little female like me, but know that there will be a penalty of a hundred burpees that will be completed after the hour and will not count towards the time given.¡± I state. At that, the two knights looked like this was not a big deal, as they no doubt expected to be able to keep up with me. ¡°Sounds fair.¡± The Knight Captain stated. With that, I got a modified version of the quest to come up.
Hidden Quest (Modified): New Recruits: You are being challenged by the visiting Deolar delegation members to participate in your morning exercise. Get the members of the delegation to reach muscle failure in the time provided. You will run a series of obstacles, any obstacles that are not completed by any of the three will result in a set of a hundred burpees that will be completed after the hour time limit, and not count towards the overall time given. Current time remaining (60 / 60 minutes). Current participants not at muscle failure (3/3). Rewards: Experience, Deolar prestige, variable.
Seeing the modified quest appear before me, I couldn¡¯t help but let out a smile. ¡°Oh man, she is going to kill them.¡± Stevron said, apparently seeing the look of determination of my face. ¡°You do realize she is only a third our level and half our size. Also, we,¡± The Lieutenant began pointing to both himself and the Captain, ¡°are both physical classes.¡± ¡°My man, listen to me when I say, it has been good to know you. Don¡¯t worry though, as she will tell you. You won¡¯t die, as she won¡¯t give you permission to die. Instead, she will resurrect you right there on the spot and make you start over again.¡± Stevron said, a note of pride in his voice. Honestly after his words, I felt a little embarrassed, as that was oddly sweet, if a bit morbid. Still the thought was there that he would stick up for me, which I appreciated. ¡°Whatever, we will show you what the training and discipline we have managed to master after thousands of years of practice and dedication.¡± The Lieutenant continued. ¡°Hearing that, do any of you want to join us?¡± I asked. ¡°At your pace, or can we go at our own speed?¡± Underhill asked. ¡°My pace, obviously.¡± I replied. ¡°Uh, I have a lot of training that I am already behind from over the break.¡± Underhill admitted, clearly not wanting to keep up with my pace. ¡°No one?¡± I asked. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± Jhonny said. And with that a smile crested my lips, as I made sure to tell him my expectations. ¡°You better last longer than these three yahoos.¡± ¡°Yes Master.¡± Jhonny said, with a bow. Shaking my head, I still can¡¯t believe they are going with that even now. ¡°All right, let¡¯s get this party started.¡± I stated, then without any preamble I waited until all four followers who were going to join me for my morning practice. Then once they all nodded they were ready, I turned around and took off. Within a minute I was up to my new full speed, then not even looking to see if anyone was around I focused on my own morning routine. After my first lap around, I saw the Lich floating lifelessly, panting for air as he tried to continue going at all, let alone at my own pace. ¡°You¡¯ll sleep when you are dead, well more dead. Until then keep going.¡± I shouted, making sure to give the Lich a quick Qi infused tap, to make sure he had some energy to keep going. Crackle. Apparently, my speed and Qi were a bit too much for the Lich, but the poke did do its part in getting the Lich to straighten up and stop resting in its void cloud blanket. Seeing the Lich¡¯s state I realized I was already close to being one third the way done with my quest. Though getting the Lich out was never my goal, as I had bigger aspirations. I wanted to prove to the world what we were about here, at SVC, and that is exactly what I set about doing. Chapter 157 Last Minute Realizations Chapter 157 Last Minute Realizations Speed. Form. Grace. These were the points I held in my mind as I made wall jump after wall jump, obstacle after obstacle. My point was not to go my fastest, but to go where I could hit every spot fluidly and gracefully. After passing the Lich, I began letting my body and mind flow in one continuous movement. I didn¡¯t even worry about what the other three people, Jhonny, the Knight Captain, and the Lieutenant were doing. Instead, I just focused on me, on hitting my spots, and as making as clean of a run as possible. My increased 20% strength was amazing, and easily noticed as I was able to make grabs and holds that were always just beyond me earlier. I was able to jump in one leap what used to take me two leaps from adjoining walls to make. With just the tips of my fingers grasping a ledge, I was able to rocket my small frame and body up the wall and propel me onto the next obstacle. I didn¡¯t even cheat this time by using magic to take off most of my weight, as that was not necessary. The 20% increase in my physical Attributes didn¡¯t result in a 20% increase in weight, meaning I was still the same weight, but 1.2 times stronger than before, and that was not including all the levels I had recently gained. Wait, the levels? With that thought, I remembered the fact that I had gained so many levels so quickly that I had not one, but three different class advancements to choose. Given that my primary class of Ethereal Healer was almost at the next threshold, I realized that my choices had to be made quickly. With this, I felt my body slightly slow down, before I just let my mind shift deeper into the repetitive nature of my morning routine. I made sure to change it up just enough that each muscle group was worked out evenly, then while doing my running portions, I tried to see what options were available for this upgrade, so I could at least see what I was dealing with. I know that what options were available was based largely on what I had managed to do since my last time. What had I done for my career, what had I done personally, and what I had accomplished for the game world. Well since the last upgrade at level 200, I have done quite a lot. I had gotten my surgical doctorate; I had found an ancient civilization. I single handedly began the restoration process of reclaiming Blight infected lands. I started a college for magic that is in the process of being accredited. I unlocked my legendary bloodline. I even managed to begin the healing process for the great tree spirit Yggdraspirit. There is also the fact that I managed to create and then condense my Qi core. While my Qi related feats seem like they shouldn¡¯t count towards my accomplishments for my two magical classes, they were still feats that I had accomplished. As such, I was curious about what was available. When I checked in on my options that were available thanks to all my accomplishments over the last hundred or so levels, I was met with a single system message.
What would you like to do as an Ethereal Healer?
With that, I realized the system too thought my accomplishments were extraordinary for the past one hundred levels. Still, this was quite the challenge, as I wanted to have something that was not only beneficial for myself, but something that my daughter could use to enhance herself once she too reached level 200. With that in mind, I focused on what I needed most, what would help as a healer, and what I could use as an instructor. This last one was the sticking point, as that is what I largely considered myself for the moment. While I had managed to come up with little tips and tricks for trying to get students to see the world as I do, I know I don¡¯t always get through to people. With that I began thinking of a way that I could seemingly force a condition on people, so they could feel Qi, if even for a moment. So, they could feel mana flowing through them as a Water Mage, versus a Lightning Mage. This would help me out teaching Qi, and Magic to my different students. As a healer I could also see this having beneficial effects as we could directly infuse the energy we need directly into a person¡¯s body and let them fully understand the power being channeled into them. So there also had to be a psychic component to the Trait, for that was what this had to be at this point, a Trait. Realizing all of that, I focused my will and put all of that into as concise of a point as I could.
Class Evolution: Ethereal Healer: Proposed evolution (Trait): Energy Status Resonance (Unique): This unique Trait will allow the caster to impart a desired effect of energy onto a willing target who can then mentally comprehend the exact nature of the energy flowing within them, and how that energy is meant to flow.
That was the first time I had heard of a Unique Trait, which I assumed meant that if I chose that Trait for the Ethereal Healer class, it would never be available to any other class or player again. That alone was interesting enough to make me want to take it. Looking at it, the Trait was almost perfect. Granted it couldn¡¯t be used maliciously, but as a Healer such things should be beyond us. I tried to think about any possible changes and could come up with nothing. It checked off all my boxes, and as I saw it, it was nearly perfect as a teaching aid and help. This could be used to both heal, and show others how you were healing them. It could also be used to show the desired way I want Qi or Mana to flow within a particular student, and it also had the component that the student had to be willing. Meaning that if at any point they wanted to stop, the effects of this Trait would stop as well. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this was perfect for me, and thus I accepted it. Chime. There was no waiting, no preamble, no seven days. Apparently, I had taken so long that the system wanted to force these changes on me almost immediately, which I was grateful for. This also made some sense as I was nearing my level 250 evolution point as well, where even more changes would be forced on me by my class. With that, I got confirmation of my new Class Trait.
Ethereal Healer Level 200 Class Evolution: (Trait): Energy Status Resonance (Unique): This unique Trait will allow the caster to impart a desired effect of energy onto a willing target who can then mentally comprehend the exact nature of the energy flowing within them, and how that energy is meant to flow.
I felt the flow of newfound energy erupt from me, and for a moment I had that feeling that I somehow stopped running. Mentally I paused for half a second, before checking my surroundings and seeing that most of the boys were slowly but surely climbing over the last wall I had climbed. Realizing they were a good deal away and that I still had over fifteen minutes for this exercise course, I began running a newer and harder route, all while mentally going through my level 200 class evolution for my Ethereal Simulacrums Master class. This time, I wasn¡¯t given as many options, instead I was as usual presented with the same option I had for my main class, which was a Trait. As soon as I mentally prepared myself for multi-tasking my class upgrades while working out, I was met with a simple system message.
What would you like to do as an Ethereal Simulacrums Master?
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report. With that message, I realized one thing. Every night when I mentally synchronize my thoughts with my Simulacrums, I realize that I have been getting jealous of FS, my First Simulacrum. The reason was simple, as she always got to spend time with Zero, who was an exceptional helper. But he also had a lot of down time, as there weren¡¯t always a plethora of people going into the Magic Guild on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower seeing to be healed. This meant that effectively my familiar was being forced to stay stationary behind a desk and wait for things to happen. I had tried that life for six months and it nearly broke me, so I could only imagine how my familiar would think about being stuck in one spot for over a year at this point. Additionally, I realized that I already had a sort of fun Trait already for my Ethereal Simulacrums Master class called Positional Switch.
Positional Switch: You and your Simulacrum have become so intertwined that by just willing it, you can switch geolocational positions with your doppelganger regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
That was my level 25 class evolution. This time I wanted to expand on this and make it so I could not only transfer myself but others as well. With that in mind, I made sure I was on a straightaway so I could focus solely on running and keeping this train of thought going, then I made my intention known to the system. Almost immediately it came back with a proposed answer.
Class Evolution: Ethereal Simulacrums Master: Proposed evolution (Trait): Positional Teleportation (Unique): This unique Trait will allow you to create a one or two-way portal between yourself and one of your doppelgangers where people, resources, and energy can transfer freely, regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
I thought about it for a second and realized that there was a lot of versatility with this, far beyond just the transferring of troops and resources, but there were other long term effects that could also be noted. If we as a guild ever wanted to hold a bazaar and sell off some of the rare high-end items and creatures we have found from around here, we could do so easily with this. I would just go out with Mallory and the advanced team, and then create a portal with a Simulacrum. Of course, that would mean I would need more Simulacrum running wild out here, but that doesn¡¯t seem like so hard of an ask right now. Just get the ability for not one but two more Simulacrum, and I could explore the tower, while two trained people here, and life would be golden. I know that I am a long way away from that ideal, but that is something worth considering at least. For now I just need to accept this change, which I do as I feel the system once again was more than lenient with this Trait¡¯s abilities. With that, I once again get an immediate notice and confirmation of my accepted class evolution. Chime.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master Level 200 Class Evolution: (Trait): Positional Teleportation (Unique): This unique Trait will allow you to create a one or two-way portal between yourself and one of your doppelgangers where people, resources, and energy can transfer freely, regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Almost immediately, I feel a smile form on my face, as I realize that right now I can create a portal between myself and my Simulacrum on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower. For a moment I am excited, as I really want to see Zero, especially now that I know people won¡¯t have to die from the fact that my Simulacrums have normal eyesight. And that my First Simulacrum has been wildly dependent on Zero for guidance on the best ways to heal people who were infected with the Blight. At first this was huge, but again, now that the rush is mostly over, the practice of being available to heal people who are infected with the Blight has gone down considerably. Still, what if he doesn¡¯t want to come? What if he likes my Simulacrum that he has spent every day with more than me? These are the thoughts that come to me. I want to create the portal almost instantly, but realize I can¡¯t as I am still moving. I need to make sure I get these yahoos to muscle failure. Without even checking on them or their progress, I first check my time.
Time remaining: 10:12, 10:11¡­
Ten minutes left got it. With that thought, I decided to go full on. I know I have gone a bit easy focusing on things that are not related to this particular quest that I am actively engaged in. While I can make excuses for why that was, that I would have been forced an upgrade by the system and knowing the system they would have likely been stuck on the first category of giving me a Healer related Spell for our level 200 evolution, no I needed to make that choice at least. Now I had even more motivation to finish, as not only could I possibly reach the level 250 evolution for my primary class, but I could also see Zero. At the very least I could tell him that I am sorry for basically abandoning him all this time. With that that, the thought of holding his scaley serpentine form within my arms again, I find my last gear. Thump, thump, thump. My feet pound the ground as I charge forward, my feet kicking off from the ground in violent bursts of speed and power. ¡°Did she just get faster?¡± The Lieutenant¡¯s voice called out, a note of pain and anguish in his words. Hearing him, I smile brightly, as I decide to go even faster through obstacle after obstacle. Even if they can do the obstacles, the ones they don¡¯t get to due to being so far behind me by the time the clock stop means they will have to do a set of a hundred burpees each. Meaning, I try to drive home the pain. Zip, zip, zip. Only once my arms and legs are tired from constantly kicking off of walls and from climbing over and through various obstacles do I stop and realize that I still need to choose a level 100 class trait for my Akashic Qi Master class, but I still have time for that evolution. Also, I realize that I will need to choose a particular energy type for my Qi, as I chose different schools of magic for my Magical classes. Since my tertiary class will have to follow the same guidelines as the other classes, I must admit I am kind of glad I have a few levels before I am going to be forced to make a choice for this class. Then I realized the truly important aspect of this morning, Zero. I am moving so quickly that I have to constantly turn my Qi through my body, forcing Qi into my aching joints to continue to get more distance with each step I take. I even use Healing magic to slowly alleviate the build up of lactic acid levels, that I try to dissolve while running. Not the easiest thing to do, but so long as the pain is gone, I can easily focus on moving faster. So that is what I do. I don¡¯t even focus on the others around me, as I am just trying to improve myself. Trying to see what my new body and enhancements are capable of. I want to know what I can do, as such I get lost in a zone of continually pressing myself, continually moving until finally I hear it. Airhorn. With that, I check and see that yes, time has in fact expired.
Time Remaining: 0:00.
With that, I immediately began slowly lowering my speed from the full-on sprint I was at to a half speed, and then finally to a quarter, and finally I let my hands drop to my hips as I just walk it out to our starting location. By now I have tracked all of the others, the Lich was far and away the furthest behind and looked like he was double-dead, or at least seemed to wish he was dead. Next was the Lieutenant who seemed to be hobbling over. The two that were the furthest along were Jhonny and the Captain who both seemed to have been neck and neck with each other, though they looked like they were well over a kilometer away from us. I waited there, feeling better within seconds. Then within a minute I felt my body¡¯s natural Regeneration, and Qi circulation taking place making me feel like I was ready to go yet another round. Unfortunately, I couldn¡¯t as it was almost time to begin my classes. Gasp. Wheeze. Everyone came over huffing and puffing. Once the Captain was within hearing distance I asked, ¡°so how¡¯d you do?¡± Then just like that, the details of the quest came back.
Hidden Quest Updated: New Recruits: You were challenged by the visiting Deolar delegation members to participate in your morning exercise. After 60 minutes, a number of the participants failed to complete all of the obstacles as noted during the original agreement. Current standing of obstacles cleared: Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri: (122 / 172) Lieutenant Foliv De¡¯Travin: (101 / 172) Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas: (1 / 172) Honorable Mention: Jhonny (123 / 172)
As per the agreements, to be considered to have completed the training each participant must perform a set of one hundred burpees for each obstacle missed. Current standing of Burpees remaining: Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri: (5,000 / 5,000) Lieutenant Foliv De¡¯Travin: (7,100 / 7,100) Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas: (17,100 / 17,100) Bonus Challenge: Rewards will be doubled if you can get Jhonny to finish his burpees before everyone else. Jhonny (4,900 / 4,900).
Seeing that, I knew the challenge had just started. ¡°Jhonny, tell me you got that quest.¡± I say. With that, I can see a look of fear race across his exhausted face, before he lowers his eyes and answers truthfully. ¡°I did.¡± Jhonny. ¡°Then what are you doing, let¡¯s get to it!¡± I shout, as I begin dropping and immediately start to do burpees with him. ¡°What?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t care about those Deolar recruits having tiny hearts, but I will be darned if my own students don¡¯t have the heart required to finish a morning workout.¡± I shout from the pushup position. The Knight Captain was the second to drop, while he had a hundred more burpees to do than Jhonny, he was well on his way to closing that gap with his attitude alone. ¡°Fine.¡± Jhonny said, as he dropped with me. From there, the second stage of our competition was on. I could already feel the other Qi practitioners gathering around to watch us, but I was determined to motivate Jhonny. ¡°Come on man, you can do it.¡± Stevron said, as he too dropped and joined us. With that, everyone from my morning Qi Manifestation class began stopping what they were doing and all came over dropping and doing burpees with us. I think they all got the same quest that Jhonny did, but that didn¡¯t matter. For this moment, we were a team unified in one mission, completely embarrassing the Deolar delegates who came and all but said they were too good to workout with us. Just watching them, it was clear that the Lich and Lieutenant were already at or nearing muscle failure. While the shaking of the Captain¡¯s arms said he wouldn¡¯t last much longer either. Seeing his strain I shouted. ¡°Jhonny, you better start cycling that Qi within your body, otherwise this will be a long morning for you.¡± And like that, our first intersquad obstacle challenge began in earnest. Chapter 158 Joy And Sadness Chapter 158 Joy And Sadness Everyone from my morning classes devoted to Qi Manifestation were all working together, doing burpee after burpee with Jhonny. The Lieutenant had long since collapsed into an exhausted pile of bones and barely breathing muscles. The Lich by now had long since bowed out and just sat at the corner of the classroom, taking in all of my Enchantments that I had woven throughout the open aired space. The Knight Captain was still technically in the competition, though he wasn¡¯t even a quarter of the way through his remaining burpees that were owed. Instead, it was the entire class and myself working with Jhonny. The original twenty-first student of our class, the one who didn¡¯t make the cut because he didn¡¯t develop a unique class devoted to him. Yet, despite his lack of talent and creativity he still had that spark that we all seemed to love and cheer on. He had a great personality, and above all he had the will to never quit on any given situation. Which was how we found ourselves here. ¡°Come on, you can do it. Finish this.¡± Stevron and a few other students who had watched the beginnings of this quest still cheered on Jhonny. ¡°You are all monsters, the lot of you.¡± The Knight Captain called out, his voice somehow reaching me over the chorus of cheering students who were all now cheering Jhonny on. At this point it was about pride in our school, pride in what we were trying to accomplish here, and above all pride in ourselves that we all used to push Jhonny along. It took me a moment and the popup of the system message to realize that the Knight Captain¡¯s cry of pain was actually his resignation from the competition.
Hidden Quest Updated: New Recruits: You were challenged by the visiting Deolar delegation members to participate in your morning exercise. After 60 minutes, all of the other participants failed to complete all of the obstacles as noted during the original agreement. Furthermore, when given a chance to make up the obstacles with a chosen set of exercises each member of the Deolar delegation achieved muscle failure. Current participants not at muscle failure (0/3). Current number of participants involved in the bonus challenge (1/1): Jhonny, remaining burpees (1,432 / 4,900).
¡°Come on Jhonny, you are almost there. Keep pushing.¡± I shouted, realizing that Jhonny had a chance at some amazing. At first, I pushed him for the legacy bonus, the ability to state that my weakest student was better than anyone the Deolar delegation could throw at us. But that would be demeaning to Jhonny, he wasn¡¯t the weakest, far from it as he had that inner flame where he set personal goals for himself and then never quit. Still, he was nearing muscle failure a number of times, and while I could have cheated. I could have easily healed him and removed the lactic acid that was building up within his body, that wouldn¡¯t solve anything. As I could have done that to the others as well and made it so everyone was still pushing themselves, even now. Instead, Jhonny had to push himself on his own. Though I did give pointers where I could. ¡°Try spinning your Qi while cycling it, as your body is building up too much lactic acid.¡± I said, using my third eye and monitoring his body. I would stop him if he got dangerous, which he was close, but fortunately he somehow kept managing to do just enough to keep going. Then when he hit his last hundred, I could almost feel the fire burning deeply within him, as he began going through his burpees faster and faster. Each set causes just a little bit more of a burn to form in his body. He was close to a breakthrough, I could see it clearly, as he was putting himself under so much pressure and strain that his core was forming almost before my eyes, well my third eye. By this point it was already late, as my students for my Enchanting class had come and were waiting around for this to end. Almost five thousand burpees is ridiculous, and yet somehow Jhonny kept going. Somewhere in the down time both the Lieutenant and Knight Captain both recovered and arose to watch on in shock as both Jhonny and I continued to go through the burpees together. Wobble. He began to wobble as he had pushed his body not once but twice past muscle failure and likely gained a Second Wind type skill somewhere in there. Yet, that would only do so much. As for me, I felt a burn but my natural Regeneration merit, and my second tier Qi core made this whole process rather easy. I also used my own struggles, and ways to overcome them as the advice I gave Jhonny. Then finally after long last, it happened. GONG! Not a chime, not an alert that someone had done something major, but a full-on ground shaking gong could be heard echoing out across the landscape. Jhonny who had finished his burpee by getting to the up position paused and was caught in that odd moment between dropping down and catching himself in a push up before he realized he was done. Then his mind apparently paused for just a moment as he tried to take in everything. I say this, as for a moment his mind and body stopped circulating Qi within his body, and then boom everything happened all at once. Thud. His body collapsed to the ground; everyone took a step forward. I was already moving next to him, taking in everything and realizing this might be it. Spasm. Jhonny started spasming. Gasp. As would be expected, everyone that was watching let out a gasp in shock. ¡°Calm down, calm down. He is condensing his Qi core.¡± I said, more than a little bit of pride seeping into my voice. Then I saw his body begin pulling energy into one spot, while at the next second I saw something that I had never seen before. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Black mud and tar seemed to be getting pulled into his meridians, as if pulled by gravity. Then once a substantial pool of black tar was amassed in a sphere around the core, the core that had been pulling everything within it, tighter and tighter, suddenly buckled under the strain, then began to push out. There was a brief wall of golden light that radiated out from the core. Seeing the ball of golden light and the subsequent pushing out, I realized almost immediately what was happening. Once again, my body began reacting more on instinct rather than anything. This time, rather than heading forward, I began shuffling backwards, squirming my way through the crowd of bodies that had gathered around to see what was happening. Then it happened. Splat. A violent eruption of oils, waste, and impurities were expelled violently from Jhonny¡¯s body. Some of those who had gotten close were suddenly sprayed by streams of smelly oils that would give a skunk a run for supremacy. ¡°GAHH!¡± Those that were immediately nearby Jhonny began to lurch back with terror at the smell. As for me, I began moving forward, realizing that being small and slippery had helped, especially as I had used the gawking Underhill who had bravely taken the spray that would have likely covered both myself and him. Now thanks to his large frame, he was the only one to take the hit. ¡°Back up, back up.¡± I shout, going back towards Jhonny. Looking at him, I realized that I had apparently dodged a bullet by always recycling my own mana for food and sustenance, effectively making this body cleansing process rather painless. By now Jhonny who had been awake the entire time, just unable to control his body, began trying to get up, but his oily hands kept slipping against the ground. Seeing him, I reached down and grabbed his hand with my own gloved hand. With that I provided the balance and support he needed to lift himself up. He stood there a bit woozily for a moment, before his body began to quickly heal the damage that he had forced himself to overcome. Finally, after a few moments, the three Deolar delegates made their way through the group of staring onlookers. They were of course led by Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri, followed by the Lieutenant and then finally the Lich. As they got closer, they tried to approach, but were apparently stopped by a bad odor, as both the Knight Captain and Lieutenant both stopped and clearly twisted their nose as they came within contact of the overpowering smell. ¡°I must say, I misjudged both you and the caliber of students you are training here.¡± Glavis said, as he kneeled to on knee before me. Hearing that, I nodded. Then turning his attention to Jhonny, he spoke, and as he did, I felt a strange sense of power come over his words. This was the strange sense of power that I had felt nearly seven years ago when I had a chance encounter with an immeasurable being. Pausing I, like everyone else stared on to see what the Knight Captain would say next. ¡°As for you, brave guardian, I must say you are an inspiration to me. From now on I will use you and your ethics and tenacity as the standard that I will always hold myself to, Mr. Jhonny Innerflame.¡± The Knight Captain spoke. CHIME! Then just like that, it happened. I was shocked at first, as I didn¡¯t quite know what to do, but then shifting my perceptions towards Jhonny, I could feel that he had gotten immensely powerful. Not just by condensing his core, but by also receiving a last name. I was about to ask what the name did, but before I could a world message came out.
World Announcement: The First Regressor to Achieve a Qi Related Last Name has Appeared. Rejoice, for now the age of Qi Masters can truly begin.
Seeing the world announcement, I instantly felt a wave of excitement for Jhonny, no Jhonny Innerflame, as he clearly deserved such a reward for all his hard work and dedication. ¡°You did it, you did it!¡± I shouted excitedly and jumped into his arms. On reflex he grabs my small frame and smilingly holds me tight. That is when I instantly regretted that decision as he still smelled like dead skunk musk that had rotted inside your radiator. ¡°Ugh, oh gods. You need to bathe though.¡± I say, as I push myself off, only to find out that I am covered in cultivator slime, and sweat. Fortunately, it is just a quick Cleanse spell for me, and all the gunk was gone. During this time, numerous other people came forward, trying to congratulate Jhonny, but apparently all were instantly assaulted by the overwhelming stench, just as I was. After I make sure I am clean, I then go about casting Group Cleanse on the entire area, making sure that even my practice yard is cleaned from the residual scents of Jhonny¡¯s rapid breakthrough. I am of course working this magic in the background, while everyone else finally gets over the thought of the smell, and eventually goes to congratulate Jhonny directly.
Hidden Quest Completed: New Recruits: You and a member of your class were challenged by the visiting Deolar delegation members to participate in your morning exercise. After 60 minutes, all of the Deolar participants reached muscle failure, while you and your student managed to continue on until the end. Deolar participants not at muscle failure (0/3). Current number of participants involved in the bonus challenge (1/1): Jhonny, remaining burpees (0 / 4,900). Rewards: Experience, Deolar prestige, and Bonus (All rewards have been doubled). Experience Gained: 125,000 / 62,500 / 62,500 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 145. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased to level 204. Ethereal Healer has increased to level 252. New Evolutionary Threshold met. An active Aura must be chosen by the Unique class trainer.
With that, I realized a few things. First the fact that I spent a bit of time focusing on choosing my previous class advancements paid off as there was no way I would have missed the level threshold from the experience gained from this quest. Additionally, I had to figure out what type of aura I wanted to have. Since this was an aura related to my Healer class, I logically wanted something that would help regenerate life from people or spirits, but I already had both of those from my bloodlines. While I could theoretically choose one to strengthen due to my class. I wondered if I could push this advancement in another way. I wanted to choose something, but unfortunately nothing I could think of made sense for the class, nor did it make sense as to how I could use it to help me in the future. I thought about all of the different forms of magic that I would like a bonus with, but none seemed to fit. Well, none other than ones further increasing my ability to Heal, which made sense for a healer class, but I figured as an Ethereal healer there was more. As I was someone who could use all forms of energy and ultimately convert them to be able to heal. Worse, I had to choose an option as the system before me would not let me leave until this option was chosen. Then the idea just came to me. An Ethereal Healer, who used all types of energy to heal, could have an aura that produced all forms of energy. Or rather, just energy.
Do you wish to choose your active aura as Generic Energy Aura?
Seeing that message, I paused. I knew many higher end assassins could use shadow auras to hide their movements. At one point in time, I too would have chosen something like that, but unfortunately, I glowed like a night light to anyone with a modicum of magical abilities. Even those without magical abilities could now tell people of my bloodline apart from regular users. Part of me wanted a Qi based aura, but that also made no sense for a magical healer class. Additionally, my body could use the ambient energy to be absorbed and turned into Qi, meaning I would effectively be an endless mana to Qi battery for myself. Realizing that there were a lot of things I could do with this Generic Energy Aura, I decided to accept this as my base template. ¡°Yes.¡± I mentally answered the system. Then with that, I received the notification.
Ethereal Healer level 250 class evolution chosen. Generic Energy Aura.
Generic Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates 1% of the class owner¡¯s overall magic pool per second. Radius of effect equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura of effect be toggled on and off, at a cost of 0.5% mana per second.
Honestly that wasn¡¯t that bad of an aura as it meant that I and every other Ethereal Healer would be able to fully regenerate their mana pool within two hundred seconds. That might not seem like much, particularly when the activation fee costs half of the overall bonus, but for long and involved surgeries or healing procedures that could easily save lives. Particularly as this aura could essentially be used by others around me as well. ¡°My lady, I mean Dr. Spiritlight, please forgive me for my earlier assumptions.¡± The Knight Captain said, bowing before me and all but prostrating himself for forgiveness. ¡°Please forgive me as well.¡± The Lieutenant said bowing as well. With that, I could feel myself getting one step closer towards being able to awaken the spiritual Qi within these two knights. I could also feel myself getting just that much closer towards possibly starting off my own Mythical bloodline quest, though that would be a long and challenging process. Still, the possibility was there. Then I turned to the Lich, who looked flustered for a second, before stating, ¡°I have nothing to ask for forgiveness for, as I never claimed to be a warrior. In fact, you still need to prove yourself as a semi-decent Enchanter. Though, I would like to know how you found these ancient ruins and were able to get them to work properly.¡± Hearing that, I couldn¡¯t help but feel a snicker rise in my throat, as this Lich still tried to look down on me. While I was about to put him into his place, I had two things remaining on my list to do for the morning. The first thing was to choose a specialty for my Akashic Qi Master class. My second major thing was to test out my newly acquired level 200 Traits. ¡°Fair enough, but if you all will excuse me for a second.¡± I said. Then before anyone could object, I Teleported out of the immediate area. Poof. I appeared in an open field and feeling my heart pounding in excitement, I let a smile come to my lips as I tried to activate my newly acquired Trait for the first time. Positional Teleportation. I opened a portal to my Simulacrum on the second floor of the Acanarus Tower, half expecting Zero to come dashing through the portal to my arms. Opening the portal, I held it there, and with arms wide open I waited, and waited. After a few seconds of waiting, I realized something was off, so I tried to enter the portal, popping my head in, only to see Zero and my Simulacrum reading books together. Zero looked at me, but then turned his nose up in an obvious harumph and turned away. My Simulacrum just smiled one of those awkward smiles, where you try to be cordial and try to stay out of things. And like that, I realized that I once again alienated someone else that I love, out of my life. Chapter 159 The Cassie-Do List Chapter 159 The Cassie-Do List ¡°Blah, blah, blah.¡± The Lich continues to speak, but I don¡¯t really have the patience to pay attention to him. Since class is over, I had been hoping to try once again to visit Zero, though this meeting went just like the last. I did a Positional Switch, with my First Simulacrum, at which point Zero did manage to say his first words to me. Unfortunately, they were none too flattering and words that I very likely deserved. ¡°So you do know how to use that Trait.¡± That was it, all he would say. Not that he needed to say more as those words spoke volumes and did make me feel like I was an absentee parent. I would say something to the effect of my not really wanting Zero in the first place, or the fact that I had Zero too young, but those would just be excuses. Honestly, it was time for me to reevaluate the direction that my life was heading. Right now, I had one son who was still making the same mistakes in this life as he had in the past life. The only problem was that these mistakes were likely a lot more lingering here than in the real world. At least in the real world he had the dreamt that he could just come here and escape reality. I also have my daughter here, the one who I have entrusted with my class¡¯s legacy. However, her story is not perfect either, as she is already pregnant trying to pay off, or maybe pay forward debts to her children, and my grandchildren in the real world. My best friend and partner, is now fully committed here to building up this city in the middle of the desert. A spot that I chose, mind you. With everything going on here, it is clear that her days of climbing the Arcanarus Tower with me are all but gone. She is also sleeping with my daughter, which likely started as necessity for the baby she is carrying, as the baby is of mixed bloodlines. But I can¡¯t help but feel that there was slightly more to their initial pairing. Then of course there are Golum and Hector, both of whom apparently died while I was playing healer within Arcanarus University first, before it turned into Arcanarus Tower. Jhonny Innerflame, what else can I say about him, other than he is the son or son-in-law I would want for any of my children. He is strong, reliable, and never gives up on himself or his goals. The only problem with Jhonny is that he is my bodyguard for while I am here, in Midnight Hunter territory. I wouldn¡¯t dare presume that he would want to, or be allowed to follow me around a mystical tower of the dead that apparently sent chills down Mallory¡¯s spine the further she climbed. This leaves my last remaining friend as Zero, but he is angry and rightfully so that I all but abandoned him with one my Simulacrums while I went galivanting off. While I did have a good reason for leaving, he too was correct in that I could have at least popped over to say hello every once in a while. I¡¯m also realizing that being a college professor is not as glamorous of a profession as it might otherwise seem. The hours are long, you get attacked by your students and external students attending as guild delegates as well. Ultimately, I feel the deep burning nature within me to continue to climb. Especially, with the last message that I got when I entered the tower to speak with Zero.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (V): As the first Arcanarus Tower climber, it is your duty to determine a reward suitable for achieving the next goal of reaching the 250th floor.
Seeing the message, I couldn¡¯t help but feel troubled by it, as before this time of my main consciousness re-entering the tower, I was told that I had to go out and leave the tower. While I didn¡¯t understand the reasoning at first, I believe I did now. During my last fifty floors on the tower, I found out what exactly Qi was and how to manifest it, even going so far as to get a class related to teaching this odd phenomenon to others. Which was why I originally stopped my original tower climb with Mallory. Since that point I have gotten a lot stronger, and most importantly I have spread the knowledge of Qi to twenty-one new students, now thanks to Jhonny¡¯s recent breakthrough. That apparently is enough for me to be able to be able to climb. The only problem was, I didn¡¯t quite know what I wanted to make as my goal for reaching floor 250. All the goals that I could ask for seemed rather selfish. Then again that was the purpose of such rewards from exploring Tower and Dungeons, each new set of floors would increase the difficulty, and would ultimately make it so you had a proverbial carrot waving before you. Yet, before I could fully formulate my thoughts on the matter, a goal for continuing my climb was all but thrust upon me.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (V): As the first Arcanarus Tower climber, a suitable reward has been chosen, for your achieving the next goal of reaching the 250th floor. Should you continue your climb and reach the vaunted 250th floor, you will receive a degree in Mixed Martial Mana. Rewards: Experience, Bachelor of Science degree from Arcanarus University: Mixed Martial Mana, Title: Arcanarus University Advanced Graduate (I), Increased Martial and Magical potency, Others. Floors completed (200 / 250).
At first, I felt sort of underwhelmed at the idea of effectively starting my graduate path over again with just another degree path. But then I realized that this would mean I could set and learn skills that would be improved not just once but thrice. Also, this was clearly a new career path that very few people could do. From the looks of it, only Gwen, Jhonny, and myself were capable of doing this path of dual energy usage. Also, it wasn¡¯t lost on me that even the titles had changed from Arcanarus University Graduate, to Arcanarus University Advanced Graduate. Seeing that distinction, I realized how I could do this. This weekend was a perfect example of my ability to go off and do other things while still being a full-time teacher. In this particular case, I could train the students during the day, then tower climb at night and on weekends. Thinking back this was exactly how I got my master¡¯s degree, well the degree I earned while still in the realm of the living. Yet, I was excited to see the possibility of a cross-over degree, one that used both Magic and Qi together. While I had both, I often tried to keep the two types of energy separated from each other, but perhaps I was wrong. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. At the very least, I was expecting some new skills to learn. Skills that would ultimately push me to new heights of understanding. With that quest all but chosen for me, I mentally made up a list of things I would need to do first, before I could safely continue my travels up the tower.
Cass¡¯s Pre-Tower Climbing to-do list:
1) Get the Lich to be an auxiliary teacher for the intro courses.
Yes, he was the lich, even though he had patterns and capabilities similar to a fictional character I¡¯ve read and loved, I refuse to think that these two are the same, let alone even remotely related. As such, the Lich will now and forever be known as the Lich, and not as his name that he claims to be called.
2) Fix the two-sided win-win Marriage between Mallory and Myself.
This one will be a bit trickier than originally intended, particularly with the system coming up with ridiculous scenarios about testing the boundaries of friendship and decency between Mallory, my daughter, and myself. Honestly, I think the system is gross for this, but they did mess up in giving me over a month to prepare, meaning I might have a solution in place by the time the moment of truth comes.
3) Finish up any large remaining quests and upgrades.
I have several different quests that need to be completed, everything from the guild¡¯s land reclamation act, to helping Ms. Kujo with her pregnancy, to just making sure that students get to a good point by the end of the first year. I also need to teach the art of spiritual Qi to ghosts, which I believe will go a long way in my understanding of how to mix mana and qi together, which seems to be the direction that my next degree path is taking me. Most of these quests are nearly complete, with a lot being held back as we were waiting to find out what would happen with the native inhabitants if we claimed too much land too quickly. Fortunately, with us going the peaceful route, the cause for concern of war by taking too much land as invaders has been mostly negated, for now. This of course leads me to my last and probably most important task.
4) Get Zero to be my traveling companion.
I know me, and I know I won¡¯t push myself without a partner. Out of all of my family and friends Zero is the most likely candidate. I could possibly ask Jhonny, but I will ultimately need him to watch over my Simulacrum that I leave behind here, while my real consciousness goes exploring the Tower. While I could travel alone, I feel that I will miss out on many experiences if I just force myself through the motions of getting there. With these Towers, or at least with this Tower, the journey helps you find out where and how you got to the final destination. I¡¯ve found that experiences like that are far more enjoyable with others around you, than by yourself. As with every list, the idea would likely be to start off with the first task, namely deal with the annoying Lich and get some much-needed assistance while teaching classes. This logical need for a progressive way to go about completing tasks is likely why my mind went towards topic number three, where I finally decided to choose my final outstanding class advancement perk. Namely choosing my long-vaunted class evolution for my Akashic Qi Master class. The only problem was that for my primary classes I chose different schools of magic to open as affinities. While I could do something similar with my Akashic Qi Master, I felt learning a new school of magic and no longer having to fake it or use most of my concentration to alter the wavelengths of my energy. While new schools of magic would likely prove invaluable as time went on, I feel that a Qi class, and the first Qi class at that should not have a progression path that intersected with magic. That said, I did have the ongoing quest to teach ghosts how to use and generate Spirit Qi, which gave me the idea that it might help me to teach these ghosts, if I myself knew what Spirit Qi was exactly. With that, I focused my concentration on just learning the aspect of Spiritual Qi, and adding it to my own golden Qi aura. As I sit there, I imagine a dense but oddly bluish-purple ball of energy forming next to my already condensed second tier Qi core. Then I imagine a chain of meridians attaching from my solid golden Qi core to the newly created ball of bluish-purple Qi. After the initial link, a return link is created from the bluish-purple sphere back to my main core. After I imagine it, and am relatively happy with the results, or at least as happy as I can be given the current circumstances, I am met with a system message.
Akashic Qi Master Level 100 Class Evolution: (Qi Specialization): Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
With that done, I realize that I have accomplished a lot this morning. I know where I messed up, areas to improve upon, and most importantly ways to begin to understand what different aspects of Qi can be and feel like. Now that I have Spirit Qi, or at least the beginning of it, I think I can begin to form ways that I can get the ghosts that are walking around as delegates to begin to create their own examples of Spirit Qi. Honestly, I feel oddly proud of myself. Or at least that is what I thought at first, but before I could get too far into my new train of thought, I was hit with a system message.
World Announcement: New types of Qi. Rejoice as someone has discovered the first of many types of Qi variants that are available to use and master.
Silence. Pausing, I look around to see if anyone would be near me to think that that recent message was somehow related to me. Fortunately, I am currently unsupervised. At least unsupervised from a guild perspective, Jhonny is here, but he doesn¡¯t contribute much. The Lich is also unfortunately here as well, but he was a given. ¡°Are you even listening to me?¡± The Lich asked, sounding more exasperated than I felt was warranted. Well maybe it was warranted, as he had apparently been talking all that time and I had been getting my ducks in a row. To my defense though, I did not acknowledge that I was even remotely paying attention to him, so he should have stopped if what he was saying was even remotely important. ¡°If she was making that face, then no, she definitely was not paying attention to you.¡± Mallory states, a faint tone of mirth to her voice. Blink. How did she get here so quickly? I look around with my sight, but there are just the faintest traces of magical energy at work. Yep, she full on sprinted to get here, then had the dramatic flare to stop and not even look winded from the action, well done. Honestly, I am more than a little impressed by the sudden display of athleticism. ¡°Hey, I could have been.¡± I shot back, though I feel her eyes peeling into the side of my face, right were a faint dab of moisture was present. ¡°Uh-huh, with your tongue out like that, you were in the deepest of thoughts, completely oblivious to your surroundings. Also a certain message tells me that you were clearly doing something complicated and likely dangerous to society as we know it,¡± Mallory stated. ¡°I was fully aware of my surroundings,¡± I begin, then continue, ¡°Also, there was nothing remotely dangerous about what I was doing.¡± ¡°Uh-huh, so what did you do?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± I replied. ¡°Hmm, and to think you were left here all alone with this Lich, and you never even once decided to try to protect yourself, I mean, you know who he is right.¡± Mallory noted, clearly loving the fact that the Lich was attracted to by my avatar and the real me, seeming to want participate in a love triangle that effectively involved two people. Really sickening if you think about it, but that is the Lich. ¡°I was perfectly safe the entire time, as I had Jhonny here looking out for my integrity, so I didn¡¯t need you to save me.¡± I shot back. ¡°Save you?¡± The Lich asked indignantly. ¡°You know, your lisp seems to go away when you are flustered.¡± I quipped, turning my full attentions onto the now lisp less Lich. ¡°I, I would never fake my Imp, impede, impediment.¡± The Lich finally managed to make it out the third time. ¡°I think you are just trying to use words that you don¡¯t fully understand, and thus have to pause to make sure you are using them correctly.¡± I replied. ¡°Why, why I never.¡± The Lich said, for a moment I could see him calling forth dark energy. A quick zap of a polar opposite resonance to his Dark Magic, and his spell was not only Dispelled, but there was a faint burning after taste to it as well. Not enough to hurt or even cause damage, but enough to stun a magician who focused entirely on magic to solve all of their problems. ¡°Gah.¡± The Lich cried out, and then grabbed at his chest, right where his magical core was located. ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± I said, then pointed at him, like he was a bad puppy who peed on the floor. ¡°Of all the,¡± the Lich said, before turning around in apparent defeat. I almost wanted to go after him, especially as I wanted him to be an auxiliary teacher here at SVC with me, but I stopped myself. He was one of those weird masochists, where the more you dominated him the more he came around for thirds. Odd, to each their own and all, but seriously this guy just needed to let go a little. Not that he exactly could in his state, but still. With the Lich and his incessant yammering gone, I turned to Mallory and mentally went through my mental checklist of things I had done, finding nothing that would be caught, I dropped that thought. From there I moved onto the next list, things that I didn¡¯t account for going wrong, but I still apparently couldn¡¯t account for them. Which led me to my next list, the pop-up to do lists, which everyone hates. ¡°Anything I can help you with?¡± I asked, hoping it was not one or three. Well two was probably the worst, but only because I don¡¯t have contingency plans in place. ¡°Glad you asked that.¡± Mallory began, and like that I knew it was number three a pop-up, meaning any plans I had on completing my four main goals were pretty much shot down the drain. Chapter 160 An Impossible Task Chapter 160 An Impossible Task It was impossible. Utterly and physically impossible. The task, the mission I had been given by Mallory, especially about the random subject that popped up. Just thinking back on everything, how we got here, what it all meant, the only thought that could come to my mind right now was how utterly impossible this mission was. I¡¯ve stolen ten million in currency and experience potions, allegedly that is. I have been linked to but never proven to destroying an airship that might or might not have crashed after I might have left the vehicle in a disabled state. I have found a way to cure the Blight, to create Qi cores, and most importantly I have found ways to pass this knowledge onto others. I have done all of these things, yet the task I have been given now is impossible. Silence. Yes, that is right, the task that I have been given is to be silent, to be the proverbial fly on the wall. Be silent, that was it, yet the more I focused on the task given to me by Mallory, my truest friend. The more I feel it all but eating me alive inside. Twitch. My right foot began to twitch as I found myself waiting anxiously, as we moved in the long-distance flier to the mainland, where we would vet Mallory¡¯s source. Until then I was told to just sit here, with my hood drawn, while our super charged ship moved extremely slowly through the desert lands. Meditation. How did we get here? Why are we currently taking the seven hour round trip flight to and from the uncorrupted lands? Simple really, this all goes back to Mallory¡¯s conversation with me earlier tonight, after the classes for the day were complete. ¡°Anything I can help you with?¡± I asked Mallory. ¡°Glad you asked that, once you are done for the day, I wish for you to meet me about something urgent.¡± Mallory said, with a complete straight face, right after I had been bullying the Lich who was also a dignitary from the Deolar kingdom, a kingdom we were working on creating an active truce with. At first, I was going to deny it, stating that he had it coming, then I tried to of course think about all the different things I had done, trying to remember if I broke any guild laws about taking things that weren¡¯t mine again. Not able to identify anything immediately only made me worry even more, as I realized it was likely something old that I had done coming back to bite me. So, I pushed myself through my magic classes, where I can¡¯t even remember the lesson I taught, because I was so focused on this urgent meeting with Mallory. Little did I know that it was something I would never have expected from her. ¡°Glad you could make it, I trust it class was okay?¡± Mallory asked, gesturing for me to follow her from her office out to a hover pad where an airship was just incoming. ¡°Yes.¡± I replied, still confused by what was happening around me. ¡°Good, well know that I have been trying to think of the perfect gift for you,¡± Mallory began, but I cut her off before she could continue. ¡°Gift?¡± ¡°Yes, a gift to show how important you are to our organization.¡± Mallory said. And like that, the burden I had been carrying all this time suddenly left my shoulders, as I had been expecting the worst to happen. ¡°So, this isn¡¯t some random punishment?¡± ¡°Well, there might be a bit of punishment, in that I need you to swear to be completely silent and make sure to cover your face completely during this trip.¡± ¡°Trip?¡± ¡°Yes, I have found what I believe to be the perfect gift for you, but unfortunately I need you to help verify its authenticity.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Verify?¡± ¡°Yep, you see, this is an object that has been only spoken about in legends. I figure it was worth the check, just because of what the item itself is, but I wouldn¡¯t be able to verify its validity without you.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°I take it the item is magical in nature?¡± ¡°Very much so.¡± ¡°Would I have heard about this item?¡± ¡°Oh, there is no doubt that you have heard of this time. Now, whether you believe this item is the real deal or not, that is a different question.¡± I was about to ask for more, but that is when Mallory brought me out to get on the descending aircraft. ¡°Now for this, I need you to be the silent partner. No talking, as they might have voice recordings that could be altered to slander you in some way. Also, I need you to be a quiet skeptic about all of this, while we investigate.¡± That was it, all I was given to go on before this rather impromptu mission began. I could tell from the readout on display in the Captain¡¯s chair of this vessel that the trip to wherever we were going was going to take three and a half ours. I could also tell that this was considered a standard trip from everything I had read about our resupply efforts to and from the mainland. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. There was so much going on that I couldn¡¯t help but let my mind wander. But every time I got remotely out of what was happening and the fact that we were taking off, or the fact that a Troll was here, along with Jhonny my guard and a few of Mallory¡¯s own personal guards, we were running a skeleton crew for the airship. Yet, despite my best efforts to avoid thinking about where we were going, and more importantly what we were doing, I decided to Meditate. And nothing. Well, there obviously was something, but Meditation is so natural for me now that I do it while breathing and moving. In fact, after the hundred-point threshold Meditation, and other similar skills become more subconscious to increase. In fact, at this point it is harder to think about stopping my Meditation and other related skills than it is to think about keeping them going. Which is why, even now, I feel the pull and dread of what we are about to possibly discover. ¡°Rick, I have to thank you for setting this all up.¡± Mallory stated, talking to the one-time celebrity of the world of BiPrism, who was now relegated to the role of glorified tour guide. That¡¯s right Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll himself was here. Before his death and subsequent rebirths with the same flaws, but lacking his first-time bonuses, he looked a lot less glamorous. I could talk to him, but that would end the mystique that Mallory was trying to give me. With my position outside the guild known as just the Doctor, I held an air of mystery, which is what Mallory wished for me to cultivate with my silent act. Also, there was the small fact that I might or might not be pissed off by the answers to my questions that I would invariably ask. ¡°Not a problem, anything for you babs.¡± Rick said, with an annoying eye wink and finger bang towards Mallory. It was clear that the two had history together. In fact, Mallory was one of the few people that did not have an issue with Rick, during his first incarnation at life. He was one of the all-time pranksters that originally made a small fortune by his wild gimmicks and uncaring attitude. This was part of why Mallory wanted me to remain quiet while around Rick, for while he had calmed down quite considerably in these last few restarts, no one knew exactly how many he had left, it was clear that my talking to him would likely push my patience. And apparently, I have been determined to be a hothead. Well not exactly a hothead, but there were certain categories that people knew not to press while around me. ¡°So, tell me again, what it is that you think you might have found?¡± Mallory said, clearly trying to give me a few points to think about, while also likely trying to avoid punching the man who looked less like a fun-loving kid, and more like a forty-year-old clinging to his past shreds of glory from his mother¡¯s basement. ¡°Well, I know a guy who is into the spooky stuff.¡± Rick began. ¡°Spooky stuff?¡± Mallory fortunately asked before I could speak, which again was becoming more and more of an impossible task. ¡°Yeah, you know, he is one of those hoodoo necromancers.¡± Rick said, waving his hands and fingers in the air for emphasis. Yeah, because hoodoo is a technical term for necromancers. Breathe. I force myself to breathe, ¡°how far out is this?¡± ¡°Just in the mainland. We have it set up. You come in verify his stuff. Then when you realize what it is, I get back in the guild and you pay Mr. Bones his due.¡± Rick said. ¡°Mr. Bones?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°The hoodoo man, his real name is Reginald, or at least it was before the transfer. But now he goes for all things spooky. But I heard that you were asking around about this, and figured as the finders fee, you could allow me back in and possibly a spot at your new magic school for dummies.¡± Rick said, his voice having that fake surfer tone that died decades ago. Twitch. I feel my body shake from trying to hold still and keep quiet. I can definitely see how he got the famed nickname of ¡°The Prick¡± from, as everything about him is at least mildly annoying. As a child I remembered watching him, and thought he was funny at first. But the more I saw him act, and the older I got, the less amusing his antics were. Until now I am a grandmother in the body of a fourteen-year-old still looking at the same arrogant kid. ¡°Well, if your finding is as good as you say, then I have no doubt that our dean of admissions will accept you. Just know, this had better be one heck of a finding.¡± Mallory stated, clearly meaning that he had to impress me, but Rick as usual was either too dense, or didn¡¯t understand the comment as he kept going on in his fake bro accent. ¡°Oh it is, and let me tell you, no one is more of an expert when it comes to the dead and the occult than Mr. Bones.¡± Rick said. ¡°Yeah, you have said that already.¡± Mallory said. ¡°I know you don¡¯t believe me. Heck, I didn¡¯t believe it myself when I first heard it, but he found it, the legendary Mirror of the Dead.¡± Rick said. And with that, I felt my palms go sweaty from within my gloves as I realized that this was exactly what I had been looking for. The Mirror of the Dead was the legendary object that everyone who ever lost a loved one in BiPrism wished to have and hold at least once in their lifetimes. A legendary unbreakable item that could allow you to focus your will and mentally have a conversation with the dead. If this was true that the item had been found, then this would be amazing, as I could use it to find out where my parents were and hopefully find a way to them. With the ability to Resurrect the dead, such an item would prove to be invaluable to rekindling lineages and bloodlines that had long since gone extinct. If I was not mistaken that was likely part of the cost for using the Mirror, would be for me to Resurrect someone that this Mr. Bones allegedly wanted. At least that was my assumption, again this all centered on the idea that the item that this flake of an outdated personality had was legitimate. It also assumed that the hoodoo necromancer wanted someone to be resurrected, and not something that was truly depraved as so many necromancers seem to be portrayed. As for me, I decided to work on integrating my new Spirit Qi and try to imagine what I was capable of while using this Qi. If this was the famous Mirror of the Dead, then calling me as an expert made a whole lot of sense. Though again it all seemed too convenient. But then again Mallory clearly had a lot of resources at her disposal, and clearly had some form of prior relationship with this guy. The fact that he wanted back into the guild meant that he was a part of the guild at one time. In fact, I do recall him being one of the primary founding members of the guild, and was part of why they had a mostly nomadic lifestyle at first, opting to set up shop on a moving train, rather than get tied down in one area for too long. At first, he would go town to town, find single or married women and attempt to hit on them to varying degrees of success. Everything was going fine, and he was clearly enjoying the playboy lifestyle, until he realized that tracks made a loop, and despite how long the trains were or how long it took you to make a trip around, you inevitably went back to a yard you shat in. He was the main reason why I told all my kids to do the right thing, lest they end up getting kicked out from their family for their poor choices. Of course, I said this and Rob Jr. ended up doing exactly the opposite of what I warned against, so there is that. Speaking of which, I need to make sure that I speak to Zero later tonight. Remembering my failures with Rob, or Trenton as he goes by now, made me realize that I was once again close to alienating another beloved family member. After this last mission. At least, that is what I told myself. Logically I know I could do a Positional Switch with my First Simulacrum and be able to talk to Zero during the flight out, but I wanted to be aware of any possible problems that might occur on the way out. Though I do make it a point that on the way back to our home, I will switch places then and try to at least talk at Zero. I know, it sounds stupid even to me, but I need to start with something. Remembering my past mistakes, I decided to make sure the same thing does not happen again. Then once I fix my relationship with Zero, maybe I can do the same for Trenton, yeah and pigs will fly faster than dragons. But, I do need to try. Huh, I did it. Only now do I realize that I managed to Meditate. Well maybe Meditate is a bit too generous of a word. Maybe, selectively dismiss might be more accurate for how I have been able to tune out Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll and his conversation with Mallory. Mallory for her part is clearly annoyed, but willing to continue the conversation for the sake of this deal. She has all of her tells going that she has spoken too much and does not wish to continue the conversation, her body is closed off, her hands are in her lap, or covering being used to give slight gestures of agreement. She even has on her fake smile that doesn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. Seeing her, I realized all the tells as I tried to make sure the moment any of them appeared on Mallory, I would stop what I was doing, if I could, and focus on her. Yet, Mallory and her faux cordial feelings towards Rick were not what pulled me out of my deep meditative state. Rather, what I felt was something deeper, something far more impactful. I felt a deep convergence of soul energy. Feeling that pool of energy off in the distance, I could tell we were getting close to our eventual destination. Even this close, I could feel my teeth beginning to chatter due to how cold everything suddenly felt. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory asked me. I paused, trying to understand why she would call out to me, especially as she asked me to remain quiet. Then I realized why, as I was standing up, an involuntary reflex to the perceived threat that we were heading straight for. Trying to keep the part, and also not trusting my own dry throat at this time to speak coherently, I just shook my head. ¡°What is it?¡± Mallory asked, fear evident in her voice. ¡°Oh, we must be nearly there.¡± Rick said, ¡°I can already feel his pull on me now.¡± Then as he spoke the whole ship entered a sphere of influence, one that was on a much grander scale than I had ever noticed before. This was one that would likely take an entire cabal to perform to keep active. Now that we were within the range of my Angel¡¯s Sight, I could feel the distinct pull of a deep shard of densely compacted spirit essence. This was powerful, likely enough to kill any mortal who possessed the shard for too long. If I had to guess, I figured this was the legendary Mirror of the Dead that we had come to inspect. Seeing it, I could tell that aside from those like me who had Death Shroud, or were highly resistant to the dead, just being close to the shard would cause death or paralysis. As we entered the sphere, a faint trickle of the surrounding static energy pulsed through the ship and produced an electrical discharge on Rick¡¯s necklace, causing it to light up with power. With that jolt, Rick¡¯s entire face and body seemed to stiffen as if strengthened by a supernatural presence. I wasn¡¯t the only one who noticed this as Mallory also spoke up about the sudden change. ¡°What is happening?¡± Mallory demanded, her words filled with power and influence. These were the words of a skilled orator who was used to getting people to follow her will by words alone. Hearing her, the now changed and seemingly unhinged Rick turned towards Mallory. Fortunately, we were not alone, as Jhonny, and Mallory¡¯s two guards also jumped to their feet, but before any words could be said, the changed Rick Troll spoke. ¡°Justice,¡± Rick shouted, then it happened. Chapter 161 The Art of Deception Chapter 161 The Art of Deception There are moments in time, parts of your life where you realize you are too confident, too cocky. Sadly, I found myself in just such a situation at this very moment. Here I was, hundreds of feet in the air, floating above what was likely hostile territory, going to see a person vaguely referred to as Mr. Bones. A person who has apparently been touted as a hoodoo necromancer, not that I have ever heard of such a deviation of necromancy, but then again up until now I have mostly avoided the worse portions of necromancy. Thus, my lack of knowledge about what we were heading into. I knew fundamentally that it was a sphere of modified mana, basically a cabal of people had set up attraction and conversion rods and plates that sucked in ambient mana from around the area and converted it into this highly focused form of necromantic energy. This energy was so dense and focused that it was a bright neon purple to my senses. Having never seen this concentration of necromancy my mind instantly went to the darker realm of necromancy and spirit magic. While I used spirit magic to heal and to strengthen the soul of individuals, there were darker portions of that same power. Portions that were capable of shredding apart the most powerful of individuals. This is the type of energy I now found myself currently immersed in. Worse, I had fooled myself into thinking that I could counteract everything that I saw. To be fair, I could, or at least thought I could, as the person that was guiding us, Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll here had no magical potential at all. In fact, it wasn¡¯t until we got here and a collar or necklace around his neck received an activation beam did he even show any signs of power. Now, that he had it, I was still looking for magic, or a magical catalyst in all the wrong places. Hubris, I had fallen to hubris. Lulled in by this charlatan¡¯s antics and constantly annoying voice and fake accent, that I failed to realize his brilliance. Worse, I even knew this was part of his charm to me as teenager, the way he would pull the proverbial wool over the wiser adventurer¡¯s eyes. Now, just like so many others, I found myself lulled into his trap, as I began to witness what was happening around me, and my mind was able to take in what exactly was happening. ¡°Justice,¡± Rick shouted, then before we knew what he was doing, he raised his fingers and snapped. Honestly the snap and everything was a perfect act of misdirection, as a full-blooded magician I had of course been looking for the obvious. Magic, like almost all-powerful components of the world can be boiled down to a few base elements. There are the raw components, that is power, or the energy used to create the spell. Then there is the shape, or how the caster focuses and directs the spell to move in a linear path. There are other elements as well, and those were things that I was prepared to stop, things that I have created an almost neurotic reflex to counter. Yet, there is a point where magic is so overpowered, so raw that even a mundane could use it. This generally comes in the form of magical items and artifacts. With these, all one generally needs is a catalyst, a component to ignite or cause the ambient energy to react in a desired way. With the snap, I expected him to activate a magical item, or activate even a low-level spell or cantrip. Had it been either of these, then I would have been able to Dispel, or outright block the activity from happening at all. Yet, I didn¡¯t even expect or realize that Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll would be wearing metal rings on his fingers. Rings that when clicked together in just such a way would produce a spark. Or as the scientist in me would like to call this, the initial catalyst needed to ignite hyper charged magical particles in a hot air-filled airship. Fortunately, this ship did not utilize helium, otherwise we would have been in even worse shape than we currently were. The spark caused an instant reaction, where the physical interacted with and reacted to the magical realm. Honestly it was a sight of beauty, and one where I could begin to see how the different realms of Qi and Mana could interact with each other, as Qi was mostly the physical realm, or a more concentrated form of the physical realm. Whoosh! A burst of fire erupted outwards, as the air within the sealed compartment we were in instantly ignited, followed quickly by a wave of heat and energy that wrapped around me. The chemical reaction was so quick and intense that I could feel the flames attempting to wrestle the very air from my lungs. All the while the flames chased the flow of volatile necromantic energy. With a shock I noticed as the flames burst around me but were quickly disrupted as they came into contact with my Generic Energy Aura. That only protected me slightly from the power and impact that sent me flying backwards, until my progress was stopped by slamming into a metal pillar that supported the cabin, and prevented the airship from pulling apart. Having started so close to the initial impact zone, the force of the explosion was violent and painful. Fortunately, I was already tightening my body into a dense Qi ball as soon as I realized I was helpless to stop what was happening. Even while getting slammed into the pillar, my mind raced with constant details of what was happening around me. I could tell that Rich had set up the flames as a trap. In fact, this whole thing had likely been a trap. Lure us in with the pretense of having one of the many sacred artifacts of the world and trying to bring us all here looking for answers. It had all been foolish, but that said, I could still feel the pull of the great artifact. What it was I couldn¡¯t really tell, but it was clearly related to the realm of the dead, and if it wasn¡¯t a legendary shard of the Mirror of the Dead, then it would likely be a piece I could use to find the actual mirror. This thing was powerful, and likely had something to do with how the mana in the surrounding area was turning corrosive and volatile. Whatever that item was, we needed to remove it, as if left in an urban area like this, it could cause a calamity to appear. Then again, we currently had more important things to worry about than the possibility mirror and potential magical radiation that was cloaking everyone. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. I pulled myself away from the bar, and while my body did sting from the impact, I knew the pain I felt was nothing compared to what others were experiencing around me. For now, we had the more immediate problem of a burst of flame burning through the cabin, devouring the air and leaving behind a burning magical residue that would be hard for most people to cast a spell through. Basically, the flames went through, burning up the air, taking away the ability of our minds to first focus a spell, then the mana was condensed to ash that burned on our skins, there was also the highly corrosive nature of the mana that was burned to ash and set to fall upon us. Mallory of course was okay, her high level and class made her mostly immune to the interactions of condensed and corrosive spirit mana flakes crumbling down and falling on her skin. She would have an issue when it came to casting a spell, but the immediate problem caused by the dirt and debris, that of these corrosive flakes that are burning away the skin of Jhonny and the other guards will cause a reaction to any spell cast that is not linked to spirit magic. Basically, if I saw this, and went with my initial reaction to cast Healing Magic, rather than Spirit Magic, I would create a second explosion on my own skin. Again, I should recover, even now the charcoal-colored flakes are falling down burning away the exposed parts of my uniform that will grow back in time, once I flood my will back into the soul bound clothing items. Yet, I don¡¯t let that happen, as I have a different want at this moment. Mentally I remove my gloves, and my hood, letting my hands and face be exposed to the normally caustic elements that are falling. Rick Troll, is of course already moving, as he knew who his target was this entire time. With all of use having survived the initial burst, as would be expected of so many high-level player, well a lot of high level players and Jhonny, Rick went for the attack. Moving with nothing but skills and already corroding mechanical components, he charged forward striking at Mallory, trying to pierce her with a silver blade. Yeah, apparently silver was immune to all of this debris, as his items that he was now displaying were seemingly unscathed from the explosion. At this point as the healer, I tested out my hypothesis on the nature of the charcoal flakes that were falling. Just as I did every time it snowed for the year, I held out my hands and grabbed at the falling flakes. This time just like every other time the moment my skin contacted the flakes, the flakes began to melt. Going from a solid state to a liquid and then to nothing. As this happened, I felt the slight tingle of energy landing on my exposed skin, then felt it tremble as it entered my body, causing me to feel a rush of energy that was unlike anything else I had felt recently. The closest thing would be going into the Lich¡¯s run off pond scum pool of Qi energy. Here it was similar, as this was energy that had gone from a highly combustible state of mana to that of a less reactive state, and now just like in the Lich¡¯s chamber I could see that it was beginning to make the next transition from mana to Qi. There was a small component, something I missed in the explosion, something that would make the mental conversion of the energy from one form to the other easy to conceptualize. Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t have time to think about that, as I was now seeing the purpose of the next path that was laid before me. The next path that was provided in the Arcanarus Tower, the path of being able to wield both Qi and Mana simultaneously, if I was already able to do so, then this situation I was in would be easy. I would just focus on absorbing all the falling semi-qi state flakes and converting them to energy, while simultaneously casting a Healing spell on everyone around me. With that I would be able to protect everyone from the corrosive flakes, heal past their qi inhibitors and prevent future chemical Qi burns to their bodies. Of course, I wasn¡¯t there, I was far from that level of understanding, but I knew the parts I could do currently. Focusing my mind, I filtered out all other stimuli, realizing that I would focus on the things I could affect, and exclude everything else. With that I entered a passive state of Meditation, causing my Divine Qi Cultivation to activate internally in my core, while activating my Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation. With these skills actively open and awakened in my mind, I let them filter to the back of my mind, for they were at the point where at the level of proficiency where they were as automatic as breathing. With them secure, I began focusing on using not just one Qi movement, but two at the same time. With a focus of will, I sent a surge of Qi down my left hand, which I then struck out in a violent open palmed strike to the air. That is when I activated the first Qi power. Golden Mana Devouring Palm. I was sadly not as proficient with this power as I would like to be at this point, which was why so much of my mental focus went into activating this power that seemed almost as easy as breathing earlier when I first learned it to devour a potentially lethal strike. Once again, I felt my Qi forming a vortex that was aided by my internal cultivation patterns that drew in ambient energy from around me and greedily sucked it in like a man caught in a desert who finally found a canteen. My body drank in the energy, with a slight counterclockwise rotation of my left hand I was able to widen the area impacted by devouring palm. As I had the concept down with my left hand, I immediately did the same with my right hand, cycling Qi down into the palm and creating a second vortex for drawing in energy. Double Golden Mana Devouring Palm. This time I circled my outstretched hand in a circular clockwise rotation. As I worked, I felt an oppressive weight slowly lift off the cabin, while there was still no air in here, well no air save for the few gusts of winds that were now coming in from a few shattered windows that either melted or burst out from the initial explosions, air was slowly seeping back into the cabin, which was also helping me generate more momentum for the flaking particles to fly about the cabin and ultimately come within my absorption vortex¡¯s range. I wasn¡¯t the only one who was busy. Even with taking damage once the oppressive nature of the mana flakes were gone, everyone began surging to swarm Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll, who could possibly claim they were being controlled by their collar, but that was clearly not the case at the moment. Whatever happened, whatever this guy did, or however he hid himself, he wanted this moment to try to take out everyone involved in this trip. Well, judging by the fact that he was currently focusing directly on Mallory, it was clear that he had planned this all to strike at Mallory. Which brought me to the point, while others were clearly still suffering from mana fatigue, or mana necrosis that was settling over them, I was perfectly fine. That or I was just able to focus through the adverse effects and utilize my energy to its fullest. While I didn¡¯t quite understand the protective barrier, I would need to have in place to work both Qi and Mana related tasks, I still had one trait that was perfectly able to help me in this situation. Focusing my mind, I engaged Celerity, and instantly felt the world slow down around me. My hands were still glowing with the effects of Golden Mana Devouring Palm burning brightly on both hands. Since Celerity was on a different core size of energy, that scaled and grew with the size and potency of my regular core, I felt its increased size kick in almost immediately. I realized that I was granted 20% longer than was previously available to me. Realizing this, I moved. First, I made a quick long loop around the car, moving slowly but concisely to make sure I got the majority of the burning flakes off of everyone. From there, I focused my mind and began driving my Double Golden Mana Devouring Palms, right into the vital areas of Rick ¡°The Prick¡±. This might seem sort of dirty, but I held back from performing a fully lethal blow, instead, I focused on disabling maneuvers. One hand struck out at the necklace or control collar, around Rick¡¯s neck. While my right hand punched into his kidney. I punched hard too, and only stopped once I felt the tender muscles around his neck and covering his kidney tear slightly. With that I stopped, pulling back then pausing for a moment, I strike out once more, giving a shattering blow to Rick¡¯s elbow, on the hand that was reaching for Mallory¡¯s neck. While a I gave a quick Qi infused strike to his knee. This was a lot of damage, and I was fairly certain that Troll regeneration was a weaker version of my own natural Regeneration that I purchased. So even if I wasn¡¯t able to get to him and provide healing immediately, I was fairly certain he wouldn¡¯t die, from these strikes. Whether he died from what Mallory and the others would do to him, well I knew I could always bring him back to life for round two, or three if it came down to that. Realizing this was enough to stop Rick, I decided to use the remaining time of my Celerity, clearing the immediate area of corrosive flakes from the cabin. While I didn¡¯t have enough time to completely clear the cabin of the corrosive material, I was certain that everyone here would be able to survive the next few seconds. Whoom! Then like that the world began to speed up gradually, until we were back in full speed. Rick who had been exchanging blows with Mallory suddenly lashed out with a punch, only to stop as his hand that had been wielding a dagger suddenly went slower than he expected. So slow that even a dazed Mallory could recover quickly enough to lash out and block the attack. Rather than retract his hand and prepare for a counterstrike, Rick¡¯s brain finally caught up with the pain signals that were flaring wildly in his mind as he pulled back in his clearly broken arm close to his chest, as he collapsed in a defeated pool on the ground, gasping and wincing in pain. There was a pause as everyone that had been charging forward to end the immediate threat, despite the damage they were taking paused, as they looked first to the downed enemy, then to Mallory who also looked confused, then eventually all eyes turned to find me. I unfortunately had to end this on the exact opposite side of the cabin, so it would have been nearly impossible to pretend like I did nothing. Just when everyone looked like they were going to finally break the bubble of silence that had blanketed us all, I spoke first. ¡°Well shit.¡± I said. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked. Then I gave the only warning I could, before the second problem of fighting in an airship became apparent. ¡°Prepare for impact,¡± I shouted, as I reached out desperately trying to wrap my arms around the next nearest structural pillar. It was going to be a bumpy ride. Chapter 162 Smoke And Death Mirrors (Mallory) Chapter 162 Smoke And Death Mirrors (Mallory) What do you give someone who can make and do anything they put their mind to? That was what Mallory had found herself asking. What do you get your best friend, who means the world to you as a birthday gift something that is both meaningful and practical, while not coming across as opulent or wasteful. That was the problem Mallory had found herself in for months, as she wondered what she could get as a gift for Cass that would be meaningful and something that would show just how important she was to Mallory. The woman, her best friend, and most trusted supporter had done everything for her. In less than a year, she had saved her life, created an empire for her guild, and even created a school that she got credit for, for just providing the ground. Mind you the ground that the school was built upon was only possible due to Cass¡¯s own inventions and hard work of creating a lush environment from a desert. Honestly, Mallory had no clue whatsoever on what to get her. But she did have feelers out. Also, with Cass¡¯s real world birthday looming, a day she likely didn¡¯t even keep track of, Mallory and Gwen both felt that this would be a perfect time to show her importance not only to them, but also as a valued guild member. That was why when details of how a legendary Mirror of the Dead came to be part of higher end rumor mills, Mallory¡¯s ears perked up. Then speaking about the item to Gwen, and the fact that Cass could use it to possibly talk to her parents one last time, Gwen was ecstatic about the idea. This of course led to the fact that they had to keep everything hush-hush, as even writing about it was tantamount to being discovered. As such all communications were either in person, or done via voice transmitters, or what was more and more often the case, Mallory and or one of her information brokers going out and finding more details. Of course, everyone asked why she didn¡¯t have Cass go out and spend an afternoon looking either for the item in question, or on information about it, as she was still known as one of the greatest information brokers of all time, and still had a cult following from her exploits as an unclassed street urchin. However, once it was explained that this was seen as a gift idea for Cass, almost every member of the guild brought into this information gathering event bought in fully to the idea of making this a surprise gift idea. Where they would all leave to pick up the gift, which Cass would verify with her hoodoo powers of magical knowledge. Honestly, after all these months of working with her, Mallory still had no idea how Cass was able to verify true relics from false ones from miles away. She knew that it was due to her odd Angel¡¯s Sight, but that would only be responsible for half of her ability at most. As her father always said, anyone can be born with god given talent, but the truly great took that talent and pushed it to its limits. For a while there, Cass inspired many people to take the Angel¡¯s Sight merit upon entering the world. Each trying to gain the advantage with magic that Cass herself had. Yet, none of those that have joined since have had a tenth of the ability to learn magic the same way that Cass herself can. Well, that is not entirely true, Gwendolyn, Cass¡¯s daughter does show remarkable ability, but it¡¯s clear to most everyone, especially Gwen herself, that without her mother¡¯s guidance and teachings the merit and bloodline she held and tried to utilize would be wasted without Cass¡¯s constant insights. At first Mallory thought she loved magic, and for the most part she does, but Cass lives and breathes it, then tries to hold her breath and experience it for just a micro fraction longer, before exhaling a different form of magic. Her whole scientific process to magic and magic manipulation is impressive to watch. Also, there have been signs of late, she seems to be getting restless. Honestly, Mallory was glad that the quest for the school came along, and the fact that her name was the first name of the school was pure genius, as it meant she would almost be forced to stick around for the next three years at least. Which Mallory thought would be enough, but it¡¯s clear that Cass has that explorer¡¯s itch, that need to push herself to try to go further. Honestly it is hard to explain how Mallory could just feel her need to get out and explore, but it was there, and it frightened her. She remembered a conversation from a little over a month ago, when Cass asked in passing. ¡°Would you ever want to go back to the Arcanarus Tower?¡± Scoff. No, honestly the place had given Mallory the creeps. The realm of the dead, a place that would slowly dissolve mortals apart if they didn¡¯t have any form of protection while in that alternate realm. A realm that was filled with a constant film of dust and smoke. A realm that looked like the act of breathing would burn apart your lungs from the inside. And that realm did, at least until Cass covered her with her permanent Death Shroud, arguably the rarest and weirdest healer class only Merit that Mallory had ever heard of. Yet, with that one merit, she had gone through the realm of the dead for over two hundred floors. Getting a first explorer badge for each major floor. The trip through the realm of the dead was almost bad enough to give her the creeps, add to it the fact that she had to spend most of her time flying hundreds of floors up a seemingly never-ending tree. A tree that looked like it was visibly rotting form the inside out, and was. Yet, that rotting tree was a secondary quest for Cass, as she had to not only fly, climb, and avoid the dead, but then also cure a dying spirit tree from falling over while climbing up. Honestly, there was nothing about that place that Mallory wanted to ever see again. That was why Mallory had thought Cass had been joking, and had laughed loudly at her friend¡¯s jest. It was only after seeing the slight drop of her face, and heard her ¡°oh, okay.¡± Reply that Mallory realized what it all meant. Her friend was probably looking to go back to the tower. Honestly, Mallory wanted to go, just to protect her, but deep down she knew she couldn¡¯t. First, her obligations to the guild were increasing, especially with the fact that they had just established a permanent base of operations almost a thousand miles away from the entry point to the Tower. But there was also the fact that at the end, it was clearly Cass and her unwavering determination that forced her and Mallory through the finish line of the two-hundredth floor. As a Valkyrie, she should be immune to death, but after seeing how high that tree was, and how she was constantly pushing herself to fly from branch to branch only made things worse. All it would take was one careless flap, one mistimed leap, one toss or turn in her sleep and she would be a Valkyrie pancake. Even now she still had fears about rolling out of bed and falling down the massive tree trunk of Yggdraspirit. No, she couldn¡¯t do it again. That was when she also remembered part of a conversation they had when they first started traveling. In that time, Cass said something along the lines of, ¡°part of me wonders that if I climb to the very top of this tower, will I be able to find the entry point into the realm of the dead, where I can finally speak to my parents again.¡± That conversation struck a cord within Mallory, who realized that the parents who raised Cass were likely really good people, considering how she turned out. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. A quick investigation into their past lives made Mallory feel squeamish at first, as she realized that she caused their first deaths during a stupid war that Mallory had somehow been called into. Now, years later Mallory couldn¡¯t even remember why she was there, nor why she had conducted such widespread death and destruction as she had through the course of that fateful battle. Yet she had, and Mallory felt nothing about her actions from that day, not until nearly twenty years later when she met Cass. Of course, Cass being Cass, she never even held a grudge against Mallory, something that she was forever grateful for. Mallory could only imagine how her life would be if Cass held anger at that first life, as she knew she would be dead right now. This was why, despite being the cause of her parents¡¯ inevitable downfall, Mallory hoped that with this gift she could do two things. Well, many things really, but two main points. First, she hoped that this gift, if it really was the fabled Mirror of the Dead, could allow Cass to get closure by speaking to her parents. The second, and much more selfish reason was that Mallory hoped this would be a good enough offering for why they should give up their attempts to begin re-climbing the Arcanarus Tower. Due to those reasons, and a few dozen other minor reasons all related to Cass and her relationship with Cass, the Mirror of the Dead, was the birthday gift of choice. Nothing else would do, as everything else would just be a pale imitation of this gift, at least in Mallory¡¯s eyes. That was why she went through great lengths to track down every lead possible. Even re-engaging old contacts that she had long ago dropped, and swore she would never speak to again. Yet, for Cass she would sacrifice both her pride and her previously established morals and open lines of potentially peaceful resolutions with the scum of the world, if it meant making Cass happy. That was how she found herself here, that was how she now found herself forced to make small talk with Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll. Even though every instinct of hers told her that this was a bad idea of possibly allowing Rick back into the guild, especially now that they were clearly on the rise from being the number two guild in the world, to the clear and prominent front-runner. Their fame got them the initial lines of communications, which then required special meetings with Cass herself, the legendary Martial and Mana Master. This was why Mallory agreed to forging the meeting between this Mr. Bones, who Mallory already knew was Reginal Val¡¯Roth, a fellow spirit bloodline holder, which was likely why he was able to handle the destructive mirror in the first place. All Mallory was doing by talking to Rick was two things. First, she was testing to see how trustworthy Rick was, which given everything she had heard throughout most of the ride over was seen as being at most half truthful, at least according to her other sources. Yet for some reason Reginal wanted to have Rick as his front man, this was a fact that was confirmed by multiple sources. So here they were. Everything was going smoothly until they entered the airspace over the city. As soon as they entered the area something happened. For a moment, the deepest parts of her mind swore that she had somehow re-entered the Arcanarus Tower. At least that was the same feeling of death and macabre air she felt that she was breathing in. While the air here didn¡¯t quite burn, it did have that faint taste and smell of smoke and vapors. Rick continued to speak, but Mallory¡¯s attention was pulled in by Cass who suddenly turned her head and placed all her attention squarely on Rick. This wasn¡¯t just her normal look, nor could Mallory truly tell what she was looking at, as her hood was up currently, an executive decision that was made to help conceal her from scrutiny as much as possible. Yet, at this moment Mallory could tell that Cass¡¯s full attention was posed squarely on Rick as there was a tangible weight to her stare and focus. Cass probably didn¡¯t realize it, but when she focused her mind on something, on one point in space, people near that space could feel it. There was a mental weight that followed her intense focus, as everything else seemed to be covered in layers of wet blankets, where the only way out was to also focus your attention on that same point. Seeing that Cass¡¯s full attention was being focused on Rick, Mallory asked. ¡°What is it?¡± Rick then replied, but the words were distant as if traveling through water. At first Mallory couldn¡¯t understand the words, but then after a second of intense focus, her mind finally managed to make sense of the words. ¡°Oh, we must be nearly there.¡± Rick said, ¡°I can already feel his pull on me now.¡± ¡°What is happening?¡± Mallory demanded, trying to understand why the world was acting so disjointed all the sudden. ¡°Justice,¡± Rick shouted, then raising his right hand, he snapped together his fingers and instantly an eruption exploded out. Mallory just stood there, right at ground zero, and felt a burst of flame and force violently push her backwards. Fortunately, her instincts kicked in and she managed to drag her heels into the ground, slowing her momentum after she slid back a few feet. Then before she realized what was happening, black ash was falling down, and seeing it, Mallory could tell instantly what it was, Death Sulfur, something that only happened when the most violent of Spiritual attacks were unleashed. Seeing the falling ashes, Mallory remembered that this is likely what killed Cass¡¯s parents, and most of the other civilians that were caught up in the random battle she had been part of almost twenty years ago. Seeing the falling ash, Mallory thought she would need to do something to survive, as Death Sulfur also had the ability to stop even magical spells and Traits from activating. Yet, out of the corner of her eye, a miracle happened. Crazy Cass was already out there working her magic, or anti-magic in this case as she held out her hands and began pulling in the deathly poisonous flakes that would cause crops to fail for a year, and water sources to be polluted for a decade if any substantive quantity fell. The amount falling here, that was easily twice of what fell when Mallory unleashed her then ultimate attack to stop an enemy army that had taken refuge in an out of the way village. Just as Mallory thought she could relax slightly, Rick made his move. The bastard had silver, seeing him pull out a silver blade proved that he had planned this ambush. Activate. Lightning stun damage. Mallory held up her hands and attempted to activate an internal class power on reflex, only to feel her body burst to life with fire and flames as she felt the reaction of the Death Sulfur interacting with her mana discharge, causing her body to tighten on reflex. Then it happened. The world stopped, at least that is all Mallory could understand as something had happened. The weight, the oppressive atmosphere that had been weighing over everyone had suddenly dissipated. For a moment it felt like Mallory could breathe. Instinctively, Mallory knew that her healer had somehow removed the status effect that had been locking up her body. How? That didn¡¯t matter, as Cass always seemed to be able to do the impossible at the exact right time. This time was no different, as she felt her body able to move, and just in time, as she raised her arm up to block an incoming blow. Crunch. There is a feel that a warrior gets, especially after being in so many fights to the death as Mallory had, she felt the impact and sudden cracking and grinding of bone against bone. For a moment Mallory thought the break was done by her, as she had been through a lot recently, an explosion, probably stabbed, nope just checked, definitely stabbed. There was a momentary stun, then she was able to move. Now her block ended up with her attacker crumpling to the ground in a withering heap of pain and cries of agony. Looking around, Mallory found Cass, though she was somehow on the other side of the room, likely Teleported, at least that was what she assumed. Then before Mallory had any time to fully come to terms with what she was experiencing around her, Cass always the prophet of bad news spoke up. ¡°Prepare for impact.¡± Then she rushed towards a nearby pillar. Looking forward, Mallory saw the problem, as the burst had apparently hit the stabilizers or something, as the ship was dropping quickly. Not only was the ship now dropping, but the city they were going into was beginning to become more apparent as taller and taller buildings began to fill the skyline. Looking out, Mallory saw an oddly beautiful scene. There was the primary tower of the city¡¯s Mage¡¯s Guild, highlighted by a full moon in the background, that was covered by a dense purple haze. Honestly, Mallory saw the moment and realized she wished she had a camera to take a picture, then she saw the tower and moon slowly shrink from her vision as the side of the Mage¡¯s Guild hall got bigger and bigger with each second. Mallory tried to think of something to do, when she felt the intense tingling of Spirit mana nearby. This was nothing new, at least it shouldn¡¯t be as the cabin had been full of it for the past few minutes. At least that is what Mallory thought, it was only once she heard the cries of her bodyguards crying out, that she turned her head. ¡°AHHH!¡± They cried out as the bodyguards looked to be floating uncontrollably towards the opening rift in space. Looking on in horror, Mallory saw the very realm she feared the most. A realm that should not bother her so much, given her unique class, but somehow did. Then before she could figure out what was happening, she felt her own body lift up from the ground and get flung straight towards the rift in time and space. As she flew past, she saw the black uniform of Cass, who threw Mallory into the hole quickly. Where she plummeted to the ground a few feet below quickly, before having her momentum stopped entirely, before she managed to land on her feet gracefully, as her superior physical conditioning kicked in. Then just as Mallory turned to stop the crazy woman, a broken and crippled body of Rick Troll flew through, the rift, crashing into the ground and sliding forward, before ultimately stopping at Mallory¡¯s feet. Mallory half expected Cass to join her right then and there, but could only look on in horror as Cass clearly began the process to close the rift in space, only to disappear before the hole completely closed. ¡°What is she?¡± Jhonny asked, suddenly jumping to his feet, as he went right up to the hole that he too had been thrown through. As they all looked up, towards the spot in space where they had just fallen, they could see the ship they had just departed in the real-world barrel forward, before crashing into the wall of the Mage¡¯s Guild, before erupting into a violent ball of flames as the automatic defenses of the Mage¡¯s Guild building sprung to life, burning away any form of possible kinetic attack aimed at their premises. Mallory felt her jaw drop as she realized Cass had just saved them all. ¡°What happened?¡± Vickard, Mallory¡¯s own primary bodyguard spoke up. ¡°She saved us.¡± Was all Mallory could say, wondering if Cass had survived that explosion. There was nothing left, just a violent burst of debris being atomized in the night sky as if it was an oversized firework that went off far too close to the ground. Silence. There was a moment of silence, as everyone looked up to see what had happened, then she heard the sound that caused her heart to feel a bit lighter. Cough, cough. Hearing the sound, Mallory turned to see Cass holding the pilot and co-pilot of the now exploded airship under her arms. Having apparently jumped forward, grabbing the two before they were both atomized by the Mage Guild¡¯s defenses. ¡°Come with me, she says. You need to be more social and go out and see the world she says.¡± Cass began, saying as she trudged froward with the two pilots held firmly under each arm. Blurry. At that, Mallory¡¯s eyes began to water as she found herself charging forward to grab and hold Cass tightly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it will be a milk run, she says¡­ bleh.¡± Cass continued, until her words were forcefully stopped by Mallory who had picked up the healer and held her tightly in an overly protective bear hug. ¡°Okay, okay, can¡¯t breathe.¡± Cass said, dropping the two bodies and then gently patting Mallory, who was not crying, she just had dust in her eyes. Death Sulfur dust, and it was very painful at the moment and would likely require a moment to get flushed from her system. Then when she could finally speak, Mallory said the only words she could at the moment. ¡°Thank you so much for coming.¡± ¡°Yeah, of course. How could I miss a party like this?¡± Cass said, patting Mallory. At that Mallory loosened her grip as she held out Cass at her full arm¡¯s length, ¡°wait, how did you know?¡± Chapter 163 Worst Birthday Gift Ever Part 1 Chapter 163 Worst Birthday Gift Ever Part 1 I have to say, sometimes having friends is the same thing as having enemies that you just can¡¯t get angry at. Tingle. My hand burns. In fact, my whole body is now vibrating angrily at a molecular level. Poof. Teleport. I have to be playing the most annoying, single-person, games of hot-potato that I have ever seen. Poof. Poof. Poof. I have finally gotten to the point where the lands of the settled world have slowly given away to the constantly expanding desert wastelands of Blight infected territories. How did I get here? Honestly, I am still trying to piece that all together myself. All I can say for certain is that today I realized my friends are either trying to kill me, or think too highly of me, as this is ridiculous. At this, I try to think of how exactly I got here, and why terrible things always seem to happen whenever I leave my home. I also, not for the first time, sort of wish I was one of my Simulacrum who get to sit around and read all day. Poof. Violent Vibrating. My hand is now vibrating so intensely that I can¡¯t help but realize I need to focus on continuing to move as quickly as possible, while also distracting myself from the pain that is welling up within my body. With that, I focus on exactly how I got here, and how much further I might need to move before this is all over. *** (An Hour Ago) ¡°I don¡¯t know how these things generally work, for you, but given what I¡¯ve seen in the past I would assume this is likely all the work of Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll here, and not a stage set up by the item holder, Mr. Bones.¡± I state, gesturing to the now bound and gagged Rick Troll, who I keep having to heal from constant rot affecting his body. With my Death Shroud, I am able to protect three people constantly. Despite what most might think I did this a bit judiciously, as I make sure to protect the two pilots, and Melkin, the weaker of Mallory¡¯s two personal bodyguards. Why not Mallory? Well simple, she is so astronomically high of a level and a Valkyrie that her class all but negates any damage she might sustain from being here with us. As for her primary bodyguard Vickard, well he is also strong enough that the ravages of the spirit world have little effect against his body. As for Rick, he is a Troll, no literally, meaning his body regenerates. His last name of Troll also gives him a further enhancement to his regeneration capabilities. This means that while painful, he can mostly keep up with the damage sustained. I also make sure to constantly keep a sleep spell active within his body, so he can¡¯t interfere with our preparations. As for Jhonny, my personal bodyguard, well I want him to try to focus on learning how to harness Spirit Qi, and I think that him being here will be a good way to see if the trial by drowning method is a good way to go. So far Jhonny seems to be doing okay. Well no, he is clearly the worst of everyone here, but he is trying and that is saying something. Honestly, Jhonny never ceases to amaze me with his ability to be both insanely stubborn and somehow able to pull through any situation due to sheer stupid determination alone. As for what we are doing now that we are all on the ground safe, while our primary form of transportation bust into an amazing display of pyrotechnics that were somehow able to cross the barrier between realms due to the heightened concentration of spirit mana, and exactly how close we were to what I was now a hundred percent certain was in fact the Mirror of the Dead. Being this close to a relic of this power and magnitude, I was asked to provide my expertise as a noted thief. ¡°Typically, when you set up a deal to buy an ancient relic, it is expected that people aware of the transaction will try to make a hit on either the buyer or the seller. Some will try to make a hit when both parties are present as a way to maximize their gains, but those people are fools as that is the time when both parties are on their highest state of awareness.¡± I state, going over the general playbook of a thief, before continuing. ¡°The two main times to strike are when one the buyer is either on the way, when you gain the money. Or to wait until the purchase has happened and they are returning home. Both have their own sets of problems and contingencies, though it is often easier to get an item from a buyer who has been worn down from being on guard for such a long period of time.¡± I state. ¡°When would you make a grab at an item?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Hypothetically, I would wait until the party was fully back in their estate. When they take the item and fully secure it, before going and resting from having their nerves frayed from being on a constant state of awareness throughout the purchasing process.¡± I answer. ¡°Have you done this before?¡± The main pilot asked, looking at me with a sense of surprise and confusion. I just stare at him with my face mask drawn, but he seems to feel the gaze of everyone else on him as he suddenly looks flustered from all of the attention. ¡°What? She¡¯s the Magic teacher right?¡± The pilot asked somewhat confusedly. Hearing that I just shake my head. ¡°You do realize that if she so chose, she could be the Guild Leader of our Thieves Guild once it opens right?¡± Mallory replies with a question. ¡°Her, isn¡¯t she barely old enough to have a class?¡± The pilot asked. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Okay there McQuack, at least I wasn¡¯t the guy who crashed a plane into a building.¡± I replied back, okay that was a bit of a low blow, but seriously, do I still need to prove myself as a thief now too? ¡°Cass.¡± Mallory chided, though it was clear from the curl of her lips that she was trying to keep herself from laughing. ¡°What?¡± I hissed back. Hearing that and seeing that I wasn¡¯t afraid to talk back to Mallory the pilot paused for a second, before composing himself and stating. ¡°I apologize,¡± he began raising his hands in a placating gesture. ¡°What I meant was you have already gotten a doctorate in magic, have learned to use Qi, and now I find out that you also have training as a thief on top of everything.¡± Hearing that, I let loose some of my anger, some, which was why I was able to take a calming breath filled with Spirit Qi. Oh, look you can get Spirit Qi from here a lot easier, no wait, focus. ¡°I have only had my classes for a year and a few months now, but I did spend the first six years of my time here running around building connections in the Thieves Guild.¡± I answer. With that the pilot paused, and then dawning realization crossed his face as he realized. ¡°Oh, you took the maximum child flaw?¡± With that I nod, ¡°yes.¡± ¡°Oh, okay then.¡± The Pilot said, then went completely silent. Honestly, I didn¡¯t know if that was better or worse, but at least it gave me a second to compose my thoughts before I went over what we should most likely expect. Turning for a second, I stare at Rick, see that his regeneration is eating away at my now Superior Sleep Spell, so I recharge the spell and get it to counter his regeneration ability.
New Spell Created: Superior Sleep Spell [Tier IV] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, mixing Spirit, Mental, and Healing magic components together to create a spell powerful enough to put even a Troll to sleep, while slowly healing any lasting ailments within the target.
Yep, a new spell to put a troll to sleep so we could access our situation. ¡°What do you think we should plan for?¡± Mallory asked. Hearing that I pause, then evaluate everything before us. ¡°Well first we need to determine if Rick was acting alone or as part of a segmented attack.¡± ¡°Have you seen anything indicating that this is a segmented attack?¡± Mallory asks. Sigh. At that I reply, ¡°no, but I can confirm in a second.¡± With that I use Telepathy. I generally dislike this, mainly because I hate the idea of invading people¡¯s thoughts. Yes, I know the person who can see through walls and read every form of gossip has boundaries of reading people¡¯s minds. Well, I do, but in this case, I decide to make an exception especially as we are potentially in enemy lands. Loud Applause. Thus, I am thrust into the mind of a megalomaniac. Going through this, I see that there are a lot of memories of staring at himself in mirrors. Memories of how great he was, how he was able to get sponsorships and viewers to tune into this world that lacked everything, cool. At least, it lacked everything according to the way Rick interpreted the world. Of course, only one of his lifetimes could accurately be linked to ending early due to Mallory, when he got drunk on his fourth life and started talking about having more information and clout than he did. Then when he took out loans based on his prior relationship with Mallory, things grew heated when he couldn¡¯t even produce a meeting. The sad part was, knowing Mallory she likely would have met him and his associates had she known. Unfortunately, this was at the time when Mallory first contracted the Blight and was looking for cures all over the world. Eventually his lenders and creditors grew angry with him and took out their dues in the form of a pound of flesh. Since then, he has been on a mission to discredit Mallory, which is how we are here now at his sixth of seven lifetimes. He was willing to put himself on his final leg if he could get Mallory off of her first life and have all her advancements reset. A quick probe around showed that he had a standing wager from a few lowlifes about ending Mallory. Basically, the same thing happens to almost everyone. Once you get to a certain stratosphere of success, everyone roots for your eventual demise and falls from grace. Though honestly, from everything I am seeing Mr. Bones seems to be an unwitting accomplice in all this. As this Mr. Bones legitimately has the shard, or at least a shard that he believes to be related to the Mirror of the Dead. Rick just took this as a perfect chance to make his strike. Had this not worked, or if he was unable to activate an attack, he would have tried to pass off his snapping as a failed trick that ultimately made him lose face and nothing more. Then once he was accepted back into the guild, he would have looked for another moment to strike. Honestly, the more I read the more depraved this guy gets. Though again, glass half full, everyone seems to hate this guy¡¯s overall cocky nature, and wanted no part of his suicidal revenge plot against Mallory and his former guild. With that piece of data, the fact that this attack was conducted by Rick and Rick alone, I leave his mind and instantly try to let my own brain waves take over. It is weird trying to read someone else¡¯s mind. The process feels like it should be similar to sticking your hand under a slow running stream. By cupping your hand, you can stop part of the stream, but ultimately the majority of the current will go past you if you are not prepared to put up a dam to stop the flow. ¡°So did you find anything?¡± Mallory asks, clearly seeing me shake my head as a sign that I am fighting my way free of his thoughts. ¡°Yeah, first off. Rick is an egotistical jerk.¡± I admit. Scoff. ¡°Tell me something In don¡¯t know,¡± Mallory muses. ¡°Also, it seems that Mr. Bones is an unwitting accomplice to all of this, as Rick has somehow set you up as the epitome for why his life isn¡¯t awesome anymore.¡± I admit. ¡°So should we worry about a secondary attack?¡± Vickard asks. ¡°Not from Rick, or anyone that Rick has been in contact with.¡± I reply, making sure to never give a definitive answer during an active mission. ¡°Oh good, so we are safe then?¡± Melkin, Mallory¡¯s second bodyguard asks. ¡°What?¡± I spit out, flabbergasted by the fact someone would say something that stupid. ¡°You know, you said it yourself. We should only expect an attack before, during or after. Since there was an attack before, and it was all conducted by Rick here, then we are good to go right?¡± Melkin continues. ¡°Are you just trying to increase the difficulty on this? We already had Mallory jinx it once by calling it a Milk Run.¡± I make sure to mimic and mock Mallory¡¯s voice when I say the words Milk Run. ¡°Wait, you don¡¯t believe the world just arbitrarily increases the difficulty because you point out an unspoken universal truth do you?¡± Melkin says, looking at us like we are all crazy ritualists who bathe in butter and sing our favorite songs backward to break a losing streak. ¡°Yes, the reason why they are unspoken truths, is that they are true until they are spoken. Then you basically ask the world to mess with you.¡± Jhonny, my bodyguard states and I couldn¡¯t be prouder of him at that statement. ¡°Oh, come on, we are at the point where we literally have to walk back across the desert to get home. How much worse could things get?¡± CRACKLE! As he states that, a giant bolt of electrical spirit mana flashes in the night sky and lands just a few hundred meters away. BOOOM!
Optional Quest Activated: Under Pressure: While on your way to find a relic called the fabled Mirror of the Dead, you have discovered an impromptu spiritual display of electrical energy. Discover and mitigate the source of this energy to improve future rewards. Rewards: Experience, possible bloodline evolution perks, variable.
Seeing the message, I felt my eyes grow wide involuntarily, even though I no longer use my eyes to read, I still have almost instinctual reactions to make such movements to help blending in. I am so used to faking this motion on my own face, that I also know to look for it on the faces of others. It is for this reason, that I easily notice the look of shock as everyone apparently gets the same exact quest prompt appearing before their eyes. ¡°We aren¡¯t going to investigate that, are we?¡± Vickard asks, a note of fear in his voice as he turns to Mallory. ¡°What of course not. That quest looks to be a honey trap if every I heard one.¡± Mallory responds. Hearing that, I add in. ¡°Yeah, I mean possible bloodline evolution perks are a dime a dozen, right?¡± I state, trying to make sure my understanding of the rewards is not uncommon, as I have been seeing this as a perk for requests quite often. Though they had tapered off there for a while until recently. ¡°Wait, did you seriously say bloodline evolution perk?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Well yeah, but aren¡¯t they fairly common?¡± I ask. ¡°No, in fact, at your level you need to follow almost every quest line with hints related to your bloodline evolution possible in them,¡± Mallory stated. I of course understand what she means as getting beyond Legendary and to the Mythical bloodline stratosphere should be my next task, as it should improve the quality of all my classes that I currently have. Particularly if I get almost every record possible. But I do have to worry about not just my own health, but the health of everyone around us as well. ¡°Isn¡¯t this a bit dangerous for all of us?¡± I ask. ¡°Well yeah, which is why you need to open a tunnel and let us out of here, before that thing gets any closer.¡± Mallory noted. THUNDERCLAP-RUMBLE! Just as she said that another larger bolt of spirit infused energy lands even closer. The impact of this is no less impressive, as I can feel the hairs on the back of my head beginning to stand on end. Planar Shift. Without coaxing I go open up the rift between the spirit world where we were hiding in, and the real world where our ship blew up from ramming into the automated magical defenses of the Mage Guild. As soon as the light comes on, everyone starts going through. The pilots, Mallory¡¯s bodyguards. The unconscious Rick is being dragged behind by Vickard. Then just as quickly as it began, it is just Jhonny, Mallory, and me. ¡°Go on Jhonny, I got her.¡± Mallory states, gesturing for Jhonny to go through the portal. ¡°With all due respect,¡± Jhonny began, always a great career move to begin with that statement. ¡°But the Doctor is my charge, and the person I have pledged my life for. So, if you wouldn¡¯t mind. Please lead the rest of the team through to the purchase of the item, and I will make sure the Doctor arrives in a timely manner.¡± At that, I pause, then turn my head to the side. ¡°Oddly enough, that was fairly close to being completely respectful.¡± I admit, nodding my head in approval at Jhonny. Mallory just pauses, ¡°you want me to split the team?¡± Jhonny, not wanting to break yet another unspoken rule shifts his weight a bit before answering neutrally. ¡°I am asking you to accomplish the mission as efficiently as possible.¡± THUNDERRRRRRRCLAPPPP-BURST! With that the next pulse of lightning is super close. ¡°All right.¡± Mallory says, clearly wanting no part of this. Then before she fully goes into the rift she pokes her head back out and says, ¡°you better bring her back alive.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah, yeah.¡± Jhonny says and gives a proper with all due respect, dismissive wave to our guild leader. Seeing that, I let a fiendish smile crest my lips as I let Mallory pass through my rift, before sealing it up. ¡°So, you have a plan on what to do?¡± Jhonny asked, staring up at the giant vortex of spiritual death energy that is violently twirling overhead. ¡°Not one clue.¡± I answer truthfully. With that Jhonny just nodded, ¡°expected something along those lines.¡± A slight pause. BURST!! With that giant spherical drops the size of golf balls began falling from the sky. Seeing the falling balls, I realized instantly that they were condensed balls of spiritual mana. Thump, thump, thunk. Then just like, a wave of falling golf ball sized spirit hail begins falling and racing towards us. 50 meters away. ¡°You are going to do something though, right?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± I say, trying to sound a lot more confident than I feel at the moment. Jhonny hearing the hesitation in my voice just turns to me and stares. ¡°Most likely, just give me a second.¡± Then the wave of hailing spirit balls charged forward, covering the two of us completely. Chapter 164 Worst Birthday Gift Ever Part 2 Chapter 164 Worst Birthday Gift Ever Part 2 (Jhonny) Balls of falling black death, in a gray and dying land, where only crazy Cassiopeia, the Doctor, is capable of standing around without flinching. Honestly, Jhonny had joined the Midnight Hunters because of how powerful and commanding Mallory was. The fact that she could stand defiantly against any obstacle that came her way, that spoke volumes about not only her character, but also about the people that were willing to follow her. Originally, Jhonny had joined just for the idea of following Mallory¡¯s coattails, as managing to be just one of thousands on said coattails meant fame, power, and prestige were all his. Yet, despite everything, he still felt hollow and empty inside. He knew the best parts of this world were missing, and that no matter how hard he tried the most he could do was to be a follower. All of that changed when he met her. The girl, the prodigy, the princess, the rising star, whatever nickname you went with they all invariably defined one person and one person alone. Even now, with death staring them down, even without knowing what to do to survive, Jhonny knew, he just knew that if he stayed near Cass and listened to her, he would survive. Over his years he witnessed many things. A few things he attributed as being miracles, a lucky last-minute strike to kill an invading orc. The sudden dodging, and subsequent self-impaling of a charging monster. He had seen many minor odd coincidences that at the time he had taken as miracles. Perhaps they were, but after seeing Cass, his classifications of miracles had changed. Can a person be a miracle? Originally, Jhonny would have told you no. Yet, after months of being with and seeing Cass first hand, he couldn¡¯t help but feel that his answer had changed from a definitive no, to a cautionary, maybe. Cass herself was not perfect, she herself would be the first to state how she messed up, and immediately look for ways to improve. That fact alone, given her level of success could be considered a miracle, the fact that she never let her success go to her head. Yet, being with her now, he knew two things. First, Cass had no clue what to do to solve this problem before them. Right now, a wall of death was barreling straight for them, and while his mind told him he should try to figure out something to do, a way to save himself, he felt oddly calm. This of course led to the second fact that he just knew, and that was that Cass would do something amazing if he just waited long enough. ¡°Well there it is.¡± Cass muttered mostly to herself. Had it not been for Jhonny¡¯s enhanced senses from his recent core completion, he likely would not have been able to hear her mutterings. ¡°Where what is?¡± Jhonny asked. Cass, never looking away from the wall of death, just sighed. ¡°The boss monster for this event finally appeared, though it would have been nice if he showed up before the wave of death and lightning.¡± Cass muttered, as she gave a slight hop off the ground. Then Jhonny watched as her body rose three foot off the ground and gracefully came to a stop. At first Jhonny wondered what she was doing, but then he felt, more than saw the slight fluctuations of mana. This was his Master¡¯s mana. Having spent so long beside her, Jhonny could now feel the difference between when she used mana, versus when others simply cast spells. There was a weight, a physical force behind Cass¡¯s castings that was wholly unique to her and her alone. Ironically, it was only after spending so much time with Cass, and trying to learn the methods she had for detecting and perceiving mana that Jhonny could now put into words the exact difference between her casting abilities and that of everyone else¡¯s. With her casting, Jhonny decided to hold off on his questions, not wanting to disrupt her focus. Instead, he just looked up and watched, as Cass who had risen so high was just sitting there, creating a protective dome that encapsulated both her and Jhonny. Even without the ability to Sense and Detect Magic available, the fact that she was casting a spell was more than obvious, particularly with the fact that the balls of death fell down and seemingly disappeared in a wide arc around them. Months ago, Jhonny would have attributed this to being a miracle. The ability to create a shield strong enough to block this relentless attack in an alternate realm of reality. Those who could survive in alternate realms were few and far between, yet Cass seemed to be able to make the transition flawlessly. Chills. Whether it was from the sheer volume of controlled mana being wielded violently, or the visual display of the magical death attacks dropping to only disappear, or a combination of both, Jhonny didn¡¯t know, but at this moment he felt awe. As she floated, Jhonny could see her slight movements, the involuntary movement of her hands as she directed forces of mana out in one direction then the next. He also noted that there was a faint sense of absorption of ambient mana, which she was somehow doing with her Qi. Yes, the more he watched, the more he was certain that she was able to block, break apart, and then somehow cultivate the falling death energy into her body. She kept saying that using mana and Qi simultaneously was something that should never be done. Yet, here she was, constantly using both simultaneously. Honestly, Jhonny didn¡¯t know if she even realized that she was able to wield both simultaneously. Of course, what he considered using and Cass considered using, were light years apart from each other. Cass wanted to be able to use her most effective magical spells, while simultaneously using her Qi powers at the same time. That Jhonny could see as being too much for anyone, well anyone other than Cass. It was clear that this was just one of her new goals that she had set for herself. Honestly, by now, Cass¡¯s goals should really just be considered her daily to-do list, as she flew through most of her goals ceaselessly. Goals and projects that would take other people months to accomplish if ever, she breezed through. Jhonny spent so long staring up and enjoying the magical view of the falling hail pellets of death energy falling, and disappearing that he barely noticed the moment when the all of violence stopped, at least for a moment. This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°Is it over?¡± Jhonny asked, only to drop his yes down and see that they were now surrounded on all sides by the wave of death. ¡°No, we are just in the center of the storm.¡± Cass said, then she began checking her pockets. ¡°What are you looking for?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Needles, well any long thin metal strips to be honest.¡± Cass said, rummaging through her pockets and finding what she needed to be drastically missing. ¡°Needles, do you mean sewing needles, or acupuncture?¡± Jhonny asked, instinctively reaching for his bag of holding. As Cass¡¯s bodyguard it was pointed out that in no uncertain terms he should carry around everything that Cass might possibly need at a moments notice, and provide it to her. As such, Mallory had a list of Cass¡¯s known skills, and provided a bag of holding with various supplies that she might need randomly on her journey. At that Cass looked flustered, as she quickly shifted her head from staring straight forward and looked towards Jhonny. ¡°Acupuncture.¡± Cass said, a slightly confused tone to her reply. At that Jhonny just started looking and pulling up a mental list of the types of needles began going through a list, ¡°regular, silver, or gold?¡± While he asked, Cass had already shifted her attention back towards a spot in the distance. ¡°What?¡± Cass asked. ¡°What type of acupuncture needle do you need, bronze, silver, or gold?¡± ¡°What are you an acupuncture Olympic committee member?¡± Cass asked, but then answered anyways, ¡°silver. No, wait. Silver and Gold.¡± As Cass answered, she turned her attention back to the distance. Clap, clap, clap. Then Jhonny heard the approach and mocking clapping coming from the person that was likely the random boss that had all but been summoned by everyone¡¯s comments. This was another reason why Jhonny stayed behind, as he felt a bit guilty for having likely contributed to this in some way. Jhonny was about to pull out the sets of needles, when he realized there was a problem. ¡°Do you want the 21-, 23-, or 25-gauge needles?¡± Jhonny asked, realizing that there were many different sizes to these needles. ¡°Oh, my Gods, just give me whatever and I will make it work.¡± Cass all but shouted. Well, it wasn¡¯t a shout, more of a regular person raising their voice to regular speaking volume, but for Cass it sent a shiver down Jhonny¡¯s spine. Not the awe-inspiring shiver from earlier either, this was the you better get your act in gear shiver that meant Cass was about three steps away from putting her full attention on you, versus the real problem at hand. Realizing the warning for what it was, Jhonny pulled out two long rolls of coiled leather strips from his pouch and let them begin unrolling, revealing multiple needles of varying sizes. As quickly as the needles appeared, they quickly disappeared as well. Well not quite disappeared, as Cass once again showed off her amazing ability to multi-task, when Cass used her Telekinesis ability to pull the needles out of their holster and hurdle them towards the man. As the needles flew towards the man, there was a flash of light as some of the needles were stopped by a magical barrier that had been erected. FLASH! There was a burst of light that caused Jhonny to blink a few times as his vision was filled with a white-hot overlay. Gurgle. By the time Jhonny had blinked his eyes clear, he saw the man, a mage, collapse to the ground. Gurgling as he clasped at his neck, where a silver needle was protruding. That was kind of vicious, Jhonny wasn¡¯t evening going to lie, as he was taken aback by the look of pain on the mage¡¯s face. Just seeing him gurgle and choke on his own blood was a bit much. Yes it was a tiny prick to the neck, but that had to be painful. Cass for her part just sprouted her now signature set of dual wings and glided forward, before stopping over the mage. Jab, jab, heal. Cass lashed out with energy infused into her fingers where she struck at a few vital points on the mage, causing him to collapse and cry out. Or at least try to cry out. ¡°Gahhh,¡± was all he managed to get out, before Cass held up her hand, and Telekinetically removed the silver needles from the mage. Then she began healing him. Within seconds the wounds that were caused by the needles suddenly sealed up. The blood was still there, but no new blood was coming. Jhonny just stared at the entire process, only belatedly realizing the slight tug on his hands as he felt the needles once again finding their spots in his pouches. Part of Jhonny wanted to comment that those needles needed to be sanitized, but then part of him realized the golden needles were clean, as those had been the ones to be stopped by the random shield set up by the mage. ¡°My magic, what did you do to my magic?¡± The ghost mage asked, clear confusion and panic taking over his words as he moved through basic casting poses. Having seen the poses, and been through so many of Cass¡¯s classes, Jhonny realized just how pointless these gestures were to the art of casting, but they generally helped with focusing the mind on the act of forcing mana to do your bidding. ¡°I took it away, once you prove to be capable of wielding such powers responsibly, you might get them back.¡± Cass scolded. It was times like this, when Jhonny could fully see the former mother of four come out from the girl who barely looked to be more than a teenager. ¡°What how?¡± The mage stammered, then crab walking backwards, he stared at Cass in disbelief. Silence. With a shock, Jhonny¡¯s instincts told him that something had stopped. Looking around, he realized what had happened, the giant cloud of death that had surrounded them was slowly breaking apart. Realizing this, Jhonny couldn¡¯t help but ask. ¡°Was that it?¡± No sooner were the words spoken, then Cass turned from hovering over the incapacitated mage, to stare at Jhonny. ¡°Why do you all insist on increasing the difficulty of this stupid quest?¡± Cass asked. Then before Jhonny could comment, he received a quest update notification.
Optional Quest (Upgraded Difficulty): Under Pressure: While on your way to find a relic called the fabled Mirror of the Dead, you have discovered an impromptu spiritual display of electrical energy. While you have discovered one source of the spiritual disturbance, the true threat has just revealed itself. Objective, survive for the next thirty minutes. Time remaining (29:59). Rewards: Experience, possible bloodline evolution perks, variable.
Yes, it seemed that Jhonny too was now able to improve his chances of awakening his own bloodline, but he had to somehow find a way to survive the next thirty minutes. He was about to ask something ridiculously stupid like ¡°did you just get that same quest update notification?¡± But fortunately, he stopped himself. There was no use trying to pour more water onto this grease fire. Instead, he just looked around sheepishly, before trying to figure out where the new threat would come from. *** (Cass) Jerks. They were all jerks. Why not just get a tattoo that states I don¡¯t believe in Karma on their foreheads. Then just when the first set of challenges was taken care of. Just when I feel the sense of the enhanced Spiritual Qi master just watching from a distance, what does Jhonny boy scout over here do, but go and test Karma once again. The moment he spoke, I could feel the ancient Spiritual Qi master awaken. This was unlike anything I had ever felt before, mainly due to the fact that up until now I, and those in my class were the only ones who had Qi. Now it seemed that there was at least one more person, this random expert who just so happened to be hanging out in the spirit realm. Actually, I can understand why this expert was drawn here, as even in the spirit realm, the pull of the Mirror of the Dead was extremely strong right here. This meant that the most powerful spirits that could feel and detect magic would naturally be drawn here. As such, it made sense as to why so many highly powerful spirits had all decided to congregate here. Then the master began to move. Rumble, crackle, shake. As the expert moved, the whole spirit realm began reacting to his presence and focus. Seeing that this was a Spiritual Qi master, I realized this would likely be a test of my ability to use my newly acquired Spiritual Qi. Not wanting to cross streams of energy, at least not this early, I decided to cancel my two active spells, and drop to the ground. I also don¡¯t want to know what it is like to have my wings chopped off in midflight. Not that I would want any of my appendages to be chopped off mind you, but the wings seem like they would be rather flimsy and something that would likely be targeted by a sword expert. Plop. I land in a puddle of spiritual rainwater, and residual spiritual essences. ¡°Hahaha, you have done it now. The master has returned, and he will discipline you.¡± The mage who now has a ruptured magical core states defiantly. Hearing him, I realize that I might need to take care of him. Shink. Realizing I don¡¯t want this guy to pose any threats mid-battle, I act almost involuntarily. ¡°This is it, this time you are going to¡­¡± was all the spirit mage managed to say, before a silver needle raced across the space from Jhonny to his neck, and found a critical pressure point before knocking him out completely. He was still alive, and healthy, but for the moment he would not be a distracting factor that I would need to account for. With him knocked out, I Telekinetically lifted his spiritual body and pushed him off to the side. With that I just waited, for the eventual reveal of the spiritual Qi grand master. The moment he moved around the last building and had a direct line of sight towards me, the system let it be known that he had arrived. Thunderclap. This was not the violent thunderclap from earlier. Rather this was the blowing stuff up while walking forward like you own the world walk. Strictly done for people with vision and likely viewers who were tuning in, to watch this spectacle. Just as expected, Jhonny was extremely excited by this grand entrance and slow walking pace that this master chose before striding forward. It was clear that to add tension to the scene I would likely have to talk to this jerk. Yes, he was a jerk, solely for the fact that I didn¡¯t make any of these statements, and yet I would have to deal with him as a result of the actions of others, ergo a jerk. ¡°Oh, my Gods.¡± Jhonny said. ¡°Oh, my Gods is right, you all are determined to make this trip as ridiculously challenging as possible,¡± I replied back. ¡°No, that is Jackie Khan. The legendary Qi master that was killed at the start of this world. To think that we have found him.¡± Jhonny said, clearly geeking out about seeing this old master. As he spoke, I realized that Jhonny was right. The monster, the sole original NPC trainer that had such ridiculously high standards that he never took on a disciple was here. Realizing this, I turned to Jhonny before speaking. ¡°I just want you all to know, that you all suck, and this trip is stupid. That is all.¡± I say, as I look forward and prepare for whatever will happen next. Chapter 165 Worst Birthday Gift Part 3 Chapter 165 Worst Birthday Gift Part 3 Clap, clap, clap. For the second time a condescending warrior came striding forward, clapping at what we, and by that I mean me, myself, had accomplished. ¡°I must commend you on your efforts to this point. To think that I would find both a father and daughter duo who were skilled with Qi was something I thought I would never see in my lifetime.¡± Bleh! I nearly vomit, and my hands go up to my mouth to catch any possible projectile vomit from him saying I was Jhonny¡¯s child. With that, the Qi master with overflowing power pauses and stares. I use this moment to begin my counterattack, verbally of course. ¡°Sorry, sorry, I vomited a in my mouth, it¡¯s just a little bit though. Don¡¯t worry, you can proceed. I believe you were on pompous line number three, likely something about how you are a master awaiting a worthy challenge and go.¡± I reply, pointing towards Jackie Khan, the one and only Qi master in the world who had standards that were too high for anyone to be taught by him. Just looking at him, it doesn¡¯t take much to realize that he is immensely powerful. As he walks forward the Qi in his body has a direct reaction to the world around him. Each step he takes produces a huge burst of electrical discharge that sparks and crackles. It is clear from just looking at him that his power is both overwhelming in terms of size and capacity. Mentally I understand this as a test by the system. This is a sign that the system can and will start throwing in more Qi masters as time goes on. Normally, this would be a problem, but it was clear from just looking at the ¡°master¡± before me, that the system had no clue what it was doing when it came to creating this master. First of all, the ¡°master¡±, this Jackie Khan, had a similar Qi core set up to my own. That¡¯s right, golden Qi that filled the primary core, and Spirit Qi that filled an attached secondary Core. That was the first mistake, especially as they introduced this new Qi Master as an already played and killed character. Meaning this body was a ghost, making the layout of his primary and auxiliary cores backwards. As a spirit he needed to start with Spirit Qi, and then have the golden Qi of his core as the auxiliary core. That was the first mistake. The second mistake was the fact that despite having the cores reversed, the system in its infinite wisdom decided to make it so this person was clearly a Tier V cultivator. Or what the system thought a Tier V cultivator would look like. Basically, again they took my current layout, then provided four times as much power to the cores wielded by this undead ghost master and let him lose on the world. Maybe this was done for ratings, and the system or those in charge of content had no clue what they were doing but were told to create the impossible and did it the best they could. Still, this was ridiculous. Crackle, pop. The Master strode forward releasing more bursts of electricity with each stride. Again, this likely makes for great cinematography, but that is the sign of a master whose core is about to burst violently trying to relieve some of the pressure of the condensed energy focused within the ghost body. ¡°I must say, for someone of your stature, you have a rather large mouth.¡± The Master replied arrogantly, taking two more strides forward until we are a dozen paces away from each other. ¡°And I must say, for someone who is about to explode from all the energy that is being stored within you, you are rather calm.¡± I reply trying to give the man a warning. ¡°So you have seen that I have achieved new feats of power, through my own death, that I was never able to achieve during life?¡± The Master says, holding out his hands and letting sparks of Qi generated electricity spark out. ¡°I can see that even after dying the first time, you have not learned how to survive.¡± I respond. Confusion. At that, he legitimately looks confused. This is good, the longer he stares and looks ridiculous, the more time his volatile energy surges about throughout his body and attempts to rip him apart like a tempest. The best analogy I can give is right now, imagine his cores being two magnets of the same polarity that are being forced to stay as close together as possible. They are of course resisting that forced closeness and when the polarities switch just enough, they will fly off and separate themselves from their current locations. When that happens, he will be lucky if they just separate. If one manages to flip around a cause a sudden attraction, after being forced away, that jolt from their joining will be devastating. ¡°How so?¡± He asks and seems to genuinely pause at the moment. Seeing the confusion in his face, I decided to share my observations. ¡°Right now, you can no doubt feel the powers within your body fighting against the strain you are facing currently. By continuing to cultivate in this way, you are all but asking your body to destroy itself.¡± I respond. Sneer. Hearing my words the master gives a cold sneer to his face as if he smelled something particularly rank. ¡°You, a mere novice, dare to lecture me on how to cultivate?¡± The Master states coldly. ¡°As a living person no, but as an undead, I am certain you are doing it wrong, or at least backwards.¡± I reply. ¡°Your insolence has gone too far. I had at first wanted to show you the true power of a martial genius, and eventually take you on as my apprentice from your father, but now I will put you in your place. Prepare yourself.¡± Dramatic Pause. There was a long pause and it was clear that I needed to make my reply before this master could feel comfortable with moving forward. Likely something to do with a chivalrous code of ethics, not wanting to give a cheap shot to a younger and weaker opponent. Then the system told me of its intentions for this pause.
Epic Martial Quest Activated: Master of Qi: You randomly found the former martial Qi Master of BiPrism, and are being challenged to a sparring match. Prepare yourself to see who is the best Martial Master. Conditions: either knockout or cause Jackie Khan to quit the match. Rewards: Experience, Improved Qi Core, Bloodline evolution perks, skills, variable.
Seeing this was my chance to pause and fully grasp the quest¡¯s potential before me. Basically, if I didn¡¯t win here, then any shot of my awakening a Mythic bloodline might be stopped or the effects of said evolution might be greatly reduced. As such I needed to win this, not just make Jacki Khan quit, but to get him to be utterly defeated. At least, that was the option that viewers and ratings would most likely request, which is just what I decided to give them. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Realizing I needed to make this good, I pulled off my hood, revealing my face. ¡°A child?¡± He spat out. What? He already said I was the daughter, now he is surprised that I am a child? What is up with this guy. Unless he finds my age to be far younger than even, he thought. Shaking off his response, I continue with my line. ¡°To show you that I too take this battle seriously, I will begin with my third eye already opened.¡± I state, then do just as I said, opening my vertical third eye up, eliciting a gasp from the Master. Clearly, he was not prepared for such an event. Then after a second the Master controlled himself, letting his violent energies slowly stabilize, as he turned from me to Jhonny. ¡°Do not worry, I merely mean to teach your daughter a lesson. I will not kill her.¡± ¡°My daughter?¡± Jhonny asked, then realized as he spoke, ¡°wait does he mean you?¡± Jhonny asked, but it was already too late to ask any more questions as the Qi Master was already moving. Thunderclap. Lightning crackled as he moved. With each burst of speed, his body pulled first from his primary core of energy, pulling forth golden Qi that ripped apart the muscles of his undead body. Then as a secondary effect he pulled forth twice as much Spiritual Qi that was then used to heal the damage he just created and then to encapsulate and forcefully eject the remaining golden Qi from his body. I noticed this, as I stared on. He was fast, too fast for me to counter. Just like Mallory when she gets going. With the Master I realized the true difference in how far apart my Mental Attributes were in comparison to my Physical Attributes. For I could see, track, and even predict the movement, path, and directions taken by this master. Unfortunately, my body was unable to move fast enough to move out of the way, or to even counter the blows. Instead, it was all I could do to put up my arms in a defensive block. BOOM! A lightning imbued Qi infused fist struck me and hurled me away. Crash. My body collided with the wall of a nearby spirit replica building. As I impacted, I created the horizontal impact crater that one would expect from the Matrix, or from a violent cartoon. Slide. No sooner had my backwards momentum stopped, then I felt my body collapsing to the ground. Still, this attacker was relentless. Fortunately, he assumed that because my face was pointing a different direction that I couldn¡¯t see his approach. While having my third eye opened did limit the range of my vision, I didn¡¯t need my Angel¡¯s Sight to see this guy. His fierce aura all but screamed his location, attack vector, and movement. This was why I think it took him by surprise when he was less than three paces away when I turned and unleashed my attack. WOOSH! I struck out with my golden Qi infused palm. The force of my blow sending a wave of highly charged air to shoot out and through my attacker. A wave of wind caught the man, blowing back his beard and long flowing hair, rippled his fighting robe, but my tiny arms ended up landing just an inch away from his torso. His speed and reaction time was too fast, there was no way I could strike him. Not with his speed, which was why he just looked down at me and my outstretched arm. An arm that still felt the burn from his earlier strike as even now I could feel my Regeneration working overtime to try to fix the internal damage caused by his strike. ¡°Hahaha, you will have to try harder then that, bleh¡­¡± he began to gloat, but was soon cut off as the full effect of my actual attack hit him. Golden Disruptive Palm Burst. Yes, I intentionally didn¡¯t want to strike at him. Instead, I sent a pulse of Qi infused energy into and through my attacker. The intent was to shatter the already volatile and poorly constructed golden Qi core that resided within the Martial Master. As he paused, his hands instinctively clutched at his stomach, right at his now shattered primary core. Right where I had aimed with my strike. ¡°What have you¡­¡± He began, but then his words were cut off. ¡°What have I done?¡± I ask, using the brief moment to cast a quick Healing spell on myself, before turning to face the Master who was now desperately clutching at his chest and body, trying to use his hands to keep his poisonous golden Qi from running loose within his body. Well the golden Qi itself is not poisonous in small doses, but given its abundance in his body, and the fact that golden Qi is for the living, his body and conditioning clearly aren¡¯t enough to stave off the intense pain he is now suffering from. Then continuing my statement, I answer his unspoken question, ¡°not enough, not yet at least.¡± Then with that, I charge up my other hand, pulling forth the silver Spirit Qi from my auxiliary core and using my other hand I deliver a second jab. Whoosh! This strike too is strong enough to produce a violent burst of wind. I stop less than an inch away from his arms that are desperately cradling his stomach. BLEH! More Qi infused blood comes spraying forth from the cultivator¡¯s mouth, as I just shattered his second core. Then after a second I get a notification from the system. Silver Disruptive Palm Burst. This second blow is too much for his mind and body to take, as a second and much greater surge of power courses through the Master¡¯s body, as he collapses into an unconscious heap on the ground. ¡°Did you kill him?¡± Jhonny asked, rushing over. ¡°What, no, he was already dead.¡± I respond, somewhat indignant at the thought of killing someone, even if they did start the fight. With that, I begin to work. With my third eye still open, I realize that I need to operate immediately. The first thing I need to do is to remove the pressure of the volatile energies that are now running rampant and unopposed within the master¡¯s body. Realizing this, I decided to begin by first removing all of the poisonous Golden Qi from the victim. Normally, I would use a scalpel, but I don¡¯t think I have time for all of that. Instead, I focus Qi into my two fingers and then quickly jab them right at the center of the Master¡¯s stomach, right where his original primary golden core used to reside. Squirt. The fingers make an odd sucking sound and sensation as they enter, but I can¡¯t focus on that. Instead, I begin cultivating the Golden Qi from his body and pulling it directly through my fingers, through the meridians in my hand and straight to my golden core. Unfortunately, the Master has a lot of Qi, as in he has too much. More than he, or the world clearly knew what to do with. As such, I have to keep pulling it in, crushing my core tighter and tighter, while forcing the core and energy to further compress in on itself. I even get to the point where I have to cycle the tightly condensed Qi throughout my body, before making a majority of it crash tightly into my core. Crack. Of course, this just causes my old Tier II core to crack from the strain, causing me to have to focus through creating the next stage of my core, while still trying to account for the insane degree of energy that remained from the Master¡¯s original Tier V core, before I shattered it. Gurgle. My stomach rumbles from the forceful creation of my denser core, and my tighter form of condensed Qi. By the time my own core begins to stabilize, that is when the fallen Master begins to awaken. ¡°What, what are you!¡± He begins and is about to sit up, fortunately Jhonny is there to help hold him down, while I continue to focus on pulling out enough of the poisonous Qi from his system. ¡°Lay down,¡± I hiss through clenched teeth as this entire thing is getting to be very taxing on me. I can already feel mana infused sweat forming on my forehead as I focus on cleaning up enough of this to make it so the man will no longer be poisoned by the violent levels of energy being channeled throughout his blood and meridians. Finally, I get to the point where I have a solid shape and size for my core. The new core is clearly twice the size of my last one. I am not certain if this is good or bad, but that is the smallest I can make that core, and even with this core being double the size I think I managed to get a tighter stage of Qi Compression within my body. Despite all of this, I still have my Qi meridians filled with violent streams of this volatile energy. Taking a moment, I realize that my thoughts have gotten me new skills.
New Skill Golden Disruptive Palm Burst has reached level 1.
Golden Disruptive Palm Burst is a Strength X3, Dexterity X2, Perception X2, and Willpower X3 based skill.
New Skill Silver Disruptive Palm Burst has reached level 1.
Silver Disruptive Palm Burst is a Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Perception X2, and Willpower X3 based skill.
New Skill Blackhole Qi Condensing has reached level 1.
Blackhole Qi Condensing is a Strength X2, Dexterity X1, Stamina X3, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3 based skill.
The first two were skills directly linked to the two new Qi powers I created during the battle. While the third one was a skill that I think was a long time coming, but honestly I can¡¯t complain about its bonuses. Phew. I let out a long sigh of relief, having seen the system message that lets me know a few things. I use this moment to remove my two fingers from the Master¡¯s stomach, then quickly heal the wound with Spirit Magic. Then I realized a few things. First, I realized that I was clearly out of combat as I wouldn¡¯t get skill notifications unless everything was at a pause. Second, I realized this also meant that the patient would live, well un-life live, you, you know what I mean. Realizing the worst part was over, it was now up for me to use this martial expert ghost as a guinea pig to see if I can teach him how to form a new Spirit Qi core as his primary core. This is important, as his creation of a Spirit Qi core for his foundation, will be important to pass over to Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri, and Lieutenant Foliv De¡¯Travin, both of whom I have been tasked with teaching how to create Qi cores. ¡°Now, that we have removed the poisonous mortal Qi from your system, it is time to focus on condensing your remaining spirit Qi and creating a primary core used to collect and maintain this type of Qi first and foremost.¡± ¡°How, you shattered my core?¡± The Master asked, a note of incredulity to his voice. ¡°Simple, just use a Coreless Qi Cultivation method.¡± I reply. ¡°What that is impossible.¡± The Martial Master began. At that, I just turn my attention to Jhonny who still has his hands on the shoulders of the former Martial Master, and begin speaking to him. ¡°You see this is why I tell you all to focus on the basics, like Coreless Qi Cultivation,¡± I state, using this as a teachable moment. ¡°Otherwise, you end up like this, with too much energy for your body to handle, with no way to save yourself.¡± With that Jhonny not really knowing what to do just nodded his head a few times, before answering a noncommittal ¡°yes.¡± Seeing the somewhat noncommittal answer, I press. ¡°It is that whole give a man a fire and he is warm for a night, whereas if you set him on fire, he is warm for the rest of his life.¡± I state. ¡°Uh, doesn¡¯t that quote normally involve a fish?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Normally it does, but this is a bit more dramatic and hopefully able to share the moral being taught to not only the person being spoken to, but to everyone else who may be listening.¡± With that, the tension that had been settling over the area abruptly stopped, at which time I decided to be serious and actually try to teach an old Master new tricks. ¡°Now, to begin you need to¡­¡± Chapter 166 Worst Birthday Gift Ever Part 4 Chapter 166 Worst Birthday Gift Ever Part 4 ¡°No, stop that, you need to focus your energy inward towards a point. We are going to have to get you to create your core from scratch. This will be taxing.¡± I said, as my attention span is already starting to wane. This man, Jackie Khan, is a noted expert, but that expertise came with a cost. Namely he was given everything and never had to actually work for any of the bonuses that he had. Meaning that now, when he was trying to work with the ambient amounts of energy within his body, he was clueless on how to use it, at least relatively so. Fortunately, I am very patient. ¡°Come on, you know how this should work. Just open up your channels and direct the energy down those natural paths that are already wired and ready to work in your body. Here, I¡¯ll help.¡± Qi-jab. With Qi infused into my two outstretched fingers, I aim for the spot where his core should be and strike. ¡°GAHHHH!¡± Jackie cries out in pain, as he rises up, despite Jhonny doing his best to hold the old man down. ¡°There, now your Spirit Qi will naturally be drawn to the right area to fix the trauma. As it congregates in that spot, force your control over the Qi to force the Qi into a condensed core that will be forged through your own will and continued pressure and force.¡± I state. Again, I am kind of cheating here, as I am also assisting with providing increased pressure on the core, so that something can form from the torrent of Spiritual Qi that is still running rampant in his body. ¡°You are a sadist.¡± Master Khan states. Shaking my head. ¡°Look, I asked if you wanted help, and you said yes.¡± I reply. ¡°You did no such thing.¡± Pause. ¡°Oh, I guess I didn¡¯t. But still, a little gratitude would be nice. I am trying to save your life, well un-life at least.¡± I reply. With that, he hesitates for a second, before relaxing once again and dropping to the ground, where we begin tightening and condensing his internal Qi and helping him form a brand-new Qi Core in his body. This time the base will be filled with Spiritual Qi, making sure to add any Qi variations as externally linked sources. The whole process takes about ten minutes, but feels like forever. Whoosh! There is a swell and sudden release of power as he finally condenses his Qi Core to the correct size and pressure rating. ¡°Ah, hahaha, I did it. I created a new core.¡± Jackie says through deep breaths of air. It is clear that he is exhausted from the ordeal. ¡°Yeah, glad you did it, all by yourself.¡± I state, standing up and finally taking a moment to stretch. This had been a lot, and finally after all that, I feel that the danger has finally passed and I am finally able to relax. That is exactly when I receive the system notification that came along with all this hard work.
Epic Martial Quest Completed: Master of Qi: You have defeated the former martial Qi Master of BiPrism, Jackie Khan in a sparring match by managing to knock out your partner completely with two strikes, and even managed to revive and heal the former Master. Rewards: Experience, Improved Qi Core, Bloodline evolution perks, variable. Experience Gained: 250,000 / 125,000 / 125,000 Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 150. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased to level 210. Ethereal Healer has increased to level 262.
That was a total of 21 levels overall and quite the increase. Finally, my Willpower, easily my highest Attribute passed the two-thousand-point threshold, but there was nothing for that accomplishment. Not that I expected to be rewarded for having passed such a huge milestone, but some form of recognition would be nice every once in a while. Alas, this world does not reward you with more strength purely for the fact that you are strong. This world rewards you for your actions and deeds more than anything. Then I receive notice of the other rewards from this quest.
Improved Qi Core (already applied).
Realizing this, I pause and then bring up the notifications that I minimized earlier, particularly those related to my improved Qi Core.
Perfect Stage III Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage III Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity III, Body Improvement III, Movement III, Qi Core Size III, Qi Circulation III. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed.
Bloodline Evolution Perk marked.
Bloodline Evolution Markers Gained: Qi and Spirit Qi markers identified.
That was cool, the first time I had ever seen the exact markers that were added to the bloodline. Maybe this was the system¡¯s way of making sure I had all the components I wanted to be noted as key factors with my next evolution? I didn¡¯t know, though I assumed getting to the Mythic Bloodline stage was still far away, it felt nice to know that I could include Qi as part of the bonuses that would come in the future. With the notification given and sudden swell of power from gaining so many levels so quickly, I felt pretty good all things considered. Then turning to Jhonny, I saw that he too likely got at least a portion of the quest completion, as he too looked to have improved drastically in terms of his overall power rating, particularly with regards to his Qi potential. His Qi that he had accumulated was still the same, but now it seemed that his well to hold Qi had increased. ¡°That was...¡± Jhonny began, but then trailed off. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°You okay?¡± I ask. ¡°What? Well, yeah. Well no, I am not just fine. I am better than fine. This was great. Do you always get so much experience from quests?¡± He asked. At that I paused, and looked back at what I had gained. Overall, the entire quest was worth half a million experience to me over my three classes. While this was not the highest I had ever received, it was still quite a huge windfall. ¡°Yeah, roughly.¡± I replied. I realized that Jhonny likely got some of the splash experience for being with me throughout the entire process. Then I add my own thoughts on the matter, ¡°the experience was likely increased due to everyone constantly testing fate.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± was all Jhonny managed to say, before looking away a bit sheepishly. Awkward pause. There was a moment of silence as Jhonny just stared at me for a moment, clearly not knowing how to apologize about testing karma without invoking more immediate karma. As such, I replied. ¡°You ready to get back to the others?¡± Jhonny paused for a moment, then looked down towards Jackie, who was still trying to cultivate and restore the broken Qi Core that had shattered during our duel. ¡°What about him?¡± He asked. I paused then turned my head to face Jackie, who was in a deep meditative pose. The gesture was completely unneeded, but often helped others feel like I was part of their conversations. Then I turned back to Jhonny and spoke. ¡°Nothing,¡± then pivoting my head back to Jackie I continued, ¡°you aren¡¯t going to try to seek revenge on us are you?¡± ¡°What?¡± Jackie began, then turned to me and moved from being legs crossed to kneeling in a second, ¡°no master. This one has seen the error of his ways and wishes to learn anew.¡± I pause, not quite knowing what this is about. Likely more of a headache that will come back later on. ¡°Okay.¡± I answer. ¡°What would you have me do?¡± ¡°Just sit there, and recreate your new core to be able to handle your power accurately.¡± I answer. ¡°Yes, master, I will do this and get back to you for more guidance.¡± ¡°Yeah, you do that.¡± I state, then gesture to Jhonny that it is officially our time to leave this place and get back to the real world. Jhonny fortunately didn¡¯t need to be told twice to leave, as he was by my side in two steps. Then a quick Planar Shift to create a hole for us to walk through, and boom we were back to the real world. ¡°Brr.¡± Jhonny said, shivering slightly as he wrapped his hands around his arms to increase his body heat. ¡°I see why people are so afraid of that place.¡± Hearing that, I pause, ¡°what?¡± ¡°Honestly, it is impressive the way you are able to just shrug off everything in there like it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Jhonny says, ¡°I just hope I didn¡¯t slow you down too much while in there. I realize that I did absolutely nothing to help you in there, and I apologize for that.¡± ¡°What, no, you were great. You stayed out of the way, then when I needed help with the patient you were there.¡± I replied. Scoff. ¡°That¡¯s just it, I¡¯m your bodyguard. I should be the one protecting you, not getting out of your way so you can do everything on your own.¡± Jhonny replied. ¡°Ah.¡± I said, realizing the problem, but not quite realizing how to solve the problem. This was likely due to a number of reasons, the most glaring being that he likely felt inadequate in the spirit realm, whereas I feel the exact same there as I do here in the mortal realm. If anything, being in the spirit realm is a bit nicer, all things considered. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know what to say to him right now. If I did, I likely wouldn''t be having similar problems with Zero, my bonded familiar at the moment. ¡°It¡¯ll be okay. Besides we should probably head up and see what exactly Mallory and the others are doing with Mr. Bones.¡± I suggest. ¡°Oh right, there might be another ambush.¡± Jhonny says, as he then begins running to the correct building. I of course can now see clearly everything, and Mallory, her bodyguards, the two pilots and yes even Rick are all casually talking. Well Rick is clearly bound on the floor, while everyone is acting relaxed around the room. Even Mr. Bones¡¯s guards are relaxed, which is a good thing. Seeing that for the moment, everything is okay, I follow behind Jhonny who takes us straight to the exact meeting room. ¡°Here it is, 302.¡± Jhonny says, reading the door number and pushing his way in. Jhonny is first to enter, followed shortly by me. Hush. There is that awkward pause that always happens when you enter a party where everyone is talking, and suddenly stop to stare at the newcomers. ¡°There she is,¡± Mallory states loud enough for me to hear from across the open ballroom floor. With that I quickly make my way over to Mallory. ¡°Your hood?¡± She hissed. With that, I realized that my hood was still down from my duel with Jackie. ¡°Yeah, sorry,¡± I state, then proceed to put on my hood. ¡°There is no point in putting that on now that everyone has seen you.¡± Mallory hissed, but then calmed down. ¡°Well glad you made it. What took you two so long, don¡¯t tell me, were you two, you know?¡± Bleh. ¡°No, I was cleaning up the mess you all created by all but tempting fate.¡± I replied. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I had to take down a spirit arch-mage, and then Jhonny went and jinxed us again making it so I had to square off against Jackie Khan.¡± I replied. ¡°Jackie Khan? Oh, hahaha. You are hilarious. Sure, I will believe this excuse.¡± Mallory says, then gives me a large wink. ¡°No, she is being serious. Jackie Khan, the former Qi Master trainer of the world was just there.¡± Jhonny states, then points out in the direction that we just came from. ¡°He punched her into a wall¡­¡± ¡°He hit you into a wall?¡± Mallory cried out, then began turning me around to look for any signs of injury. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m a healer though, remember?¡± Fortunately, that was enough to get her to stop talking, and that is when Jhonny went back into full on narrator mode. ¡°Then she, I don¡¯t know. She punched out and somehow missed her punches on purpose.¡± He paused as she let that idea sink in. Then just before everyone could say anything, he continued, ¡°she punched out, and for a second it looked like her fist would connect, but the Master was too quick. He just paused an inch away from her outstretched palm. Little did he know that she didn¡¯t want to connect with him at all. Instead, she caused this wave of Qi to come out and shatter the cores of a Qi Master who was leagues above my own comprehension of power. Yay, hiyaah!¡± At the end Jhonny added sound effects, while trying to mimic my supposed palm strikes. ¡°I did not make any stupid sounds.¡± I replied. ¡°Oh that¡¯s true, for all you could hear was the sound, WOOSH, and that was the sound of death moving closer to the former number one Qi Master, ready to call in his final breath.¡± Jhonny said. ¡°Then what happened?¡± Vickard, Mallory¡¯s primary bodyguard, asked. ¡°Then she jabbed him in the stomach piercing his skin with her two fingers. Then told him to start circulating mana without a core. Gave a live demonstration right there and everything.¡± Jhonny continued. ¡°Well, where is he now?¡± One of the pilots asked. ¡°She told him to sit there and practice. He all but begged to join her, but she made him sit there until he was done fully cultivating the energy in his body, only then could he leave. It was great to not be at the end of one of her scoldings.¡± ¡°Scoldings? I never scold anyone.¡± I reply a bit defensively. ¡°Yes, sure thing master, whatever you say.¡± Jhonny said, and all but played into the obedient student role. I shook my head at that, as there was no way for me to win this conversation, as such, I switched topics. ¡°Wasn¡¯t I brought here to inspect an item?¡± I ask, turning to Mallory. ¡°You were, but we went ahead and purchased it, regardless of your inspection. Here it is, hope you like it, and happy birthday.¡± Mallory said, holding out a box that clearly had the shard for the Mirror of the Dead in it, as it all but reeked of spiritual energy. ¡°Okay, but it isn¡¯t my birthday.¡± I say, reaching out to grab the box. ¡°Yeah it is, in the real world, today is the last few minutes of your real world birthday,¡± she begins, then continues. ¡°Congratulations, you are officially 80 today.¡± Party streamers. With that everyone pulled out noise makers and let out confetti. Even the seller, Mr. Bones had a noise maker that he blew into. ¡°Thanks everyone, I don¡¯t feel a day over fifteen.¡± I respond, then taking the box I unwrapped the outer layer showing a very intricately designed box with a number of runes that were clearly meant to ward off the power of the object held inside. With a glance I saw that a few of the more prominent runes were worn away, or destroyed. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yeah, I can just see that the wards were damaged.¡± I answered. ¡°Can you fix them?¡± ¡°I believe so.¡± I state and feel that fixing these should not be too much of a problem. Though there is something that is concerning, as there is a lot of energy that feels like it is pouring out of the box. Then I open the box, well not really open, as I have to turn a few locking gears and releasing runes before the box becomes unsealed and then I can finally see the shard. Just looking at it, I feel, well I don¡¯t know what I feel. Power. That is probably the number one feeling I get when looking at the shard. ¡°Gah!¡± Everyone in the room not covered by my Death Shroud, immediately drops to the ground. Seeing them all drop, I try to close the lid, but find that the wear and tear on the box is too much, that the box is now actively being melted away by the residual radiation of energy. ¡°Shoot.¡± I say, though that was not the word I used. Then realizing I need to get away quickly, I Teleport, only to find that I am bound by the walls of this room. While I am trying to escape, the walls of this room are too much for my Teleportation to actually break through. With a start, I realize it is the runes on the box, one of them, or maybe a few of them that are still active are actively preventing me from leaving the room with Teleportation. Likely a safety measure that was invented to prevent thieves like me from absconding with the treasure. That said, I need to get away from here, so that everyone can at least begin to heal and recover, for even Mallory is now dropping down to the ground. Realizing I need to remove the item from the box, I do that, and instantly regret the decision. Burning Tingle. Sizzle. The stone instantly begins burning its way into my hand, as I can feel parts of it melting and pouring their way into my blood stream. At that exact moment, I get a quest notification that I never expected.
Mythic Bloodline Quest Activated: The Mythical Bloodline Catalyst: You have found a catalyst capable of awakening deeper components of your bloodline that will allow you to begin to take steps towards the Mythic rating. You must fully integrate the fragment from the Mirror of the Dead into your system in order to begin the awakening process. Percentage (0 / 100). Rewards: Experience, Mythic Bloodline Awakening, Title, Badge, Skills, variable.
Then just like that I realized two things. First, I was pretty sure my friends were trying to kill me with this. And second, with the fragment already melting in my hand like a giant chocolate bar, I realized that there was no way for me to use this to contact my parents. Searing hot pain. Yes, I had planned to steal the fragment at one point to figure out how to use it, but to have it and immediately lose it like this, it was almost too much. Poof. With the shard out of the box, glass half full, I was now able to at least use Teleport to get out of the room. Now all I needed to do was find a safe place far away from people, while I tried to figure out what the heck to do with this shard that was clearly trying to kill me. Poof. Poof. ¡°I have to say, I think this is the first gift I¡¯ve ever been given that has literally tried to kill me.¡± I say, finding a safe spot out in the middle of the desert. Once I was far enough away from everyone, I paused my constant movements, and sat down in a meditative pose, trying to catch and absorb as many melting drops from the shard as possible. Drip, sizzle. Fortunately, with me now sitting down, my body can still catch and potentially absorb all the droplets that continue to fall from the slowly melting shard. The only problem, is that even the drops burn. Worst part, while holding the shard and can hear voices of the dead talking to me. But I need to focus through them, so that I can try to gain as many of these drops as possible. Yes, one drop does apparently equate to a one percent completion rate for this quest. Probably the worst quest ever. Now all I need to do is to focus, and oh shoot, what is that. Glitch. As I focus on trying to interact with the shard, I feel a momentary flicker, then it is gone. Seeing flicker of my entire consciousness, I realize that this moment here is life or death. That one stray thought, one misplaced energy line will result in my deletion, or worse my inability to remain as a permanent fixture in this world. With that, I let out a breath, calm my mind and focus. GLITCH. Yeah, this might be bad. Epilogue IV Epilogue IV ¡°It would appear that the Ghost has truly disappeared. The last image we got of her was from when she found a seemingly remote place out in the middle of the desert and then she disappeared.¡± The Reporter began, as a clip of Cassiopeia holding onto the brightly glowing purple shard was seen dashing away at great speeds, before ultimately dropping into a meditative stance, then focusing her mind on the stone. At this point Cassiopeia glitched once. It was a glitch, there was no other way to describe what was happening to her, as she was there, then completely disappeared only to reappear. At which point all three of her eyes opened up to stare at the stone. Then with her mind focused on the task at hand, she seemed to center her entire mind and body on the stone, causing the stone to release even more dense clouds of purple smoke. Then she flickered in and out of reality a second time, before completely disappearing a third time. ¡°This was right around the time when the feeds for Cassiopeia all shut off, citing that she had the Dark Horse flaw, meaning she could not receive monetary compensation for her feeds. Up until recently this had been a loophole as it just meant pure revenue for the parent company. Yet, thanks to the new Supreme Court case of Utah versus Stanton, one sided indefinite content generation contracts are determined to be illegal. This case, while involving professional gamers and their streaming licenses, has had a wide blanket effect on the streaming landscape. Meaning that for the moment, the company that produces BiPrism has cut off all feeds from people who took the Dark Horse flaw, which would seemingly fall under one sided indefinite content generation contracts. This is good, as it means that eventually Cassiopeia and her family can gain the benefits of her actions, but only once an agreement has been worked out.¡± The reporter states, then shifting from the news, he relaxes his posture as he begins to speak candidly to the camera. ¡°Now, onto the More Rumors than Truth segment of our show, I would be remis to leave out the fact that a few of our deeper lurkers of all things digital have come up with a master class theory of what is actually happening. See, as many of you might or might not be aware, Cassiopeia¡¯s granddaughter, who will remain nameless for the time being, had stage four cancer. This was noted by both Mallory and Gwendolyn¡¯s attempts to get her to be their outside source of information. Well, this new theory poses the suggestion that shortly after Cassiopeia began giving detailed classes on how magic works, making note to a great granddaughter, again names left out due to privacy reasons, her mother, the granddaughter had a miraculous cure that many are calling a minor miracle. But I pose this question to you all, is it truly a stand-alone miracle? Or could this be the fate of things to come?¡± With that the reporter gives a wide smile, before signing out. ¡°As always, thank you for watching, and tune in next time to see what we uncover next.¡± Cass''s Stats at the end of book 4
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Cassiopeia Spiritlight
Age: 14
Race (Esoteric Arcanist Elf): Emerald Eyed Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elf (Progenitor)
Primary Class: Ethereal Healer (Unique)
Secondary Class Ethereal Simulacrum Masters (Unique)
Tertiary Class Akashic Qi Master (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
level: 262 / 210 / 150
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 104 319 Personality 98 396 Perception 172 1248
Dexterity 137 714 Sociability 95 400 Intelligence 171 1440
Endurance 134 433 Attractiveness 86 1194 Willpower 170 1897
Race (Bonus Per Level): +2 Appearance, +2 Perception, +2 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower every level.
Ethereal Healer: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower every level.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +1 Willpower every level.
Akashic Qi Master +2 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +2 Endurance, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower every level.
Titles Gained Bonuses
Early Awakening, Early Class Both Titles were combined to increase Spirit Tier mastery from starting maximum of Tier VII to Tier VIII
Surname: Spiritlight Gain an automatic 10% boost in all social interactions with spirits. Spirits start off as neutral.
Love Guru Truly one worth emulating, when it comes to the art of love and its best practices. +5 Appearance, +10 Personality, +10 Sociability, +7% Luck, +20% Bonus to Avoiding Conflict, +25% chance to help others find a soul mate, +30% Chance to Seduction based skills and attempts.
Arcanarus University Graduate (III) One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +30 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +300% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Void Healer Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Void Healer class. Rewards: Can dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Simulacrum Master Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Simulacrum Master class. Rewards: Cand dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Magical Duelist: You are developing a reputation for being a winner of magical duels, this both makes you stand out more, while offering some benefits. Effect: +5% to all Magical Dueling Skills, +5% to all Social Attributes when you are recognized for your feats.
Nature¡¯s Friend (X): You have helped cleaned up over one hundred thousand pounds of trash, and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 50% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Pegicorn''s Blessing You have been blessed by the last pegicorn and are now officially recognized as a legendary healer of nature and spirit creatures alike. You are 25% more resistant to the blight and 25% more capable of healing the blight.
Luminescence You have managed to make the world a brighter place. Any zone you go into will be treated as completely bright to you and your allies.
Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor) As a Legendary member of the Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline you have unlocked the following bonuses: +25 Skill Levels and +50% comprehension speed towards the following skills: Spell Theory, Magical Theory, Magical Manipulation, Quick Casting, Dual Casting, Mana Circulation, Danger Sense, Master Enchanting, Gear Infusion, and Energy Resonance Alteration. Note: As the Progenitor, all bonuses are further increased by an additional 50%.
Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV): Magical Enchantment Surgeon The most promising Surgical Doctoral Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +40 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy and learning rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Title: Innovator (I): You have invented one new thing never before seen in the world of BiPrism. Effect: +1% efficacy to all created products.
Qi Path Creator (II): One who has begun the path of a Mystical Martial Master. Effect: Increased damage and resistance to undead.
Princess of Deolar (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, while within the borders of the Deolar region, your Social Attributes and Skills are increased by a further 25% efficiency.
Rank
Princess (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, you are the next in line to rule over the remaining subjects of the Deloar Kingdom. Only the King can veto your proclamation. Rewards: All bloodline merits are increased by 40% (Upgradable to 50% when noted as the true ruler)
Prestige
Prestige (1) (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, you have unlocked your first nobility class. The sky always shines in your presence, and the world prepares for the next Matriarch of the Deolar Kingdom to reign supreme. Reward: All Bloodline perks are increased by 10%.
Skills
Alertness: (Perception)
Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence)
Daggers (Dexterity)
Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower)
Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower)
Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence)
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower)
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance)
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception)
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Mental Reistance (Willpower)
Free Falling (Dexterity)
Applied Physics (Intelligence)
Trap Detection (Perception and Intelligence)
Disarm trap (Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence)
Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Climbing (Strength and Endurance)
Deductive Reasoning (Perception and Intelligence)
Courtly Ediquette (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Mechanical Engineering (Perception and Intelligence)
Arcane Understanding (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medical Healing (Perception and Intelligence)
Focus (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Latens Manifesta (Dexterity, Perception, Personality, Sociability, Intelligence)
Survival (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Polyglot (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence)
Nature Resistance (Endurance)
Stealth (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower
camouflage (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence)
Obfuscation (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Running (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Willpower
Tumbling (Dexterity, Endurance)
Acrobatics (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Herbalism (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magic Script (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Engineering (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magical Forensics (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Forging (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Writing (Dexterity, Perception)
Bathing (Personality, Sociability, and Appearance)
Telepathy (Personality, Sociability, and Willpower)
Swimming (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance)
Internal Compass (Peception, Intelligence)
Danger Sense (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Scentless Passage (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Concealed Mana (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mana Circulation (Strength, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower)
Blood Magic Resistance (Endurance and Willpower)
Telepathy Shielding (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Intimidation (Strength, Personality, and Willpower)
Narrator (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, and Intelligence)
Total Recall (Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Spell Theory (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Spell Deconstruction (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Insight (Perception and Intelligence)
Emotional Insight (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Gambling (Sociability, Personality, Attractive, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Alchemy (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medicine (Perception, Intelligence)
Magical theory (Intelligence)
Spirit-Magic Spell Creation (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Anatomy (Perception and Intelligence)
Biology (Perception and Intelligence)
Chemistry (Perception and Intelligence)
Energy Resonance Alteration (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Leadership (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Painting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Artist (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Proper Diction (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acupuncture (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Diagnosis (Perception and Intelligence)
Magical Energy Observation (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mimicry (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Seduction (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Occult (Curses) (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Twin Consciousness (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Duelist (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower
Aura Guidance (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Comedic Timing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Enchanting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Advanced Enchanting (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Master Enchanting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Blacksmithing (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Gear Protecting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Intelligence)
Gear Infusion (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Auditing (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Disrupt Casting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Legendary Trick Shot (Strength, Dexterity (X2), Endurance (X2), Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower (X2))
Pulse Casting (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Quick Casting (Dexterity, Stamina, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Physiology (Perception X 3, Intelligence X 3, and Willpower X 3)
Aerial Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Magical Manipulation (Dexterity, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2)
Qi Sight (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Qi Lore (Perception, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower)
Grand Master Level Taming is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Ethereal Energy Circulation thoery is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower based skill.
Ethereal Energy Resonance theory is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Divine Qi Energy Observation (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill)
Bronze Qi Manipulation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Golden Qi Movement (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X2, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Bronze Qi Fighting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Divine Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, Willpower X3)
Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Astrological Prediction (Perception, and Intelligence)
Faerie Lore (Intelligence)
Grim Dark Lore (Intelligence)
Teaching (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Master Teaching (Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Golden Qi Formation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, Willpower)
Bloodline Sensing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Ancient Elven Lore (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence )
Golden Palm Strike (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Golden Body Radiance (Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, Willpower)
Golden Kung Fu Grip (Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, and Willpower X2)
Golden Mana Devouring Palm (Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2)
Life Seals (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3)
Life Seal Breaker (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3)
Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness)
Seductive Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness X2)
Golden Disruptive Palm Burst (Strength X3, Dexterity X2, Perception X2, and Willpower X3)
Silver Disruptive Palm Burst (Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Perception X2, and Willpower X3).
Blackhole Qi Condensing (Strength X2, Dexterity X1, Stamina X3, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Traits
Personal Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis, Telepathy
Class Trait(s): Spiritual Doppelganger (13/100), Omni-Healing, Energy Status Resonance
Class Trait: Positional Switch, Positional Teleportation
Class Trait: Celerity
Flaws
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Broke (7): The sum of all your gear, equipment, and finances cannot equal or exceed 100 gold coins.
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes.
Unique Class Flaw (7): Void Touched Void Walker: You have been marked as the chosen advocate by the deepest denizens of the void. Your primary class will now and forever be Void Walker. Additionally, both denizens of the realm of the living and realm of the dead will know you are the one who can both teach others your class, while also conducting unique missions on behalf of both realms.
Rivalry (3): You have one or more rivals who will make it a personal goal to take you down a notch, watch your back.
Racial Flaw: Magical Beacon: You are easy to notice by sensitives and true practitioners of magic. Minus 20% to Stealth and Evasion type skills when being actively sought by a magical practitioner.
Racial Flaw: Magical Eyes: Your eyes are the true gateway to your soul. With this flaw people can see what type of a monster you truly are. Current Status: Green (a True Healer).
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier XIII).
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): Personally Focused (4): Your selfish nature has led you to be limited in the scope of what you can and cannot replicate with your simulacrums. With this flaw you can only copy your base form to be your simulacrum.
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): One Death for All (3): You are so intertwined with your simulacrum that should the simulacrum die, you yourself will die as well. While you can dismiss your simulacrum at any time, you can only do so when your simulacrum is at full health.
Racial Flaw: Third Eye: You have manifested the power of Angel¡¯s Sight, and at this level of evolution have unlocked the legendary third eye. No eye lashes or eyebrows, just a closed scar in the middle of your forehead, then an eye. Note: If your rating in Angel¡¯s Sight is Tier V or below, you can use the third eye to see normally. If your rating in Angel''s Sight is Tier VI or above, you will need to use the third eye to take advantage of your enhanced vision.
Racial Flaw: Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening.
Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
Merits: (157)
Precocious (7): Learn Skills Twice as quickly. (Only available at character creation)
Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation)
Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation)
Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation)
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation)
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Unique Class Merits: Death Shroud (3): Wielder of this merit has a tempered body that is immune to the piercing soul damage of the ethereal realms. Wielder can travel to either realm and bring up to two chosen people to follow them into the opposing realm.
Unique Class Merit (4): Spirit Familiar: You have formed a deep spiritual bond with one of the blessed children of the spirit world. Your familiar will be both a guide and advocate to help you navigate your way through the realm of spirits.
Ally (3): You have made an ally with someone who is considered to be three times more powerful and influential than you. Work with this relationship to make it grow and flourish.
for efficacy, mana usage, impact, and focus).
Racial Merit: Magic School Proficiency: All schools of magic increased by two Tiers (maximum of Tier IX). (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Proficiency: All skills related to the use of magic are increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Trait Proficiency: All magic based Traits are further increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Class Merit (Simulacrum Master): Exact Perfect Replica (7): You can create one exact perfect replica of yourself that shares your attributes, abilities, skills, and energy pools. This replica will be a perfect copy of your base form down to the most minor of details, and will be indistinguishable from yourself by most mundane methods of detection. This replica will be able to cast and use all spells and traits that you can, and any experience gained by the simulacrum will go to you, as if you earned it yourself.
Racial Merit: Angel¡¯s Sight + 2 Tiers: You have managed to make it so you and all your progeny will have access to the Angel¡¯s Sight merit. If the bloodline is awakened to this level, then the wielder of the bloodline will have their Angel¡¯s Sight merit increased by two tiers.
Racial Merit: Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your (Holy) Magic and your resonance has been noted to be set to your highest natural magic school rating (Tier XIII).
Racial Merit: Unbound (+50): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. All Attributes and Skills can be further improved by an additional 50 points.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Class Spells
Planar Shift (Level 1) (A): Allows user to create a path connecting the realm of the living to the spirit world.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Spirit Sight (P): This spell allows you to pierce the veil separating the mortal and spirit realms. This spell will allow you to see through the veil regardless of which side you are the caster. Reserve: 2 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Mana Potency (P): This spell allows the caster to increase the potency of their Spirit Mana by 25% at a detriment to all other forms of mana within the body.
Spirit Energy Circulation (A): The first step towards becoming a healer of Spirit Magic. You have learned to infuse your spirit energy into the blood of another being, allowing you to circulate the blood of that person. Warning: This is a spell that can be used for healing or attack. Using this spell as a means of attack will forever mark your spirit as a Karmic Betrayer.
Spirit Blight Purification (C): Tier VII. A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
Resurrection (C): A tier IX spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, used to bring a spirit back from the dead.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard spell inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Attribute Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Attribute inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Skill Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Skill inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell: Curse Removal [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can remove any curse that is Tier VIII or lower. For tier IX curses, a contested battle of wills will need to be conducted to determine a victor.
Custom Simulacrum (C): Create a near perfect replica of one target of your choosing. Amount of maximum mana required to maintain: variable (minimum of 1% for continual maintenance, maximum used based on needs of simulacrum). Note: This spell has been modified, so that it can only copy you, and your simulacrum is for all intents and purposes an extension of yourself that has access to your same resource pools and abilities. (only spell available).
Dispel-Dispel: You have found a way to dispel a dispel cast at you and your spells and Traits.
New Spell Created: Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of the targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 10% increase for 24 hours. *Spell Restriction: This spell must be cast on two people simultaneously, who are both willing participants. **Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Tobias Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Animal Pack Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Sabrina Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted animal group, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Attributes, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell: Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight and allows the caster to create a perfected body for a newly deceased soul to reside in. Effect: Spirit is resurrected into a body deemed to be the peak physical form for their race and will experience a period of enhanced youth and vitality because of this. Negates any detriments caused by old age, such as painful joints, decreased muscle and bone density, or other effects associated with aging.
New Spell Created: Spirit Drift [Tier VI] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, and allows the caster the ability to defy gravity by having their spiritual weight substitute for their actual weight. Reserve: 25% of Maximum Mana.
New Spell Created: Polymorph: Divine Double Wings (Pearl) [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Sabrina Spiritlight and allows the caster the ability to permanently grow two sets of elegant wings. Mana: 10,000 (total) to cast, Reserve: 5%.
New Spell: Personalized Rejuvenation [Tier IX] (A): A spell designed by Sabrina Spiritlight that drastically increases the regeneration rate of health, mana, and stamina of the user for a period of time equal to one minute per point of Willpower.
New Spell: Conjured Magical Spirit Orb [Tier IX] (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that creates a highly compact magical construct that is infused with Spirit, Life, and Nature magic.
New Spell Created: Glitter Burst [Tier VII] (a): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that allows the caster to create a distracting burst of light, that will then coat anyone caught in the blast radius with mana particles. Good for entertainment, tracking, and light scale vandalism.
Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain (C) [Tier XIII]: A master work spell involving dual spell work latices, created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. This rain will both immobilize people suffering from the Blight, while simultaneously curing them of the affliction.
Kung Fu Grip (C) [Tier VIII]: A strengthening spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. By channeling energy into your hand, you can grab hold of anything, forcing the object you hold to maintain its integrity until you finally release your hold. This spell can even keep a spirit from dissolving into an alternate realm.
Cleansing Rain [Tier VII] (C): A storm spell created by Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, that can generate rains that will purge the Blight from any infected lands, and prevent the spread of the Blight from creatures that have been splashed with any purified rain water for up to 24 hours.
Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text [Tier XIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used to permanently alter the wordings on any contract, even magical soul bound contracts. This effect can be made permanent with double the initial mana costs. Can only be dispelled by a higher tier magical practitioner, or by the caster of the spell.
Superior Sleep Spell [Tier IV] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, mixing Spirit, Mental, and Healing magic components together to create a spell powerful enough to put even a Troll to sleep, while slowly healing any lasting ailments within the target.
Qi Core Rating
Perfect Stage III Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage III Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity III, Body Improvement III, Movement III, Qi Core Size III, Qi Circulation III. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed.
Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
Level 5 Class Evolution (Spell or Perk) Void Healer:
Class Perk Unlocked: Skill Infusion: All skills will be infused by the Void Walker essence, allowing the wielder to receive a 7% bonus to their skill¡¯s base level in the mortal realm, and a 15% bonus while in the spirit realm.
Simulacrum Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Simulacrum Schemes: You have been blessed with the creation of a Simulacrum that is not just like you, but is part of you. As such you can rest assured that every plan they create will work to benefit the both of you. Effect: +50% to Strategy, +50% to Tactics, +50% to Schemes, +50% to Plans.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Boundless Cultivation: You have been blessed with a supreme talent for cultivating that knows no bounds. As such, you can cultivate Qi energy at an astronomical rate. Effect: +50% to Divine Qi Cultivation, + 50% to Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation
Level 10 Class Evolution (Spell , Perk, or Skill) Void Healer
Class Skill Perk Unlocked: Spirit-Magic Spell Creation: With this skill you can create spirit-based magic spells, so long as your Magical Theory and Spell Theory are adequate to generate the spell you wish to make.
Skill Spirit-Magic Spell Creation is an Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Simulacrum Master
New Class Skill Gained: Eidetic Speed Reading has reached level 1.
Class Skill Eidetic Speed Reading is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Skill Gained: Divine Qi Energy Observation
Class Skill Divine Qi Energy Observation is a Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Level 25 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, or Trait) Void Healer
Omni-Healing: Heal any living creature with comparable magical energy.
Simulacrum Master
Positional Switch: You and your Simulacrum have become so intertwined that by just willing it, you can switch geolocational positions with your doppelganger regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Trait (Akashic Qi Master) Unlocked: Celerity: You have heightened your body and mind to such an extent that you can force reality to slow down around you, while you move and react to people and actions around you. Increases movement speed by a factor of one-one hundredth of your Dexterity Score. Current Value: 5.6.
Level 50 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill) Ethereal Healer
Class Perk Unlocked: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you are able to regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free floating spirit.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Magic Disruption: You have managed to focus your will into dominating the magical spectrum around you. Effect: +100% Range when dueling other magicians, +100% efficacy when dismantling a spell targeted towards you, +100% when trying to alter, diver, or diminish any form of magical energy around you.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Qi Technique Propagator: You have managed to focus your will into creating new Qi Techniques that can be used and trained by all users of Qi. Effect: +100% Ability to Create new Qi Techniques, +100% efficacy of all new Qi Techniques created by you that you use, +100% efficiency in your ability to teach known Qi Techniques to others.
Level 100 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Healing Magic, Nature Magic) Ethereal Healer
Nature Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Nature Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Ethereal Simulacrum Master
Life Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Life Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Akashic Qi Master
(Qi Specialization): Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
Level 200 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Magic, Trait) Ethereal Healer
Energy Status Resonance (Unique): This unique Trait will allow the caster to impart a desired effect of energy onto a willing target who can then mentally comprehend the exact nature of the energy flowing within them, and how that energy is meant to flow.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Positional Teleportation (Unique): This unique Trait will allow you to create a one or two-way portal between yourself and one of your doppelgangers where people, resources, and energy can transfer freely, regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Akashic Qi Master
N/A: Candidate does not reach minimum requirements to unlock this ability.
Soulbound Items
Engineering Guild Goggles "EGGs": (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Standard Wizard Adept Gear "SWAG" (Cloak): (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifest)
Silver Level Adventurer¡¯s Card (Necklace): (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
Apothecary Generic Equipment (Gloves): (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
Basic Thieves Mask (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
Spirit Line Ticket: (A permanent first class ticket for you and a friend, 1000 Gold retainer for gambling)
VIP Membership Card to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall
Midnight Hunter''s Guild Recruitment Card
Arcanarus University Diploma: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Master''s Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Confirmed Merit Point Receipt (Soul Bound): You have turned in 9,400,250 experience points for a one time purchase of 0 Merit Points Remaining, which can be redeemed at any specially marked traveling shops.
Personal Thanks: This is a personal note of thanks from Mudrikal Ghaniston, seek him out once you leave the tower to earn a possible reward.
Arcanarus University Surgical Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy and growth rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Soul Bind Item: Midnight Hunter¡¯s Doctorial Uniform: Official uniform worn by those noted as Doctors within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. As long as owner remains within the Midnight Hunters guild they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Mana Capacity, +15% Movement Speed, +15% Silent Movement, +8% Energy Hiding, +2% Energy Efficiency.
Badges:
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster. 1
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level. 25
New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used) 50 (Gone)
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. GONE
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Empire Dropper (500). You managed to topple a successful industry empire 500
New Feat Recorded: Healer of Valor (250). You have proven yourself to be a healer people can depend upon 250
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher Gone
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead. 250
New Feat Recorded: Gambling Guru (100): You placed fifth or higher in a gambling contest involving 500 people or more. 100
New Feat Recorded: Been Caught Cheating (500): You are banned from all gambling facilities for a period of no less than seven years and nine months. 500
New Feat Recorded: Survive an Audit Through Seduction (500). You are the first person to successfully navigate your way through an audit through deception and seduction alone. 500
New Feat Recorded: Magical Dueling Master (100): You managed to win a magical duel against a reported master in the field. 100
New Feat Recorded: Grand Master Tier Spell Creator (I) (1,000). You managed to create a spell that is at Tier X 1,000
New Feat Recorded: Catching a master thief (100). You singlehandedly caught a master thief who managed to steal hundreds of thousands of cold from a Guild. 100
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Progenitor (10,000): You are the Bloodline Progenitor for the Legendary Bloodline: Enigmatic Arcanist Elves. 10,000
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Awakened (5,000): You have managed to awaken a Legendary Bloodline (Enigmatic Arcanist Elves). 5,000
New Feat Recorded: Princess of a Once Noble Kingdom (1,000): You have been recognized as the next in line of a once noble empire of elves. Increase your empire¡¯s reign to increase the value of this badge. 1,000
Prologue V Censorship Prologue V Censorship ¡°If knowledge is power, then knowledge of the unknown is probably the most powerful currency known to man. That is why I am now hosting this Alternate News Outlet. Our purpose here is to speak our minds and above all else, remain incognito. Yes, today we are brought to you by multiple anonymous Tor exit and reentry nodes, so that the complete location of our works can remain hidden. Our goal, is to end the media censorship of all feeds related to Agent X, or as she is more commonly referred to, the Ghost.¡± A female reporter states, her face masked by a layer of shadows that covers her face. The low lighting and the fact that her voice is clearly being modified by a synthesizer makes identifying the speaker a challenge. ¡°For now, direct communications to and from those within the Ghost¡¯s camps are our only real way of maintaining vigilance on what she is doing and currently working on. All of the Ghost¡¯s revenue streams have closed up. When we inquired, the reason for this closing of revenue streams was due to the fact that upon her initial upload into the world of BiPrism, the Ghost was cheated. They had sold their retirement, their soul, their extra lives, and forced themselves to be a child for years, and has since become an exemplary figure with understanding all forms of energy. Yet, when they first began, they were cheated. Yes, when they first began the world, they had 164 points of flaws, but were only able to take on 157 points of merits. This meant that from the beginning they were cheated, as so many are who join this world. Yet, now that the Ghost is on the verge of her most glorious findings and contributions to the world as a whole, that is when the makers of the game decide to Censor her and her teachings.¡± Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. There is a slight pause as the speaker lets her last message sink in. ¡°We have compiled the lists of classes she taught to magic and Qi users alike and what we have found is quite shocking. It is clear that the leaders of BiPrism are both aware of the effectiveness of the Ghost¡¯s teaching methods and their real-world implications. I don¡¯t think I need to remind anyone here of the talks of Saint Cassidy and her sudden hiding from media. We have sent our own experts to the site and have confirmed that the miracles reported are indeed true. That the day after the Ghost had a vision of her great granddaughter, after which she awoke and began teaching her bodyguard how to circulate mana. That very same night was when the first miracle of Saint Cassidy occurred.¡± ¡°At the time, such an act was met with widespread media attention, everyone pointing to the teachings of the Ghosts as to why such a miracle could happen. Then less than two weeks later, legislation is passed to prevent certain content from being publicly disseminated. Should we consider it a coincidence that at that very same time the developers of the world of BiPrism identified the discrepancy in merit and flaw points, only to use them now as a means to both follow legislation and to Censor future trainings of the Ghost?¡± Silence. There is another long pause as the speaker gives even more time for these words to sink in, before she continues and goes in for the kill. ¡°We are standing at the dawn of a new age, and it is both frightening and awe inspiring. For the first time in our history, we have found irrefutable truth that the human mind and body can be used to both produce and alter external energy waves. Knowledge is power my friends.¡± ¡°That is why I am here today, to give you the unaltered original lessons of the Ghost, provided in livestream, compiled from multiple different viewpoints, each broken up into the initial classes that will help begin the awakening process. That is right, for twenty easy payments of $1,200, you too can learn the sacred arts that the leaders of the world are now trying desperately to suppress¡­¡± Chapter 167 A Breakdown Chapter 167 A Breakdown They say in near death experiences that your entire life flashes before your eyes. I guess that is for normal people, or rather people who are not having their blood boiled away by trying to synergize their own personal energies with a slowly melting artifact originally made for people to be able to converse with the dead. Sadly, that is where I currently found myself. How I got here, and why I am here are not really important, other than I have a friend who did the one thing that always ensures your life is pushed to the brink. What did Mallory Valhalla do that was so devastating that was causing me to be in this death like state? Well, to put it simply she tried to help. Yep, those four words have likely sealed my fate here. You see part of why I joined this world was the fact that this was the same world that my parents went to as part of their retirement. Now with two of my own children following in my footsteps you could say that we have a family legacy here. Unfortunately, by the time I earned the right to join this world my parents had already died all seven times. In fact, it was the harshness of hope that followed my parents around in their subsequent restarts that made me realize I should put everything I have into this one life and live it as best as I can. For the most part I have managed to keep to these ideals, living my best life, while also trying to make the world a slightly better place, well at the very least a different place. Better is always subjective and hard to quantify, some people like the past, whereas I feel the same, while also wanting to tweak a few key points that might make this world slightly better. Looking back on my life, I have regrets. Namely having friends and then passing them by while I go about my own adventure. This happened with the deaths of Gollum and Hector, two of the first regressors who joined me in this new world. Then Rob Jr., or Trenton, as he wishes to go by now. I have let him fail twice now and both times have killed me a little more inside. That said, he is a grown man and more than capable of handling his own decisions and the repercussions of those decisions, but I can¡¯t help but wonder about things I could have done in the past. Maybe scold him more, or less, help him one day on a project? Honestly, I don¡¯t know what I could have done better for him, and I now have to accept that. BURN-CRACKLE-HISS-THUNDERCLAP! My skin is burning away, by what feels like ice cold molten lava burning its way into my skin and bones, and somehow managing to settle deep within my soul. That is part of why my mind is racing about so wildly, I need something to focus on, anything really to keep this moment from crippling my mind with intense pain. So rather than focus on the pain, and on keeping my active skills going at full steam, I instead let my mind wander to the things I have left unfinished. Honestly, I don¡¯t know where to begin, I have so many things I need to do and complete. Getting the full double land bonus for Midnight Hunter Lands to be unified and habitable within one twenty-four-hour period of time. That is one, where I think everyone will be rewarded for stringing that quest line out, for the first time we settle land, it theoretically can be an infinite space of land that is acquired. Of course, the only problem with having so much land claimed all at once, is that the native forces that hold the land will be of equal size and offer resistance to the invasion. Fortunately, I have managed to temporarily cause a truce between the native undead inhabitants of the lands we are in, and the Midnight Hunters. Chuckle. I let a slight smile escape as I realized the merger of the Midnight Hunters and the native undead inhabitants of Deolar is quite possibly one of the best Ponzi schemes I have managed to pull off. Well one that I will have to survive the next forty days to pull off, as that is the date when I will marry my best friend, while posing as the Deolar King. There is the slight problem with the fact that my best friend is currently dating my daughter, and in a healthy relationship with my daughter, while she is pregnant with both my first in-game grandchild and Mallory¡¯s in-game granddaughter, who also happens to be her real-life granddaughter as well. Yeah, going to be a fun holiday season here shortly. Technically, once Mallory and I get married, even if it is as a separate avatar, I think our family tree will resemble something equivalent to a chain link fence inspired country music song. Still despite all that, I think I have a plan set up that should fix everything. Or at least I hope it will fix everything. Of course, I have to survive to the point where I can actually fix everything, but these are all baby steps. After those major guild quests, I have my school SVC, Spiritlight Valhalla College, where we are in the process of getting accredited. Honestly, until you see your name on something as monumental as the first player started university for both Magic and Qi, you might think of the possibility of failure as not too big of a deal. Unfortunately, now that I have this, and have my students, I couldn¡¯t be more excited to be part of the initial process. Then there is Kujo, the Dire Phase Wolf, and likely the first friend I made out in our guild¡¯s new homelands way out buried away from others for miles, hidden in a vast desert of Blight infected lands. This place was chosen both for my fondness of Octavia, the person who inspired me to figure out how to cure the Blight, but also due to the fact that I think part of me truly wants to be far away from others, while also being able to be alone while exploring more of life¡¯s great mysteries. This of course brings me to my most recent long standing quest line that I would want to earn, namely an undergraduate degree in Mixed Martial Mana, where I will likely how to wield both Qi and Mana simultaneously. Currently, I can wield either one or the other at a time. Or I can project outward with mana, while pulling energy inwards and manipulating it into Qi. Yet, this degree path seems to note that I can eventually do both, if I but climb to the 250th floor of the Arcanarus Tower, and honestly I would be hard pressed to say that I didn¡¯t have the itch to climb. Unfortunately, everyone that I would climb with, Mallory, Gwen, and even Jhonny are all busy with the Guild and ensuring that we both maintain growth, but also can survive as an organization. As such, I have but one option to go with a companion, but unfortunately for me I have burned that bridge as well. Yes, this is likely my greatest outstanding regret, not making amends with Zero, my soul bonded familiar. At first, I justified my actions by stating that I wasn¡¯t abandoning Zero, as I always left him with one of my Simulacrums. Unfortunately, I failed to watch the signs and let that relationship fall to the wayside, as I went out, explored, and genuinely enjoyed my life. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Now I realize that I could have easily gone back for Zero multiple times, unfortunately it was just my own doubt and biases that made it so I never reached out. I know part of the issue was my own personal insecurity of having a familiar. They are a big commitment, and honestly, I felt oddly emotional around him, which felt almost forced, which was likely why I initially rejected the idea of Zero. But now that I have had time to think about it, I realize that my doubt was misplaced, and that I was merely projecting my own inadequacies on Zero. Whisper, whisper, whisper. The sounds of multiple voices crying out in an endless sea of voices flow out and over me. Their words are spoken so often that they easily overlap with each other and cause me to grit my teeth as I try to focus past them. Again, another distraction from this whole integration process. Shiver-shakes. My body is now so cold that I am trembling, whether this is from the cold, or from pain is unknown currently. Honestly, the two conditions are hard to separate, as they both are high, that and the mental whispers that are getting constantly louder and louder are making this whole process nearly impossible. ¡°Make sure to tell Cassie I love her.¡± Chills. The words haunt me, and suddenly I realize what is happening, or at least I think I understand what these voices are, after hearing one sentence. Exhale. I awake to realize that I am sweating mana, which of course is just being grabbed and reabsorbed by my body. Breathing. ¡°Dad?¡± Was the only thing I could think of. For the moment I wasn¡¯t actively helping the integration of the melting shard of the Mirror of the Dead, the birthday gift that Mallory sought for me. This brings me back full circle to my original thought, where when Mallory tried to help, she found this shard. A magic item from the early years of this world, one that was said for people to be able to communicate with their dead loved ones. The two people that I had most wanted closure worth were my parents, my inspiration for coming here for my retirement. Those were my dad¡¯s last words to mom, before he sacrificed himself to try to buy time for mother to escape on his seventh and final life. Of course, momma was too distraught at that, and turned back to watch her husband of fifty years get cut down right before her eyes. That made it so the invading forces could slaughter her, as an extra casualty of war in this world. Honestly, I forgot who killed them at that time. Which invading force, as I think that invading force is no longer a nation or entity of importance in this world. Proving that the invasion that they had was ultimately useless. My parents died due to people trying to make a name for themselves, who in turn were killed by others who made a name for themselves. Thus, the cycle of death and re-death continues. That is where I come in, I refuse to continue to be part of that same cycle. The only way to change the world, start with yourself, show that pacifism is an option, and live life the best you can from there. I have learned a lot in my time here, and I had hoped to learn more. ¡°The Legrand forces are coming. They say if we surrender, we will be set free. What do you think?¡± The words of the eternally optimistic Gollum sounded off, his final words ringing in my ears. ¡°I don¡¯t see what else we can do at this point.¡± Hector replied, his words filled with resignation and remorse. It was almost like he knew what was going to happen, but wished for an easier option than the one he had been given. Tears. Then just like that, the images, not just the voices, but now the final images of all four loved ones comes to my mind as I see them all there. Gollum and Hector are bound and gagged. ¡°Spy Masters and their accomplices must be killed.¡± The voice of the Legrand leadership states, there in the background I see a slightly younger Lady Lagrand in the background. Seeing her also brings to mind many memories, the most infamous being how she tried to bind my alternate avatar Tobias Spiritlight, with a permanent contract for her sponsoring me in a gambling tournament that I needed to win, or else repay all debts incurred plus interest. Fortunately, I had managed to turn that event around, but it was pretty hit or miss there for a bit. Just seeing the image of their final death, I can make out details of the final city they died in Maltese, the former capital of the Maltese empire. As my mind takes in their location at the final time of their deaths, I receive a series of system messages. The first is related to the quest that brought me to this state of being caught between life and death.
Mythic Bloodline Quest Completed: The Mythical Bloodline Catalyst: You have awakened your bloodline towards the Mythic rating. You found and managed to integrate with a fragment from the Mirror of the Dead. Percentage (100 / 100). Rewards: Experience, Mythic Bloodline Awakening, Title, Badge, Skills (already earned), variable (Bloodline Trait). Experience Gained: 250,000 / 125,000 / 125,000 Akashic Qi Master has increased to level 153.
Yes, that is the state that I now found myself. I gain half a million in total experience and only my lowest class increases by three levels, while my two original classes just sit still. Before I can dwell too much on this, I am met with more updates.
Mythic Bloodline Awakening initiated. Beginning process of fully awakening next evolutionary state.
Yes, I was not there, and if the way I now felt was any indication I was going to be a ways off of this mark for the foreseeable future, but a path towards further evolving my bloodline had been presented to me. Before I could think too much about how this might or might not affect my current and future family members who are here, I receive the next major notification.
Title Gained: Spiritual Mythic Bloodline Progenitor (Upgradable): All actions and interactions involving the spirit realm, spiritual beings, or spiritual energy are 5% easier to complete, learn, or master.
The title was good, as it no doubt showed how the world seemed to think how this next evolution of mine would go. Clearly dealing with Spirits and the Spirit Realm was a key, or perhaps I should say Qi. As everything seemed to be pointing towards me understanding spirit Qi with this next part of my studies in comprehension. Which also makes me wonder if I am choosing the path of exploring the Arcanarus Tower more, and the world is accommodating my wants. Or if I am somehow being subtly manipulated towards this goal? For now, as I want this I will accept this progression, but I can¡¯t help but feel that things are going a little too smoothly, despite the random hiccups that I do manage to encounter from time to time.
Bloodline Trait Acquired: Ancient Psychometry: The ability to view the past lives of spirits who long ago left this world and be able to witness, view, and interact with the world of the past. Conditions: Must be standing at the final resting place of someone to activate. User cannot move more than fifty meters away from the initial source of death.
That power was, well it was honestly amazing, as it seemed both powerful and simultaneously worthless at the same time. Well worthless to people who didn¡¯t care about the dead, or providing closure to past events. For me, this was perfect, as I now had not one but four targets that I wished to find out what happened to them. To see more of their final moments, as right now, each image of death from my parents, and from Hector and Gollum filled my mind and were seemingly permanently etched there in perfect clarity. Almost as if in recognition of this fact, I received what was likely the first of many such quests that were specific to me, and would all likely impact the growth and final awakening point of my hopefully eventual Mythic Bloodline.
Quest Activated: Specters of the Past (I): Through your awakening bloodline, you have begun to realize that bloodlines after a certain point are meant to be forces of change in the world. Part of your job is to go to the death places of four loved ones and experience their final moments on this world. Current progress (0 / 4). Rewards: Experience, Mythic Bloodline Markers, Skills, variable.
That was it, everything I needed to realize what I could do to get closure for myself at the very least. I didn¡¯t know what I could do with knowledge of seeing my loved one¡¯s last moments of life, but I at least now had the option to do so. Also, the comment about the importance of bloodlines above the Legendary rank being meant as a force of change meant something to me. At least that was how I interpreted that last comment, as it said I was beginning to open the source of change. While I have already seen this firsthand, I realized the changes that this quest implied were far more reaching than I might be comfortable with at the very moment. Still, I felt that this was something that I needed to do, or at least work on. If I could provide closure to people then, maybe some good would come from this. I know for a bloodline power, particularly of the Mythic rating this power seemed to be lacking, but then again, maybe I was just basing that on my inherent biases on being able to view past conditions. Realizing that I was nearing the end of my abilities and that I was close to passing out here in the middle of an open desert, I did the only thing I could think of. Poof. I killed two birds with one stone. I moved my slow and recovering body to safety, while also trying to get closer to Zero. Positional Shift. Yes, I swapped positions with the Simulacrum who took up refuge in the Mage¡¯s Guild of the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower. As soon as I arrived, I felt the weight and pull of everything that had happened over the past few hours. Everything from being caught up in a revenge plot of Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll against his former Guild Master Mallory, to nearly being burnt to death by the slowly melting Mirror of the Dead, to beginning the awakening process for the mythical evolution of my bloodline, to my awakening what could possibly be the weakest bloodline Trait ever. All of that, followed by my mind seeing the blurring motion of my teleportation to another realm meant that my already tired mind was now being pushed to its absolute limits. ¡°Hey Zero.¡± I manage to state with a slight slur. ¡°Hey, are you alright¡­¡± was all I heard, before the world spun around me, then like a wound up top, the world blurred and I lost consciousness. As the world spun, I had only one real thought in my mind, this must be a Tuesday. Chapter 168 Nothing Needs To Be Said Chapter 168 Nothing Needs To Be Said I awoke immediately, no slow gradual rise from the deepest depths of slumber. One second I was out, and the next my mind was fully awake, engaged, and pulling in details from miles around me. There is always an adjustment period, part where my mind starts filtering out further away visual stimuli, to ultimately show me where I am currently. Where am I? Currently, I am under the covers of a patient table. My familiar, Zero, is passed out laying curled up over my feet. Like a long snake dog would. Feeling his weight, I realized a few things. First, my mind instantly tells me that I am laying down with my head facing towards the east, with my feet towards the west. I am on second floor of the Arcanarus Tower, and the tower itself has grown rapidly, as more and more residences and people have taken refuge in this city of the Crossroads. While also being here, I feel the surge and pull of spirit energy running rampantly around and through me. I realize now that I can almost smell the different types of power, and this one particular fragrance smells like home. The deeper I breathe, the more I feel a strange sense of calm wash over me. Outside in the mortal realm, I feel constricted. I feel the need to constantly run, jump, and push myself and others as far as I can. Here, I feel the sense of relaxation. I feel so isolated out here that I can almost feel that I can forget things. This is how I feel a cat would feel after consuming an adequate amount of catnip. I am just calm. Being here with Zero, I can feel his heartbeat on my legs. I can feel the way my energy flows through me, down my leg, into him, and then back into my other leg, circling once around my core, before repeating its process. ¡°Maybe I just need Zero to feel this calm.¡± I say to myself, speaking quietly so that I don¡¯t disturb his slumber. He is so peaceful that I can¡¯t help but feel his calm radiating from him into me. ¡°I¡¯ve missed this,¡± I say, as I pass out once more, letting the worries of the day pass me by. Darkness. The images that I am able to comprehend and witness begin to wobble and wave out of focus for a moment. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± A voice and intense weight press down on me as I am suddenly brought back to full wide-mind consciousness. It takes me a second to realize that Zero is not only excited, but jumping off of me to stare me straight in the eyes. As he stares at me, I realize he too now has three eyes. ¡°Did you?¡± I ask, peering at his third eye with my own third eye, that helps to limit everything I can see around me. ¡°Yes, we were eternally linked by the great one. As you progress so too do I.¡± Zero said, then tilted his head rapidly about to look me over. ¡°You seem to have finally stabilized.¡± ¡°Stabilized?¡± I ask, trying to think back on what happened. I remember being in the desert, then here. ¡°Yes, for a moment your whole body was unstable. You were flickering in and out of consciousness, as you took on an almost golden hue. Fortunately, you¡­¡± At that Zero trailed off, suddenly realizing that he spoke too much. ¡°Fortunately, I what?¡± I ask. Realizing that I wouldn¡¯t let this go, Zero dropped onto my lap. One second, he was floating the way that certain spirit dragons do, then the next he curled up into a solid hundred-pound ball of coiled muscle right in my lap. ¡°Ooof.¡± I hiss, as his weight forces the air from my lungs. Nuzzle, nuzzle. Zero dug his long snout into my stomach and under my arm. ¡°Hey, that tickles.¡± I shot back, almost laughing from his squirming movements. Sniff. Zero takes in a deep smell of me that helps to calm his clearly racing heart. After three such breaths, he calms down, as if breathing into a paper bag, then once he is calm he uncoils his head from my arm and body and turns back to me. Finally, after a long moment, he turned to me and began to speak. ¡°You almost ascended,¡± Zero stated, a note of sadness in his voice. ¡°I what now?¡± I asked. ¡°Ascended, moved on, whatever it is called when a spirit meets their final purpose, you almost did it,¡± Zero began, then pausing for a second to collect his thoughts he continued. ¡°Fortunately, you had enough unfinished plans that you couldn¡¯t ascend. That or your consciousness wouldn¡¯t let you move on until you completed a few more tasks.¡± Hearing this, I blinked all three eyes at Zero. ¡°All right, pretend I have no clue what you are talking about, and assume I can¡¯t recall anything after arriving here.¡± With that, Zero nods to himself, seemingly understanding of what I am going through. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Okay, when you arrived, you were breaking apart. You had melded with an ancient form of magic, one that, I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t think it was meant to still exist in this world, in this plane of existence.¡± Zero began. ¡°When you arrived you complained of tingling, and of losing consciousness. At which point I began trying to use not just my own healing but your own magic to heal you. The only problem was that there was nothing wrong with you. There was nothing to heal.¡± Hearing this, I felt my breath catch, as I could feel Zero trembling from just recalling these events. With him being so close, I just held him. ¡°You saved me?¡± I asked, trying to see if I could recall any of this. ¡°No, quite the opposite actually, you saved me. I am your familiar, if you die, I die. Our lives are permanently intertwined, as you go, so too do I. I never realized just how much of a burden that was on you. How much you feared hurting me through your own actions.¡± ¡°What, how do you¡­¡± I began. ¡°Know? I merged with you. I had to, it was the only way to help stabilize your body, while your mind and spirit fought to separate from your body. Or maybe it was a matter of merging your spirit and mind, as you were close to calling it. I could even see the fact that you had the chance. That is what I think you realized the shard that you had really was. The fragment of the Mirror of the Dead isn¡¯t what anyone thinks, but rather it is a way to claim instant nirvana for those that want it. Had you but chosen, you would have been gone to the great beyond, leaving me and everyone else behind.¡± Zero stated. As he spoke, I do remember a bit more coming to mind. I remember the constant stream of voices coming in, talking to me and just telling me to let go. While I had awakened a bloodline Trait earlier that allowed me to interact with points in the past, I do remember the voices calling out to me, telling me to just relax and forget about everything. It had been so peaceful. At that revelation, I remember just how peaceful I felt when I first awoke here. How much I felt that everything was okay, so long as I was here. While I had originally attributed that to being here, in a place that had been my home for close to six months, I realize now that there might have been more to that sensation, at least the way Zero is telling me. ¡°Okay, I think I might know what you are talking about, but how did I save you?¡± I ask, still missing this part of the equation. ¡°You stayed. You were given the chance to move on, to reach the highest state of rest imaginable and you stayed here for me.¡± Zero said as a myriad of emotions flooded between our bond. ¡°I mean, yeah, of course.¡± I say, not wanting to ruin the moment with the fact that I now feel really guilty for only having him as a final thought. Though to be fair, it was the thought of wanting to apologize to Zero that led me here in the first place. ¡°I know I wasn¡¯t your only reason, but I was the one factor that you wanted to solve before you truly moved on. I could feel the loss from having had so many goals and plans near their completion that you could almost forgive yourself for moving on. Most of those tasks you figure will likely succeed even without you, but you are wrong there. That said, I was the most important thing to you there for a moment. Actually, I was the most important thing to you in the moment that counted. When you were drifting away, trying to merge into the eternal nothingness, I felt it. It was your thoughts of me that pulled you back. The fact that you absolutely wanted to, no the fact that you needed to apologize to me that pulled you back. That forced your mind to separate from everything else and it was your overwhelming will that ultimately forced your body to stabilize and come back to me.¡± Zero said, as a tear ran down from his third eye, down his snout and then off to the side. Silence. We both paused as we thought about what was said. I of course broke the silence with the first question that came to mind. ¡°So I take it, that with you cozying up to me, and having felt my mind you have forgiven me?¡± I ask, hoping that I might have dodged a bullet here. ¡°What, with you, heck no,¡± Zero states emphatically. I pause, looking at him in complete slack jawed shock. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You heard me. If your need for me to forgive you is the only thing keeping you here, then no. Gods no. A million times no. I won¡¯t forgive you. You are going to need to do a lot to make up the level of hurt you have heaped upon me. Maybe even take me to the end of the worlds and back, up to the top of this tower and beyond. You name it, and it won¡¯t come close to me forgiving you.¡± Chuckle. Hearing Zero, I can¡¯t help but laugh at him. ¡°Oh thank Gods,¡± I say as I hug him tightly, realizing that I have traveling buddy back. ¡°What, I mean it.¡± ¡°I know.¡± ¡°And you can¡¯t leave me behind, not again.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± ¡°Well good then.¡± ¡°Yes, it is good then, now that I have you back.¡± His little chicken claw legs wrapped around me, as I held him tight. With this hug, at this moment, I realized just how much I missed Zero. I also realized that I might miss some form of physical contact. We stayed like that for a moment, just holding each other and letting our energies cycle between the two of us. Being this close, I could feel the warmth of his soul radiating into and through my own soul¡¯s energy. It was a nice warm calming effect that let me realize just how cold I had been earlier. I had been devoid of this contact for so long that I forgot what it felt like. I forgot that I was actually missing something until now. ¡°So what do we do now?¡± Zero asked. With that, I smiled widely to myself as I realized my next few steps that would need to be taken. ¡°First we complete something that is pretty epic.¡± ¡°Together?¡± ¡°Oh yeah, want to be my plus one in the mortal realm?¡± I ask. ¡°Sure? But might I ask what we are doing?¡± ¡°We are going to claim some fertile lands, and hopefully get a major quest completion bonus in the process for being awesome.¡± ¡°Okay, but I thought you wanted me to go with you up the Arcanarus Tower?¡± ¡°I do, and this is how we will do it.¡± I answer. ¡°By going from the Arcanarus Tower, to the mortal realm?¡± He asks. ¡°Yes, exactly.¡± ¡°Where you will claim land in the mortal realm?¡± ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry it is not me that is claiming the land, it is my guild.¡± With that Zero just looks at me with a puzzled look. ¡°Okay?¡± ¡°Good, then we are off.¡± I say, while using one of my newest Traits Positional Teleportation. As soon as the portal between realms opens up, I push Zero through. Then using Positional Switch, I switch places with my First Simulacrum that is still out in the middle of the desert that I had absconded to, in order to survive the rapture. ¡°Now all we do is,¡± I began by reaching out, grabbing Zero and Teleporting away. Poof. I Teleport, on to realize that yes the Teleport that I have is still a self-only teleportation Trait. ¡°Right.¡± Poof. I appear back by a clearly distraught Zero. ¡°What happened?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Slight change of plans. I am going to put you back with the First Simulacrum, while I teleport back to base, where I will then call you back to be by my side, while I finish up a few tasks.¡± I admit. ¡°Why do you need to finish up these tasks. Just teleport me to the place where the second simulacrum is, and I will meet you there.¡± Zero answered. ¡°No, that won¡¯t do. I¡¯ll teleport you to her, but I will still call you by my side while I finish up my quests. You and I are a team. Just not a traveling team, currently.¡± I admit. With that, Zero thinks to himself for a moment, before finally giving his reply. ¡°Okay, I trust you. But you will still send me to your second simulacrum, where you can either call me back to be by your side, or we can begin our trip up tower together.¡± With that, I pause and realize that part of his words are due to an inherent fear that I might leave him behind. ¡°Okay, that sounds like a plan. And again, I will be right back.¡± I state trying to reassure him. ¡°Okay, I trust you. Just go out and get the milk from the store and you¡¯ll be right back.¡± Zero jokes. ¡°Haha.¡± I reply sarcastically. With that Zero¡¯s face drops as he does appear to relax slightly. ¡°I do mean it though, I do trust you to come back.¡± Relief. With that tension that I didn¡¯t even realize I had erased itself from my back and shoulders. ¡°Thank you, and I mean it, I will be right back for you.¡± ¡°Oh, I know. So long as you don¡¯t come across a new quest, or skill, or Trait, so long as you met your workout goals for the day, or don¡¯t see anything shiny on your way, you will be right back.¡± Zero states. ¡°Hey,¡± I state, but then realize that I can¡¯t really do much more than feign indignancy at the remark. Zero for his part just floats there vertically with his claws balled up into fists and resting against his waist, while shaking his head from side to side. ¡°Okay, that might mostly be true.¡± I responded, before he could say anything more, I once again used Positional Teleportation, and let Zero go through. With that, we both stared at the rip in space that separated this desert from the library that was on the two hundredth floor of the Arcanarus Tower. We both paused as we looked at the sight of my second simulacrum sitting at a table reading quietly to herself. Sigh. Seeing my simulacrum living my best life, I could only stare on in envy, while Zero stared on with fear and regret pulsing within his body. Hug. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I mean it, I will be back.¡± I state, while hugging the dragon from behind. Squirm. Within a second the tiny dragon has spun around to wrap me up in his own embrace, ¡°okay.¡± Then we hold that for a moment, before my simulacrum shouts out. ¡°Do you mind, you are letting all the desert in.¡± With that I pause to see that yes, a cloud of dust is in fact going from the desert into the pristine faerie library on the other end of the portal. Chuckle. ¡°All right, I guess I should get going.¡± Zero states, breaking free of my embrace before turning towards the portal. ¡°I guess you should.¡± I reply. Then with that Zero enters the portal, while my second simulacrum gives me a quick wink of her third eye, before a giant gust of wind blows all the dust out of the portal, right into me. Pfft. I cough as I try to get the taste of blighted sand out from in between my teeth, ¡°bleh.¡± Then by the time I am done with my task the portal between realms has been closed, and I am once again alone in the middle of a desert. Focusing on the surroundings around me, I try to figure out where exactly I am, only to realize that my first simulacrum decided to randomly start traveling in odd directions on her own. I think this, as I realize I have no clue of where I was, nor which direction I was facing when I switched positions with my first simulacrum. With that I need to quickly find where I am, and then try to find my way back to our base. ¡°Gods, why do I leave myself unsupervised.¡± I state, as I turn about and choose a direction at random and begin trying to find anything that resembles a landmark that I remember. ¡°Stupid hidden bases out in the middle of nowhere.¡± And like that, my attempt to finish up a few small tasks began with nothing but success. At least, that is what I am going to tell others once I finally get out of here. Chapter 169 Not Stopping to Ask for Directions Chapter 169 Not Stopping to Ask for Directions Find your way home Cassie, just follow the stars and setting sun Cassie. Gah! Have I said how much I dislike being blind sometimes. Well okay, being blind all the time is annoying, but I¡¯ve grown to mostly deal with it. In fact, most of the times my Angel¡¯s Sight is far better than having normal eyesight, as I can see through, around, and into objects that would otherwise be hidden. Take for instance the fact that I have found not one, not ten, but close to two dozen unique entrances to dungeons, underground cities, and other various temples that have never been explored. The OCD portion of my brain is telling me to pop in, check out the numerous sights, see what is there and then leave. The more practical side of me, the part that knows me, and has put up with my shenanigans for eighty plus years now, knows that I will be distracted by all of these shiny things and not want to leave one of these places after I start investing. Which is why I with chattering teeth press onwards in my search for a random place out in the middle of the desert somewhere. While I can see quite a distance, with my current visual range sitting at over fourteen kilometers, thanks to my impressively high Perception Attribute, I still have not seen a marker. If I had eyesight I could base my direction on the placement of stars, the rising or setting location of the sun, or many other things one could use for directions. Currently I only know that I need to head approximately eighty-seven miles west of the last inhabited lands. Mental math told me that I myself moved at least twenty miles away from civilization, when I dealt with the ramifications of my body trying to merge with a fragment of the Mirror of the Dead. A thoughtful birthday gift apparently intended for my eightieth, total, birthday. Yes, seventy-two and a half years living, and seven and a half years here, for a grand total of eighty years. Honestly, the gesture was nice, but now I am dealing with the consequences. As I teleported at least twenty kilometers away from the nearest habitable location. Though I purposefully went north, not west with my jumping, this way I wouldn¡¯t inadvertently cause problems for Mallory and the others, when they went back home. A great gesture, that sounds really stupid at this point. Then while I was being healed by my familiar, my Simulacrum that had taken my place in the middle of the desert apparently decided to search around some of the ruins and ultimately got me completely lost, when I retook my position with her in the desert. I would almost swear this was a not so subtle attack on me for stealing Zero back to be my Tower traveling companion. While I would no doubt want me to have Zero, I could also see my own Simulacrum¡¯s point of view in that I was stealing her friend and work colleague. So how does a blind teleportation expert attempt to search a vast area out in the middle of nowhere? The answer is simple, in that I only need to do a spiral pattern search. Since I want to head west, I will begin going in a clockwise rotation, making sure to Teleport in a slightly arcing path that will slowly but surely lead me out from my starting location, and ultimately lead me to one of two places. Either I will find civilization again, at which point I can follow the edge of unblighted lands, until I get to one of the known direction markers. Then with that I will turn west and search out for my home. Or I will find my home. That was the plant at least, and it was an amazing plan, the only problem is that I think this world is trying to mess with my lack of attention, by constantly placing neat places to look through and explore. I am going to be fine. This is nothing. I am of singular conviction right here and now. I have a clear plan of getting my blind self out of this desert and back to civilization, all I need to do is follow my plan and not get distracted. I can do this. *** (Thirteen minutes later) ¡°I can¡¯t do this,¡± I say as my legs and whole body are trembling. I¡¯ve made fifty-five jumps. I found the western most border of civilization that has not been consumed by Blighted lands, and even changed my search pattern to be a north to south zig-zag pattern, rather than the spiral pattern that got me my bearings. There is just one problem. This world, it utterly hates me. I am in the middle of the desert, but due to my spells and constitution, I don¡¯t need to worry about lack of food or water. In fact, so long as I have air to breath I can possibly live indefinitely. So, taking a few moments to search an area is not really a problem, for survival purposes. While it might be mean for me to potentially delay my arrival to my fellow guild members, it will only hurt them if they find out about this slight delay. Then again, if what I find on the way is worth sharing with others, then no one will mind, right? Of course, there was absolutely nothing that this world could throw at me to make me alter my plans of getting home. I had to get home to reassure my best friend Mallory, and my daughter Gwen that I survived. Also, there were likely classes that I was missing to give to my students. At this rate it would nearly be impossible for anyone to pass the curriculum in four years. Which was why I was resolute in the fact that this world would not be able to tempt me away from inevitably finding my way home. Until I saw four words that forever changed my life. Library of The Tribunal. Not only was it a library, but it was one of the Tribunal, where all of the ancient races allegedly met and shared knowledge equally. Yes, extinct dragon-kin, ancient elves, magical orcs, faeries, and even lesser species who proved themselves were allowed access to the Tribunal. This was the Shangri-La of libraries, and I found it. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Poof. My body Teleported out of reflex alone. I might have been fully accepting of the Teleportation, but I didn¡¯t consciously do it, it just happened. That was how I found myself right next to the entrance of a giant pillared structure that was over five kilometers deep under the ground. There in its full ancient opulence were the seven steps that led to a tunnel with unfathomable knowledge just steps away. Out of wanting to make sure the building was safe, I stepped forward. As I did, I felt the odd pull of Spatial Magic at work, just beyond what appeared to be a completely black wall. I could almost tell immediately what the structure was, but it wasn¡¯t until I got closer that the full description of what I was staring at became apparent.
Unexplored Dungeon: Library of The Tribunal.
Tears. Involuntarily I found myself crying tears of densely compact mana. This was too much. I was too weak. I knew what this would mean. If I entered, I would not be able to leave, lest I forever ruin this place. The bibliophile¡¯s dreamland. A dungeon of books, that will then spawn even more books and floors of books the further down you go. It was paradise. I could not imagine a more perfect place to live the rest of my life in. Yeah, sure, there would likely be monsters and dangers that I would have to no doubt work my way through. Also, it was very likely that I would need to kill the books in order to read them, but these were books. Ancient and forbidden knowledge. Knowledge that might even explain the starting point of the Blight. Everything I could ever hope to learn or read about would be there. There might even be another story better than Rahul. Yes, after having met a person named Rahul, I am still doubting whether that is the real Rahul, but after meeting a Rahul, I no longer find the series of Rahul and the Maiden, to be as captivating. I am almost certain that I can find one or maybe even two series that are just as good, if not better than Rahul and the Maiden. Trembling. Yes, I am super excited, and scared, and above all I want to be able to get back here, but I need to find my home. Yet, unfortunately, I can¡¯t. I almost feel like I did every time I went into a Books-A-Million as a kid. Just being able to go in and smell the books, the coffee, and the adventure. I imagined all of this and more just waiting for me, just beyond that glowing black door. Still, despite all of these conflicting thoughts, I somehow managed to raise a trembling hand towards the door. My fingers just inches away from committing me to exploring what is possibly the most magical land in this world. ¡°No, Cassie, bad!¡± I scolded myself, taking my hand down quickly. If I go in now, this place will only be fifty floors-ish at best. That would be a complete waste of the true potential that this place would have. No, this would be my retirement, again, to myself. A place where Zero and I could go and explore until the day old age, or we died buried under a layer of ancient leather bound tomes that smelled of knowledge and possibilities. Chattering. My teeth were chattering at the thought of turning down such a prize. This was a once in a lifetime event that only happened because I was so lost. In fact, after realizing where I was, I realized that I was likely much further out than I initially thought. I also realized that I was likely much further north and west than needed to find my actual home. Realizing this meant that I could likely find my way back here. Chime. I heard a chime and was so startled that I ended up Teleporting away, lest I accidentally fall into the dungeon and end up ruining what would otherwise be the find of the century. However, the world itself seemed hellbent on getting me to enter the dungeon right here and now as the chime I had heard, was actually the prelude to a world announcement.
World Announcement: Rejoice for the sacred Library of The Tribunal: Unexplored Dungeon has been discovered. Now knowledge of the ancients can once again be recovered.
The world always did this when sacred realms were found. The first person to enter the Arcanarus University also triggered a similar warning. But this was the first such announcement that I had seen since I first entered the world. These announcements were normally done as a double-edged sword, as they both gave the finder credibility that they had found such a place, but also made it so there would be a rush for people to go out and find out where such a place was. Basically, these messages were meant to give the finder a reason to either grab resources needed for a long delve and enough time to reenter. Or they gave the original explorer a reason to sell exact locations to the highest bidder. As for me, I didn¡¯t want to sell the locational data, even though I was fairly certain people would be out here shortly looking for me. Which was why I left in a spiral pattern, similar to the one that let me find civilization again, before I began searching through the desert. I could of course go in the direction where I now thought my home, the guild base, was located, but that would also be trouble, for then people could just go from the guild to the dungeon. No, that was my never-ending library, and I would be darned if anyone else found it first. So now, I had a new goal for my seemingly never-ending to-do list. The list I had so far had could be broken down into two distinct tasks. To do list:
  • Do everything.
  • Retire in the Library of The Tribunal.
I figured that was as classy as I could get. Additionally, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that knowing that my dream retirement place was available to me, I couldn¡¯t help but feel even more reason to clear off my back log of items to accomplish, before finally retiring. I think it was the third Teleportation away that I finally stopped shaking from adrenaline pumping through my body. Yes, it was exciting to find new and exciting places, but it was another thing to find the ultimate dream goal was there ready for the taking. In fact, had it not been the fact that I was already mentally committed to learning magic, and as much as I could about Magic and Qi both, I could truly see myself abandoning my advancement on the Arcanarus Tower. The only problem was that I knew that despite how far down the Library of The Tribunal that I would go, there was no guarantee that I would learn anything more about magic, Qi, or whatever else was available in the form of powers. ¡°No, the Arcanarus Tower is the best place for you to grow and experience the joys and wonders of magic.¡± I said to myself. A mere ten hops later, I felt that I almost believed the comments. While books were amazing, I felt that specialized knowledge would be what I needed the most at this current time. Within twenty hops I once again found the western shoreline of where society and the ever-expanding Blighted lands met. From there, I traveled south quite a ways, and then finally found a few markers that seemed familiar, at which point I began heading west again, away from civilization. Then it only took about an hour to find the first sign of cultivated lands. The lands were a deep vibrant green of magic, both Life Magic and Nature Magic were in abundance. Seeing the fields, I felt a sense of relief, as I finally knew I was home, again. Within two jumps I was at the center of my school yard. Calm. There was a calming aura that seemed to permeate me as I rested in my field. I took a quick moment to breathe in relief that I had finally managed to make it home. Then before I contacted or told anyone about my arrival, the first thing I did was to make good on my promise. Positional Teleportation. Instantly, a doorway opened up between both me and my Simulacrum that was on the two hundredth floor of the Arcanarus Tower. Within a second, Zero¡¯s long head swam into view, and then cautiously he entered the portal, after which the rip in space closed behind him. Zero came in, spun around the same way a dog would when entering a new place. ¡°Oh I can smell your essence throughout this whole place.¡± Zero said excitedly, then continued. ¡°It is clear that you have put a lot of work and effort into building up this place.¡± While there was no malice in his words, I couldn¡¯t help but wince at the thought. I was down here putting my work and effort into building this place up. Yet, while doing so, I neglected quite a few people that are near and dear to me. While nothing malicious was meant by the words, I took them for what they ultimately were, a stark reminder for me to try harder and to not forget the important parts of my life. For while accomplishing goals are great, they are only truly worth something if you have friends and family to enjoy those moments with you. ¡°You ready to see Mallory and my daughter?¡± I ask. ¡°You have a daughter?¡± Zero asks, and like that I wince as it is clear that I have a lot to catch everyone up on. This will be a growing experience; of that I am certain. ¡°Yes, she is amazing and far smarter than I could ever hope to be.¡± I state proudly, meaning every word. ¡°Really?¡± Zero presses as we begin making our way out of the central plaza, past the guards. ¡°Oh, Doctor Spiritlight, you have returned?¡± The guard captain of the campus states. I just nod to him, ¡°yes, sorry but I got a bit lost there for a bit. But now I¡¯m back, for now.¡± I add the last part on, as a subtle hint that I do intend on doing a lot more exploring as time permits. Though I will still have at least one Simulacrum here, while I proceed to explore the Tower and beyond. That said, I do need to go about putting out any flames that might or might not have occurred from my being attacked by my birthday present, and the fact that I got slightly lost on my way back here, twice. Though the second time was technically on purpose. Though before I could get too far, I heard a familiar voice call out. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± Mallory cried out, her voice echoing everywhere as if her voice was amplified to be picked up and projected to all corners of the lands we were in the process of reclaiming. Zero too turned his head, looking for the source of the voice. Only to tremble as he caught the blur that was charging straight towards us. ¡°Hello-oof!¡± I manage as I am tackled in place by the very powerful Mallory who has recently begun not holding back during her interactions with me. A thing that my bones and nerve endings are not too appreciative of, though it is good to know that she truly does care. Then putting me down, she pauses and looks at me with an odd look. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Nothing,¡± Mallory begins, but trails off, then finally she completes her thought ¡°I just figured you had something to do with finding the Library of The Tribunal, is all.¡± Chapter 170 Like a Fool Barking In The Rain Chapter 170 Like a Fool Barking In The Rain ¡°You sure it is midnight?¡± I ask, wanting to make sure we get the most out of one day. ¡°Yes, the time just turned, and we are at 12:01 AM.¡± Mallory confirms for me. ¡°Okay, send out the commands for us to begin.¡± I state, as I begin casting Cleansing Rain. How are we here? How did I avoid the interrogation of Mallory about the Library of the Tribunal? Simple, misdirection and the fact that it was almost midnight when I was found, meaning that we had the perfect time and set of circumstances to finish our Guild¡¯s land reclamation quest. A quest that was clearly causing problems as we have had more than one or two close calls in the past few months. Now it is just a matter of us erasing the infertile strips of land that separate our cultivated areas, and boom, we end up claiming a humongous quest reward. All by casting one simple spell. Honestly, by now the spell is rather simple to cast, almost as if it has somehow become second nature to me. My mind imagines the spell¡¯s structure, and then with seemingly effortless flare the spell fires from my fingers up to the sky and instantly starts a cascading reaction of rain to fall. I made note that we had long ago linked together multiple eighteen-to-nineteen-acre plots of purified lands that were only separated by the narrowest of margins. Well now, as a team we had one day to link as many of these parcels together in one massive plot of land. This would be the world¡¯s largest land grab at one time, namely because we could only do this in a desert, or other land where there was clearly a separation and then a merging point. Everyone else that had tried similar feats were relegated to either conquering lands from other nearby guilds, or via conquering lands from the indigenous people, or other odd experimentations that would all invariably fail one way or another. My plan still had a margin of failure associated with it, as I am one person, I could only legitimately merge so many areas together myself. Which was why we divided up the parcels of land to different quadrants, where I would take care of clustering the central plains area, this included things like the airfield, my school yard compound, the command center, registration office, and the like. Then others would take care of the outer sectors that would be harder for me logically get to at the same time. Through our design, we found that we could get all sixty-four parcels of land together, if we but connected long passageways. The key to remember was that not every segment had to be connected on all sides to other land segments. Rather, we just needed enough of the segments to be connected to form one continuous parcel of land that met our desired size limits. The initial goal that we had been given was to connect twenty acres of land. We were going to obliterate that goal and try to reach a thousand acres of connected land. Sixty-four parcels of land, all in patches of eighteen to nineteen acres made it so we could easily make the thousand-acre mark. While I was a bit hesitant to put Arch Sky Mage Belton in control of connecting one segment of the lands, I realized that he like the rest of us all wanted to not only meet, but exceed the standards laid out before us. I also have to admit that after our duel where he was forced to never even utter my name, dealing with him has been relatively easy. I just tell him what to do and he can¡¯t even ask questions. Now, is this the best way of being an effective leader? Probably not, but I never made any claims about being an effective leader. Instead, I have accepted that I will likely be mediocre at best. Warm rain begins to fall, and I let myself get soaked and enjoy the feeling of flying, well floating in place, with my wings, while letting the rain pour over me. There is something calming about warm rain that is hard to describe. Almost like a shower, but slightly more enjoyable. I think the enjoyment comes from the spontaneity and the randomness of the rain. My body also appreciates this rain as it is clearly charged with mana, meaning that it has extra energy held within that my body can take in, cycle and turn into condensed Qi. The entire process from start to finish for creating a storm overhead that will pour out Cleansing Rain took only a few minutes at most. The majority of that time was spent on establishing the spell framework that would be used to link together the four corners where four different parcels of land will merge together. Again, the idea is not to get every strip of land covered, that will come in time. Instead, we are focusing on keystone areas that will link four different plots of land together at once.
Guild Quest Updated: Unclaimed Land Acquisition Charter: Your guild has managed to claim twenty acres of land. Continue to conquer more habitable swaths of land, but realize your guild will now be forced to defend the land you now claim from the indigenous peoples. Nearest faction: Ancient Deolar Empire. Time left to defend your land (23 hours 56 minutes 41 seconds). Acres of land claimed (73/20). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, Guild Land, variable.
There we go, just as expected, the world tried to throw a wrench into our plans. Fortunately, we already have most of the issues fixed in this case. Particularly as I am both the Princess and King of the Deolar empire, while also being the Doctor of the Midnight Hunters guild, meaning we already have a truce in this. Yes, traditionally, people have waited to do similar land claims closer to midnight, so the time needed to claim the land and hold it from enemy forces is less strenuous. However, we as a guild decided that it would be better to claim as much land as we could, knowing that the worst part, the invading forces would not be an issue. Normally, one major portion of your forces would be occupied with claiming land. Either ground forces holding out every patch of land. To engineers building railways that connected multiple parcels of land together, to many different other ways to show ownership. In this case, the majority of our elite mages would be taken away from fighting as we would be used to cast Cleansing Rain, being a Tier VII spell, it means that only the strongest of mages could be tasked with casting such spells. This means that if we had to mount a counter offensive, we would be at a severe disadvantage as seven of our top mages would be out of the operation. Fortunately, we don¡¯t have to worry about the Deolar forces due to our temporary truce and treaty that is established between our guild and the undead inhabitants of Deolar. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. I give my section a few more minutes of love, making sure that the four corners that I have connected together are officially cured of the Blight, and once again able to host plant life, a fact that is proven in short order as the elven grass takes hold and springs up almost automatically. That grass has got to be the most amazing weed, it can grow in almost any condition, and grows to be just an inch and a half tall, before meeting its full growth length. From what I can tell, the grass also looks pretty. To me it is a vibrant green for life magic, with a few hints of blue in for water magic and that is all. The rest is just perfect breeding and magical alteration of the elves of Deolar. Truly a testament of how great the ancient tribe of elves were before the Blight took them. With my one corner complete, I begin going to the next section. We have calculated this out to the last degree. With eight rows by eight columns, we have sixty-four plots of eighteen to nineteen acre stretches of land to link together, giving us a total of twenty-three spots to link together in order to claim as much land as possible. Logically, if we wanted to make the most effective use of our time we would have started from a corner or side and worked our way inward, but we felt that there might be something off, if we combined parts other than our critical infrastructure first. As such, that task was given to me, linking the four most vital points of our territory together, before going onto another site so we could begin linking even more of our plots. Thanks to the fact that I am flying, and the fact that I can move while casting, I am already creating a new spell structure once I get within reasonable range of the next marker. Of the seven of us that can cast this spell, it was surmised that them casting the spell twice and being able to clear up two of the twenty-three overall spaces would be enough, as that would be twelve of the twenty-three, leaving me with just eleven spots to worry about. The goal posed to each mage was three spots each, meaning the majority of mages would take care of eighteen of the twenty-three spots, leaving me with five spots to contend with on my own, but that was an optimistic number at best. Which was why I was mentally preparing for a number closer to eleven than the five I had been given. My idea was for me to take the center and try to work my way outwards, while the others would all take outer areas and try to work their way inwards. While others wanted to argue, eventually Mallory put an end to the squabble and laid out a mostly compromised plan of action for each mage who would be given an individually assigned transportation team. My team was down below, but had mostly been relegated to the duty of spotters and overall updaters of the master grid. Thunderclap. Off in the distance the first mage began manifesting their own version of Cleansing Rain. One would think that after months of casting the same spell over and over that they would have fixed a few of the flaws. See generic spells, or spells designed to be cast by everyone with an appropriate affinity and aptitude are loose. Consider them the Ikea of spells, sure they come with all the parts and can roughly resemble what you want, but by and large you don¡¯t expect them to be the top-of-the-line product that would withstand the test of time. Instead, you build it hoping that you can keep it in place, and not truly shocked when you try to move the item from one space to another. The same thing can be said for the spells being cast, currently. While I kept my original spell going in the same area as creating a new Cleansing Rain formation would not be too taxing, I could have moved the spell along with me and not experienced too many difficulties. Whereas the spell being cast now by Arch Sky Mage Belton, while capable of doing what it was originally designed for, likely wouldn¡¯t be able to be moved. At least not without reinforcing a few integral parts of the spell lattice framework. Though I do take the moment to realize two things. First, I realize that my standard use of Dispel would be unable to break apart the spell work that is off in the distance. By now the spell is just too big to be taken down with what would effectively be one screwdriver. Instead, I mentally think of a way to shake apart the spell that would work similar to a Dispel, but without the need to directly attack the core components of a spell, rather I would attack the lattice framework of the spell on the outside. I guess the best description of what I am intending to create would be an Area Dispel, or something to that effect, but that would not quite be the correct term, as it would mostly be an Area Resonance Framework Disruption spell, but that would be a mouthful. No, if I end up creating such a spell it would be called Area Dispel, while less accurate, it would be less annoying to say and tell others. Though maybe shortening Area Resonance Framework to ARF would be a good compromise? The ARF Disruptor Spell? No, that is terrible as well, as it sounds like I am trying to get dogs to stop barking. Though that spell could be handy as well, no Cass, focus. You have a lot of stuff to do today, and we only have a day to do it. With that I pause, get into position, clear my mind and focus on the spell framework. Of course, before I do, the thought about me being terrible at naming things comes to my mind, but fortunately I am able to purge that negative thought and focus. Cleansing Rain. Within seconds the framework for my personalized version of Cleansing Rain forms in the air, and then a few seconds after it takes form, condensation in the form of Blight cleansing rain drops appears. Then less than a minute after that, the rain begins to pour down. This time the spell took a bit longer than usual, but I was mentally reinforcing the impact areas where I would try to use my ARF Disruptor to break apart the spell work. While the spell does require a bit more mana to set up, I do feel better knowing that in a prolonged casting, the improvements made will likely cut down on overall mana depletion. Within minutes of my starting this second spell, I am met with an updated system message.
Acres of land claimed (109/20).
I mentally nod, knowing that this section has been cleansed as well and joined to the initial patch I cleared. However, I still give it more time, not wanting to have to come back at midnight to fix shoddy workmanship. As such, I stay and continue to link these four parcels of land together. Well really, I am just adding two additional parcels at this point, but who is counting. Thunderclap. Thunderclap. By now three casters have managed to get their own version of Cleansing Rain up and running. This means that three are still having trouble forming the spell work and pumping enough mana into their structures to get their first cast going. This is another reason why I am going slightly slower, as I don¡¯t want to make the other mages feel bad. I mean honestly, they could theoretically take eight hours to cast their spells and end up with their goal of three casts for the day. It is just that taking so long to cast a simple spell, well no, not simple. I realized through one of my leadership courses that I was forced to take that calling something simple was not productive. Right now, every mage had the same goal and task, to cast one very intricate spell two to three times individually. While many had done so as part of a group, this would be their first time casting such master level spell workings by themselves and it was likely scarry. Honestly, I don¡¯t know how I would do with these castings if I had to rely on regular eyesight either. Which is why I need to relax, lower my expectations and prepare to compensate for the things that only I can do. Everything else will either get done, or it won¡¯t and that is the best I can hope for in such a case. See, Meditation already paying off as I let my mind relax and focus on the things that I can do better. While I have a minimum of five spots to cover, I mentally prepare for having to cover eleven spots. That is of course, if we only have to worry about the current threats facing us and the world doesn¡¯t throw anything else that is too crazy at us. ¡°GRAAHHAGAHHHAAA!¡± An ear splitting screech rips through the stormy sky. I can¡¯t see anything, but that doesn¡¯t stop me from feeling the direction that the draconic yell is coming from. And yes, somehow my mind interprets the sound as a large draconic creature, likely the call of a naturally obsidian dragon, though I don¡¯t know where or how I have such details from a simple scream. Though I guess part of it might be my ability to detect dialects of dragons? Is that even a thing? Do obsidian dragons have a distinct dialect? Or is there something else related to the scream that I picked up on. On instinct I begin Teleporting towards the disturbance. After three quick hops, I can begin to see the gliding and twisting form of the dragon, who clearly has a deep resonance with death magic. Mentally I praise myself for somehow noting the obsidian twang to his howl, but that elation is shortly lived, as I realize I am going to have to deal with this dragon, particularly as he is drawing in a massive amount of energy and weaving it into a spell lattice that can clearly be cast from a great distance by the beast. GRRAHGGHAHHHH! The dragon shrieks violently, infusing Death Magic into its massive breath. Being so far away, there is no way I can Dispel the attack, at least not with my regular spells that are available. Instead, I will need to go with the Area Dispel type spell work that I had been contemplating moments ago. Seeing the massive ball of Death Magic, and realizing the fact that it came from the massive roar of a dragon, I realize that the name ARF Disruptor might not be too bad of a name after all. No wait, it¡¯s still terrible, but I go for it anyways, weaving together an anti-lattice spell work that would grab onto a spell and shake it violently with power and form at designated spots.
New Spell Created: ARF Disruptor [Tier VII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds the Arcane Resonance Framework of an area of effect spell that has been cast and attempts to disrupt the core components of the spell before the true effects of said spell can take place. This spell¡¯s name can be spoken out loud to double spell¡¯s overall effectiveness.
Even the description of that spell was convoluted. While I did like the fact that it made me sound slightly more intelligent by changing Area to Arcane, I can¡¯t help but feel that the world is out to make me the butt of a joke by making me say ¡°ARF Disruptor¡± with any form of seriousness just to be twice as effective with my casting. Yet, looking at the size and scope of the ball of Death Magic flying straight towards us, and in particular the members of my guild who are on the ground, I realize that I can¡¯t take any chances as I will likely only get one chance to completely dispel this thing. Deep sigh. With a reluctant sigh, I breathe in, then breathe out and then breathe out, knowing that I will only look stupid from here on out, I relax and resign myself to my fate, as I begin to channel counter magic into and through my very voice. ¡°ARF¡­¡± Chapter 171 The Wild Ride Chapter 171 The Wild Ride ¡°ARF Disruptor.¡± I crowed out loudly, and instantly regretted the statement as soon as the words of power managed to leave my lips, I knew that was going to be on some highlight gag reel for years to come. Still, I couldn¡¯t refute the claims of what happened, as the blast that escaped from me was much more powerful in scope than what I had originally envisioned. Part of this discrepancy is the size and scale of the initial attack, which is a massive ball of death energy the size of stadium that is hurtling towards the lands we are in the process of claiming as part of our Guild¡¯s Lands. Sort of the world¡¯s attempt to flip the game board when you worked your way to a perfectly laid out victory. Rather than settling for the fact that you outthought the problems at hand, instead the world goes and decides to throw a tantrum, by introducing a giant stadium sized monster of death that can spew clouds of death energy at random intervals to destroy the lands you would otherwise claim. Basically, making the victory a pyrrhic victory at best, and yet that is where we currently stood. Me staring down a disastrously large comet of death hurtling towards my home, the place I had built and grown with my own two hands. And this monster decided to come here and play spoiler, not even having a true link to the area. Oh, I¡¯m sure there were likely clues, details of a hidden ancient dragon that was part of the legendary Tribunal court, but I missed them. Knowing this world, this was likely just the first of many, as the elves of Deolar likely had truce with the neighboring dragons. A truce that didn¡¯t directly apply to us, as we were not officially one faction because Mallory didn¡¯t marry my alternate avatar, the King of the Deolar elves. These thoughts and more raced through my mind, as I watched my word infused spell fire off and intercept the hurtling boulder sized ball of death magic aimed at the northwestern most parcels of land we were claiming. Fizzle-Hiss. The two spells collided, but even with double infused power what I cast was not enough to fully break down the spell. All I managed to do was break away a few outer layers of the spell. Like a rocket shedding external parts as it left the atmosphere, so too did this spell shed away the loose external parts, leaving just a hard inner shell of death. While the scope of death will be lessened, it will still be deadly for all who get before it. Realizing that I am uniquely capable of withstanding Death Magic, I move without thinking. One second, I am over a kilometer away from the inevitable blast site and the hurtling ball of Death Magic, and the next I am squarely in between the projectile and my fellow guild members who can do little but stare on in amazement as to what is happening above. A few have the wherewithal to cast shielding spells, or to duck for cover, but most are caught out in the vast openness and realize that they might as well stare down death as it comes. Poof. My Teleportation Trait comes in handy, instantly taking me from my external approach vector, to being in an intercepting spot of the massive ball of death. Oddly, staring down the giant ball of death I feel calm. My Danger Sense and other skills that should be alerting me of inherent dangers are oddly quiet, as if they are either so overwhelmed that they cannot feel the true danger before me. That or the danger that is before me is so obvious that a skill telling me about the danger would be redundant, and unnecessary, and superfluous, you get the idea. However, staring down this ball of condense energy, I don¡¯t think any of those are the reason for my lack of danger. As I can feel some part of my body warning me of impending danger, but it is dull, muted. The same I might have from charging into a ball being thrown at me, or that I might expect from falling down a flight of stairs. Yes, there will be physical pain, but so long as I am prepared for what is about to come, I can avoid most major injuries. Being this close to a hurtling ball of energy, I decided to try to slow down most of the impact. Telekinesis. Unfortunately, Telekinesis only works on physical objects, meaning that an incorporeal mass of moving energy is all but impossible to stop with Telekinesis alone. Fortunately, my days of being a one trick pony are over, as I have taken a more diversified role in dealing with magic. Namely, when you can¡¯t stop magic with magic, use your fists instead. Silver Disruptive Palm Burst, right hand. Silver Mana Devouring Palm, left hand.
New Skill Gained: Silver Mana Devouring Palm is now level 1.
Silver Mana Devouring Palm is a Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2 based skill.
Huh, odd, I thought I already created one for dealing specifically with Death and Spirit magic, but apparently not. Though I can see why, as this one is for a special distinction of power that is slightly further down the line of death than I have been subjected to recently. Mentally something clicks in my mind as I begin to see the distinctions being made by the different skills I am given. Golden skills relate to the mortal realm, and spirits that are close to being human or have not fully lost their former traces of humanity. While Silver skills are not necessarily worse, just different, as they are skills that pertain to powers that originate from individuals who have fully embraced death and decay. I don¡¯t know why it took me this long to make that distinction, though now that I realize it, it makes a lot of sense. Swoosh! I feel the wave of energy a split second before the meteorite that is hurtling towards me strikes. This is enough time for me to focus my mind and use Celerity. Woom. For a second the world around me pauses, as time seems to completely stop. This is perfect as it gives me a second to see the hurtling boulder towards me. I want to Teleport forward, but I find that using a second Trait while this one is active is still impossible. Though there is the benefit that I don¡¯t lose the ability to fly or use my wings. Always good that by trying to save the day I don¡¯t end up pulling a Hans Gruber impression by falling to my death. Instead, I can still move about weightlessly, and use my shapeshifted body to move about as I wish, I just can¡¯t cast any additional magic, yet. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. Still, I focus on this moment, this feeling of having Magic spells fully engaged on my body, and my Qi running rampant with abilities. There is a way to merge these two artforms, I can feel it, I just need to understand how to do so. Obviously the two can¡¯t be mixed by having two active abilities working in conjunction with each other, I would need one form to be passive, while the other one was active, but why? Shaking my head, I realize I¡¯ve already lost a millisecond to hesitation, which is something I can¡¯t waste, not even now. Instead, I glide forward, wings pushing my weightless body forward, as I infuse my palms with the most potent form of Spiritual Qi I can. Then moving in rapid succession, I make a number of quick precise jabs all along the solid chunk of magic that begins to shatter and crackle in place with each strike. While time is frozen like this, I cannot see the parts actually breaking apart, but I can identify the minor cracks that begin ripping through the rock. Five Strike. Ten Strikes. I strike out with a flurry of blows, striking and attacking with both palms. One palm destroying, while the other palm absorbs energy from the site I just impacted. I end up going the entire time, not even ending Celerity as I normally do, trying to keep some in reserves. Instead, I spend every second attacking and striking the rock, slowly but methodically moving my way around the object that is not quite a solid, but can be touched as if it is one, thanks to my Qi infused hands and body. Fwoosh! The moment Celerity drops, the giant rock speeds up, going from stopped to full speed again in the time it takes me to blink. Then I watch as it slowly but surely descends to the ground before fracturing and breaking apart into several pieces that end up disintegrating once they encounter the atmosphere. Then just like a real meteorite, most of it burns apart before ever contacting the ground. Boom. There is an impact, as the last part of the spell, contacts the ground, but the impact site is negligible, making more noise than actual damage. At least, that is the way it all appears. Phew. I take a second to relax slightly, as that could have been dangerous. That attack took nearly everything out of me, including my handy life saving Trait of Celerity, which wasn¡¯t enough to fully deal with one of the monster¡¯s attacks. GRAHHHH!! The dragon, seeing me still floating in the air, after having survived the most recent attack growls at me in its high-pitched whine that might otherwise be deafening, if I wasn¡¯t mentally prepared for avoiding physical pains. Instead, with my Willpower being as high as it is, and the fact that I am mostly floating in air, I see the wave of energy come, and then just like swimming in the ocean, I see the wave and then bounce once as the wave passes me by and then it is gone. Jittery. I take stock of myself, having mostly negated a primary attack, and having just lived through a minor secondary attack, I pause and realize I feel good. No, not just good, but I am amped up. While I was in the throws of attacking the stationary spell, I didn¡¯t even realize just how much mana I managed to devour from the Death Comet, I¡¯m not sure what the actual name of that spell was, but in my mind, I am now referring to it as the dragon¡¯s Death Comet spell. After having absorbed a good portion of the inner power structure of the spell, I realize that there is a huge power gap between both me and the dragon, so much so that even absorbing a portion of its spell¡¯s power, is now causing me to feel slightly unstable. At least at a molecular level, I feel like my body¡¯s cells are close to bursting with energy. If I focus my energy, I swear that I can probably complete a new Tier of my Core, going to a fourth Tier, but that is impossible at this moment. Instead, I realize that I would be better served to take this energy and redirect it back at its source, namely the dragon that is keeping me from completing this simple land grab quest for our guild. Poof. Poof. I Teleport in rapid succession, zagging right, then zipping left. Each time I reappear, the dragon loses me for a second before it once again notices my approach. This is good, as I use this to see how long it takes the dragon to notice a change in my approach. Four seconds. That is how long of a timer I have before the dragon becomes aware of my location. This means that I should have three seconds, once I appear somewhere to begin doing damage before the dragon can even react. Calm. Now that I am getting closer, I feel my Danger Sense fully awakening. In my mind I feel the deep rhythmic beat of my heart telling me that danger is close and that I need to focus. I don¡¯t know when I became an adrenaline junkie. By all rights I should enjoy the nice quiet life of retirement that has been afforded to me. Though looking back there are multiple times when I could have taken an easy way out and chose to go the road less traveled. In my mind, I remember the airship caper, the one that gave me my power of Telepathy, I also remember the great chase where I caused an entire detachment of Legrand soldiers to waste their time searching for me. As much as I hated the fact that I could die at any moment, I couldn¡¯t help but feel the thrill of hiding for my life. This moment here was no different, sure the size of the monster was beyond compared to even the largest of dragons I saw while in the Arcanarus Tower, but being small didn¡¯t really matter to me. I was used to overcoming larger and more terrifying foes. As for the challenge before me, I was ready. In fact, I had mentally expected large flying monsters to come. While I initially had expected a flock of smaller, but overall, just as deadly monsters, I can¡¯t say that having just one large adversary to deal with at a time was worse. In fact, looking at everything as a whole, I would almost prefer to face one large adversary that could likely handle a few love taps, over monsters that I might have to hold back against. Focus. Now that I understood the reaction time of the creature, and had a better understanding of its abilities, I Teleported well within the reach of the creature, and went to work. Third Eye. Opening my third eye on the back of the beast, I quickly saw large clusters of nerves and joint muscles. I saw the points where giant streams of improperly utilized Qi moved and then just remained stationary in the beast¡¯s back. Teleport. No sooner had I landed and taken a few seconds to orient myself with the beast did I move, expecting a response. Thwack! The beast¡¯s tail thrashed forward, smacking the exact area where I had been sitting a moment before. Well not just the exact spot, but the whole surrounding area as well. Yes, the impact zone was far too large for me to have avoided had I not Teleported. Right wing, underside. I land, and while I am aware of the tail moving and striking, I am also getting the layout of the beast¡¯s right wing. No time to attack, instead I am just getting an understanding of the area¡¯s nerve clusters and pain points. Lurch, under-swing. Due to my location, I am too far away for the beast to scrape at me with its massive paws, and while it did turn at me with its giant muzzle, this was just a feint, as I could see its tail quickly circling down and under to give an upward strike at me. Poof. Once again, I Teleport just before the tail would strike at my immediate area. Left wing, top side. This time I land on the other wing and give an inspection and just like a mirror of the right wing, many of the nerve endings are the exact same. There is however just one minor deviation, as there is a patch of scar tissue that exists on the left wing from a scrape or strike that didn¡¯t exist on the right wing. Odd, likely something to do with that, but I also know that generally scar tissue is dead to nerves, meaning I might be able to land there in the future and survive just a smidge longer before detection. Lurch. Once again, the giant beast bucks and twists about, looking for me, but unable to see me due to my now hiding behind its massive wing. Thwack. The tail comes with an almost straight attack pattern, once it clears the underside of the right wing, it is one smooth continuous movement right to the spot where I am at. Or at least right to the spot where I was resting. Poof. The tip of the long neck, just behind the massive skull¡¯s protective plating and massive horns. With my left hand I reach out to grab one of the smaller horns that are more like handlebars for my size. Then without even taking a second to evaluate, I find possibly the largest cluster of nerve endings I have seen on the beast, focus my Qi into my right hand and strike. Golden Palm Strike. Yes, I purposefully use the golden version for a direct attack on the creature, one because it is the exact opposite of the physical form of the creature, and secondly because my skill level in this practiced skill means that even though it might not be the perfect strike, I can still do more immediate damage to the creature with this strike. Pause. There is a momentary pause, where once again it feels like time has stopped, except I know for a fact I haven¡¯t engaged Celerity again. It is only after a brief momentary pause, before gravity seems to take over and pull us down towards the ground. Only now do I realize what has happened, I apparently got a critical strike and somehow managed to stun the massive beast. Fortunately, I still have my grip on the horn, as that is the only reason why I didn¡¯t find myself free floating in space, while the creature slowly struggled back to consciousness. Realizing I have at least a second to strike freely, I do just that, lashing out, over and over again. Playing whack-a-mole with the brightly glowing patches of nerve clusters that I strike at and extinguish with each blow. Wham, wham, thwack! I strike over and over again. Each second I try to average at least two strikes, all at nerve clusters that send jolts and shivers of pain through the creature that is all but paralyzed. Chain-stunning, or perma-lock is an attack vector that thieves and assassins are taught if they get a high enough ranking within the Thieves Guild. While I never turned down free lessons, I always hoped that I would never have to use such extreme measures. However, I never expected to find myself fighting against an ancient dragon that was nearly half a kilometer long, but here we are. Wham, wham, wham. We are so close that I can almost feel the inevitable impact with the ground. Still regardless of this, I strike, not wanting this beast to recover even in the slightest. For even now, even with each strike, I know I am doing only minor nerve damage to the beast, that even impacting the ground will be but a minor annoyance to this massive creature. Which is why I ride it all way to the ground like Air Force Major T. J. ¡°King¡± Kong did. Although, unlike T. J. I make one jump just before the end. Poof. KA-BOOM! The massive beast lands with such an impact that I even feel the residual energy waves pushing me further up in the air, despite having jumped nearly a kilometer away. Bob. Just like earlier though, I feel the wave of energy wash over and past me, as I just float freely in the air. I take a second to let out a breath of air, having somehow survived all of that. Only now does my mind process the endorphins of adrenaline that are pumping through my body, the endorphins, along with my still excess levels of Qi fill me with a high that is almost impossible to corral. ¡°That was awesome,¡± I whisper to myself, then just as if fate expected me to jinx myself at that exact moment, I hear it. AARRRAGGAAAHHH-ARRAAHH! And just like that, I realize round one is still going on in full force. Shaking my head, I get rid of any semblance of success and instead focus on the fact that this battle has really just started. Poof. Chapter 172 A Pack of Problems Chapter 172 A Pack of Problems The second largest entity that I have ever seen lay before me. The first being the great turtle that was a moving tower that I convinced to move from its original spot, to a spot near the center of the Legrand empire. There was a sky zone monster too that was roughly the same size, which I managed to kill on my first day here. But this one is just longer, and has two to three times as many levels as that zone boss did. In fact, now that I¡¯ve had more time to think about this, I assume this will either be one of the eventual elite zone bosses for this area, or one of the major guards for a likely larger boss that should appear towards the end of this day. Meaning, that not only is this monster ridiculously tough to handle, but we will likely have at least one or two more guards and then the main boss for the zone. My mind processes these facts, and then begins formulating different ways to try to both mitigate losses, while also ensuring that we are capable of handling what might come later. Personally, I¡¯d rather just disable this creature, as fighting this creature a second time in angry spirit form would just be ridiculous, and something that I could fully see us having to do as a guild. Or rather me, something I would have to deal with as the person who is tasked with dealing with spirits. Actually, that is a lie, I don¡¯t think I actually have a clear set of job descriptions. Yeah, I am a teacher, but the classes that I teach and when I teach were pretty much chosen by me. Even the curriculum to get our college accredited was chosen by me. Then the treaty between our guild and the undead ancient elven inhabitants of Deolar was something I pretty much did on the fly. Something that normally would get me yelled at by most bosses, though fortunately I have Mallory who understood what was happening and then went with it. That said, no, it is not my job to be the person responsible for hunting down the ghosts of these monsters that we kill here in the mortal realm. Though, it will likely both increase our Guild¡¯s Standings with individual members of the Deolar empire if we do help with the inevitable release. Well every individual safe the King and the princess of Deolar, those two pretty much love the Midnight Hunter¡¯s guild. Enough of this, yes killing these monsters will not stop them permanently as they will just come back as ghosts. Those ghosts will likely also have to be subjugated as well, but that is future Cass¡¯s problems. Current Cass has to deal with a monster that is over a thousand times her actual size, and capable of leveling an entire twenty-acre field if we let him, no wait her? I always have a hard time guessing the actual sexes of dragons. One would think that Zero would have helped me with this dilemma, but unfortunately no, dragon genders are tough to determine. Particularly tough when you are trying not to be crushed by said dragon when trying to identify which pronouns are suitable to describe them. Poof. I reflexively Teleport back to the lower middle spine of the creature, where I noticed a tightly woven clot of muscles. Apparently, this dragon is dealing with prolonged tension, which could lead to misalignment if left unadjusted. Fortunately for this dragon, I plan on doing a bit of my own amateur spinal adjustments. I arrive just as soon as I think about appearing on the beast¡¯s back. Then aiming at an acupuncture point, I ball up my spiritual Qi infused fists and lash out like an angry miniature masseuse. Silver Disruptive Palm Burst, right. Silver Disruptive Palm Burst, left. This time both of my hands are in unison as to which attack to do. I had been alternating when I was worried about magical attacks, but now that the beast is on the ground, the threat of wide scale magical attacks that could take out hundreds of fellow guild mates seems a bit lacking. Peripheral blurs. There are a lot of forces that are mobilizing towards us right now, which is good as I can use the help, but they will take time to get here, and time unfortunately is something I don¡¯t have a lot of at the moment. Poof. Especially with a dragon that has a four second detection time, and one second automatic attack. Thwack. I am on my next target, the left wing, when the beast¡¯s tail lands dead center of where I had just been striking. Fortunately, the dragon is less of a masseuse than I am with its tail, as the beast is clearly slowed from the self-inflicted back wound that was only exacerbated by the full on tail strike to its knotted muscles. Even now I can see the rate of Qi flowing to the lower portion of the dragon¡¯s body slowing down. It isn¡¯t much, a fraction of a second slower, but that is okay, my goal is attrition. Silver Disruptive Palm Burst, right. Silver Disruptive Palm Burst, left. I am on the underside of the dragon¡¯s massive wings, and targeting the initial inside nerve cluster that the creature would use to command its massive wings to begin flapping to take off. Claw-Strike. As to be expected, with my now being on the under side of the dragon¡¯s wing, and the beast no longer flying about freely in the air, it can¡¯t whip around its tail like it did while flying. Instead, it has to try to strike at me with its theropod like appendages that are too short and stubby to fully be effective for the size of this imposing beast. Whiff. I can all but feel the wind as the claws of the creature swipe past me. Wing rises. The beast lifts its massive wings up, this can do multiple things, first I see the wing muscles coiling tightly or preparing to spring back down, likely throwing my weightless body down to the ground where I can be pawed at a little more easily. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Poof. Instead, I just Teleport up to the top side of the wing and begin striking at the same patch of nerve clusters, but from the opposite side of the wing. Once again, there is a noticeable slowing of Qi flow within the beast, as these strikes on specific acupuncture points are slowly taking their toll. At least that is what I keep telling myself, otherwise there would not be any point to trying so hard. Even after all of these rapid Teleportations in a row, I am still over halfway full on my reserves. I do have to admit that my rate of increase is extremely fast, or at least it seems quick. Even my fully depleted Celerity is now close to a tenth filled, that wouldn¡¯t be much, but it might be enough to deliver a few powerful blows at a given time, speaking of which. Silver Disruptive Palm Burst, right. Silver Disruptive Palm Burst, left. I¡¯m going for more of quality strikes at specific areas than anything. As soon as I manage to land a quick four strike combo, I feel the slight movement and witness the coiling of muscles and Qi that are indicative of impending powerful strikes. I pause, or at least that is what it feels like, even as I quickly deliver an two hit combo, then the necessary Qi manifests, the tail swipes out viciously, and I Teleport all at the same time. I appear under the right wing, just as the tail strikes right at the nerve cluster that I had been striking at micro-seconds before. Wham, wham. I begin striking, though this time I grab on with my left hand after a particularly strong strike. This allows my Qi infused fingers to slightly melt into the skin, grabbing a thick braided cord of nerves that are the size of ropes in my hands and then I strike with my right hand. Whiff. As expected the dragon swipes at me with its paws. I can tell that it wants to turn its massively long neck towards me, but it is clear that the damage I did at the base of the skull and on its exposed back are paying off as the creature is moving around slower than I did after my knees went out in my past lifetime. Wing raise. The dragon realizing that it can¡¯t get at me by conventional means raises its wing, likely to strike at me with the tail, or hurl me towards the ground, which is when I once again disappear. Poof. Onto the neck, at a slightly lower section than what I used to paralyze the creature into falling to the ground. I land where there a trickle of Qi is still able to work its way around and between the two knotted sections of nerve endings on the beast¡¯s long back. This is the problem with larger creatures like this that have long necks and tails, while they do allow for greater movement, and ease to pull in resources needed to sustain such a large physique. These long necks and tails also provide multiple single points of failure that run up and down the spinal column of the creatures, making them particularly vulnerable to acupuncture attacks, and similar restriction attacks. Wham, wham. Once again, my exploding palms land, striking nerve endings that have an immediate impact on the creature. Just like before, there is an immediate stun effect to my strikes, where the beast collapses from the strikes. Whoom. For a second, I just float there, half expecting gravity to take over my weightless body. Only after a moment do I realize I need to fly my way down and forcefully begin striking at the creature again. Which is good, as I land just in time to deliver a diving strike, just before the beast could regain its composure and rise up from the ground. I strike, quickly and often. I strike until the surplus of Spirit Qi I had managed to absorb from the initial magical assault by this very beast was worn away and I was forced to pull resources from my own reserves. Each strike infused with Spirit Qi was enough to continue the chain stunning effect. If I let up, or missed a rotation of Spirit Qi, then the beast would once again begin to move. Slowly, but it was clear that its was using the time in between stuns to gain its bearings and call forth its own Qi reserves to deliver a devastating attack. Tired. I am not afraid to admit that I was nearing my limits. I had been in combat for what felt like close to two to five good minutes, which going all out with every punch, needing to be perfect with every strike was a lot to ask for. The QRF, or Quick Response Force was nearing us, which was good, as I could clearly use some help by this point. A blur among the QRF was Mallory, I could recognize her deathly aura from anywhere by now. Just seeing her aura get so close filled me with a sense of hope. Strike, strike. My stunning strikes are doing next to no damage, but they are doing the most important thing, and that is buying me time to get people here who can help. Then finally, just when I am left with nothing but regular Qi, a miracle happens, well three. ¡°AWOOO!¡± Hearing the cry of a dire phase wolf never sounded so amazing. Phase. Then just like that Kujo and Ms. Kujo appeared, first next to me, then dashing out toward each wing. Kujo went to the right wing, while Ms. Kujo went left. I was worried about her, as she was still clearly pregnant, and I knew that this was likely one the scenarios I would need to pass to make its o her thirteen pups come to full term, but right now I wasn¡¯t going to look a gift phase wolf in the mouth. Actually, I never want to look them in the mouths, those things are terrifying. Badump. As they leave, a familiar object jumps off of the back of Kujo. It takes me a moment to realize that the reason why that object looks and feels so familiar, is because it is in fact my familiar. ¡°Zero?¡± I wheeze out, my mind spinning from having had to strike so fast and so often. ¡°Coming boss,¡± Zero said as it swam the way only worm like flying dragons can. For a moment I wondered how he got here, then I remembered my commitment to doing more things with my familiar, apparently doing something stupid, like attacking a giant world or zone boss was on that list. At least, Zero seemed to think so. Honestly, I could use all the help I could at the moment, as I needed a moment to regroup and recover. As Zero moved past, I saw it begin to grow in size, well length. He went from being his standard svelte two-meter-long form to a size that was easily ten times that size, at least length wise. Width wise he was still skinny, but his overall body had grown, along with multiple new sections of clawed appendages. ¡°What the?¡± Is all I can manage to say, but then my senses begin taking over and I can feel the true power of a Trait coming to life within Zero. Seeing this transformation, I realize that he had been keeping secrets. That or I had been such a bad owner of Zero that I never thought to ask if he had any amazing attack powers. I watched as Zero dove down low, under the dragon¡¯s neck. Zero¡¯s small form was easily able to crawl and slither under and through the slight crevasse that was created between the beast¡¯s massive skull and its neck. From there, I watched as Zero swam-climbed up around the base of the creature¡¯s neck, and then proceeded to bite right where I first began striking. Somehow Zero¡¯s entire body was able to wrap itself around and wedge itself tightly into the loose skin crease that existed between the protective bone plating of the beast¡¯s skull that shot out to protect the delicate portions of the neck, and the rest of the beast. Then I watched in horror as nearly two dozen sets of Zero¡¯s claws latched out and dug deeply into the beast¡¯s neck. HIISSSSS! With that the beast began coiling about in pain. As it tried to move, Kujo and Ms. Kujo struck out in unison, their sharp claws tearing at vulnerable and wide open wings that ripped like paper under their strikes. The dragon tried to use its tail to strike at the creatures, only to find empty air, or worse dangling wing fragments where dire phase wolves had just been. Yet, despite all of the coordination between the three creatures, I couldn¡¯t help but ask. ¡°Zero, could you always do that?¡± ¡°Gname-kinda-bnusy-rnight-gnow¡­¡± Zero said, through his outstretched mouth that was clamping onto and devouring deeply into the dragon¡¯s damaged nerve clusters on its neck. ¡°Oh right.¡± I said, then I realized what I needed to do. I needed to ask the question using Telepathy, that way I could ask Zero about this new power. Or at least a power that was new to me. I knew Zero leveled up when I leveled up, and that he had been on relatively equal power as I had this entire time. Also, I assume many of my accomplishments counted as his accomplishments, shared soul and all. Did that mean that he managed to get new Traits with his level ups, or had he always had these and I just never let him show them off due to my dislike of violence and want to shield him from danger. I am thinking these things, when I realize the fact that the true answer of what I should do was right there, right in front of me the whole time. ¡°Well good, stay safe.¡± I tell Zero. ¡°Vvwha?¡± Zero asks, or at least I think he does, but I am already moving onto my next plan. Poof. I Teleport again, but this time, I find myself right on the long snout of the dragon. Oddly enough, the dragon can stare at me from this range, but it seems that it can somehow only manage to get one eye to look at me properly without going cross eyed, which is good to know. Focusing on the dragon, I use Telepathy for seemingly the first time in forever. Though, unlike most times where I just listen to people¡¯s thoughts to practice my skills, and make sure I¡¯m not the only one who is completely crazy, this time I do so for a true purpose. ¡°All right, hello. I am Cassiopeia Spiritlight, it is a pleasure to meet you.¡± I tell it directly in its mind. Struggle. The beast struggles, as it curls back its lips and glares at me angrily. ¡°Get off of me!¡± The beast snarls, opening and snapping its jaws wildly as it tries to talk to me mentally, but fails. ¡°Sigh,¡± yes, I likely sound stupid, as I actually say the word sigh, but I need to get the point across. Then I begin, ¡°this might take a while, but realize this hurts me, a lot more than it will hurt you.¡± And like that, I feel the components of Grand Master Level Taming coming to life within my mind, as I realize I am about to practice one of my hardest to level up skills. Who knows, depending on how this goes, this might actually turn into a pretty good day. ¡°Get off me! Get off of me!¡± The monster begins shaking its head violently. At that I just shake my head and hold up my hand into a fist. ¡°Even the dumbest of animals can understand negative reinforcement.¡± I tell the creature through our mental link. ¡°I am not dumb!¡± ¡°We will see,¡± I reply back mentally, as I begin the process for anger modification. Chapter 173 Bibliophile’s Secret Places And Subjugation Forces (Mallory) Chapter 173 Bibliophile¡¯s Secret Places And Subjugation Forces (Mallory) To say that Cass was hiding something was obvious. The fact that something as monumental as the world receiving a message that someone had somehow found the entrance to the legendary Library of the Tribunal, was astonishing enough. Added to that was the fact that Cass, the number one bibliophile in the world seemed indifferent to the information and that is where Mallory and Gwen¡¯s senses began to go off. ¡°She is being elusive about the subject, isn¡¯t she?¡± Mallory asked Gwen, Cass¡¯s real-world daughter and arguably the person with the most experience dealing with the enigmatic woman. ¡°Oh yeah, most definitely.¡± Gwen responded, as she too had been present, at least long enough for Cass to perform her daily affection towards the unborn child. As it was nearly midnight, Cass managed to get a double dose in, almost missing the cycle, making it so Mallory would have had to avoid Gwen an entire day herself, had she not returned exactly when she had. ¡°Also, her arrival seems way too coincidental, right?¡± Mallory found herself asking. At this, Gwen paused and actually seemed to debate the answer. ¡°Well, possibly, but she is always zooming about from place to place as she wishes.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it odd that she chose now to do the guild¡¯s land reclamation quest?¡± ¡°Well, we have been talking about doing it for a long time, and maybe she thought that we would do it without her,¡± Gwen answered honestly. At that Mallory just squinted, normally this would be enough for Cass to pick up that she wanted her to go on, but Gwen either wasn¡¯t as adept at reading facial queues as Cass, or they hadn¡¯t bonded enough for this to be expressed clearly, in either case she had to ask. ¡°How could we do this without her?¡± Mallory finally asked. To her, the statement made no sense, as even with the other elite mages, they all took time to cast the spells, which Cass could do in a fraction of the time. Judging by how quickly Cass was moving in comparison to the other mages, Mallory knew that her initial projections were not that far off. If anything, they were pretty well stopped with the expansion efforts when Cass was not around, as the other mages, even using the giant obelisks that Cass created to assist in the fertilization process of the land, had difficulty using the equipment handed to them. No, there was something amazing about the way that Cass used and wielded magic that was inspiring. When asking the students of her classes for feedback, they all were extremely thankful for being given the opportunity to learn from her, as she clearly not only understood magic itself, but how to get others to understand magic. Just her passion for all things magical seemed to radiate from her in almost everything she did, and sometimes that radiating light was almost too much to stare at, almost. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I mean sure we could get by, but it wouldn¡¯t be the same without her.¡± Gwen answered truthfully. Mallory was about to ask another question, but was quickly stopped by Gwen raising one finger and then pointing off in the distance. Seeing the signal, Mallory instantly went quiet as she turned to see three figures come straight towards her, as if summoned by the start of the land subjugation quest. There was a slight pause, as Mallory took the initiative and decided to meet the three Deolar delegates at the halfway mark between her and them. The three delegates of course were, Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri, Lieutenant Foliv De¡¯Travin, and Arch-Mage Rahul De¡¯Gravitas. These three were the representatives that had been sent ahead to help foster peaceful negotiations between the invading Midnight Hunters Guild and the native undead inhabitants of Deolar. Each was powerful in their own rights, and while Mallory was certain she could take down one or two of the delegates, she felt that taking on all three would prove costly for her. Especially if she had to deal with the Necromancer of the group, the Arch-Mage Rahul himself. Honestly, after meeting the Arch-Mage Mallory couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit creeped out. I mean dealing with the undead in any capacity was tough, but dealing with powerful undead who were originally part of the opposing forces meant to combat your occupation of their territory only seemed to heighten the anxiety she felt. Anxiety she felt, but never showed. Turning back to see her pregnant girlfriend waddling up closer to their delegation, Mallory was both relieved and surprised to see that Gwen too was stoic in the face of the undead. It might be something about being blind, and only able to see with that weird sight that the whole family now has, but honestly, the undead delegation were imposing to say the least. Each exuded an aura of death and malignance that seemed like it should permeate the ground, but somehow never did. Deep breath. Still, if Gwen and Cass both could deal with these delegates and treat them like they are living entities, then Mallory at least could follow suit. ¡°Do you have any objections to our purifying and claiming the Blighted lands?¡± Mallory asked, as she just got the first status update that they had claimed the first 73 acres, and were already set for a rather large land claim. Normally, such a massive grab for land was considered unwise, particularly when your opposing force was the world as there was generally a ten enemy to one acre of land ratio of forces that a guild could face from claiming unoccupied lands. This meant that right off the bat, the Midnight Hunters would have to deal with at least seven hundred and thirty well trained elite forces that were par for the area, and the area was exceptionally high level, particularly in comparison to the majority of the guild¡¯s members. ¡°Not at all my queen,¡± Knight Captain Glavis De¡¯Arcaneri began as he immediately went into a kneel. ¡°In fact, we were ordered by our King and Princess to accept these changes, for once you are officially married to our king, the lands you guard we will guard as well.¡± Relief. With that Mallory felt a bit of the tension she had been holding, and once again she saw the planning and foresight that Cass had put forth into this effort. As always, Cass seemed to have planned at least two steps ahead of the current moment. ¡°Can we ask you why a rather large contingent of Deolar forces have suddenly appeared?¡± Gwen asks, a sudden note of panic in her voice, though she does manage to keep her voice calm as she points towards the dungeon entrance that leads to the undead Deolar capital. Seeing the large force, Mallory too instantly felt her blood run cold as she realized these are the forces that she and her guild would normally have to face off against if the two factions were not at peace. Turning, Knight Captain De¡¯Arcaneri faced the portal, and then had a slight questioning glance to his face, before he seemed to recognize the first few soldiers. ¡°Those are my elite guards, though why they are here versus guarding our entrance I don¡¯t quite understand.¡± Knight Captain De¡¯Arcaneri stated, as he walked over and began talking to the forces. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. There was a slight pause, before everyone else, the Lieutenant, the Arch-Mage and of course Gwen and Mallory also moved forward to join the Knight Captain. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± De¡¯Arcaneri asked, clearly feeling that he still had a measure of authority over the troops that were coming out of the dungeon exit in droves. Quick salute. ¡°Sir, we have been sent to inform you that we have once again contacted the rest of the Deolar Empire. The tunnels that were once sealed have now finally been cleared and communications with the other outposts has once again been reestablished. Since those with me are mostly new, we thought it best that we introduce these new soldiers to their King and Princess as quickly as possible.¡± The soldier said, while quickly rendering a salute. Hearing that Mallory instantly knew this was going to be a bit of a distraction, as the King and the Princess were both currently busy trying to gain more lands for the Midnight Hunter Guild, as both of those were in fact avatars owned by Cass. ¡°Okay, so why are you all here?¡± De¡¯Arcaneri fortunately asked the very question that Mallory had been thinking. ¡°Sir, given the recent addition of lands, our detachment was considered to be surplus and was thus sent here by the ministers as a means to help with any tasks that might need to be done during this great unification project. While also swearing fealty to our King and beloved Princess.¡± The Soldier said. And like that Mallory knew this was the game¡¯s way of stating why a contingent of over seven hundred soldiers were being pumped out to the exact center of the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild¡¯s territory. Normally this would be done as a means to force the Midnight Hunters to both attack the hostile native forces, while continuing to grab more land segments, but in this case the soldiers were just extra. In her mind Mallory realized that the size of the dungeon for the Deolar Empire was likely growing at a rate that was both equal to and proportional to the amount of land being claimed by her Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. While this had the future implications of effectively doubling her guild¡¯s landmass in the future, currently all she could think about was how tenuous this situation was. However, before she could get too lost in her own thoughts about what to do, the Knight Captain made sure she had no time to think of an appropriate response to this situation. ¡°Well unfortunately the King and princess are both away tending to delicate matters, but said, let me introduce you to your future queen, so that she might be able to better allocate you all during this process.¡± The Knight Captain said, as he then gestured to Mallory. At that Mallory felt both apprehension and a slight wave of relief wash over her. While these were clearly friendly forces, and likely a lot easier to deal with individually than the three delegates that had already been here, Mallory had no doubt that her guild would suffer extreme losses if they but made the wrong move here. They could instantly go from being potential allies to extreme enemies within seconds. There was also the fact that the thought of a large contingent of hostile forces being stationed right at the center of her Guild¡¯s empire made her squeamish to say the least. Nothing good could come from having so many opposing forces just sitting around idly within her borders without any clear mission or without any people to watch them. Unfortunately, everyone who Mallory would normally place in charge of monitoring this foreign force was already occupied with different logistical concerns related to monitoring the other mages, transporting the different mages from one section to the next as needed, and ultimately trying to ensure their full borders are protected from possible roaming bands of Blighted creatures. Honestly, this whole thing was turning into a giant cluster of chaos that Mallory knew she wasn¡¯t quite capable of handling on her own. Kneeling bow of respect. The leader of the invading soldiers faced Mallory and then instantly bent the knee and showed supplication towards Mallory. ¡°You grace, we await your command.¡± At first Mallory wanted to tell them all to go away, that they were unwanted and unnecessary and would likely cause problems, but that was not an answer that would help improve the relationship between both factions. Instead, Mallory paused, wondering if she could get the groups to take on border patrol. Just as she was thinking about a way to make these soldiers look busy while being out of the way, she heard it. ¡°GRAAHHAGAHHHAAA!¡± An ear-splitting sound of primordial violence that stirred deep fear within Mallory¡¯s heart. Just hearing the sound, it was clear that this was the cry of a world boss, or at the very least a zone boss for the overpowered and over-leveled zone that they were in. Seeing the monster, Mallory instantly realized that this was likely the first of many tests sent to come. Suddenly she knew what to do with all seven hundred soldiers, though in her mind she instantly realized that the forces being provided would not make it in time to the attack site, then most importantly it meant that she would be weak if she ran the full forces to face this foe, only for a second foe to appear from an alternate side. Realizing the test before her, Mallory decided to split up the forces for perimeter defense as she had originally planned to do, but now this would actually be an important task given to others. ¡°Divide the troops into seven groups of a hundred, I need one group to go to each corner, and then the remainder to start filling out the centers of our territory.¡± Mallory said, pointing towards each corner of the overall area that her guild was attempting to cover, then pointing towards the rough center. In her mind she was already planning on there being more soldiers coming through, thanks to conquering more land masses, which would force more soldiers up to the surface. ¡°Kight Captain De¡¯Arcaneri, I am going to task you and the Lieutenant on organizing the forces and distributing them out equally to help cover our territory while we deal with any other monsters that might come during this time.¡± Mallory began giving out orders crisply and clearly, her mind quickly going into crisis prevention mode. The Knight Captain just nodded his understanding, before he could open his mouth to say anything, Mallory continued. ¡°Lieutenant, it will be your job to guide any new forces to the appropriate areas, and then to come back here and help the Knight Captain however he needs you.¡± Mallory said, and true to form the Lieutenant gave a quick fist clench to his chest and bow in acknowledgement. With that Mallory turned towards the troops. ¡°Now you all, I need the best hundred of you to form up on me, so we can take down that beast,¡± Mallory said as she pointed off in the distance towards the monster that was little more than a dark spot in the distance. GRAHHHH!! Hearing that sound, Mallory knew that the creature had already found a target or targets to attack. As it cried out, a large ball of death shot from its mouth. The ball was so far away that Mallory could actually see the projectile get slightly larger, like a miniature burning sun, before it seemed to just vanish. ¡°What the?¡± Mallory asked, the spots were so far away that they were just at the edge of her exceptional Perception range, even still, she could only make out the sight due to the sheer volume of energy being released and thrown about. ¡°How?¡± Was all Mallory could ask, trying to understand how the fiery ball of death suddenly dissolved in mid-air. Then just as she had the thought, the answer came to her. ¡°No, no, no, no no.¡± Mallory said, as her mind processed all the factors, the fact that there was a storm cloud in the top left corner of her eye. The fact that a magical attack of a veritable God had been thwarted. ¡°You stupid¡­¡± Shaking her head, Mallory could only feel fear wash over her, as she knew the only one crazy enough to jump head long into battling a calamitous beast was Cass. Then realizing she didn¡¯t have a moment to spare, Mallory turned back to the troops that were all staring up in awe at the spectacle. ¡°Follow me, and keep up!¡± Mallory shouted, then without waiting to find out if anyone would listen, Mallory began to first run, then sprint, then Burst her way forward. As she moved her way through the territory, she found herself instinctively heading towards the wide open strips of still Blighted lands that existed between the different sections. When she first heard the process provided by Cass, she was a bit skeptical, even now she had her doubts particularly with how much the world was seemingly throwing at their guild. But right now, the idea of having a straight line to go down made everything so much easier. For the first time, Mallory didn¡¯t even feel the fear of walking on Blighted lands, instead all she could think about was getting to her friend and providing as much assistance as possible. Even running, it would still take time, maybe even minutes to get to Cass, minutes that would likely prove costly. This was why Mallory found herself watching the creature the entire time she ran. As she got closer, she saw a giant creature that seemed to float the same way a brick would. Mentally she knew this was the effect of parallax, the act of seeing an object while moving. Yet, despite knowing that both she and the monster were moving exceptionally quickly, everything seemed to go in a slow crawl. That was of course, until she saw that the creature was flickering. It took Mallory a second to figure out exactly what was happening, but the creature was swatting itself with its long tail the same way a horse might swat at an annoying fly biting at its flesh. ¡°Cass.¡± Was all Mallory could let out mid stride, as her breathing was already being pushed to its limits. Then to her shock and horror, she watched as the giant creature slowly plummeted to the ground. KA-BOOM! Silence. Mallory first heard the sound of the giant beast falling, then felt the aftershocks in the ground as the beast¡¯s impact was also finally felt. All the while Mallory continued to run forward. In the next seconds following the ripples, Mallory heard the creature let out an annoyed scream. AARRRAGGAAAHHH-ARRAAHH! Hearing the sound, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but let a slight smile of understanding crest her features as she understood that cry. That was the cry of a monster who was being put to its limits by something that it should easily be able to outmatch, but somehow couldn¡¯t. Tear. It was definitely the cold wind rushing into Mallory¡¯s eyes, and not the slightly overwhelming dread that had been plaguing Mallory¡¯s thoughts about her friend being in danger that caused a tear to form in her eye. The tear also had nothing to do with the fact that Mallory just knew, somehow she knew that if she hurried she would be able to see her friend overcoming one of the greatest enemies ever recorded in BiPrism history. As she got closer, the exact location of the enormous beast became more apparent, as it was easily over ten meters tall when it fully exposed its wings to the air. ¡°Keep going Cass, I¡¯m almost there.¡± Mallory said, realizing that the creature was still acting like a rabid spider monkey was clawing at its sensitive bits. For a moment lush trees and gardens covered the majority of the movements of the great dragon, and it was clear that this was a dragon. Arguably the largest dragon ever recorded. Given the size of the dragon and the size of the forest that Mallory was now charging through, most of the movements were missed. It was clear that by now others had come to help Cass out, as the creature now moved about like a colony of ants had climbed into its pants and began stinging wildly. Which given what Mallory knew about Cass didn¡¯t seem too hard to imagine. Finally, she broke through the last vestige of vegetation, and looked out to see the beast on the ground. Mallory even let out a sigh of relief as she saw that Cass was there still alive and healthy. Then she paused. Mallory went from a full-on sprint one second, to a complete and abrupt stop the next as she stared on in wonder as she watched what Cass did next. ¡°What the?¡± Was all Mallory could manage to say, before she heard Cass cry out clear as day. ¡°Now¡­¡± Chapter 174 Beef Jerky, Pomeranian Threats, and Instant Regrets Chapter 174 Beef Jerky, Pomeranian Threats, and Instant Regrets Chaos. If I had to sum everything up it would be chaos. To use two, organized chaos. That was how things were going. I kind of expected the world to throw random tasks at us, with the land reclamation quest for our guild underway, particularly with how we averted the major threat of having neutralized the threat from the native inhabitants. Now we had to deal with a zone boss, or a boss so powerful that they were seen as the undisputed champion of the region. Which given our remote location should not have been too much of a stretch. My biggest fear of course was that this wasn¡¯t the final boss that we could expect to fight. Given that we were still in the initial stages of this land reclamation process, there was a higher than likely chance that we would have to fight of more beasts that were as tough as this one, if not even more powerful by the time it was over. The only good thing was that so far we had managed to avoid any major injuries. With just me, my familiar, and the Kujos we had managed to both knock the giant creature from the sky, while also managing to permanently disable the creature from being able to fly again. That last part, the part about keeping the monster from being able to fly again was solely due to the Kujos, and by the Kujos I mean Ms. Kujo who took her time attacking. While I was busy distracting the monster by talking directly into its mind, and Zero had the thing in a tight but ultimately ineffective coiling strangle hold around its neck, with his teeth dug into the giant nerve clusters of the creature. The Kujos had been working on the wings of the great beast. At first, I was going to give it to Kujo, who despite being slightly undersized compared to his visibly pregnant wife was doing more damage. At least that was what I had thought, as his attacks were wild and crazy. He would phase in, give a quick swipe at a muscle of the wing and then disappear entirely. Only to reappear later and give another devastating swipe or bite to the creature at another location. By contrast Ms. Kujo seemed to be less destructive, and more precise with her strikes. Rather than making random cuts all over to do the most damage, she instead made long slicing attacks that ran down the long webbed membranes that attached the giant finger like appendages on the dragon¡¯s wings. Sometimes even stopping herself, disappearing, and then reappearing on the other side of the wing to finish her descending strike. It wasn¡¯t until she was done and had her first strip of membrane torn free that I began to see her attack for what it was. Snatch. Grabbing onto the membrane she grabbed the piece of thick webbing and then phased out of existence with it. And just like that Ms. Kujo permanently grounded the dragon. At least made it so he could no longer use that left wing to fly away with as it had a giant gap in it now. Then two more swipes and another strip of wing leather later, Ms. Kujo left the battle field entirely. Only after a second of searching did I find Ms. Kujo. She was a kilometer away, likely close enough to provide assistance to Kujo and me should the need arise, but for the moment she just looked on, using some form of vision magic that seemed to be mirrored in Kujo¡¯s eyes. Awe. ¡°They have some form of Puppy Love Vision going between them.¡± I thought to myself, as I still forgetting that I was mentally transmitting my thoughts to the giant beast realized a second later that I had effectively shouted in the beast¡¯s mind. GRRRAAHHHHH! Well not just shouted, that awe might have been at a mentally higher pitch than most people can probably produce, and likely should never be able to transmit. That said, I did realize that my squealing at seeing Ms. Kujo use her Love Vision to check on Kujo, before she settled down to rest and eat a strip of what was effectively dragon jerky did make me feel pretty happy that their relationship was still doing well. Even if they were in what some would call, the puppy love phase, Hah! GRAHH! The giant beast that was the size of an industrial sports complex cried out in pain, though this time the pain was not as pronounced as previously. ¡°You okay there?¡± I ask the creature both mentally and physically. As it spoke, I realized that my skill in Telepathy, helped me to increase my volume level that I was effectively speaking into the mind of an intended target. Normally I keep this at a standard conversational level, but apparently while talking to this creature part of my inherent panic bled through my thoughts causing me to speak at a much higher level. With that, I realized I could weaponize this for my own benefit. Dizzy. There was an echo, as apparently my mind worked faster than sound, transmitting my thoughts directly into the beast¡¯s mind a split second before he could hear the same exact thought. The result was an audible echo within his mind that sounded almost like old feedback loops one might experience during conference calls, back before everything turned to crystalline transmissions. Realizing this, a giant smile crested my features. I still had a minute, or two before full reinforcements would arrive, which meant I had to come up with something else to stall for time. With that an evil thought came to mind, as I realized part of the problem was the fact that I was forcing my thoughts directly into the mind of the beast, while its survival instincts were kicked to a high degree trying to listen and help prevent serious threats from attacking from all sides. With that, an evil smile filled my face, as I realized that the faster and louder, I spoke, the more mental pain I would cause the giant creature. Obviously with there being more pain, I could potentially end this conflict just that much faster. ¡°Let¡¯s see if you are like my parents, and hate my music.¡± Cass said, again letting her words and thoughts bleed out in the form of a dull attack. Feeling the impact of her words, she began by mentally and physically saying the fastest song she could think of and still remember clearly. ¡°Lyrics coming at you at supersonic speed, Uh, sama lama duma lama, you assumin'' I''m a human What I gotta do to get it through to you, I''m superhuman? Innovative and I''m made of rubber So that anything you say is ricochetin'' off of me and it''ll glue to you I''m devastating, more than ever demonstrating¡­¡± And like that I managed to take the fastest parts of a song and turn it into a twenty second mental attack. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Thud. The creature just collapsed. I could feel the moment its mind reached its limit. There was a push, as the harder and faster I spoke my thoughts, the more resistance there was, until finally I pushed so hard that the resistance just snapped. Almost like pulling a rubber band too far and feeling the moment it snaps in your fingers, that same thing, but rather than having a random projectile flying about, in this case the mind of the creature just went from hard rubber to mush. At the same exact moment, the creature just collapsed onto the ground, releasing a deafening thud. Yes, this creature by all measures was having a terrible day. It had been attacked in the air by a flea, which somehow managed to ground it. Then had its wings clipped and turned into jerky, then had its mind shattered by one of my favorite songs while growing up. The worst part, we weren¡¯t done. Even with it completely out, its body still moved. Rumble. Just rolling onto its side and breathing out the deep calming breaths of sleep, caused a minor tremor to roll out over the ground. Even while asleep, Zero and Kujo both continued with their attacks. Zero was now gnawing away at the exposed nerve endings, digging through the layers of protective scales, and digging their way to the raw nerves. Kujo on the other hand, took a bite out of Ms. Kujo¡¯s playbook, perhaps literally, as he ripped off and began gnawing at a flap of still attached wing membrane. With this brief moment of reprieve, I took time to center myself. Taking in a deep breath, I tried to calm myself, as I prepared for what would soon happen. Poof. I Teleported right onto the snout of the giant creature, right next to the right eye that was just slightly opened. Yes, the dragon had a double membrane, but that was no matter for me, as I reached in, placed my hand next to the first membrane and then began pulling energy directly from the mind of the beast. As one would expect, the moment an attack happens, the body instantly responds by sending resources directly to that spot. In this case, the over taxed mind of the beast was desperately trying to recharge itself and be ready for a similar mental assault of lyrical violence. With that, I began cultivating the excess energy from the beast and pulling it into myself. Given the disparity in sizes between the two of us, the energy I managed to gather was trivial by comparison. Even without the dragon being a cultivator in any shape or form, I still drew part of its natural energy that would otherwise go towards skills, or external powers and drained them into myself. If given the chance, I could easily use the giant dragon as a seemingly never-ending battery that could be used to fuel multiple personal breakthroughs. Unfortunately, I didn¡¯t have the time for such an act, yet. Shudder. The beast began to twitch and pulse violently as its mind and body began coming back online. Mentally, I calculated the time and realized it was just thirty seconds, but for how fast I had been moving this entire time, the thirty seconds felt like a lifetime. Poof. Before the beast could fully arise, I was back to my original position. ¡°I¡¯m gonna¡¯ kill you.¡± The beast muttered, as it slowly pulled itself up from the ground. Chuckle. With that, I laughed, realizing that was the exact line before the verse that I had just assaulted the dragon with a moment ago. With that I began repeating the same verse again. ¡°Uh, sama lama duma lama, you assumin''¡­¡± This time as I spoke, I could feel the slightly improved resistance to my mental onslaught, as if the creature was somehow ready for this exact attack. I could even feel it preparing for cadences and words that would hit harder. Staggering, but still standing. The creature shook but just stared at me angrily. ¡°Do you think I would fall for the same attack twice?¡± The beast cried out defiantly. Hahaha. ¡°You dare laugh?¡± The creature demanded. ¡°Yeah, actually. As you seem to think I only learned one song to annoy my parents, when I in fact learned them all.¡± I state, there was a moment of confusion as the dragon just stared at me with its long face turned slightly to the side as it stared at me. ¡°What do you mean?¡± The dragon asked. With that, I felt it was time to show of my musical talent, or lack thereof, as I instead showed of my ability to master lyrics and timing. ¡°You wanna battle, I''m available, I''m blowin'' up like an inflatable I''m undebatable, I''m unavoidable, I''m unevadable¡­¡± GAHH! Angry stomp. The beast recoiled in obvious mental pain as my mind screamed the lyrics as quickly as I could recall them, which might actually be faster than they were spoken as this was the speed of my mind now. With my mind and body acting quickly the words assaulted the beast¡¯s ears the same way they did my parent¡¯s speakers while driving me to appointments. And just like my parents there was a feeling of instant dislike, but unlike my parents who could just turn off the radio and force us to ride in silence, I was unstoppable. The mental assault went on for so long, that Mallory finally managed to come. Fortunately, I was safe, having apparently spent the entire time going through my mental memory of songs and providing them all at supersonic speed of forceful thought. ¡°Fight me, like a true warrior.¡± The beast howled. Scoff. ¡°Fight you, no. I will destroy you. Then when your spirit rises up to be released from your oversized body, I will grab your soul when you are at your most vulnerable state, and then Resurrect you.¡± As I spoke, I mentally projected all of these thoughts directly into the mind of the beast, even forcefully sharing images and memories of me doing these exact things to creatures that I had killed, like Rahul and others that I and met along my time here. ¡°But realize, that how you are Resurrected is entirely up to me. I could be nice and give you this same body that we would once again tear apart, of I could put your oversized soul directly into the undersized body of a Pomeranian puppy, the choice yours.¡± Silence. As I spoke, I made sure to project these thoughts directly into the dragon¡¯s mind. The fact that I could do such a thing was apparently not lost on the creature, while I had never dealt with degrading a body that would be the ultimate vessel of a Resurrected soul, I had done numerous improvements, which were arguably a lot tougher to do than degrading attributes. As such, I knew my threats were easily believable. At that exact moment, Mallory came through from the fields behind us, and had a direct line of sight towards us. I turned to wave at her, both showing that she didn¡¯t need to use any of her ultra attacks immediately, especially as I didn¡¯t know if they would hurt Zero or Kujo, both of whom were still engaged in battle with the giant creature, though battle was a generous term at this point. It was clear that physically the creature that had appeared was nearly indestructible. Even magical and Qi related attacks were at a degraded effectiveness. The only true weakness was mental magic, or not even mental assault magic, as that would likely have triggered some form of defense mechanism. The only thing that saved me currently was the fact that I trained my skills to level 175, which was apparently very high for a skill, meaning that when I used a social Trait like Telepathy to communicate, I could inadvertently cause severe mental damage to a monster that was otherwise unable to prevent such an attack vector. ¡°Now, I just need you to choose how this will go. Either I disable your mind, while my friends rip you apart and you ultimately get Resurrected into the ultimate form of a Pomeranian. Or we can sit down, and talk like rational beings, and come to a form or resolution that is acceptable for both of us.¡± I state. Shock. Both Mallory and the dragon were shocked by this. Mallory seemed to be concerned that the dragon clearly wouldn¡¯t take my threats seriously. Conversely the creature seemed to understand my threat, that I could continually knock out this creature and that given enough time even Kujo there who was chomping away vigorously at the oversized right wing of the beast, would eventually cause enough damage to bleed the dragon to death. ¡°I tell you what, you seem to be a bit on the fence about this. So I will sweeten the pot. If you sit down to talk to us, like a civilized creature, not only will we not kill you and Resurrect you as a Pomeranian, but we will also heal all damage you have accrued to this point.¡± There was a moment of pause, as the dragon seemed to contemplate this, but only for a moment. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s talk,¡± the giant beast began, but then continued, ¡°but first, can you call off your minions?¡± ¡°Oh right.¡± I say. WOLF-WHISTLE! With that I let out a loud whistle that pierced the air, which was mostly for show as I just added Kujo and Zero to my Telepathic communication that was happening. ¡°Kujo, Zero, leave the dragon alone for now.¡± I said to their minds. Then like that both gave a mental acknowledgement as both began to free themselves. Kujo was the first to appear, phasing easily from the wing to appear next to me with a giant slab of wing meat in its mouth. Then to add to the image, it just curled up next to my feet and then laid down. Even laying down flat, it was still tall enough that I could easily pet it with my hands that were down by my waist. Zero took slightly longer to work his way free, but was soon able to shrink his long form down to its normal size and then swim-fly out from under the protruding skull bones and also come by my side. Flecks of power infused blood were on Zero¡¯s lips, but that seemed to loose most of its terror, given how much smaller Zero was now, compared to his earlier form. Silence. There was an awkward pause that covered us, me and my familiar, and random pet dog, then there was the giant dragon that had clearly had better days, and finally Mallory and the rapidly approaching army that had come to help subjugate the dragon. The troops, which all appeared to be Deolar spirit warriors caught me off guard for a moment, but then I realized that the number of forces present should be enough to ensure peaceful negotiations. ¡°All right, I will cut this short.¡± I say, not really knowing what to do, but realizing that day light was burning and we had a lot of land to claim if today was going to be of any use. ¡°Big lizard, thing, this is Mallory, my boss. Mallory, this is the big lizard that tried to attack our lands but has since learned the errors of his way.¡± Everyone stares at me. ¡°Look, we have come to terms with a tentative truce here. Gwen can try to heal him, if she is unable to fully heal him then wait for me, as I will be done at the end of the day.¡± I say to Mallory. Then turning to the dragon, I open up all three eyes and stare directly towards the beast. ¡°Now you. You are here as a guest under my protection, that means anything happens, you come to me to solve it. And trust me, I will solve it, any questions?¡± Shake. The dragon shook its head, apparently not wanting to reply verbally. ¡°Good. Now, I am going to go back to watering my garden. If you still require healing when I am done, then I will heal you to as good of a state, if not better than you started off with.¡± There was a look of excitement on the beast¡¯s face. Sad that I can see the curling back of lips to reveal rows upon rows of giant serrated teeth as excitement, but it was there. ¡°That said, you need to be good.¡± I said, speaking both into its mind as loudly as possible and verbally to make sure my point was understood. ¡°Okay.¡± The dragon said, lowering his head in supplication. ¡°Good, now I need to get back, Mallory you¡¯ve got this right?¡± I ask. ¡°What?¡± Mallory begins, but I am already gone. Poof. Grinning evilly to myself, I mentally connect to Zero, ¡°can you be sure to tell me of any interesting points that come out from this?¡± ¡°Sure thing, boss.¡± And like that, the minor distraction was avoided, for now. Still we had well over twenty hours to go and close to nine hundred acres to connect to our territory. ¡°No time for the wicked.¡± I say to myself as I begin Teleporting away to my next marker, I did have at least three to eight more markers to hit before the day was over. That didn¡¯t include having to make any more random stops. Hopefully, that was the last stop, though I feel I might have just jinxed myself with that treacherous thought. Chapter 175 Paws-ing A Quest Chapter 175 Paws-ing A Quest Five. I am ashamed that it took me so long to realize that I might have missed the bigger picture, by focusing on completing my portion of the land acclimation quest. Remember, I had a minimum of five key spots to convert, but up to eleven total spots that might need to be fused together in order to make this process truly work. My job was to start in the center and work my way outwards. While the others started at the edges and worked their way inside. I was so focused on getting my five spots, that only afterwards did I realize that something major had happened. First, I needed to check the progress that I personally was responsible for.
Acres of land claimed (295/20).
Yes, that is what my five total conversion points were capable of combining. While the lands weren¡¯t a solid mass of land, as there were still strips of Blighted soil that separated most of the land mass, we could safely say that the majority of these spots were in fact connected. For the sake of this particular quest, all that was required to claim the land was for us to have a presences on the land, for the land to be cleared of the Blight, and the land to be connected to other parcels of land that we were trying to claim. Simple. Too simple. No, I am not trying to jinx this quest, on the contrary, I was mentally going through the list of things that could possibly go wrong. Not that I wanted to give the game world more ammunition to use against us, but mentally I was trying to prepare for every contingency. Then I realized something that I sadly should have noticed earlier. Yes, Ms. Kujo was unattended to. I still had a quest to help get all of Ms. Kujo¡¯s thirteen pups to birth, and what was worse was the fact that Ms. Kujo had just been in a severe battle with the giant dragon. While Mallory seemed to have everything taken care of when it came to dealing with the dragon, I only now realized that I was a terrible doctor. By and large, my part of this was over. I had cleanly connected all 295 acres that I had been charged with linking. Or as our guild map noted my achievements, all sixteen pre-cleared land masses. At this point I was considered to be a free agent, in regards of what I could do with my time. We all sort of assumed that I would be able to get through my sections quicker. I did have a personal title and a guild title helping me out with this process, while the guild only had their guild title that made casting nature magic 50% easier.
Nature¡¯s Friend (X): You have helped clean up over one hundred thousand pounds of trash, and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 50% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Yes, while I had that title as a personal title, the guild that I joined also happened to have that same exact title and value. The title of course came from my time before joining the guild where I used the guild to launder stolen money from a heist. I got experience, levels, and a title from cleaning up gold that had somehow been mis-identified as trash and left on the floor. While Mallory¡¯s guild got a title and over ten million gold coins that were free of any links to the Legrand empire. A win-win, but one thing that isn¡¯t stated is that the Titles stack, versus being cumulative. What I mean by that is that rather than just being able to cast Life and Nature based spells at 150% proficiency, I actually get 225% proficiency from the effect of both sets of Titles, meaning that these spells are extremely easy for me. Anyways, I am getting distracted. Now that I am at the free agency portion of my work, I can do one of two things, continue on and start linking even more sets of land to the center, or I can trust the other six mages to do their part and focus on making sure nothing untoward happens to Ms. Kujo. In the end I go with option two, not because I trust the other mages to be able to hit their three marked areas, but rather I think being a monster veterinarian is a pretty cool job description. ¡°Cassiopeia Spiritlight, MMV MD on the way.¡± I say to myself as I turn about, trying to orient myself. I still have a hard time with telling actual directions, something that I will try to correct here shortly. Maybe I need to learn to cultivate both sunlight and darkness energies, thus I can tell what time of day it is from the ambient energy around me? No, that still makes no sense, as I just imagine myself cultivating while facing the south, feeling the sun on my left side and assuming that the sun is setting when it is actually rising. No, I think the only thing that will truly help me identify directions easily is two things. First, being able to cultivate to find out the location of the sun at any given time. Then the second thing, and probably the most important thing, I need to get a watch. The only problem is that all standard, and even the more robust watches will corrode quickly from being in contact with me. Only high grade, high end mechanical equipment can withstand being near me for any length of time. Meaning, that as usual, if I want something, I will likely have to make it myself. In this case, I will need to use my rare and bloodline enhanced skill Gear Infusion to create components that are strong enough to be around me and not degrade over time. Yep, just another thing added to my own personal Cassie-Do list. Fortunately, I know the area that I am at, as this is the center of our guild¡¯s territory. When it comes to finding my way around a place I have already been, the process of moving about is relatively easy. In this case, I just look for the typical landmarks. Yep, the tree that makes the slanted ¡®Y¡¯ shape to the right, that is east. Then follow that to the building complex that spells out ¡®nom,¡¯ a quick half left by the roadway and roundabout that spells out ¡®yo¡¯ and I am finally on the correct path towards where I left Ms. Kujo at, after the battle. Yeah, I know, with a mapping system like mine and nearly twenty kilometers of visible area around me, how do I get lost? No clue. I¡¯d like to say that it doesn¡¯t happen, that I don¡¯t get lost, rather I am just really getting into the role of an enigmatic magical cultivator, but really it happens a lot more than I¡¯d like to admit. Particularly with how much we have built up the area around us. I mean over a thousand acres are what we are trying to claim at the moment, which means a lot of random markings for me to try to find and use to orient myself. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Poof. I keep Teleporting, but no sign of Ms. Kujo. Until four jumps later. I am almost certain we are past the area where we fought, as there is clearly the impact crater where I forced the beast to land. Oh, wait, it walked? I guess it had to have deep gouges in the ground, the claw marks, and then yep, the blood stains on the ground that still pulse with untapped magical potential. Just seeing the remnants of the dragon¡¯s blood on the ground, and the way the ground is already glowing with extra vigor and vitality right there makes me want to shake my head. So much energy wasted, stupid dragons leaving their blood all over the ground like it was something that could easily be replenished or reused. Well for the dragon itself, yes. As for me, I would likely need to bathe myself in at least a tub¡¯s worth of the beast¡¯s blood if I wanted to see any tangible effects from such a potent material. Then the idea of bathing in blood just causes me to shiver. Taking a second to look at the glowing blood stain, I realize that maybe it was a good thing I haven¡¯t learned to increase my power by bathing in the blood of my enemies. That sounds awfully unhygienic and disgusting. And that is why I will never gain uncontrollable amounts of power. Though to be honest, I am more than happy with the status quo. Well mostly, I do want to continue to explore, whether it is going further up the never ending Arcanarus Tower, or whether it is exploring my new love, the Library of the Tribunal, which should be northwest of here, which should be that way? I mentally think to myself as I point off in a random direction that I think is northwest, but again I now realize just how bad I am at directions and that I might have a few other areas to improve on. I am going straight up on a path that I am fairly certain will take me directly towards Ms. Kujo, when I see her. No problem, slight adjustment left, or west, well in a westerly direction and boom right to Ms. Kujo, exactly when and where I wanted to meet her. Sleeping. Ms. Kujo is passed out. Looking at her, I can quickly see why, she is now sleeping on the last few strips of dragon wing jerky that she managed to tear off of the giant creature. Apparently, she got here, took her feast ate three quarters of it, then passed out due to the heat. Kujo himself is there, staring at her and over her. Bristle. As I appear, he instantly lets the fur on his head, neck, and spine rise up as he instantly begins to growl. ¡°GRR!¡± Only after turning and seeing me does he instantly calm himself. I can¡¯t almost see the moment he recognizes me and seems to feel sorry for growling at me. Hrmm, hrmm. Kujo almost whimpers an apology. ¡°No worries, in fact I would be angrier with you if you weren¡¯t so protective of her,¡± I begin, then reach my hand out towards Kujo. He lowers his head, so his nose is under my outstretched arm and hand. At which point I pulse healing energy through him and give his vitals a quick check. He is fine, a bit tired, likely from running around and trying to provide for Ms. Kujo, but other than that, he is in top health. ¡°You need to rest more.¡± I state, then pause to look from him to Ms. Kujo, again a pointless gesture as I don¡¯t need to turn to see, but it generally helps those that are visually oriented to figure out what I am talking about. As I turn to face Ms. Kujo I continue, ¡°though I can fully see why you aren¡¯t getting enough sleep.¡± I give a few more quick pats and caresses on Kujo¡¯s wet nose, then pull my hand away, making sure to wipe it on my pant leg, then head to Ms. Kujo. She is passed out, full chainsaw snoring mode. It is kind of cute, especially considering it is coming from a giant death trap of a monster. FWWWW-Gnannnaghgha-FWWW-Gnannnnagghghg. I am all the way to her and placing a gentle hand on her paw, before she even realizes that someone else is there. Yes, that is how comfortable she was with Kujo being on guard, that she was passed out in the middle of an open field, a few hundred meters away from where she just had a battle with a giant dragon that she tore strips of meat from, and she felt comfortable enough to pass out entirely until someone dared to touch her. WOOOF! Ms. Kujo awoke to consciousness instantly, and I could all but see and feel her muscles coiling to strike at me. Yet, with two words, I managed to get her to stop mid-strike. ¡°Good girl,¡± I state, as my third eye is open and helping me evaluate everything that is happening. Pregnancy-wrestle. Ms. Kujo tries to roll over but is stopped as the shape and size of her stomach are causing her to exert more force than necessary to sit up. She sees me, but I am already pulsing my Healing Magic into her, and causing her to feel instantly better. ¡°You are slightly dehydrated,¡± I begin, noting the most obvious problem. As my energy continues to course through her and the pups, I decide to do something about the first problem. ¡°Kujo, could you dig a hole right there, please.¡± I state, while pointing to a spot just in front of Ms. Kujo¡¯s torso. It should be at a spot that would be easy for Ms. Kujo to reach without having to move too much. Just as requested, Kujo begins to dig in the exact spot I pointed out. Pause. After a few quick swipes, there is a hole that could easily be deep enough for a jacuzzi for me. Unfortunately, that is not enough for what I believe Ms. Kujo needs. ¡°Deeper, about double that.¡± I say, hoping that Kujo understands these terms like double and deeper. Yet, to my surprise, Kujo begins digging even deeper. Seeing that he understands my request, I nod to myself and then continue my diagnosis. Only to realize a few things. ¡°Wow, you poor thing.¡± I tell Ms. Kujo, who is finally able to sit up vertically without looking like she is going to topple over. Ms. Kujo just tilts her head towards me. ¡°Well, the good news is that all thirteen pups are fine and healthy as can be. The bad news is that you need to start taking better care of yourself. I mean, just look at your paws, they are all bloated. That must be painful.¡± Then I begin touching and pushing lightly on the paws. Wince. Well, I wasn¡¯t pushing lightly on them, as I was using almost all my strength, but for her size and the fact that these paws went up to my waistline I felt the force used was gentle for Ms. Kujo¡¯s comfort. Yet, despite this, she visibly winced in pain. Seeing her slight snarl of her lips I nod. ¡°Just as I expected. I am going to teach you a few exercises to do, in order to help regulate your body. This should help you also make sure the pups remain strong as well.¡± I state, and before I even realize what I am about to do, I pause for a second wondering if I am about to create the ultimate monster. As I am thinking the best way for Ms. Kujo to lower the swelling in her paws is by teaching her how to forcefully circulate the blood within her body that is just pooling at her paws. Yes, that is right, in other words I am contemplating teaching Ms. Kujo how to cultivate. I pause for a moment, but then realize that I still have time to make this potentially world changing decision. Silence. At this exact moment, Kujo is done digging the hole that I requested. He stares at me somewhat happily, panting with excitement and smiling in the way that only dogs can, with their lips pulled back and their teeth showing in that ominous, but non-threatening way that shows excitement. I pause, looking at the hole for a moment, then realizing that it is now deep enough that I would need to climb out if I fell in, I nod in approval. ¡°Good job Kujo,¡± I say, as I provide a quick Rock Melting spell to the area, just enough to quickly warm the exposed clay dirt, then a few tons of pressure to melt and compress the heated clay to work out any breaks or fractures. Then within a few seconds, the hardening is complete, and we have the equivalent of an empty obsidian lined swimming pool. For a moment I wonder what an obsidian swimming pool would look like, then realize it would likely burn the heck out of your feet in the summertime. After that realization, I understand why these are likely not a thing. Still, everything is ready for me to make this Cassie sized swimming pool into the largest water dish in the area. Magically Infused Water. I create my own blend of seltzer water, one infused with mana and minerals alike. Just one sniff from Ms. Kujo is enough for her to instantly trust the water that I am creating and for her to start slurping the water down almost as quickly as I can create it. Slurp, slurp, slurp. True to form, Ms. Kujo drank deeply of the specially formulized water I had created. ¡°See, I told you, that you were dehydrated.¡± Nod. Ms. Kujo gave a slight head nod of approval while continuing to slurp down her water. Hrmm, hrmm. Apparently, the water smelled great as even Kujo himself wanted some, though he clearly knew not to get in the way of a pregnant lady and her food. Instead, he just waited off to the side, letting us know that he too would like to partake, but not outright demanding anything. ¡°You trained him well.¡± I said to Ms. Kujo. With that Ms. Kujo stopped her massive slurping to look from me to Kujo and then back. At the last pause she nodded her head, then looking down at the still rapidly filling pool, or oversized dog bowl, whichever works for this, she lapped up two more gulps. As she did, she stared at Kujo the entire time, locking gazes with him, as if daring him to claim anything. Kujo for his part just stared and then after a second looked down to the ground defeatedly. Hmph. At that, Ms. Kujo who was near to bursting with magical energy moved her head away and seemed to allow Kujo access to her giant bowl in the ground. With this, I went over to the engorged stomach of Ms. Kujo and felt the two massive pools of energy converging. There was the already mana and Qi rich meat that had been slowly dissolving in her stomach, that now met the quick acting mana infused vitamin water that seemed like it would cause only more tension within the pregnant dire phase wolf. Part of me realized that Ms. Kujo would be fine. As all she really needed to do right now was go back to her cave, and rest for a bit, and she would eventually recover from this food coma that was about to take her again. Then I realized that I would have been ticked had someone had a simple way for me to make it, so my hands and feet didn¡¯t swell during my pregnancies. This of course led me back to that most heretical idea I had earlier, the one where I taught Ms. Kujo how to cultivate, as a way to help her forcefully regulate her blood flow and personal health. At that, I had the idea, if you can train a dog, you can train a human, right? I wasn¡¯t entirely certain of that last thought, but it might help some of my struggling students push themselves that much further knowing that I taught the local animals to cultivate. With that heretical thought, I decided to go on with the next stage of this crazy plan. Afterall I was done with my portion of the Guild¡¯s land reclamation quest, meaning anything I did would be for my own personal leisure. At that, I figured why not spend a few hours trying to teach a new dog old tricks, but before I did anything, I first needed to make sure she was onboard with this plan. Facing Ms. Kujo, I then proceeded to ask the most serious question I could ask at the moment, a question that would likely change the landscape of not just our Guild, but the world itself. ¡°Do you want to learn to Cultivate, so you can avoid having swollen paws like these in the future?¡± Chapter 176 New Dog, Old Tricks Chapter 176 New Dog, Old Tricks I was sleeping in a cloud, a big soft fluffy cloud that seemed to surround me and pull me in, until I was floating weightlessly. Only after a second of this, when my mind started to fully awaken and more of my senses came online did I realize that I was not in fact floating in the clouds, rather I was resting on the ample bosom, hair wise at least, of Ms. Kujo. What happened? How did I get here? Those were my first thoughts, when I realized I might have been slightly ambushed by everything that happened over the past few days. Everything from beginning the process of awakening my bloodline again by absorbing part of the Mirror of the Dead. To finding a long-lost library dungeon, to taking down a world boss, or at least initial zone boss dragon monster, to hitting my five points needed to begin linking our previously cleared land masses into one giant Pangea type parcel of purified land that will be claimed by our guild, to my most recent event of teaching a dire phase wolf to cultivate. I had apparently been successful in my endeavor, as Qi is easily flowing throughout the body of the very pregnant dire phase wolf. Well, she is not very pregnant, at least not yet. But she does have thirteen pups in her belly, which means that any growth at all by the pups is highly visible. This rapid growth meant that there would likely be complications that would arise if we were not careful. Thus, my idea of teaching a dire phase wolf to cultivate. Cultivating should improve not only the overall health and stability of Ms. Kujo, but allow her excess energy to be siphoned off by the pups who would then be more powerful. Granted part of my concern was from the fact that I had a quest that provided bonuses for bringing all the pups to full term. But I am not doing all of this just because of the quest, rather I am taking the quest as a sign of the true possibilities before me, meaning that the world effectively told me that saving all thirteen pups and the mother was possible.
Hidden Quest Activated: Saving the Litter (Ongoing): You managed to save Ms. Kujo¡¯s litter by preventing a pup from dying due to prenatal deficiencies. Continue to look after the litter as time goes on to earn an even greater reward. Current remaining pups in the litter (13 / 13). Rewards: Experience, variable.
Re-looking at the quest, I realize that this quest did not care at all about Ms. Kujo, or at least I didn¡¯t get a bonus for saving her. Regardless, I knew that I couldn¡¯t get all thirteen pups to full term without Ms. Kujo surviving, so I was going to assume it was a given that she will survive this ordeal. Gentle rise up. Gentle lower down. While on Ms. Kujo¡¯s chest, I feel the rhythmic rising and falling motion caused by her now steady breathing. I think that was how I ended up here, I wanted to hear her heartbeat. Though I really didn¡¯t need to do so with my third eye, I know I wouldn¡¯t do anything as shameless as take advantage of my position as a doctor and try to sprawl out and rest on the extremely soft pregnancy fur of a dire phase wolf. Nope, there must have been some reason why I am here, but for the life of me I cannot remember why. Even her front left paw appears to have been draped over me for some time. The only reason I recognize this is due to the fact that I am now slightly colder. Had I been under the arm of the dire phase wolf? A quick view around showed that Kujo was still there valiantly watching over the two of us. His back turned to us, but his body was positioned that he could make a quick sweep and see both myself and Ms. Kujo with a quick glance. Though I can tell that Kujo has seen my movement change and that was enough for him to look at me, well the two of us, but mainly me. Seeing him there, I decide to try to speak to him mentally, as I don¡¯t quite want to leave my fluffy mattress, at least not yet. ¡°Good morning,¡± I state mentally, using Telepathy. ¡°And a good afternoon to you.¡± Kujo answers back, a playful tone to his voice. ¡°Is it already afternoon?¡± I ask, realizing that this is part of that non-twenty-four portion of being blind, where your entire circadian rhythm gets thrown off. For a while I had beat this, but recently with my forcing myself to new limits, I have been having a harder time keeping track of times. I really need that watch that I was going to make for myself, the one that could survive even my crazy lifestyle. ¡°Yes, though just barely.¡± Kujo replied back mentally, while looking straight up into the sky. ¡°Can I ask how I ended up here?¡± I ask, trying and failing to find a nicer way to ask how I actually ended up sleeping in the most comfortable bed ever. ¡°Haha. Once you taught Ms. Kujo to cycle energy within her, you then noted she needed to practice for hours. Telling her that she needed to work on being able to perform both Meditation, and Circulation at the same exact time. Then you proceeded to demonstrate, where you sat down and promptly fell asleep after an hour. At that point Melisaphant found you to be too cute just sitting there sleeping while sitting straight up in your meditative pose, and gently grabbed you, then placed you on her chest, protecting you with her paw, before she too passed out. Her last words to me were for me to guard you two.¡± Kujo said. At that I realized Ms. Kujo had a name this entire time and I never once thought to mentally ask them what it was. Realizing that, I almost felt bad for what I had done. ¡°Oh wow, sorry. This entire time I¡¯ve just been referring to you two as Mr. and Ms. Kujo, what is your name?¡± I ask Kujo. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Chuckle. At that Kujo laughed, well more of a deep guttural chuffing that only wolves can perform. ¡°Worry not, thanks to you, both Melisaphant and I are in fact Kujos, a fact that was not lost on us. A fact that we know is due mainly, thanks to you who was the first one to use the title and after a certain point others of your faction also began referring to us as the same, making sure the title stuck.¡± Kujo replied. At that, I paused for a moment as I mentally tried to comprehend the information that I was receiving, then paused as I realized that I had given them a last name. Melisaphant was the first name, a name they had, while Kujo was now her last name. I pause for a second, as I realize this is almost the exact opposite of how I received my last name, where an NPC, or non-player character, gave me my last name thanks to my efforts. My last name, Spiritlight, makes it so I automatically start off as neutral with all spirits, and have an easier time when dealing with ghosts and undead. Now I realize that not only can we do the same for indigenous creatures of this world, but I have already done so. With a shudder, I realize this might be why there were so many epic level monsters at first, as anytime a monster managed to kill a regressor, they would generally come up with a nickname for the creature. Then as time went on and more people died to the creature the nickname would be spread about, thus increasing the overall power and capabilities of the creature, thus all but ensuring it would be tougher to kill. And just like that, I realized two things. First, I realized that I had taken Kujo from being just a regular monster of these parts and elevated him to the status of a superstar that was of elite level, meaning he and Ms. Kujo both could take out creatures that were larger and more powerful than they were normally. And secondly, I realized that if I wanted to, I could create an army of superpowered monsters to guard our territory by giving them names that elevated them above the rest of society. I am simultaneously impressed by this little part of the system, and also feel that it purposefully makes the game a bit tougher, but in a sneaky way. ¡°So you both are Kujos?¡± I ask, making sure I have this correct. ¡°Yes, both my last name and Melisaphant¡¯s last name are Kujo. Speaking of which, I would like to thank you for that, as I have noticed the change since you gave me the name.¡± Kujo begins, or should I now say Mr. Kujo? ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, can you tell me what changes have come about due to this name? That is of course, only if you feel comfortable with this, I fully understand that this might be too much to ask.¡± I state, only after asking the question do I realize how it is effectively asking what your new weaknesses are. While I don¡¯t really care about finding weaknesses of enemies, I do know that some people make it their business to see what the strengths and weaknesses of zone monsters are, which the Kujos now automatically apply given their named status. Still, being able to name an animal and that name giving that creature power is a really awesome mechanic, that surprisingly isn¡¯t that well known. That or at least this mechanism isn¡¯t documented that well. Probably due to the exact reasons that I just noted, as most people that would name their pets would want to keep them safer. Then if a monster was named, Snaggletooth, White-fang, or something equally pretentious, most would note the attack vectors and methods used by the creature when explaining what happened. Chuckle. ¡°Hahaha. You are too funny. But, worry not, while we might be warry of most members of your forces, Melisaphant and I have decided to place our full trust in you,¡± Kujo begins, and like that I feel both elation and nervous from his comment. Elation at the fact that they both clearly seem to appreciate my efforts to help them, and well thinking about it, I appreciate their help as well. Then nervous of course comes from the fact that I might not be worthy of such praise, I mean full trust is a lot, but fortunately that thought is cut off as Kujo goes on. ¡°The surname of Kujo bestows an Intelligence and Innate Language sense. The Intelligence allows us to come up with complex thoughts, and fight patterns that help us limit the damage we sustain during battle. While the language sense part allows us to listen into conversations and understand what is being said. This means we know what people are saying to and about us, even though we normally cannot reply.¡± Kujo answered mentally. ¡°That is so cool. I knew you two were too smart for your own goods.¡± I state, and Teleport to be next to Kujo, well Mr. Kujo now. Going to be weird calling him that though, as in my mind he will always be just Kujo. With that, I go over to Kujo and begin petting his soft fur as well. In comparison, his fur has more of a rugged bristly feel to it, nowhere near the soft fluffy feel of Ms. Kujo. I wonder if that is a delicacy issue due to her being female, or if there is something about her being pregnant that causes an endorphin to be released that naturally softens the fur? It would make sense that you would want the fur to be softer, as those pups would need to be able to sleep comfortably next to mother, but still this is a lot to comprehend. Sometimes, I wonder just how the developers made this world feel so real. Even now, even though my body is dead, I know that if I tried, I could reach out and connect to Cassidy. Somehow in the dark recesses of my mind, I know of and can still feel little Cassidy out there. It is an odd sensation and one that I still don¡¯t fully know how to comprehend. Pet, pat, pet. While getting into the gentle rhythm of petting Kujo, my mind begins to drift off. Only after a few seconds of this, do I realize that something is wrong with Kujo. Well no, he is perfect, just seemingly less perfect than Ms. Kujo. It takes me a minute to realize what exactly the difference between the two is, until I realize he isn¡¯t cultivating. At this, I realize there will likely be a power discrepancy between both male and female of the group. While I am all for women¡¯s empowerment, I can¡¯t help but realize that at this rate Ms. Kujo, or rather Melisaphant, might just outgrow Kujo in the future. Not wanting to break up a really good relationship, I decide to take matters into my own hands. ¡°Kujo, are you ready to learn to cultivate?¡± I ask Kujo through our Telepathic mind link. Excited tail wagging and jumping. At this Kujo gets up from his seated position and immediately begins prancing about, ready to receive the same or rather slightly modified set of instructions that I gave to Ms. Kujo a few hours ago. ¡°Okay, this might take a bit, but I think with our mind link I should be able to direct you a bit easier than it was for me to teach Ms. Kujo.¡± Then just like that, I showed him his body, I showed him the way my mind interpreted the energy within his body, and then particularly how the golden motes of Qi within his body were just floating about freely. ¡°Now your first job, is to mentally reach out for these golden particles within your body and just try to feel them.¡± With that Kujo let his big long tongue hang from the left side of his snout as he focused in concentration. I tried to keep myself from laughing, or expressing my enjoyment at the sight of Kujo focusing with such concentration. Fortunately, after a few minutes, Kujo who had sat through and listened to me verbally telling these same exact things to Ms. Kujo earlier in the day seemed to not only accept what I was saying, but he seemed to anticipate the next step. Then like that, Kujo¡¯s will could be seen slowly reaching out and wrapping itself around the first golden mote of Qi. ¡°Good, now drag that mote of Qi to the next nearest mote of Qi. Good, now the next and the next. Yes, just like that. Now that we have a good-sized portion available, our next task is to get your body to begin rotating this energy on a given path. You should find paths that are both easy to move through and those that are more difficult. If you have had an injury, then there might be a lot of resistance, depending on how severe the initial injury you sustained was. Good, now focus on just moving your Qi around loosely throughout your body. This will get you the Coreless Cultivation skill. From there we will work on getting you the Meditation, so you can do this on your own, without any guidance from me. Then we will focus on developing your core, like Ms. Kujo now has. But we will only work on the core, once you have the basics of circulation and the paths within your body that you wish for energy to flow ingrained in your very being. Then from there we will expand.¡± And like that my attempts to create monsters that could cultivate on their own began in earnest. With both parents taken care of, I was certain that either the pups would learn how to cultivate naturally, being stuck in the womb of a cultivator and all. That or, they could easily learn by watching their parents, or more importantly by me acting as their teacher and protector. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t wait to see what my little cultivating god-pups would look like. Even now, I imagine stealthy ninja pups sneaking into places, disabling enemy forces that might dare invade our territory, and then sneaking out just as covertly as they appeared. Then I could take time to teach them how to fight using their Qi, making it so infusing Qi into each paw swipe was both natural and convenient for their self-defense. The more I thought about it, the more I couldn¡¯t think of ways that I could be a good positive influence on them, during their life. At this, I was determined to be the best godmother for these murder pups I could be. Only after a second did I realize one minor, but possibly important piece of information. Namely the fact that I never asked if I could be the godmother for these pups. ¡°Before I forget, is it too late to be the designated godmother for these pups?¡± I ask. ¡°You want to be a fairy godmother?¡± Kujo asked, confusion evident in his voice. I pause, making sure to take a deep breath before I give my first response to that. Then, realize that maybe being considered the fairy godmother for these pups wouldn¡¯t be such a bad thing. At that, I answer hesitantly, not wanting this name to be used by too many people, but the idea of being a fairy godmother, versus a regular godmother was really just a matter of where you sat on the power scale. As such, I was not overtly against being considered the pup¡¯s fairy godmother, so I answered as such. ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Chapter 177 The Dependability of Familiars Chapter 177 The Dependability of Familiars Well, I guess I should have been a bit more forceful in my decision to dislike the idea of being considered a fairy godmother for the pups. Especially, as I was almost immediately rewarded with the ability to be a fairy godmother in general. ¡°Maybe.¡± Yep, with that one word reply to Kujo, I might have set myself up for a lifetime of shame. Why would you say this? ¡°But of course,¡± Kujo replied answering for both he and Ms. Kujo. Normally I would warn him about making such decisions about the children without the mother¡¯s consent, but since I want this to happen, so I didn¡¯t say anything. Perhaps it was karma for not warning Kujo about the veritable faux pas he made by agreeing to something as large as the godmother of the children without Ms. Kujo at least being part of the conversation that caused my instant karmic feedback. See, as soon as I got that reply that I would be allowed to be fully involved in being able to handle and cuddle a litter of thirteen puppies, I received an update to a quest that I didn¡¯t know could be updated. At least I didn¡¯t think it could be updated in this manner.
Hidden Quest Updated: Saving the Litter of Godpuppies (Ongoing): You managed to save Ms. Kujo¡¯s litter by preventing a pup from dying due to prenatal deficiencies. You have also proven yourself to be a stable member of the Kujo family, and have asked for the ability to be the fairy godmother for the future pups. Continue looking after the litter as time goes on to earn an even greater reward. Current remaining pups in the litter (13 / 13). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother) activated, variable.
Yes, I was both excited and repulsed by the update as soon as I received them. I was excited as it was exactly as I wanted, a viable reason to be forced to be next to so many cute and irresistible puppies, and also repulsed by the fact that I had inadvertently unlocked a bloodline marker related to being considered a Fairy Godmother. Honestly, I should have expected something wonky to go along with my bloodline, as it always seems to try to make me even odder every time I evolve. I can¡¯t just be super pretty and slightly creepy like Mallory, no, I need to have blue skin like a smurf, a third eye like a circus freak, and glow like a magical beacon to anyone with any form of magical senses. Really hard to be an expert thief and burglar when your entire body all but radiates a million watts of energy like an inferno to those with magical senses. There is a good thing to my bloodline, as it makes finding my family members excessively easy, as they all glow like miniature furnaces to my Angel¡¯s Sight. Now it seems that it is a good thing that Gwen and Trenton are both stuck with just the Legendary version of the bloodline. Honestly, I am kind of hesitant towards actually accomplishing this quest now, as I don¡¯t know what Fairy Godmother bloodline perks would be? Would it come with a wand? Also, could it be something cool, like the Maleficent sort of godmother? Or would they assume I¡¯m a ditzy fairy? You know, I don¡¯t even want to ask that, as I am fairly certain I know the answer that will get assigned, and it is not the Angelina Jolie in black leather version. Now I am set with the conundrum, of letting puppies die to avoid being turned into a fairy, or save puppies, be able to snuggle with thirteen cute little pups, and eventually be forced to turn into a running joke for the world to scoff at. Yeah, of course, the puppies aren¡¯t going to die. I don¡¯t care how ridiculous I look as a result, I would not be able to live with myself if anything happened to these puppies. Especially now that I have a vested interest in their wellbeing, being a godmother, fairy or otherwise. Still, I hate that the world gives me these ridiculous settings. I take in the fact that my wish has been accepted, but then just as I finally come to the conclusion that being a Fairy Godmother, via bloodline might not be so bad. That is when the terrible thought hits me. And sadly, it is a sign of how comfortable I got while being separated that made it so I could miss something this important. But it is only now, about ten minutes after waking up from my nap inside the super dreamy-soft fur of Ms. Kujo that I realize I am missing someone. Well not just someone, but part of my very soul. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Kujo asks in my mind, apparently feeling my sudden stress from our Telepathic bond that is holding us together. ¡°Where is Zero?¡± I ask. At that Kujo just pauses, looks at me like I am crazy and then points to Ms. Kujo, who is still snoring on her side, with her bulging stomach extended, and tongue dangling out and resting just on the lip of the giant bowl I had created for her in the ground. Then with a pause, I look at Ms. Kujo and see a slightly dark form on the otherwise glowing body of Ms. Kujo. Instantly, I realize the dark silhouette is Zero¡¯s as he apparently is still sleeping in the soft fur of Ms. Kujo. For a second, I am jealous that I didn¡¯t stay there, as I know that if I tried to work my way back into the fur once more, I would probably end up waking Ms. Kujo. Still, I find it odd that Zero seems so dull in comparison to Ms. Kujo. Seeing the two, I realize that while Zero might have part of my soul, he might not have awakened all the perks of my bloodline within him. No wait, he should have his own bloodline, as he is a super rare spirit dragon that we were asked to visit by the giant turtle tower. Seeing Zero like that, I once again realize that he is frail. Or at least that is my concern for him, that he might be frail and suffer if he tries to follow along with me. I have this thought, then instantly dismiss it. He is the same level as I am, though I honestly don¡¯t know what class he is, or if there is just a generic Familiar class that gets assigned to all familiars. Truthfully, I have never asked him, as I don¡¯t want others asking me about my classes. Though mine are easily noticeable as I am the undisputed trainer for each, which is good, as it means I can choose how the classes evolve. That is my one concern with allowing Gwen to have my primary healing class of Ethereal Healer, because if she ever got a higher level than me in this class, then she would then be responsible for how the class evolved in the future. While that might not be a bad thing, as I have been terrible with keeping up with my class upgrades, I still like the idea of being able to choose how I evolve. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. That is part of the reason why I will never teach someone my Ethereal Simulacrums Master class, as I know that if others understood the class, they could find ways to limit its effectiveness. Also, people would probably create one person armies that would continually go around killing everything in sight, not worrying about having to focus on profit sharing or other factors. No, my classes are all broken, a fact that I am immensely grateful for, and something that I will make sure to keep to myself from here on out. Seeing Zero sleeping, I first wonder if I should wake him up. I know I have been sleeping, but it is hard to determine exactly how long I took as a little power nap. Then in the next second, I realize that I might actually like timed quests, if for no other reason than they help me keep track of the time of the day we are currently in.
Guild Quest Updated: Unclaimed Land Acquisition Charter: Your guild has managed to claim twenty acres of land. Continue to conquer more habitable swaths of land but realize your guild will now be forced to defend the land you now claim from the indigenous peoples. Nearest faction: Ancient Deolar Empire. Time left to defend your land (14 hours 25 minutes 18 seconds). Acres of land claimed (295 / 20). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, Guild Land, variable.
With that update, I realized a few things. First, that we were at 9:35 AM, as I still had fourteen hours left in the day. Second, I realized that none of the other mages had completed their second connecting link to my grouping of five core connection points. Sigh. I let out a long-frustrated breath, as I kind of figured something like this would happen, which was why I originally took on the idea of performing eleven connection points. Of course, I was shut down by all the other mages claiming they could easily perform three connections each. Which gave them roughly eight hours per connection event, so they still had almost six hours and change to make the second link that would synchronize a direct route with the central points I had amassed. Of course, this is all assuming that nothing else will go wrong. And by go wrong, I mean other monsters appearing and trying to destroy the lands we are in the process of cleaning, converting, and claiming for our guild. That said, I do feel slightly tired in my bones, especially as I see how comfortable Zero looks right now. I want to take a nap and join Zero, but I can¡¯t as I think we still have too much left to do. Especially, as I am the reason we are doing this quest here today, and not waiting until later. Meaning if we don¡¯t hit all the goals that I had for us, then it will be like I let the guild down. With that pleasant thought, I decide to end nap time for Zero, so he can follow me. ¡°Wake up.¡± I mentally shout into Zero¡¯s mind. Shaking. ¡°What? Huh?¡± Zero squirms about, then finally realizes that I had awoken him from his deep slumber. ¡°Come on sleepy head, daylight¡¯s burning.¡± I reply. ¡°What? How do you know?¡± ¡°My quest tracker.¡± ¡°Oh, stupid tracker,¡± Zero answers in a huff. ¡°How much time do we have left?¡± ¡°Just over fourteen hours,¡± I reply. ¡°Fourteen? You mean over half the day left?¡± ¡°Yes, now come on.¡± I insist. With that I see Zero squirming about, though he does appear to be stuck in the thick and soft fur of Ms. Kujo. ¡°Uh, I¡¯m stuck, help me out.¡± Zero says, raising one clawed paw from the depths of the fur. ¡°Fine,¡± I reply as I Teleport right next to him, and grab his paw and lift. Or at least I try to, though I forgot I still had my spell for being weightless on, aka Spectral Drift. With that, Zero easily manages to pull me down and into the thick, soft, and oh so warm fur of Ms. Kujo. ¡°Gah.¡± I send mentally to Zero. ¡°Looks like we are both stuck now.¡± Zero says, as I realize this was something he clearly wanted to do from the start. ¡°If this is how you are going to be on quests, I might rethink my want to take you with me.¡± I think, and unfortunately that thought gets transmitted to Zero. Jolting upright, Zero gets up and swims so that his snout is right in front of my face. ¡°Look, you might not see it, but you are tired. I can tell. You only had a two hour nap, and once we get up from here you are likely going to push yourself until the end of the day, when your timer runs out.¡± ¡°Yeah¡­¡± I respond, mentally. ¡°Well, as your familiar, it is my duty to make sure you take care of yourself. As such, I want to point out that this is the softest bed we are going to get for a while, and that you should trust in your guild members to do the tasks assigned to them.¡± Zero responds. I am about to argue, but before I can make a complete thought, Zero continues. ¡°If anyone needs you, they no doubt know where you are. If an emergency comes up, Gwen can Resurrect people, while they wait for you, and we both know that Mallory will be the first one here to say you should take a nap while you can. Particularly as you will need to go all day after this.¡± ¡°I hate it when you are right,¡± I answer. Though I do feel guilty for resting now, I do see the point. If anything exceptionally bad will be thrown at us, it will be towards the end of the quest. Meaning that the monster that we already fought would be considered a light warm up to what will finally come. ¡°Just shut off your mind and take the nap while you can.¡± Zero says. ¡°Shut off my mind?¡± I ask, then realize this is likely for the best. ¡°Fine, but next time we awake we both go, no arguments.¡± ¡°Okay, deal.¡± With that, I begin the long process of trying to slow my mind down, while I enter a slow Meditative state where my mind and the details that I observe around me slowly go from bright and vibrant colors on a black backdrop to completely black. Then once it is at the calm state of utter darkness, I let my mind shut off and fully embrace sleep. I go to sleep ready to let my mind and body fully commit to sleeping for as long as possible. A part of me even hopes that I can go to sleep and wake up after this quest is over. As my mind begins to drift away, I mark this as one of the few times I feel truly content. I am in a fluffy cloud blanket of Dire Phase Wolf fur, by my familiar, on the land I personally cleansed from the Blight, and helped to claim for my guild. Honestly right now, I was fully content. Deep sleep. *** (A Long Nap Later) My mind awoke to full blast. One second, I was deep in the throws of comfortable darkness and the heat of a pregnant fur blanket, and the next my mind was fully awake and revitalized. Then minute I awoke, my mind instantly realized everything I still needed to do. I awoke with my Cassie-Do list up and loaded. ¡°Come on Zero, up and at ¡®em.¡± I say mentally, ready and feeling fully recharged from having slept so long. ¡°Gahh.¡± Zero mentally moans to me, but I can feel him actually trying to awaken. ¡°Did you actually sleep?¡± ¡°Of course I did. Why do you think so much time has passed?¡± I ask, then with that I mentally bring up the quest to see exactly how much time had passed. I was thinking that it had to be hours given how refreshed I felt.
Guild Quest Updated: Unclaimed Land Acquisition Charter: Your guild has managed to claim twenty acres of land. Continue to conquer more habitable swaths of land but realize your guild will now be forced to defend the land you now claim from the indigenous peoples. Nearest faction: Ancient Deolar Empire. Time left to defend your land (13 hours 48 minutes 10 seconds). Acres of land claimed (295 / 20). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, Guild Land, variable.
Oh, thirty-seven minutes, apparently it was one of those power naps that makes you feel fully recharged as if you had a full night¡¯s sleep. I was a little sad to see that no further progress on the combined lands had been made, but then again, I realized it had only been a little over half an hour. Though, that didn¡¯t help me with the lingering pit that I felt within my stomach at the seemingly stagnant quest marker. This was our one and only day to do a land grab like this, after this, we would need to go to war, or go through long drawn-out land purchase agreements with the locals. Which might not be terrible, it could still be a painful process that would eat up a lot of our Guild¡¯s capital and likely stymie our current growth rate. ¡°Have I told you that I hate morning people,¡± Zero replies as he starts swimming his way out of Ms. Kujo¡¯s fur, showing that he could have easily done so earlier. ¡°It¡¯s not morning, it is already 10:12 AM,¡± I reply. ¡°Which is before noon, ergo morning.¡± Zero replies finally getting his way out from the fur. Poof. I Teleport to a spot not a dozen meters away from Ms. Kujo who still seems to be sleeping through everything. Seeing her, I make sure to fill up her water dish with more mana infused water. Then give a bow and a salute to Kujo, before forcing Zero to go with me as we make our way to the next nearest spot that I was to hit. Then before I am about to Teleport away, Zero stops me. ¡°Wait, I need to do something.¡± He transmits mentally. ¡°What?¡± I ask, as I sit still and wait as he does his flying swim towards me. ¡°This,¡± is all he says, before he continues to swim at full speed towards me. I am about to brace for impact, when I see a weird ripple of distortion on him, as an odd form of Spatial Magic engages. I see it, then before I can react, I feel his energy merge with my own spirit. I watch as his three-dimensional body gets molded into a two-dimensional image that resides just below my skin. ¡°Did you just become a familial tattoo?¡± I ask, clearly confused about the glowing mass that is both Zero and me that now rests on my skin. ¡°Yes, now go do all your craziness, while I finish my nap.¡± Zero replies. And like that, I was both jealous of Zero¡¯s ability to sluff off duties like a champ, and happy that I didn¡¯t have to get angry about him holding me back. ¡°Okay then,¡± is all I responded verbally to myself more than anyone as I tried Teleporting only to realize that this time Zero had in fact traveled with me. Shrugging at the change, I figured I¡¯d ask Zero about this change sometime later, as for now I had a quest to complete. Chapter 178 Let Sleeping Dragons Lie Chapter 178 Let Sleeping Dragons Lie I am in the process of watering my sixth connection spot, which would attach three more plots of cleared and cultivated lands together. It is a times like these, that I realize just how great Mallory is at running a guild and how I would not want to do any of these things that she does. Just dealing with logistics and people would be too much for me, especially if I wanted to spend that particular day going out and learning something new, or experimenting with one of my crazy theories. Actually, even teaching is fun, as it forces me to truly internalize what it is that I am doing, in order to make sure that what I am doing is the correct process. Often, being a teacher has taught me that the way I prefer to do things is not necessarily the easiest way, but rather the easiest way for me to do things. Honestly, I like that, as it means that there are many ways to get to the same answer. Take for instance casting simple ecosystem changing spells that not only rain down purifying water that gets rid of an ailment that was thought to be impossible to remove, but also makes the lands extremely fertile and livable. One could assume that since I am on my sixth casting of this spell today, that I might know what I am doing, and that having to move and set up amplification pillars is just a waste of time, money, and resources, but what do I know. Those other six mages that are helping in this task have all successfully cleared their first cluster spot and have now moved onto their second spots. While those second spots have not been cleared, they have all finally started the process and apparently one of those mages is apparently close to completing his second spot. It doesn¡¯t help that the mage that is the farthest along is the insufferable Arch Sky Mage Belton, well perhaps that is me being too biased. Now that he can¡¯t talk to or about me, thanks to my winning a magical duel against him, he isn¡¯t nearly so annoying. In fact, the fact that he had to listen to me talking to others made it so he seemed finally interested in what I was teaching and might have something to do with his current progress in comparison to the other mages. Of course, this could all just be wishful thinking on my part, but I have to dig for hope where I can. As for Zero, I find that he has taken the form of a skin tattoo to be interesting. To my senses he all but glows with a dense energy that is both similar to my own and different. It is clear that Zero is not a cultivating dragon, which I feel is a shame given that he is in the form of an eastern worm-like dragon that can float. So is that me just being prejudice in assuming he should be a cultivator? Or does it mean he can eventually cultivate if I show him how to do so? I don¡¯t know. I do know that he has part of my soul in him, but recently he has been extremely tired. I don¡¯t know if it is months of being forced to stay in the Mage¡¯s guild hall that has made him complacent, or if there is something deeper to him. All I do know is that he has taken nap time to an extreme. Though I did find something interesting about him. Or rather about this new power of his, as apparently it is a new class specific trait. Yes, like me, Zero has his own unique class that can grow and evolve based on our shared achievements. Meaning every milestone that I reach he too reaches, which kind of makes sense given that he levels up at the exact same rate as I do.
Name: Zero Spiritlight
Race: Ethereal Spirit Dragon
Class: Cassiopeia Spiritlight¡¯s Familiar (Unique)
Level: 262
Yes, Zero only gets a level that is equivalent to my primary class, meaning he doesn¡¯t get all the levels and attributes from secondary and tertiary classes, which means he is drastically less powerful than I am. Especially with all my levels that have been enhanced by my Legendary Bloodline bonuses. Still, from his open mind and spiritual connection to me, I was able to reverse engineer a look at his personal information. Well not all of it, as I was fairly certain I saw places where the Attributes should be, but all I saw were random glyphs that seemed to make no real sense. Instead, what I found was that for reaching level 200 of the unique class Cassiopeia Spiritlight¡¯s Familiar, Zero got a new class Trait, which he used for a unique Trait called: Bonded Linking Tattoo.
Bonded Linking Tattoo: The ultimate form of trust. In this form the familiar will bond with their companion as a tattoo that rests directly over the skin of the companion¡¯s body. In this state, the familiar will be able to integrate their personal Attributes life force into the body of their companion. As a living tattoo, a fraction of the familiar¡¯s natural health and vitality are shared with the companion. Additionally, the familiar enters a trance like state where they can help with regenerating all missing energies of the bonded companion. In this state, the familiar is even able to substitute their own sleep achieved in this meditative state for the sleep of their companion. Note: In this form the familiar is considered to be a physical component of the companion. Any damage directly to the tattooed portion of skin will directly injure the familiar. If too much damage to the tattoo is accrued, then the familiar and by extension the companion will die.
Seeing the Trait, a tear formed in my eye. Honestly, it was the most selfless act I could think of. With that one Trait, I didn¡¯t have to worry about leaving behind Zero when I use my personal Teleportation, a fact that I proved moments ago. Similarly, it meant that he would be by my side constantly. Also, the description of the decreased Attributes would likely explain why I couldn¡¯t find an exact value for his Attributes as they were all minimized due to merging with my own. I think about it, but then another thought hits me and I realize, did he take this Trait just to justify sleeping more? If so, then I must admit that this is likely the most intelligent use of a Trait to avoid physical labor I have ever seen. In fact, he gets sympathy points while napping, I don¡¯t want to think that Zero did this just to be lazy and sleep all day. But if he did, then hats off to him, as this was a well-played movement of using the world to help you get what you want. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. For a moment I thought about this exchange. For a moment I wonder if my using Zero to be an artificial Attribute enhancer and extra power source that can help stave off the effects of being tired are truly worth the loss of missing Zero. Then I realized that today, I will likely need all the help I can get. At this moment, I will let Zero sleep as I can tell being in the mortal realm truly is impacting him harder than he would like to let on. In fact, if it weren¡¯t for my Ethereal Healer Class¡¯s Trait Death Shroud, then Zero just by being here would be subject to continual damage over time as his spiritual body would be slowly ripped to pieces by the opposing energies that exist here in the mortal realm. In a way, I could understand their being a slow adjustment period. As even Mallory seemed to have a time needed to acclimate to the spiritual environment of the Arcanarus Tower, before she was able to be of assistance there. Even when she was going, it was clear that she was restrained quite a bit, not enough to really slow her down, but enough that comparing the her from the tower to here was a huge difference. Odd, but that is the way these realms work. Honestly, I wonder if I change at all in either realm? As a mortal would I be better suited to living in the mortal realm? Or would my class and strange inclination and the fact that I have a spirit familiar make it so I was more at home in the spirit realms? I honestly have no clue, but I guess there could be ways to test out my capabilities in both realms. Also, I would be interested to see the effect of Golden Qi in the Spirit realm, compared to the effects of Spirit Qi here in the mortal realm. Something that I can only test if I am constantly shifting between both realms at a standard rate. Actually, with Zero being able to sleep for me, I could get the absolute most out of my climbing and teaching experiences. Meaning I could devote twelve hours of the day to exploring different floors of the Arcanarus Tower, and the other twelve hours could be spent here working on different projects that might or might not directly affect my advancements. The only problem would be that my mind wouldn¡¯t synchronize nightly, meaning the experience my familiars gained from reading would likely come at one point when I finally collapsed from exhaustion, but that wouldn¡¯t be a bad thing. Right now, it takes a stupid amount of experience to level, meaning the roughly three thousand experience points I get each day from my Simulacrum¡¯s reading rare and exotic books doesn¡¯t mean much to me on a daily basis. Yet, the cumulation of ten to thirty days of reading experience would show dramatic changes. Of course, I still will not allow myself to fully begin exploring the tower, until I get a third Simulacrum. Something that I think could, or should happen once we complete this epic level Guild Land Reclamation quest. By exceeding the standards for the quest by so much, I can¡¯t help but hope that part of the variables will include me being able to get a third simulacrum. That or if this isn¡¯t enough, then hopefully the bringing the pups to full term will be enough. If those two don¡¯t work then well, I will have to find something else to do, but I figure between the two of them, particularly with how wonky the rewards to these quests seem to be, I should be able to get unlock a third Simulacrum that is roughly a fourth of my total spiritual essence. Granted that means that I will have three additional ways to die, well four if you include Zero, but so far two are relatively safe. The only one that would be remotely vulnerable would be the Simulacrum that got stuck wherever I randomly chose to rest for the night in the Arcanarus Tower. Thinking about my Simulacrum being left to their own devices, I sigh as I remember the last time, I trusted a Simulacrum. I was there in the middle of the desert, and my Simulacrum apparently took it upon herself to begin roaming about the Blighted desert region aimlessly. Fortunately, I managed to get out of there, but I need to make sure that something like that does not happen again. At first, I had wanted to leave Zero there with the Simulacrum, but that might be too much for the little guy, particularly if he is now sleeping for two as my tattoo. No, I will need to come up with a plan that both makes sense, and feels safe. That said, my Simulacrums all have regular eyesight, meaning they are effectively blind, except to things like seeing the sun, being able to tell directions based on the orientation of the sun, and likely being able to color coordinate their clothes for the day. You know, having normal eyesight might not be that bad. Chime. I was so lost in my thoughts from casting the same monotonous spell for the sixth time that I almost missed the notice of completing my sixth point.
Acres of land claimed (351 / 20).
With a quick check at the timer, I see that we are still making good time, relatively.
Time left to defend your land (12 hours 02 minutes 58 seconds).
Yes, even with my taking two quick naps, teaching a pregnant dire phase wolf to cultivate, and wrestling a random behemoth sized dragon, I still managed to complete more than half of my maximum of eleven total merging points. Soon, once the last mage completes his second integration spot, an additional 129 acres will be added to the total. Of course, this mage is one of the slower ones, so this will likely take some time, but will be worth it once he completes his second casting. As for me, it is about time that I go to my seventh spot, of my maximum of eleven that I somehow knew I would need to complete for the day. Poof. Poof. Poof. Within no time I get to the spot, it has a marker that notes (Burns 3, Spiritlight 7). Yes, this would have been the third spot for Burns, or my seventh point. Since I am the first to get here, the honor of converting this place falls on my shoulders. Letting out a breath, I focus my mind, only to realize that this is slightly easier than I expected. With a start, I wonder how much of this is my comfort with the spell, and how much of this is actually based on the bonuses and regenerative boosts that are now being provided by a sleeping, I mean Meditating, Zero. Thunderclap-crackle. In just a few seconds, I already have the baseline formation of the Cleansing Rain Clouds forming in the air, then in a few more seconds I have the spell going from a two dimensional plane, to a three dimensional form, and am about to begin weaving more and more energy into the spell structure, when I hear it. Well, maybe hear is the incorrect term, as feel is a better response. GRAHGHTHAHHHAAA! A mind piercing shriek lashes out over the lands, as I feel the challenge for an attack coming. In a second, I instantly wonder if that dragon from the east suddenly got free, but no this attack was different, this attack was far more projected and had a slightly deeper resonance of wind magic than the first dragon had. At a glance of the magical energy being used, I could tell that this creature was similar to, but also different from the earlier dragon we face. A quick notice of the time remaining showed why this creature chose now of all times to appear.
Time left to defend your land (11 hours 59 minutes 53 seconds).
Yes, we apparently hit the twelve hour mark and spawned a new monster to face. Then just as I had this thought, a quest finally appeared for this secondary event that was happening in conjunction with our main land reclamation quest.
Hidden Guild Quest Unlocked: Mastering the Cardinal Protectors: Your Guild, the Midnight Hunters, has begun the process of conquering the four key protectors of the great wastelands. Legend has it that if the four Cardinal Protectors fall, then the monsters that plague the wastelands will be free to spread their pestilence and attack the inhabited territories of the world. You must protect your lands, while not fully destroying the Cardinal Protectors of the Wastelands. Current status of protectors that have been subdued, but are still living (1 / 4). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, variable.
Then just like that, I realized that I had yet another quest that I could use to help earn the right for a third Simulacrum. Realizing the hidden quest, and feeling the direction of the obvious challenge roar I felt, I decided to follow the force of the roar and head towards the second monster that we will be forced to subdue as part of our land subjugation quest. While the difficulty for these quests has risen, I can¡¯t help but feel that this is a challenge given directly to me, as a way to help me achieve my goals. Not for the first time, I wonder exactly how much of my internal thoughts the world picks up on and attempts to use against me on a daily basis, but at the same time, I do realize that even if the world does tend to use my own thoughts against me, it at least rewards me in a suitable manner when it does so. As such, I can¡¯t really complain. That or I can complain, but only I and the world will apparently hear these complaints. Poof. Poof. Poof. In just a dozen jumps I make it to the end of our cleansed territory. I am about to pause and wait for another sigh, but out of the periphery of my detection range, I notice a large contingent of ghost warriors charging forth from the purified lands into the unconverted portions of Blighted desert lands. Seeing them, I realize that they are heading in a northeastern direction from me. Figuring that these spirit warriors would have little reason to go into the desert unless it was to protect the lands we are claiming, I decide to go closer to them, while also maneuvering ahead of the formation of soldiers. There just three jumps later, I finally see it, a much bigger, but larger monster that just radiates danger and power. Worse, this creature seems to be more ephemeral than the dragon we just faced. A dragon that if I had to give it a magical categorization would have to fall into the realm of earth magic, now that I think about it. I realized that with these directions there might be a slight theme now, realizing that water and fire would likely be next, in that exact order, but that didn¡¯t mean much now when I realized my plan up to this point had been to punch the creature until it submitted again. The only problem, how do you punch the wind? I was contemplating this, when I saw another massive form begin to appear from behind me. Then like that, I realized things might get far worse, before they get better. Interlude X Biprism Interactive Control Tower I Interlude X Biprism Interactive Control Tower I ¡°Twenty-four hours! That is how long our feed of the golden goose has been down!¡± Charles Rainquist, CFO for Biprism Interactive screamed at the room filled with developers and not one but three different outlets for the various AI engines that help govern BiPrism. Of course, the source of the anger was easily identifiable, as it clearly had to do with Cassiopeia Spiritlight¡¯s account being blocked due to an ongoing audit related to Merits and Flaws not being correctly calibrated. ¡°Yes, about that,¡± Prince Lee stated, the Director of Character Development began. ¡°We have good news and bad news related to the auditing of Cassiopeia Spiritlight¡¯s account.¡± ¡°Okay, and what is the good news?¡± Charles asked, a bit incredulous that he was forcing this conversation to go on at this slow and methodical pace. ¡°The good news is that it is almost over.¡± ¡°Almost over? How can an audit take a day in the first place? I understand that if a person was doing and they were out sick, then maybe taking a day to calibrate the issues would be justifiable. But here we are, at the peak of modern innovation, with no less than three AI components in attendance, and it is taking a day to get answers?¡± Silence. Despite calling out the three AIs, their command nodes did not so much as light up in response to the clear provocation. That of course meant that the response fell on Prince whose job now depended on him protecting both the AIs, but also the rest of the staff members. ¡°Well, the problem was that when Cassiopeia first joined seven years ago, she was in fact cheated. At least according to the Life Auditors, who as you are well aware have made it their job to give people on the last lives a thorough auditing of their Merits and Flaws on their last lives to see if any Merits can either be carried over, or reused in their final life.¡± Prince replied. ¡°Okay, I understand the organization and that they have been a thorn in our sides for a while now, but why are they fixated on Cass all of the sudden? I mean her account has been at this state for over seven years at this point, why the sudden attention now?¡± Charles responded with yet more questions. ¡°Right, well normally they wouldn¡¯t even look at a case like Cass¡¯s as her account should have been verified and as she was a last lifer, normally her account would reach extra scrutiny from the beginning.¡± ¡°Okay then, what exactly happened to her account?¡± ¡°Well to answer succinctly she was allowed to take 157 points of Merits, while effectively suffering through 171 Points in flaws.¡± ¡°WHAT?!¡± ¡°Let me explain, seven of those flaws she automatically accepted, as they were related to her being Blind, a condition required for her to take Angel¡¯s Sight. That she signed off for and have all the waivers. Now the rest requires a bit of explanation about the logic that was applied at the time of her joining.¡± ¡°What logic?¡± ¡°Well, to understand we must first identify where all of her 164 remaining points in flaws come from.¡± ¡°Okay, and where exactly is that?¡± Sigh. With that Prince gestured towards the clear black wall that then linked to the wristband on his left arm. From there, it was a few quick clicks of pulling up the noted Flaws related to Cassiopeia Spiritlight and when she first joined.
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Broke (7): The sum of all your gear, equipment, and finances cannot equal or exceed 100 gold coins.
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Once the full screen showing all the flaws with only a few still left to be worked out, Prince Lee began what was obviously a rehearsed speech. ¡°So as you can see she took a lot of flaws at the time, most of which she has managed to work her way through or out of, but they are still there. In the beginning she came in with fifty years of retirement from the government, which she traded in for merit points, meaning she didn¡¯t even get to enjoy the benefits of spending more than two thirds of her life working for the government. Then she got two points for being a legacy player. This is important to note, and we think this is the crux of the issue, as those two points are what we believe caused an internal conflict within the creation template for the world.¡± ¡°How, that is just two points? How could that possibly create a seven-point deficit?¡± Charles asked, his head clearly spinning at such a small thing being the cause of so much frustration on his part. As the last twenty-four hours had not been easy for Charles, especially with his golden goose account, of Cass going down. Since Cass had thankfully taken the Dark Horse flaw, it meant that all revenue gained from imprinting commercial breaks into her feed was pure profit for Biprism Interactive, which now that he heard the absurd amounts of normal revenue lost over the last twenty-four hours was quite extensive. Everything from what happened to the shard of the Mirror of the Dead, a piece of history that had gone missing. To the clear discovery of the Library of the Tribunal, another feat that has been given to Cass as she was the only one who was thought of as being able to actually find the location given the timeframe and alleged location. Now that the world first alert has gone out, even someone accidentally stumbling upon the entrance might not be aware of the magnitude of their discovery. In all, the lost revenue streams from those two sets of feeds alone cost close to half a billion each in lost revenue streams. That and the fact that everyone wants to know the secrets for how Cass actually managed to get a zone boss to not only submit, but to submit to someone else, that was yet even more lost revenue. Not to mention what she was likely doing now to draw interest from viewers and advertisers alike. ¡°Okay, so bottom line up front, I will try to simplify this as much as possible. Throwing out Blind, as those seven points don¡¯t count. That leaves the initial 52 points from years of service and being a legacy of two former players. Then there is the seventy points gained from trading in all extra lives in a package deal for seventy points, a gesture that has been discontinued since Cass first made it seem like a great way to get ahead. Anyways, that is 122 points. Meaning from there she only got credit for five additional seven-point flaws.¡± ¡°Okay?¡± ¡°The problem is that she took six. Well, she actually took five and was forced to take a sixth, which she didn¡¯t get credit for.¡± Prince began, and before Charles could cut him off, he quickly continued. ¡°See, she took the following seven-point flaws: Child, Second Class Citizen, Broke, Bad Starting Location, and Dark Horse. Here we even have the video of her clearly choosing these five options after much deliberation.¡± With that the video shifts to show a grainy video of a frail older lady with two knee braces and two walking canes standing up, despite her whole body wobbling as she picked the five noted flaws. ¡°Okay, so case closed?¡± Prince asked. ¡°Not quite, see, what you don¡¯t see is that she was also forced to take the flaw Orphan, a flaw that kicked in only because she was a child, and her two biological parents that she got Legacy points for. Normally the game has an automatic mentorship system kick in for kids, so they don¡¯t have to raise themselves. Despite having the mind of a full adult, and not needing to eat or drink, there are still concerns about seeing children running alone without mentorship, even in the game. As such, there are supposed to be safeguards in place to protect a player with the Child flaw during their first few years, while they wait to become eligible to get a class. The flaw Orphan is supposed to be a conscious objection to having two system generated personalities be created to help provide shelter for such a player.¡± Prince began, speaking about the massive changes that have happened in the game, and principles that have been hammered into people since the beginning of the world. ¡°Okay, so she was forced to take the Orphan flaw because she was joining her biological parents, but both had passed away before she joined?¡± Charles asked, making sure that he understood the situation. ¡°That is correct. This created an if then process that had not been identified previously, and since this was only applicable to people taking the Child flaw, we never ran into this bug, because well, to be honest. Until Cass came along, everyone that joined as a Legacy never took the Child flaw, as they would all join to have enough resources available to help them out immediately.¡± Prince responded. ¡°But she had surrogate parents right? Hector and that Golum guy?¡± Charles asked. ¡°Yes, she did, and that was part of why the audit took so long. Those two were considered to be parents, but since they were both fellow players who effectively showed charity to Cass, their actions weren¡¯t enough to fulfill the lack of litigation for not providing a benefit for the Orphan flaw.¡± Prince replied, and then showed a document showing the level of detail and automated findings related to this investigation. ¡°Okay, so we¡¯ve now shown that there was negligence on our part. There was a program that wasn¡¯t accounted for, and because of that, subroutines forced Cass to take a seven-point flaw that she didn¡¯t get credit for, am I understanding the gist of it?¡± Charles asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Prince answered almost immediately. ¡°Okay, so why don¡¯t we offer her a seven-point Merit, wipe the slate clean, and be done with it?¡± Charles asked, clearly wanting this to be cleaned up as expediently as possible. The last thing he wanted was for the Dark Horse flaw to be expunged as a mea culpa, instead it would be far better for her to get a random Merit that only added to her sensationalism and marketability. ¡°If I might interject,¡± a voice echoed out from around the room. It took Charles a second to realize that the voice was none other than one of the AIs that had decided to join this particular meeting. The fact that they chose now to speak was odd, but something that Charles was prepared for. Also, now that the AIs have decided to join, it would be in Charles¡¯s best interest to make sure that the whims of the AIs were met. ¡°Please do,¡± Charles replied, a bit more flustered than he actually intended to come across. Firing Prince and the staffers was one thing, but at this point it would be impossible to fire or even remove one of the world¡¯s governing AIs, as such this was a very fine line to tread for the CFO. ¡°The question, is not that she not only overcame adversity through being forced to take a seven point flaw that was never awarded to her. We have all come to realize that she at the very least, deserves to be able to use those seven points in flaws towards a merit.¡± The red flashing AI began speaking in a non-dialectical form of English that was somehow enchanting. ¡°Okay, so what is the problem?¡± ¡°The problem is whether she is owed interest for having to overcome the seven-point flaw for seven-years. Then if she is due interest, then how much? Do we apply compounding interest per year? Or do we go with alternative measures?¡± The red AI spoke. As he did, the hairs on the back of Charles¡¯s neck began to rise as he suddenly felt well and truly sick from what this could turn into. ¡°Well, have you asked her what she would like?¡± Charles asked. Silence. Three lights from the different consols began blinking rapidly to each other, Green, Blue, and Red all flashed rapidly, then finally it was the blue light on the node to the left that spoke. ¡°What exactly do you mean?¡± Blue AI asked. With that Charles felt a pit rise up in his stomach, but then let his thoughts on how to mitigate giving a monster like Cassiopia even more power. ¡°Why not give her the option to choose seven points of merits, then offer her something else that she would like in return for the interest?¡± Flashing. This time the lights flickered so quickly that it was clear the AIs were likely talking over each other, or maybe through each other, as they could both transmit and receive information simultaneously. Finally, after close to a minute, a lifetime in AI arguments, the three lights stopped. Then finally the red AI spoke. ¡°We find this compromise agreeable.¡± Pause. Finally, after a long silence, Charles asked the all too important question, ¡°so we will be able to get Cassiopeia Spiritlight¡¯s feed back up and running?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Red AI began, at which point Charles immediately let out a long sigh of relief. That relief of course was short lived, as the Red AI continued their thoughts, ¡°once the seven points in merits have been purchased, and an appropriate recompence has been chosen by the aggrieved individual.¡± Darkness. As soon as the final response was provided, the three AIs left, a sign that was quickly felt by all those in attendance, as the lights and energy seemed to drain from the room, before slowly building up to a close semblance of where they had all just been a moment ago. ¡°Okay, so I guess we are done here?¡± Prince asked, clearly seeing the AIs leaving the meeting as their chance to also leave. Charles was about to argue, but anything else he had to say had been lost to the fact that he would have to inform stock holders that a resolution was in the process of being worked out, and that they should be able to both end the complaints posed by the Life Auditors, and get Cassiopeia¡¯s feed back up and running shortly. ¡°Yeah,¡± was all a defeated Charles could say, before he too left the conference room, feeling like he had somehow dodged a bullet with the way things finally played out. Chapter 179 Fighting Against Clouds Chapter 179 Fighting Against Clouds By the time I arrived, I realized a few things. First, I was not the first person here, as Mallory aided by the apparent earth dragon that had been tamed earlier was already here, along with a few hundred undead warriors. While I was not opposed to using the undead warriors, as they were all higher level than any Midnight Hunter forces, it did feel sort of sleezy to use the reinforcements first, over the use of regular guild forces. Not really showing too much of a partnership, if you put all the work onto the assisting unit. The Second thing I realized was that I had absolutely no way of directly fighting an air dragon, as that is what this creature before me was, a dragon made up of solidified air and energy. Honestly, just getting close enough to understand the composition of the strange creature was slightly disconcerting. Woosh! Just getting to be within a kilometer of the creature was enough to be inside its magnetic pull of energy. As I could already feel the hairs on the back of my neck beginning to stand up. This I think was partly due to my Danger Sense, and partly due to my ability to feel the strange dragon¡¯s pull on and control over the air. If I had to give a numerical value of power to this creature, I would have to say that this creature was one and a quarter times as strong as the earth dragon we had conquered earlier. This was good as it gave me a reference point, roughly one fourth stronger than the most powerful creature I had handled to this point. No big deal, right? Added to that was the fact that the creature had no body. Well it had a form that was in the shape of a body, but it didn¡¯t have anything substantial to focus on. No brightly glowing core, no skin to punch, not even open meridians of power to mess with. Honestly, the creature before me was intense. The best way to describe this creature would be to imagine a large storm cloud that not only looks like that random monster that only you see but is that monster that you see as well. Mallory, true to form looks like a complete badass, as she us standing proudly on the back of the giant flying earth dragon. I pause for a moment, then realize that Gwen apparently was able to heal the wounds inflicted to the dragon before this encounter. I am sort of impressed, until I realize part of that impression comes from the fact that I missed a good chunk of time due to my double nap there. But then even after that, I realized that such a feat is still impressive. Particularly as the dragon is once again flying. Sigh. Seeing that Mallory is already out there, leading the troops, I realize that I too should likely try to do something as well. Poof. Within seconds I am floating next to Mallory. Then without even having to think about it, my weightless body gets propelled by my two sets of wings that instantly begin pushing me forward. It is almost sad how normal it feels to have wings and be able to fly quickly. Startle. Mallory flinches so hard, that she needs a second to regain her balance. She stomps her feet in and seems to hook her toes under a set of scales near the base of the beast¡¯s neck. For a second, I am prepared to grab her with my handy Telekinesis, but fortunately she regains her balance all on her own. Only after she is safe does the incident hit me as being amusing. ¡°Stop laughing, you little pixy,¡± Mallory hisses. ¡°What? I haven¡¯t said a thing.¡± I reply back innocently, trying to stifle the smile that is forming on my lips. ¡°I can see it all on your face.¡± With that I pause and realize I likely do have an overly expressive face. For a moment I think about pulling up my hood and covering my face, but ultimately decide against it. Instead, I decide to ask the fearless leader for her plans. ¡°So, you got any plans on how to deal with this?¡± I ask. ¡°One,¡± Mallory says with confidence. Hearing that, I let out a breath of relief as I had absolutely nothing. ¡°Oh, good, what is that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to send in my specialist.¡± Mallory answers with confidence. I pause, trying to figure out who she means. I can see that on the dragon with her are her two bodyguards, though I doubt either of them are particularly suited towards dealing with air dragons. As they seem to be more of the slash a problem with an ax type of people, more than anything. A quick scan in all directions shows that no particularly strong Deolar soldier is present either, leaving me to ask. ¡°Who?¡± ¡°You. I¡¯m tasking you with handling this problem.¡± Mallory says. ¡°What? Talk about mismanaging resources.¡± I reply, then realize she might actually be serious with this. Realizing this, my sudden panic comes back, as I begin racking my brain on how to fight a fluffy cloud without true form or boundaries. ¡°Look, just go in, stall for time, and above all, don¡¯t kill it.¡± Mallory gives an inspirational speech. I am about to comment back, when we cross yet another line of power. For a moment I am too distracted by Mallory to even realize that we crossed the last and final line of power. Some might call this an aura, a field of personal comfort, the stronger you are apparently the further out your aura gets projected. For this monster, it is quite a distance as we are still over a few hundred meters away from the beast, but apparently in its initial zone of attack. ¡°YOU DARE TO CLAIM THE SACRED LANDS!¡± The air dragon hisses loudly, its unfiltered voice screaming inside our heads. It takes me a second to find the internal volume nob and turn it down. Well actually, I find the frequency that the monster is transmitting their thoughts, using Mind Magic, then slowly disturb the incoming energy until it is at a more manageable volume, within my mind. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Mallory, unfortunately, wasn¡¯t able to find her own volume nob and grimaced in pain as she gripped the side of her head. It takes me longer to realize that I was able to volumize the mental speech, than it did to actually volumize it. I pause, as I realize this is a good thing, as it means magic and its workings are becoming more instinctual. My mind automatically sees a problem and begins reacting to it as it unfolds. I almost expect to earn an Instinctual Magic skill, but that might not be the best skill to have. I could only imagine all the times I might inadvertently cast a Silence spell on someone who was annoying me by constantly talking. Then having to quickly Dispel that same Silence spell before the person noticed, yeah that would get tedious. Where was I? Oh right, giant air dragon I have no way of fighting directly, talking to my mind and apparently disabling Mallory and her lack of mental resistance abilities. Using my own Telepathy I reply back. ¡°Look, you overgrown Charmin commercial, all we did was take unclaimed lands, purify them, and make it so life could appear on them once more. If you have a problem with that, then you should have come to us well before we got to this point.¡± I speak to the creature, hoping that my words and Telepathy send a feedback loop, like the one that disabled the earth dragon. I do make sure to loop in Mallory to our mental feed, so she can respond as well. ¡°Silence! You dare to argue with the guardians of this land?¡± The air dragon replies back, his voice once again loud for that first word, but then my Volumizer controls kick in, and make the rest of the words spoken at an acceptable level. ¡°Argue nothing. An argument implies that you would at least be open to listening to what we have to say.¡± I say, still moving forward at the same exact pace as we had, when we first entered the true attack radius of the air dragon. ¡°So what would you call this, I am speaking to you now. If you submit your claims to my lands, then I will only kill you slowly for your impudence.¡± ¡°Hahaha,¡± the smugness that all but radiates from this dragon is enough to get my blood boiling. ¡°That¡¯s funny, because even if you submit right now, I will still make sure to punch you once in the nose.¡± Finally, once we get this close, a plan begins to form in my mind. I might not be able to punch the beast in the nose, but there is something I can do. ¡°Hahaha. Foolish mortal, you think that you can even touch me? I am impervious to mortal attacks.¡± Smile. ¡°Oh, you talk a mighty big game for someone who is effectively a giant ball of tightly compressed accelerants.¡± Then with that I make my move. Poof. *** (Mallory) Like a lava spitting chihuahua. That was it, the best description that Mallory could now think of to describe her best friend, and the person she trusted most in this world, to do the impossible. ¡°A lava spitting chihuahua.¡± This time she spoke the words out loud to herself, as she watched what happened. In her mind she half expected something like this to happen. Go there, get close, let Cass do her thing, then clean up the mess afterwards, as such an event would undoubtedly create a mess of some kind. Often times Mallory joked that Cass was like a cannon of chaos, you just find a problem, point her at it, and she will somehow find a way to get rid of the problem in the oddest and most convenient way possible. This time she had her doubts, as this was as close to an elemental that Mallory had ever seen. The fact that this elemental was in the form of a dragon only seemed to exacerbate the problem that much more. Looking at the dragon, it was clear that even Mallory¡¯s most powerful scythe attacks would not be enough to cause any real damage to the beast as it was constantly losing body parts to the wind, only for those same body parts to reattach themselves moments later. Mallory had her doubts about this beast, as it was clearly a monster that was designed to be resistant to most physical forms of attack. In her mind, she tried to break down the problem. Air is apparently strong against Earth, a fact that was proven by Cass in the way she was able to take down the Earth dragon by getting it out of the air, and then moving around too quickly for the Earth dragon to respond to. However, this meant that the Air dragon had to be vulnerable to something else, right? While Mallory was trying to think of what that something could be, she had her thoughts interrupted as the dragon sent out a devastating mental attack. An attack that apparently only bothered Mallory as Cass never missed a beat of her wings. Then the next second, Cass even made it so all communications went through her, and was able to lower the voice of the dragon to a more manageable level, a fact that Mallory was immensely grateful for. Unfortunately, Mallory was still trying to work through her mental fugue that she was attempting to overcome. As the two spoke, Mallory felt the hairs on the back of her neck begin to rise, as she noticed the warning signs, but was unable to stop them. The way Cass got quieter, the way her words were more direct and menacing. For the air dragon, Cass likely looked like a particularly cute chihuahua that was doing little more than bearing her fangs at the near elemental creature. Teeth that were attached to a jaw that were far too small to bite deep enough to cause any real damage to the skin. However, Mallory had seen that look. It was the same look of focus she had before she fought Arch Sky Mage Belton. That same sense of eerie calm, where it was clear she was angry, but it was a controlled rage that brimmed just below the surface. It wasn¡¯t until she Teleported away that her words fully registered in Mallory¡¯s addled mind. ¡°Oh, you talk a mighty big game for someone who is effectively a giant ball of tightly compressed accelerants.¡± Hearing the words resonate in her mind, Mallory finally had the answer to the question she had been asking herself. If Air was able to defeat the Earth handedly, then what could beat the Air. WHOOOSH! Mallory didn¡¯t know if the girl had finally learned to set her body ablaze using that Qi thing she was always talking about, or if it was a new magical attack. Either way the final result was the same. One second there was a snarling pixy and a dragon made out of magically compressed air. The next there was a burning pixy that quickly dashed through different parts of the Air dragon, igniting sections in a controlled pattern that made the dragon almost look like a constellation. While there was a path that Cass seemed to follow, it was clear that she also seemed to focus on the joints of the creature, staying in those sections for a split second longer than the others, then moving on. She bounced around like a fiery pinball, bouncing into and around the beast in direct paths. The worst part was, it was hard to see where she was at any given point as she seemed to both Teleport and just randomly appear at different sections of the dragon¡¯s body at any given time. Black smoke. The once pristine white dragon suddenly began to change color, going first to gray, and then finally to completely black in a matter of seconds, as the tightly compressed air within the dragon¡¯s body began to burn and create noxious fumes. There was an odd effect of the smoke, as it seemed that the more smoke that appeared, the more permanent the shape of the air dragon became. Going from a translucent cream color to an almost physical obsidian. By the time she was done, the dragon looked like a monster of myth, with bright red flames highlighting the dark soot and ash of the beast¡¯s body. Worst of all, was the fact that at the center was a giant glowing core of magma. Or at the very least what appeared to be magma. Poof. A smoke covered Cass appeared, flapping her wings for a second, as she stared at the monster defiantly. There was a moment, where the air dragon seemed to bob up and down for a moment, that is when Cass just pointed her finger at the creature and shouted. ¡°Now play dead!¡± And like that, the giant Air dragon began to solidify into a dark obsidian color and fall from the sky. Boom. The beast landed, its large body making a clear and audible impact on the ground, proving that Cass had somehow managed to make the beast tangible. Mallory watched on in shock as the apparently impossible had happened, Cass somehow removed an Air elemental from the sky. Honestly, even after watching the whole thing unfold right before her eyes, she was still a bit shocked as to how it all happened. Shock. That was the only word to describe what she saw. Yes, Mallory knew the rules that governed this world, that levels weren¡¯t everything, and that every monster has a weakness, but to see such a small girl be able to take out gigantic beasts like this never quite grew old. Coughing. Mallory watched as the small pixy began coughing up deep black smoke from her lungs. It was clear that her Healing Magic was already at work expelling the harmful toxins that she had apparently inhaled while inside the burning dragon. Looking at her, Mallory could only stare on in slack jawed amazement. There was a moment of calm and peace, where it felt like everything would be fine. Then Cass turned her head, while beating off the ash from her clothes and stared at Mallory. You know that moment when you mess up, but you don¡¯t know why or how, but the look on your parents¡¯ face tells you that you messed up. That was the feeling that Mallory had right now, a feeling that she was about to be scolded for something she had no clue about. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Cass questioned, her words going directly into not only her mind, but also into the mind of the dragon she was riding. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, trying to think about what she should be doing. ¡°Guh! Go down there and get that dragon to submit to you.¡± Cass began, then turning her attention slightly down she stared at the earth dragon before continuing her tirade. ¡°Now that it is tangible, I need you to provide the death grip on it, and hold it still until it submits. Can you do that much?¡± The words were harsh, likely harsher than Cass intended due to the fact that she was still coming down from her battle high, but for a moment Mallory almost felt sorry for the dragon who was mentally shaking at this point. Balthisar, the earth dragon that Mallory had tamed was more than happy to work with her. Though it was clear from the way the dragon began to shiver at the sight of the small pixy, that Balthisar was still frightened of her, and for good reason. ¡°Well?¡± That was all that was needed, as Balthisar did not want to be asked a third time, as he began diving down so quickly that Mallory almost felt her feet slip out from their perch. Mallory dropped to her knees and gripped on for dear life, as Balthisar went in for a tight barrel role as he got into position to strike the still unconscious air dragon. Out of the corner of her eye, Mallory saw the still standing form of Cass just floating there in the sky. Only once they were well away from Cass, did Balthisar begin to slow down before impact. Then he used his mental connection to talk directly to Mallory. ¡°Thank you for bonding with me and protecting me from the scary one.¡± Balthisar said. With that Mallory could only chuckle at the thought of a beast as powerful as Balthisar being frightened of Cass. Then she paused and realized that she had been extremely lucky all those months ago, by befriending the quirky girl who no one seemed to take seriously at the time. At first, she wanted to be friends due to her saving her life, now it seemed that trust was seemingly well placed. ¡°Yeah, no problem. Make sure to tell this one that he can either join me too, or I¡¯ll send Cass back in for round two.¡± Mallory said. ¡°I¡¯ll tell her.¡± Balthisar corrected, apparently noting that Mallory was wrong with identifying the true gender of the air dragon. ¡°Of course, thank you.¡± Mallory sent back. Then next thing Mallory knew, she was again delegated to the role of clean up, as Balthisar pinned the air dragon with its massive body, making sure to have a sharp clamp on the neck of the beast, while Mallory once again tried to coax a wildly powerful beast to join her. ¡°What do you want?¡± The air dragon hissed, as it squirmed and tried to wiggle its way free of Balthisar¡¯s massive bulk. With that Mallory took in a deep breath, and in her best calming voice laid out the future for this air dragon, as she saw it. ¡°You have two options. Bond with me peacefully, or I send the pixy back in for round two¡­¡± Chapter 180 What Goes Into A Name? Chapter 180 What Goes Into A Name? ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe we should call them what they are, Air Head and Rock Head.¡± I reply, wondering how we even got to this subject in the first place. I mean I fully understand the concept that Mallory presented, that of giving the super tough guardian dragons a last name, so that they can be even more powerful when the later rounds of this competition come. And honestly, kudos to her for coming up with that idea and tracking me down to have this conversation, but I don¡¯t quite understand why she is getting me to give them their names. I mean they are her pets, at least that is what our Guild¡¯s current quest status seems to imply.
Hidden Guild Quest Updated: Mastering the Cardinal Protectors: Your Guild, the Midnight Hunters, has begun the process of conquering the four key protectors of the great wastelands. Legend has it that if the four Cardinal Protectors fall, then the monsters that plague the wastelands will be free to spread their pestilence and attack the inhabited territories of the world. You must protect your lands, while not fully destroying the Cardinal Protectors of the Wastelands. Current status of protectors that have been subdued but are still living (2 / 4). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, variable.
Yes, we have subdued the apparent Earth and Air guardians that are exceptionally powerful creatures. I even lost my eyebrows in that last battle with the compressed oxygen tank of a monster. Fortunately I had soot and ash covering most of my face and sent Mallory away before she could pick on me for being too reckless, but at the time that was the only thing I could think of, as a way to win the battle against that monstrous creature. ¡°Head,¡± Mallory states, her words pulling me from my own musings of going over what just happened, hitting my seventh spot for Cleansing Rain, and just trying to make sure all the residual toxins are out of my body from that last battle. I know Mallory, as the Guild Leader has to worry about the next step, which is why she came with this task of coming up with a last name, but now what is this that she is talking about? ¡°What?¡± I ask, eloquently. ¡°Head, you want me to give the guardians of this region, arguably the toughest monsters encountered and defeated to date the last name of Head?¡± Mallory pauses, staring at me. I of course have my back to her, and realize that once again, my terrible sense of naming has come back to haunt me. ¡°Well they are.¡± I quip back, not quite thinking of what the ramifications would be for that. ¡°Okay, tell me what bonuses you think would come along with the last name of Head?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Last names, they all have a direct impact on improving one aspect of the individual with the name they are given. Ergo Spiritlight gives you the ability to be considered neutral to spirits and the like, and improves your standing with non-hostile spirits as well. My name of Valhalla helps me when dealing with the dead. Now, what pray tell do you think the bonus these guardians would gain from having the last name of Head?¡± Mallory poses. I pause for a moment, then say the first thing that comes to mind. ¡°They would become really good at oral arguments?¡± Mallory first looked shocked, but then quickly calmed down as she said, ¡°it is a good thing you finished that sentence.¡± ¡°What? Like they would have a better Head on their shoulders.¡± ¡°No,¡± Mallory stated with a slight exasperation to her words. ¡°Let me just say, that no, these guardians will not have the last name of Head and you will need to come up with a different last name.¡± ¡°Why do I even have to name your pets. They are your pets after all.¡± I reply, focusing on the fact that I specifically made Mallory do that part as I had a hard enough time dealing with the pets I already had. I had a litter of cultivating murder puppies coming, and one that is dangerously close to being a modified dragon tramp stamp, or worse close to being a copyright infringement if anyone makes the leap of my age with the glowing dragon tattoo. ¡°I can¡¯t name these dragons as I apparently don¡¯t have the noted authority over them. I keep getting the message that only the person who made them tamable can in fact name them.¡± Mallory notes with a hint of frustration to her voice. ¡°Made them tamable? So, like the world servers?¡± I ask, breaking the fourth wall of our reality, but trying to understand what exactly is going on here. ¡°No, you. It means that you are the only one who can name them. Which is why I am pestering you now to come up with a name that has meaning and can help them gain power so that they can defeat the other guardians that much easier.¡± Mallory states. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know how to name a monster.¡± I reply honestly. ¡°Well how did you name the Kujos?¡± ¡°Simple, they were just sweet little fluffy killing machines that just needed loving in order to calm down.¡± I reply, almost feeling my voice go to that higher octave of love I get while talking to at least Mr. Kujo. ¡°Those are quite possibly the scariest creatures I have ever seen. I¡¯ve been to the fiery planes where lava beasts run rampant and drool molten magma, and those fiery hellhounds were far cuter than the monstrous Kujos could ever be.¡± Mallory states. ¡°No, that is not possible. Their fur is so soft and fluffy.¡± I say, just imagining sleeping within Ms. Kujos super soft fur, right now. ¡°Their fur is solid black of the void and has tips that glow with bright purple filaments that lure out unsuspecting Blighted monsters out to be devoured.¡± Mallory notes. ¡°Oh, they do? That is odd.¡± I say, wondering just how much I miss from not being able to see the world. ¡°Yeah, I often forget that you can¡¯t see the world the same way the rest of us can. As such your depiction on what is cute or not is way skewed. Take for instance the guardians that we subdued do you think they are pretty?¡± Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°What the Crumbly Rock and the Oxygen Tank? No,¡± I ask then reply as I realize that those must be the creatures she is talking about, the same creatures that she is adamant that I now need to name. ¡°That is a shame, as they are quite possibly the two most beautiful creatures I have ever seen. I am not the only one, as everyone else has also mentioned the same.¡± Mallory notes. ¡°Okay,¡± I respond realizing that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in this case, it is clearly in the beholder who has working eyes. Exasperated sigh. Mallory lets out a huff, as she apparently tries to get back on track and get me to focus on what she came here for. ¡°Can you try to think of a name that would work for these creatures?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Super Stuck Up Guardians?¡± I pose. With that Mallory lets out another sigh, at which point I go for the consolation, ¡°maybe we shorten it to Sugs?¡± ¡°Sugs and Head, that is all you can come up with?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What? Why don¡¯t you give me a cool monster name that you think fits them.¡± I ask. ¡°How about Pteranodon?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Wings and no teeth?¡± I ask, going with the full Latin of the words being used to describe the ancient dinosaur species. Mallory looks flustered at the comment, so I expand. ¡°While that might be more than accurate for those creatures, I fail to see how Wings and no teeth is any better than my Sugs. Heck, even Head is better as it implies that teeth are there.¡± ¡°The fact that you think Head implies teeth are involved¡­¡± Mallory begins, but then quickly stops herself. ¡°You know what, never mind.¡± ¡°Mallory!¡± I hiss, realizing just where her mind went. ¡°Calm down, you are far too cute and modest. I¡¯m only teasing.¡± Mallory notes, and at that I relax slightly. Then realizing that we are once again moving forward with our connected territories as well.
Acres of land claimed (408 / 20).
Yes, my seven spots have been completed and I just have three more nodes, and two more guardian spirits to subdue. With a pause I look at Mallory who is just floating there, her wings fully extended and flapping rapidly to help keep her hovering nearby. Realizing she is sporting my handywork, I have to ask. ¡°So how is it being able to maintain your wings?¡± I ask. ¡°Honestly, I was more than a little concerned with your ability to alter class related powers, but now that you did, and this is just a constant 20% power use, I have to say that I am glad you finally bullied me into this.¡± Mallory admits. ¡°Bullied you?¡± ¡°Yeah, you kept saying it was an old, faded tramp stamp that needed to be retouched if I was going to be relevant.¡± ¡°Oh yeah, I guess I did say that.¡± Nodding her head, Mallory just gave me the look that said, I know. Silence. Finally, Mallory realized that it was about time for me to head to the next of my markers. ¡°I take it you are going to leave for the next spot?¡± I nod. ¡°Okay, while you are gone, can you please. I mean please do me the favor of coming up with a decent last name for these monsters?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Fine, but just know I am terrible at naming things.¡± I respond. Scoff. ¡°Oh, I know. This coming from the person that wanted to call all future Qi users QiFFers.¡± Mallory prodded. ¡°Whoa there, I just wanted to call them Qi Fusion Fighters, or QiFF for short.¡± I respond, trying to take away some of the sting of her words. ¡°And what pray tell would you call a group of these Qi Fusion Fighters?¡± ¡°Okay, fine. Point proven I am terrible at names and this should not be something that is asked of me.¡± I reply. ¡°No, you are great at names, once you truly think about what the core essence of things are. Even Kujo is a great name, as it accurately describes a terrifying monster that would rip anyone apart that got between it and its goals.¡± Mallory said, semi-reassuringly. ¡°So you like the name Kujo?¡± Wince. Mallory winces at that, but then responds. ¡°I have to admit that the name has kind of grown on me. Even the name Zero has grown on me, it is also indicative of how much time you spend with him.¡± ¡°Hey! That was not why he was named Zero.¡± I protest, but then realize Mallory is once again right with her criticism. For even now, I am near Zero, but not speaking to him. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll come up with a name with meaning and that can be respected.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Mallory states, then just before I am about to leave, she hits me with one more of her jokes. ¡°But seriously who thinks Head and teeth should be in the same sentence.¡± ¡°Oh my gosh, Mallory you are such a child sometimes. If you want I will keep your toothless dragon name, but I am pretty sure that one has been copyrighted somewhere.¡± ¡°Probably, anyways, go. Try to relax. I know you won¡¯t but, at least give the appearance of trying. From our best guesses we have anywhere from an hour and a half to four and a half hours until the next guardian is set to appear. Both previously subjugated guardians are on standby until the next guardian appears. But until that point, it would be helpful if we could give a bonus to our guardians.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Yeah, yeah, yeah.¡± I say, then Teleport away. Poof. It takes me a minute to realize that I Teleported backwards, or at least to my previous location. Stupid getting spun about to talk to people. This time I Teleport back, but make sure to swing around Mallory so she won¡¯t notice my mistake. ¡°You went the wrong way!¡± Mallory yells out, only after I am in fact heading in the right direction. I wave to her, not wanting to dignify her comment with a verbal reply. ¡°Stupid Valkyries and their impressive ability to be loud and obnoxious anywhere.¡± I say to myself. Then wonder for a minute if Noxious would be a good last name for the guardians. Then I quickly dismiss that thought, as the thought of Noxious guardians in a land where we are trying to cure Blighted creatures might only make an even deadlier super virus. Sighing, and truly taking Mallory¡¯s words to heart. Well some them at least, I realize one thing, I do need to talk to Zero more. With that thought in mind, I tap on my dragon tattoo, and make sure to pulse a bit of Qi and Mana into my finger with each tapping. ¡°What? Huh?¡± Zero says groggily, as I can feel him slowly stirring awake. ¡°Hey, can we talk?¡± I ask. ¡°What, who died, and why didn¡¯t you Resurrect them?¡± Zero asks. Scoff. I laugh, realizing that Zero is likely only half joking about that comment. ¡°I guess I do only talk to you a few times.¡± I admit, then pausing I wonder if I should talk to him more. Though the only problem with that is that it has been so long since we spoke to each other, that I don¡¯t quite know how to begin. In my mind, I have countless hours of dialog between him and my First Simulacrum, hours that are now part of my memories, but they aren¡¯t exactly my memories. Just the memories of someone who looks and acts similarly to the way I would and do. Then before the moment can become too awkward for the two of us to actually speak to each other I finally ask the question that will hopefully open this dialogue between the two of us. ¡°What would you call Guardian Dragons that have submitted and wish to help out the guild?¡± ¡°Oh, you mean those Cardinal Guardians?¡± Zero asks, referring to the quest title and likely the actual title that these dragons have for monitoring over this area. ¡°Cardinal?¡± I ask, remembering the word and letting it roll off my tongue. At first my thoughts of the word cardinal make me think of the bird, which in turn makes me think of the annoying bird that made a nest in the tree in my front yard and constantly tried to attack my side view mirrors as it saw a bird that was encroaching on its territory and therefore would bludgeon itself on my mirrors. Of course, there are other meanings to the term cardinal that also come to mind as well. Take for instance the use in the quest name, which refers to central or essential. Given our location, I could see how Central a good meaning as there might be is likely a lot more Blighted land beyond this point. Yet, in my mind I focus on the other meaning, that of being essential. These guardians are essential to this area. The quest all but confirms their importance, as it names them as Cardinal Protectors. With that my mind went back to Pteranodon and the Latin meaning of the word. Then I think about the Latin meaning for Essential and come up with Essentialis, and wonder if that is complex enough for the system to actually accept as a valid last name for the tamed creatures. ¡°What about the word Essentialis?¡± I ask. ¡°Okay, but what do you expect that name to mean for them?¡± Zero asks back, trying to get my thoughts. This is good, as it seems the name is being considered or accepted by the system. Well, it is accepted by Zero, who is linked to the system? So, I¡¯m hoping that this is my chance to justify the name. With that I try to go with a meaning to the last name that would both make sense and be impactful. ¡°Well, these guardians are not only related to the cardinal directions but are essential to their elements that each is in charge of wielding. As such, by us bestowing the last name of Essentialis to the tamed ones, it should show how they are both essential to protecting their indicated direction, but also in wielding their elemental energy?¡± I state, though my voice at the end feels like I am more asking a question than giving a definitive statement. Zero pauses for a moment, taking in the words and then just staring at me for a moment, before he bobs his head and ultimately replies. ¡°I agree.¡± Chime. Then like that, I receive a new system message informing me that the name has been accepted.
Surname: Essentialis has been accepted as the name given to cardinal protectors who have submitted themselves to assisting the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild in cleansing the wastelands of the Blight. Effect: all elemental effects are increased by +25%.
And like that, the hardest part of my day is done. Yes, send me to fight off four guardians, while trying to navigate my way around pre-established way points, and let me take care of pregnant dire phase wolves, but please for the love of all that is holy, don¡¯t make me keep giving things names that have meaning. Well names that have an acceptable meaning to be proud of. Now that the hardest part of my day is officially over, I take a deep breath and begin casting a spell that is becoming all too easy to cast at this point. Cleansing Rain. Then just like that, rain clouds appear and begin washing over Zero and me. Only afterwards do I realize it might have been a jerk thing to wake him up, only to then douse him with purifying rainwater. Which is why I ultimately ask the question. ¡°So, tell me Zero, what do you think of the rain?¡± ¡°Actually, I¡­¡± Chapter 181 Letting Others Try Chapter 181 Letting Others Try ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t mind your rain. Though I normally don¡¯t like getting rained on as a whole.¡± Zero answers. ¡°You like the energy in the rain? Or what?¡± I ask, trying to understand a potentially hidden side of Zero. Or maybe hidden is not the correct word, but rather a side that I never thought to ask about. ¡°Normal rain just feels cold and draining. While your rain has that warm energy to it that makes the entire experience enjoyable to be part in. I don¡¯t know, it is hard to describe.¡± Zero says, and while it might feel like he is trying to suck up, that is not where we are in our relationship at this time. Which is why I know he means every word he is saying, at least at this moment. ¡°Ready for the next spot?¡± I ask, after getting the quest update for our most recent spot, the eighth spot to be cleansed.
Acres of land claimed (460 / 20).
¡°Do you want to go as a Tattoo with me?¡± I ask. There is the slightest of hesitations, before Zero asks, ¡°would it be okay if we just fly there instead?¡± I pause for a moment, realizing that this will severely slow down my pace, but then I realize that this might be exactly what Zero is after. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go for a quick stroll then.¡± I reply. Then with that, I grab Zero¡¯s paw and we begin flying slowly. Well, as quick as we can for flying purposes, but far slower than the near instantaneous movement that Teleportation offers us or would offer us. I could always create a Portal to the next spot, but that would use valuable mana that I would then need to use to perform another casting of Cleansing Rain. As such, us taking time to slowly get there, or at least slow per my normal pace is a bit of a reward. It takes a lot of time to get to the marker location with the numeral nine on it, but that is okay. As soon as I see the marker, I begin casting Cleansing Rain, realizing that the portion of land that we are now covering can only benefit from getting more of this life fulfilling rain. Light drizzle. ¡°Ahh, that¡¯s the stuff.¡± Zero says, as he lets the rain pour down over him. Looking at him and his antics, I can¡¯t help but smile. ¡°The small moments Cass.¡± I whisper to myself. ¡°What?¡± Zero asks, his dragon hearing apparently able to pick up on my comment. ¡°I tried to remind myself of the importance of small moments.¡± ¡°What?¡± Zero asks again, this time clearly confused by my response. ¡°It is that whole philosophy that big moments are meaningless without the foundation of multiple small moments that led to the big moments. This right here, this moment, taking time to move slower with a friend. This is one of those moments that I want to make sure I ingrain in my mind.¡± I respond. Hmm. Zero murmurs contemplatively to himself after that revelation, but otherwise stays silent. Suddenly the quiet that had settled between the two of us is not quite as suffocating as before. We get to the intended marker in a much slower time, but by the time we are there, rain clouds just continue to follow overhead before they then pass us. Like synchronized swimmers knowing exactly where to stop, we hit our marks and stop our advancement. Me stopping as I am now directly overhead the land marker that we put in place, and Zero because well Zero was watching me intently. Or maybe he just had the presence to know when and where I would stop my progression. We stay like that for a while, me in the turmoil of my own thoughts that don¡¯t seem to slow down, and Zero with his seeming enjoyment from just being outside and experiencing the advancement of my magic. Realizing how sad his life must have been for the past few months, being forced to stay in the Mage Guild Library and never getting a chance to experience the true wonders of nature must have been suffocating to him. That or, maybe that is what I would think, if I was stuck in the Mage¡¯s Guild all the time. Well, unless I was reading books, but every once in a while, I think I would still need to go out and explore. Then again, this might all just be me projecting my own thoughts onto Zero, which is why I ultimately decide to ask him. ¡°So what are you thinking about?¡± I ask, seeing Zero move his head around, but realizing that he like me has Angel¡¯s Sight and the moving of the head is meant to help others realize where he is focusing his attention. At this, I realize he likely also saw the plate and was waiting for me to stop. Yeah, definitely wasn¡¯t a synchronization of neural impulses, especially not after just a few moments. It was stupid to think otherwise, I chide myself mentally before hearing Zero¡¯s answer to my question. ¡°Nothing really.¡± I nod my head, realizing that is likely the answer I too would give in just such a situation. The reality being that it is hard to limit all your thoughts down to one finite thought process, as your mind was really everywhere just moments ago, and trying to fit your entire train of thoughts from spell formulas that are being updated and rotated through, to interpersonal relationships between yourself and your familiar, and what to prepare for next when it comes to the three major quest lines that are going on, that sometimes stating nothing, is a lot easier than showing just how lost you are in that particular moment. Just as I let my mind begin to relax, as I feel some of the tension I have been feeling get washed away by my own magical rain water that is being absorbed back into my body, I hear it. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. GRRRAAGGHHHAHHHAAA! Sigh. With that cry, I let out a dejected sigh, realizing that I will have to come back here, as I know I will likely be needed to respond to the threat that is now coming from the Eastern border of our land. While the monster is still too far away for me to see it clearly, that is the clear direction that the mental challenge released by the most recent Cardinal Guardian came from. Then a brief scan of the time shows me that this guardian arrived a lot faster than the others did.
Time left to defend your land (7 hours 59 minutes 58 seconds).
Three hours. That was how much time passed between the appearance of the second cardinal guardian, and this one. Warmth. There is an oddly warm feeling on my right hand. I pause to focus my attention down to realize that it is Zero there, with his clawed appendage covering my hand. I am about to ask what exactly he is doing, when I hear him ask, well more like plead with me. ¡°Let¡¯s finish this first.¡± Zero insists. I want to argue, to point out that we don¡¯t have time. I want to point out that people will die if I don¡¯t do something. I would have thought that Zero of all people would have understood this part of me, the fact that I would want to save everyone I could. Yet, before I could express any of my objections, Zero spoke. ¡°You want to move about freely within the Arcanarus Tower. You want to do so never having to hop back and forth constantly trying to see if everyone will be okay without you. Well, this is your chance to get that confidence that you need.¡± ¡°But I¡­¡± I was about to say how I don¡¯t want anyone to die, but Zero apparently already understands this dilemma. ¡°Your daughter is here, and she is a more than capable healer and is even capable of Resurrection, something that you yourself are well aware of. Mallory is a more than capable leader with not one, but two previously subjugated Cardinal Protectors that will assist in this endeavor, along with hundreds of high-ranking spectral warriors at her command. They don¡¯t need you.¡± Zero states. ¡°Ouch.¡± I reply, not quite knowing how to handle that last statement. ¡°They do want you; I mean honestly who wouldn¡¯t. But that said, they don¡¯t need you to do everything for them. In fact, by you acting so quickly and decisively, don¡¯t you realize you are taking away their own agency and ability to grow and adapt to challenges?¡± Zero posed. At that, I paused and tried to take in the words that were being said to me. I had been told many similar lessons in my past life, mostly about how I never gave my children a chance to fail as I was always there to show them the correct path before they truly needed me. Sometimes, I wonder if that is how Rob Jr., or should I say Trenton, became to be as he is now. I feel the battle raging on in my mind, but I still just want to be nearby in case anything terrible happens. That is of course when Zero hits me with the knockout blow. ¡°Of course, we will go to back them up, but only after we are done here. I will even travel with you as a Tattoo so we can get there faster. That said, I will only do so if you stay here and finish this task, before running off to do the next, only to come back here and try to pick up where you last left off at.¡± I pause turning my whole body to face Zero. In this moment, I have a myriad of thoughts flood through my mind. For the briefest of seconds, I wonder if Zero is currently acting as an agent for the world we are living in. Where in this role he is here to help evaluate the performance of the other guild members during these tests. This would be the same thing as a professor doing a spot check on a group assignment, trying to make sure that while one person was clearly carrying the team, everyone else at least understood the content being presented. Of course, this was thrown out the window as it was clear that Cass was not carrying the team. In fact, she knew that she wouldn¡¯t be able to be nearly as far along had there not been a lot of highly trained analysts working, placing markers, and allowing for contingencies to happen all over. Then the other idea came where I wondered if this was Zero¡¯s way of trying to get me to relax a bit more. I have been so stressed out and didn¡¯t even realize it until now. Until Zero all but forced me to move slower. Everything had felt so rushed recently. Everything from my botched birthday present, to finding the library dungeon, to wanting to go further up the Arcanarus Tower to teaching others¡­ It was at that point that I realized I was pushing a bit too hard. Even after my reminder to myself on just this trip, I only now realized that I was missing the small moments, those brief moments of peace and happiness that make the big moments that much more memorable and enjoyable. Deep breath out. I clear my lungs, and then pause, as I quickly flip my hand around and once again grab Zero¡¯s paw as we just stand there. Well really float there, over a kilometer above the ground, letting the rain wash over us as we purify yet even more land and manage to link it to our already claimed sections. Silence. We don¡¯t say a word, as we don¡¯t need to. This moment, these minutes of absolute peace and tranquility that are surrounded by a backdrop of chaos, these are the moments worth living for. The moments that we need to pause, carve out a chunk of our mind and place this memory in there, while we look for hope of better times in the future. Times where we ultimately will wish we felt like this moment right here. I am completely drenched. The water while warm initially does get cold within seconds, but this too is acceptable. Even when the cold-water clings to my clothes and threatens to constantly saturate my body with a cold embrace, that too is fine. So long as I let warmth fill me from the inside out, I remain warm. I do cheat after a point and end up cycling my rampant stores of Qi to help keep my body warm and to further help regulate my body temperature. At this rate, even my wet clothes do dry off quickly. Within no time we got the notification that we were waiting for.
Acres of land claimed (506 / 20).
¡°Time to go?¡± Zero asks more than states. By this point the clouds overhead have begun to break apart, as I¡¯ve stopped focusing on channeling my mana into them. I use this moment to help recycle the falling mana back into my body, and to replenish my already low reserves. ¡°Ten breaths,¡± I answer, not wanting this moment to end, but knowing that we should at the very least go to help my pregnant daughter heal and Resurrect any people that might have already been injured or destroyed. ¡°Okay,¡± Zero replies, turning from me to face outwards towards the open fields and the breaking apart clouds. ¡°In my mind, I can almost imagine the rainbow forming, as light would now be able to shine through the dissipating clouds and shine through the droplets of water that have not condensed enough to fall as rain.¡± I say, mentally trying to imagine what the scene would look like to others. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s probably beautiful, with red being the greatest color and shining down touching the ground and shining on a spot of land that would probably seem like the perfect place to stop, build a house and set up a new calmer life at.¡± Zero continued. I nodded, a slightly relaxed feel hitting me, as I learned to just relax and take the moment that was presented to me. For I knew that the moment I left here, I would be at the heart of battle, and would get lost in the need to react quickly and methodically. But that was still four breaths away. In this moment, at this one perfect place in time, I was calm. The world was calm. There were no signs of disasters or strife, no signs of monsters coming to ruin a peaceful existence we were attempting to carve out for ourselves. Instead, all we had was a mental image of what perfection would look like if able to be captured in a bottle, and each other. Deep breath out. I nodded my head, having counted to ten. Zero not needing to be told twice instantly began to form himself into a tattoo that spanned the length of my arm. Of course, he somehow did this while easily melting through my gloves and the sleeve of my Doctor¡¯s outfit, not leaving so much as a residue of power on his way into my arm. Still I could clearly see him. ¡°Right.¡± I say then turning to face east, I am about to Teleport away, when Zero with his last claw that had not fully melded into my flesh pointed slightly more to the right from my current direction. I was about to argue, but then realized Zero might be better at depicting directions than me. Trusting him, or at least aware that I could blame my tardiness on Zero if I did end up getting lost, I change my heading and Teleport. Poof. Poof. Poof. By the time we get near enough to see the battle of Cardinal Protectors unfolding, I realize two things. First Zero has an amazing sense of direction, despite being blind like me. Second, the water spirit protector that everyone seems to be fighting against is nearly dead. The dragons are all so big and strong that even moving creates giant fissures and cracks in the earth. Fortunately, Mallory, or the cardinal protectors all managed to engage the monster while it was outside the immediate area of our cleared territories. That said, it was still a wild battle that was happening between the three monstrous elements. I pause, realizing that for whatever reason the water spirit is not stopping. As it is clawing into and through the other guardians, despite being near death. I can tell as giant streams of energy are pouring down from the beast¡¯s sides. Yet, it is not showing any signs of slowing down. Even with the Air dragon clamping down on its neck, it doesn¡¯t surrender, only continuing to struggle and writhe around. ¡°What is happening?¡± I ask no one in particular. At this, Zero emerges from my arm and then quickly takes in the situation before offering his perspective. ¡°They don¡¯t know how to tame the cardinal protector and are going to end up killing it at this rate.¡± Zero says, a bit nonchalantly. ¡°What?¡± I ask, suddenly wondering why we waited so long. Then I realized this was likely one of those things that I was meant to see. Could the guild rise to the occasion, or would they falter. I sat there, then finding my daughter Gwen on the backlines healing people I grabbed Zero who quickly reformed with me, before I Teleported right next to her. ¡°Mom?¡± Gwen asked, apparently startled by my appearance. Seeing her, I quickly touched her, and sent a course of my energy into her. This helped her baby maintain the advantages of my bloodline, meaning that Gwen could once again spend more time with Mallory, once this was all over. But I also made sure to send out waves of calming energy into and through Gwen so she didn¡¯t stress herself out, while being pregnant. ¡°Breathe,¡± I say. Then after a long second Gwen finally forced a deep breath in and then out. Only after that did she look calm enough to ask me the question that was clearly on her mind. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you out there helping?¡± Gwen asked. Chapter 182 Turning Threats Into Promises Chapter 182 Turning Threats Into Promises ¡°What? I can¡¯t take it easy and try to relax?¡± I ask, in a faux offended tone. ¡°No, it¡¯s not that. It¡¯s just that I figured you would be one of the people who would want to be on the front lines throughout this endeavor.¡± Gwen responds. As she speaks, I can see the battle going into its final stretch. The two tamed dragons are wrestling with the wild and untamed water dragon spirit, trying to subdue it. Mallory for her part is right there, striking as needed and the dragon should surrender here, but for whatever reason, isn¡¯t. My goal is to make it so that it is not always me who is dealing with these threats. As this is a guild quest after all, meaning that other members of the guild should also be allowed to participate in this. ¡°You¡¯re doing it wrong.¡± Zero, my familiar says peering into Gwen as she is moving her energy around. I pause, then follow Zero¡¯s gaze to Gwen and realize that he is correct, Gwen is moving her energy in a less than optimal form, cutting down her mana efficiency by a few percent. ¡°What?¡± Gwen asks, suddenly confused by seeing Zero. ¡°Who are you?¡± I pause, only to realize that it is true, Gwen likely has never seen Zero. I realize the last time she could have seen him was when I was fighting the Rock Head guy, or Balthisar Essentialis as Mallory calls him. At that time Gwen had a position that I now wish to take up, namely being in the back and just watching from afar. ¡°I am Zero, your mother¡¯s familiar.¡± Zero states giving a floating courtly bow. ¡°Oh.¡± Gwen responds, then recognition seems to take her as she slowly seems to remember exactly who the dragon before her is. ¡°Oh, sorry, I guess I just assumed you died.¡± Grimace. At that I wince slightly, realizing that this is valid feedback of my apparent lack of involvement with Zero. Gwen for her part just reaches out her hand in an apparent effort to formally greet each other by shaking hands. ¡°Yeah, well some people left us in a glass palace, while they went off galivanting and exploring the world.¡± Zero responds, extending his paw to shake and greet Gwen properly. Flash. There is a faint exchange of energy that is brief, but I can both see and feel it getting released. Almost like the two had a brief electrical discharge, but not quite. The level of energy exchanged was deeper, then it was gone. However, unlike me, the two involved in the incident didn¡¯t seem to notice the exchange of energy. ¡°Nothing to say?¡± Gwen asks, suddenly turning from Zero to me. Again, it strikes me that all of this is practiced motions and actions, as all three of us have Angel¡¯s Sight, meaning that we could all see each other¡¯s movements and actions without actually having to face the individual. Though I am somewhat thankful for Gwen¡¯s glance, as it shows that she was talking to me, and not talking to Zero about that odd exchange of energy. I am about to open my mouth to see if they even noticed that exchange of energy, as it was a type I had never seen. Almost soul magic, almost Qi but not quite either. It almost seemed to be something deeper, and yet it felt like it would be obvious, once I understood. I was so focused on trying to mentally process the exchange of energy that I almost missed the moment when everything went wrong. GRAHGHGHAHHH!!! KA-BOOOM!! Okay, not going to lie, no one could have missed that, not even a storm trooper. Then if the explosion wasn¡¯t enough, the message that immediately followed more than clarified the obvious.
Hidden Guild Quest FAILED: Mastering the Cardinal Protectors: Your Guild, the Midnight Hunters, was given the task of conquering and saving the four key protectors of the great wastelands. Unfortunately, your guild ended up killing Nagingah, the second most powerful elemental spirit of the realm. Failure means that Fulmberro, the fourth and final elemental spirit will now descend as an enraged being. Time until Fulmberro arrives: 9:58¡­
Like a hammer blow to the chest, we failed the main quest. No, not only did we fail, but now we have an enraged fire elemental dragon coming early. For a moment I want to panic. I see that the two dragons we have already tamed are already in bad shape, as the last battle also took a toll on them. Now added to that is the fact that we have the fourth cardinal protector coming almost immediately afterwards and mistakes are bound to be made. GRRAHHHHGAHHHAHHH!! Just like all the others, we receive a call from the cardinal direction that the monster will come from. In this case the south. I want to head south, but I realize that there is still a slight chance that we might be able to pull off this quest. Poof. Before I even have a chance to think about my actions, my body is moving on its own. The combat medic in me charges forward, even while everyone else would run away from danger. The battlefield is in chaos. The two tamed dragons are desperately working and fighting to get themselves untangled from under the much larger body of the water elemental dragon, this Nagingah, I could try to use my Telekinesis to help lift parts of the oversized dragon but decide against that. Instead, my sole focus is on soul focusing. Yes, even from a distance I can see the great spirit of the elemental dragon rising up and angrily snapping at the fellow cardinal protectors and warriors that dared invade the lands that this magnificent creature was slated to protect. This is good, while the rage might be dangerous to the spirits and anyone else who was directly in the nearby spirit realm. The fact that the dragon decided to stay to fight, even in futility is good. As a healer I like that, as that means the spirit hasn¡¯t given up on life. With that thought in mind, I immediately Teleport over to the body of the dragon, and I begin casting. Unfortunately, despite my skill at casting, the dragon¡¯s spirit is whipping around wildly, not wanting to be bound by my magical strands. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. At first, I wanted to quickly bind the dragon to be in its old body. I didn¡¯t have enough time to fully recreate a newer and more optimal sized body, as the thing was enormous, the amount of energy needed to create or improve the body before me was going to be too much. Or at least way more than I could generate within a ten-minute span of time. ¡°Mallory, can you grab the spirit and hold it still?¡± I shouted, frustrated as I was already going to plan B. Instead of trying to bind the giant dragon¡¯s spirit to its old body, I instead went about weaving threads of spiritual power that would bind the dragon¡¯s spirit itself. Still. The dragon spirit was still writhing and struggling the way that reptiles do, but it was clearly harder for the spirit to move at the moment. This was good, as I could tell it meant that Mallory had heard and was following my words without hesitation. As a Valkyrie, she had an ability to reach into the realm of the dead and help spirits move on to the afterlife. In this case, we were doing that exact same thing, but in reverse. Namely we were keeping a recently killed dragon spirit from being able to move on to the afterlife. Fortunately, the dragon was just recently killed, meaning that despite the dragon being at a much higher level of power than Mallory, there was still a transitional debuff in place. This debuff meant that the dragon either didn¡¯t have, or didn¡¯t know how to fully use their powers from the mortal realm in their spiritual body. If enough time passed, and the spirit didn¡¯t want to move on, they could in time not only achieve their former power level, but also improve on that rating. Meaning that if left unchecked, this dragon would eventually pose as much of a threat or more to the undead of the allied Deolar empire. Something I was opposed to as I was both King and Princess of the Deolar empire, don¡¯t ask long story. But needless to say, I needed to fix this mistake right here and now, if I didn¡¯t want it to be an even larger headache down the road. Rather than binding the spirit to the body, something that would be almost impossible given the size of the creature¡¯s mortal body and the time constraints placed against me. So instead of tying the dragon¡¯s spirit and weaving it back into its body, I instead opt for the much faster, but less sexy option of hogtieing the dragon in place and then forcefully shoving the spirit into a body of my choosing. Swoosh! Flick. The dragon gives a quick flick of its neck that instantly dislodges Mallory from its neck. Fortunately, though I was already working my magical threads into place. At my thought, massive bands of braded and coiled spirit threads flash out and begin wrapping their way over, around and through different parts of the dragon. I control seven different threads that all move out in different angles and directions. Two immediately go to wrap up the front paws, before pulling back around the back in crisscrossing patterns that then end up wrapping their way around the underside of the tail and then locking into place. Two others do the same for the back legs, but instead pull forward, wrapping over the wings and performing a crisscrossing pattern over the chest of the dragon before tying into a knot at the base of the large spine. The fifth and sixth do the same for the wings, wrapping the wings up and wrapping around the neck of the beast, before wrapping down and inter weaving their way in between the coils going for the back legs. Then the seventh is a final chain that wraps around the neck, gets tension applied by the wings and back legs and ultimately creates a suspension bridge between the neck and tail that also gets reinforced by the cords from the front legs. In all the dragon is sufficiently subdued within a matter of minutes. Phew. Finally having the dragon spirit subdued, I realize that sprit magic alone won¡¯t be enough for this, as I can already see the dragon¡¯s strength causing tension on the cords. That is when I remember my Spiritual Qi and begin braiding a band of Spiritual Qi around the cord. This was sloppy and ends up taking an extra minute of time, time that I really can¡¯t waste. ¡°I¡¯m going to go south to buy you time to come.¡± Mallory shouts. I nod, not wanting to lose my train of thought as working Qi threads around magical constructs is a lot tougher than I thought it was. ¡°Well, I can see that you are busy, but just let me know if you need anything.¡± I am about to say something about the absurdity of that statement, when she just leaves. With her gone, I decided I can focus on the next part.
Time remaining: 2:13.
Yeah, I know already. I am going to be late, but I need to work. Either I can try to force this dragon spirit into its old and broken body, or I can create a new body that is healthy, but obviously smaller. Struggle, struggle. Even now the beast is still struggling annoyingly. I am trying to figure out what to do next, when I get the system information that I have created a new spell.
New Spell Created: Spiritual Hogtieing (C) [Tier XIII]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that is used to tie up and subdue the spirit of a recently killed creature to prevent the spirit from moving on to the afterlife. In this state the captured spirit is exceptionally vulnerable and able to be manipulated into almost any shape, condition, or size. Note: Effects are doubled when cast on a person or creature that has the Recently Deceased debuff activated.
I think there is a slight dig in that description at me, but then I pause for a moment as I realize there might be something more to the description. Is it being helpful? I mean the name is terrible and likely plucked from my own thoughts, apparently, but in the description is there something there? Part of me realizes that the reason why I was able to cast the spell at all was the fact that the creature was recently deceased, but that is secondary to the thought of what is now coming to my mind. Then realizing I only have a few options, as I am fairly certain my hogtieing spell will only last as long as the recently deceased debuff is active on the monster. With that in mind, I go with the only option I have left. Perfect Resurrection. I begin casting Perfect Resurrection, or at least the way I now envision a perfect resurrection to go. Four legs, check, a tail check. Wings? Sure, throw those on there as well. We are going to get rid of the scales and exchange that for fur. Going to give the legs their claws, but make the more uniform in appearance and function. No real opposable thumb, not that the dragon had them to begin with, but making the thumb-like appendage to be more of a dewclaw. Then get rid of most of the neck, and replace that with a thick main of hair. Move in the snout, change the body from that of a reptile to a mammal, and then make the wings soft and fluffy. In less time that I thought, I have it, a perfect body for the cardinal dragon spirit to fit into. Then focusing, I begin pulling in the strands of spiritual energy that I used to hogtie the dragon in the first place. Then aided by the strengthened spiritual Qi thread, I realized that the spiritual Qi can actually help me shrink the size of the dragon. I can¡¯t quite shrink the dragon¡¯s power, at least not yet, but at this rate I do feel the dragon¡¯s size slowly shrink until it feels like a suitcase at the end of a vacation, you know where you had all the stuff you wanted to bring, then all the mementos you got while away, then shove them all into the same storage device and boom. One quick jump onto the suitcase to shrink everything to size, and then a quick zipping up of the recently compressed items and you have a closed suitcase with all your stuff, once again, and only one or two things were broken that you hoped weren¡¯t that important. In this case, there was a clear discomfort from the neck being compressed into a much smaller sized package. In this case, the zipping is me weaving the final threads into place that bind the spirit to the small and cute mortal shell that I have created for it, and finally I am able to breathe a sigh of relief. The system of course chooses this time to tell me that it apparently doesn¡¯t like the idea of turning a vicious and oversized dragon into a cute little Pomeranian, but we can¡¯t all be happy. In this case the system
New Spell Created: Altered Resurrection (C) [Tier XIII]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that is probably the ultimate form of necromancy, being able to resurrect a spirit into a drastically different body.
I wanted to argue with that assessment, but then found that I couldn¡¯t. I wanted to say that this was technically not Necromancy, but then realized that being Resurrected in a body similar to your own, and an entirely different body might be the dividing line between being a beneficial spell and a spell of Necromancers. Still, I at least proved the unspoken question to myself. That of could I actually follow through and resurrect one of the dragons as a Pomeranian, as I had promised earlier. The answer is yes, but apparently such an act will get you labeled as a Necromancer. Good to know for the future. ¡°ARF!¡± The former Cardinal guardian dragon, now Cardinal guardian Pomeranian growls angrily at me. With that I hold up my hand with a finger fully exposed showing that I was not going to tolerate disobedience. In the back of my mind, I find myself wondering how Necromancers get their revenants to follow orders? Do they use spells? Or secret rituals? Not that I would try, but I am kind of curious about this whole process. ¡°None of that now.¡± I begin speaking only after the dragon is quiet for a second. ¡°Now the way I see it, we can do one of two things. First, you can continue to be a bad dog, in which case you will stay in this form forever.¡± I state with a slight pause. ¡°Grr!¡± With that the guardian Pomeranian growls angrily, clearly showing their displeasure at the statement. I pause again, waving the still raised finger to get its attention. Then once the former dragon is quiet, I continue. ¡°Or, we can try the alternate method. You form a non-aggression pact with us. You help us subdue your fellow guardian Fulmberro, so he doesn¡¯t get injured as well. Then once it is all over, I will help you change your body back into your truly desired form, but only if you work with us.¡± ¡°Grr.¡± The dragon turned Pomeranian growls once again, but this time it is more subdued in nature. I can almost see the little gears working in its mind as it stares at me with evil intent, before letting out a defeated sigh. ¡°Arf.¡± Perhaps if I connected to the guardian via Telepathy I would have gotten a better understanding of the beast¡¯s current mindset. Fortunately, that didn¡¯t seem to matter, as I could tell by the beast¡¯s body language that it agreed with the proposal. That and the sudden system message letting me know I had won the beast over to our side was a good thing.
Hidden Guild Quest Unlocked: Mastering the Cardinal Protectors: Your Guild, the Midnight Hunters, has begun the process of conquering the four key protectors of the great wastelands. You must protect your lands, while not fully destroying the Cardinal Protectors of the Wastelands. Incredibly you even managed to bring one of the Protectors back from the brink of death. Current status of protectors that have been subdued but are still living (3 / 4). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, variable.
It was a very good thing, as I was fairly certain the former dragon still had the same strength and attributes as before, but now was in a much smaller size, meaning a small bite from this creature could easily rip a limb off. Realizing I might not have thought this shoving an immensely powerful creature into a miniature hydraulic powered form that carefully, I do what I always do in these situations. Change the subject and try to find common ground to work with others. ¡°So, ready to go save your fellow Protector from suffering the same fate as you?¡± I ask. Angry Growl. ¡°Very good, right this way then.¡± I say, then Teleport away before the dragon, or rather Pomeranian protector can do anything I might regret. Chapter 183 What Did She Do Now? Chapter 183 What Did She Do Now? (Mallory) Everything was frenetic, it seemed like everywhere Mallory turned around the civilization she had worked so hard to build up from the ground was being threatened at every corner. While it was expected to have losses during the land claim event, Mallory had fooled herself into thinking that she could avoid most of the major pitfalls. No, she always accepted the thought of having at least 20 to 40% losses in claimed lands. Which was why when the idea for claiming over a thousand acres of land was first posed, the idea seemed flawed, but acceptable. Even with forty percent losses of land, to a thousand acres, that meant that the guild would have six hundred acres. Not as many acres as the Legrand Empire had now managed to amass, but close. There was also the mirrored shadow world of the dead that lay waiting right at the doorstep. With each parcel of land claimed, over a thousand elite ghost soldiers arrived. Fortunately, they were still friendly, and most had been sent south to prepare for the inevitable fourth and final guardian spirit. Yet, Mallory knew that would not be enough. As the soldiers that arrived were not motivated to fight at the front lines. Who could blame them, as they were designed to have human characteristics and mannerisms, meaning that if they didn¡¯t see Midnight Hunter Soldiers nearby, then they would be less likely to willingly risk themselves for the benefit of the tenuously merging empires. There was so much going on, that Mallory felt like she was drowning. Not only was she drowning, but she now realized that the little ball of energy was the only thing keeping her and by extension the rest of the Midnight Hunters afloat. Right now, everything was tenuous at best. The two former Primal Protectors were highly damaged from their apparent losing battle with the water elemental. Looking at the time remaining, Mallory realized that the worst would soon come to pass. Namely that she would be forced to engage with the last guardian before Cass got here. It took her ten minutes to race here, using every burst of speed, energy, and remaining power potion she had and all she could do was watch as the monster got closer and closer to the lowest fields. ¡°Twenty percent.¡± Mallory spoke out loud to herself, realizing that this was the percentage she and her advisors all predicted would be lost. In the southern portion of the proposed claimed lands the guild found two unclaimed dungeons, none of which were the Library of the Tribunal. One unclaimed tower, and what looked to be an entire cluster of rare resources and at least one abandoned city that could be reclaimed with minimal efforts. At least, that is what her experts claimed. In her mind, she knew that all of those components and likely more would be lost in the twenty percent of lands that would be burned by this rampaging dragon. Acceptable losses, well in the grand scheme of things they were acceptable. It was clear that the southern lands were the most resource intensive, which was likely why the most powerful creature was forced to appear there, but that meant nothing. If the lands were destroyed, then any value they had would also be destroyed. That meant the dungeons, the tower, the resources and the unknown city, they would all be destroyed thanks to the rampaging guardian. Just as she was mentally preparing herself for the loss of lands and the inevitable pitched battle that would unfold, she received a message.
Hidden Guild Quest Unlocked: Mastering the Cardinal Protectors: Your Guild, the Midnight Hunters, has begun the process of conquering the four key protectors of the great wastelands. You must protect your lands, while not fully destroying the Cardinal Protectors of the Wastelands. Incredibly you even managed to bring one of the Protectors back from the brink of death. Current status of protectors that have been subdued but are still living (3 / 4). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, variable.
¡°Cass, what did you do?¡± Mallory found herself asking. Then realizing it was Cass, who was even more of a completionist than she was, she could only smile at the sudden change. Looking to the enraged elemental, it was clear that it was already too late. While Cass had apparently brought the dead dragon back to life, Mallory saw that the fourth protector was still enraged. Though, he did look momentarily preoccupied with something. The enraged dragon looked around, scanning the area for a moment. Seeing this Mallory could only use the moment to collect her breath, as she was still trying to recover from rushing over here within ten minutes. Despite her recently upgraded wings, there was still a limit to how much stamina she had, and how long she could continue to fly at full speed. In fact, even now, Mallory felt that landing on the ground would be the best course of action as she had already taken in the field. The enraged dragon was about two hundred meters away from the nearest spiritual warriors, who themselves had only spears and swords to deal with an elemental creature that could clearly fly over them and rain down death and destruction. Despite this, Mallory knew the warriors would stay, at least for the moment. As guild leader, she got a special read out of the moral of her allies that showed their current moral and at what rating they would break.
Auxiliary Deolar Elite Guard Troops: Morale: 40. Break Morale: 20.
This meant that Mallory had twenty points to spare between where they currently were, and what it would take for them to run and scatter back to the Deolar dungeon. At which point, the number of Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild deaths would skyrocket. Fortunately, Mallory had Gwen on Resurrection detail, meaning the number of losses weren¡¯t being directly reported to Cass. And fortunately, so far, everyone that had been severely or gravely wounded was either healed by the mobilized roaming healer troop, or had been managed to be evacuated to Gwen fast enough that they could still be resurrected. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. There was a contingency plan for if a life had somehow slipped past the efforts that were in place, as no doubt Cass would take that personally. Honestly, Mallory didn¡¯t know what would happen if a guild member actually died and was forced to be reborn with one of their remaining lives. In her mind, she knew that eventually such actions would be inevitable, yet Mallory could only see Cass somehow taking the death personally. As if she was able to prevent each and every death that the guild suffered. As it was, there was an unspoken policy not to inform Cass about any accidental deaths that occurred to Guild members. Fortunately, there had only been a couple of deaths, and most were able to quickly regain the skills and advantages they lost in the rebirth process, but that was another reason why the guild wanted to have so many acres of land present, as it meant there could be re-training centers that would be hidden from Cass¡¯s increasingly large vision. As a Guild Leader, having a healer as dedicated to life as Cass was invaluable. As a friend, Mallory could only try to hold back the true harsh reality of the world that they lived in. That life and death hung at the edge of a knife. That gaining levels as she did, without actually fighting was an anomaly at best, and unsustainable for most. Well, except for Cass who managed to somehow get it so the world let her quest her way into power. These thoughts and more raced through Mallory¡¯s mind. Tired. If Mallory had to describe herself right now, her initial thought would be that she was tired. As of now she had been running around on this quest for over fourteen, no fifteen hours straight now. She could look at the timer for the quest, but avoided that, as it was a distraction. Right now, the sun was slowly beginning to set, meaning it was nearing night, when the last major obstacle would no doubt be thrown their way. So much was going through her mind, that she completely missed the displacement of air next to her. ¡°So what did I miss?¡± Cass asked. Shock, then falling. The sudden appearance of Cass spooked Mallory so much, that she was startled, froze up and then forgot to flap her wings to maintain her position in the sky. ¡°Get back up here.¡± Cass said, then Mallory felt the moment that her Telekinesis gently grabbed Mallory, and slowly pulled her back up to be level with her. Realizing that it would almost be impossible to pull off the fact that she wasn¡¯t frightened by Cass¡¯s sudden appearance, Mallory decided instead to change the subject entirely. ¡°You ready?¡± ¡°Funny, I was going to ask you the same.¡± Cass stated. With that, Mallory felt a slight twinge of regret fill her, as she half hoped that Cass would have yet a fourth major miracle ready to go, in order to subdue this looming threat. Then before Mallory could think or do anything, the timer for when the Cardinal Protector would move ended. A time that was marked clearly by the loud bellowing roar of the beast. ¡°I HAVE COME TO AVENGE MY FALLEN BRETHERIN! BEHOLD MY WRATH!¡± Pain. There was a mental feedback to the words that caused Mallory to wince and almost lose her concentration while flying again. Fortunately, she was able to regain her concentration quickly enough that she only dipped slightly, before being able to regain her position. With that, the giant hulking beast began to move forward, right towards the line of impaired spiritual soldiers. Despite being undead, they still felt a chilling debuff from the mental assault, as their formation began to break apart at the seams. Worse, her counter all but told her of the same set of circumstances occurring.
Auxiliary Deolar Elite Guard Troops: Morale: 30. Break Morale: 20.
Ten. The morale of her troops, well the auxiliary forces that had been called upon to help was lowered by ten. Meaning that they were close to breaking ranks and running away. ¡°I¡¯ll go rally the troops,¡± Cass said, seeing the lines breaking and likely seeing the effects of the mental attack on them far better than Mallory¡¯s tracker could ever accomplish. ¡°Okay,¡± Mallory managed. Then before she could ask what she was doing, Mallory felt a mental connection pierce her mind. ¡°Here we go. Setting up a Telepathic link for communications.¡± Cass said, her voice as cheerful as ever. It always amazed Mallory that no matter how bad times became, she always managed to have a calm and resolute tone to her voice. Well almost always, there were times when she had that serious tone to her voice. That was the voice that her managers jokingly referred to as the stay still and hope to avoid her attention voice. As she would notice every movement but had a slight blind spot if you stayed perfectly still for long enough. It was odd, and something that she meant to tell her friend about, but somehow felt that this was not the time to express such thoughts. ¡°Good to know, thank you for that Mallory, but can you focus on trying to stall the Cardinal Protector that is about to destroy our hard-earned territory?¡± Cass said. And like that, Mallory realized that having her mind open to a powerful Telepath like Cass was likely a bad idea. Still, she had nothing to hide from her friend, at least that is what she told herself. Then forcefully tried to forget her earlier thoughts, as she instead realized that now she needed to focus her full attention on the giant beast. Breathe. Mallory forced herself to calm down with a deep breath, before letting it go and then charged forward. As she got closer, Mallory could only think of three words that truly described the creature before her: Colossal, Powerful, and Beautiful. Even coated in a layer of fire, the dragon that she was now charging to was beautiful. Deep blue and white flames coated a magnificently long silver body that looked like ash. In her mind, Mallory wondered if that was a safety trait that had been created for the dragon, as she could see dark streaks where the ashen colored scales met. In all the look was similar to that of a large burnt tree log, or other item that had been burnt but not completely consumed by flames. ¡°Huh, that is interesting.¡± Cass said, apparently seeing the dragon through her eyes, as she was still reading her thoughts. ¡°Oh yeah, I often forget, you can¡¯t see the world the way it was meant to be seen.¡± Mallory thought across their bond. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that, the way I see the world is probably more impressive all things considered.¡± Cass noted. Mallory almost wanted to press, but then held herself back, remembering the pain of what seeing the world through Cass¡¯s perception meant. ¡°Oh, good idea!¡± Cass responded mentally, excitement filling her thoughts. Then before Mallory could even think about what had happened, or what moment of insight Cass had chosen, she felt a third mind join the mental bridge that had been created by Cass. ¡°What is this? Who dares to challenge the great mind of Flumberro!¡± At that, Mallory burst out laughing. As she couldn¡¯t help but find the dragon¡¯s name ridiculous. ¡°You dare¡­¡± was as far as Flumberro got, before Cass did something. Through their connection, Mallory knew that Cass was able to control, direct and force thoughts into those she communicated with. Now it seemed that she could feel and even experience the effect that this would have on another mind. ¡°GAHHH! STOP, make it stop!¡± Flumberro cried out in pain, and Mallory could only feel a little pity for what the great beast was now experiencing. As she knew full well what the beast was experiencing right now, as even with the filters on, a bit of the images that were being filtered from Cass to Flumberro were bleeding their way over to Mallory¡¯s mind via Flumberro. From the bleeding thoughts, it was clear that the information being forced into Flumberro¡¯s mind was too much for his mind to comprehend. Mallory had felt the same way when it had happened to her, and that was with Cass filtering down her sight to what was important. Honestly, right now Mallory couldn¡¯t remember what Cass had been attempting to show her, all she remembered was the white hot spike of pain that rested just beyond her eye as her mind tried desperately to comprehend the flood of images that were being forced into her mind. With what she was experiencing from her sympathetic link to Flumberro, Mallory could only realize that either Cass¡¯s ability to perceive things had increased, or she was not holding anything back in her transmission into Flumberro¡¯s mind. Bright blue streak. From the mental connection a bright dark blue spot appeared to be racing towards them. ¡°Nagingah?¡± Flumberro called out, his thoughts momentarily able to pierce through the stream of information being forced into his mind. ¡°Yes, I managed to save her. Your rage, your wrath for revenge is pointless, as the reason for your anger has been Resurrected.¡± Cass said. With that, Mallory felt a flow of relief coming from the mind of the burning dragon. A dragon that suddenly paused its forward progress, as it seemed to pinch its long snout as it tried to alleviate the mother of all headaches. But as she watched, Mallory noticed that the violent blue flames that seemed to dance around uncontrollably began to slowly settle down, and become manageable. To her surprise, it was working. Whatever Cass was doing, was working. Then finally the blue blip came close enough that Cass could link its mind to the network. Why not, rather than having a private conversation on how to reorganize forces to have a strategic advantage, why not give away our capabilities and make it so our ability to relay vital statistics are impeded? Mallory thought to herself. ¡°You know, we can hear you, Mallory.¡± Cass said to her mind. And like that Mallory once again realized she was really bad about keeping her personal thoughts private when someone was talking directly into her brain Telepathically. ¡°I¡¯m here brother.¡± The gentler voice of the apparent blue dot, the dragon that Mallory somehow knew was Nagingah, at least according to the thoughts that were bleeding over into her consciousness right now. ¡°How is this possible? I felt your soul die and perish?¡± Flumberro thought. And like this, Mallory found herself watching a dragon soap opera, complete with hidden tension, love, death, and of course resurrections. ¡°We can still hear your thoughts.¡± Cass said, once again trying to get Mallory to tone down the deep thoughts she was having. Still, she couldn¡¯t help but wait, if this worked, then Cass would have pulled off a miracle. ¡°Your call has been dropped,¡± Cass said into her mind. Then like that, she felt the mental connection to the other dragons and Cass end abruptly. For a moment Mallory felt sad by that, as she had a really hard time figuring out how to keep her personal thoughts separate from what she was apparently projecting to others. She was about to tell Cass that she was wrong, when she looked in the direction of the small blue blur and saw something that confused her. At first, she thought that the blue dragon, this Nagingah, had been really far away. Yet, that was not the case. Instead, the Blue dragon was very very close, and most importantly, it had shrunk in size. Quite a lot in fact, as Mallory could now swear that the once majestic blue dragon was now, no, it couldn¡¯t be. ¡°Is that a flying bright blue Pomeranian?¡± Mallory asked no one in particular. Chapter 184 Mistakes Were Made Chapter 184 Mistakes Were Made ¡°So, I admit that shrinking down the reincarnated spirit of a cardinal protector from their normal size of a massive dragon to that of a Pomeranian was a bit much. I admit this, okay. Not taking one modicum of responsibility away from that absolute fact. That said, I do think you could be a bit nicer.¡± I respond to the clearly irate Flumberro. Of course, at this moment I am fairly certain that he will not hurt me. Especially now that the whole conquering the lands thing was finally ended. Honestly, that is the part that I am still frustrated about the most, the fact that I could have probably avoided battling all three, well four of the cardinal protectors had I just taken a moment to think about everything. Well, there was still a final battle, as things had escalated due to the death and subsequent resurrection of the blue dragon into what is apparently a blue flying Pomeranian. Honestly, that was a slight miscalculation, and to my defense I am color blind. Or at least the only colors I see relate to power, so I guess turning the fur of a resurrected water dragon blue was a minor inconvenience. Still, try and tell that to this final dragon, who will not listen to reason. ¡°Nicer! You want me to be nicer? You have come here, conquered the lands that I have been entrusted to protect, turning one of the faithful protectors into an oversized blue furred rodent.¡± Flumberro states, still angry, but unwilling to let me heal him. ¡°Look, you have a shattered core. I can either heal that for you, something that is no doubt needed as you are effectively the embodiment of the fire element, and thus needing to contain your mana in some meaningful way. Or you can die of your own arrogance.¡± I state, and instantly prepare for the tirade that will come next. ¡°Arrogance!¡± Flumberro demands, defiance and anger in his voice. And like that I can only sigh as I realize that the word I used was a bit too harsh. ¡°Would you fweel better if I said, little baby was stubborn instead of arrogant?¡± Yeah, I am not helping this situation at all, especially as I feel half of the dragon¡¯s arrogant demeanor against me is that he sees me as a small child, rather than a competent healer. Thus, while insulting his overbearing pride might feel better momentarily, it does nothing to alleviate the problem that we are having. I know, as a doctor I should speak a bit more passively to a patient, but seeing the dragon like this makes me just want to punch him again. As apparently the first time wasn¡¯t enough to set him straight. Of course, that is also something I can¡¯t tell him, as well, never mind. ¡°Is there something wrong?¡± Mallory asks, stepping forward and allowing me a moment to regain my composure, which is clearly lacking from this arrogant dragon¡¯s talk. ¡°Yes, chosen one¡¯s future other half. This impertinent one here dares to sully my scales with her vile magic. Magic that has corrupted the core of my fellow guardians.¡± Flumberro tells Mallory, directing his ire towards me. ¡°Why I¡­¡± I begin, as I can feel my Qi violently stirring up within me as the strain and constant pressure of this day are finally building up within me. ¡°Doctor, will you please give us a moment?¡± Mallory asks me nicely, clearly giving me the opportunity to leave and calm myself down so that I can try to salvage the rest of this suddenly strange set of circumstances that we have all found ourselves in. How did I get here? Why are we here exactly. ¡°How did it go, did you heal him?¡± An overly excited Nagingah asks, jumping up and running around my feet while searching for attention and confirmation that her friend will be fixed. ¡°No, he thinks that I am incapable of properly healing someone. He even used you as an example.¡± I get out tersely before continuing, ¡°now if you don¡¯t mind, I need to do a few more things here while he comes to his senses.¡± ¡°Okay boss, I¡¯ll talk to him.¡± Nagingah yips excitedly, before making one more quick track around my legs and darting into the tent behind me. I was about to remind her not to call me boss, but she was gone before I could even state otherwise. ¡°You okay boss?¡± This time Zero asks, and again I hate the term boss. It implies that someone has a plan or a basic idea of what is going to happen next. As for me, I don¡¯t. I make it a few more steps, before a sudden plan comes to mind. ¡°Yeah, actually, thank you Zero.¡± I say, reaching out to stroke Zero twice, as the answer for how to be able to solve all of these problems suddenly came to mind. ¡°Um, okay?¡± Zero says, before melting into my scratches. ¡°Yeah, just wait here, and I will be right back.¡± I say, and mean it, as the answer to this problem once again is right there, it was even in the beast¡¯s stupid words, and I just didn¡¯t recognize it for what they were. With a spar of inspiration, I Teleport away, and begin the process of fixing this rather complex set of problems before me. How did I get here? Where exactly is here? Well, I guess to give the answer of what needs to be done, I should likely start off by pointing out how we get to this point in particular. *** (Two hours ago) ¡°Your call has been dropped,¡± that was my sign to Mallory that her thoughts were becoming more and more volatile and while I was fairly certain I had managed to keep her thoughts from bleeding over to the others, I couldn¡¯t be entirely certain. As such, it was easier to disconnect her, while I connected Flumberro with Nagingah¡¯s mind. During this time, I was multitasking, as I realized that the Deolar troops were all quivering and clearly frightened of the colossal enraged elemental monster that was bearing down on them. That is when I realized they likely needed a general or strong presence to guide them during this time and to help them rally. Finding a small abandoned building in a city that I know was supposed to be excavated here shortly, I found an open area that was free of monsters and other obstructions, that is where I chose to hide myself while I did my next task. If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Poof. I entered the old abandoned area and instantly kicked up a cloud of dust from my sudden appearance. Fortunately, I had prepared for something like this, and was already holding my breath, the same way I would if I was jumping into a pool of water. That is when I heard the conversations going on in my mind, thanks to my Telepathy Trait. ¡°Brother, I am fine. Please assuage your anger.¡± Nagingah, the guardian of water said. As she spoke, I couldn¡¯t help but feel proud of her amazing use of assuage. ¡°Good one,¡± the mother in me came out, as my voice rang out in the sealed off ancient building that had been buried under hundreds of pounds of sand. ¡°Sister, you are well?¡± Flumberro asked, a note of hope in his voice. ¡°I am.¡± Naginah responded, then I could almost feel the moment when FLumberro saw Naginah in her newly altered state. ¡°WHAT? What manner of devil did this to you?¡± Flumberro demanded. With that, I realized that the system really did not like me messing with the sizes and shapes of its guardian protectors. Realizing I needed to hurry up with my plan, I began using my Ethereal Healer class Trait: Spiritual Doppelganger, where I changed from being myself with wings to removing the wings, getting rid of the weightless body, and instead allowed myself to change into King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri. I didn¡¯t know why, I could have chosen to go as Octavia, the princess, but for this one time I felt that showing myself as the King would be better. Then not wanting to waste a moment, I made sure my costume was complete, complete with using my Guild¡¯s Doctor suit, that had stretched out to fit my new frame and sadly did look like a track suit that an old man would wear. Sighing and realizing that I might need more clothes on hand for when I change into the King, I realized that time was of the essence and Teleported to the front of the lines of Deolar soldiers. Soldiers who up until a moment ago were quivering and apparently waiting for the moment to run for cover. ¡°Relax my soldiers, I have come to stop this from continuing!¡± I shouted, raising my fist in the air. Only after I raised my fist did I realize just how empty my costume was, as I didn¡¯t even have a long shiny sword to draw peoples¡¯ attention towards. While King De¡¯Arcaneri¡¯s body was easily two feet taller than my normal body as he was a healthy fully grown adult elf, I feel that I might have likely done better with my ability to calm the troops had I had a weapon. Or any obvious way of defending myself from the massive flaming monster that stood before me. ¡°What is this?¡± Flumberro asked, and suddenly I could feel that his mind was so chaotic that he had to apparently drop the mental connection. Or at least he tried to. Of course, what he did was the equivalent of pressing down in the vicinity of the end call button, but not actually hitting the end call. Meaning, that I suddenly got a deluge of thoughts from the dragon. ¡°The King of Deolar has returned? Does that mean he wishes to enact the pact of the Tribunal? No, this is likely an impostor. I must first test to see if it is in fact the real King of Deolar.¡± Flumberro¡¯s thoughts came, and they were so powerful that I almost let them bleed through to Naginah. ¡°What was that? I couldn¡¯t quite¡­¡± Naginah began asking, but I quickly cut off her mental connection from my Telepathic link, making it so that only Flumberro and I were mentally linked together. Realizing this was likely my moment, and that I had been given the best prompt to alter the course of events here. I Decided to go all out. ¡°Great Cardinal Protector Flumberro, it is I King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri, humble servant and follower of the great Tribunal accords.¡± I cry out, my words spoken in nearly perfect Ancient Elven. It¡¯s really hard to get the tonal aspects of Ancient Elven, but fortunately it seems that the vocal cords of my Doppelganger body are developed enough to make the more musical resonating sounds of the language. ¡°He knows the old tongue and even knows of the old ways. But how can he truly prove who he is?¡± Flumberro¡¯s thoughts ring out in my mind. Of course, the world chose this exact time to hit me with a random quest prompt. A prompt that I almost ignored, except that I believe it gave me the final clue of how to end this whole campaign of cardinal protectors.
Hidden Quest Found (Timed Limited Duration): Proving Your Worth by Removing the Guardian¡¯s Power. Flumberro, the last and most powerful of the ancient Cardinal Protectors serves as the last line of defense between your people and the invading foreign forces. As the rightful rulers of the region it is now your duty to remove the power from the last Guardian and let peace reign. Rewards: Experience, Title(s), variable.
Like that, I realize why the dragons always seemed hesitant to fight the undead forces, and why there was always a sort of stand off between the undead Deolar forces and the Cardinal Protectors. Only now did the parts make sense to my mind. Shaking my head, I realized the absurdity of it, and nearly forgot how the world would always need logic and rationale to follow random events. In this case, the logic and rationale for why Cardinal Protectors would suddenly come out of nowhere and fight the invading land grabbers? Well first there would need to be a former pact between the elves and the dragons, which was already noted a few times in the different notes we unearthed about the Tribunal, where elves, orcs, and dragons all bonded together in harmony of this area. Then we take that to the next logical step, of the undead elves still had a lasting pact with the dragons. Dragons apparently left behind four guardians who remained hidden and immune to the Blight, and boom you had a double-sided attack vector on the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild when they finally made their attempt to grab the high-level territory. Of course, we avoided most of the major issues and thought it would be a relatively free land grab event by making peace with the Deolar empire. Which is why we were suddenly blindsided by the four random cardinal protectors. I even had the thought of how damaging the attack would have been had we had to fight the dragons and elves at the same time. Then there were the notes of my finding the Library of the Tribunal just before this point and I could almost kick myself for missing what should have been obvious. We didn¡¯t have to kill the dragons, even the quest we received made it so it would be better to just get them to submit themselves, or have them subdued. Once again, I realize I am failing as a pacifist, in that this world doesn¡¯t need us to fight all the time to get along. In fact, it was fighting that caused the problems we have faced so far. I realize that the quest that I have now been given is supposed to be a warning itself on how I can solve this problem. All I apparently need to do is remove the dragon¡¯s source of power. Of course, that doesn¡¯t mean that there is an instruction manual on how to flip the off switch for the dragon¡¯s power, or to remove its batteries. Or so I thought, then the word about batteries gave me an idea. Looking at the massive glowing beast with lines of fire energy flowing throughout its body. I realize that this creature is just a beast made up of mana. Well fire attributed mana that gets held in a giant core of power, like all mages have. With that I realize that breaking a Mage¡¯s core is the equivalent of taking out their batteries, which should suffice for the quest. Of course, I know I am missing the easy option, maybe saying the right words, or issuing the correct phrase in the draconian tongue? You know, something that would remove the power from the guardian. Yet, I cannot think of it, I can also tell that the longer I take to think, the more my window for solving this thing in a fairly peaceful manner begins to fade away. Stepping forward, I distinguish myself from the crowd of Deolar soldiers that I just managed to rally by my appearance alone. ¡°Great Flumberro, you have gone too far. These are the lands of my betrothed, the one who I will once again give my heart and life to.¡± I say, hoping that will be enough to stop this. ¡°You have made a pact with the outsiders. I can see that, but your bond is not yet affirmed. How dare they come and take away the sacred lands without first bonding and showing supplication.¡± Flumberro demands. ¡°There will be no supplication, they will be our equals in all things. This is not a union of master and slave, but of equal partners.¡± I continue, as I do I continue moving closer with each word. Only after a bit do I realize that I am in fact speaking ancient elven, and other than a few words, it is coming rather easily to me. ¡°He seems to be the same King as before, but I must still test him.¡± Flumberro thinks, again not realizing that all his thoughts are feeding directly into my mind. ¡°It seems that love has blinded you to the predicament that you now find yourself in.¡± Flumberro states loudly, for everyone to hear. Though he too has taken on the speech of the ancient elves as well. ¡°I am not blinded by love, but finally awake to what the world is and has to offer.¡± I speak, by now I am just a dozen paces away from the great beast. I am so close, that the dragon with its long twisting neck has to curl downward to look at me. It is still standing upright, its weight balanced by its long tail, and two arms that are resting against the ground, but ready to strike at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°He seems to have either lost the blessing of the ancients, or is an imposter, as he could have and should have taken away my powers by now, if he truly wished for a peaceful resolution.¡± Flumberro thinks. At that, I realize that I have likely missed something exceedingly easy and am desperately wracking my brain to find out what I need to do to take away the powers of this monster. ¡°Stand down,¡± I say, wondering if this monster is bound by my avatar¡¯s authority as king. ¡°Make me.¡± Flumberro rumbles in challenge. Yep, that would have been way too easy. Realizing I have nothing left, I feel myself slipping back to the most basic of negotiating tactics, threats followed up by fully anticipated actions. ¡°I must warn you. I have learned a lot while here. These people, the Midnight Hunters, they have a Doctor who has taught me the art of fighting against mages. I must warn you, if you do not stand down right now and submit, I will be forced to permanently remove your source of power.¡± I say. ¡°HAHAHA!¡± The giant Flumberro laughs wildly at that. Then finally after a few seconds of laughing where he raises a claw up to wipe away a molten tear, he continues ¡°And just how do you intend to do this? You clearly do not remember the words or the rituals needed to do so, if you ever did.¡± He¡¯s got me, and for whatever reason, he is not thinking of the actual words and rituals needed to follow through on my threats. ¡°This is your last chance, I must warn you. After this I will do the five point exploding palm technique.¡± ¡°GHAHAHAHA! The Five Point Exploding Palm Technique? What manner of spell is that?¡± Flumberro asked. ¡°I tried to warn you.¡± Was all I could say, before the world slowed down around me as I began to make my move. Chapter 185 The Five Point Exploding Palm Techniques Chapter 185 The Five Point Exploding Palm Techniques In the movies, the idea of a five-point palm exploding heart technique was just a myth. Something that had just enough of scientific backing that it could theoretically be believable enough to avoid breaking the immersion of the viewer. For this case, the five-point palm exploding heart technique was an attack, where the heroine made five quick strikes to her opponent, in parts around the heart, cutting off the ability of the foe¡¯s arteries from being able to push out blood quickly enough to the rest of the body. Then after delivering the blows in quick succession, the enemy realizing what had happened, can only marvel at the fact that he was going to die. There was no doubt in his mind, as he could apparently feel the consequences of the strikes, going so far as to hold his hand over his heart in a futile gesture. Then pointing out that the rumor was that he would die upon taking his seventh step, he stood up and did just that. Took seven steps that slowly got harder and harder to complete, until finally he collapsed due to his heart exploding. In this case, I believe it was left vague enough that each viewer could make their own inference as to what truly happened. See I believe that the attack could work from rupturing the arteries, making it so they were unable to correctly push out oxygenated blood to the rest of the body in a manner that once steps were taken, the added pressure of physical movement would cause the slowly flowing blood to build up, causing undue stress on the heart and then ultimately rupture from the sustained pressure. While I was living, I knew that such an attack was impossible. Well maybe not impossible, I still held the childish believe that almost anything could be possible, but that at the very least I would never be able to witness such a miracle. Now I found it funny how much my life had changed. I no longer worry about what can or can¡¯t be done, but rather just focus on two factors, what and how. Right now, what I want is for the last and final Cardinal Protector, an enraged fire elemental that has taken the shape of an enormous dragon to stop their attack. This of course leads me to the how, which again pulling from my deep love for all things fantastical I find myself pulling from previous sources and altering them enough to be applicable to the world we find ourselves in. That is the thing about this world, high level players die at the hands of low level players all the time. Low level players can become kings and rulers of unclaimed areas, and will be allowed to keep whatever they can keep control of. Even I, who am approaching the lower mid-tier levels am slightly formidable. I¡¯m small, durable, and I realized long ago that the restrictions on us players are not as stringent as we think they are. This is why, I now find myself facing off against a monster that is easily four times higher than my primary class, and likely more than double the level of all my classes combined. This world isn¡¯t meant to kill us, but rather it is meant to challenge us, and to push us beyond the normal boundaries of the reality that we left behind to be here. Take for instance this moment, the absurdity of the whole moment hits me as I begin to move enacting my initial attack against the last Cardinal Protector, Flumberro. The world around me slows down, as I enact Celerity. Strangely in this state, my mind that normally roams quickly seems to fly at double or even triple its normal speed as I am in this state. Sadly, I think that most of my existential thoughts on personal growth seem to come in these moments of pre-emptive violence. Almost like I can feel that there is an alternative way to do things, but then feel the need to settle things with my fists. Or in this case, with my palms. I jog left, away from my intended target, namely the overly large glowing magical core of this gigantic predator. Even with the world paused, I can feel the intense gaze of the creature shifting to follow me. Oddly enough, this is the first creature that has managed to do this, to follow me at what should effectively be a closed spot in time. My mind realizes this and is instantly grateful for the fact that I had misdirection in mind all along. Teleport, left. Poof. I have to drop Celerity to quickly pick up the ability to use another of my Traits, as I cannot find the way to mix the two streams of power still. Movement right. Just as expected, the dragon tracked my movements while Celerity was active, and is already in the process of raising up its front right paw to swipe at me. This is perfect, as it means the creature has to plant their left paw into the ground to provide an anchor point for their weight. Teleport, again. Poof. Celerity. I appear on the now exposed left side, facing the dragon and am falling to the ground. That is when I instinctively activate Celerity and lash out. The five-point palm exploding heart technique involved four strikes around the heart, and was activated by a final palm strike to the heart, thereby causing enough damage to kill the ultimate enemy. In my case, I¡¯ve modified that logic, focusing my will to create a brand-new attack that was unique to myself and would hopefully be non-lethal. With this one, I called out the name, and while it might be a rip off of the original, I hopefully have modified it enough to be more effective. Pulling back my open hand, I curl my fingers, but not enough that the fingers would be flat, instead I let them stick out just enough so that they will land before my actual palm. I infuse my fingers with an alternating mixture of golden and silver Qi. Each finger has an alternate source of Qi, and whatever hand has more fingers devoted to golden Qi, my palm is infused with silver Qi. Then the alternate for my other hand. The attack is relatively simple, if dangerous. This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. My fragile fingers stick out, striking the outer scales of the beast, right above the parts where I intend to strike and do the most damage at. The five fingers, burning with infused Qi strike out and pierce the soft flesh of the magic user. Even the thick scales of a magical dragon are nothing compared to the burning power of my Qi strikes. Fingers dig in just millimeters below the surface, before I crash my palm into the scales cracking my fingers and delivering a decisive palm strike that sets off a chain reaction in the targeted area. I strike once, at the top left of the major meridian that is meant to cycle purified mana out from the overly large core of the beast. Then with my right hand, I strike at the bottom right of the same meridian. As I strike out, I remember that annoying song that Gwen always used to make me dance with her to. What was it? The float like a butterfly and sting like a, oh yeah. Now I remember. And with that, my mind is filled with the stupid kpop beat that sadly seems more accurate now that I am in a male avatar. As I would be the theoretical bumblebee in this case. ¡°Sweet little bumblebee I know what you want from me¡­¡± The song provides a beat and a tempo that I instantly pick up in my mind and use to conduct the next few movements in speed. Falling, I wait, letting the entirety of the massive core pass me by, before I finally reach the bottom and lash out twice more, hitting the major meridian that pushes energy out to the lungs and the back end of the beast. Teleport, up to the right. Poof. I simultaneously drop Celerity and Teleport, only to switch back to Celerity seamlessly. This time I am striking at the major meridian that leads to my right, the dragons left. One strike high, the other low. Then I repeat, appearing on the left side of the giant core, and give two more strikes, before finally Teleporting away. And like that I somehow finish my final strike and escape as the last bar of the chorus finishes playing in my mind. ¡°Doo-bi-doo-bi, doo-da-da Doo-bi-doo-bi, doo-da-da¡­¡± ¡°Gah!¡± I hiss, trying to get that song out of my head, but fortunately there are other things to worry about at the moment. Things that I focus on in the hopes that I can eventually forget this song. The moment I land, is the moment the system seems to catch up to what I did. Golden Five Point Exploding Palm Technique. Silver Five Point Exploding Palm Technique. Golden Five Point Exploding Palm Technique. Silver Five Point Exploding Palm Technique. Then I got the new skill notifications as well related to the attacks.
New Skill Gained: Golden Five Point Exploding Palm Technique is now level 1.
Five Point Exploding Palm Technique is a Strength X2, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
New Skill Gained: Silver Five Point Exploding Palm Technique is now level 1.
Five Point Exploding Palm Technique is a Strength X2, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Apparently, it counted each differing palm as a different attack and skill. Which I guess was better than me having to make two strikes with both hands to make it one complete skill. By the end, I had give a total of eight strikes, or four with each hand. Breathe. I was panting, the sheer exertion of lashing out with the new attack pattern, and the subsequent need to now heal my fingers that had all broken or snapped from the strikes could be felt. I was close, so close to shaking out my hands to help mitigate the pain. Instead, I just paused and watched the giant beast. Stagger. The beast wobbled as its massive size suddenly dropped its right paw that had been up to swipe at me, and quickly switched to clutching its chest with its left paw. ¡°What have you done?¡± Flumberro asked, his thoughts still flooding into my mind, as I could feel his pain bleeding through our one-way Telepathic connection. ¡°I warned you.¡± I say, drawing out time and letting my body¡¯s natural Regeneration heal my broken hands, as I don¡¯t want to risk trying to move the mana around the Qi that is still forming in my fingers as I am ready to give round two of this attack. In my mind, I know I am there, that I should or maybe that I will eventually be able to use both Qi and Healing magic in the same hands at the same time. Though now is definitely not the time, as I am in the middle of a major battle. Standing in front of a horde of undead soldiers that are all seeing the prowess of their King, and how he is now standing toe to toe against the strongest of the Cardinal Guardians. I might even have managed to finally gotten that stupid song out of my head. Doo-bi-doo-bi, doo¡­ or not. Stomp. The creature moves forward, as it does, I can see tiny fractures beginning to appear in the beast¡¯s core that then spiral up through the noted cracked and bent fracture points within the beast¡¯s massive meridians. ¡°What have you done?¡± The creature bellows out, its words slurring towards the end. Well, slurring more than they normally do with its long-forked tongue. ¡°I told you, I have learned how to nullify magical abilities, without killing off the host.¡± I begin, taking up a defensive stance, while holding up both of my still glowing hands towards the beast. Stomp. The creature takes another step forward, with this step there is clearly more strain as the beast only seems to move forward three fourths of the distance, they managed with their first step. Once again, the creature stops its movement, this time taking a moment to grasp its chest, right where the fractures of its core are the most severe. Yet despite the pain, the creature only doubles down, cycling even more mana through its body which obviously puts even more pressure on the already strained meridians. ¡°Stay still. If you submit now, then I will be able to have our healer reverse the damages.¡± I state. How I will manage to leave the battlefield, change into myself with the same exact track suit and heal the dragon, without being caught, well that is entirely unknown at this point. Future Cass¡¯s problems, not mine. For now I still have the random task of ¡°I will never submit!¡± Flumberro rumbled, as he spit out a breath of fire, or at least tried to. Whoosh! A giant stream of fire sprayed out easily covering three hundred meters of space between us, turning the sand into smooth glass that rippled and popped under the heat and strain. The attack was very impressive, and one might expect it to have been a measure to make sure I didn¡¯t have any intentions of coming forward. However, the look of shock upon the dragon¡¯s face, minor as it might have been spoke volumes about what actually happened. Not only had the flames not reached me, the person who was standing a few meters in front of the remaining Deolarian military, but the attack itself had proven costly on the beast as even larger fractals began to spike and crack within the meridians first and then slowly work their way to the core of the great beast. ¡°You should stop, before you destroy yourself.¡± I offer. Yet, my words only seemed to enrage the beast, as it lowered its left claw from over its chest and began charging forward. Stomp, stomp, stomp. Each step pushed the giant beast forward dozens of meters. It was clear that the beast now had its new effective range. At least it had the range based upon the power it was able to exert moments ago. That was why it now forced its way forward, pushing through clear pain as its lips snarled back revealing rows of sharp teeth. To most watching, this might be seen as an act of anger, but I understood it for what it really was, a monster feeling pressed, being forced to push through its limits to protect its territory. I understood this, which was why I was ready to strike again if needed. While I was a little exhausted from using out seemingly all of my Celerity, I knew that if push came to shove I too would buckle down and force myself to try even harder. Yet, with each step, the monster did two things, first it caused more fractal patterns to appear on its core, and it effectively lowered its maximum attack range, despite being closer. ¡°Five, six, and seven.¡± I said, counting out the steps and watching how the core of the beast completely ruptured on the seventh step, causing waves of fire mana to radiate out from the beast, as the massive surge of energy was no longer contained within the giant monster¡¯s body. I watched as waves of blue, light blue, red, orange, and even yellow mana burst forth from the creature and began burning on the monster¡¯s body. ¡°GHHAHHGGAAA-AHHHH!¡± Flumberro cried out in obvious painfilled shrieks through the flames. While I was not worried about the damage caused by the flames, Flumberro was a fire elemental, or close to it, meaning that the flames themselves would do little to hurt Flumberro. If anything, the flames were a healing factor for the great beast, as it used the flames to begin healing the damage caused by the ruptured core. Rather than having massive fractures in the meridians and core, the core and meridians were being cauterized by the magical flames that erupted. Unfortunately, the flames meant that Flumberro¡¯s power would forever be hindered, effectively crippling both his current form and what he could ultimately become. I needed to move and was about to, when I saw Mallory descend from the sky and land next to me. Then moving in the way that only Mallory could, she began directing resources to the correct spot. ¡°Nagingah! Put out the fires so that we might properly heal your fellow guardian!¡± Mallory called out. ¡°Arf, arf.¡± Then like that, a dark blue elemental in the shape of a blue Pomeranian swished forward, getting right next to us and sending out a giant stream of water from its outstretched muzzle. Honestly, I was impressed as the Pomeranian, well the guardian in the form of a Pomeranian was just as powerful as before its transformation, as it was able to clearly spray from where we stood to the giant Flumberro and send out streams of water that doused the creature and caused the flames to subside, while the healing properties of water magic were applied to the beast. This wasn¡¯t enough to heal the fractures, or even remove the scarred magical tissues that appeared over the core and meridians, but it was enough to put out and save the giant creature. Panting. Flumberro was panting heavily as it lay in the heart of what was slowly turning into a giant pool of blue mana infused water. A pool formed from the giant beast, its melting and burning away of sand into glass, and the glass now being sturdy enough to hold a giant pool of water. I was so caught up in the splendor of the new magical glass swimming pool, and what it would be like to swim in said pool, well after we removed the dragon from it, that I almost missed Mallory¡¯s question. ¡°So what do we do now?¡± With that I paused, and realized I would likely need to use Mallory to draw attention away from myself, while I made the old switcheroo from being in the avatar of the Delorian King, and switch back to my normal form as the Doctor for the Midnight Hunters. ¡°Good question, wait right here.¡± I say, gesturing to Mallory. I am mentally going through my mental check lists on what to do, when I suddenly get another system update, and with it, I realize that my options have increased dramatically.
Hidden Quest Completed (Timed Limited Duration): Proving Your Worth by Removing the Guardian¡¯s Power¡­
Chapter 186 Bad Roleplaying (Mallory) Chapter 186 Bad Roleplaying (Mallory) ¡°Good question, wait right here.¡± Cass, who was in the form of the Deolar King and my Fianc¨¦ replied. Then just like that she Teleported away. At least I think that¡¯s what she did as she was there one moment and then gone the next. Mallory was about to say something, but was distracted by the giant fire elemental that now looked like a piece of charcoal that had been lit at one point, but was slowly dying away. ¡°OHH! Why my King, why did you punish me so?¡± Flumberro asked with pain filled words, as he lifted his claw to his chest and held on tightly. Fortunately for Mallory all of those private lessons she had been taking on learning ancient elven, the language of her soon to be people was paying off, as she could understand this conversation. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. We have a healer coming. She can and will fix you.¡± Mallory responded in ancient elven, hoping that she got most of her thoughts across correctly. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that you intend to send the little monster to do to Flumberro what she did to me?¡± Nagingah asks. With this Mallory could see the way Flumberro shifted uncomfortably, still grasping at his chest he looked and finally saw the small glowing bright blue Pomeranian that stood next to me, former Cardinal Protector and guardian of these lands. ¡°Well yes, that is the healer, but don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m sure she has learned her lessons.¡± Mallory stated, trying to be diplomatic with her response, though she felt things were quickly spiraling out of her control. Fortunately, before anyone could respond, Cass arrived in her normal form. ¡°Someone called for a Doctor?¡± Cass asked, in her overly nice voice. ¡°Run, it is she, the one who will change you into a mutated form of a pet if you show her an ounce of resistance.¡± Nagingah said. ¡°Now, Nagingah that was not a very nice thing to say.¡± Cass begins, and with just the slightest lowering of her voice got the great Nagingah to bow her head in supplication. By this point Flumberro tried to crawl away. Have you ever seen a giant three-legged dragon try to crawl away while using its fourth leg to clutch at its chest? Rumble, stomp, splash. Even trying to be quiet, the beast couldn¡¯t help but make noise. It didn¡¯t help that the beast was in a giant black water dish that swished around noisily with every movement the big beast made. Exasperated sigh. Mallory heard Cass let out an annoyed sigh, and wanted to say something to help but then saw the intense look of concentration that she had on her face and stopped. Silence. With that Mallory realized that the three had become completely silent for a moment. ¡°Is everything¡­¡± was all Mallory could say, before a quick hand came up to stop her from talking. Mallory was busy watching Cass who was clearly in the middle of mental communications with the three beasts. As even Nagingah seemed to nod her head or add gestures with her front paw at random moments. Mallory was so caught up in what was going on that she failed to notice the moment a figure dressed in black seemed to casually stroll forward and stand next to her. Her mind saw the black and remembered it from somewhere recent, that and the fact that there was no hostile intent from the figure let Mallory lower her guard around the character. However she was quickly pulled from her musings by the words that came out of his mouth next. ¡°Hey babe, did I miss anything important?¡± A confident male voice asked. ¡°Babe?¡± Mallory all but hissed, hating the word and about to release fiery vengeance against said speaker, then paused. She paused as the person she was looking at was none other than King De¡¯Arcaneri, the person that she was supposedly engaged to. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, turning from King De¡¯Arcaneri to the busy Cass who was clearly still in the middle of mental negotiations with the two dragons. Then back at the King, where she stared at him long enough for the king to let loose a smug thousand-watt smile. Looking at the king for the first time in the light, and not in the center of an undead empire, Mallory could see the appeal of such a leader. He had a pleasantly symmetrical face, with a strong jaw. He had eyes that all but glowed with power, though Mallory almost swore that this was an effect of her friend being there. Moving closer, Mallory looked and tried to see a vertical slit on the forehead where a third eye would sit, but instead found only smooth contours. Being this close to the elven leader, Mallory could almost swear she smelled the scent of ivory, cedarwood, and something else. The combination of scents caused even more of her mind and body to awaken to the presence of the figure next to her. Seeing her in her current state, the King could only smile in that half face smirk that Cass always did when she found something particularly funny. That was the proof, the only thing else this king could do was stick out his tongue in that upward flag thinking pose that Cass always did, but hated when you pointed it out. Seeing the signs, it was clear to Mallory that the King before her was in fact Cass. Which meant that the other Cass couldn¡¯t be Cass, right? Turning to the other Cass, the real Cass, or at least the real avatar of Cass, Mallory paused as she tried to take everything in. Hmph. The King let out a knowing laugh that almost infuriated Mallory, as she turned back, but her response was already too late. With a quick pat on the butt, King De¡¯Arcaneri sauntered forward stating, ¡°don¡¯t worry I¡¯ve got this, Babe.¡± Anger. Before Mallory knew what she was doing, she blurred forward, spun around and stood directly in front of Cass, well in front of the avatar of King De¡¯Arcaneri, who she thought was being controlled by Cass. It was this thought, that it was her friend and not some chauvinistic creep that kept Mallory from going full battle maiden on the person. Angrily she stared forward, and then realized that she actually had to shift her head slightly up to lock eyes with the King. Smiling wide like the cheshire cat, the king just locked gazes, then continuing with the random smug attitude continued. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, today I will have to subjugate this foe for you, so that our lands might prosper in harmony with each other.¡± The King spoke loudly. Clearly saying his part loud enough so that both the Delorian soldiers behind them and the pain infused dragon before him could hear his decree. Rage. Mallory was still angry, but her rational business-oriented side of her mind realized that this was for the best, and that Cass as always was going deep into her characters. Almost too deep for Mallory¡¯s tastes, but she could understand that this was who Cass was, if she played a part, she would act out that part until the scene ended, the lights came on and she was able to finally break character. Until that point, whatever she thought the character would do, is what she would do. Thus, the butt tap and the references to the future queen as, Babe. Yet, even though she could understand it, didn¡¯t mean she had to like or accept this. Mallory opened her mouth to speak, but soon found her mouth smothered by a gently tingling finger. With that touch, that one caress, Mallory felt her entire body pulse and fill with energy. The pulse went through her lips, to her brain, then down to her legs that suddenly felt weak. Mentally Mallory knew that this was some type of power, maybe an expert healing power, some type of advanced use of Qi that could cause a body to tingle and come to life. Regardless of whatever the actual reason was, this was the most alive Mallory had ever felt. In her mind she tried to think back, but she couldn¡¯t for the life of her think of a moment when her entire body felt more alive than it was right now. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. It was like a spell had been placed upon her, one where she finally felt alive, truly alive. For the moment she felt like she could simultaneously cause the world to kneel at her might, and utterly unable to stop anything from happening all at the same exact moment. Then just as quickly as it began, the moment was shattered by the King opening his mouth. ¡°Whatever fiery words you have to say, save it for our wedding night.¡± King De¡¯Arcaneri said, as he pulled away his finger from Mallory¡¯s lips, causing an intense cold sensation to fill her body. Not so much that it was cold, but that she suddenly knew just how empty she was now that she no longer had that surge of energy pulsing through her. Mallory barely noticed the way the King gracefully side-stepped his way around her and gracefully sauntered past her. Her mind was fuzzy, as it tried to determine what had happened. That was simultaneously amazing, frightening, and unknown all at once. It was amazing in that she had never felt that way before. Part of her already wondered if she would be able to feel that way again. It was frightening in that she felt utterly powerless to stop that sensation. Had there been malice, or other ill intentions behind the gesture Mallory was certain she would have felt that and been able to mentally combat the unwanted touch. Yet, it was the fact that there was no intention behind the touch, maybe other than to deescalate the situation, which was why her mental defenses never triggered. Then again it was Cass she was thinking about, that girl was probably capable of doing almost anything to get past standard protections. From her guidance, people had been working on more intent-based skills to prevent mental coercions, which was why Mallory felt fairly confident with her ability to avoid such situations, until now. Mallory was so lost in her own diagnostic thoughts that she could only vaguely understand that Cass, or the King who was hopefully Cass was speaking. If it was Cass, well that would complicate things as this was clearly something she needed to tell Gwen about. If it wasn¡¯t Cass, then this would likely complicate things even more, as she wouldn¡¯t know what to do if she found herself feeling that way for someone other than Cass. She and Gwen had an open relationship, which meant they were able to talk about challenges that they faced, and so long as they were honest and never acted upon those challenges, everything would be fine. However, in this case Mallory for the first time didn¡¯t know if she could avoid acting on those challenges. As the wedding night was just forty-two days away, and the server would know if it wasn¡¯t consummated, right? Panting. After a few minutes, Mallory found herself forcefully pulling in deep breaths of air. Only now realizing that she had been holding her breath for a very long time. Yes, she would need to tell this all to Gwen, ask for forgiveness, and then make sure that she pushed Gwen to ask for the secret voodoo that she did from Cass. Yes, that was all she could do, ask for forgiveness and then try to recreate the same events with her Gwen. ¡°Hey Babe, you done over there?¡± King De¡¯Arcaneri called out. At the word Babe, anger filled Mallory¡¯s mind as the spell that Cass had cast on her mind and body broke, allowing her to turn angrily around. Mallory was about to say something, when Cass, the real Cass, well Cass¡¯s avatar of Cass replied. ¡°You¡¯re up.¡± Then before Mallory could say or do anything, she saw and felt the mission prompt appear in her mind.
Flumberro the strongest of the Cardinal Protectors wishes to form a contract with you, will you accept his pledge of loyalty?
Seeing the prompt, Mallory let out a slight breath to relieve some of her tension, but then just nodded and mentally accepted the prompt. As her mouth seemed momentarily unable to create words at the moment.
Hidden Guild Quest Completed: Mastering the Cardinal Protectors: Your Guild, the Midnight Hunters, has begun the process of conquering the four key protectors of the great wastelands. Legend has it that if the four Cardinal Protectors fall, then the monsters that plague the wastelands will be free to spread their pestilence and attack the inhabited territories of the world. You must protect your lands, while not fully destroying the Cardinal Protectors of the Wastelands. Current status of protectors that have been subdued but are still living (4 / 4). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, variable. Experience Gained: 1,500,000 Ding. Level up. Your level in Ethereal Valkyrie has risen to level 1017. Guild Title: Guardians of the Cardinal Protectors: Your guild has managed to subdue and work with the opposing elemental forces of a region. By doing so you helped maintain the balance and stability of the region. This will have a cascading effect allowing all Midnight Hunter Guild Members to have an increase of +25% to the use of all elemental powers. Along with a Partial-Neutral rating to all elemental and guardian forces. Personal Reward: Due to your personal contribution to the efforts, your contribution is the ability to speak to and guide the four Cardinal Protectors of your region to guide and help maintain the natural balance of your land.
Looking at everything, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but be impressed with her constant improvements. Ever since she got Cass onto the guild¡¯s roster, she and by extension the guild has managed to level up at a surprising rate. Less than a year ago, she was almost dead, and hadn¡¯t managed to level up in years. Since meeting Cass, that problem of not leveling is a thing of the past as she gained over fifty levels since then. Mallory was so lost in her thoughts, that she failed to notice the tall silhouette approaching from behind her. Well she noticed it, but then instantly dismissed it as none of her senses were telling her that the approaching figure was a threat. This was why she was once again shocked when for the second time that day, she was once again pulled from her own thoughts by yet another light pat on her behind. ¡°Good job,¡± the smirking words of King De¡¯Arcaneri rang out. Mallory turned, almost ready to strike, but suddenly felt a strange tingling sensation from where he had touched. Mallory was about say something anyways, when he spoke arrogantly. ¡°I know what you are thinking, but please we must save it all for our wedding night. Now if you will excuse me, I still have some preparation to attend to.¡± Poof. Yes, the King, who was hopefully being portrayed by her best friend had touched her not once, not twice, but three times and then having the last word disappeared before Mallory could say anything about it. Mallory stared forward in complete shock, as anger began to fill her mind about what just happened. Snickering. Just as she was staring forward, she heard the Deolarian soldiers snickering at her discontent. To make matters worse, apparently that little act by the King and then sudden disappearance had served as a morale boost as the troops were now at an all-time high.
Auxiliary Deolar Elite Guard Troops: Morale: 70. Break Morale: 20. Increased Productivity Morale: 70.
Now there was a new option, that informed Mallory that from their completion of the quest and the way the two of them just interacted, morale was at an all-time high, meaning that even more could be done from these troops that had come to help. She was about to say or do something, when her more pragmatic mind won out, letting her know that they might need this. Also, they witnessed the impossible, that of watching their King subjugate an enraged cardinal protector. This was amazing as they had been close to breaking not more than an hour ago. With their change, Mallory instead turned to see who she could yell at to relieve some of her stress, then paused as she saw Cass, well Cass¡¯s avatar of Cass, who could or might not be Cass? Regardless, she knew from her discussions that any conversation with Cass¡¯s clones would eventually get back to the real Cass, which is why she decided to take out her frustrations on this Cass. ¡°We need to talk!¡± Mallory said, while she wasn¡¯t yelling her words were clearly terse and brokering no argument from Cass. ¡°Yes, we do. I also have a few things that I need to say to Gwen as well.¡± Cass said. At that, Mallory paused, realizing that she too needed to talk to Gwen, oddly enough about Cass and her antics. ¡°Fine, let¡¯s go find her and talk about boundaries.¡± Mallory said. ¡°Exactly.¡± Cass said, nodding emphatically before sprouting her now standard pixy wings and flying forward. As she rose up, she met with Zero, who gracefully ran into her flying form and then air tackled her. The two just hugged the way Mallory always imagined her daughter would with the pet dog when she came home from school. Of course, in this case, the daughter was a magical daughter who could fly and apparently tame elemental guardian dragons at her discretion. Seeing the two and the giant smile forming on Cass¡¯s lips, her real lips, Mallory could only sigh as she felt her anger at being touched by Cass¡¯s portrayal of the King fade away. Seeing her in that small compact form, so full of life and love, Mallory realized it was hard to stay angry at her. Even going so far as to rationalize the fact that Cass was just being a little prankster with her antics. Only after coming to that conclusion did Mallory realize just how dangerous Cass was. As she was clearly a genius, but her size and spirit made her hard to take too seriously. Reluctantly Mallory pulled out her own wings and began flying off in the direction of Cass and Zero. Cass, not even turning to face Mallory, just straightened up in mid-air while petting Zero, then began flying off in a random direction. Mallory was going to ask if Cass knew where Gwen was, but then realized that was a stupid question. Instead, she followed her, to the traveling Healer¡¯s tent that had been set up near the southern defensive lines. Once there, Cass began to descend rapidly, with Zero by her side. For a moment, Mallory thought everything would be peaceful. That was of course until she heard Cass call out for her daughter. ¡°GWEENN!¡± Cass called out in that way that only a parent could do, which almost sounded cute coming from Cass, who sounded like a child desperately imitating their parents. ¡°Yes,¡± Gwen replied back with an equal measure of sass. Hearing this Mallory quickly descended, using a few burst skills to get her down on the ground and inside the tent as quickly as possible. For a moment Mallory thought something was going to happen, particularly with what Cass said next as she got within a dozen paces of her daughter. ¡°You, I¡¯ve got a beef to pick with you little missy.¡± Cass said, a faint tone of anger filling her voice as she spoke to Gwen, but by now Mallory knew this to be more of faux anger than anything. At least she hoped so, as there were still a lot of factors going on that Mallory herself needed to work out. The last thing she needed at this point was to be forced to pick sides between her girlfriend and her best friend and crazy quest completer, especially over what appeared to be family drama. Gwen for her part just stared with a completely bored look, as if the most powerful mage and martial expert wasn¡¯t just lambasting her moments ago. Then again when said magical and martial master was a third shorter than you, looked like a petulant, but beautiful teenager, and had a smile that seemed to be permanently etched into her face as she spoke, that probably lessened the intended threat. Also, being the daughter of said menace also meant that Gwen had likely built up a tolerance towards her antics, which was why she replied with an almost annoyed, ¡°oh?¡± ¡°Yeah, because of you, I had that stupid bumblebee song stuck in my head.¡± Cass hissed. ¡°What?¡± Mallory and Gwen asked in unison, turning to each other after they realized their synchronized response to the chaos that was the soon to be mother-in-law, but that was a different topic that Mallory and Gwen both didn¡¯t want to broach at the moment. ¡°You know that Sweet little Bumblebee, I know what you want from me¡­¡± Cass began, then you could see her shake her head as she almost bobbed her head to the lyrics. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, fortunately her response was drowned out by Gwen. ¡°That was never my song.¡± Gwen replied with a bit of sass to her words. ¡°You listened to it non-stop when you were twelve.¡± Cass replied. ¡°Yeah, that was a lifetime ago. Also, the only reason why I even heard it in the first place was that it was on your Zumba workout list.¡± Gwen replied. With that Cass paused, as she clearly tried to think back to that moment. ¡°Oh yeah, I remember now, that was the final push section where they made you burn out your energy. I hated that.¡± ¡°I know, we found it funny as you would finally stop running around for thirty minutes after the session. Then when we wanted to distract you, we would play the song and you would either leave us alone or go and do a hundred chores around the house, and get distracted from talking to us.¡± Gwen said. ¡°Hey, I wasn¡¯t that bad.¡± Cass said. ¡°No, eventually you grew immune to it, especially after your second knee surgery. Then you would just get this sad look in your eye whenever we played it. That¡¯s when we finally stopped.¡± Gwen began, but then corrected herself. ¡°Well, I stopped, the others I think actually liked the song. Well, everyone but Rob. He just played it to annoy all of us.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you have headphones?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°We did, but we would make exceptions for those types of moments.¡± Gwen replied. At that Mallory just looked at Gwen, wondering if this was a topic she wanted to get involved with and then quickly realized that there was no winning side to this conversation. ¡°You know, just let me know when you two are done here, I need to speak to you.¡± Mallory said, first to both, then finished off by talking to Gwen. ¡°Oh, well, I think we are done here.¡± Cass said, clearly hearing the sudden seriousness in Mallory¡¯s voice. ¡°Yeah, I think so too¡­¡± Gwen said, but then paused to turn and see that Cass the perpetual coward was already gone. Poof. Only a slight disturbance of dust could be seen from where Cass had just been. ¡°Anything important?¡± Gwen asked, turning from the open tent to Mallory. Mallory gave a quick scan of the place to see that everyone had cleared out when it was just the three of them. In this case Mallory was somewhat happy about that, though it did make her have to form her thoughts even quicker than she had originally expected. ¡°I need to tell you something.¡± Mallory finally began, figuring that honesty would be best in this case. ¡°Okay?¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s about your mother¡­¡± ¡°What else is new¡­¡± Chapter 187 Things A Mother Does For Her Children Chapter 187 Things A Mother Does For Her Children Sitting around patiently, that is my goal. Yep, totally doing it too. For the moment I was able to both have a physical representative at the guild¡¯s mobile guild hall, while I was running around finishing up our land unification quest. Oh, and apparently, I had a second simulacrum running about the faerie library on the two hundredth floor of the Arcanarus Tower. Yep, you guessed it, I got not just one Simulacrum, but two more Simulacrums with the last quest completion. Technically I believe the wording was that I doubled my unique class¡¯s capacity for controlling Simulacrums, giving me a total of four. Mentally I wonder jus how many flying monkeys the wicked witch of the west had? Though I realize that this comparison effectively labels me as both the wicked witch and the monkeys, I feel that the comparison might be somewhat justified. See while my Simulacrum minion, number four for those keeping track or the one I am mentally referring to as LG, for Left at Guild is dealing with all the administrative stuff that I don¡¯t have time for. Well, clearly I have time for taking care of the administrative stuff, but I am busy with a major guild quest. I also have made it so I am at roughly two different sections of the base, meaning that if this quest tries to pull anything else that is completely crazy, I can react to it relatively quickly. That is the plan at least, and what I am using as a justification to be out here watering the last of the fields, while everyone else runs around doing what they are supposed to. Don¡¯t worry, all of the segments of land have been united, and we are just waiting to run out the clock at this point.
Acres of land claimed (1,062 / 20).
As for me, I am just filling in the edges that we missed while focusing on combining as many segments of land as possible. This will likely give us close to another acre once everything is finally filled in, but that will take weeks. Or me and a minion, muwahaha. Honestly, I don¡¯t know why the idea of having a minion that I can actually let move around and act in my own interests seems like it would be so much fun, but it is. Almost like I could finally work on different skills twice as fast. Or better yet, have my minion do all the exercises that I hate for me. Yep, having minions will definitely pay off. While I do expect there to be a bit of a learning curve, this shouldn¡¯t be anything that I can¡¯t handle. Flicker. There is a momentary pulse, something just enough to grab my attention. Instantly, I know what the effect was, it was a partial use of my Ethereal Simulacrum Masters¡¯ Trait Positional Switch. That is the odd part about my Simulacrum. While I can use all Traits from all my different classes and from my own reserve, my Simulacrums can only use the Traits related to my Simulacrum class. Which at this point is only Positional Teleportation, which I used to send my third Simulacrum to the library to join my second Simulacrum. Yeah, that was the problem, as soon as I summoned her, I got a countdown timer letting me know that I had just ten seconds to get back into the Arcanarus Tower, or my process would be lost and the tower would be stagnant at a maximum of 250 floors, or fifty floors over what I had managed to explore on my own. At first I was sort of angry that it took so long for me to get a third simulacrum, but now I am kind of content with having to have waited for my number of Simulacrum available to be doubled, as I finally get the ability to feel what it would be like to finally be my own Mallory and just send myself, or a version of myself to solve problems that I didn¡¯t want to deal with. That was why it was my fourth Simulacrum, or LG that was now at the Guild Hall. While I am out watering the lawn. As I do not want to deal with political machinations of others, while I also kind of want to do something that will allow me to be outside and feel somewhat productive. Of course, this level of freedom was expected to be short lived, but I didn¡¯t realize how bad it would be until now. Flicker. Yep, second warning, which means my transition is incoming, and¡­ Positional Switch. Just like that I am standing in an empty room that looks to be an office of some kind. It takes my mind a second to realize that this is Gwen¡¯s personal guild office. There is a medical table to help examine patients by the front door, then a middle room for meetings, where we are currently, and behind this is a back bedroom used for napping. Seeing the bed for napping, I instantly feel tired, as I remember the last time, I got a nap was in momma Kujo¡¯s soft silky fur. While Gwen¡¯s bed does look comfortable, nothing can compare to resting your head on a pregnant cultivating Dire Phase Wolf¡¯s chest. ¡°So?¡± Gwen asked, and suddenly my attention was pulled away from warm naps and I realize that Gwen and my LG Simulacrum were in a deep conversation of some kind. ¡°Um, can we pretend like I wasn¡¯t paying attention at all, and start from the beginning of whatever this conversation was?¡± I ask somewhat sheepishly. You know this is not going to help me keep up my fa?ade of always paying attention and listening to others. ¡°GAH! Mother, this is serious!¡± Gwen shouts, well shouts for Gwen. She isn¡¯t much of a yeller, so this level of frustration likely has to do either with problems with her pregnancy. Quick touch. Nope, the baby is doing just fine. ¡°Mother!¡± ¡°What, I can¡¯t help it, you put that round belly in my face, and I have to touch.¡± ¡°You are so like a child.¡± I pause then hold up my hands in a what exactly did you expect from me, type of gesture. Gwen looks angry, and then pauses as she seems to realize something. ¡°Let me guess, this is finally the real you? That other one was an imposter?¡± Gwen asks. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. I pause, feeling like I had my hand caught in the cookie jar. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Save it for someone who can¡¯t see your full aura.¡± Gwen begins, but then shifts topic, ¡°wait, can you switch locations with them or something?¡± ¡°Oh, very good, did you notice the Teleportation Magic?¡± I ask. Gwen pauses, and then clearly gets angry with herself. ¡°Dang it, I did, I just didn¡¯t understand what it was doing at that time. For a moment I thought you were trying to get away, but then when you stayed and pretended like you had no clue, I thought you were just trying to avoid the subject.¡± ¡°What, there is no subject that I would ever try to avoid.¡± I say, trying to sound as honest as possible. ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah, not from you at least.¡± I qualify, I don¡¯t think there is anything I wouldn¡¯t tell Gwen, which I always try to make sure I tell her of all my kids the harsh truth. She was the only one that I told I was going to retire. She was also the only one that I told about my coming here to BiPrism, to cash in my retirement. With that Gwen¡¯s face changes, from sadness to something that tells me that I somehow played right into her hands. ¡°Okay, I trust you mother. Which is why I want to make sure that we begin this with the statement that nothing was wrong. I am not mad at you.¡± Gwen begins. Instantly, I feel the hairs begin to rise on the back of my neck, as I suddenly feel like this is going to be a topic that I want to tap out with my LG Simulacrum and see what they are able to use to B.S. their way out of this. ¡°Okay?¡± I reply somewhat hesitantly. ¡°Realize that this is not against you. This is just me trying to understand what happened earlier today.¡± At this, I think I know exactly where this is going and I want to cut it off right from the start. ¡°Look, if this is about teaching Ms. Kujo to cultivate, I can explain. She is very pregnant, her feet were swelling, and she was clearly in pain. Honestly, I was surprised that she managed to pick up the process so quickly, but apparently, she was very motivated to learn how to help self-regulate her body while pregnant.¡± ¡°You taught Ms. Kujo, the terror of the planes, how to cultivate because she had swollen feet?¡± I realize where this is going and want to cut it off immediately. ¡°Look, I tried to teach you to cultivate as well, but you said you were having a hard enough time figuring out this whole magic thing, and said you would get back to me.¡± I replied. Gwen pauses, bites her lower lip and holds up her finger as she apparently waits for time to think. ¡°Okay, I think we have gotten off topic here. This is not about teaching wild monsters to cultivate, though I am certain we will likely have to come back to this topic eventually. For the moment I need to talk to you about Mallory.¡± ¡°Mallory?¡± I ask, trying to figure out what happened to her. ¡°Is she okay?¡± Pause. Gwen pauses and slightly grimaces. ¡°She is okay, but¡­¡± Gwen begins, but cuts herself short as she apparently searches for the correct words to use at this moment. I pause, trying to remember anything about Mallory, then I remember the last time I saw her was when we came back from converting the final Cardinal Guardian. That was when we came back here, I was talking to Gwen about her stupid song, and then Mallory seemed like she needed to talk to Gwen. ¡°I take it that this isn¡¯t about you claiming ownership of that Bumblebee song?¡± I ask, hoping that I just got the song stuck in Mallory¡¯s mind. ¡°No, and don¡¯t start. This is somewhat serious, so I need you to focus.¡± Gwen begins. What does that mean? I always focus. But before I could say anything, Gwen continued. ¡°Earlier today, when there was an Avatar of you, and an Avatar of King De¡¯Arcaneri, I take it the real you was in the form of the king?¡± Gwen asked. Suddenly I feel like I am being questioned by the police. There is a slight tone of establishing the facts, and trying to make sure I had an alibi ready. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Okay, so from the time that you appeared as King De¡¯Arcaneri to the time you left, you and only you were in full control of the King Avatar, is that correct?¡± Gwen asks. At this, I know this is trying to set me up with an alibi, but I don¡¯t understand why or what is happening. ¡°Yes, but can I ask what my Simulacrum did, or is accused of doing?¡± I ask. With that Gwen shakes her head, ¡°this isn¡¯t about your Simulacrum. In fact, if it was, we likely wouldn¡¯t be having this conversation. Rather this is me, asking you as my mother and behalf of your friend that you try to answer me truthfully.¡± ¡°Okay?¡± Now my mind is truly spinning as I am trying to think of what I did as the King that would cause this, then I pause. ¡°Is this because I called her Babe?¡± ¡°No, well, yes and no. That did bother her, but she wouldn¡¯t have even brought it up, had what happened next not occurred.¡± ¡°What?¡± I ask completely confused at this point. ¡°All right, now no judgement here. Again, let me repeat, no judgement here, whatsoever.¡± Yeah, because when people say it twice, they mean no judgement, especially while giving you the tenth degree of interrogation tactics. ¡°Okay,¡± I respond, not really certain where this is going. Exhale. Gwen exhales, clearly trying to relieve some of the stress she is feeling right now. This is bad, as it clearly means the topic that I am about to be asked about is clearly important somehow. ¡°Again no judgement here, but please, please take this seriously. Did you use any magic when you touched Mallory¡± Gwen asks. ¡°What? No, I would never.¡± ¡°Look it can be innocuous, maybe something that lingered on your fingers from your battle with Flumberro, something?¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t even use magic on Flumberro. I did shatter my bones while using my new striking technique that I just created. I remember specifically not wanting to mix magic and Qi, so I decided not even heal my bones, so no. I can safely say no magic was used.¡± I responded feeling somewhat defensive about this whole situation. With that Gwen nods in understanding, but then pauses. ¡°Can I ask what exactly I am being accused of?¡± I ask. ¡°What?¡± Gwen asks shocked for a moment, but then pauses as she figures out how to answer the question. ¡°No, we aren¡¯t accusing you of anything. It was just¡­¡± Gwen began, but then trailed off. I paused and just stared at her wondering if she was eventually going to say anything. After an eyebrow raised after a sufficient amount of time passed, I finally got a response from her. ¡°She felt something when you touched her.¡± ¡°Well, yeah, fingers right?¡± ¡°No, well, yes, obviously. But no, that wasn¡¯t what concerned her.¡± Gwen began. ¡°Okay, this is getting really weird.¡± ¡°I know, try to think of it from my perspective. My girlfriend comes in telling me that with but a touch of her finger against her lips, her whole body felt weak, like weak, weak.¡± Gwen began, trying to hint at something that I did not want to fully comprehend. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°She asked if I knew what you did, I said no. Then she asked me to find out what you did, as it was, in her words, intense.¡± ¡°Okay?¡± I say, this time not meaning it in the slightest but hoping this conversation will eventually go somewhere close to something I can fully comprehend. ¡°Well, this isn¡¯t easy for me to ask. But I was asked with trying to find out two key pieces of information related to this incident. First, what did you do?¡± Gwen began. As for me, I was at a complete loss for what happened. However, since I could not answer the first question, I decided to go ahead and ask exactly what the second question was, ¡°and what of the second question?¡± ¡°Well, once we found out what it was, I was asked to see if you could teach me?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Okay, I think I understand, but I want to make sure. I apparently did something that Mallory found to be intense,¡± I say, making little air quotes while saying the word intense. ¡°Then she sent you, my daughter to not only find out what I did, but then asked for you to be able to recreate it?¡± A pregnant pause, oh look double entendre there. Then she answered before I realized how cool that was to be able to use that phrase with a pregnant lady. ¡°Essentially, yes.¡± Gwen finally confirmed. I pause, not wanting to have this conversation, but then looking at Gwen¡¯s face, I realize that there is a bit of desperation to her facial features. ¡°I take it this is important?¡± ¡°Extremely.¡± And with that answer, I can only nod in understanding. ¡°I take it not everything is going so well?¡± ¡°No.¡± Gwen begins and then starts to cry. Seeing her cry, my motherly instincts take over and I jump up and hug her. Fortunately, I am still weightless, and my wings just help me glide into position. ¡°You are so bony.¡± Gwen begins at first, but then slowly relaxes to my hug. ¡°Shh, let¡¯s just focus on you.¡± I say, as I gently pat her back and then send waves of golden Qi in her body. I¡¯ve noticed that Healing Magic is great for getting rid of injuries, Qi seeps into the bones and muscles, alleviating the tension and helping the whole body reach a nearly exalted state. ¡°Oh, that might be it, that feels great.¡± Gwen says, as I continue to pat her back and gently release more Qi into her body. As she is not a practitioner, I know I need to be careful as releasing too much could be bad for her or the baby. ¡°Do you think this might be what Mallory felt?¡± I ask. ¡°Maybe, let¡¯s see. Mal!¡± Gwen screams loudly and then Mallory, who had been a few rooms away, began coming quickly. ¡°Did you find it?¡± Mallory asked, the first words out of her mouth as she barged in, and then quickly tried to calm herself as she took in the image before her. Where I was floating with my arms around her very pregnant girlfriend. ¡°I mean, is everything okay?¡± I didn¡¯t even need to look at Gwen to realize that we had apparently given Mallory the same exact, can¡¯t you read a room, look. ¡°Yes, I believe so.¡± Gwen answered, then gestured for me to go to Mallory. ¡°Please do to her what you just did to me.¡± ¡°Pat you on the back?¡± I ask. ¡°No, well that type of golden energy, try that on her.¡± Gwen answered frustratedly. ¡°Okay,¡± I said, not wanting to mess with a pregnant magician, even if she was my daughter. With that, I went over with my palm out, ready to pat Mallory on the back. ¡°No, the thing with the lips.¡± Mallory said. At that, I could tell Gwen was making a face behind me. Yeah, those two were apparently experiencing something. ¡°So, this isn¡¯t awkward.¡± I responded. Then holding up my glowing golden finger, I gently pressed it against her lips. Mmm. ¡°Okay, that is just creepy,¡± I say pulling away my finger as she makes an odd sound. After I pull my finger away, Mallory opens her eyes, but then seems to ponder. ¡°That was close, but not quite the same.¡± Mallory finally stated. With that, I pause, but then figure it might have been some residual Spirit Qi, so I try that. Making sure to pump in spirit Qi into my finger, and then move while saying, ¡°let me try this.¡± ¡°What?¡± Mallory began, but found her words cut off as my finger was pressed against her lips. Once again she closes her eyes, and I pull my finger back before she can do anything else that is creepy. After a moment, Mallory opens her eyes, but then responds. ¡°That was much closer, but it is still missing something.¡± At that I pause, and look at her. ¡°Is it the fact that I am not in my creepy old elf suit that you are missing?¡± I ask, and then instantly regret ever bringing this subject up at all. As this is getting far beyond my comfort zone. Chapter 188 Power Leveling – Guild Style Chapter 188 Power Leveling ¨C Guild Style Okay, so my friends and daughter are officially weird. That is all I will say about that, though I did find out something interesting. Namely the fact that apparently Qi might channel differently through different body types. I had always assumed that Qi flowed and would feel the same regardless of the form it was being channeled, so long as the wielder was the same. This was the way it was with magic, as I could channel the necessary mana through my body and have it project at the area that I desired out from my body. I had experimented multiple times with all my different doppelganger forms that I could take to prove this, as I hoped that there might be some difference. Of course, there wasn¡¯t. Now I just came across an amazing discovery that sadly took me a perverted friend to realize. Namely the way Qi traverses through a body might change, depending on the body being used to channel Qi. Yes, that is an overly complex statement stating that I effectively need to do more research on the way Qi leaves a body. Again, I had assumed that after so much testing of mana through different bodies and not recognizing a noticeable difference, I assumed that Qi would operate the same way. Honestly, I don¡¯t quite understand the difference, as I channel and cycle the same energy through my normal form, this form that I am in, as I would while in the body of King De¡¯Arcaneri. The only thing that I can think of off the top of my head is that in a larger body, the Qi I push outside of my body will be at a slightly more diluted state than in my normal form. From the impromptu experimentation performed, it was clear that both golden, or mortal Qi and spirit Qi can be felt and provide benefits. Golden Qi seems to have a direct link to the body, in that I can use it to help heal muscles and ligaments faster than I could with Healing magic. While Spirit, or silver Qi has a more direct impact on the nervous system, in particular they can be used to force a subject to feel stimulated. Also, again it was found that while the Qi I released in my natural form was beneficial, it was more stimulating, while I was in the form of King De¡¯Arcaneri. Now there are a few factors to focus on, while trying to come up with rationale for the different metrics observed and ways to do impartial tests in the future. First, Mallory is a freak, and I will never put my finger or any other body part of mine in or near her mouth again. Second, I will likely need to do a blind study taken from multiple people with varying levels and qualities of power. Third, does being an alternate gender have any impact on the way the Qi is received? With that thought, my mind instantly turns to Jhonny, my bodyguard, protector, and student. I feel that he would be a prime test subject, and one that I could basically get to do almost anything I wanted. I almost feel bad for him, but then stop myself, as I realize he might not be as perfect of a candidate as I originally thought. See Jhonny, despite failing the Guild¡¯s tests, passed my own personal tests, and was in fact the first student who was tenacious enough to form his own core. Seeing as he has his own core, his experiences with different Qi are both important to note, and will likely throw off my end results if I use him as the basis for my testing. That leads me to my fourth variable to consider, the fact that being a Qi practitioner might alter the effectiveness of Qi flooding into a body. With that, I start nodding to myself as I realize I¡¯ve come up with a plan forward. Also, deep down inside, part of me is happy to find something to draw my mind and attention away from Mallory the freak, and Gwen. I almost wanted to ask Gwen if this solved their problems, but then wisely held myself back. Though I did find it enjoyable that Gwen asked to participate in my morning Martial Arts classes. At least the modified yoga that I will have her perform on account of her being pregnant. Now that the last twenty-four hours are finally over, I can finally reap the benefits of working so hard. Honestly, I felt that completing three major quests would have been different. Looking at them all at once I could see that I did increase a great deal from everything that had happened. Though I couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was a bit more to the structure of the rewards being offered. Particularly with how the individual components all seemed to be linked together in a structured way that had me questioning what exactly the world had store for me. Take for instance the first quest that I had gotten rewarded for, and how it almost immediately allowed me to change the course of how the final few hours played out.
Hidden Quest Completed (Timed Limited Duration): Proving Your Worth by Removing the Guardian¡¯s Power. You managed to remove the power and fighting spirit of Flumberro, the last and most powerful of the ancient Cardinal Protectors allowing peace to reign over the region. Rewards: Experience, Title(s), variable. Experience Gained. 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000 Title Gained: Core Master: Your ability to destroy, create, or otherwise work with cores is improved greatly. Effect +25% skill efficacy while focusing on an individual¡¯s core. Double Simulacrum Mastery Proficiency: Able to increase the number of Simulacrums under your command by +100%. (Current usage 4 / 4).
With this quest, I had gotten a million experience points, a random title dealing with core manipulation, which I believe had to deal with the way that I both took away and then recreated the core of the Cardinal Protector. Then there was the fact that I finally reached a level of power with my Ethereal Simulacrums Master class that allowed me to have not one but two more Simulacrums at my disposal. Something that was crucial, as it allowed me to add a second Simulacrum to the Acranarus Tower immediately. Then a second one that I could switch with here in our home base, allowing me to be twice as effective with my remaining tasks. Then there were the rewards for completing the second quest.
Hidden Guild Quest Completed: Mastering the Cardinal Protectors: Your Guild, the Midnight Hunters, has successfully conquered and assimilated the four key protectors of the great wastelands into the guild. You must protect your lands, while not fully destroying the Cardinal Protectors of the Wastelands. Current status of protectors (4 / 4). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, variable. Experience Gained. 1,000,000 / 500,000 / 500,000 Guild Title: Guardians of the Cardinal Protectors: Your guild has managed to subdue and work with the opposing elemental forces of a region. By doing so you helped maintain the balance and stability of the region. This will have a cascading effect allowing all Midnight Hunter Guild Members to have an increase of +25% to the use of all elemental powers. Along with a Partial-Neutral rating to all elemental and guardian forces. Personal Reward: Due to your personal contributions to this mission, being part of the peaceful subjugation of all four guardians, resurrecting one guardian you have gained the title: Friend to the Guardians. Title Gained: Friend to the Guardians: You will be recognized as a friend to all realm guardians.
Two million total experience for completing the quest, or a total of three million experience overall for the first two quests. Then another title that made it so I wouldn¡¯t have to fight anymore guardians in the future. A bit late, but ultimately good to have. Thinking back to my first days here, that title would have saved me from my first kill. I honestly wonder how much my life would have changed without that. Thinking back, the kill was the only thing that allowed me entry into the Maltese Empire as a Dark Elf. Had it not been for that kill and the bragging rights to that accomplishment, then I honestly don¡¯t know where I would be today. I know I wouldn¡¯t have met Hector and Golum, and wow, that is a depressing thought as I just remembered that Hector and Golum both are dead. Sigh. Onto slightly less disturbing things, that brings me to my third and final quest completed today. Well technically yesterday, but as this is still within a few hours of the final completion, it still feels like today.
Guild Quest Completed: Unclaimed Land Acquisition Charter: Your guild has managed to claim over a thousand acres of land. Holding off both the Ancient Deolar Empire, along with the Wasteland¡¯s four Cardinal Protectors. Acres of land claimed (1067 / 20). Rewards: Experience, Guild Title, Guild Land, variable. Experience Gained: The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. 1,500,000 / 750,000 / 750,000 Guild Title: Land Protectors: Your Guild¡¯s Successful defense of your land will be proportional to a skill and attribute increase while defending your guild lands from any current or future threats. Current Skill and Attribute Bonus received while defending Guild Lands: 100%. Guild Land Available for immediate production: 1,067 acres. Bloodline Evolution Perk marked. Bloodline Evolution Markers Gained: Mana and Qi core manipulation markers identified.
That was an extra two point five million experience points, that led to a cumulative total of five million experience points over the past twenty-four hours.
Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by 78 levels to level 231. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by 63 levels to level 273. Ethereal Healer has increased by 97 levels to level 359.
That was a total of 238 levels that I increased overall. Once again I saw that I would soon be forced to make crucial upgrades. Most importantly were the upgrades to
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 104 475 Personality 98 559 Perception 172 1890
Dexterity 137 1048 Sociability 95 563 Intelligence 171 2163
Endurance 134 589 Attractiveness 87 1817 Willpower 170 2861
With that last push, all of my Attributes were now over the two-thousand-point threshold for Mental Attributes. With my Willpower clearly entering the three-thousand-point threshold. My Attractiveness, for whatever it is worth was also nearing the two-thousand-point threshold, while my Dexterity had finally met the one-thousand-point threshold. Now that I finally managed to make a few of my personal goals, I realized just how hollow they ultimately were. I don¡¯t feel the difference in Attributes, in fact even now when I am supposed to have gained over two hundred levels cumulatively, I can¡¯t help but feel the same. Or maybe not feeling the same is the wrong way to describe this, maybe this is just some slow onset delay? Regardless of the overall effects, my cumulative total for levels placed me at level 863. This had been nearing the upper-middle for levels among the Midnight Hunters, but seeing as most everyone else likely got the same amount or nearly the equivalent amount of experience from the quests I assume my level would still be near the middle for the Midnight Hunters. As for additional reasons why I might not be feeling the full effects of so many levels is that I right now am missing quite a few advancements. In fact, currently each class has its own upgrade pending.
Akashic Qi Master Level 200 Class Evolution: Trait Ethereal Simulacrums Master Level 250 class evolution: Aura Ethereal Healer Level 300 Class Evolution: (Spell, Perk, Skill, Magic, Trait)
Inwardly I groan, and want to hold off on making any choices, but I realize that if I leave this all to chance I might get stuck with something stupid, especially for my Ethereal Healer bonus. Right now, the idea of the world forcing me to take a spell with not only my primary class, but each additional class seems a bit ridiculous. I also dislike the idea of being forced to take a Magical discipline, versus being able to pick and choose between magic and Qi for my Ethereal Healer class. That of course is until I remember when my daughter is following in my footsteps, well not my footsteps exactly, but the steps of my class. Meaning that if I run crazy here, then Gwen will have a harder time following in my footsteps. With that sobering thought, I decide to slow down, and take a minute to finally realize what is happening and what I want each class to be able to do in the future. Traits are always a bonus, as such, I know that my Ethereal Healer class option will once again be a Trait, which will then lock me in for a new Trait for all three of my classes going forward. With that in mind, I pause and try to think of something that I would want as a Healer that would ultimately allow me to save more lives in the future. Then I realize the number one use of my Healing so far as been either to cure things of the Blight, or to Resurrect others. Pausing for a moment, I try to figure out what would be the best thing for not just myself, but a world filled with Ethereal Healers. While the Blight is one of the biggest detriments we face currently, it doesn¡¯t mean that it will always be an issue. Additionally, as far as I can tell, the one true constant in this world is death. I already have an Ethereal Class Perk that helps with improving my ability to reincarnate others, with my level 50 class perk Reincarnation.
Class Perk: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you can regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free-floating spirit.
While that had been enough for the time, I think that having a whole class Trait devoted to Resurrecting others would make the most sense. As such, that is what I choose.
You have chosen the Ethereal Class Evolutionary Trait: Resurrection as your preferred Level 300 Ethereal Healer evolutionary path?
¡°Yes,¡± I say and think mentally. And like that the first of my three choices comes to fruition.
Class Trait Unlocked: Resurrection: The ability to take a spirit that is otherwise separated from their mortal shell and re-insert the spirit into a similar, or improved version of the mortal shell.
I was glad that there wasn¡¯t too much push back. In my earlier levels I had to wait a week for some of these changes to go through. Now it seemed to think either I would forget in a week, or was done arguing with me over what I wanted and finally accepted that I would choose something that worked for me at the moment and that I would stick with it. Regardless of the reason, I was glad that I was able to work through these options as quickly as possible. Next, while I was already at it, I focused on the Aura I wanted for my Ethereal Simulacrums Master class. For my Ethereal Healer class I chose the safe route of Generic Energy Aura.
Generic Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates 1% of the class owner¡¯s overall magic pool per second. Radius of effect equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura of effect be toggled on and off, at a cost of 0.5% mana per second.
This time I felt that I could make a bit more of a splash, but figured that I could take a potentially future negative hit, if it meant that I could make a greater impact currently. Seeing as I didn¡¯t plan on sharing my Ethereal Simulacrums Master class with anyone else, I realized that I could do something solely for me. Well me and the world. I also realized that this aura would be able to be shared directly by all my Simulacrums and be a constant. Which was even more of a reason to have an aura that could passively fix the world without me having to constantly remember to do so on my own. This was why I decided to go with an aura that will provide a net passive good for the world.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master level 250 class evolution chosen. Blight-Healing Energy Aura.
Blight-Healing Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of Blight related pathogens around the wielder per second. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana consumption. Note: Due to the nature of this aura, stealth and other obfuscation related skills and abilities will be hindered by an additional 25%.
There it was that hidden balance that this world is so known for. While this aura is surprisingly free, it also means that I will stand out like a beacon to anyone with magical sight. Well more of a beacon, as my bloodline already did this. Effectively this would mean that I cannot hide at all, at least not by the means I used to use in my previous life. However, I think I have found a way to hide in an alternate means. Namely, if I either hide in plain sight, where everyone can see me and expect to see me, they will eventually grow numb to me. There is also the fact that I can hide in areas of intense magical disturbances rather easily. Though finding a magical disturbance that can mask my presence might be dangerous or deadly, those are the two scenarios I find myself leaning towards right now. That said, with those two class evolutions out of the way, I find myself once again stuck with finding a worthwhile Trait for my Akashic Qi Master class. Since this class is wholly unique, I know that I won¡¯t need to worry about what others might need or want with this class. As such I find myself once again able to make a strictly selfish choice for my class¡¯s evolutionary path. With my mind realizing this is my chance to be completely selfish, I find myself relaxing even more. This time I equate my choice with being the equivalent of Cassie¡¯s chocolate chip ice cream, sweatpants, and rom-com movie night. That¡¯s right, no one needs to know how much I binge, cry, or eat, as I will be the only witness to what actually happened, and it will be glorious. My last Akashic Qi Master Trait was of course Celerity, and probably the Trait that I have used the most. Well next to Teleportation, Telekinesis, and Telepathy. I have to admit those base Traits are still my favorites, but I have found that I focus the most on Celerity. That said, I realize that the primary types of powers and skills I have been learning for my usage of Qi are either related to devouring the Qi of others, or shattering the cores of others. While the latter does help gain control over a situation quickly, I feel that it is far too violent of an approach towards life. I mean it is a small step from shattering cores of enemies, to their hearts. I pause at that realizing that Mallory might say something if she heard my internal monologue. Then I remembered that I can¡¯t talk to Mallory right now as she is kind of creepy and must work things out between her and my daughter. However, remembering Mallory and her inappropriate swallowing of my finger to see if tasting Qi was better, bleh. Just bleh. But that does make me think that there could be something to that line of logic. Only in so far as absorbing Qi from people at a distance and never letting anyone put anything of mine into their mouths, or anything of theirs into my mouth. Again, just bleh! With that, I loosely form the idea for what I would like my next Trait to be.
Class Trait Unlocked: Qi Devourer. The ability to break down Qi related attacks and abilities and devour a portion of the power used in the attack. Success of breaking apart attack equal to a contested (Willpower X appropriate Skills) versus opponent¡¯s (Willpower X appropriate Skills). Able to consume up to half of energy mitigated by this Trait that will be added to an auxiliar core. Once auxiliary core is completely full of absorbed energy, this Trait cannot be used until stolen Qi is utilized in absorber¡¯s body.
Seeing that Trait, my inner husky girl smiles as if she gets to not only eat all the chocolate ice cream, but everyone else¡¯s chocolate ice cream as well. Finally with the last of my class choices made. I take a deep breath, realizing that I fortunately won¡¯t have to do that again for a while. At least that is my hope. I am lost in this thought when I see Zero coming to me frantically. ¡°Boss, boss.¡± Zero says, Telepathically sending his thoughts into my mind. Though not with my use of Telepathy, kind of odd and I meant to ask him about it, but instead I just focus on how excited he seems to be at the moment. ¡°Yes?¡± I respond. ¡°We need you to come quick, it seems that there is a problem¡­¡± Zero begins, and like that my moment of rest has come to an end, as I realize once again, I need to fix something. ¡°Well, in this case you are fixing your own mistake.¡± Zero chides, apparently reading my mind, and providing his own commentary to my thoughts. And like that, I realize I really can¡¯t let this one go, as apparently it is something I am being accused of. ¡°No accusation, you did it.¡± Zero replies and like that, I wish I could go back in time and choose a Trait that allows me to block my mind from the intrusive thoughts of familiars. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t work, at this range we are able to connect to each other¡¯s thoughts at will.¡± Zero responds. ¡°Okay, now before I think anything that will get me in trouble can you at least tell me what I allegedly did?¡± Chapter 189 Mighty Morphing Pomeranians (Part 1) Chapter 189 Mighty Morphing Pomeranians (Part 1) Okay, so it is fairly irrefutable that I resurrected a sacred cardinal protector. It might also be irrefutable that I put said resurrected spirit into a vessel that was not only a hundred times smaller than the original form, but also had a slightly different shape than previously accounted for. While all the Cardinal Protectors were originally given the shapes of mythical European style dragons, complete with larger than necessary stomachs to account for an abnormally large core. What I managed to do, could be seen as a form of model and innovation. Taking that ungodly stadium sized lizard shape with a seemingly proportional scale of overwhelming power and managing to shrink that down to the size of a much cuter and far more manageable Pomeranian. There are apparently a few issues, namely since I went off the original pigmentations provided, I ended up giving the Pomeranian glowing blue fur, versus keeping the original glowing blue scales. But to my defense a scaley Pomeranian would just look weird. As such I improvised. Honestly, I was sort of impressed with my ability to basically compact the energy held within a soul upon itself while keeping the same level of energy and power but forcing the soul to take on a different form entirely. While I was impressed, the world itself was not, going so far as to note the spell I created was considered an ultimate form of Necromancy. While I remember the warning before, I didn¡¯t think anything of it at the time. However, this has since caused Zero, a spirit dragon and my familiar, to act as a sort of liaison between the four cardinal protectors and myself. ¡°You need to fix this.¡± Zero said, anger and irritation in his voice as he spoke and pointed down at Nagingah, who for her part sat anxiously on the ground and did that cute little forced to sit happy dance that Pomeranians apparently do, complete with wagging her tail excitedly. ¡°What? She is absolutely perfect.¡± I say, while reaching down to scratch Nagingah behind her glowing blue ears. Ruff. Nagingah lets out a cute little bark, followed by a few words that seem to contradict her actions. ¡°You must change me back immediately, I will not stand for this,¡± Nagingah states, while tilting her head and forcing her head and ear into my right hand. I make sure to release a bit of golden and spirit Qi into my scratches to make them extra effective, trying out what I¡¯ve recently learned about the two similar but different forms of energy. ¡°Oh, and what¡¯s so wrong about this, you are so cute and approachable. Not anything like those big brothers and sister of yours. Do you think they will get a head scratch from me?¡± I ask, in my voice that I refer to as my semi-baby coo voice. I¡¯m not proud of it, but when I¡¯m in this state, I can¡¯t seem to help myself. ¡°You don¡¯t understand, I need to be a symbol of peace and prosperity for the lands. In the past just my arrival alone to the Tribunal meetings was enough to broker peaceful resolutions to problems that arose among the inhabitants of the lands.¡±
New Skill Gained: Ancient Cardinal Protector Lore has reached level 1.
Ancient Cardinal Protector Lore is an Intelligence based skill.
Oh, they are bribing me with skills, at this, I know this is good. ¡°Really?¡± I ask, hoping that the Pomeranian will give me more of these sweet skill increases. ¡°Yes. Now I am but a fraction of my former size and glory. While I will admit that there is no loss of power, my size alone, is enough to make the other Cardinal Protectors mock me.¡± ¡°Ahh, I get it. They are body shaming you.¡± I say, realizing that this world is cruel. ¡°NO, they are shaming her for the body that you gave her!¡± Zero cuts in, clearly angry at this. ¡°Right, body shaming,¡± I say to Zero. Then turning back to Nagingah, I say, ¡°don¡¯t worry. I think you are great just the way you are.¡± ¡°Do you hear yourself?¡± Zero cuts in, clearly getting angry. Honestly this is sort of new, as I¡¯ve never seen Zero stick to a cause like this before. Honestly, I kind of like it, as it shows that Zero will stand up for himself, or at least a cause he believes in. ¡°Clearly, kind of hard not to with these ears.¡± I say, flipping my long pointy elven ears. ¡°Look, will you help Nagingah out or not?¡± Zero finally demands, and like that I am made aware that I have unlocked a specialty quest.
Specialty Unique Quest Unlocked: Fixing Mistakes (Personal-Unique): Your familiar Zero has informed you of an issue involving a fellow dragon. Nagingah a dragon you resurrected into the form of a Pomeranian is having body issues and wishes to be changed back into her normal form. Help Nagingah regain her natural form and repair your relationship with Zero. Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Improved Relationship with Zero. Note: Refusing this quest will start an irrevocable rift between you and your familiar.
Wow, I had kind of pushed for the quest angle, but didn¡¯t realize that Zero was actually getting angry at the whole situation. Well, I realized it, but didn¡¯t realize exactly how far Zero had gone down the path of resentment. Good to note, Zero might have a thing for Nagingah the dragon and not as a Pomeranian. ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll fix her.¡± I say, realizing that I can¡¯t refuse this quest, as I don¡¯t want to lose Zero. Especially not after I have gone this far to make sure he is a part of my life. Also, I guess I kind of had this coming as the world itself really seems against the path of forcefully changing things on it. Maybe this is Karma in a way. ¡°You will? Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you.¡± Nagingah says, jumping up onto me and knocking me down with her overexcited pounce. Crunch. Yep, I did a great job on that conversion, as apparently even the mass of Nagingah is the same as her giant dragon form, it is just a lot more compact in this smaller Pomeranian form. The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. I can feel my bones breaking and cracking from the pressure. ¡°Oh, oh, I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Nagingah offers, rolling off of me in an instant, but the damage is done. My ribs are cracked, my right femur is shattered and I am having a hard time taking in a breath of air. Wheeze. ¡°All good.¡± I respond, as I immediately begin Healing myself. If that wasn¡¯t a warning of why having an overly powered Pomeranian was bad, I couldn¡¯t find a better reason. Dusting myself I am finally capable of standing up a few seconds later. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry. It¡¯s just that everyone who looked at me couldn¡¯t figure out what exactly you did. Then hearing that it was you, no one even wanted to attempt to try to combat your magic thinking that they would cause more damage than good. And well, I guess you could say I was desperate.¡± Nagingah said. ¡°Yeah.¡± I manage, then begin looking at Nagingah, trying to figure out how I could magically Resurrect a new body for her. ¡°If it hadn¡¯t been for Zero here, I don¡¯t think I would have ever had the courage to even ask you. I mean you did save my life, and I did understand that you were on a time crunch at the time. What with trying to get my older protective brother from trying to destroy your whole civilization and all.¡± Nagingah said, and I swear I could see the faintest form of a blush coming to Zero¡¯s face. ¡°Oh, it was nothing.¡± Zero says, blushing even brighter. Seeing his reaction, I smile as I suddenly understand why Zero was so adamant that I fix this mistake. Seeing and feeling Zero¡¯s embarrassment from being praised, I can¡¯t help but smile on my own, as I realize Zero might be a bit lonely as a dragon. Actually, I really want to encourage this, especially as it means that Zero might want to come back here more often. Mentally, I am kicking myself as I don¡¯t want to have to kill Nagingah again, in order to Resurrect her back into a larger form. Especially as I got a warning about doing that with her. Now doing the same thing by taking an already condensed soul and stretching it out to fill a larger vessel seems like I am just asking for karma or vindictive warnings to come down and smite me. Also, with Zero clearly showing interest in the dragon, I can¡¯t see him enjoying the idea of causing mortal damage to the dragon. There is the idea that I could potentially pull out the soul of the dragon and place it into another vessel, but that seems extra-necromanticy. No, there are no good solutions. At least that was what I thought, until I realized that I had effectively been the guideline for what I was supposed to do. Or at least that was the way I was inferring the quest rewards I had just been given. In particular the new title and bloodline markers I had been given for removing Flumberro¡¯s power.
Title Gained: Core Master: Your ability to destroy, create, or otherwise work with cores is improved greatly. Effect +25% skill efficacy while focusing on an individual¡¯s core.
Then there was the bloodline markers for uniting the land.
Bloodline Evolution Perk marked. Bloodline Evolution Markers Gained: Mana and Qi core manipulation markers identified.
At the time I thought they were oddly incongruent, but now I wonder if they were placed as a subtle reminder of what I was supposed to do now. ¡°Why is her tongue sticking out like that?¡± Nagingah asked in an overly loud stage whisper to Zero. ¡°Shh, this is her coming up with something crazy look. You need to give her a moment to finish her thoughts, otherwise she might mess up.¡± Zero replies back in that same overly loud stage whisper. Gah. I was about to say I wasn¡¯t doing that, but then I realized I first needed to pull my tongue back into my mouth to speak. ¡°All right, the way I see it, we have two options to get you back into your natural form.¡± I begin. With this both Zero and Nagingah are both staring at me. It is odd how good Zero is at pretending to be able to see, I have that thought then dismiss it as it is something we have both learned to do together. ¡°The first way, and the way I do not recommend is that we remove your spirit entirely from your current body and grabbing your spirit force it into a larger body that I will need to create from mana alone and fuse your free-floating spirit into that new form. This will be similar to what I did originally, all except using a form that your body will be able to adjust to naturally.¡± I state. Both of them think about this, but then seem to come to the same question. ¡°Okay, but what exactly is so wrong with this process?¡± ¡°We would have to kill you. Or maybe just forcefully rip out your soul from your body and then make sure we got all the free-floating pieces and then squish them into a larger vessel that your spirit might or might not adjust to, potentially losing part of your power and by extension who you are in the process.¡± I sate. With that they both seem to cower slightly. Well Nagingah cowers, Zero on the other hand looks pissed. ¡°No, absolutely not. That is unacceptable.¡± Zero shouts. Smiling inwardly, I am glad that Zero rose to the bait as it seems that Nagingah took that moment to truly look at Zero and how much effort he was going to go for her. ¡°Exactly, which is why I will pose option two, which does not require any killing, ripping out of souls, or shoving souls into new bodies.¡± I say, pausing on that last part before realizing I was factually correct, though I was toeing the line there. ¡°And just what exactly is this second option of yours?¡± Zero asks, a harsh edge to his words as he is clearly defensive of Nagingah. ¡°Simple really,¡± I say first to Zero, then turning back to Nagingah I lock eyes with her. Or at least I try to, never can quite tell if I¡¯m looking at someone in the eyes. ¡°I modify a portion of your core to allow you to effectively morph into your natural form for as long as you want. In that, your body, core and all your power will remain the same, just your size will adjust to the way you are normally. Then once you are done you will just revert back to your current size, if an when you so choose.¡± I state. There is a pause as Nagingah looks to Zero, ¡°is what she saying even possible? Can someone really modify the cores of others?¡± ¡°She is the one who both single handedly shattered and then healed the core of your older brother. She is also the same one who modified her friend¡¯s core to be more mana efficient on markers. If anyone can do this, she can.¡± Zero said, clearly speaking of my work on improving Mallory¡¯s core. I also did the same for Gwen and a few others, but that is besides the point. ¡°Can I have a second to speak with my brothers and sister?¡± Nagingah asked. ¡°Take all the time you need.¡± I respond. Then with that she leaves. Zero looks from Nagingah to me, then back. All it takes is a simple gesture and me saying, ¡°go,¡± for him to get the clue and follow after her. With that, I watch as the four Cardinal Protectors all gather around talking. Then after a minute Zero arrives and apparently gives an impassioned speech. At least I think it is impassioned, as he is using his claws to gesticulate wildly, pointing back towards me every so often. After a few more minutes the four Cardinal Protectors talk amongst themselves. Then finally Nagingah gestures for Zero to leave. Slightly dejectedly Zero drops his shoulders then begins to do his slink-flying thing he does to get over by my side. Once he gest over to me, I ask the important question. ¡°You like her don¡¯t you?¡± Zero looks shocked at first, but then asks. ¡°Is it that easy to tell?¡± ¡°It is for me, but then again I think I know you fairly well by this point.¡± I reply. ¡°That only makes it worse. I mean she is a Cardinal Protector from the time of the Tribunals. Do you know what that means?¡± ¡°She is in the MILF or GMILF category for you?¡± I pose. ¡°No, it means she is effectively royalty. Not just royalty but supreme royalty. I can¡¯t compare to her.¡± He states, dejectedly. ¡°Well aren¡¯t you some type of royalty as well? I mean isn¡¯t that what we were supposed to find at the heart of Arcanarus Tower?¡± I ask. ¡°Maybe. I mean, I think my mother is important, but I don¡¯t know. Also, until I actually meet her and earn her blessing, her status means nothing as I will just be the equivalent of a disinherited disgrace that even his own mother won¡¯t acknowledge.¡± Zero states, pure anguish in his voice as he speaks. Hearing that, I didn¡¯t realize that there was so much politics involved in dragon affairs, though I guess there should be. Now I can see why that great turtle gave us the quest so long ago to find Zero¡¯s mother. ¡°Well, that just means we need to go find your mother and get her to accept you as her child. Forcefully if necessary.¡± I state, flexing my fist in a faux form of force. ¡°Please don¡¯t even imply that you will hurt my mother if we find her.¡± Zero asks. ¡°Of course not.¡± I say, and before I can go any further we both pause as the four Cardinal Guardians break up their little conference and all come towards us at once. Rumble. Even with just three Cardinal Protectors in their natural forms, they are easily large enough to cause minor tremors and earthquakes to rattle all around us. When they arrive, Nagingah is the only one who speaks. ¡°I have decided to take you up on your offer of altering my core to allow me to transform into my natural state. While this isn¡¯t ideal, it is better than the alternate method you posed of forceful murder and then subsequent resurrection.¡± Nagingah states, then pausing for a second she continues. ¡°That said, should anything untoward happen to me, my brothers and sister here will avenge me by killing you, your familiar and destroying all the lands that your guild has painstakingly claimed. Is that understood?¡± I pause, taking in a deep breath trying to calm myself. ¡°Just so we are clear. I don¡¯t take well to threats. Know that the only reason why I am even contemplating this operation, one that I don¡¯t need to perform and only serves to take up my time and efforts. Efforts that you spit at with your apparent discontent, is because of my friend Zero. Who for some odd unexplainable reason found something worth redeeming in you. Know that it is for his sake and his alone that I will do this, and not because you are threatening me. Do I make myself clear?¡± As I speak, I spark my Qi to reinforce my body in case this creature decides to lunge at me again, while also preparing a spell within my mind of what I would do as a way to disable this creature and her three other guardians. There is moment of stillness, I can tell Zero is the first to crack as he looks like he is about to say something. To stop him, I hold up a finger and all but demand that Zero back down right now. Zero, apparently realizing that I will easily leave here and never bother with this Pomeranian princess again stops and just shoots a hopeful gaze at Nagingah. While this happens the other three Guardians take a step forward. Then before they could do anything stupid, support came, in the most unlikely of forms. Chapter 190 Mighty Morphing Pomeranians (Part 2) Chapter 190 Mighty Morphing Pomeranians (Part 2) It was the old Pomeranian stand-off. Me staring down a Pomeranian who despite being normal dimensions for a Pomeranian, was nearly up to mid-thigh, at least while sitting down and having her head elevated. Right now, however, Nagingah was not sitting down. In fact, now Nagingah and her fellow Guardians were staring down angrily at me, even going so far as to threaten my territory. I must admit that at this point I was feeling hostile. This was not a good look for Zero¡¯s future girlfriend. At least not if he wanted me to give a glowing recommendation for this future pick. It was clear that from his speech at least that Zero thought he was punching up in weight class, as this was clearly a dragon princess, which was a big deal apparently. It turns out that while Zero might technically be royalty, his current status as an unaccepted bastard dragon makes him actually lower in the eyes of dragons. At least that was the impression I got from our conversation. So in addition to planning a wedding, avoiding a wedding night where I have to sleep with my freak of a best friend to avoid her breaking up a good relationship with my daughter. In addition to teaching classes and exploring the Arcanarus Tower to get a bachelor¡¯s degree of all things, I now also need to both etch the core of this Pomeranian Princess, and then find Zero¡¯s mother and all but force her to accept Zero as a good kid worthy of her blessing. You know simple things, should be done by Tuesday. GRRR! Just when I thought I would have to take on all four guardians alone, as I didn¡¯t want Zero to feel conflicted with which side to take. I heard and then felt the appearance of not one but two Dire Phase wolves appeared. The largest and most pregnant of the two clearly cultivating power. ¡°You?¡± Nagingah asked, fear filling her words. I had a hard time understanding if this was a Pomeranian¡¯s natural fear of a larger pack animal, or if this was a reticent fear of the guardians against all Dire Phase wolves. ¡°How did the defilers survive? We cursed their kind long ago.¡± Flumberro hissed, drawing closer, but staying a good distance away from the two dire phase wolves that now stood on both sides of me. ¡°These defilers, as you call them, are my friends. They have been given free passage and sanctuary here. I will even be the godmother to their litter.¡± Hiss. The dragons all hissed at this, even Nagingah seemed to cower in fear. I don¡¯t know what exactly caused the hissing, whether it was the fact that they had been given sanctuary to the same lands these Guardians were sworn to protect, or if it was the thought of a litter of puppies coming that should all be able to cultivate. Regardless, I used the momentary silence to continue talking. ¡°Just as the rest of you lot have. Though I have a half a mind to make it so you four are banished from these lands forever if you keep this up.¡± I state defiantly. ¡°You¡¯d dare?¡± Nagingah hisses. ¡°I would, and remember that you all are the ones who dare defy the sanctuary of these lands with your constantly hostile actions.¡± I reply. There seems to be a momentary pause. These are my lands, well the lands that have been claimed by my guild. I can feel my Guild title that increases my Attributes and Skills going in full effect here.
Guild Title: Land Protectors: Your Guild¡¯s Successful defense of your land will be proportional to a skill and attribute increase while defending your guild lands from any current or future threats. Current Skill and Attribute Bonus received while defending Guild Lands: + 100%.
There is a momentary pause, as I let my fully enhanced power course through my body. I sprout my wings and rise up to air, getting ready to perform aerial combat, at least I am prepared to defend myself in the air. Mr. Kujo for his part chose that exact moment to disappear. I can feel him, slinking around and getting in position to bite the Pomeranian Princess from behind in one decisive strike. There is a moment where tension is allowed to build up, before finally a voice of reason erupts. ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Thunderclap. As the voice cries out, the very heavens themselves seem to answer as we all turn to Zero. Well, everyone but Ms. Kujo, Mr. Kujo and myself. The three of us are all still in position. ¡°I said enough!¡± Zero cries out again, this time elongating himself with that odd Trait of his that allows him to enlarge his size. This time he is much longer than he was previously, able to take up nearly three times more length than he did while battling the rock head creature. ¡°Look, I can see why you all feel threatened. You all lost. Let me repeat that, you all lost. As part of that, my friend here took it upon herself to make sure that not only were all of you allowed to live, but that you were allowed to stay on these lands that are most sacred to you. But you lost.¡± Zero begins. At that, I nod happy with the fact that Zero finally showed some backbone and stood up to his crush. ¡°And you,¡± Zero says, rounding his large form on me. I don¡¯t move to look at him, but he can tell that he has my full attention. ¡°You need to calm down. Can¡¯t you see that you are frightening them? That they see you as a bully and a trickster? That they aren¡¯t prepared for some form of chicanery on your part.¡± ¡°Chicanery?¡± I ask, equal parts flabbergasted and impressed that these four would think that highly of me. Judging by the look on their faces, it is clear that they all agree. Each slightly nodding their snouts in agreement at the comment. ¡°You all afraid of me?¡± I ask, pointing to myself as if that will help them find who is talking. They all nod. ¡°I¡¯m just a healer.¡± I state. There is a moment of silence as everyone just stares at me dumbfounded. Chuffing. I pause, taking a moment to realize that the only sound is coming from my right, from the side where Ms. Kujo is standing. I look to make sure she is okay, and find her ribs all but bursting with movement as if she is coughing. For a moment I am frightened that she inhaled something that is causing her to look weak for the moment, especially in front of all of these potential enemies, when I realize. ¡°You are laughing?¡± The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. And like that the sounds of laughter ring out, from Zero, then from the Pomeranian who looks more relieved than anything while laughing. ¡°Oh you had us there.¡± Nagingah states, while laughing a little deeper. With this the other guardians also laugh. ¡°Wait, I frighten you?¡± I ask. ¡°You do realize that you are the one threat that Mallory said she would unleash upon any of these Guardians who dared to go back on their words of fealty, right?¡± Zero asks. I pause, vaguely remembering something like that, but that was clearly a joke, right? I mean who would be frightened of me? I¡¯m harmless. Well, mostly harmless, like that book. ¡°Huh.¡± I manage, not really agreeing or disagreeing, but at least acknowledging that I heard Zero. ¡°Yes, I must apologize for my actions. You offered what would be a great boon to me, and I couldn¡¯t help but think that this was part of your long term plan of corruption.¡± Nagingah begins. ¡°Corruption?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, draw us in, offer us power and abilities that are beyond expectation and then eventually demanding things from us for our continued access to our gifts.¡± Nagingah states. ¡°What? You honestly think I think that far ahead? Also, that I am such a mastermind that I would go create a temporary body for you that I forced your spirit in, knowing that you would come to me after you already bound yourself to my guild leader for what?¡± I ask. Silence. Apparently, they did not think this far ahead. Though I guess trusting necromancers was a foolish endeavor, and according to the system, that was exactly what I had partaken in by forcing this spirit into a non-standard host. Though I can see the logic, I feel I need to still set the record straight, so I continue. ¡°Also, you realize that if I really wanted to, when I forced your soul into the new body, I could have altered the core to do whatever I wanted?¡± I was about to add the fact that copying the core over was a lot easier and less time consuming but didn¡¯t think that being considered a lazy necromancer would help in this situation. ¡°I did not think of that.¡± Nagingah states, with a bit of contrition in her words. With that I nod. ¡°Well, are you ready to get this over? I¡¯ll let your fellow guardians watch if that puts you at ease. Though I will ask that they remain quiet during the procedure.¡± I state. Nagingah for her part looks back towards her fellow guardians and then gives a head nod. I pause, then turn to Zero. At this moment I feel sort of betrayed by Zero, but at the same time I sort of get it. This is karma for my evil action. While it was a joke, I would not take it as a joke to have my own soul shoved into a different body. For a moment I think about being shoved into the body of Rob and shudder at the idea. No, this was clearly a bad idea, and now that I have had more time to reflect I can see this as part of my penance. ¡°Will you be my nurse during this operation?¡± I ask. ¡°Right away.¡± Zero says, shrinking down to regular size and then pulling out a white doctor¡¯s coat. At least I think it is white? ¡°What should I do?¡± Nagingah asks, a bit nervous at all the sudden attention on her. ¡°I need you to lie down on your back and hold completely still.¡± I state. With that Nagingah rolls over, all four paws dangling in the air, her tail tucked over her privates in modesty or fear. For his part Zero moves in, grabbing the front right paw, and using his body to brace Nagingah¡¯s body still. Nodding to Zero, I move in, placing my hand right over the heart of Nagingah, and open my third eye. Gasp. I hear everyone gasp, well everyone but Zero and the Kujos. Ms. Kujo for her part has taken to just lying down. While Mr. Kujo has interceded himself as a solitary bodyguard sitting down and staring up at the three Guardians who are all staring on at me in care and trepidation. That is when I begin carving. The symbols are easy to find and to make. Especially as I have Zero right there as a sort of template to copy. His core has the Trait for increasing his size in there automatically. That is easy to note and copy. The only difference is that I need to come up with the runes on Transmutation, Dragons, Natural Form, and Natural Size. I link those three together, with the conversion of power runes that Zero has and slowly over time begin carving that intricate design into Nagingah¡¯s core. The process isn¡¯t easy, as her core is a lot stronger than most I have had to work on. While I did create and shatter Flumberro¡¯s core, there is a stark difference between creating a core, destroying one, and lightly modifying a core to improve its overall efficacy. Still, this is a small price to pay for this opportunity, it¡¯s not every day that you get the system to all but tell you to carve into someone¡¯s core and try to give them powers that have to be both proportional and limited in some way. In this case, the limitation will be the forever lack of portion of the core, while Nagingah is in her native form. As I carve, I realize that the most important part of this is intent. The intent to transition, to have it take up a set amount of energy when in use and then no more. I also want the power of the Pomeranian to seemingly scale with the water princess, once she takes on her true form. There is a give and a take, I find myself focusing deeply trying to write as small as possible, knowing that the more skill and precision I take in carving this design, the less overall power that will need to be held in reserve for Nagingah, while she is in her natural state. Well, when she is transformed into her previous natural state. Fortunately, her soul and willpower kept her at the same exact size and shape. This is good, as it means she has not lost too much of herself in this process. Granted it has been less than a day since she died, Resurrected and then asked to be changed back from what I Resurrected her into, but anything is possible with such forced changes. At least, that is what I am gathering. Had Nagingah been slightly less strong willed she might not have survived this transition. Which is good, as had she been less strong willed, she might not have felt confident enough to forcefully demand to be changed back. Everything is in place, then I just add a border that shows both permanence and cutting off this section of her core forever for performing this very task. With the last lines of the border getting etched into her core, I feel something click into place both in her core, and in my mind. Chime. There is a nearly perfect note that I hear signifying that I have managed to do achieve the seemingly impossible. Not only did I make it so that Nagingah could transition into her natural body, it was mostly her ideal version of her body. The way her mind¡¯s eye of today captured all her strength and prowess, removing a few of the skin rolls and scabs that I vaguely remember existing before the transformation. Phew. I let out my breath and take a step back and try to stand up slowly. Fortunately, I am still weightless, so even if I do begin to pass out, I find myself just floating in the air. Seeing that I am done, Zero already begins on the after part, the patient care portion of the whole procedure. ¡°How do you feel?¡± Zero asks, taking this moment to move in closely and hover his face right over top of Nagingah¡¯s Pomeranian snout. I nod to myself realizing that I will use this time to do my standing Meditations, while viewing Nagingah from a distance, while also taking a moment to replenish my exceedingly low mana reserves. Carving into a blindingly bright core of an extremely powerful guardian sent to be the final protector of the land is both blindingly bright, and time consuming. Now that I am done, I find myself blinking away the bright colors before my third eye. Though obviously blinking does little to help my eyes, and seems to mostly be a reflex that can¡¯t be avoided for me at this point. I almost wonder if there will be a true purpose for my blinking in the future, but stop myself as I see Zero gingerly helping Nagingah over and helping her to her feet. ¡°All right, now slowly, channel energy into your core, and try to find the new spot that has been taken up with carvings.¡± Zero begins. I watch as power surges into the core, no measure of restraint or control, just empty one second and then a full flood of energy the next. Whoosh! And like that Nagingah not only found the new soul brand in her core, but managed to activate it. ¡°Okay, that works too.¡± Zero says, now sitting on top of the great water dragon¡¯s snout. ¡°How did I? What is this?¡± Nagingah asks, then swirls her head around. A non-weightless Zero would have been thrown to his death at such a maneuver. Zero for his part just took to floating in air and stared at Nagingah, until she was done panicking. ¡°Okay, so you see and feel your body. Since we are here, we might as well trying moving about.¡± ¡°My paws? I mean, claws?¡± She says holding up her massive mitts into the air. Then having to reel back to support her trying to look at her claws without tilting her head too much nearly falls over. Chuffing. Seeing Nagingah look almost lost while inside her own skin, Ms. Kujo can¡¯t help but laugh at the ridiculous situation. As for me, I too find it funny, but not wanting to laugh at my patient¡¯s hardship decide to give Zero a chance to be the hero here. ¡°You got this Zero?¡± I shout out. Zero for his part just waves one claw in affirmation that he heard me, while never taking his eyes away from Nagingah. Seeing that he is still focused on this new crush, I turn to Ms. Kujo, ¡°well looks like our job here is done.¡± With that I turn and find that Mr. and Ms. Kujo are both following me, a sign of unified power clearly evident in their posture. ¡°Do you think we should point out that this perfect princess that Zero has the hots for is literally called Nagging? Well nagging- AH!¡± I state, making sure to stress the last part of her name. Chuffing. This time both Mr. and Ms. Kujo both laugh at that. ¡°Yeah, best we let him learn that lesson on his own.¡± I agree. *** (An hour later) I have finally managed to get to a point where I can rest. I gave Ms. Kujo one more cultivation lesson and a quick check for helping me stand up to those guardians. Then give a quick lesson to Mr. Kujo as well, but still to no success. I figure the lack of success might be due to lack of proper motivation, seeing as Mr. Kujo likely isn¡¯t as motivated to learn about cultivating to keep his feet from swelling as Ms. Kujo was. As far as I can tell, it is nearing two AM, meaning I have about two solid hours before I will need to start getting ready to once again teach my early rising cultivation students. Prepared for how groggy I will be after just two hours of sleep, I prepare myself as I am nearly ready to finally relax and sleep for the first time since I rested in silky-soft Kujo fur. It had been quiet for hours, and clearly nothing was burning and no major catastrophes were going to pop-up, which was why I finally allowed myself the chance to sit down and rest. Of course, that is the exact moment that a frantic Zero flies in, apparently recognizes me and then darts right towards me. ¡°There you are.¡± Zero begins, nearly out of breath, then continues, ¡°this is the real you right?¡± ¡°Of course, it is, who else would I be?¡± I ask. ¡°Well considering I just spent an hour trying to get your doppelganger of King De¡¯Arcaneri to talk to me, only to realize he couldn¡¯t see me the same way you can. I decided to look around and find the real you.¡± Zero states. ¡°Oh, so even you can¡¯t tell the difference between my doppelgangers and me?¡± I ask, mildly surprised. Then I wonder if my choosing of the odd Blight-Healing Energy Aura, might actually do the job I wanted. Namely, making it so it is hard to distinguish me from my other doppelgangers. ¡°No, the fact that you somehow learned to make it so your doppelgangers can take on your forms doesn¡¯t help matters either.¡± ¡°Huh.¡± I say, smiling to myself glad that I might be able to come up with a way to hide my actions in the future. Or at least make it harder to pin a crime on me versus one of my doppelgangers. ¡°Wait, I completely forgot what I have been trying to find you for, for this past hour.¡± Zero states, as frustration fills his voice. ¡°What is it that has a burr up your¡­¡± I begin, but find myself cut off. ¡°It is about the alterations you did to Nagingah¡¯s core.¡± Zero begins. ¡°Is she okay?¡± I ask suddenly concerned. ¡°Yes, more than okay actually. She even wanted me to tell you thank you for making her appear in her ideal form.¡± Zero commented. ¡°Okay, so what is the problem?¡± ¡°Well the problem isn¡¯t necessarily with her, but rather the others.¡± ¡°The others?¡± ¡°Yes, it seems that they too would like to undergo similar alterations to their cores, as they are all jealous of their older sister.¡± Zero says, a look of hope filling his face. Groan. And like that, I realize that any chance I have of sleeping will be lost if I do this and that the only time I really have time to do this would be now, otherwise it will have to wait until after my classes are over. I pause, then realize I haven¡¯t even asked the important question yet. ¡°Have you even gotten a date from all this effort I¡¯ve been putting into this?¡± I ask. ¡°Well, about that¡­¡± Chapter 191 I Solemnly Swear, That I Am Up To… Chapter 191 I Solemnly Swear, That I Am Up To¡­ Sometimes life throws you a curveball at the exact right time, when you least expect it, but somehow still manage to take advantage of it all the same. Smiling brightly, I couldn¡¯t help but think of all the evil possibilities that were suddenly possible. Of all the things that I could now do. No, not just me, but the things that five of me could do at one time. I didn¡¯t even know how such a fortuitous opportunity dropped in my lap. Yet, I had been given the ultimate form of freedom. ¡°You okay?¡± Zero asks, a note of concern in his voice. ¡°Yes.¡± I reply, realizing that I need to regain my composure. I mean just a moment ago, I had been trying to be a wingwoman for my dragon familiar, by hooking him up on a date with a dragon princess. Yet, on our way towards me performing three invasive surgeries on three seemingly angry cardinal protectors, I had been angry on multiple levels. First, I was angry that the nagging dragon princess would try to push herself between myself and Zero. Secondly, I was angry with myself for giving the princess so much leverage that it almost worked. Third, I was angry that despite everything Zero had not been properly rewarded for his efforts. Then fourthly, I was angry at the fact that any chance I had at sleeping before I would be expected to teach classes was taken away by these surgeries. Granted I could likely get Zero to sleep for me as a tattoo, but that meant we would not have a chance to bond, something we clearly needed. All of that was going through my mind and filling me with apprehension. Yet, it had all been washed away by a simple system notification.
Dear Retiree: Cassiopeia Spiritlight, We regret to inform you that after performing a routine audit of your initial upload settings a few things were noted. First and foremost was the fact that you helped us identify a flaw in the programming logic for the system. Which ultimately meant that during the time of your initial uploading procedure you were effectively charged for 164 points in flaws (not including Blind which was a biproduct of your taking Angel¡¯s Sight), while only being able to spend 157 of those points towards merits. This disparity means that you need to be given a seven-point base in flaws, plus three additional points in accrued compound interest for a total of ten points that can be spent on any merit(s) you wish. Additionally, the audit showed that your Precocious merit was actually at the highest setting of being 4 times normal speed and will now note these corrections accordingly in your status window. Precocious (7): Learn Skills at least Twice (four times) as quickly. (Only available at character creation). Note: This change in Merit status was done independently of any corrective actions taken or noted by you. Please feel free to choose from the list of available merits, including but not limited to merits only available at character creation. Or let us know what you feel an appropriate ten-point merit could be? We look forward to fixing this discrepancy and hope that you continue to enjoy your retirement. Sincerely BiPrism Chief Administrators
Yes, they gave me carte blanche and let me choose a package that I thought would find suitable for effectively being at a detriment for the past seven years of my life. Looking through the options, I was sort of glad I didn¡¯t have a chance to spend these earlier as I would have likely wasted them on something that was ultimately unnecessary. I also liked the fact that my Precocious merit seemed to accurately reflect my use of the merit. While I never found learning new things tough, I did think I learned at a rate that was slightly faster than just double what most people were capable of learning at. The fact that it was actually four times base speed helped out, as that was the apparent maximum for the merit. It also meant that I wouldn¡¯t need to spend seven of my ten points on re-purchasing the same merit in order to increase my learning speed. So, I had ten points in Merits. Before this only a few other Merits got to that range, most of which were my Traits that I started with, or my Angel¡¯s Sight. This brought up a few problems, for if I had taken the time to create my repeatable potion that would allow me to increase my number of base Traits by one, I could use the ten points to get a random extra Trait. Again, something that was completely unnecessary at the moment, as I felt I had quite a lot of Traits to use at the moment. Each of which added their own degree of capability. No, what I needed most right now was the ability to gain anonymity when I wanted it. I spent the first seven years of my life running around like an unseen ghost wandering into places, stealing quest items and never leaving a hint of my presence in any place I went to. Now, I had to keep perfectly still thanks to my bloodline flaws that made me stand out like a beacon. I could feel the effect of my bloodline from both my daughter and son, who all but glowed like a torchlight to my Angel¡¯s Sight, and magically enhanced senses. I also knew for a fact that I gave off waves of energy to even those who had no presence magically. Given the fact that my bloodline could awaken the latent magical potential in anyone I touched and this fact would seemingly become obvious. That said, I felt like there was a constant target on me. That thanks to these bloodline flaws, I was all but forced to remain good. Not that I minded being good, but there is a stark difference between being able to be good and being forced to be good because you feel like everyone in the world is always able to spot you. The fact that I finally found a way to hide myself amongst my other Simulacrums was a small victory, but ultimately meaningless. It would always be clear that I would be one or the other of my Simulacrums, regardless of how I managed to hide myself. That was why this opportunity was perfect. I did notice a few things, namely the fact that I couldn¡¯t get rid of one of my remaining flaws. While I was fairly certain that I could easily correct my vision problems by now using magic, I knew that such an endeavor would be ultimately pointless. Mainly due to the fact that I have become so used to using Angel¡¯s Sight, that I don¡¯t know how to operate without it. That would mean that of my remaining flaws, only Dark Horse really remained as a viable flaw to eliminate, particularly as I doubt the game would randomly Resurrect my parents to help me get rid of my Orphan flaw. Not that the Orphan flaw meant anything now that I was officially old enough to get a class and therefore unbound by the lack of a parental unit in my life. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Taking everything into consideration, it became clear to me that the main focus of this rather large appeasement was due to the company wanting to keep my Dark Horse flaw intact. Meaning that I would not be able to make money from my own feeds, which logically meant I was being used as an auxiliary source of funding due to the company effectively owning any and all feeds from not just me, but my four Simulacrums as well. Realizing that this was the case, I attempted to be as judicious as possible with my request. At first, I went overboard, demanding the removal of the Dark Horse flaw so that I could provide revenue streaming for my remaining family members. This of course was vehemently denied, meaning that my suspicions were correct in that the company saw me as a media goldmine. I had expected as much from hearing Mallory and the others speak about me and my feeds. Apparently, even my Healing Simulacrum has a steady stream of watchers, who only watch to see the gore of healing injured spirits and traveling players. My Second Simulacrum on the two hundredth floor similarly has a following, but mainly due to the way SS interacts with the fairies who own that floor, as the ghost fairies are seen as particularly attractive. Now that I have two more Simulacrums and am clearly gearing up to do something with them all, the company wants me to accept the purchase conditions for my ten merit points quickly, so the temporary ban on my streams can be released by the governing AI that is apparently standing in as a neutral arbiter in this negotiation. From my previous interactions on dealing with getting Unique Class specific Traits approved, I could feel the AI being in use, reading my thoughts and providing almost immediate feedback. Which was how I ended up coming up with the absolute perfect merit. Well, a perfect merit for me. All ten points went towards the creation of a perfect merit. One that would forever allow me brief moments of anonymity. The merit I ultimately got was aptly titled Confidentiality (10). What it did was made it so, I felt I had a bit of breathing room to be me. Well, to be more me, if that is possible.
Confidentiality (10): For up to a total of three hours a day, you can interrupt your live-stream feeds from your main consciousness and all of your Simulacrums simultaneously for up to three consecutive hours. This time will reset at midnight of the location of your primary consciousness. During the time when Confidentiality is activated, all bloodline flaws denoting magical abilities and capabilities will be muted. All livestream feeds will be set to a loop of the last thirty minutes before the time frame was activated. Note: Once the time for Confidentiality is reset, all prior actions over the past three hours can be viewed from any entity, including the primary consciousness. The only discretion is that the primary consciousness of Cassiopeia Spiritlight will be able to permanently redact up to three minutes of incriminating activities per daily Confidentiality session.
Yes, with this merit I was still able to be viewed, anything I did could and would be able to be used against me. But for those three hours I would be hidden to both anyone able to see or feel magical abilities in others, and from those watching my actions and reporting them into others. It wasn¡¯t perfect, not by a long shot, but it did give me the wiggle room I so desperately needed. Not that I plan on doing anything bad but knowing that I now have the ability to perform with anonymity, the same way I had been able to thanks to the Media Blackout ability that Hector got as my Thieves Guild handler made me realize that the ghost could be back in business. At the very least, it meant I could move around without fear of everyone being able to track my each and every movement. Also, one thing I made sure to check was the fact that it wasn¡¯t continuous, meaning that once I started, I didn¡¯t have to use all three hours in one go. I could use it three times for an hour each, or as many times until I reached the three-hour threshold for the day. It was also worded that I could reset the timer and theoretically work six hours in a row, if I was so inclined. Yes, just thinking about it, my mind already went towards ways to push the boundaries of what would be decent. I almost felt bad for having such thoughts, but then realized that the game all but made me a walking talking blazing inferno of magic that drew every magic users¡¯ eyes towards her. The fact that I was now able to hide that power, if even for a few moments was priceless to me. Which of course was why I found myself smiling brightly, as I realized I could use the power for the first time right here, while engraving different functions into the cores of Cardinal Guardians. I thought about it, and then stopped myself as I realized right now, no one knew of this change. As even Zero didn¡¯t seem to recognize the change in me. Which made sense as it seemed that this conciliatory prize was something that was both urgent and something that would require an NDA for my silence.
Non-Disclosure Agreement: This is a legally binding agreement that states that one Cassiopeia Spiritlight will lose any and all rights to further compensation from the BiPrism world due to gross negligence of enacting the initial startup agreement between the parties. As part of the reconciliation on behalf of BiPrism for over seven years of negligence, Cassiopeia Spiritlight agrees to drop any future claims against the company from this negligence by receiving the aforementioned Confidentiality Merit (10) from the company. While Cassiopeia Spiritlight is capable of informing others that they have the newly acquired Merit, they are unable to explain where or how they gained access to the Merit in question, or the process through which the Merit was negotiated. Note: As part of Cassiopeia Spiritlight¡¯s signing of tis NDA, she wishes to have it be so any future publications of her Status to purchasers will not include this Merit in any way, shape, form, or semblance thereof. Furthermore, any disclosure of Cassiopeia Spiritlight having gained an additional merit due to negligence of handling this information will result in an additional ten points of Merits being awarded to Cassiopeia Spiritlight, and the doubling the effectiveness of her current Merit¡¯s abilities.
Yes, working through the mental commands necessary to sign away any chance of my being able to sue the company, or anyone being able to sue the company on my behalf was ridiculous, but it did ensure that I not only had a Merit that allowed me and all my Simulacrums to move about freely for up to three hours a day, but it also meant that if the company made the fact that I had such a merit known in any way shape or form, then not only would the Merit¡¯s duration double, but I would gain an additional ten points to spend on Merits as well. Honestly, I didn¡¯t even feel ashamed at spending ten points of Merits so quickly. Especially with some of the amazing Merits that were available only at character creation that would forever be lost now that my second time at the insane list was no longer available to me. Yet, I can¡¯t help but find myself humming excitedly as my mind begins to think about all the different events I could pull off when no one was able to know who, what, when, where, nor why I was or wasn¡¯t at a particular place and time. Yes, my actions would ultimately be able to be filled in after the fact, when people could watch most of my actions chronologically. That was why I was adamant that I was able to remove three minutes of time from my primary consciousness¡¯s timeline. Three minutes is a lot of time to perform mischief. Mischief that will never be able to be linked back to me. Then I began to think about what would happen if, or hopefully when, the company leaked details of this Merit to others. Then I would be granted six hours straight, or a total of twelve hours if I worked over midnight. ¡°You sure you¡¯re okay?¡± Zero asked. At that I paused and looked at him, then focusing on all the Acting skills I could muster, I point out a few of the thoughts that plagued me earlier. ¡°Actually, no.¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°No,¡± I begin, pausing and stopping just as the other Cardinal Protectors are all watching from a few hundred meters away. By now we are close enough that I am certain they can hear us talking, as I can hear them with my heightened Perception Attribute, which is why I chose to stop here and have this conversation in the open. ¡°I think these dragons are taking advantage of you.¡± With that Zero straightens up and clearly looks like he is about to protest, which I cut off by holding up a placating hand. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t get me wrong, I fully understand the appeal, as they are backwater royalty. For here, in the middle of nowhere, where nothing existed for so long, they might have been the be all and end all of power and sophistication. Yet, they are nothing when it comes to power, and you and I both know that. Heck, they all know that, as they are bound to Mallory, after all of them were beaten in combat.¡± I state that, making sure to speak loudly and clearly enough that my words will carry and be heard. I know that the Guardians can hear us, as they all seemed to grow completely still as they strain their heads and hearing to the side, as they try to take in everything I am saying. ¡°You don¡¯t understand¡­¡± Zero begins. ¡°That¡¯s right I don¡¯t, and I likely never will. They are the losers in this operation. They came here as hostile forces, attempting to exert their control over the land and disrupt the natural order we were trying to establish here and then after losing, they have the audacity to demand reparations for what happened to them when we didn¡¯t kill them?¡± I pause, letting my words sink in, not only to Zero but the others. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I will do this that you ask. I will take my time, my energy, and my skills, and help these royal members get just a smidge more capable. But realize I only do this because I care about you. Which is why you need to be dead certain that this girl that you like is worth it. As far as I am concerned any Karmic debt I had before this is paid in full to that Nagingah, as she can revert back to her original form, while remaining anonymous in her smaller form. Now I am going to do the same for her and her fellow Guardians, all so they can continue to mock and scold us for being charitable.¡± I state. With that Zero and all four Cardinal Protectors all lower their heads at once. Seeing that everyone heard my speech and seems properly chastised, I feel that I can finally get this over with. ¡°All right, then it is settled, I will do this favor for you and the Guardians. Knowing that should I once again need to interact with these Guardians in any way, shape, or form that is less than getting invited to your wedding or other joyous occasions, and I will be less than pleased.¡± Zero nodded, and with that we both made our way to the completely quiet Guardians. ¡°Wedding? Isn¡¯t that a bit much? I mean, I just wanted to caress a few scales at most. Maybe ruffle her fur in her Pomeranian form, nothing as serious as a royal wedding.¡± Zero said, speaking into my mind. ¡°Exactly, now they know to leave me alone until they want to get serious.¡± I reply back to Zero¡¯s mind. ¡°Wait, what if I need your services again?¡± ¡°Then it is likely not meant to be.¡± I replied back, leaving off the fact that if things went to that point, I would have a very different conversation with Nagingah and her family. I would also have the perfect first chance to see what exactly I could do with complete Confidentiality engaged. As no one messed with my family, unless of course it is me messing with my family, at which point it is just me showing that I still care. Interlude XI Interlude XI ¡°Pixie¡¯s Puppies! That¡¯s right, the Cassiopeia Spiritlight channels are back and now the number one trending topic around the world is puppies. More importantly, Pomeranian Puppies.¡± The announcer begins, as the screen behind him changes to show Cass performed core alterations on three of the Cardinal Protectors, thereby allowing them to change into cute little adorable Pomeranian puppies. The screen shows Cass standing over the biggest and most formidable fire Cardinal Protector, wings flapping as she keeps perfect balance in the air while the last Cardinal Protector worms and wiggles slightly, all while a cute glowing light blue, electric dark blue, and glowing greenish-brown Pomeranian all dance and frolic with each other in the foreground of the shot. Finally, the kicking of the Cardinal Protector stops, while Cass takes off vertically and seems to hover over the last Cardinal Protector, before the last Cardinal Protector begins to shrink rapidly, causing all of the bright red molten scales compact quickly, until finally only a small bright red Pomeranian can be seen. Then quickly sticking its tongue out, the bright red Pomeranian excitedly runs to join his fellow pack mates. ¡°As part of a goodwill effort, BiPrism has donated all of the proceeds gained from people viewing and paying for likeness rights to the Pomeranian Adoption League, or PAL. This is good news for PAL, as apparently the videos and subsequent reviewing of these videos has helped generate over twenty million dollars towards this great charity.¡± A slight pause as the background changes to show the PAL logo at the bottom right, along with the new PAL catch phrase. Pomeranians make magic possible. ¡°While some have claimed that the new PAL tagline is a bit disingenuous in that magic clearly existed in the world of BiPrism before this, the news representative who listed the new campaign logo noted that the true magic was bringing Cass¡¯s feed back to the world.¡± There was a slight pause after that message, when the announcer giving the news highlights continued. ¡°Yes, now as many of you have noticed the Cassiopeia feeds are all up and live. Also, some of you who can use all the fingers on your hand might have also noted that there are now five constant feeds of Cassiopeia going on at one time. For those that have purchased the ultimate streaming package, where you can get four feeds at once, will realize that just for Cass, BiPrism has come out with a new five feed display option for Premium members. What does this all mean?¡± ¡°Well for starters, it means that unless you trust news sites like this one, unless you get the newest high end Premium package from BiPrism, and Cassiopeia¡¯s full five feed stream, you will likely miss out on a few details. Fortunately for you, we have both the interest in Cassiopeia¡¯s full time actions along with those of her Simulacrums, along with Larry our newest unpaid intern. Say hello Larry.¡± ¡°Hello Larry,¡± A young slightly overweight mid-twenties male replied, while waving with a slight look of embarrassment at the camera. ¡°So Larry, as part of our new Intern program you have been assigned the big project of watching all five Cassiopeia Spiritlight feeds at the same time. What can you tell us about what you have seen thus far?¡± ¡°Well Mr. Rudger, it would seem at first that all five Cassiopeias work independently of each other. But I have managed to note a few interesting facts that I think others will be interested in hearing about.¡± ¡°Oh, do tell?¡± The anchor, Mr. Rudger, said in a practiced charismatic tone that spoke of charm and confidence. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Well, this should come as no surprise, but she likes to read. I mean a lot. In fact, at any given time at least one and up to three of her Simulacrums can be seen reading. Two of course are set to semi-permanent reading status in the great fairy library on the two hundredth floor of the Arcanarus Tower. The third one comes from the Simulacrum on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower, who reads in the hours when she is not on shift as an assigned healer. Most notably, this Simulacrum appears to be mostly bored, while waiting for guests to come. In fact, people have noted that she almost seems excited when injured Adventurers come to visit her.¡± Hearing that Mr. Rudger nods, as if trying to see if there is more. ¡°Also of interest, is that at any time, at least one Simulacrum or the main Cass will be involved in Magic, Magical exercises, or just casting different spells. While another Cass or Simulacrum will be simultaneously be involved in Qi, Qi attacks, and Qi based exercises.¡± ¡°Wow, that sounds exciting. Are there any times when one Cass with fight another Cass? You know a little Pixie on Pixie action?¡± The host asks. ¡°Yes, it seems that every morning before her start as an instructor, Cass will duel one of her Simulacrums, in events that are now being called the ultimate contests of skill. In these duels Cass and the Simulacrum both seem to limit themselves to only use externally based Qi or Magic attacks.¡± ¡°Yes, I have heard of these battles. Isn¡¯t there a new fighting style that is being adopted by these encounters?¡± ¡°You mean Pixie-Fu, yes. It is a trend that is sweeping the nation.¡± Larry states, as he then gestures and shows two twin girls dressed in fairy ballerina outfits fighting. One using punches and kicks, while the other pretends to throw magic attacks at her twin sister. ¡°While you noted that Pixie¡¯s Puppies is the number one trending topic in the world of puppies and all animals for that matter. Pixie-Fu is the number one trending topic, period. It is said that even the WWX is getting in on the action, by having a pixie death match.¡± The screen once again changes to show a giant thirty-foot-tall metal octagon, that overhead has a lattice work of different supporting rigs, where two giant bungee rigs are set up, that show two well-known female wrestlers in the bungee rigs wearing their typical form fitting outfits, with the only exception being that on their backs are not one but two sets of bright feathery wings that seem to be colored in the same patterns as their normal wrestling costumes. ¡°What is that?¡± The host asks, clearly seeing this for the first time. ¡°This is what many are calling the next stage in professional wrestling. We have Diamond ¡®Black¡¯ Dalia against Jade ¡®the Heart¡¯ Ripper going head-to-head in one of the first battles of its kind. The idea is simple, two girls enter and are able to easily climb and glide to the top of the cage at will. Then the more damage their double sets of wings take, the lower and lower they are forced to go, only able to climb up the walls, until finally one or both are stuck on the mat, at which point either the victor will be gained by a pin, knock out, or if one is able to fly above the half way marker of the cage before the other one is completely immobilized on the ground.¡± ¡°Is that even legal?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. I just know this is going to be a big hit and I am excited to see where this goes.¡± ¡°Same here. Though, you are still going to keep us informed about all things Cassie, right?¡± ¡°Oh of course, she is the most interesting player in the world of all eSports.¡± Nodding, the host pauses takes a deep breath and then asks. ¡°You know I have to ask you the number one question right?¡± Sigh. The intern takes in a deep breath, and then nods. ¡°Yeah, I think I know what you are going to ask, but go ahead.¡± ¡°The Library of the Tribunal, where is it?¡± With that Larry just holds up his hands in an I surrender gesture. ¡°I don¡¯t know. We searched many different feeds, went through known archived lore. Biprism Book Finder, or BBM, a function also available as an extra free for Premium members has every book that has ever been read in BiPrism listed, along with the first person to read that book. Oddly enough, Cassiopeia has just taken the first place on that list of finding new and rare books, a statistic that we thought would never be broken.¡± ¡°You¡¯re stalling.¡± ¡°Yes, well I just wanted to state that we did a search for any book that found references for the Library of the Tribunal, and found that only fourteen original books have ever been noted as listing the Library. Now this is not to be confused with the fact that the Library has been mentioned in over a thousand different books, but each only goes on to basically source, recite, or retell the main fourteen works in varying degrees of flowery praise. Each ultimately denotes how the Library along with the great civilizations that founded the Library died almost instantly due to the wasting disease that we now know of as the Blight.¡± ¡°Which means?¡± ¡°Right, stay focused.¡± Larry says to himself, as he then goes on. ¡°Well, all reference point to the fact that if it was to be found it would be somewhere in the desert wasteland that surrounds the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. Added to that fact is that Cassiopeia is the only guild member who was not accounted for during that time. And given her abilities, and unique ways of moving quickly and effectively, it has become increasingly clear that Cassiopeia, is the most likely candidate for knowing where the Library of the Tribunal is.¡± ¡°The biggest bibliophile to ever upload herself to BiPrism has found an expanding dungeon of books and has not entered?¡± ¡°Yes, that is the quandary, isn¡¯t it.¡± ¡°Quandary, wow, I¡¯d say you need to get out more, but unfortunately that isn¡¯t possible as we will need you more than ever. Especially now that you now need to watch five different Cassiopeia¡¯s so we can all find out the two most important things.¡± The host states. ¡°Two?¡± ¡°Yes, first where that Library is, and second what will Cassiopeia, any of them do next that will revolutionize the world around us.¡± Chapter 192 T.A.M. Chapter 192 T.A.M. I did it, I finally found someone that I could train my hardest against and not have to worry about cheating, about instant death strikes, or worse causing undue pain. T.A.M. training, or Training Against Myself, has so far proven to be the best workout I could find. Flap-flutter-flap. Yes, I¡¯ve learned to battle against myself. Every morning I wake up and feel a renewed sense of awe and wonder with my training. Now I wake up at two A.M. or even earlier. Sometimes if I really feel the challenge of learning new skills and depths I don¡¯t sleep, instead I let Zero sleep for both of us. It turns out he doesn¡¯t need to sleep a combined sixteen hours when he sleeps for both of us, but for just eight which somehow counts for both of us. So he sleeps the same amount of time he would normally, but I gain a benefit from keeping him safe. Which is getting harder and harder to pull off, as the better I get, the better my Simulacrums get at fighting as well. Additionally, I learned that my Simulacrums don¡¯t need to sleep. Apparently, they do and will synchronize thoughts with me, but they don¡¯t exactly need to sleep. These are all things I have learned from having one Simulacrum here with me, imagine what I could do with two, or more. For the first battle I am a Qi user, and my Simulacrum will be a magic user. After this we will switch, then both be Qi users, and both be magic users. Then if we have time before classes, we will start again. Unfortunately, we rarely have enough time to go through this whole training regimen more than once. As each training bout seems to take up more and more time. We are getting better, also it really helps in the fact that we both know what skills we are focusing on for improvements. Meaning, the skills being used aren¡¯t perfect, so there are opening and those openings are easily countered by good defensive skills that are mostly perfected at this time. Honestly, training against myself is one of the most fun experiences of my day. I can push myself as hard as possible, without needing to hold back, knowing that if a strike lands I won¡¯t die. Also, if a lethal blow does land, either I or my Simulacrum can heal the other quickly enough to stop any massive internal problems before healing is impossible. Even then, I am fairly certain that I, or my Simulacrum could Resurrect the other before things got dire. There is also the fact that, I think there might be a cheat to avoid death in such a situation, even if the body I have has been completely eviscerated, I think there might be a way for me to avoid permanent death. Not that I want to try that method, but I have had the thought. Not that I am willing to speak it out loud, as that is one of those Get out of Jail Free cards that will be taken away from you, the moment you speak or even try to practice them. Instead, I just feel that I could avoid death. Well so long as my spirit wasn¡¯t completely destroyed and incinerated, I feel that I could possibly survive. I know these are the thoughts of the crazy people right before they die. That or of the people that think of themselves as Gods in some way shape or form. But realistically, I am walking the path of a God and an immortal simultaneously. I am nearing the end of my mythical bloodline. There are about five key components that I am missing at this point, but I felt parts lock into place when I had blood from each of the four Cardinal Protectors brush up on my hand, while I engraved the ability to morph into a Pomeranian inside the very essence of their power source. The blood and subsequent changes were noted in my updated quest chain.
Specialty Unique Quest Updated: Fixing Mistakes (Personal-Unique): You managed to fix Nagingah, the dragon you resurrected into a Pomeranian, by making it so she could also change into her natural form. Upon seeing the ability to change, the other Cardinal Protectors also wished for similar abilities to change their forms at will, which you managed to perform. Current status: (4 / 4) Cardinal Protector¡¯s Cores Modified. Note: This was a familiar initiated quest, as such your relationship with your familiar has greatly increased. Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Improved Relationship with Zero, Mythic Bloodline Markers Activated. Experience Gained: 250,000 / 125,000 / 125,000 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by six levels to level 237. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by four levels to level 277. Ethereal Healer has increased by six levels to level 365. New Skills: Already learned. Bloodline Markers Identified.
Was it bad that I felt a quest that took almost four hours to perform and netted me a total of sixteen levels was not worth it? Aside from the increased relationship with Zero that quest felt like it hit a few nerves. Mainly in the way I felt the Cardinal Protectors were treating Zero, even after he went out of his way to make sure I would help, they still treated him like trash. That or maybe this is my motherly instincts coming out, but needless to say I want nothing to do with these Cardinal Pomeranians, I mean, Protectors. Of course, I can¡¯t say or do anything, as that will just cause Zero to go out to those trash dragons in the first place. ¡°GAHHHH!¡± Fortunately, I have found a new and healthy way of dealing with my stress. Namely punching myself in the face as hard and fast as possible, while trying to avoid my own blows and return strikes. Jab-punch, leg sweep. Fly in the air, swirl, spinning heel kick to the wing. Missed the return elbow to the nose. Crunch. My nose shatters, but that is good, as it causes me to focus back on the match and not the reasons for why I need the match. I am already healing and delivering my next few blows as we take our combat to the air. It wasn¡¯t until this week that I finally got an aerial combat skill. Odd, as I thought I had one before, but apparently that was just aerial dancing. Now I have three skills all related to flying while fighting.
New Skill Gained: Aerial Combat has increased to level 1.
Aerial Combat is a Strength, Dexterity X3, Stamina, and Perception based skill.
New Skill Gained: Aerial Qi Combat has increased to level 1.
Aerial Qi Combat is a Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Samina X2, Perception, and Willpower X2 based skill.
New Skill Gained: Aerial Magical Combat has increased to level 1.
Aerial Magical Combat is a Strength, Dexterity X3, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Stolen novel; please report. With these skills, I had even more motivation to push myself and to improve. I could also tell that the way I worked on these skills was appreciated as many people took to waking up early and seeing me practice. As now it became somewhat of a tradition for first my morning cultivators to wake up early and watch me spar with myself. At first, I almost lost track of time, but now it is Jhonny¡¯s job to wave at me and signal that it is time for class to begin. At which point, my Simulacrum and I instantly stop whatever attacks we are building up, then bow to each other, before heading back down to the ground. During this time there is a bit of obfuscation, as my Simulacrum will often cast an Invisibility spell on herself, masking her from view. At which point I will then turn her into either princess Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, or her father King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri. Either way, my Simulacrum will do the job of visiting the now joint military Deolarian forces and trying to increase peace and stability, while I train the next generation of students to eventually become proficient enough to be my future punching bags, I mean, training partners. The only problem is that today, I feel a slight pressure in my stomach. For a moment, I almost think, almost think that I am pregnant. Then I relax a little, and realize that no, this is just a similar but slightly different sensation that my body is warning me about. Landing on the ground, I find Jhonny and tell him. ¡°Take over the morning training regimen.¡± I state as I clutch at my stomach. ¡°You okay?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°Yeah, perfect. Now move.¡± I demand. Jhonny looks at me for a moment and looks like is about to contradict my direct order, but then apparently sees something in my eyes. I do open up all three eyes to show I mean business. With that he finally nods and then turning to everyone else begins the class. With him standing up at the front of the formation, I decide to actually sit down and try to take some of the strain off my stomach. By now I¡¯ve realized what exactly my problem is, but I will need time to fix it, unfortunately my OCD won¡¯t let me allow myself a chance to rest, until I know my students are taken care of. Thank goodness I have Jhonny, who has been with me long enough to know my routines and who knows the training routines by heart at this point. Pausing for a moment I wait and listen for him to talk. ¡°By now you all know what you need to work on, focus on that.¡± Jhonny states. There is a momentary pause, then he gestures for everyone to disperse. No one moves, as everyone just stares on blankly. A few people leave, some at speed, while others all just stare forward in a dumbfounded manner. ¡°Do not make me stand up and make you train!¡± I state emphatically. Slight pause, before anarchy ensues. Apparently, that was enough for everyone to realize what they should do, as they all realize they have better things to do than to stare at me and Jhonny. Exhale. Now that the majority of the class is gone, I feel that I can relax a bit, which is good, as my stomach feels like it is about to burst. Well not my stomach, but rather my core that roughly resides on a metaphysical plane that is in direct relation to the location of my stomach. Yeah, odd to think about metaphysical to physical relationships while in pain. Jhonny of course just stares back at me, then seeing his concern for me, I make sure to distract him a bit. ¡°Way to shirk responsibility there. Just give them all a free day to run around and play as they want to.¡± I state, but then end up regretting that, as I clutch my stomach tighter. ¡°You okay?¡± ¡°Yeah, technically this is actually a good thing, as I think I am about to break through.¡± ¡°Break through?¡± ¡°Yeah, to the next tier of my Qi core, but the only problem is that I didn¡¯t get a chance to choose a good time to do this.¡± I state, but I am already feeling that pain exploding inside of me as my initial core is shattering and rather than exploding out, I can feel the core pulling every ounce of energy into the microfractures of my core as my body is quickly being starved of Qi, as my body is tightly condensing the energy as if into a blackhole within my soul. ¡°Can I do anything for you?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°Yeah, shut up and train.¡± I state, as I close my eyes, though it doesn¡¯t change anything, as I can still see everything around me thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight, I just hope that Jhonny gets the message that I need to focus for right now. ¡°Not going to happen, I am your protector first and foremost. As such I will be by your side throughout this.¡± ¡°Okay, then can you just shut up at least?¡± I ask, realizing that I am being far meaner than I intend to, but pain is making it hard to focus. Jhonny nods. Exhale. Good he got the memo this time. With him now on board with being quiet at least, I can focus on me. I find myself in a state where I am forced to half watch and half direct the energy of my body to certain key points around my body. During this time, I feel my body¡¯s desperate need to cultivate more energy. So without even thinking about the process, or what I was doing, I began releasing my personal mana into a thick coating that was quickly noticed, observed, and then absorbed through my skin by my same cultivation process. This process was highly inefficient in terms of mana to Qi conversion ratios, but it did the important thing, and that was give me enough energy to make the transition that much smoother. This was almost the same as my past breakthrough, where I practically bathed in the dirty run-off of the undead Lich¡¯s shabby array formation, whose natural biproduct was Qi condensation. For my last breakthrough I bathed in that stream to achieve a similar result as I was facing currently. As for this time, since I knew the effects of having abundant energy available on the future development of my core, I went ahead and tried to replicate the same conditions as closely as possible as my last time. The overall experience was a bit more complicated than I had intended. First, the strain of constantly casting spells that were designed to be sent out and absorbed was quite taxing on my mind, as I felt my body doing two completely different functions simultaneously. That of casting and cultivating. Typically, these two processes should be in opposition with each other, but I¡¯ve found at least a way to make them both work in a symbiotic relationship, at least for now. How does it feel? Honestly, I don¡¯t have much time to realize how it feels to use both simultaneously, other than taxing. Yes, the entire process is completely taxing, and inefficient. With my fractures in my core that are growing wider and wider, I can feel more and more of my weaker Qi particles getting forced out of my body, while I feel my body taking energy, grabbing it, and forcefully shrinking it into a more condensed state than I thought possible. Which is why there is such a reaction, as the denser the initial Qi becomes, the more it pulls in, but then there seems to be a bit of a magnetic pull and push effect going on, where it pulls in particles that are mostly facing in a certain direction, or forcefully expels particles that are aligned in the opposite direction. The event is a constant pushing and pulling of energy, where I am clearly being even more wasteful with my energy than I have any right to be, but after a bit of struggling and wrestling with the energy, I feel my control increase, particularly with the way I am able to detect the polarity of the energy before it gets near the vortex that is my fractured and expanding core. During this time, I also find myself testing the types of energy that are best for this conversion process. Not too surprisingly Life magic is the best for golden Qi production, followed by Nature and Light magic. I assume this would mean that Spirit magic would be the best for silver Qi production or conversion, but I am not at that state just yet. Externally, I know that no one is training. This is what one can expect when the teacher is away, I can also feel the intense gazes of any sets of eyes staring at me. Unfortunately, right now, I can¡¯t even focus on them, or try to hide myself from their prying gazes. Instead, all I can do is force my way through this excruciating process. Then finally it happens. Click. The vortex within my body suddenly fills, like the hunger one would suffer from being stranded for twenty-one days in a bare-skinned survival show. My body was starving, well and truly starving for so long, then finally I managed to consume just enough to finally feel satiated. At that point, I felt slightly dirty, as the magic I had been spraying out over my body suddenly stopped and froze like a layer of caramelized sugar. The energy that had been constantly pulled into my body suddenly had a backup, as energy that had been forcefully pulled inward suddenly had nowhere else to go. That is when I felt the system inform me of the accomplishment that I had just undergone.
Epic Martial Quest (On-going): Furthering the Martial Cause: You have managed to next step towards true Immortality by taking a self-guided step towards constantly improving yourself and your martial body. Rewards: Experience, Improved Qi Core, Bloodline evolution perks. Experience Gained: 75,000 / 37,500 / 37,500. Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by one level to level 238. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by one level to level 278. Ethereal Healer has increased by two levels to level 367. Perfect Stage IV Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage IV Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity IV, Body Improvement IV, Movement IV, Qi Core Size IV, Qi Circulation IV, Combat Attacks IV, Aerial Combat IV. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed. Bloodline evolution perks identified.
With that, I felt a whole new surge of power coursing through me, as I had somehow managed to keep this quote unquote, perfect evolution going. I know for a fact that I would not have been able to achieve this process without the help of my exorbitant reserves of mana that were replenished multiple times throughout that whole process. When I awake, I close my third eye, and let my attention expand away from my immediate vicinity, and realize that apparently not just my martial cultivators have taken a moment to watch and stare at me, but apparently Mallory, Gwen, the high ranking members of the guild, and my magical students have all gathered around and are just quietly staring at me. Seeing them all, I ask the first question that comes to mind, ¡°What?¡± ¡°What did you just do?¡± Mallory asks, apparently being the bravest of everyone present. ¡°What do you mean, I didn¡¯t break anything this time. At least, I don¡¯t think I did?¡± I begin, suddenly searching around for any signs that I might have actually done more with that expelled energy than I originally thought. Was it the same as radiation? Did I just super irradiate everyone in the guild? Everyone is silent for a moment, then suddenly Mallory opens her mouth to speak. Chapter 193 Magical Radiation And Other Challenges (Mallory) Chapter 193 Magical Radiation And Other Challenges (Mallory) ¡°So what do you think?¡± Mallory asks, holding her arms out wide as she holds her breath in anticipation for what she might hear in response. ¡°About what?¡± Gwen asks, turning her head towards Mallory, still not quite understanding what her partner was asking about. ¡°About my new skin pigmentation changes? Isn¡¯t it cool? I mean it is not the ethereal blue of a cosmic night sky like you and your mother have, but for us mere mortals this is pretty cool, right?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What?¡± Gwen asks, then opening her third eye that still allows her to see real colors, Gwen pauses as she takes in the bare skin that is on display. ¡°I will say this now, that I prefer you regardless of how you try to change your exterior. For me, I can see your true essence and that is far more captivating than any skin pigmentations.¡± ¡°You know, if I heard that line from anyone else other than you or your mother I would have thought you were trying to feed me a line.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°What makes you think I¡¯m not feeding you a line?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°The fact that I asked your mother what she thought of the recent change and she had no clue. Even after staring with her third eye all she could note was a slight minor pulse of energy from where she said my Qi core should be, but then nothing else.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°So you asked my mother what she thought of your cool trick before me?¡± Gwen asked, a clear note of challenge to her words. Hearing that tone, Mallory quickly went into damage control mode, as she realized she was in the middle of a pregnancy induced emotional minefield and had to placate this issue carefully. ¡°Yes, for she was the one that started this recent change of mine. Though from my understanding I was not the only one who was impacted by her recent breakthrough, as you too seem to be glowing with even more resplendent beauty than normal.¡± Mallory stated, while going forward and grabbing Gwen in a loving embrace. Gwen fought her feeling of disappointment for but a moment, before ultimately melting into the strong arms of Mallory. Sigh. ¡°I can understand why you would go to her for her opinion on anything magic related. She is the smoothest and most graceful caster I have ever seen. Even her Simulacrums have skills that make me feel like a mere novice at casting.¡± Gwen reluctantly admitted. ¡°You can tell the difference between her and her Simulacrums?¡± Mallory asked, somewhat surprised by the statement. ¡°I believe so, but it is tough. Basically, the Simulacrum despite how perfect it is at casting, doesn¡¯t adjust to the slight variations of the world around them the way that Cass does. The way Cass uses the wind to both propel her spell forward when working with the wind, and the way she casts her spell through the wind when the wind is against her is impressive. Something that seems almost like its second nature to her. Well, who am I kidding, that is her first nature, casting spells. Her second nature would obviously be using Qi within her body, something else that she makes look way too simple. Then here I am, barely able to see what she is doing, let alone trying to figure out how to alter a spell to account for temporal and physical changes.¡± Gwen said, speaking deeper and with more insight into what it is that makes Cass so special as a caster than anyone else has ever been able to describe. ¡°You are certain of this? That she alters her spells to fit the environment that she is in?¡± ¡°Well yes, I thought that was obvious by the way her spells always hit with the exact amount of energy needed for the effect.¡± Huh. Was all Mallory could say to that, as she took in those details and decided to try to comprehend them. ¡°You had no clue did you?¡± Gwen pressed. ¡°Well I did know she was really good, and easily the best caster I¡¯ve ever seen. Though I guess having your Angel¡¯s Sight is a huge advantage when it comes to these types of things.¡± ¡°Yes, it does help. Though really all it does is show the vast level of difference between Cass and everyone else. Which is only compounded by the way the higher-level mages scoff at hear teachings when they think she isn¡¯t looking, or can¡¯t see them.¡± Hearing that Mallory sighed heavily at hearing that. ¡°What does she do?¡± ¡°She pretends like she can¡¯t hear them and continues trying to teach them regardless of their attitudes.¡± ¡°Are they learning?¡± ¡°Learning yes, almost all mages in her classes have shown drastic improvements in their casting abilities from where they started until now.¡± ¡°So you think we will make the four year quota and be able to get our college accredited?¡± Mallory asked, a note of excitement and anticipation in her voice. ¡°Yeah, if we don¡¯t reach the minimum proficiencies by the end of the four year mark I would be highly shocked to say the least. No, we will pass, and this group of students will all get their degrees, and get the school accredited, I have no doubt about that.¡± ¡°Then what are you afraid of?¡± ¡°What will Cass do once that challenge is over?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Well, she already has experts coming to teach certain classes, with Rahul joining for helping with teaching Enchantments.¡± ¡°Gah, don¡¯t remind me. I have gotten so many complaints already about how the Lich is ogling every female Guild member.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Yeah, worst part is, mother is right. Meeting the real Rahul has completely ruined any fascination that I had with those stories.¡± Gwen said, a note of depression in her voice. ¡°I know. We need to find a new series to read, and then make sure that Cass never does anything crazy, like finding out who the real historical people were. Instead, we just keep the story short and smutty.¡± ¡°Mallory!¡± Gwen joked as she gently smacked Mallory on the arm, before just hugging Mallory. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. Silence. Finally, after a long moment, of Gwen trying to stay still, but then slowly feeling the effect of gravity on her body slowly pulling her away from Mallory¡¯s embrace, she cursed, ¡°stupid pregnancy.¡± ¡°Yes, any clue on the due date yet?¡± Mallory asked. Sigh. ¡°Cass swears that it will be in exactly thirty-three days.¡± Gwen noted. ¡°Well she is the expert¡­¡± Mallory began, but then trailed off as she realized something. ¡°No, that can¡¯t be?¡± Gwen just nodded her head with a sad reverence. ¡°You mean, she set it up so that your due date would be the night of the wedding coronation between the Midnight Hunters and the Deolarian Empire?¡± Gwen just nodded in agreement. ¡°To quote Cass, it is exactly what the world would do to make it so we failed one or both of the quests.¡± ¡°One or both?¡± ¡°Well, Cass also thinks that at the same time that I give birth to your granddaughter, while you are away getting married to Cass. That is the exact moment that the Dire Phase wolves should also give birth to their litter of thirteen children.¡± ¡°Thirteen? There are going to be thirteen of those frightening beasts that drool acid that corrodes the ground?¡± ¡°You know, I can see where you come from with that, but if you just look at them from a magical perspective, which is basically all Cass can do, they are kind of cute.¡± Gwen admits. ¡°Cute? The Kujos? The monsters with the last name of an animal that went wild?¡± ¡°Yes, again, magically speaking, they are cute. Now the one time I made the mistake of trying to view them with my third eye, they were completely frightening and have caused more than one set of nightmares. That said, magically they are up there with what I would expect a unicorn to look like.¡± ¡°I saw one of those. Well a Pegicorn.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°You mean an Alicorn?¡± Gwen tried to correct. ¡°No, your mother got to name it, thus it was a pegicorn.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Gwen said nodding to herself as she really didn¡¯t know what else to say about that. More silence. The two were now close enough to not feel awkward by silence, instead the two mostly used these moments to stop and reflect about how their lives were constantly getting better. ¡°So you think she will leave?¡± Mallory finally asked. ¡°Oh yeah, unless we giver her something like a never ending dungeon of books we are going to lose her completely.¡± ¡°She still has the Arcanarus Tower to complete as well.¡± Mallory replied and shuddered slightly at the thought. ¡°You are still frightened by that place?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Not going to lie, being in the realm of the dead for months on end has a slow unnerving quality to it that is hard to explain. Being there for a day or even a week is fine. It is just the way the shadows move, the way the mist of death clings to you the longer you stay there. Your mother just cycles it into herself. Me on the other hand, I constantly felt it grabbing me like a deep sweaty sleep that could not be removed. When we left, and she came with me, I was so happy.¡± ¡°Did she ask you to go back with her, recently?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Mallory answered, then pausing for a second, Mallory found herself asking the same question. ¡°I take it she asked you again?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Do you think she is going to go back soon?¡± ¡°If she hasn¡¯t already, then I have no doubt she will do it this weekend at the very least.¡± ¡°This weekend?¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s why she has been so in our faces with her and her Simulacrum both going about at times in the guise as different avatars.¡± Gwen answered. Hearing that Mallory could only nod in agreement. ¡°You know I could see your mother doing just that. Maybe even getting her Simulacrums to pose as her during class.¡± ¡°No, she tried that once and it failed miserably.¡± ¡°She did?¡± ¡°Yeah, she was a student, and her Simulacrum was pretending to be her, but again when her Simulacrum tried to cast a spell the way Cass can it wasn¡¯t smooth and didn¡¯t have the same flow. I was about to call Cass out on it, when she switch places, reverted back to her normal form and then had her Simulacrum leave under a cloud of darkness.¡± ¡°She made her own Simulacrum do the walk of shame out of class?¡± Mallory asked a note of incredulity to her voice. ¡°Yes.¡± Silence. Finally, after a long time, Gwen decided to ask the ultimate question that had been plaguing her all this time. ¡°So, with you getting this apparent skin pigmentation ability, what else did everyone get from witnessing my mother¡¯s breakthrough?¡± Smirk. At that Mallory smiled brightly, ¡°that¡¯s guild secrets, it will cost you. Now just what would you have to offer in exchange for my guild secrets like that?¡± With that, Gwen smiled back and replied, ¡°I¡¯ll not only tell you, but show you my new trick that I too can do, and trust me, it is far more impressive than some little changing of skin colors.¡± ¡°I think I can go invisible, if I practice the ability and related skill enough.¡± Mallory protested. ¡°And you will still be visible to me.¡± Gwen said coyly. ¡°Maybe I want to always be visible to you.¡± ¡°Uh, gods can you two get a room.¡± A voice cut in, breaking the two from their intimate moment. ¡°Cass?¡± Mallory all but squawked trying to cover herself, only to realize that Gwen was perfectly placed to block anything that might be immoral or indecent. ¡°Mother, you need to learn to knock at the very least.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°I tried to wait, but it is almost midnight and you two looked like you were about to be engaged in far more than I want to be privy to here shortly. So I decided to drop in before your hanky-panky and give my daily touch ups to the granddaughter, before she loses the balance.¡± Cass said, quickly going over to Gwen, placing her hand on Gwen¡¯s stomach and cycling energy into her. ¡°Oh look at that, you have the basis for a core. That¡¯s so cute.¡± Cass said, staring with her third eye directly at Gwen¡¯s stomach. Then just as she had seen everything she wanted to, she nodded to herself. ¡°Okay, as you were.¡± Poof. Then like that, the whirlwind that was Cass was gone. ¡°Do you think she is gone?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Gone from here, no. Gone outside my visual range, yes, but that isn¡¯t hard.¡± Gwen stated. Mallory just nodded at that, then asked. ¡°When did she get that dragon tattoo?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°She had a dragon tattoo on her right bicep.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°Oh?¡± Gwen replied. Then after a slight pause, Mallory realized something. ¡°So you also got the basis for a core from your watching your mother breakthrough?¡± ¡°Yeah, even when she chaotically impales everyone gathered around with irradiated and polarized Qi and Mana particles, I must say, she makes the entire thing look impressive.¡± ¡°Oh, well that will be interesting to hear. From your perspective what did it look like?¡± Gwen opened her mouth to speak, but then paused herself as she just waved her finger back and forth. ¡°No, you first. Then I¡¯ll tell you what it looked like.¡± Hearing that Mallory paused, but then shrugged and answered honestly. ¡°Okay, so there were a total of One hundred and eighty seven guild members there witnessing the event. Not including the Kujos who were watching from directly behind her. Of those that watched, everyone that was in her Qi classes now at least has the foundation for what I am told is the first tier of the core. Twenty-five others experienced Qi like sensations and developed skills related to cultivating Qi. A totally of ninety-eight received quest notifications that they had begun the process of awakening a Royal Bloodline within their bodies. Sixteen others who already began the process of awakening a Royal Bloodline completed the process. Another twelve more who had Royal Bloodlines activated received quests to begin awakening Legendary Bloodlines. And those with Legendary Bloodlines all reported as receiving indications that Bloodline Evolution Perks were either identified or activated. Even the mages that were present all received notifications that they had either increased in a few skills related to magic use, and a few that had no magical affinity beforehand all noted a magical awakening of some kind. Or an increase in magical potential up to Tier IV.¡± Mallory stated. As she spoke, Gwen¡¯s jaw could only drop as she took in all the changes that happened. ¡°Bloodlines?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Yes, it is something that is unheard of in world history. Basically, if we weren¡¯t already the most powerful Guild before, then we are well on our way of doing so now.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Will this cause problems?¡± ¡°Actually, that is what I needed to talk to you about. Now that your daughter has fully recovered, is she ready to be our informant?¡± Mallory asked, a note of hope and desperation in her voice. Hearing that, Gwen paused, realizing that she couldn¡¯t quite answer that question, so she did what her mother taught her to do in such situations, she deflected. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me what I got from witnessing the transformation?¡± ¡°It¡¯s called a breakthrough, and don¡¯t think I didn¡¯t notice what you just did there, but yes, please tell me what you received.¡± ¡°I received a new Bloodline evolution marker for mana and qi core manipulation.¡± ¡°That is interesting, especially as your mother already noted a similar breakthrough a week ago.¡± ¡°A week?¡± ¡°Yes, this means that you are following a parallel evolutionary path, which is odd, as supposedly you are at your maximum evolution, at least according to what you were told when you first transitioned over.¡± ¡°I was, I mean, I am. Though it seems that these Bloodline evolution markers don¡¯t actually change your bloodline status. Though I think they would obviously increase if I were somehow able to make my bloodline evolve.¡± ¡°But you can¡¯t?¡± Mallory asked, trying to confirm. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Gwen admitted and then feeling somewhat defeated, just buried her head on Mallory¡¯s shoulder. Silence. There was a long pause, before Mallory finally spoke her thoughts. ¡°You are good, I have to give you that. But I must ask again, what happened to our trusted informant? She did survive, right?¡± With that Gwen just nodded, not liking where this subject was invariably heading, though it was clear she would not be able to distract Mallory again. ¡°She did survive, and we can still trust her.¡± ¡°So why haven¡¯t we started getting information from her?¡± ¡°Well, it has to deal with her daughter, my granddaughter, Cassidy, a person who was named after the very trouble we all deal with daily.¡± ¡°Named after great grandma?¡± ¡°Yes, and she is just like her in so many ways.¡± ¡°Just like how she was?¡± ¡°No how she is, everything even down to height. Barring the slight racial differences and the missing wings and they could almost be twins.¡± ¡°Almost, but missing that one magical thing that makes Cass stand out?¡± Mallory asked. With that Gwen just shook her head, ¡°no I mean it when I said exactly alike.¡± ¡°Okay, so what¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°The problem is how do we keep a fully awakened mage from a government, or any government for that matter¡­¡± Gwen began. Poof. Then just as she had appeared earlier, once again Cass was there in the flesh. ¡°It is so good that I just happened to be listening in on this conversation so I could fix it.¡± Cass stated. ¡°Wait, did you even leave?¡± Gwen asked, seeing the magic and then realizing it for what it was, ¡°that wasn¡¯t Teleportation magic that you just used. If anything that was Illusion Dispelling mana.¡± ¡°Good, you were paying attention,¡± Cass said, turning to Gwen and honestly impressed by what she was saying, then pausing she wanted to focus on the seriousness of the situation at hand. ¡°Look, we have two minutes left to talk about this, and then never bring it up again. Do you two understand me?¡± There was a long pause as both Mallory and Gwen just stared at Cass still wondering how she felt so comfortable just popping into the middle of their tent. ¡°Okay, I will take that as consent. All right, no one will hear this conversation, ever. That said, you two need to be more careful about this in the future. I will tell you everything about Cassidy, and then if you ever speak of her again, you will need to wait until another day, and signal me, at which point I will make sure we can talk in earnest. Now, with that disclaimer out of the way, let me begin by saying¡­¡± Chapter 194 Final Preparations Chapter 194 Final Preparations I had been tweaking my plans constantly. I have learned a few things like the fact that just because I have a Simulacrum doesn¡¯t mean they will act exactly as I would. This was most apparent, when I tried to hit the easy button, take a morning off from my teaching schedule and let my Simulacrum take my spot as the instructor. It was a disaster. I never considered myself a perfectionist, though I guess when it comes to teaching Qi, Qi Techniques, magic, and magical practices, I might have a higher standard than I previously thought. Namely, I cannot stand the way the world and by extension my Simulacrums wield and understand magic, or Qi. This is part of why I think retirees like myself who join the world will always be able to make a much more profound impact on the world than machines who can¡¯t seem to feel the teachings. Sure, the machines that I teach do learn and can mimic what I teach, show, and demonstrate but they never do more. They can¡¯t take it that next step and make it their own. Also, in addition to my regular workload, I have now been tasked with coming up with a whole new material for how to help assist the new guild members who have all received quests to either awaken their Royal Bloodlines, or Legendary Bloodlines. I of course asked how this was my fault, at which point Mallory so carefully noted, ¡°if you didn¡¯t hit them with radiated mana and Qi particles then they wouldn¡¯t have to deal with the bloodlines awakening within them.¡± When I replied, ¡°because everyone was a voyeur of me during a private moment, I now have to train a hundred and ten students in a new classroom curriculum that had not even been spoken about until now.¡± I thought I had won the argument, as I was clearly a victim in all of this. At most I could see me training Jhonny as he was the only person who was supposed to be near me at that time, being my bodyguard and all. That is of course, when Mallory hit me in the area that was both the most effective, and ultimately made me sound like some sort of creep. ¡°Yes, but think about it this way. You now have a hundred and ten new experiments to work with, in order to understand bloodlines, understand what they can do, how much they can deviate, and most importantly, what new powers are capable of being awakened when you push these students to their maximum efficiency.¡± And like that, I found myself with three new classes that would be held in the evening. On Mondays and Fridays I would work with the twelve Legendary bloodline students. On Tuesdays and Thursdays I would work with the ninety-eight Royal bloodline students, yeah that isn¡¯t going to be a headache. Then on Wednesdays I would host a joint class that had both Royal and Bloodline students working together and sharing experiences. Due to it being Thursday before I finally agreed to everything, only after I got a pay increase. Actually, who am I kidding I don¡¯t want to be paid for this, at least not in normal means. Rather I realized I could use this opportunity to get two things I have been working for, okay not working for, but really really wanting for quite a while. That is, I have been trying to get the rare resources needed to complete my two potions that I purchased so many months ago, namely my personal use Unbound potion which will allow me to gain even more levels for my skills. Additionally, I will also begin creating my mass producible Trait Slot Unlock potions. While I am not as enamored with Traits as I used to be, seeing as each of my classes now gives me the option for a Trait at every interval, I still think that for the guild this is a good thing overall. Also, I can use the Traits that my fellow guild members get as an inspiration for what I too might want to get with my free Trait slot. I am thinking about trying to use the Trait Slot Unlock potions as a way to lower my teaching workload in the future, as I keep getting saddled with more and more classes, despite my brining in auxiliary teachers to help, like Arch-Mage De¡¯Gravitas, the Lich. I refuse to call him by his alleged first name. So yes, all I did was trade in a few hours of my evening quest time, to spend time with over a hundred students that are clearly voyeurs of yours truly, definitely not creepy at all. As for Cassidy, the reason I was given an urgent quest from the system to stop Mallory and Gwen from saying too much about her, well we don¡¯t talk about Cassidy, ever. At least not for longer than three-minute intervals, as that is all I have used my new ten-point merit Confidentiality on. Not very confidential, if I must spend my first two times using it to keep Mallory and Gwen from talking about my great granddaughter.
Urgent (Top Secret) Quest: Prevent Information Sharing of Cassidy Unger: You have been tasked with both revealing your newest merit Confidentiality to Gwen Spiritlight and Mallory Valhalla, while using the capability explain to the two why they cannot talk about Cassidy. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Insights.
Note: Must retroactively reset time to ten seconds from the time receiving this message.
That was the first time I used the merit, and first time I realized that the world might have its own ideas on what was right and wrong. Particularly with the fact that the world was just as interested in keeping Cassidy¡¯s recent developments from being known as I was. Of course, I was well aware of Cassidy and her progress, as I always made sure to set aside an hour at around midnight her time to meditate and reach a state of openness. While it apparently broke things if I tried to reach out to find and connect with Cassidy, she was allowed to reach in and connect with me. While what we talk about is a conversation for a later date and time, I do understand why the world would want to keep Cassidy¡¯s capabilities quiet, at least for the moment. Still, it is odd to ultimately get an immediate quest and rather sizable reward for outing myself, my newest cheat ability, and my exceptional great granddaughter all in one three-minute burst, but I did manage, somehow. Then we had to wait an hour, until it was midnight, and my daily timer would reset. Once the timer was reset, Mallory and Gwen of course asked even more questions. ¡°So, this new ten-point Merit, it only protects you from people who might be watching you currently, but only those who are watching you interact with the game world?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yes,¡± I answered surprised that we would spend part of our three minutes on these questions again, but redundancy is a spice of life. ¡°That¡¯s it, I mean we can all still see you, and we know what you did and are doing.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°Yes, and erasing your minds and memories would likely be too much. Rather, this is more of me being able to keep plausible deniability from any actions I might take in the future.¡± I reply. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°You thinking about going back to your old profession?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°I am not now, nor have I ever been a prostitute.¡± I state categorically. Mallory and Gwen both stare at me in dumbfounded confusion for a moment, before shaking their heads in unison and responding. They really were getting comfortable with each other as a couple. ¡°What, no, that is sickening mother!¡± Gwen shouted. ¡°Yes, your old profession, not the oldest profession,¡± Mallory clarified. With that, I can¡¯t help but laugh a little, knowing that they both fell for my joke. Sad that no one else but me will get to hear it, or understand it, as this is part of the three minutes that I will definitely edit out. But still, I was fairly proud of this one, also I was impressed that Mallory was able to pick up the punchline so quickly, though she does have a dirty mind so her making the connection shouldn¡¯t be too much of a stretch. ¡°Oh, in that case, yes.¡± ¡°Yes? Just like that?¡± Mallory states. ¡°Well yeah, what did you want me to do, tap dance around the subject?¡± I ask. ¡°Well no, I just thought you might do some deflection or plausible deniability, is all,¡± Mallory noted. ¡°I only have a minute and a half left, after this I will deny everything else that is said on this topic.¡± I state. Hearing that, both Mallory and Gwen straighten up, as they realize they still had other questions that needed to be answered. ¡°Okay, switching subjects. Cassidy, is she okay?¡± Gwen asks, a note of grandmotherly fear in her voice. ¡°Yes, in fact people from Mallory¡¯s family have come forward to help. She even thinks that she is being courted by one or more of Mallory¡¯s great-great-grandchildren.¡± I state. ¡°She thinks?¡± ¡°Yes, well they are apparently all muscular and in high school or college and being extra nice to her, even though she is a good five years younger, and still underage compared to the others. I almost wonder if this runs in the family¡­¡± I say slyly as I give an innocent stare at Mallory. ¡°Hey, that is rude, and you are deflecting.¡± Mallory was about to go off on a tangent, but then realized that I would not answer any more questions once the time ended. ¡°Yes, and yes.¡± I reply. ¡°So the big question is, can she actually use magic?¡± Gwen asks, a note of hope in voice. I smile brightly, then state ¡°what do you think? She is my great granddaughter after all.¡± I state proudly. With that both Gwen and Mallory pause as they realize that revelation. It is one thing to be able to do the impossible in a fictional game world where science and fantasy have been forcefully merged together in a way that is wholly unique and not bound by traditional laws of the world. So for Cassidy to be able to awaken meant a lot, also my answer was deflecting just enough that I didn¡¯t outright state the truth. ¡°Can she, or can¡¯t she? I want to hear a definitive answer.¡± Mallory pressed. With that I just smiled and shook my head. ¡°You are wasting your time by asking the same question that you already have the answers to. Move on, or I will.¡± I state. There was a slight pause, before Gwen chimed in with another relevant question, ¡°Did you find the Library of the Tribunal?¡± ¡°Who else would have?¡± I reply back with another question. Grr. I could hear and see the frustration in Mallory from my non-answer answers, but rather than get sidetracked by my antics Gwen pressed on. ¡°Where is it?¡± ¡°In the desert.¡± ¡°Where?¡± I smile, holding up my hand to stop the stream of questions that are likely to continue coming. I wave my hand quickly in the predetermined kill gesture we had set up, then state, ¡°oh would you look at the time. I am so sorry, I know I have kept you two from your daily duties. Here we go,¡± I state as I put my hand on Gwen¡¯s stomach and once again reaffirm my commitment to letting the child that Gwen is carrying have my bloodline. Then after I was done pulsing energy into Gwen¡¯s stomach, I gave a final farewell. ¡°Well, I guess that is it for me for today. I will see you all tomorrow.¡± Poof. And like that I was gone. I knew I would likely have to spend a few more nights of my Confidentiality merit fielding more questions by those two, but I had to admit it was sort of fun to constantly frustrate the two. What was the proverbial icing on the cake was the fact that I managed to complete my quest, in that short period of time.
Urgent (Top Secret) Quest Completed: Prevent Information Sharing of Cassidy Unger: You revealed your newest merit Confidentiality to Gwen Spiritlight and Mallory Valhalla, while using the capability explain to the two why they cannot talk about Cassidy. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Insights. Experience Gained: 250,000 / 125,000 / 125,000 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by five levels to level 242. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by five levels to level 283. Ethereal Healer has increased by seven levels to level 374.
That was a lot of experience to be gained, and for a moment I almost thought it was too much, when I realized it effectively hush experience. So much experience that the next time the system sent me an important quest like that, I wouldn¡¯t help but follow through with its demands. Pausing for a moment, I wondered how much Gwen and Mallory got the one night when I apparently came close to breaking the world by trying to reach out and find Cassidy? Seeing the amount of experience, it became clear that I was dangerously close to breaking something that the world found to be important. Maybe the world knew that if I so much as suspected something happening to Cassidy, I would be forced to reach out, find her and protect her, if I could. I don¡¯t know if I could or not, or what would happen to me if I reached out, or this world if I needed to do something vital, but I know I would be forced to try. Deep down, I understand that the world, or rather the AIs that run this world understand that part of me, the fact that I would be duty bound to protect Cassidy, even at the cost of my unlife, or whatever state of being I currently manifest as. That I would gladly sacrifice myself for my family that still lives. With that thought, I wonder if I have a common ally? No, ally is too strong of a term. Not an ally, but a covenant of agreements, whereby the world will help me protect Cassidy and my remaining descendants from problems I might inadvertently cause inside this world through my discoveries, and I subsequently won¡¯t break the world by trying to fix problems that could ultimately be linked back to me. Not the best of relationships, more of an armistice to prevent mutually assured destruction, but a relationship of trust none-the-less. Of course, it was the next part of the reward that let me know the world was truly sincere with the want of this partnership, as it gave me my second favorite type of reward.
New Skill Gained: Bloodline Insights has reached level 1.
Bloodline Insights is a Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3 based skill.
Yes, a skill, something that made my heart beat wildly at just the thought. The triple Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower only served as a further impetus for me to teach the Bloodline classes. First, the bloodline classes would get me exposed to more people with bloodlines, and aside from Bloodline Sensing, this was my first skill dedicated solely to understanding Bloodlines. Second, this skill showed me just how close I was getting to my base 175 limit for my Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower attributes, which was why I negotiated with the components needed for my Unbound personal use potion to be part of my teaching fees to even entertain the class. A class that of course I was going to take on, despite my workload, as I had a new skill to grind. Though the grinding would ultimately be useless for the moment as all my mental attributes had apparently reached their cap.
Mental Base Bonus
Perception 175* 1990
Intelligence 175* 2270
Willpower 175* 2999
That said, the world was not done bribing me, as it rewarded me with yet another Bloodline Marker.
Bloodline Marker Identified.
Bloodline Insights Marker Gained: You have gained the ability to identify people who have begun the process of awakening a bloodline, where they are in their process, and can identify where their bloodline will ultimately be most effective. Can be used on anyone with a bloodline that is as potent or less potent than your current bloodline ranking. Current Bloodline Ranking: Legendary + (5 / 7 Markers Needed for next breakthrough).
I was glad that the marker finally indicated my current status towards awakening my Mythic bloodline. Not that I actually wanted to awaken the bloodline and imagine the way the world would try to change me into something completely crazy, but it did feel good that my assumptions about my own progress state were confirmed. I was off on the number of total components needed to make the breakthrough, but I was correct in the fact that I felt I needed three more markers before this recent breakthrough. That meant that after this breakthrough, I just needed two more markers to awaken my next bloodline transformation, where I would officially begin breaking through what many consider to be the mortal barrier of this world. As the Mythic bloodline is where the supposedly truly exceptional realms of power await us. Honestly, I feel a bit flustered at the idea. Yes, the breakthrough might be great, and depending on what ridiculous changes the world forces on me, I might be like one of those permanently shape changing trickster gods from lore, as I can only imagine how hideous I will look after everything is said and done. That said, for the moment things are going well. There are challenges, but I seem to be able to deal with them, and starting tomorrow I will begin my further exploration of the Arcanarus Tower. All I have to do is teach my final Friday classes, including my first and only joint Royal and Legendary bloodline class that will be held on a Friday, and then I am done. Nothing to worry about at all. Yet, I can¡¯t quite shake the feeling that something stupid is going to happen, I just don¡¯t know what. And that is what scares me. Chapter 195 A Well-Deserved Vacation Chapter 195 A Well-Deserved Vacation ¡°GUH! Finally.¡± I say out loud to myself as I activate the remaining Two hours and Fifty-Seven minutes of my Confidentiality. While I used the three key minutes that allow me to act without anyone¡¯s awareness earlier in the morning, I find myself using the last three hours to distort the time that I will spend exploring the Arcanarus Tower. Sniff. As I arrive the sweet smell of murky tomes filled with ancient and forbidden lore and stories fill my nostrils as I realize I am in something that one could only claim as heaven. Yes, right now I find myself within a ghost library, but not just any library, one run by ghost fairies. ¡°Oh, the real one is here?¡± One of the little fairies cries out in excitement, from my exchanged thoughts with my Second Simulacrum, otherwise known as SS, I know that this one is called Illumiana, she is one of the lead fairies of this library and by all measures very capable magically speaking. In fact, when my SS wasn¡¯t reading most of her time she spent trying to learn from and investigate the magic used by the fairies. From what my SS could tell, they were highly proficient magic users, so the fact that they could tell that I was the real one was either due to their high degree of magical expertise, or the fact that they recognized my familiar bonded tattoo. I¡¯m going to lean towards the latter, but the former might be just as accurate. Pausing for a moment, I try to take in the form of Illumiana, along with the forms of all of the other fairies that are trying to hide around us, close enough to eavesdrop, without actually being noticed. At least not by a person with regular vision. Seeing that Illumiana is right there, I take a moment to look at first her, then really inspect not just her but all of the other fairies around me. Tingle. While I am doing this, Zero is taking a moment to manifest himself from the tattoo on my arm and appear floating next to me. ¡°I don¡¯t see it, Zero.¡± I say, as I turn my head away from Illumiana, and slowly face all the other fairies. ¡°I agree. I already told you that I agreed with you earlier.¡± Zero replied placatingly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, is there anything I can help with?¡± A confused Illumiana asks. Sigh. ¡°No, it¡¯s just that well, never mind.¡± I was about to say it, but then lacked the wording on how to accurately state my concern. ¡°We must apologize, the Doctor here was teaching a class and one of the students said something that Dr. Spiritlight here took as offensive.¡± Zero replied for me. ¡°Oh dear, what did the student say, we will curse them with the mange all over their body. We will make it so the only hair they grow is in the form of a thick unibrow that will grow back within an hour, despite how much grooming they perform daily.¡± Illumiana spoke animatedly, and as she did the other fairies that were all within ear shot began angrily flapping their wings as they began crying out in agreement. Seeing them all willing to stand up for me, made me instantly tingle inside, ¡°ahh.¡± ¡°You do realize that this is part of why that student made the observation right? The fact that you are at the very least entertaining this thought proves that you somewhere might have an inclination to this way of thinking.¡± Zero noted as he turned his snout towards me. Hearing this, I let out a sigh of frustration, and realize I can¡¯t even think of these little fairies all coming to my defense as cute. ¡°Fine, you are correct Zero,¡± I state to Zero, then wanting to get out before this develops further and I have to explain what exactly was said to tick me off before my weekend getaway of exploring, I decide to leave. ¡°Illumiana, and everyone. I have to say first, thank you all for your assistance and patience in letting my Simulacrum stay and read and learn from your lore.¡± ¡°Anything for you princess Spiritlight.¡± A squeaky cute fairy, Elliara, states as she gets closer and looks at me. ¡°Thank you Elliara,¡± I state turning to the fairy, who always tried to provide my Simulacrums with magically infused treats of some kind. My Simulacrum never took them, but did do experiments on them finding that they were magically psychotropic in some way that used Mind magic and Alchemy in new baking forms that would likely be a big hit with the older audiences. That said, I decided to get the recipes, but not do anything with them for the moment. ¡°Ahh, she knows my name!¡± Elliara states excitedly, then begins to dart upwards as if she jumped for excitement and then did a quick twirl, before doing a loop and ending right back where she started from. Seeing her move, I couldn¡¯t help but feel like I was witnessing something beautiful. Almost like it was a special moment in time set aside for me and me alone to see. Others had apparently come to this floor, many sought refuge within the confines of the library, but only I was allowed to freely read the books here. Anyone else who came was often hexed or cursed, depending on the severity of their transgressions and how much they angered the fairies present. A few times my Simulacrums would also help stop individuals who were hurting the fairies. Even going so far as to bring a few back to life with Resurrection. Fortunately, when they used our joint pools of energy I was otherwise engaged with non-magical affairs, but I did notice the use. It wasn¡¯t until that night when our minds merged with the day¡¯s events that I understood exactly what happened. Just as I was thinking all of this while watching how the fairies react to my presence, Zero is right there to pull me together and yank the rug right out from under me. ¡°You don¡¯t see how others could possibly confuse your Developmental Focus?¡± He asks, making the core concept of Developmental Focus, or in this case Bloodline Attuning Developmental Focus sound like he is mocking the thought. ¡°You know, I think I liked you better as a bad girl rebelling from her father tattoo.¡± I quip. ¡°Well, you wouldn¡¯t have to hear me talk, if we weren¡¯t standing still.¡± Zero states, a bit of impatience in his voice. With that, I pause and see Zero¡¯s current actions. That¡¯s when I notice the slight traces of agitation, the barely restrained trembling of his muscles as he seems to jitter in place. The way he twitches almost anxiously, that¡¯s when I realize what is happening to him and I can help but laugh at the thought. Chuckle. ¡°What is it?¡± Zero asks in an increasingly agitated tone. At that, I just laugh loudly, confusing Zero and all of the other fairies that are just staring at the two of us. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry. It¡¯s just you, you are too cute. If you needed me to walk you, then you should have just said so.¡± I state. Stillness. For a moment, the world seems to pause as Zero looks shocked at my statement, all of the fairies momentarily forget to flap their wings, while still remaining floating in the same exact position. Then after that one brief moment reality seems to kick in as everyone moves all at once. ¡°What, I do not¡­¡± Zero begins, but is quickly cut off as dozens of laughing fairies drown out his voice from under a cacophony of prankster glee. ¡°He does, oh that is so cute.¡± Illumiana chimes in, seeing the same things that I saw, and drawing the same conclusion. ¡°I know,¡± Mezeranda, another fairy chimes in and continues the ridicule of poor Zero in the cutest tiny voice. ¡°Does the widdle dragon need to water the bushes?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll water your¡­¡± Zero begins. ¡°Whoa there, it is time to go.¡± I state, grabbing Zero and quickly Teleporting the two of us out of the fairy controlled library. Poof. Zero looks like he was about to snarl at a fairy, one who was no longer directly in front of him. He then pauses to realize that our location has changed to be well outside of the library. With that he pauses and looks at me, ¡°you can Teleport the two of us?¡± ¡°Yeah, worked on it right after I realized my personal Self Teleport wasn¡¯t up to the task.¡± I state. Hearing that, Zero pauses for a moment, then lets a bit of the ire within him drop. It¡¯s odd watching him, as I watch him slowly deflate, the longer we are away. It is almost like seeing that he was becoming enraged for some reason. ¡°You okay?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, well I am now.¡± Zero replies a bit of sadness in his voice as he no doubt realizes he was getting increasingly agitated. ¡°Sorry about the needing to take you on a walk comment. You are not a dog and you did not deserve that.¡± I state. ¡°No, you were correct, I did need to get out of there. It¡¯s just the way they took your cue and then all focused in on me. It was unnerving.¡± Zero stated, a note of concern to him. Thinking back, I could see it, almost like a pack of barracudas smelling blood in the water and all turning their attention to the wounded creature who would serve as an easy meal. ¡°Took my cue?¡± ¡°Yeah, they all fed off of you. Everything they did all seemed to be for your benefit. In fact, if I had to guess, I would say that was why they were all afraid to join in originally, as they didn¡¯t want to draw your ire.¡± ¡°You think they were afraid of me?¡± I ask, thinking back and trying to think of any of them that were afraid of me. ¡°Not of you, but of the idea that you might not find them worthy of your attention in some way. It was frightening in a way, seeing their magic ready to come to life in protection of you.¡± Zero noted. ¡°Well, I have saved a few of them, via my Simulacrums, so that likely means something.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it, and you know it.¡± Zero states, turning his snout so his eyes would stare straight forward into mine. Of course, we are both blind in our natural eyes, thanks to both of us having Angel¡¯s Sight, but we know the importance of these gestures. As such, I pause and stare into Zero¡¯s eyes and begin to try to truly internalize what he is saying. ¡°So you think it too?¡± I ask, of course referring back to the comment one of my students from my Joint Bloodline Exploration class that I just held. With that Zero just stared back for a moment, no doubt figuring out how to tell me yes, without being too mean about it. ¡°What do you think about the comment?¡± Zero asks. I pause and let a myriad of my own thoughts roll through my head at that. Then before I get too deep in thought, I just start stating what I am thinking and let it all pour out in a stream of consciousness form. ¡°I found it overall very rude, and almost thought that he was trying to tell a particularly bad joke. If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that no one laughed, only proved how bad the joke was. At least that is what I thought at first, but then apparently everyone thought that the comment was the case.¡± I state, then pause, before continuing. ¡°Now, seeing the response from the fairies here, I almost feel that it was more pronounced and I can¡¯t quite deny the fact that I too feel a bond with them. More so than I felt when I first came to this floor. Originally, we were just a group of bibliophiles who held a secret book club in a private library, but now there is more to consider. Then I ask the important question. ¡°Do you think my observations were off?¡± ¡°When it comes to anything magically or energy related, even something as ephemeral as bloodlines and how to awaken them, I have learned to never doubt your insights.¡± Zero states. With that I nod, not wanting to address the elephant in the room. For that was the only part of the logic chain that could possibly break the conclusion of not only what that student said, but also what my future evolution into the Mythical stage of bloodline evolutions would entail. Seeing that I was lost in thought, Zero fortunately took control of the conversation and let us actually begin our further ascent upwards. ¡°You ready to continue your climb upwards?¡± Zero asked. Hearing him, I could only nod in agreement. For a moment I thought about summoning my wings and lowering my weight, two spells that have become staples of mine of late, but then to my chagrin I realized they were still summoned. Then I have the thought, do I ever unsummon them? Realizing I was mostly lost in contemplation Zero rises up in the way only a floating dragon can, swimming gracefully up a seemingly nonexistent waterfall. I of course follow, letting him dictate the pace as I think back to my class and how we ended up here on such a bad note. *** (One Hour Ago) ¡°Welcome class. As many of you are already members of either my Qi or Magic related courses, I should be fairly easy to spot by now. My name is Dr. Spiritlight, and today will be the first of weekly courses that you all have already been made aware of. Next week, we will move this joint class from Friday to Wednesdays, at the same time as now, where we will proceed to go over what to expect when it comes to awakening a bloodline and what to expect when your bloodline fully activates within your body.¡± I begin, feeling like I am rambling, but no one says or passes notes, honestly it would be sort of odd having so many people staring at me with such intensity, but I am sadly getting used to this odd sensation by now. ¡°This is going to be a shortened class, as my main purpose for having this class before the weekend is that I want you all to begin thinking about your long-term homework assignment for this class. Namely, by the time this class is over, you should be able to understand three core concepts when it comes to bloodlines.¡± Silence. I could be talking to a room of zombies, except I can feel and sense the way everyone seems to be holding their collective breaths, as if breathing too loudly would cause them to miss a word. Realizing there is nothing else to this, no lifeline, no one to ask questions and help me see what the students would be interested in, I continue on, mostly going off the cuff. ¡°The first key concept is that your bloodline can be as powerful as you allow it, just realize that with each source of power you will also experience a weakness. Now, I do not want this to be a classroom where we come in and tell everyone, and therefore the world our weaknesses. Rather, this is to let you know that the more power you wish to awaken in yourself, you will need to learn that that power will come from something else. Thus, this first concept can be summarized into one word.¡±
  • Power
Gasp. With that, I have the word power presented in the air before us all using Illusion magic. Finally, some of the students responded by letting out the air they had been holding. This is good, I would hate to have to Resurrect a whole classroom of students just to keep teaching them. ¡°This of course plays into the second key pillar to understand about bloodlines, in that the more power you want to awaken in your bloodline, the more resources it will cost to first awaken. Additionally, there will be a balance. You want the ability to increase your power with a particular affinity of magic, it might cost you your ability to use a secondary affinity. You want to be good at all magic, well you will need to find great resources to facilitate this transformation of your body, and then upon receiving that benefit, you will have to have a detriment that is equally detrimental. You want ultimate power, then you radiate power like a furnace to those who are awakened. You want even more power, then not only do you radiate power like a furnace, but you can share your flames of powers with others. There is always a balance, and that is the second pillar that you must understand in this equation.¡±
  • Power
  • Balance
This time the students were prepared for the visual aid, and kept quiet, but just tilted their head at the sudden appearance of the new word floating before them. Again, I was still on my own, as I apparently was going to get through all my semi-planned material early and going to have to call it a day. Oh well, more time to explore. ¡°This of course leads to the third and final core concept that I want you all to spend the majority of your weekend focusing on, and that is intent. Just as you use your intent to cast a spell, so too do you need to use your intent to guide your awakening process. If you truly wish to make the most of this opportunity that has been given to you and all of your future offspring, you must focus your will on where you want to ultimately end up. This last part is possibly the most crucial and will help bring out the truest depths of your bloodline¡¯s potential, in a pillar we will refer to as a concept.¡±
  • Power
  • Balance
  • Concept
¡°Ohh.¡± With that everyone seemed to be impressed with the three concepts. I stood there, wondering if anyone had anything to say. If they wished for any clarifying information, but apparently all of these students were just as ready for the weekend as I was. ¡°Any questions?¡± I ask. Silence. Yeah, this class was officially my least favorite. ¡°All right, if there is nothing else. Then you all are free to go enjoy your weekends. I will remain around for a few minutes to answer any questions you might still have.¡± Of course, this was when everyone got up and crowded around me, and began asking me questions. They asked questions that I couldn¡¯t think up the true answer to, so I deflected as much as possible and improvised for the rest. ¡°What components do I need to awaken my bloodline?¡± One overly energetic male student asked. Yeah, like I know that off the top of my head. Most of my bloodline evolutions were either noted in quests, or just random encounters. Yet, with this kid staring right at me, I know I have to give something, so I try the ancient mysterious master approach. ¡°Once you have accepted and internalized your concept, all future actions will be irrelevant, as they will all ultimately lead you to who you wish to become.¡± I state. With that a few of the students who gathered around began to nod. A few took a step back, not wishing to leave, but apparently having their question answered, but waiting around to hear what else I might be able to pull out of my¡­ ¡°As you stated, there is a balance that is required for a truly powerful bloodline. Can you stop yourself from awakening a bloodline in an effort to find components that might drive down the costs?¡± A female student asked, who appeared to be trying to awaken a bloodline on an unlimited budget. ¡°Why would you stop yourself from becoming the strongest version of yourself? Only if you doubt the version of yourself that you are going to become, should you avoid trying to reach your true potential.¡± I answer. ¡°Oh.¡± A number of students chime in on that one. After that, I was asked a deluge of questions until finally I was asked the ultimate question that caused me to lose my temper. I remember it exactly, the male student came forward, and without any malicious intent asked me in all seriousness about my personal concept. ¡°When it comes to your core concept. Did you always know that you wanted to be a fairy princess?¡± And just like that, class was over. Chapter 196 The Setup On Floor 210 (Alilian and RaSean) Chapter 196 The Setup On Floor 210 (Alilian and RaSean) ¡°Do you think she will even stop here?¡± RaSean asked, the weight of having to stay in the Arcanarus Tower for yet another day weighing on him. While his regeneration was more than capable of dealing with the slow necrotic rot that overtook everyone living who entered the tower, he still couldn¡¯t help but feel the slow drain that this realm had on his psyche slowly withering away at him. He and Alilian had been here for six months, well in the tower for that time. From there they took a train ride to the great world tree Yggdraspirit. Then from that point onward it was all giant airships that would be able to rise to the two hundredth floor. Once he and the team made it to floor two hundred, that¡¯s when they went up as a team. Each had their own tasks that they were assigned. RaSean and Alilian were dropped off here at floor 210 to farm reputation so that they would not be constantly attacked while they waited for the prize. A prize that almost everyone was gunning for a chance to meet, but only their country had the resources, manpower, and foresight to plan out this elaborate honey trap. ¡°Are you kidding, it seems like this entire section was created just for her. I mean think about it, two rival factions of Mages against Cultivators who test their might in a monthly tournament to prove strength and dominance. If she wouldn¡¯t stop here, then where would she stop?¡± Alilian asked. Hearing that RaSean just nodded his head as he couldn¡¯t argue against that assessment. That was the rationale for the two of them breaking off here in the first place, while the rest of the team kept climbing upwards. After a few moments RaSean finally spoke. ¡°Any word on the target?¡± ¡°She is moving.¡± Alilian stated. ¡°She is?¡± ¡°Yes, we have confirmation coming in that the team has been able to climb up from the maximum level. They are now at floor 257.¡± Hearing that, RaSean paused, then realized, ¡°that¡¯s pretty close.¡± In his mind he did the math. With the Tower controller rising, the maximum floor that the team could get to would be fifty levels above the highest floor the Tower controller reached. Meaning that if the advanced scout team could reach floor 257, then the Tower controller had to have at least reached floor 207, which placed their target within just three levels of their own floor. ¡°When did she start?¡± RaSean asked. ¡°About three hours ago.¡± Alilian replied. That was the other problem with this task for RaSean, in that Alilian had a constant feed of information being fed to her from the outside, which got astronomically more expensive inside a Tower or Dungeon. Given this cost, to streamline the process only two people were given feeds, Alilian and Yeromeah, the leader of the advanced scout team. Suddenly, RaSean felt a twinge of apprehension as he realized that they were close. Then realizing the speed that the target was rising, he understood one thing. ¡°She is flying?¡± ¡°Yes, she is technically cheating, but we all know that after this floor, the cheat of flying will not be as easy.¡± Hearing that RaSean again nodded, remembering how the floating lakes of mana infused water, and ponds of poisonous Qi water were everywhere around, making flight nearly impossible. At least this was the floor that everyone in their exploration team had to stop their flight upwards and focus on climbing the tower the way the world apparently wanted. ¡°Are you sure she will stop here? I mean this is a rather large floor.¡± ¡°This was the perfect spot to set up a hotel. Additionally, we are one of the few places that allows you to sign up for any portion of the battle contests, and are a stone¡¯s throw away from the tournament complex itself. Relax, we have this.¡± Alilian said, as she reassuringly placed her hand over RaSean¡¯s own. Tingle. RaSean felt the familiar surge of calming energy flow through him. This was one of the odd spells that Alilian had picked up along her journey, one that made her a perfect plant for their intended target. The goal of this whole multi-million gold coin campaign was simply to meet the target on friendly terms. That was it, nothing further. No ulterior motives, just meet, establish contact and end the relationship on a seemingly friendly note. This on its own should be relatively simple, as all accounts of the target state that she is charming, friendly, with a bubbly personality. There was also the disclaimer that noted that she was exceptionally brilliant, particularly when it came to the use and practical applications of Magic and Qi, and if she noted any form of deception she would grow weary almost instantly. Thus began the campaign and training program that had been established for not just them, but the whole team as well. Then more and more incentives would be handed out for each additional time any member of the team managed to meet the target and once again end the meeting on a pleasant note. There was one major stipulation that had been put in for the entire team, but especially for RaSean who had apparently developed a bit of a reputation as a lady¡¯s man. Namely, he and no member of the team was to approach the target in any type of romantic way. This made his current task tougher, but not completely unmanageable. At first RaSean thought that this was because one of the country¡¯s higher ups had taken a liking to this particular target, only to find out that this stipulation of no romantic interests was based solely on the age of the avatar the user was controlling, as she was apparently still a minor, despite becoming highly recognized for her magical potential. With this revelation, RaSean only became even more intrigued by this potential target. Clearly she had either found something, or gained some forbidden magical item that would allow her to gain such notoriety so quickly. Then smiling to himself, he realized that getting this magician to enter into the tournament would be perfect to see what she was truly capable of, as the tournament¡¯s field had a way of deactivating the effects of items. Meaning that once a participant entered the battle arena, it was only their skills and abilities that would be measured. Which was a huge part of why RaSean particularly enjoyed watching the tournaments, there were so many powers and abilities that were on display that it was impossible to name or identify each nuance that went into each attack. Peak Martial grandmasters would use exploding fists that glowed in different colors of the rainbow with each strike. While magicians would cast spells that seemed to rip apart the very fabric of reality. Then the top mage would square off against the top cultivator in a winner takes all final championship. The warriors almost always won. There were only a few exceptions, the mage cast trap spells that would capture the cultivator long enough to be blown apart by an instant attack spell. Or the mage would create an illusionary copy of themselves and get lucky enough that the warrior would try to attack the illusions, while the mage fired off a deadly attack. Those were the only two victories that RaSean saw from the mages and those were months ago. In the six months that RaSean had been here the totals had been four wins for the cultivators versus two wins for the mages. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. Given how powerful this mage candidate allegedly was, RaSean felt that this mage might just have a chance. Though there was also the off chance that the mage might try to sign up for the cultivator side, given how strong they apparently were as well. Given this description, RaSean pictured a short buff magical dwarf person. ¡°Oh shit,¡± Alilian hissed as she stood up from her seat, and began straightening her formal dress that she wore for her hostess role for this hotel. ¡°What?¡± RaSean asked, suddenly jumping to his feet and cleaning up his own rumpled butler¡¯s uniform as well. ¡°She¡¯s here.¡± ¡°She is? But wasn¡¯t she three floors away?¡± ¡°Apparently, she saw something that got her attention and decided to come here quicker.¡± Alilian stated. Hearing that, RaSean did remember a note that stated the target could use Teleportation magic to move quickly if they wanted. That was another no go for their mission, particularly if they wanted to be paid for this whole operation, as the target could apparently Teleport large distances in the blink of an eye. If that happened, keeping track of her would be nearly impossible. Jingle. With that the door opened, revealing the most beautiful creature that RaSean had ever seen. She was short, but floated weightlessly in the air, perfect angel wings propelled her forward. She wore a black one-piece uniform that looked like it was made of silk and finer materials. Her skin was a light blue that could only speak of being stuck here in the spirit world for centuries. In his mind, RaSean had seen the fairies that ran the library on the two hundredth floor, and who protected the library at all costs. Looking at this person before her, it was clear that she was like them, but likely a different faction entirely, that and this creature was clearly royalty of some kind for this newly discovered faction. This new character complicated things, as supposedly the target would land on this floor shortly, but they couldn¡¯t very well turn away royalty. Not if they wanted to be able to keep their operation running smoothly, something they only needed to do until contact with the target was made, but something that would invariably be cut short if they managed to anger royalty. RaSean had heard about this sort of thing, where the world throws in random complications, while you are trying to meet specific people. Realizing that this was likely a test of some kind, RaSean decided to try to intercept the royal fairy queen, who all but radiated magic. That was the other thing, as this character was clearly a fairy as they all but radiated unbridled magical power. Just as RaSean was about to move, he noticed that a small blue eel-dog creature seemed to float swim next to the fairy queen. Pausing for only a moment, RaSean scanned the area to see if other guards were coming for this member of royal society, but seeing that none were coming, assumed that the lack of personal guards was mitigated by the eel attack dog thing. With that realization, RaSean decided to be careful with his approach. ¡°Your grace, to what do we owe this unexpected visit?¡± RaSean asked, slightly playing up the fact that he was putting on airs for the newest arrival, and by doing so will hopefully be able to get the dialog going. From his past, he assumed this might be a fetch quest that turns out to be a way to get him to enter himself into the tournament as a representative of the fairy queen¡¯s faction. Just thinking about it, this would prove to be more cumbersome than he expected, and was already sighing at the idea of having to shew away this member of royalty in a polite but dignified manner. Yet, he was not prepared for what happened next. ¡°What is your problem?¡± The fairy queen asked, turning her head from RaSean to face Alilian, ¡°is he always like that?¡± ¡°You must excuse him, he is extremely nervous as he is waiting for an important person to arrive.¡± Alilian said, her tone denoting that there was something that RaSean should be picking up on, but RaSean could not understand the undertones. ¡°Oh, I get that.¡± The fairy queen said, in an almost relaxed tone. Something about this queen was throwing RaSean off. Actually, no, everything about this fairy queen was throwing RaSean off. ¡°Can you tell me who you are looking for, and I can tell you if they are already here.¡± The fairy queen stated. Hearing this, RaSean felt a slight form of apprehension. He knew the lore of working with fairies, that taking so much as the smallest gift might be tantamount to giving them part of your soul, or worse being bound to an unimaginable favor. Though, RaSean was curious as to just what the fairy queen would do to find someone. ¡°Is this some form of search magic?¡± RaSean asked. ¡°Something like that.¡± The Queen responded. Given the evasiveness of the statement, RaSean knew he would not take up the exchange of an unbound favor. Though he was still curious about this search magic, particularly as he had never heard of this particular style of magic before. ¡°Out of curiosity, how would you cast such a spell?¡± RaSean asked. Hearing that the light blue ears of the queen twitched as she suddenly looked intrigued by the question, meaning she had not really put any true thought into the search spell at first. ¡°Good question. Well for starters, we have to figure out who exactly are you looking for? Are they living or a spirit from this realm?¡± The queen asked. Hearing this, RaSean paused, wondering just how the queen knew this? Apparently, the queen saw something on RaSean¡¯s features as she instantly laughed and shook her hand dismissively as if somehow also able to read his thoughts. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, nothing crazy like me reading your thoughts or anything. No, I just figured since you two were the only ones who were clearly alive on this floor, that it would stand to reason that the person you were waiting for was also living as well.¡± The queen stated. This was when Alilian came forward to assist. ¡°Very astute observation, but how would you search for them using magic?¡± Pausing for only a moment the queen bit her lips together in a clear sign of obvious contemplation, then thinking for a moment, she moved her hands, but then paused as she began muttering to herself. ¡°No, no point in creating two different spells, just lace them both together like so.¡± Whoosh! Suddenly a surge of energy passed over and through RaSean as he felt like his insides were about to be shaken free. There was so much power in that spell that for a moment RaSean thought he was being attacked by some fierce wind spell. Only to realize that he was able to keep his feet under him. ¡°What was that?¡± RaSean blurted out, losing his character as the butler as he felt his heart race at the sudden surge of energy that had just pulsed through him. ¡°That was a magical search spell. I can search for both living and spiritual beings with that spell, kind of fun.¡± The queen said, tilting her head to the side. ¡°Tha, that¡­¡± Alilian began to speak, but found herself stuttering. Seeing the look of shock on Alilian¡¯s face, RaSean involuntarily took a step towards her, in order to comfort her. ¡°Are you okay?¡± All Alilian could do was nod her head, but then she turned her head to focus on the queen. There was a look on Alilian¡¯s face that was hard to describe, and RaSean realizing that this whole dilemma had gone on for too long, decided to refuse this random quest from the fairy NPC, consequences be damned. ¡°Look I¡¯m sorry, but we can¡¯t have you going around casting random spells like that in here. We are going to have to ask you to leave.¡± RaSean said in as polite of a tone as he could. ¡°Oh, yeah.¡± The queen said, looking around as if suddenly realizing that she was in a hotel casting random high powered spells that could cause severe damage. ¡°I apologize.¡± Then reaching down she grabbed her pet guard eel, which quickly seemed to blend into her skin in less than a second, before she disappeared completely. Poof. A cloud of glittery dust floated up from the ground, and then slowly seemed to evaporate in the light. Only after seeing the cloud evaporate, and see how quickly the queen disappeared did RaSean realize he made a huge mistake. This was further confirmed by Alilian who screamed out, ¡°no, no, please wait!¡± But it was already too late as the fairy queen that was just here had already left. Silence. There was a long moment of silence, as both RaSean and Alilian both were lost in deep thought. Seeing the expression on Alilian¡¯s face RaSean knew exactly who that person was. ¡°So that was¡­¡± was all RaSean got out before Alilian just nodded. ¡°Yep.¡± Knock, knock. The was another awkward pause, and RaSean was just about to say something, when he heard a slight knocking on the door. ¡°Uh, come in?¡± RaSean stammered out, never experiencing anyone just knocking to enter an Inn. With that the door opened once again revealing the same fairy queen, who looked just as elegant and beautiful as before, though now there was a deeper look of contemplation on her face. ¡°Sorry to bother you all again, but could I ask one question?¡± The target asked, never stepping beyond the threshold of the Inn¡¯s door. ¡°Uh sure, anything.¡± RaSean stated, being the first to recover and try to stand back up to his regal bearing as a butler. ¡°Can I asked why you called me your grace earlier?¡± Hearing that, RaSean first thought about lying, but then decided that being honestly true was the only way to go here. Given her powers and how mysterious she allegedly was, there were likely ways the powerful woman before him could detect if he was lying anyways. With that in mind, he decided to speak openly and honestly. ¡°You must forgive me. When I first saw you, I thought you were a fairy queen from a sect of fairies that we had never interacted with before. I also, apologize if I came across as rude, as I didn¡¯t want to get drawn into a seemingly random feud between factions of fairies.¡± RaSean answered. Hearing that the target, just nodded her head and muttered just loudly enough for RaSean to hear. ¡°Well at least this time I was considered to be a queen. That means that I am moving up in the world.¡± Just before RaSean could respond to that comment, the floating girl with angelic wings nodded, then said, ¡°thank you for answering honestly.¡± ¡°Any¡­¡± Poof. Just as RaSean began to speak back, to try to continue the dialog with the enigmatic target, she had once again disappeared. This time the door just remained opened, while the two conspirators looked at each other. ¡°What do we do now?¡± Alilian asked. That¡¯s when RaSean trying to break the sudden tension that was clearly all his fault asked. ¡°Do you think we can claim our bonus by putting us down as having had two cordial meetings?¡± "Probably not." Alilian stated. With that, RaSean just sighed as he figured that would be the case, though he did hope for a moment. Just when the two were going to write off the whole scene and cut their losses, they both saw a world message that would negate any chance the two had at having an easy write off where they stated nothing eventful happened. Because not two moments later they, just like everyone received a world announcement that would forever change the world.
World Announcement: Congratulations to Cassiopeia Spiritlight for singlehandedly discovering and inventing a new form of magic.
Chapter 197 Making Bold Announcements Chapter 197 Making Bold Announcements One thing I have to give the world is its ability to adapt. A few weeks ago it proved a misunderstanding of how martial powers were to be applied as witnessed in my martial showdown Jackie Khan who apparently had little control over Qi itself and thought that by pushing more Qi through their meridians they would be more powerful, or pose a challenge to me. Since then, the level of control over Qi by the indigenous people of this world has increased by leaps and bounds, as evident by the steady rise in people¡¯s cultivation levels the further up the tower we went. I of course, trying to make up for lost time bypassed the floors, knowing that explorers had already gotten to the floor two hundred and fifty bonus for reaching the floor first. Yeah, sad fate that awaits those who start a tower climb and then leave to visit their family, only to come back. To make matters worse, I will likely be a part time climber while I try to keep my work life up and operational. Zero and I have worked out the process. During class time, Zero will be on my body sleeping for the two of us. That way when I am off and free to explore, Zero can be out and by my side as a valued companion. This is good, as I think I might go mad if I was left to my own devices. At the very least I know that Mallory would likely say something snarky about needing to reign in my world-destroying tendencies by having a constant minder that I would listen to and respect the opinion of. That was why, despite my being able to Teleport quickly up most of the floors, I decided to go the slow methodical way, of flying upwards with Zero. Well, the mostly slow, as I did end up having to carry Zero for most of it as my flight skills that I have been practicing are better than the skills he has. That or they are the same skills, it is just that my limit on my skills is a lot higher than the limiter on his skills, proving a disparity in speeds. A disparity that apparently requires me to cradle Zero to my chest like some baby kitten while we fly upwards. Not that I mind, but I do protest just to establish boundaries out of principle. I mean one second you are carrying you familiar in a cradle carry, the next thing you know you are wearing a crazy familiar hat that Zero can rest comfortably so you can knit and perform crafts with ease while having your familiar out and about. And no, I did not think about asking Penelope to make me a cute little Zero sombrero that I could wear for these types of excursions. Especially not, after I realized that I already had a head covering that was part of my guild supplied soul bound uniform. Also back in contention were the clear signs that the Blight was hard at work destroying the great tree Yggdraspirit. The signs started out slowly, only first emerging on floor 206, but they were faint traces of specific veins and shafts that ran up the side of the great tree. I could have taken the time, stopped and worked away the few lingering vines of corruption that I saw, but they were just a symptom of the main problem. My assumption was proven correctly as we flew upwards and saw more poisoned veins of Blighted corruption that covered the trunk of the great tree, but still signs led further upwards. ¡°Do you see that?¡± Zero asked. ¡°Yeah the corruption appears to be starting much higher up. I think that if we find the source of the Blight, we will be able to purify that portion of the tree and then let the cleansing work its way outwards.¡± I reply. As I state that, I receive a system message letting me know that my assumptions about the treatment of the great tree were correct.
Hidden Quest Found (Ongoing): The Blight of Yggdraspirit: You have found that there is a network of decaying vines that seek to leach power from the great tree Yggdraspirit. Find the source of the corruption and purify it at its source. Rewards: Experience, variable.
I had the distinct feeling that one of those variables could be a bloodline marker. I technically only needed two more markers to complete my needs for my Mythic Bloodline and to have it so I apparently become some odd amalgamation of a three eyed porcelain doll, a butterfly, and a night light. While I was secretly hoping for wings, I mean who doesn¡¯t love to fly, and the constant reserve of holding over one third of my magic in limbo to fly weightlessly is a pain. I hope the wings are not insect wings, I really hope for that. I also realize that after getting my wings, I will likely be one of the first people to come up with a spell on how to shapeshift their body so they don¡¯t appear to have wings. Though this is all conjecture on the idea that the world would give me something that I want. I am so lost in my own thoughts that I am almost thrown for a loop when Zero responds with something other than noticing the corruption that is threatening to eat away at the great tree Yggdraspirit. ¡°No, I mean the factions of mages and cultivators. It is interesting to see how they are getting along so easily, down here.¡± Zero states. Hearing that, I feel a slight tingle in my ears, almost as if Zero is cluing me in on some type of foresight that all but screams of a thinly veiled hidden questline. At least that is the odd sensation I get from holding Zero this closely and thinking back I could almost feel a slight surge of energy that entered into Zero¡¯s body moments before he began talking. It was low and subtle, but still something that seemed to resonate with me, through our shared connection. ¡°Oh, no I did not notice that.¡± I reply, almost wanting to give a wink back, but then realize I might be a bit too obvious if I do that. Heck, even my reply now has me cringing with how blatantly out of character I was being. Pausing, I realized that if I could feel these quest impulses then I might be able to uncover more interesting story lines to unlock which of course would show off more of the world¡¯s hidden depths, and hopefully open up more quests. Oh, I wonder if I can unlock a Quest Finding skill, or better yet a Skill Finding Quest skill. The first would focus on finding quests, the second would help highlight quests that identified quests with skills specifically. Oh, that would be amazing. I am so lost in this thought process that I almost miss the transition between floors 207 and 208. Here two things are apparent, first the Blight infused vines are so dense that it is clearly causing some of the mages and warriors to keep separated from one another. This separation was only more pronounced on floor 209, where Blighted veins eroded deep segments of Yggdraspirit, causing many places to be roped off and quarantined from one another. Then finally we made it to floor 210, when it appeared we were supposed to stop and actually investigate the area. I knew this for a fact, as I could feel a slight jolt enter Zero, while still cradle carrying him. Then a moment later he spoke, and simultaneously opened up a new hidden quest line. ¡°Look at that over there, it appears to be a tournament of some kind. I wonder what it is for?¡± Zero asks and points off in the distance. Off in the distance was a stand that held an official decree, and was guarded by someone who was clearly a powerful mage and a powerful cultivator. While both the mage and cultivator seemed to be angry at having to be close to each other, they still seemed to keep a semblance of professionalism by not doing anything overtly hostile. The task was simple, I was supposed to go with Zero and get close enough to the sign to read it and likely spark a quest. Fortunately for me, I cheated as my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading skill kicked in and let me read the sign upon being made aware of it. Actually, I had already read the sign on the way up, a twenty-kilometer sight radius does help in being able to read things at a distance. It wasn¡¯t until Zero made the comment that sparked the actual quest chain.
New Food Redemption Contest of Champions. Rather than starting a war for resources, the town elders of floor 210 have come up with a fair and equitable way to divvy up resources in a best of sixty-four competition pitting the thirty-two best mages against the thirty-two best cultivators. Etcetera, etcetera. Faction participation slots available: Mage slot 32 of 32 available. Cultivator slot 32 of 32 available. For additional information on slot availability more information on the competition available at the Stalwart Inn, located directly across from the sign in post. If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Yes, at the bottom of the sheet were two magically imbued pull tags that would likely link my personal information to the faction and side that I pulled from for the challenge. Below that showed a listing of sixty-two names that had already been filled out and added to the different slots. With two blank slots available, one for each faction would likely have a final random person for the opposite faction appear and grab the last tab at the last minute. That or maybe it was done like that so I could try to win both brackets and then have to fight myself like I do for my morning practice sessions? That was a possibility, but it was something that I had no interest in. In fact, I had no interest whatsoever in getting close to the tournament site at all, except for the fact that I could see in back towards the dressing room areas was what clearly appeared to be the source of the Blight. Now, thanks to Zero¡¯s assistance the quest lit up in my mind letting me know that this quest was here, and my own insights that this opportunity was likely linked to my already discovered ongoing tower quest, I received a system message letting me know exactly what was expected of me.
Hidden Questline Found (Ongoing): Battle for Resources: You have stumbled across a tournament of desperation held between the mages and cultivators of Yggdraspirit. In order to survive, each faction will put forth their thirty-two best warriors to compete in a competition of blood, sweat, and tears. Each winner will receive enough food for their family for a week per bracket won. With a maximum allowance of one month¡¯s worth of rations going to the winner. Each loser will gain food for their family for a day. With the grand prize winner winning not only a month¡¯s worth of rations, but gaining access to the sacred pools of power and insight. Rewards: Experience, faction reputation, variable.
This world literally made their own version of the starving games, and wished to put starving families against each other to provide resources for each family. This was despicable, and something that would likely be fixed had the Blighted portions of Yggdraspirit been healed correctly. That was why, I decided to go with plan C to fix these broken scenarios that led to heartache. To do this though, I decided that I would need to gather some information first. That was why, I decided to first stop by the Stalwart Inn for more information. Especially as the owners appeared to be high level adventurers. How did I know they were high level? Simple, they were both living. In fact, they were the only two living people on this entire floor, well other than myself of course. Even Zero was a spirit dragon, so showed up differently to my senses. Odd though, a few months ago, I would have been unable to, or at least unwilling to recognize the difference between living and dead people, particularly here in the spirit realm. Yet, after months of cohabitation with both humans and spirits alike at home, I noticed the differences easily. Also, it was nice to realize that I did consider my place at the Midnight Hunters to be home. I don¡¯t know when that distinction was made within my mind, but I definitely considered this to be a weekend event, similar to rock climbing or hiking, while my home would be where my daughter and best friend were. Odd how you realize more about yourself once you remove all external stimuli and are forced to focus on what is truly important to you. ¡°You okay?¡± Zero asks, pulling me out of my reverie. Which is good, as I have apparently just been floating in place here for a while. ¡°Ye, yeah.¡± I state, then say ¡°let¡¯s go check out the Inn and see what additional details we can gain from them.¡± ¡°That sounds like a good idea.¡± Zero agrees, and like that we head over to ask questions. *** (Five Minutes Later) ¡°Well, that was a bad idea.¡± I state. ¡°Yeah, maybe you should avoid trying to freak people out by inventing new customizable spells right there on the spot that the recipients thereof could not cast.¡± Zero states. ¡°Hey, that was a very simple Tier II spell that only required Life and Spirit magic affinities, very simple to cast and control.¡± ¡°Right, and did either of those two look like they could cast Life and Spirit magic?¡± Zero retorts. ¡°No,¡± I admit, then remembering the fact that my bloodline could awaken the magical potency of those two by two Tiers crossed my mind. ¡°Though, I could.¡± ¡°You could what?¡± ¡°I could get them to the point where they could cast the spell.¡± I admit, trying to save myself. ¡°You could? Is that it? Why don¡¯t you just go around awakening the magical potential in everyone and then create functional Tier II spells that everyone could cast.¡± Pausing for a moment, I think about his words. Yes, he is being sarcastic and snarky, but what if I did that. Could I create a Tier II spell that could eliminate the Blight? I wonder. Then I realized that I can¡¯t as that would need to be a minimum of Tier VII to cast. Or at least it would need to be that high for someone to cast by themselves, but if there was an army of minions all casting the same spell over a small area, could that work? And if so, then how far down would I need to break the spell, maybe have overlapping harmonies, a part A and a Part B. No, I would need at least three, no make that four different individual Tier II spells working in harmony to begin to break apart the Blight. ¡°I could do it.¡± I state, feeling something tingle and come to life inside of me, as I realize that I could do it. I could break down a complex Tier VII spell into its base components that multiple casters all working together could link together to form an equivalent effect. ¡°Oh, shit, what have I done?¡± Zero asked, a note of serious concern etched on his face as I noticed his dead eyes come to life and focus on me. I was about to say nothing, when I once again felt the slight tingle of moisture on my lips indicating that I had been thinking with my tongue out, again. I really need to work on that, as it is annoying and leaves my lips covered in mana glitter for a few moments until my body is finally able to recycle the condensed mana crystals on my lips into Qi. Not wanting to add even more to the idea that I concentrate with my tongue out, I begin telling my thoughts in a stream of consciousness fashion, trying to flesh out the idea as much as possible while the inspiration is still burning brightly within my mind. ¡°I think I figured it out, why my bloodline was so broken. Advancing everyone by two Tiers of magical potential was impractical, unless it was meant to get us to work in harmony together. For me to find beneficial spells that are so small and innocuous that anyone could cast them. That have multiple parts of harmony all working together to form one magnificent effect that would synergize the work and effort of the four who worked together to begin the process.¡± I state, then focusing my mind, I come up with the four harmonious parts needed for a group of four casters working together to cure the Blight.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight A [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components B, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight B [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight C [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight D [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and C to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Skill Gained: Harmonious Magical Spell Creation has reached level 1.
Harmonious Magical Spell Creation is a Personality X2, Sociability X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3 based skill.
That was the first time I found a magical skill related to spell creation that helped advance my Social Attributes, though I guess in a way it made sense to include them as the entire premise for the Skill was to create spells that could only work by working in harmony with others. Upon this realization, I understood that I had been looking at my bloodline as a curse as opposed to a mixed blessing. Yes, by awakening everyone by two Tiers in magical abilities I was opening up a potential can of worms. I had failed to realize that if done correctly, this could be a very beautiful process that would bring people together to help cure their friends and family of the Blight. As soon as I had the idea, I began coming up with other patterns for how to break down the Cleansing Rain spell into smaller parts that groups or even a family of farmers could use and cast to protect their fields and help bring in bountiful harvests. I was on the brink of something big and wonderful, and that was precisely when the system cut in letting me know that I had reached some type of hidden questline.
Hidden Quest Completed: Founding a New Magical Category (Harmonious Magic): You have founded a brand new form of magic that can revolutionize the world. While this is just the first step in your discovery, you are onto something that can and will change the world. Rewards: Experience, Skill, Title: Credit for a new form of Magic, variable. Experience Gained: 250,000 / 125,000 / 125,000 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by seven levels to level 249. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by four levels to level 287. Ethereal Healer has increased by seven levels to level 381. New skill gained, already awarded. Title Gained: Magical Marvel: When it comes to understanding the true depths of magic you are considered a master. Anyone with a magical affinity of any kind will look at you with a minimum of a Neutral reputation.
Honestly, that wasn¡¯t too bad. The title would be hard to explain to anyone who constantly inspected me for changes, but it did mean that at least when dealing with magically affiliated indigenous people of this world, I would not be directly attacked. Always a good thing to have and something that might be more important if this world keeps focusing on the split between mages and cultivators as it has been for the last ten or so floors. Yes, this was a nice quest that did give me a good deal of recognition. Honestly had I know that discovering and creating new forms of magic was so lucrative, I would have done so a long time ago. At least that was my thought process until I saw the next message.
World Announcement: Congratulations to Cassiopeia Spiritlight for singlehandedly discovering and inventing a new form of magic.
There was a pregnant pause as I tried to see if anyone else got that message. ¡°Um, what did you just do?¡± Zero asks, a note of question to his voice. Then I realize that if even my familiar got that message, then others likely got the same message. Though this was nighttime, which meant that hopefully Mallory and Gwen both would be asleep, and might have missed the World Announcement. At least that was my hope until, I felt the warning message I had set up with all of my Simulacrum. Tug, tug, pull. I didn¡¯t even have enough time to say, ¡°oh shnikes,¡± before I was sucked away from Zero and pulled back to my home to see a very angry Mallory standing over my meditative form. I am about to open my mouth to say I can explain, but Mallory cuts me off with a question that lets me know she is either aware of what I have been doing, or is likely onto a relatively good hunch as to what I was doing. ¡°And just where have you been?¡± Mallory asks, her arms crossed as she stares at me. This is when I go into full on recovery mode. ¡°So, I can explain¡­¡± Chapter 198 Feelings At Home Chapter 198 Feelings At Home ¡°And just where have you been?¡± Mallory asks, like some extremely angry mother who has caught their kids out after curfew. Well, caught in this case means awoken to the pounding of cops on the door, basically demanding to know ¡°is this your child? And if so you might want to ask her where she has been.¡± Not that this has ever happened to me. Well, not entirely true. I was in Mallory¡¯s place due to Gwen of all kids. Kind of Ironic now that Gwen is the one waddling up here like a plump penguin, to likely help with this impromptu interrogation. ¡°So, I can explain, though to help with my explanation. Perhaps you could help by stating exactly where you thought I was supposed to be, and why I should be a prisoner here?¡± I ask, trying to make a joke pretending to take on the role of the petulant teenage daughter who chose tonight of all nights to break the rules. Though apparently my joke fell short of its intended mark as Mallory just bites her lower lip in that exasperated expression that she pulls off. ¡°Okay, fine. Where were you is not important. You are a big girl, who has the ability to go out and explore the wide world wherever and however you so choose.¡± Mallory begins, and then lets out a breath. I¡¯m expecting a but, in this though I make sure not to speak this thought out loud. ¡°However¡­¡± Dang it, was so close. Admittedly, I did have a roughly 33% chance of it being a but, with although, and however being the other two obvious choices. ¡°Hmm?¡± Oh, I must have let my discontent at getting the interrupt word wrong as she has stopped and is now staring at me with her hands on her hips. This is good, open gestures generally mean they are trying to appear more dominant and there is still a chance for dialog. It is once the arms cross the chest that they are guarded and involuntarily try to protect themselves with their arms, that is when communication breaks down. ¡°Oh, nothing. I just realized¡­¡± I pause, as what I was about to say next about her body posture would prove I was trying to angle a better response. Then the next obvious path of saying that I now realize the intended question that she wished to ask is available, even though I tried to answer her original question, albeit poorly. Raised eye. Yeah, she has this motherly guilt trip down. That said I need to come up with something, so I go with the truth along with a twinge of flattery. ¡°I realized that it is a sign of a great leader who provides such a nurturing place for development. Where your subordinates are encouraged to push the boundaries of what is possible with innovation and most importantly tangible, repeatable results.¡± Yeah, that was a lot more flattery and far too lacking on the truth portion than I originally intended. Sigh. ¡°Fine, I get it. You don¡¯t want to share what you did, or why you did it.¡± Mallory states dejectedly. ¡°Oh, I can say exactly why I did it.¡± I begin. Mallory once again just raises her eyebrow in a, okay let¡¯s hear it gesture. ¡°It was all Zero¡¯s fault.¡± I state. ¡°Zero, your familiar?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± I state feeling from her tone that there is going to be a trap somewhere. ¡°The same Zero that is not here to defend himself.¡± Yep, that was the trap all right. Set myself up for that one. Thinking back, Zero is still with my Third, no Fourth? Simulacrum in the Arcanarus Tower on floor 210. Which would answer the question that was originally asked of me, of just where was I. Which had I answered the first time, I would have been able to avoid all of this so far. Gods, Mallory is like Columbo, old and asks a lot of annoying questions that ultimately whittle you down. ¡°Yeah, the same.¡± I reply, realizing that this is not looking good under any circumstance. ¡°Okay, and what is it that Zero did to make it so you needed to create a whole new form of magic?¡± ¡°Well, funny story. He said that I shouldn¡¯t go around making news spells as not everyone can cast the spells that you can, even if they are just simple Tier II spells.¡± I begin, ¡°to which I pointed out that I could awaken the magical potential in those people for the necessary school of magic. So they could cast the simple Tier II Life and Spirit search spell that I created, which would mimic my Angel¡¯s Sight, or at least a portion of my Angel¡¯s Sight.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯m assuming this will get to the answer somehow, so I will make sure that I am following. You state this is Zero¡¯s fault, and the reason being that Zero wanted you to use your bloodline¡¯s ability to awaken the magical potential in others to Tier II, and you chose not to?¡± ¡°No, well, close, but not entirely. See Zero told me that it would be a bad idea, and that I shouldn¡¯t go around willy nilly awakening the magical potential in others. He then, said that even doing so, Tier II magic wouldn¡¯t be that useful in the grand scheme of things.¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s Zero¡¯s fault for saying that you shouldn¡¯t use your bloodline to awaken Tier II magic users?¡± Mallory asked, clearly confused. ¡°No, it was because he said there was no magic for Tier II magic users that was truly useful. That most spells worth casting required a higher aptitude. Or at least that was what I inferred from his statement.¡± ¡°Okay, so how does this lead to you inventing a new school of magic that the world sent out a notice about?¡± ¡°Well, I got to thinking that the thought that Tier II magic being useless was not only wrong, but entirely biased, and would be the equivalent of throwing away dozens of competent workers because two production lines could do the same easier.¡± I replied. While I didn¡¯t state that to Zero originally, I feel this analogy makes more sense about my thoughts. ¡°But that is Capitalism at its finest. Getting rid of dozens of workers for two heavy producers is not sustainable, and gets rid of a lot of potential human capital. That¡¯s when I thought about his statement and realized that he was right. Currently, or at least at that point, the world was designed for one person to be able to comprehend dozens of different magical aspects combine them all and then use them to cast many tiered spells.¡± The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°Right, that¡¯s how magic works.¡± Mallory said. ¡°No, well, yes obviously that is how magic works. But that is not the only way it can work. What if you take the individual components of the spell, break them down into individual but potentially linking parts that have loops and hooks that correspond to the next segmented portion of a spell that can then be hooked to the next segment and so on, until you have a bunch of tiny spells that link together to create a master spell.¡± I explain. ¡°That sounds excessively inefficient.¡± Mallory notes. ¡°No, that¡¯s just it, other than maybe a slight variance for the hooks, the spell components themselves individually are easy to compensate for.¡± I state, then I show her my four spells that I already created.
Harmonious Magic Spell: Curing the Blight A [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components B, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
Harmonious Magic Spell: Curing the Blight B [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
Harmonious Magic Spell: Curing the Blight C [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
Harmonious Magic Spell: Curing the Blight D [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and C to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
Seeing the spells, Mallory looked like she wanted to argue, but then she looked at the spell and I saw it, the moment her resolve crumbled. It began slowly at first, a slight tremble in the shoulders. At first, I thought I had done something wrong, especially as that tremble became larger and more pronounced. Then I saw it, tears began to form and fall from her eyes, as she reached up in shock to cover her mouth as she looked at the spells. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Gwen asked, having finally waddled her way over and managed to enter my compound, only to see her staring straight forward at the spells I created. ¡°Yeah, though I think I broke Mallory.¡± I admit, not quite realizing what I had done. Was it so odd for me to create a whole magical school? ¡°You,¡± Mallory began finally after a second. Then regaining her composure where her hands dropped to just before her stomach she continued. ¡°You created a new school of magic, and the first thing you did was use that new school to cure people of the Blight?¡± Mallory asks, a new tear forming in her eye. ¡°Yeah, I mean, we might not see it here anymore. But the Blight is still a major problem in other parts of the world.¡± I state, remembering how this was going to be a big questline for curing Yggdraspirit. ¡°No, I¡­¡± Mallory began, her voice catching in her throat as not one, but two tears fell down her cheeks. ¡°I think it¡¯s beautiful.¡± Mallory said, while turning away and surreptitiously wiping away the tears. Of course, both Gwen and I could see that she was trying to hide her tears and failing, but it didn¡¯t matter. We both let her have this moment. ¡°Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help with this.¡± Mallory stated, before stoically walking away before taking off in a sprint towards the chamber that Gwen and Mallory both shared. ¡°Okay, I am apparently missing something vital if she went from being bad cop to super supportive guild master.¡± I state. ¡°Idiot, don¡¯t you remember how bad she had the Blight?¡± Gwen asks, a note of contempt in her voice. ¡°Well, yeah. But that was almost a year ago.¡± I state. Shaking her head in exasperation, Gwen could only stare at me. ¡°You have no clue how frightening this place was for her. How scary it was for her to come out here on a whim, in the middle of the Blighted Lands, after having her life slowly ripped away from her by that very same wasting disease. She still has nightmare about it, nightmares that I have to spend stroking her hair and hitting her with Healing spells, until she relaxes enough to finally go to sleep. So for you to go create a new school of magic, wasn¡¯t too farfetched. In fact, many figured that you would either find a new school of magic, or invent one. But the fact that you learned to create a school of magic that focuses on breaking spells down into their base components and then chain casting them as a group, that is¡­¡± Gwen paused, as she tried to understand. ¡°That is both revolutionary and frightening. The fact that you learned how to make our bloodline into a way to have groups of people work together to cast spells that individually do nothing, but as a group will be able to accomplish miracles is beyond the pale. Honestly, that alone is worthy of the world calling attention to you. So kudos on that.¡± By now even Gwen is tearing up, as she is clearly trying to come up with the best way to express this next part. I of course, let her find the time to state what she wants. ¡°But to have the first spell you create with our bloodline¡¯s potential in mind. The first spell ever created for this new school of magic is one to cure the Blight, the very disease that still frightens Mallory every night. The way you are able to break it down into simple components that any newly awakened mage could and should be able to cast. Meaning that Mallory is no longer dependent on just you and me to survive in case she gets infected again, that four random people from the streets could come together and cure the Blight, that is huge.¡± Gwen states. ¡°Yeah,¡± is all I can say, as I didn¡¯t even realize how much my best friend was hurting by coming out here. How much faith she was putting into me to survive, while we made this little dump of sand our new home. ¡°So, now you likely know why Mallory was so emotional at your new creation.¡± ¡°Yeah, I get it.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think you do, not really, but that¡¯s fine. Still let me know what I can do to help. This sounds like it could both be a blessing and a curse.¡± Gwen states. ¡°Yeah, I only intend to create beneficial spells with this new school. If others come along and learn how to chain the different spell components needed for creating volcanos, or moving tectonic plates we are likely done for. But for now, we have this new school of magic, and we can mostly control how the information of this school gets disseminated to others.¡± I reply. Nodding her head Gwen takes in a deep calming breath, ¡°well I guess I should ask if there is any way I can help with this? Likely pull the names of Guild Members who are deserving of a promotion in some way, but haven¡¯t been able to get one? Particularly those who don¡¯t have any magical inclinations, but wouldn¡¯t mind getting awakened?¡± ¡°Sure, that sounds good. Minions are always useful.¡± I begin, then trying to add some levity, I continue. ¡°Also if they could have wings and fly that would be ideal.¡± ¡°Flying minions? Would you want them to be monkeys in tailored suits as well?¡± ¡°I mean, if we are building a wish list of ideal helpers then yes, who wouldn¡¯t want flying monkeys in cute suits to help.¡± I reply. ¡°You realize you are only a few shades away from the dark green needed to pull off that wicked witch of the West.¡± With that I pause, and hold up my finger in protest. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare wish yet another skin color change on me.¡± ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Gwen said, apparently hearing the seriousness in my voice. ¡°Sorry, I just am close and I don¡¯t want any bad thoughts like that coming through.¡± I state. ¡°No, I get it. Your skin color has changed with each evolution, so it would only make sense to be wary of a change to dark green.¡± Gwen states understandingly. Suddenly I pause and look at her. ¡°What is it mom?¡± Gwen asks, seeing my look of shock. ¡°When did you become so observant?¡± I ask, realizing that my own daughter has revealed a hidden depth that I was not previously aware of. Scoff. ¡°I was always observant, at least of people¡¯s internal emotional states. I¡¯d like to say I got it from you, but you are just observant on the things that interest you.¡± Gwen states, then pausing she holds up her hands in a defensive gesture, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by that.¡± ¡°No, I didn¡¯t take it as a personal attack, just an insight I probably needed.¡± I reply. With that, Gwen nodded. Finally, after a long pause, Gwen asked, ¡°anything else I can do?¡± ¡°Well two questions. First, is it past midnight?¡± ¡°Yes, it is well past midnight and well into my pumpkin hour.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°Oh good, then I don¡¯t need to hunt you down later today.¡± I state as I go over and push just enough energy into Gwen to make it so her baby is once again at that fifty percent mark for balance of Legendary bloodlines. ¡°Thank you.¡± Gwen states, letting out a sigh after that task for the day is over. There is another pause, before I ask my other question. ¡°So, I take it you don¡¯t need me for anything?¡± I ask. ¡°Depends, are you going to break anything else if we let you go back to play with Zero in the Arcanarus Tower?¡± Gwen asks. I was about to ask how she knew, but then remembered this whole insightful part of my daughter that I didn¡¯t know existed. ¡°I don¡¯t try to break anything. I can¡¯t help it that the world is delicate.¡± I state. Shaking her head, Gwen just opens her mouth, before quickly closing it. ¡°All right, well in that case have fun and see you on Monday.¡± She states, and then is about to turn around, before she realizes something. ¡°Actually, can I ask you to Teleport me to my room? I really don¡¯t want to have to make that walk again until Monday if I can help it.¡± Hearing her, I can¡¯t help but let out a chuckle as I fully understand. Then with a simple altering of my magical energy, I create a Short Range Teleport, that opens right on Gwen¡¯s side of her bed. Mallory looked concerned for a moment, but to her credit quickly relaxed when she saw Gwen stumble her way through and onto the bed. ¡°Bye Mallory, sorry for the intrusion.¡± I yell through the portal, before closing it and realize that I am once again by myself. Pausing for this one moment, I smile slyly to myself as I rub my hands together. ¡°I am currently unsupervised, and I now have three minutes to do what I want.¡± I of course, wasted five seconds making sure the last part of that sentence was not heard by anyone but me. For a moment, I think about all of the possibilities that are currently available to me, then pause as I realize Zero is still waiting for me back in the Arcanarus Tower. It is with the thought of Zero waiting for me that I exhale and realize I will have to find another time to use my remaining two minutes and fifty-five seconds of Confidentiality. Tug, tug, poof. Using our quick warning, I send the warning message to my Simulacrum that I am about to do a Positional Switch with them, and once again find myself on floor 210 of the Arcanarus Tower. ¡°You¡¯re back,¡± Zero exclaims excitedly. ¡°Yes, I am back, and it is now Saturday morning, which means we only have a little over forty something hours before we need to get back and pretend to have had a boring weekend. Are you ready for some fun?¡± I ask, playing it up a bit. ¡°With you, always.¡± Zero says, and I know he means it. And just like that I realize I am also home here, with Zero. I feel my throat tighten as I realize how important that is to feel at home just because your friend is there. But fortunately, I manage to catch myself before the pause becomes too awkward, which is when I ask. ¡°Okay, so did you find anything out about the tournament while I was gone?¡± Chapter 199 Level Setting Expectations Chapter 199 Level Setting Expectations ¡°So what faction will you join the tournament under, the Mages who desperately need food, or the Cultivators who have won the last five tournaments for resources?¡± Zero asks. Hearing the question, I can¡¯t help but feel that it is a valid question, as that is what this entire floor seems to be devoted to, choosing one side over the other and then helping them achieve dominance. Yet, I can¡¯t help but see the subtle undercurrents of not only what to expect from this floor, but what these next forty floors are meant to be for. Mentally, I pull up the quest that brought me here, as I try to make sure that my understanding of what is being expected of me is still accurate.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (V): As the first Arcanarus Tower climber, a suitable reward has been chosen, for your achieving the next goal of reaching the 250th floor. Should you continue your climb and reach the vaunted 250th floor, you will receive a degree in Mixed Martial Mana. Rewards: Experience, Bachelor of Science degree from Arcanarus University: Mixed Martial Mana, Title: Arcanarus University Advanced Graduate (I), Increased Martial and Magical potency, Others. Floors completed (210 / 250).
There it is, the quest that will unlock the next phase of my personal growth. The purpose of the degree is to show that I have proven myself to be proficient in both Qi and Mana usage at the same time. To be clear, I am close to a complete understanding of what is needed. That is, I have been able to use both cultivation and mana techniques at the same time, just not in the same way. I have been able to use Qi cultivation and have what I mentally refer to as defensive Qi, or stagnant Qi effects active while casting spells. That said, I have not learned how to use both Qi and Mana simultaneously in the same direction. Or to put it bluntly, I have not learned to use Qi and Mana either internally or externally at the same time. So far, there is a separation of the two energies that I need to create, or else risk blowing myself or others up. Looking at everything, I have by far and away the most skills related to magic. Added to that is the fact that the magic group here has been slowly starving over the past few months due to constantly losing these tournaments for the last five or so trials. That said, the longer I stay here, even just letting my Simulacrum use her Blight-Healing Energy Aura, that I chose just for this type of scenario. A scenario where I can let my Simulacrums loose in a particular area, and let them slowly purify a given area of any Blight related toxins.
Blight-Healing Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of Blight related pathogens around the wielder per second. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana consumption. Note: Due to the nature of this aura, stealth and other obfuscation related skills and abilities will be hindered by an additional 25%.
Yes, the effects on stealth and obfuscation related skills is tough, the goal of this aura is to passively purify the great tree Yggdraspirit, while I am away. That means that my Simulacrums will spend the twelve or so hours that I am away each day tending to classes up here purifying different parts of Yggdraspirit. At least that is the goal, hopefully the Simulacrum doesn¡¯t see something shiny and the head off in a random direction like it did when I suddenly found myself very lost in a Blight infested desert wasteland, after Mallory tried to celebrate my 80th birthday. Well my 80th real life birthday, I still had a few months before this avatar turned 15, though with my recent core advancements I would be stuck with this form for at least half a year longer than expected. Regardless, I have considered all sides to this, and as such I answer truthfully and honestly. ¡°I don¡¯t think I will enter the tournament as a competitor for either faction.¡± I reply. ¡°Oookay, so are we going to be heading on without following this clear questline developed for you?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Oh, no, there are far too many things here worth investigating. I mean this place has everything, secret hidden magical libraries, forbidden Qi cultivation pools, and everything else in between. No, I want to stay and solve this floor, but I don¡¯t want to be bound to fighting people who are effectively trying desperately to provide food for their families.¡± I reply, finding the entire tournament system to be disgusting, even if it does ultimately answer a key need for everyone involved. ¡°Okay, I can get behind that, but what are you going to do in the meantime?¡± Zero asks. ¡°I have an idea, though it might be slightly awkward here for a bit.¡± I reply, realizing what, or rather whom I will need to talk to in order to get this idea rolling. ¡°Awkward, with you? No, never.¡± Zero replies back, and suddenly I wonder when he became so snarky. ¡°Is this part of that rebellious teenager needing to get mom¡¯s attention through sarcasm phase because you can¡¯t just ask for a hug directly?¡± I ask. ¡°What, I don¡¯t need a hu¡­¡± Zero begins in protest, but I am already there. Poof. I Teleport two feet away to capture and wrap my arms around a momentarily confused Zero, who squirms for a second until he realizes my arms have a tight grip on him. As soon as he realizes it is me, he holds stiff for half a second, as if trying to remember that he wanted to be rebellious, and then finally he succumbs to the inevitable. Exhale of relief. I hold for a ten count after Zero lets out a relaxed sigh, then ease back from him to look him in the eyes. Again, this gesture is completely meaningless for us as we are both blind and can see the world around us in three dimensions, but it is the thought that counts. ¡°You good?¡± ¡°Ye, yeah.¡± Zero states even sounding a lot calmer. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid to ask Momma Cass for a hug.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Zero states, a bit of sulk filling his voice as he looks away, the same way a petulant teenager who had been cowed would. ¡°Good.¡± Then with that settled, I begin flying off in one particular direction that to an untrained eye, might look like I was going towards the registration stand. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°I am going to figure out how to change the rules of these hunger games.¡± I state. ¡°Oh no, you aren¡¯t going to get rid of the tournament are you? This I can guarantee will go badly.¡± ¡°What, why would I want to fight against glaciers. Trying to stop people from fighting, especially while giving people a chance to provide meals for their families is rather pointless.¡± I reply. ¡°Okay, I agree. Great reference by the way, Vonnegut right?¡± Zero begins, I feel somewhat happy that he caught my literary reference. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Good idea, not bucking the whole tournament thing. But can I ask what exactly you have in mind, if not actively participating in the tournament?¡± ¡°Good question, glad you asked that.¡± I state while getting close to the Stalwart Inn. Though before I enter, I can tell that something is not going well for the two mortals living inside, as they are running about frantically. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. The female is hurriedly writing on transmission scrolls, while the male is talking into a fixed location crystal ball. Looking at the crystal ball, I realize it is this world¡¯s version of a cell phone, though in this case a better reference would be two cans connected by string, as the crystal balls could only connect to one specific crystal ball that had been synchronized with it. Pausing, I think for a second, while wondering if anyone has set up a dual relay system. One where there is a massive crystal ball that all other crystals are sympathetically linked to, a sort of hub crystal. Then when you want, you connect to the hub, and then apply some type of energy to force the hub to connect your crystal ball with the intended crystal ball you wished to connect to. The entire thing seemed complex, and likely doable, but it would require a lot of resources, someone maintaining the hub, people constantly providing magical power to their crystals, and you know what. That is a definite not Cass task. I can see it now, I bring it up to Mallory, trying to pawn off the idea to her. She takes one look at it and then tells me something along the lines of, ¡°good idea, tell me what you need to make this seed of an idea grow, and I will get it to you.¡± That¡¯s when I find that even more of my tower climbing time has been lost to the good idea fairy. Groan. Yeah, I heard it after I said it, and hope that the system for once was not listening in on my thoughts, when it decides to make one of my eventual Mythical bloodline curses to be Geas Good Idea, where I inadvertently curse people to not only have good ideas, but then mercilessly force them to work towards completing those very same good ideas. Nope, I do not want to be that type of fairy. I don¡¯t want to be any type of fairy to be honest, well again I might be okay, as long as I didn¡¯t have gross insect wings, but that is not the point. The point is that I know for a fact how annoying good idea seeds are, as I was often the one tasked with taking a superior¡¯s good idea, fleshing it out, getting resources, which was often Cassie power, and then bringing it to life. That¡¯s how I learned firsthand that, in order to get these good idea seeds to grow, someone needs to often play with a lot of fertilizer. And I am tired of the one playing with fertilizer, at least when it comes to the idea of more people being able to talk to me at random. That is why I fully decided to have this idea of a magical telephone board using crystal balls, and completely discard it, mentally marking it as a project I want to have nothing to do with. I¡¯ve got enough on my plate. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Zero asks, sensing my hesitation as I am about to enter the Stalwart Inn. ¡°Yeah, I just thought of something.¡± I reply. ¡°Oh? Anything interesting?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Nope, just a complete waste of time.¡± I reply, as I open the door and completely end this conversation before it can get any further. Zero pauses for a moment, apparently sensing that something clearly happened in my mind, but decided not to push, which was good. I enter the door, but then pause, realizing that I might have been asked to leave earlier. Pausing, I look down to realize that I am about to cross the threshold of this building, and for the life of me, I feel a slight pressure keeping me away from entering. Pausing, I stare down, wondering where this unseen pressure is coming from. Then instantly my mind turns to old wives¡¯ tales about fairies and other magical creatures being bound to the rules of hospitality and hearth. I try to think back, I remember leaving. But then coming back, and the male clearly told me to ¡°come in.¡± Well technically he told me to ¡°Uh, come in?¡± Maybe it was because it was in the form of a question? I think to myself, but no, as soon as I remember that comment, I feel the mental resistance against me remove itself. Pausing for a moment, I wonder if this will become a thing in the future? Me not being able to enter a room, or at least feeling pressure not to enter unless I am invited? I really hope not, but I will definitely have to look into this. For now, the pressure was manageable, more of a mental thing than anything else, yet it does have some odd implications that I might need to be aware of. Letting out a breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding, I feel at full power now while entering the building. The two caretakers of the facility are still running about, trying to coordinate different things. The female is writing in her transmission parchment.
Her: I don¡¯t know what her new school of power does, as we have not made contact with the subject since she left a moment before her discovery.
That was good, at least now I knew that both of them were together. It was sort of implied, but now it is stated. ¡°I will.¡± The male responded, then the person he was speaking to, paused as he turned his Illusionary sympathetic image¡¯s head in my direction and replied. ¡°I believe you have a customer.¡± The male said with an authoritarian tone. If I had to guess, I would assume that this guy is the leader somehow. Pausing both the male and female turn away from what they are doing and look towards zero and me, who are just standing a foot in the doorway. ¡°Oh, you have come back. Are you interested in signing up for the tournament as a Mage?¡± The male asks. And like that, I figure that both of these two likely know who I am. Then to double check, I ask point blank. ¡°I take it you two know who I am?¡± Instant fear from both. The female has veins pumping on her neck denoting fear, while the male has his pupils dilate as he tries to hide his reaction. But the person with the worst poker face of all is the man in the orb who looks completely shocked, with his mouth hanging open. ¡°I figured as much.¡± I respond, realizing that this is likely going to get really awkward, really quickly. ¡°I can explain,¡± the female begins to speak, while the text on her page begins to come through.
Them: You continue with the main mission of getting in her good graces, now more than ever.
Seeing the note, I can¡¯t help but nod my head in understanding. I sort of thought this was the case, that these two here stationed here just to get close to me, but now I see the proof. I am certain that the her that was mentioned was me, particularly as the previous message indicated a lack of knowledge about what my new class of magic did. That is when something inside me changes and I feel myself going to a cold barter mode. ¡°No need, I already know. Also, know that I hate when people lie to me as if I can¡¯t tell the truth. That said, I believe you all have knowledge that I might be interested in, if you all are able to give me an adequate enough answer, I will tell you what my new class of magic does and how it works.¡± There was a dead silence as everyone in the Inn looked shocked for a second, then the two made eye contact with each other. The two exchanged a frantic look with each other. ¡°Perhaps, I could be of¡­¡± the speaker in the crystal ball begins. But a quick feeling of the ball and how far away the source of energy was going, it was clear that the person they were talking to was not on this floor and was much higher up in the tower. ¡°Nope.¡± I say, waving my hands and disabling the connection runes just enough that they will require minor maintenance before being able to reconnect with the paired crystal. That was not enough to break the ball, but enough to make it so that the connection that had been established was disconnected. Seeing the gesture, and response there was shock on the two¡¯s faces. Simultaneously, a response came from the scroll that began glowing violently.
Them: URGENT: Please respond with your plan of action.
Seeing the scroll that was now glowing with a form of impatient energy, I talk to the girl. ¡°Can you answer that, letting them know that you are in negotiations with the subject and need a moment, as their constant messages are distracting.¡± I say to the girl, and then gesture to the scroll. This gives away a bit of my abilities, namely being able to read from across the room. While in the long run this is bad, in the short run it will hopefully help me get a better exchange for the goods that I am offering. ¡°Yes, right away.¡± The female said, responding quickly.
Her: In negotiations now, will respond once complete. Please do not respond before then, subject has noted annoyance with magical devices. Will respond when all clear.
With that, the man looked from me to the orb, then back at me as if I had kicked his puppy. ¡°Relax, I will fix that before I leave. I just didn¡¯t want to be distracted with all of these extra magical devices going off all around me.¡± I state. Hearing that, the male asks. ¡°Are they that powerful that they disturb you?¡± ¡°Hardly, more like they are that poorly designed that I can¡¯t help but want to rip them apart to create them, so they don¡¯t leak as much mana. Surely you can see that they are inefficient? That unless you were here in a magical realm, that these items would quickly break apart and die?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, we got them like this, so they could withstand this realm.¡± Shaking my head, ¡°nope, all you did was get defective items that would not be able to work elsewhere. Had they been made correctly, then it wouldn¡¯t matter where they were as they would be able to draw in enough ambient energy to be powered.¡± Hearing that, the two paused for a moment, then finally the female spoke. Seems about right, one as she seems to be in charge, and two because I didn¡¯t destroy her little notepad. Mentally, I wonder if this isn¡¯t exactly what a wicked witch would do, when going in to talk to the lead heroine. I¡¯ll get you, your talking orb, and your broken notepad too. Yeah, so not leading the way of not turning my skin green when this whole bloodline transformation is all over. ¡°So, how can we help you?¡± She asks. ¡°I was wondering if you could tell me how to get myself assigned as a Healer for the Tournament.¡± I state. ¡°Oh, so you are going to help out the mages?¡± The male blurts in. ¡°No, I wish to be a healer. You know the person that fixes the contestants after the battles are over.¡± I respond. ¡°You don¡¯t want to be a contestant?¡± ¡°No.¡± I reply succinctly, then to cut this off before it can go any further, I even offer a trade. ¡°I will tell you what. If you can help me get assigned as an independent healer for both the Mages and Cultivators, I will not only tell you what the new school of magic does, but I will give you the first spell related to this new class of magic.¡± And as soon as I say it, I feel myself becoming even more like the evil queens of fairy I read about as a child. Ones who would make promises that must be kept, but their bargains would always be broken in some way. The same with this offer, as that one spell will mean nothing without the other three components. Yet, hearing the deal, the female responds immediately. ¡°Deal, though we will need you to fix the communications orb first, before we can accept this deal. But I do think this is a more than fair trade, don¡¯t you agree RaSean?¡± The female asked. ¡°Yes,¡± RaSean replied. ¡°Okay, to be clear, in exchange for getting me assigned as a healer for both the Mages and Cultivators of the tournament. I will fix the communication orb, explain my new magic school, and provide a spell from this new magic school? Is that correct?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes.¡± They both state in unison. Then just like that, something changes. Whoosh. There is a surge of sympathetic energy that quickly links me to the two oath takers. I can¡¯t quite tell what this link does, but I can tell that there is power associated with this link. Almost the same way I felt quest energy from Zero, but this is on a similar but different level. ¡°Okay, well let me begin by fixing your orb.¡± I state, then moving closer to the orb, I begin delicately etching better and stronger runes into the ball. It will still be able to connect to its sympathetic counterpart, but it will not leak as much energy as before. Once it is done, I step away from it and state, ¡°there we go, the first part of my deal has been rendered.¡± And like that, I feel the bond that binds me to these two increase slightly in power. ¡°Right, well, let us speak to our contacts and see what we can accomplish.¡± The female said. ¡°Do you mind if we leave for a bit?¡± ¡°Not at all, would you want to meet up in a few hours?¡± I suggest, seeing that there is an unguarded Qi pool nearby that is all but begging me to bathe in it. ¡°That sounds good, will we meet you here?¡± RaSean, the male asks. ¡°Yes, that will be fine.¡± I say, turning away to walk out the door. ¡°How will we reach you when we get back?¡± The female asks. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will know.¡± I say, as I leave, only after leaving do I realize how much like a villainous fairy queen I just sounded. Fortunately for me, Zero doesn¡¯t say anything until we leave. ¡°Wow, could you lay on the theatrics anymore.¡± ¡°I know, okay.¡± Then reaching out my hand, Zero reaches out his paw automatically. Then we grab appendages, and Teleport away. Poof. Just as RaSean exits the building and looks around to see where the two of us left. Yeah, doing great on scaring all the villagers Cass, good job, I think to myself, before dropping it and continuing on with my next plan. Chapter 200 A New Passion Chapter 200 A New Passion ¡°Right away.¡± The Cultivating guard stated, dropping his ornamental spear to the ground as he began running away at speed. Watching the Cultivating guard run, the solitary Mage guard who remained as the last line of defense to enter the Tournament grounds could only grit his teeth tightly. Then taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he gestured with one slightly trembling hand for Zero and me to enter the area so the Harvest Tournament could officially begin. Only once we were past the still slightly trembling mage did Zero ask, ¡°mind telling me what that was all about?¡± ¡°Oh that¡¯s right, you were asleep when the whole interview process began.¡± ¡°Interview?¡± ¡°Yeah, you could call it that,¡± I state, before continuing ¡°well, let¡¯s just say there was a bit of resistance about my qualifications to be here. After a minor demonstration of my capabilities it was determined that my participation in the Tournament was not entirely needed.¡± ¡°Minor?¡± ¡°Yeah, they are both still alive, right? Also, I got the position I wanted as a Healer.¡± I respond. ¡°Right, so again, how exactly did you get the previously non-existent role of Healer for this Tournament?¡± ¡°Oh, I am so much more than a Healer for this tournament.¡± ¡°You are?¡± ¡°Yeah, surprisingly it wasn¡¯t that hard to get hired on as the Tournament¡¯s official healer. In fact, all it took was a minor demonstration of both my magical and cultivation powers, where I not only explained what I was doing, but how I countered different defensive measures placed by the examiners for me to have my role as primary healer expanded. ¡°See, in addition to being the only Healer who was willing to work for free, I was also hired on as the official referee for both the Magical and Cultivation based duels, along with being the play-by-play commentator. ¡°In fact, after seeing my skills in action, the length of the rounds were expanded. No longer were they single elimination bouts, but at least for the first round, a winner would need to win two of three matches. ¡°Honestly, the whole thing seemed to be a lot of fun and I ended up earning three different but synergistic quests that could be turned in individually if I failed any part, or combined to be turned in for one larger reward.¡± I begin to state, as I think back on receiving my first ever multiplier quests. *** I had heard about these so-called multiplier quests but had never received one until now.
Hidden Quest Found (Part A): Healing the Boom: You have been tasked with being the primary healer for the Harvest Tournament. Your task is to keep all sixty-four contestants alive, or revive them before their souls fully separate from the spirit realm. Status (64 / 64). Rewards: Variable, can be turned in with other quests of the series to obtain greater benefits.
Hidden Quest Found (Part B): Judging the Boom: You have been tasked with deciding who wins and loses each match. Additionally, you have at your discretion the ability to disqualify contestants for any of the following criteria: cheating, collusion, faking injuries, or blatantly not putting for their maximum effort. Status (Round 1 0 / 32), (Round 2 0 / 16), (Round 3 0 / 8), (Round 4 0 / 4), (Round 5 0 / 2), (Final Round 0 / 1). Rewards Variable, can be turned in with other quests of the series to obtain greater benefits.
Hidden Quest Found (Part C): Calling a good Match: You have been tasked with providing play by play commentary for the matches as they evolve, this quest revolves entirely around viewer participation. Rewards determined by number of new viewers brought to the matches as a result of your personal involvement. Rewards: %n of increased viewership will go to improving the quality of rewards received for Parts A and B of this quest line.
It was the last one that was the most blatant about breaking the fourth wall if I ever saw a quest. Basically, if I wanted to increase my overall rewards for turning in Parts A and B of this quest, I would need to increase outside viewership and get more people than usual to watch these matches that I was explaining. Nothing too tough, in fact I already had a few commentator voices that I was ready to try out to sell this. There would be the Male and Female experts, one for Cultivation, the other for Magic, a sideline reporter and an announcer voice. Actually, since I totally dropped reading Rahul and the Maiden, I have desperately wanted something fun to sink my teeth into from a voice acting perspective and this seems to be the best way for me to meet that need. In a way, coming back here at this absurdly high level compared to the zone I was in, was the equivalent of End Game Caching. Basically, End Game Caching is where you go complete the main story line, have a maxed-out character and then start going around completing all the seemingly impossible quests at first that become remarkably easy when you are overpowered. I had never heard the term, until I heard a few of my guild members talking about it, stating how the wastelands were so high that completing minor daily quests was more than major quests would reward at the major inhabited areas of the world. Basically, making it so everyone in the Midnight Hunters was being power leveled. A fact that I really couldn¡¯t refute, considering the fact that I have grown in terms of powers by leaps and bounds. Not as much as some of the more adventurous Midnight Hunters, but enough that I could stay relevant. While I am not maxed-out, my power output and level of where I am now, to where I was a few months ago when I originally left the Arcanarus Tower are on completely different spectrums. This meant that from a personal growth perspective I would have gained little by beating up what equated to hungry and starving mages and cultivators. Though as always, the system had its way of taking an idea and spinning it so that it was a lot more complex than your initial plans. Thus how my quest to become a Healer, morphed into me proving that I could survive backlash from an errant magical attack, or devastating strike. From there I had to prove my own combat prowess, and ended up inadvertently showing that I could Resurrect both magicians and cultivators to peak conditions. As we approached the sold-out venue, it was clear that both the Mage and Cultivation guards who had been set to monitor applicants were sort of on edge, as I approached. This was near where we began, as all that happened next was a brief question about Zero not being able to register, and then we are right where this whole thing began. *** ¡°Um, sorry to bother you, but it is too late to have any more contestants.¡± The Mage guard said, directing his attention to Zero. Zero just stopped and hovered in mid-air staring at the guard. ¡°Zero is my familiar and also a fully capable healer.¡± I state. ¡°You have a pet spirit dragon familiar that heals?¡± The Mage guard asked a note of fear filling his voice at the end. ¡°Yes, is that so hard to imagine?¡± I asked. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°Uh, no. I mean who wouldn¡¯t teach their insanely powerful spirit dragon familiar to be a healer.¡± The Cultivating guard stated with a bit of snark to his voice. All it took was a slight glance from me to get him to instantly close his mouth, and tremble slightly while standing in place. Fortunately, his friend the Mage guard chose that moment to save him. ¡°In that case, know that everyone is signed up and ready to begin when you are.¡± The Mage guard cut in, ending the awkward tension that was filling the air. That¡¯s when I saw it, they were both now tense and slightly trembling while looking at me. ¡°Relax, we are all here for the same reasons, everyone here is on the same exact page.¡± I state. ¡°Right.¡± ¡°Absolutely.¡± Hearing them, I realize that now is likely the best time to get going. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be going to my position. Go ahead and let everyone know that the first matches are about to begin.¡± ¡°Right away.¡± The Cultivating guard stated, and the rest as they say was history. With our minor conversation over, where I brought Zero up to speed on everything that happened while he was sleeping for the two of us, I began assuming the role of the announcer that I had envisioned. Using a minor form of Voice Amplification magic, an offshoot of Illusion Magic, I projected my voice into a booming auto-tuned assisted voice of a powerful announcer. ¡°Any idea who the final Cultivator and Magic user were?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Oddly enough, I think my joining the Tournament allowed a full bracket to be formed for each side. The last Mage was the previous healer whom I replaced.¡± I state. ¡°And the Cultivator?¡± ¡°He was the previous referee of the matches. With both of them being out of a position, they had no choice but to join the tournament in order to win food for their families.¡± ¡°Taking food from the starving, have you no shame.¡± Zero says mockingly. I shake my head, as he and I both don¡¯t eat or drink thanks to both of use Spirit Sustenance, a class specific spell that has honestly been a life saver for me. I could only imagine what would happen if I randomly got irritable from lack of proper blood sugar levels. By now, I should be able to mimic this spell with my Cultivation path, but I haven¡¯t really had the need. Though with so many starving cultivators here, it might be a good idea to learn the ability and then teach it to others, while we heal the great tree Yggdraspisrit, that all of the spirits here use to provide for their daily lives. Still, those are future plans. For now, I have a job to do. Well, three. Taking a deep breath, I steady myself and then let the role I wish to perform come out of me, as I begin my first acting job in such a long time. In front of me are all sixty-four participants in the tournament this year. To my right are the thirty-two Mages that have joined the Tournament. Then on my left are the thirty-two Cultivators that have joined the Tournament. From what it seems like the audience here is evenly split down the middle, though the participants on the Cultivator¡¯s side look slightly healthier than those on the Mage side. Even the mages that are competing look slightly emaciated. All except for those that are clear favorites of the Mage¡¯s section. Seeing the states of everyone involved, I feel slightly sick to my stomach as I mentally vow to correct this depravity as quickly as possible. It¡¯s one thing to join a tournament for the thrill of competition, it is another thing entirely to do this to ensure your family doesn¡¯t starve. With that in mind, I begin my premeditated speech that I had prepared. ¡°GOOOOD MORNING SPECTATORS, today we begin the first round of the Harvest Tournament. We wanted to let you know that while you might have seen other Harvest Tournaments, you have never seen one like we have in store for you. For this first round we will see a total of Thirty-Two matches, each being the best of three. Each contestant will be healed at the end of each match. Once a winner is decided that is it, both participants will be healed to their maximum potential and be allowed to either move on, or go back to their lives. Also know that for the first time in the Tournament¡¯s history, we will have a dedicated Resurrector on hand to prevent any permanent deaths or disfigurements. Meaning that each participant can go all out from the start, holding nothing back. Also know that the referee can cancel the match and disqualify the contestants for a myriad of reasons not limited to¡­¡± Yeah, I sound like an allergy medication that has five hundred side effects, but the most important part is that after this announcement, there will be no way that anyone can say they were unaware of the consequences of cheating, or if anyone felt the need to hold back, due to fear of seriously harming others. Finally, my introduction is over, and I can begin this. ¡°Contestants, bow to your families.¡± I state, my voice still booming loudly for everyone to hear. Everyone does, and there are cheers coming up from both sides. Once everyone is done bowing to their own sides, I continue. ¡°Now bow to your future opponents.¡± I state, and with that there is a slight pause, before both groups turn around and face each other bowing. There are some hesitations, and quite a few of the Cultivators don¡¯t even bother bowing to the Mages. While most of the Mages bow to the Cultivators, though again some just do a slight head bob before standing back at attention. Mentally I make a note of those that would not bow to the opposing faction and prepare to watch them closely during these competitions. ¡°To begin we ask that all contestants leave the stage. Up first will be the defending champions matches. First we will have the first overall Mage from last round go up against the thirty-second mage applicant. Followed immediately by the same for the Cultivator¡¯s side. We ask that contestants be ready to go on immediately, and will request that each group knows their place and position.¡± Then before I knew it the first match was underway. Using my female Jean voice I began detailing the attacks, spells and breakdowns in near real time. Thus my explanation of the attacks happening occurred right as the final strikes began. ¡°Oh, here we go. The defending Champion is calling forth his signature flame strike, while his opponent is calling forth a modified plague rot spell.¡± I state as Jean the mage specialist commentator. ¡°Oh, look here we go, a feint of flames. If you ever want to know what a feint with magic looks like it is this, see the champion creates a Circle of Flames in front of him, while hiding the real strike to strike at his opponent. This requires a few things, most importantly it requires that your opponent stays still during the feint, and most importantly it requires a lot of focus, as you can easily lose track of your opponent during the feint and get cheap shot by the Plague in the back.¡± ¡°OHH!¡± The crowd cried out in horror as the healer mage, the last magician to join the competition circled around the flames, and then charged through the weaker back side of the circle, striking and delivering a critical blow to the defending champion. There is a momentary pause, as the flame wielding champion looks like he might be able to strike back, but then begins to cry out in pain as boils and pustules erupt all over his body. As the defending Champion drops to his knees, his challenger reaches back, preparing yet another healing attack that is twice as devastating towards a spirit, but is stopped by my calling the round. ¡°And that is it for the first round. Winner, challenger number 32.¡± I state, my voice as an announcer cutting through the spell work and construct that the healer was about to use. With the round ended, I Heal the minor burns that the Healer got, using Spirit Magic. Then I begin unworking the Plague that worked its way deep and efficiently into the defending Champion¡¯s body. There at his core, was a seed of corruption that was apparently close to sprouting. Seeing the remnant that was clearly meant to permanently cripple the defending Champion, I turn to the Healer. Then speaking out loud, I let my discontent be known to the entire audience. ¡°This is your first and last warning. Any more attempts to permanently cripple your opponent¡¯s core will result in an immediate disqualification.¡± I state. Then instantly fill in the void with my two commentators. ¡°What do you suppose that was Jean?¡± My Bob, the Cultivator asks. ¡°That looks to be a secondary seed that was meant to either break the defending¡¯ Champion¡¯s core, or cause it enough damage that future rounds would be nearly impossible for the Champion to win.¡± The voice of Jean responds. ¡°Why would she do that, and risk possible disqualification?¡± ¡°Well likely two things. First her mana reserves are really low and apparently taking a long time to refill. Likely she thought that one she wouldn¡¯t be caught and two if she survived long enough she would either win by default or have managed to regenerate enough mana to be effective in the third round.¡± Jean states, listing off the reasons I could think of, while watching the two. Having heard me both give away their master plan, and having heard me clearly give a play by play in two distinct voices and characters, the defending Champion could only respond with, ¡°you know you are crazy right?¡± ¡°I¡¯d save the flattery for your opponent. As it is, I think she might think this is somewhat personal.¡± I respond, finishing up the last healing touches on the defending Champion, and giving him a quick once over. Then proceeding to go over and make sure the challenger was also healed. ¡°You good?¡± I ask. Nod. The girl is clearly pissed off at the Champion, though I don¡¯t exactly know why. ¡°A former lover?¡± I ask, my voice low so it won¡¯t get picked up by my own enchantments. ¡°No, he dumped my sister once he became the defending Mage Champion, when all the girls threw themselves at him.¡± Hearing that I could only nod. ¡°You going to be able to keep it professional?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, also I should tell you, that I am almost full of mana.¡± The Challenger responds. ¡°Oh, I know. But now you have your chance to strike. He thinks this round will be one of you running around trying to regain your mana for the final round. If you take advantage of his misconception then that¡¯s on him.¡± I respond. With that, the challenger just smiled brightly, making sure to show teeth. ¡°You know, I kind of like you. Also, thank you for removing the Core Crushing Seed, if it had gone off, I would have likely hated myself, eventually.¡± ¡°I know, why I stopped you.¡± I respond before going back to the center of the ring. ¡°Round two is about to begin.¡± The Champion swaggered out to the center of the ring, no doubt expecting this to be a one-sided slaughter. Playing into the misconception that Jean the announcer had, his challenger by contrast looked somewhat tired and sluggish. ¡°Begin!¡± I shout. Silence. There is a calm tension in the air, before the Champion begins to smugly speak. ¡°You know if you submit right now, I might¡­¡± Was as far as he got, before not one but three torrents of Flesh-Eating Plague Spores lunged out and began eating away the very fabric of his body. He managed to dodge one, and burn away a second, but the third hit him without him even having a chance to counter. Just like the first time, the spell was fast acting and seemed to have a major VD component to it, as the defending champion quickly dropped to the arena floor again, grabbing at his privates. ¡°Don¡¯t ever come near my sister again!¡± the Challenger shouted, as she raised her hand up and was clearly about to throw another spell at the back of the clearly disabled opponent. ¡°That is the match! We have a winner and our first upset victory of the night!¡± I state, quickly Dispelling the spell forming in the Challenger¡¯s hands, while going over to heal the former champion. ¡°And there you have it, the old hit them with a chain cast spell while they are monologuing, priceless.¡± Jean states for the audience. ¡°There we saw the challenger use the same version of the Plague spell she used earlier, but this time she broke it apart into three versions that were designed to spread out and converge back on the same target. That is high level spell work and targeting right there. I think this proves that Challenger number 32 is someone not to be messed with.¡± ¡°Especially not when it comes to her sister.¡± Bob responds. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that she was out of mana?¡± ¡°No, I said she was likely out of mana as the Core Crushing Seed spell used up a lot of mana to cast. Though apparently this healer is full of surprises.¡± Jean answered. ¡°That she is. Well, I must say it was interesting to watch, though if flesh eating VD is what we can expect from our opponents I am glad to be up here safe in the booth with you Jean.¡± ¡°You said it Bob, just another testament to how far the sport of magical dueling has evolved and just how dangerous Healers can be.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree with you more Jean. But now, it is time for my expertise, as we see the defending Champion for the Cultivators square off against the thirty-second contestant and former referee for these matches square off in a best of three match.¡± ¡°Sounds exciting, I can¡¯t wait to see what these two contestants have in store for us.¡± Jean¡¯s voice booms out, helping to add attention. Just as I am getting into the swing of things, I feel Zero mentally make a connection with my mind trying to give me a snarky remark to throw me off my game. ¡°You know, you are probably certifiable at this point, right? Talking to yourself, and all.¡± Still, I am a professional and chose to just shut off my mental link with Zero as I continue my role to play. ¡°Neither can I Jean, as this looks to be a battle of two heavy weights going at it¡­¡± Chapter 201 Complications and Disqualifications Chapter 201 Complications and Disqualifications (Mallory) The day had been going relatively well. It had been over twenty hours since Cass broke the world by coming up with a completely unique magical school, one that she created for the sole purpose of healing the world and trying to make the world a better place. ¡°Of course, that¡¯s what she would do, it was so¡­ Cass.¡± Mallory muttered to herself, reflecting on the event. While everyone had kind of figured the little pixy would eventually do something like this, everyone figured it would be much later on. Then when news of it spread, of course there were concerns that it was some new form of Instant Death Magic, or Catastrophic Injury Magic. Yet, being able to take a complex spell, and break it down into many linking layered parts, it was a process that seemed as simple as it was ingenious. So simple that Mallory literally wondered why something like it had never been done before. It was only after discussing with Penelope that she understood exactly why this form of magic had never been considered before. ¡°You do realize that Cass lives, breathes, and experiences the world only in terms of how it relates to magic or Qi right? That she either can¡¯t see, or is selectively unaware of the parts of the world that aren¡¯t magical in nature.¡± Penelope said. Hearing the seamstress¡¯s perspective really helped form the concepts that Mallory herself had been dealing with into perspective. ¡°How are your classes going by the way? I meant to check in with you and see what you thought as sort of a senior to the curriculum that we presented.¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Honestly, it is a lot tougher than I originally gave it credit for. I figured, I¡¯d drop in, likely clep a few classes and graduate with an undergraduate degree, what I have found is that everyday I come away from each class with not only new understandings of what is required from me to succeed. But also, just how far I can go. Honestly, after seeing her classes, I think it should be mandatory for anyone with a Unique class, as I¡¯ve found multiple different avenues that I could progress my class, while simultaneously realizing that I know practically nothing. ¡°Did you know that she can mirror my skills? Not recreate them, but show and exact outline of both how I see and use the Skill, and how she wants me to use that very same skill. A skill that is an intrinsic part of me and my class, something that sets me as unique from all other classes. Just by seeing me do it once, she can mimic it and demonstrate new ways to push myself.¡± ¡°So are you glad she pressured you into joining?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yes, likely wouldn¡¯t realize it until much later, how much I would have missed out by not taking this class. But again, this goes back to my original point.¡± ¡°Which is?¡± ¡°That only someone like Cass could come up with the new school of Harmonious Magic. With her constantly living and breathing spells, she is capable of creating spells at will, and deconstructing what spells and energies are being used for within seconds. Meaning that she is one of the few people who could actually even figure out what the base components of each spell are. If I was to cast one of these spells, it would be something sloppy and would constantly require practice to get it so it could function slightly as a link in the overall cascade work.¡± ¡°Okay?¡± Mallory asked, realizing that there was a purpose for this line of thought, but not seeing where Penelope was going with this insight. ¡°Your main concern is that Cass and or someone will eventually get to the point that they take some of the larger scale destructive spells that Cass thinks of and discards on a whim, and weaponizes them to conduct wholesale slaughter on the world using hundreds of micro-mages, is that the concern?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Yes.¡± Hearing that, Mallory could only nod in agreement that this was the concern that she and all other Guild leaders were facing now that they understood the new school of magic that had been created. ¡°Well, all you can do is hope that Cass is one of the few mages capable of understanding magic to this extent, and furthermore you have to hope that she continues to only focus on converting beneficial spells.¡± Penelope suggested. ¡°I know, but what if I told you that other countries already had people working on this very process.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°You mean, effectively making it so a six person team could be the equivalent of a mobile nuclear device, I don¡¯t doubt for a second that nations like Legrand and others are already trying.¡± Penelope posed. ¡°No, I mean, what if they already have a research team devoted to this, right now.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Oh, I take it you have heard rumors to this effect?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Not so much rumors, but active recruitment drives and the like.¡± ¡°I see, well that just means we need to be extra careful with whom we allow to come here and learn under Cass. Particularly those from external organizations.¡± Penelope said. ¡°Right, but even now dictations of her lessons are being provided to people as we speak.¡± ¡°Let me ask you something, how long will it take for those others to learn about magic the way that Cass can teach at a moment through intuition alone?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I do know that not preparing for something like this will be something that I and other guild leaders will have to work out the details for. Heck, I know others are going to use this as a way to try to either get close to Cass or set controls over her.¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s going to go well for all those that attempt to restrain her.¡± ¡°I mean it Penelope, we need to be prepared for anything.¡± ¡°Oh, I agree. Though I doubt there much of anything that can keep a determined Cass away, save for a good puzzle, a book, or the worst case of all, a never ending library of books.¡± Penelope joked. With that Mallory just pursed her lips, not having a thing to say. ¡°So that¡¯s the real concern. Everything goes crazy and you think Cass will leave us to explore a never-ending library of rare tomes?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. ¡°That, is a valid concern.¡± Penelope noted. ¡°Not helping.¡± ¡°Well if you wanted¡­¡± Penelope began, but her words were cut off by an urgent set of reports from her contact. ¡°One second.¡± Mallory paused Penelope mid speech, as she began pulling forth an external document from her informant.
News and updates about the projects.
In order of detail from highest priority to lowest priority. Priority 1 objectives: Identify Guilds and Empires who are working on creating practitioners of Harmonious Magic casting: Legrand, Maltese, Plastecian, Howard, Graceland, and Keplinger. Priority 2 Objective: Keeping track of people trying to cold contact Cass. Two identified: RaSean and Alilian, both part of the Keplinger empire and part of an advanced team in the Arcanarus Tower. Priority 3 Objective: What does Cass do, that I am not aware of: One Simulacrum is apparently getting the Fairies on floor 200 of the Arcanarus Tower to help prioritize rare and exciting books to read. One Simulacrum is involved in training Deolarian troops in Deolar as Princess Octavia. The other is going around as King De¡¯Arcaneri, where he seems to be making friends with the four Cardinal Protectors. Then the main Cass has taken over as a Healer, Referee, and dual-announcer for a Mixed Martial Arts and Mage Combat Tournament. Coincidentally, this real version of Cass has also done something completely unexpected for any tournament¡­
*** (Cass) ¡°For our second match we will have the defending five-time champion for the Cultivators go up against the thirty-second contested, a last-minute addition and the former referee for these matches.¡± I begin, with my voice billowing loudly in the amphitheater. ¡°Here we have it Jean, the first testament of a legacy. Can the defending champion win everything for a sixth straight time in a row.¡± Bob, my male cultivator specialist voice begins. ¡°I don¡¯t know Bob, I am extremely excited to see how this match will play out. What can you tell us about these two?¡± the female voice of Jean, the mage specialist asks. ¡°Glad you asked that, it looks like the defending champion is an Initiate Anti-Mage Cultivator.¡± Bob dictates. ¡°An Initiate, while being a five-time champion?¡± Jean asks. ¡°Yes, it would appear that the Champion has the unique ability to focus their personal resonance outside of their body in a fixed formation that creates a semi-permanent barrier that can be tilted about and used to block incoming magical attacks, but I don¡¯t exactly see how it could block Qi based attacks.¡± Bob states loudly, as I give out the pre-match commentary, the defending Champion, and his challenger both look at me with wide eyed astonishment. It is that stare alone that let¡¯s me realize that something might not be exactly kosher in this whole process. Playing on the hunch provided by the two participants¡¯ reactions, I play it up. ¡°Well, I could see how that would be advantageous against the final match, the one that pits the winner of the Cultivator bracket against the winner of the Mage¡¯s bracket, but how could they get through the Cultivator¡¯s bracket unharmed?¡± The voice of Jean asks. ¡°That is a question that I too would like to have answered. Just remember that intentionally throwing a match is an automatic disqualification event for both participants in a sanctioned match. Which means that all their winnings will be forfeited.¡± Bob states. At that point, both the defending champion and the former referee both stare at me like I am crazy. Then again, having three distinct voices and personalities at play going on all at once, I could see the concern. But I should let them know that we are all fine. ¡°Contestants, I want a good clean match. No flops, or questionable submissions. Any and all tap outs will be granted by me, if and when I think enough damage has actually been provided. With that said, I want a good clean match. And begin.¡± I state, effectively beginning the match before anyone can protest the fact that I personally warned them that I would be looking for any form of deceit on their parts. Though, I was curious about this outward projection of an anti-magic field. That is all the projection could be. Watching it, I felt like it was both intricately beautiful and seemingly impossible to duplicate. Until I realized exactly what it was doing, or rather how it was creating an anti-magic ward around the cultivator. Once I figured out what exactly the focused effect was doing, I was quickly able to backtrack how such a feat was possible. While I couldn¡¯t exactly emulate the effect I was seeing, this new aspect of power that I had never imagined before made this entire process worthwhile for me. For the Cultivator was sort of a genius, as they took the internal network of electrical impulses that a cultivator¡¯s body produces naturally. These are the same impulses that cause casting and circulation of mana to be almost impossible, as the neural network of the body can only conduct one form of impulse at a time. With this, the Cultivator chose to take those internal impulses that disrupt magic and force them to be manifested outside of their body. Watching this, I realized that this was something that I not only could reproduce, but should reproduce, particularly if I wanted to further my whole reason for trying to reach floor 250 of these towers. This external manifestation was something that I would no doubt need to replicate, but only now did I realize that there was something likely similar to this, but reverse for the magic side of things. While creating a Qi blocking shield using the internal impulses that hinder cultivation might not seem like a huge thing currently, in the future it might be the equalizer in battles. Something that would help even the playing field between an expert magician and an expert cultivator. A way that both sides could counteract the strengths of the other. This was definitely something to consider in the future, but for the moment I had to watch this farce of a battle begin. And I do mean farce of a battle. The thirty-second challenger apparently thought that just looking flashy would be enough to fool me. I watched as the former referee, now turned contestant number thirty-two made a flashy Qi infused strike, only to have it blocked by a weak attempt. That despite the former referee holding back from their full strength, still almost caused the forearm of the defending champion to buckle from the blow. A quick look of shock from the referee almost let him give away their entire plan as he looked momentarily shocked. ¡°And there we have a half-powered blow nearly take the defending champion down. Had it not been a feint but a full strike we would have had an upset for this round.¡± Bob commented. ¡°Boo!¡± By now the side from the mages was really against this match as it seemed that both contestants were working hard to try to salvage the rest of this match, while making it seem plausible that the defending champion could win. ¡°I don¡¯t get it, why not go for the killing blow right there? I mean I¡¯m no martial expert and even I saw the way the defending Champion¡¯s torso was wide open to an attack.¡± ¡°I completely agree with you Jean. This seems to be clear collusion on the part of the two contestants.¡± Bob responds. With that both contestants turn their heads towards me, the referee. As soon as they make eye contact, ¡°last warning, make this a real fight or this match will be forfeited.¡± ¡°Oh, that sounds bad, what does that mean?¡± Jean asks. ¡°Glad you asked. It means that by default one of the three matches will be permanently struck from the records. Remember you need to win two of the three matches in order to move on from your round. By having one of the rounds forfeited, it means that a winner would have to win out. Or if a second match was similarly forfeited, then both contestants would be disqualified.¡± Bob responded. With that the two shook their heads and then began exchanging blows in semi-serious state, but it was all window dressing. ¡°This looks oddly staged. I mean half of the blows don¡¯t connect, or when they do they don¡¯t hit for full force. Also, I still don¡¯t see how the defending champion can mount a clear offense with his Qi being manifested outside of his body.¡± ¡°Neither can I Jean, neither can I.¡± Commentator Bob¡¯s voice sounded. By now even a few of the Cultivators were protesting the clear lack of true competition. Then finally, the defending champion managed to deliver a completely unblocked punch to the challenger¡¯s face. Almost immediately the challenger grabbed at his face and then collapsed to the ground. ¡°I am not certain what a flop in a Cultivation fight would look like, but I am fairly certain that is what one would look like.¡± Commentator Jean¡¯s voice rang out. ¡°You are a hundred percent correct there, oh and what¡¯s this. It looks like the referee is coming to a decision.¡± ¡°Disqualified. This match has been forfeited, as the contestant clearly seems to be angling to throw the fight.¡± ¡°Oh, and there you have it Mages and Cultivators, a forfeited match due to perceived flopping. This means the round has no winner and we are now in a sudden death for the winner to need to take both of the next two rounds in a row in order to move on.¡± Bob commented. ¡°What happens if there is a tie? Is there an overtime?¡± ¡°No, this was the tie breaking round. Meaning that not only do these two contestants have to actually fight, but assuming one doesn¡¯t win both rounds, then they are also disqualified?¡± Jean asks. ¡°That is correct. Let¡¯s see if they finally take this seriously.¡± Bob responds. I send out minor bouts of Healing Mana to both, making sure that both participants glow with a green aura indicating how much healing energy they are receiving. Here it is clear that the greater aura of healing mist is around the defending Champion. ¡°I am not quite certain what this is?¡± Bob states. ¡°Oh, I can answer this one. In this case the Healer has made their healing known. In this case each green cloud shows the amount of Healing magic each candidate received in order to move onto the next match.¡± Jean, the magical expert, responds. ¡°Oh, is it just me or does it seem like the Defending Champion required a lot more mana to heal than the contender?¡± ¡°That is correct.¡± ¡°Well, couldn¡¯t this be explained because of the intense mana breaking shield that the Champion has?¡± ¡°You could be correct, but if you look the magic forms a cloud over the contender and wraps around and over the shield before seeping into the wounds of the Champion. This means that none of the mana is lost in this Healing process, and is likely being done to show how limited the anti-magic shield was to begin with.¡± Jean responds. ¡°You mean it could have been bypassed all along by a quick strike to the back or a blind spot around the shield?¡± Bob asks. ¡°That is correct. Also, I am only speculating here, but I think a supercharged spell, that is one that is filled with twice as much focus or one and a half times as much mana would be able to pierce that Intermediate defensive layer.¡± Jean responds, stating the inherent weaknesses that I noticed just by looking at it. ¡°Oh, and given how much of a one trick pony this defending Champion seems to be, any Cultivators that actually lost to this person in the previous tournaments can likely be considered weak.¡± Bob states, as the two continue to break down the inherent flaws of the anti-mage cultivator who has no other skills or abilities to fall back upon. Somewhere at about this point, something in the mind of the defending Champion¡¯s mind broke, as he stood up having his body feel completely healed from my spell work. That¡¯s when he turned away from his challenger and began charging right towards me. His legs pumped wildly constantly building up speed, as he clenched his fist and pulling back to strike, then he lunged towards me. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡± Was all I said in three echoing voices before my body moved on reflex. Blur. The world stopped momentarily as I sprung into action. Chapter 202 Three Minute Crime Spree Chapter 202 Three Minute Crime Spree ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.¡± Was all I said in three echoing voices before my body moved on reflex. My use of three different slightly modified version so Voice Amplification magic should be explained here. Imagine three different tubes leading to three different and unique sounding wind instruments being placed right in front of me. I can choose to blow into any one of the three different tubes to come up with a unique sound that in this case represents a character that I am trying to bring to life. What I just did was the equivalent of blowing into all three different tubes at the exact same time with the same amount of pressure, which led to the chorus of voices all saying the same thing. I know there is likely some form of rhythmic chanting magic that might be possible from this, maybe some way to invoke a sense of magical music similar to what one might feel while listening to Benedictine monks perform Gregorian chants, but that thought is quickly had and then dismissed as I react swiftly towards the perceived threat of the defending Cultivating Champion charging right at me. My Danger Sense is not going off, but it is only due to the fact that this is a defending Champion that I decide to take this threat significantly. As such, the moment the warrior charges towards me, I reflexively enact Celerity, causing the world to slow down as I move in and around the charging warrior. My fingers instantly know where to strike out, as all I need to do is target the five manifestation points that allow this cultivator to extend his internal Qi externally. Honestly just touching the spots of energy lets me feel and experience the energy at a much more defined level than I could ever get from just observing. While I likely would have been able to mimic this capability in the future, the fact that I can touch and feel the way the denser Qi is forced out in a controlled arc shows me the power and skill of this cultivator. Sadly, I feel slightly jealous that this cultivator learned to do something so complex before me. Though I know now that this is a sort of fools gold for cultivating. Yes, it is great for disrupting mana, but basically it forces the cultivator to cultivate outside their body, outside their natural support framework. While this might be a good skill to have in reserve when going against a mage, something you would pull out as a last resort, the long term effects of this have to be staggering. Especially as the number one importance of Qi is cycling the Qi within the body and having it there to constantly strengthen the body. With this forced external cultivation method you effectively make yourself a non-existent cultivator, incapable of improving, as you are forcing your Qi to act like mana should. At this, I finally began to understand just how much denser Qi was than mana. I always kind of understood this concept, but it wasn¡¯t until now, until I directly felt Qi being forced out like this that I realized how much denser it truly was. Then I realized just how much Willpower this Cultivator must have to be able to focus their Qi out like this, all of which was impressive and would have been even more so, had he focused on improving more aspects of himself other than just this one trick. I almost want to lambast him and the others, before I remember where exactly I am. To me now, this is the same thing as seeing the monsters in easy zones. Seeing their sharp teeth, their piercing red eyes that would haunt you for days when you first arrived, only to see them for what they are. Monsters that long ago stopped being both scary and relevant. Sighing, I only make five quick taps to the muscular torso of the defending champion, then give an incapacitating blow to the side of the head, before cancelling Celerity, knowing that even this much might be too much. I am not mistaken as the second time resumes its pull around us, my would be attacker, Mr. Defending Champion himself is staggers forward, before he appears to reach up to his torso. Then finds himself spinning out wildly as his body sprawls out on the stage. ¡°Disqualification!¡± I yell out in my referee voice, the middle tube for anyone keeping track. ¡°Oh, that has to hurt. Losing the match on account of a technicality. This one too counts as a draw meaning that both the defending champion and the thirty-second challenger have both been disqualified from advancing.¡± Bob, my cultivation expert persona states, from the tube to my right. ¡°That has got to hurt, though it means that whoever would have been their opponent in the next round would have an automatic win to get to the Elite Eight.¡± Jean adds from the left. With that the thirty-second challenger and former referee for these events just stares at me, lips moving like a puckering fish. Then while everyone is watching, I make sure to use Healing Magic to perfectly heal the wounds caused to the defending Champion. ¡°See Jean, there we go again. Due to the Healing Magic going in through the back, where this cultivator is clearly open to magical attacks, the spell can land easily.¡± Bob states. ¡°I see, and there does not appear to be any real deviation in the terms of mana loss, quite impressive. Or should I say, not very impressive for a cultivator?¡± Jean adds. ¡°No, you are correct. This is the problem with min-maxing, particularly at early levels. If you don¡¯t have at least one other ability to counter your glaring deficiency, you will be taken down by a pacifist.¡± Bob replied. ¡°Those weren¡¯t really passive fists there, Bob.¡± ¡°No, no they were not, Jean.¡± With that, the defending Champion began twitching as they came back to consciousness. There is a moment of shock on the Champion¡¯s face as he looks down at the ground below him. Then back up towards me. A look of anger and indignance crosses his face as he looks like he is going to say something. Fortunately, I beat him to this punch as well, ¡°you, challenger. Get him off the stage and tell him what happened.¡± With that the thirty-second cultivator stares at me for a moment, then after staring at me in the eye for a second, I begin to open my third eye. ¡°Cheaters!¡± Some of the mages called out. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. That call from the stands was the final straw needed to induce change, as right after he saw the glowing third eye awaken he immediately went to work, bending down and practically dragged the defending Champion away. As the two left, more boos and jeers came from the stands. Oddly enough, the boos came from both sides of the tournament, as both sides were angered by the seeming actions of the two. ¡°Well it seems like there is a new sheriff in town and her name is Referee.¡± Bob noted, his voice booming over the crowd and drowning out the noise. ¡°I¡¯ll say, I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to test her again.¡± Jean replied, her voice too causing some of the unruliest patrons to calm down. ¡°I for one did not expect this to come from the first two matches.¡± Bob continued his banter. ¡°I¡¯ll say. We have an unmistakable upset with the Healer from last tournament completely upending the Mage¡¯s brackets by defeating the defending champion. Then we have both the former referee and the defending Champion both being disqualified.¡± Jean highlighted the takeaways from the first two battles. ¡°Yes, this will throw a bit of fire on the old legacy, and likely call into question at least some of those victories from the five previous tournaments.¡± Bob shot back. ¡°Spectators, our next match will pit the defending runner up to the mage¡¯s bracket for the last tournament going up against the thirty-first mage to sign up for the tournament.¡± I state in my referee voice. And like that, the almost unruly mob got quelled by a few magical spells that all focused on misdirection, and the promise of visually enhanced violence. Honestly, I would almost be offended by having to watch this, other than the fact that I knew this was a way I could both guarantee that everyone who participated was safe from any injuries sustained during battle. Though the main reason why I wanted to be this close to the action was so that I could feel the energy, the raw flowing mana. The way Qi radiated from bodies with skills and precise striking movements that would be hard to normally see under such optimal conditions. Here in this role, I was at ground level for everything that was happening and I could see everything boiled down to the most succinct components. It was amazing, and sadly lacking in the drama that the first two fights had. Yes, there were upsets, particularly when the fifth mage lost to the twenty-eighth place mage, due to being disqualified for trying to summon an asteroid that would fall from the sky and miraculously only crash into the cultivator half of the stands. Or when the ninth cultivator lost to the twenty-fourth placed cultivator with a one-handed core splitting palm strike. Don¡¯t worry in both cases I was on hand to Dispel the portions of the asteroid that went outside the arena, followed by restoring the core of the ninth-place cultivator who subsequently withdrew after the strike. Due to the contestant withdrawing due to obvious personal reasons, I decided to let the withdraw happen without protests from my side. Though I apparently did get noticed by a few cultivating families who wished to see me after the match was over, no doubt to regrow or heal broken or leaky cores. When mages found out I could do the same for their cores, some of the audience wished to cancel the tournament right then and there. As it was, we ended up going through all thirty-two matches, sixteen apiece for the Mages and Cultivators alike before calling it a night. Then just before I was about to make my move and finally use my Confidentiality merit the way it was supposed to, disaster struck. In this case it was in the form of my daughter, who no doubt must have expected me to be ready to both have a free moment to myself, and to about to be doing something I found fun or enjoyable. Tug, tug, pull. Yep, just before I was going to get a moment to myself to finally relax, Gwen struck. I appear and before I can say anything, she hits me with the four words that instantly let me know today will be a wasted chance with Confidentiality. For the words she spoke, are the words no parent wishes to hear from their children. ¡°We need to talk.¡± I try to call off the others, but then realize it is now or never. ¡°Okay fine, but realize you just made yourself an accomplice.¡± I state, then realize this might not be that bad. ¡°Actually, better yet, you are an accomplice and now my alibi.¡± ¡°Alibi for what?¡± Gwen asks. ¡°Good, keep that up, that was very convincing.¡± ¡°Mother, I mean it, are you doing something right now?¡± ¡°Me? No, clearly not. My baby calls and needs my help, and I come. Simple at that.¡± ¡°Mother, I mean it, what are you doing?¡± ¡°Consoling my pregnant daughter, as the head physician I take this matter very seriously of course.¡± ¡°You¡¯re changing the subject.¡± ¡°Am I? Or am I just answering the loosely worded question you posed in a way that doesn¡¯t implicate me in any nefarious actions.¡± ¡°You know this is not making me feel any better.¡± ¡°Well of course not, here we are talking about me, when really we should be talking about you. So how are you?¡± I pose. By this point a solid purple rift in space opens up, clearly showing one of my Simulacrum on the other side of the randomly opened portal. Before Gwen can say or do anything, the Simulacrum extends two glowing books to me, which I readily accept and put within my leather satchel. Then as soon as the books are delivered, that Simulacrum pops out of existence. At this point Gwen¡¯s eyes are open wide with shock. Ironic as she can¡¯t see with them. ¡°What was that?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Oh, this is my leather satchel that Penelope made for me. Like that famous explorer. She was going to go with a fedora, but then everyone said it would be so fedorable for me to wear one, as such I then refused.¡± I state, as the next portal opens. This time it is King De¡¯Arcaneri who stands at the other end of the portal. He hands me an imperial seal, after which we fist bump, allowing him to switch forms to that of Princess Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri. Then that second portal closes, as a third opens up, this time with another Simulacrum who hands me two more glowing texts. I put everything, the two new texts, and the Deolarian Imperial seal into my Satchel. ¡°Is that everything?¡± Gwen asks. ¡°What, I can¡¯t very well use the gains from the fourth Simulacrum that you had me misplace a moment ago.¡± I add. ¡°Wait, what were you going to steal from around here?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, that seems like it would be pretty self-incriminating to admit to something like that. Right now you still have plausible deniability that everything you saw was completely legitimate.¡± I pose. ¡°You already told me that I was now your accomplice.¡± Gwen hissed out, trying not to scream as a way to draw attention to the two of us. ¡°Well yeah, every time I am with you, I always feel like I stole something precious from the world, and only I will be able to fully enjoy it.¡± I admit. ¡°You, what¡­ never mind. I take it your three minutes are over?¡± Gwen asked. I hold up five fingers and then count them down slowly while nodding and answering, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about.¡± Then just like that, my closed fist goes down and it is just Gwen and me. Pausing, Gwen takes a deep breath to calm herself, then begins to speak. ¡°Mother, I find myself needing your assistance again¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not me turning into the creepy old elf again, is it? I told Mallory that I was done after the last time.¡± Cringing, Gwen replies, ¡°no, we don¡¯t need to try that again. What I need from you is something different this time¡­¡± And like that I remember why I like Gwen so much, she never got rattled despite my best efforts. This was why she always made the best accomplice, or alibi, depending on what I needed at that particular moment. *** By the time I was done talking to Gwen it was already past midnight. Which was good, as it meant that I could see Gwen, give her and her baby the quick acceptance love tap they needed to keep their balance and gave me until four AM on Monday before I would be needed for anything else, that was Guild related. This meant that for the next day, all I had to do was govern the second round of the tournament, where I only had to preside over a total of fifteen matches, thanks to the defending cultivator champion being disqualified from his round. When I arrived, I was sort of relieved to see a very sleepy Zero just floating there. ¡°Hey, you stayed up for me?¡± I asked. Zero just yawned and bobbed his head in agreement before slinking over to me. ¡°Thank you,¡± I say as I cuddle his floating form in both arms for a moment. ¡°Any time.¡± Zero replies groggily. ¡°Did you find the source?¡± I ask. Of course in this case, we are talking about the source of corruption. Here on floor 210 is the possible root section for the great corrupting vines that have been spreading the Blight through both this floor and the five or so floors below this one. With how intense the Blight is on this floor, it was necessary that we stop here and try to find out where it began, so we can ultimately burn it out in one go. Otherwise, this whole process will take a lot longer and be a lot more labor intensive than what I am currently able to provide. ¡°No, I thought I might have seen something to do with the source of corruption on the Cultivator¡¯s side of the tree, but I wasn¡¯t able to understand much of what I was seeing.¡± Zero speaks, and as he does, I feel that same odd tingling sensation coming from him. The same one that I think has to do with quests and the like. Again, I am angling for and hoping for some sort of Quest Sensing skill, as that would be amazing. Though I know that is mostly just a pipe dream at this point. Still, I can¡¯t help but feel that this is a lifeline I have been given, one that is definitely worth investing. ¡°Was that everything?¡± Nod. Zero nods groggily before slinking into my arm and appearing as a coiled dragon around my upper right arm. With that one hint out of the way, I decided to go over and see what I could actually gain from investigating the happenings from the Cultivators side of this floor. Were they behind this in some way? Did they know and not tell anyone? I don¡¯t know. At the very least I don¡¯t think all of them knew as many of the cultivators are starving just as much as the mages are. The fact that they have won the past five tournaments has likely only helped them out recently, for if the Blight really began on the Cultivator¡¯s side, then they would have likely suffered far longer than the mages. I still hate the entire idea of using starving family members to force others to cheap thrills of participating in violent sports, but I can¡¯t say that I haven¡¯t learned anything from this whole ordeal. At the very least I now have ideas for how to cultivate outside my body, and how to use that cultivation to possibly stop magical attacks. Again, all good things to consider. While I¡¯m out, I also make a note to search for the things that Gwen might need for her additional task she asked me for. These were the items she no doubt needed to remain quiet as my alibi. "Daughters," sigh. That¡¯s as far as I get, before my thoughts are pulled away as I notice something far to beautiful to pass up. For there on the Cultivator¡¯s side of the floor is something I have been dreaming about for a bit now. Then just as I noticed it, disaster struck. ¡°Can I help you¡­¡± Chapter 203 Going Too Far (Mallory) Chapter 203 Going Too Far (Mallory) Everything was stressful with running a guild. Everything from the paperwork, to making sure investors are happy, to making sure supplies are available, and that resources are available to every one of the eccentric yet highly capable members of the Guild was taxing. Not to mention the fact that she had supply lines that were hundreds of miles northwest of all habitable lands, they were a veritable oasis surrounded by corroding deserts on all sides. There were ravenous packs of murder wolves that would randomly phase into and out of the territory carrying Blight filled creatures in their mouths so that Cass, or one of her Simulacrums would cleanse the creature, create an exact duplicate of the wild beast that would be level one, while allowing the older version to be killed by the now cultivating murder wolves. Those were all valid problems, in addition to the fact that they now boasted the only College that was in the process of being accredited to teach both Qi and Magical career focuses, and that their teacher was clearly doing almost everything within her power to avoid being here, with her. Worse, Mallory in a fit of blind loss felt herself fall for the attentions of someone else. Of course, the person that she had wanted was unobtainable, at least for a few years still. Even the thought of wanting to be near her caused problems, for while Mallory knew that the person she fell in love with was now eighty years old, her avatar was that of an underaged teenager. This became problematic when working day in and day out with her savior, she found that she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about her. Forcing her to stop climbing the Arcanarus Tower with her best friend and someone that she has since grown too attached to. That¡¯s when fate decided to rear up its ugly head, throwing in the complication of Gwen. The daughter of her friend and more, who exuded most of the same charm, the same power, and poise as the lovable minor version, but was slightly different. She was more tempered and reserved than her mother. Her love for magic wasn¡¯t as pronounced, her understanding of Qi was non-existent, her self-deprecating humor was slightly lacking in comparison to that of her mother. In short, she was her own being, albeit one who was in a fully mature avatar that looked and felt almost like Cass would be, when she finally was able to grow up. Added to the confusion was the fact that Mallory had to spend every day with the slightly off older version of Cass. That¡¯s when she first found an attraction to the unique individual that so mirrored the true person in her heart that it was what she deemed to be close enough, at least for now. Those six words are the same ones that are coming back to haunt her. At the time Gwen was insistent in her advances, and if Mallory closed her eyes just enough, she felt she could see and imagine being with the person she truly wanted to be with. That and the fact that Gwen was far more attractive when she was on the hunt, the way she made Mallory felt needed. Then one fateful night, Mallory succumbed to her wants. Which Mallory knew she could not go back on, for once she made up her mind to indulge, she could not stop. For a time, Gwen was everything she needed and more. But it was only temporary. After a few months the differences between Gwen and her mother were apparent. Tiny details of the slight differences began to show. Gwen it turned out was highly specialized, and even took a specialty class for the sole purpose of being able to be by Mallory¡¯s side. Gwen had chosen her class as an Ethereal Healer, just to be able to both Resurrect, and Cure Blight from anyone, but it was clear she chose this to get closer to Mallory. Apparently, Gwen had grown up infatuated with Mallory. She was of course too young to understand how Mallory was the person who inadvertently killed her grandparents. She never had to forgive her the way Cass did seamlessly. Everything from Gwen was just given, without a limiter, and without regard for herself. Cass likely gave just as much as Gwen did, but the difference was that Cass could always give more, as she always seemed to be filled with boundless energy. While Gwen gave just as much, but clearly had little else to give others. The difference between the two was staggering. Worse, it was clear, especially from Mallory¡¯s recent requests that Gwen was now beginning to think of herself as a consolation prize. These were thoughts that Mallory wished to avoid at all costs, and while she had managed to reign in most of these forbidden desires that kept cropping up. Additionally, she had to deal with undead warriors randomly roaming the lands. An impending wedding to Cass¡¯s male avatar, and the fact that they are expected to consummate the marriage on that night. The way Gwen is already showing doubts about this carnal forced union. Then there was the ask. That ask was the worst. At first, Mallory just thought it was a type of spell, something that Gwen could likely mimic and copy easily. To find out that it was Qi based, and something that Gwen had no aptitude for only caused more problems. To make things even worse, ever since then Gwen has been distant. Not that Mallory has had much time to spend with Gwen, with running a guild and trying to reign in randomly morphing Pomeranian elemental dragons and keeping them from running wild in the guild lands, while playing a game similar to tag. Yes, it was a modified version of tag, where one dragon would be it, running around at full size, stomping through fields and the like trying to catch the three other Pomeranians. Then once one of the Pomeranians were tagged, they would quickly switch places, the dragon going to Pomeranian form, while the other switched to dragon form and began chasing back. Honestly, seeing the destruction caused by the Pomeranian Cardinal Protectors in this way, Mallory wondered if it wouldn¡¯t have been easier to just let the dragons destroy the estimated four hundred acres that were part of the initial estimates. Yet, despite the wear and tear, the dragons stayed away from living areas, and the lands that they did frequent rebounded quickly with some of the most robust fields imaginable, so it wasn¡¯t a complete loss, in the long run. But it was still one more headache to deal with, along with trying to figure out how to make things right with Gwen. For while their relationship had started off as a mental replacement for something Mallory could never have, she could not deny now that she truly felt a connection with Gwen. It wasn¡¯t the same as she felt with Cass, none could, especially not when the person is question is your undisputed best friend and the person you would trust most in any life-or-death situation to not only save you, but make you laugh while doing so. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Her relationship with Gwen was different. Gwen was more fragile, more delicate. Part of this was of course accentuated by the pregnancy with her granddaughter, as the hormones being released were very real for Gwen. But there was also the fact that Gwen was a little more serious than Cass, which meant she wasn¡¯t able to shrug off adversity as well. You could cover both Gwen and Cass in a pile of mud, and Cass would figure out how to make it a cleansing mud bath that was good for the pores. While Gwen would likely get offended, leave the place quickly and avoid whoever put the mud on her. Mallory couldn¡¯t help but think that she would agree with Gwen and would likely react the same way. Which was why it was so confusing for her as to why she still found her thoughts going to Cass in these situations. Maybe it was Mallory¡¯s respect for anyone capable of finding the bright side of any problem, a fact that Mallory knew was one of her weak points. This was again something that she and Gwen shared, but only now after Gwen had begun to grow distant in their relationship did Mallory even notice the similarities. All of these inner thoughts and self-reflections were to say that Mallory only now truly realized how much she had grown to both need and depend on Gwen. Little things that seemed insignificant now all seemed to add up. The way Gwen was always there, to caress and comb her hair, the way she constantly caressed her. At the time they were often seen as unwanted or distracting, but now that they were gone, she felt a lingering coldness in those places. Stirring in bed, Mallory realized that Gwen¡¯s side was empty. Placing her hand out, she felt a coldness that indicated that Gwen had left long ago. Frustrated, Mallory sat up, and just wondered if there was something she could do to show Gwen how much she cared. Knock, knock. Unfortunately, fate chose that exact moment to intervene in her plans for reconciliation. There was always something with running a guild. Taking a quick glance around to make sure Gwen was decent Mallory looked, only to remember that she still wasn¡¯t here. Likely out on one of her walks that she had been doing recently. She claimed it was for exercise, but Mallory knew that Gwen had her own doubts about this relationship. Something that only a cold night could make Mallory realize what she was close to losing. ¡°Come in,¡± Mallory huffed out, pulling her silken bed wear tighter. Then her heart stopped slightly as she saw trouble in the form of King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri walk into her chambers. Seeing the avatar of her future husband being worn by her best friend in her room only caused more unwanted frustration to build up inside of her. ¡°What is it, Cass?¡± Mallory asked with a bit more frustration than she normally let show to her friend. Though to her credit it was after midnight, and most of the time Cass either didn¡¯t know what time it was, or as was most often the cases in these situations, Cass was about to lay out a whole pile of mud that Mallory would have to pretend was therapeutic in a minute. Swagger. Without saying a word, King De¡¯Arcaneri strode forward, his body moving in what was apparently supposed to be a seductive act, but there was something off about this. Like it was meant to be just seductive enough to tease Mallory, but not fully seduce her. At least that is what Mallory thought from seeing the way her friend moved, it was clear that she wasn¡¯t being as graceful or fluid with her movements as she was capable of. With that, Mallory started to get annoyed, realizing that this was either a test from Gwen to Cass, or was some poorly executed joke on Cass¡¯s part that Mallory was too tired to even try to figure out at this time. Rising to her feet, Mallory just held out a hand, ¡°stop, just stop.¡± With that King De¡¯Arcaneri stood there, eyes wide with shock as he stared at Mallory. ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you wanted?¡± King De¡¯Arcaneri asked. ¡°No, well yes I did want it, but I realize now how much of a mistake it all was.¡± Mallory said. Hearing that King De¡¯Arcaneri took a step forward, again something was slightly off. His moves were smooth, but not as smooth as Cass normally was, it was clear that whatever she was doing, she was holding back for whatever reason. That again set up more alarms about this being a test, as Cass never held back from her acts. Once she was in character, there was no breaking her from that character until the scene ended or she shifted back. The fact that she was purposefully underselling this performance showed how much trouble Mallory would be in, if she fell for this. And Mallory was not going to fall for this, not now, not when everything was so close to unraveling. ¡°Then what do you want?¡± King De¡¯Arcaneri asked, his face right next to Mallory¡¯s. Their faces were so close that if King De¡¯Arcaneri but leaned forward they would be within kissing distance. Being this close, Mallory could smell the ancient smells that this elf naturally created. Scents of sandalwood, vanilla, and long forgotten herbs. They all blended together to form a thick strong scent that was clearly undeniable. ¡°I want Gwen. Look, I know I asked for this earlier, but I was wrong. I had been looking for ways to improve my relationship with Gwen, when I realized it didn¡¯t require anything from the outside. It didn¡¯t require your magic, your avatar, or your scent. Instead, it just required me to stop holding back and realize what about Gwen was truly unique.¡± Mallory said. Hearing that a slight tear began to form in King De¡¯Arcaneri¡¯s eye. ¡°You mean that don¡¯t you?¡± He asked. ¡°I do,¡± Mallory nodded then she added. ¡°The only problem is that I think I waited too long to realize this, as I probably ruined the best thing that has happened to me in a while.¡± Full tear. By now a full tear began to fall down the face of King De¡¯Arcaneri¡¯s face. Seeing it, Mallory realized that even Cass was too much of a romantic to hold character through this confessional. ¡°You mean that, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yes, the only problem is that I messed it up. I said and did things that I didn¡¯t mean. I pushed Gwen away, when I should have pulled her closer. I, I¡­¡± Mallory began, slightly pacing back and forth as she went over how to explain this to Gwen. Then just when Mallory thought she was at her wit¡¯s end, King De¡¯Arcaneri said the most incongruous thing she could imagine. ¡°Kiss me.¡± ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, shock on her face as she stared at her best friend. Well the avatar being run by her best friend, and could only look on with shock. ¡°I said kiss me.¡± King De¡¯Arcaneri stated, a slight warmth coming to the elven king¡¯s face. ¡°No, didn¡¯t you hear me. I said I was already close to losing the best thing that ever happened to me, and you want me to ruin it with what a kiss? You know we can¡¯t¡­¡± Mallory began, but her words were cut off as King De¡¯Arcaneri lunged forward, pressing his lips to hers. There was a brief moment, when Mallory thought about slapping her best friend so hard that she would fly across the room. But before she could, a moment of hesitation filled her, steadying her hand and causing her to just stand there dumbfounded by the odd series of events where her best friend all but forced herself, himself? Upon her. Then she saw a message that caused her mind to go blank as she tried to make sense of the random message.
Daily quota met for providing bloodline lineage to your future grandchild. Current rating Valhalla Bloodline 50%, Spiritlight Bloodline 50%.
Blinking away the system message, Mallory pushed back King De¡¯Arcaneri gently. Far more gently than she had intended to act a moment ago. The two locked gazes for a moment, then finally Mallory found herself asking, ¡°Gwen?¡± Smiling brightly, King De¡¯Arcaneri shook his head. ¡°But how? Why?¡± Mallory asked, momentarily lost for words at the sudden change in everything. ¡°It was mother, she purposefully chose a future class advancement that would allow her to transfer the avatars she had to others. This was supposed to be her wedding gift to us, so we, could consummate the marriage and unification of the Midnight Hunters and Deolarian empires.¡± Gwen, in her King De¡¯Arcaneri avatar said. As she spoke, she made special emphasis on we, gesturing to both her and Mallory. Hearing that, Mallory could only pause in awe at the thought. Cass took a future class evolution, one that would require a lot of achievements to earn, and seemingly wasted it on something so simple as making it so Mallory could spend the night with her daughter. ¡°She did this, for us?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yeah, she wanted to keep it mostly a secret, but then saw how much we were struggling and gave it to me tonight.¡± Gwen said, as she grabbed onto Mallory¡¯s hand the way that only Gwen would. It was odd feeling the same familiar gesture now being performed by the long delicate hands of a male elf, but still enjoyable as she could feel Gwen¡¯s warmth even through the touch. ¡°Is that really you?¡± Mallory found herself asking. Gwen, well King De¡¯Arcaneri, smiled in the way that only Gwen could. ¡°I don¡¯t know, you tell me.¡± Then with that they kissed and true to form, it was a kiss as wild and passionate as Gwen was. When they finally parted, Mallory took a half step back to stare at Gwen and finally asked, ¡°what happened to the baby?¡± ¡°She¡¯s still here, just compressed for now.¡± Gwen replied, a slight giggle on her lips as she touched right where the baby should be. Reaching out, Mallory touched the spot that Gwen indicated and was shocked to see that she felt a slight heartbeat from the exact spot. ¡°Wow, your mother finds some of the weirdest powers.¡± Mallory said, shocked by feeling the second heartbeat and slowly feeling more signs of a second life living in a male elf¡¯s stomach. ¡°I know, the way she finds them and then finds random ways to use them is truly impressive.¡± Gwen said. At that Mallory could only nod, ¡°yeah, once again she proved that she was playing three-dimensional chess, while the rest of us were just playing checkers.¡± With that Mallory found herself rubbing her fingers against the washboard abs of the elven body that now hosted not only her partner, but her future grandchild as well. ¡°Well, since I have this body for the next twenty-four hours. Do we want to give it a test drive?¡± ¡°What, before our wedding, I am a lady of virtue after all?¡± Mallory replied with faux indignation. ¡°Well, maybe I will just have to find a way to seduce you.¡± Gwen said, wrapping her arms around Mallory¡¯s neck. ¡°This will be a tough task, I am in a highly committed relationship that I just now realized means the world to me.¡± Mallory said. ¡°Hmm, well she seems to be very lucky.¡± ¡°No, I am the one who is lucky that she didn¡¯t give up on me long ago.¡± Mallory said. With that another tear came to Gwen¡¯s eyes, but before Mallory could say anything else she said, ¡°just kiss me.¡± And that was how Gwen¡¯s first night using a different avatar for recreational purposes occurred. Interlude XII What Is Magic? Interlude XII What Is Magic? ¡°Today we are on the scene with real live practitioners of Magic. That¡¯s right, you heard it here. Whether you believe in the practices of magic or not, people are feeling a deeper connection to the world around them more so now than ever before. And the number one reason why there is so much attention on this archaic phenomenon is BiPrism, at least that is what has caused the greatest surge in the revival of everything from pagan rituals to outright unexplained supernatural phenomena.¡± A major news anchor began stating. ¡°What does this mean for you? Well magic is the number one trending topic this holiday season. Additionally, if you felt there was a rise in supernaturally themed blockbuster movies, well you wouldn¡¯t be wrong.¡± A second news anchor added. ¡°That¡¯s right, everything from sci-fi to rom-com movies all now have at least a hint of the supernatural in them. The more believable the supernatural flavor, the better they are received.¡± The first anchor added. Click. Tammie found herself turning off the television news, as her weary mind and body were unable to keep up with the topic being discussed. While it was better than the typical stories of bombings or wars happening, this story in particular didn¡¯t seem to resonate with her drug addled mind. Then again focusing for Tammie was the equivalent of trying to observe the world while holding your head under a constantly flowing waterfall. If she held still and focused long enough she could just make out certain characteristics and scenes that made sense, but these few moments of clarity were exhausting. Take now for instance, where she looked around the room to see her daughter sitting in a meditation pose, her legs under her body. With her hands intertwined neatly. Looking at her daughter, Tammie couldn¡¯t help but let a smile fill her lips. ¡°Are you praying to God?¡± Tammie asked. ¡°Sort of,¡± Cassidy her daughter and prize of her life replied. As she spoke, Tammie couldn¡¯t help but feel pride at seeing the way her daughter all but radiated life and vitality. If nothing else, then just knowing that she brought someone as beautiful as Cassidy into this world would be a crowning achievement for her. ¡°You¡¯re sort of praying?¡± ¡°I guess you could call it that, though it is not to god¡± Cassidy clarified, her eyes still closed as parts of her body twitched as if feeling electrical impulses. ¡°If not god, then to whom do you pray?¡± Tammie asked, wondering what exactly was happening. ¡°I don¡¯t pray,¡± Cassidy said, her eyes opening and filling the room with the green glow of her eyes. Eyes that feel like they are the eyes of a Disney Princess, one who has the world at her beck and call. ¡°At least not like you are thinking. I just talk to great grandma.¡± If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Praying to your great grandmother?¡± ¡°In a way, yes.¡± Cassidy said, then getting up from her seated position she rose up and came over to Tammie¡¯s side. As she got closer, several tubes and hoses coming from multiple machines prevented Cassidy from getting too close. ¡°How is grandma doing? It¡¯s been a while since I got to see her and mother, is mother still alive?¡± ¡°Yes, they are both there.¡± Cassidy said, a slight tear forming in her eye. ¡°Though you can¡¯t join them. Not yet.¡± ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry. You heard the doctors. I¡¯m in remission.¡± Tammie said, her voice tired but excited that things were finally getting better. ¡°I know.¡± ¡°Doctors are calling it a miracle. Whatever this new round of drugs they gave me are finally working. You saw the last scans. Even the larger lumps are finally receding.¡± Tammie said, soothingly, holding out her hand for Cassidy to hold her. Cassidy fighting back tears just reached out her warm hands and covered Tammie¡¯s much colder hand in her own. Then feeling the warmth from her daughter¡¯s touch made Tammie instantly relax, as finally everything felt like it was better. ¡°There we go, you are still the best thing I ever did in this life.¡± Tammie said. With that Cassidy could only nod, not wanting to state anything to such a definitive statement. To Cassidy just acknowledging such a remark here, would imply that Tammie was done with achievements, that or it might somehow give her incentive to stop trying to do something better. As such, Cassidy changed the subject. ¡°Can I lie with you?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Tammie said, then rolling onto her back, so that her right arm, the arm that was currently tube and monitor free was exposed. That¡¯s when Cassidy crawled up like a small cat, and slowly but gracefully slid into the spot that she had filled every night for the past week. At first Tammie had been opposed to this, as the pain caused by moving hurt, but knowing that she was nearing the end, she made an exception. Not even hissing out in pain as Cassidy''s tiny arms wrapped around her waist. Then the next morning she woke up feeling slightly better. Though it pained her to see just how tired and exhausted little Cassidy looked each night, as it was clear this wasn¡¯t that comfortable for her either. But still, Tammie would be lying if she said she didn¡¯t enjoy these moments, and if she was to go, knowing that Cassidy was by her side each night did make the fear of the unknown just that much more acceptable. What Tammie didn¡¯t know, what the doctors were afraid to tell her was that she was no longer receiving treatments for her cancer. All that she was being prescribed now was pain pills to help alleviate the pain she was suffering. The fact that there was any sign of remission at all was shocking. At first the medical staff was on edge, it was only once the nighttime orderlies came in, noting a bright green glow coming from Cassidy¡¯s hands that were wrapped around her mother that word slowly spread. First it was just rumors, then videos, and finally people in the know got wind of this and started paying for the medical treatments. Yet, Tammie was blissfully unaware of all of that. All she knew was that she was being given a second chance at life, with her daughter, and this time she would not waste it. This time she would vow to spend more time with Cassidy, talking to her about everything that was happening in her life, about boys, and about what she was going to do with her life, once she became an adult. Of course, that was all far away. For now, Tammie was just content to enjoy these moments while she could. Using her free arm to stroke at the hairs on Cassidy¡¯s head, Tammie found herself asking. ¡°So why do you pray to great grandma?¡± ¡°Because, she is the only one who always responds when I ask for advice.¡± Cassidy stated. Hearing that, Tammie only nodded, the warmth of Cassidy being snuggled up next to her was filling her body with enough heat that she could relax her muscles if slightly. ¡°What do you ask her about?¡± Tammie found herself asking, her words sounding so distant in her mind, as she fought to remain conscious for just a moment longer. ¡°Mostly about life.¡± Cassidy answered. ¡°About boys?¡± Tammie found herself asking, curious if it was about time to have that conversation with Cassidy, and dreading the fact that she had grown up so quickly to even need to consider such a conversation. ¡°Talking about boys with great-grandmother?¡± Cassidy shot back. Only after hearing the words that she spoke did Tammie actually laugh. ¡°Yeah, sorry we know there was only one boy great grandma liked, and he broke her heart.¡± With that Tammie felt part of her soul relax as the warmth of love from her daughter, and the chuckle made her finally relaxed enough to once again go to sleep. This time, unlike the last few times, Tammie was almost certain she would wake back up and get to spend another great day with her daughter. At least for now. What she didn¡¯t see, was the fact that after her eyes closed and her breathing regulated itself, a vibrant green glow could be seen illuminating the room. There off in the distance, on the one visitor¡¯s chair that was on hand, sat Cassidy¡¯s tablet that glowed faintly with her streams to Cass still locked into place. The same ones that Cassidy used to learn about how to feel the flow of magic, about how to cast healing spells. Then at the very bottom of the screen scrolled an unread ticker line that highlighted the trending stories and topics of the day for BiPrism, the most pressing of which was one that read. 82-year-old Robert Cruise Sr. joins son in world of BiPrism. Chapter 204 Cassiopeia’s Curse Chapter 204 Cassiopeia¡¯s Curse You ever have one of those days? You know, where you just feel that everything is going to go wrong, but you don¡¯t know why? Little things seem to call to you. The way people talk, seems distorted through a vacuum. You have a hard time focusing, well a harder time focusing. Even things that normally captivate you, like the ebb and flow of magic and the use of Qi by two different combatants going all out to see who can be the best ultimately feels hollow. Tinnitus, that is the best word I can use to describe everything that I¡¯ve felt all day. Yes, I managed to get through my matches, all remaining participants survived. There was no talk of collusion, or bid rigging, everyone that won their match did so fairly and with my objective eyes, all three of them, watching to ensure fair fights were held. Yet, despite all of that, I felt something cold creeping into my bones. It was almost what my mother would call someone walking over my grave, though I don¡¯t even know if I have a grave. So that analogy might be a bit odd to fully comprehend. You know what, even thoughts like that, random tangents can¡¯t keep my attention today. As everything just feels off. Almost like I¡¯m in the middle of a disaster movie, all cameras are zooming in, trying to get the highest definition shot of my face, when the disaster finally strikes. I¡¯m ready for anything, disasters, fires, floods, or even killer bees. Ready for it all, yet all I feel is a mounting tension. A slow discordant note that rings in my ears like tinnitus, and slowly gets louder and louder as time goes on. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Zero asks, apparently feeling my own tension. ¡°No, I keep feeling like something is going to break.¡± I reply honestly. I originally thought about deflecting, but part of my want to improve my relationship with Zero depends on me actually being honest. ¡°Break, like what? Also, things have broken, but you managed to fix them all flawlessly.¡± Zero noted. ¡°Oh, you mean the spiral fractured femur and core? Yeah, that was pretty intense, though not the worst I¡¯ve done. At least it didn¡¯t feel like the worst patch job.¡± I answered, remembering how the pieces of the core were easily pressed together and a simple application of mana generated heat allowed me to weld the pieces of the core together into a form that was better and stronger than before. Honestly it was one those things where you don¡¯t even think about how much of an accomplishment it was, until after the fact. ¡°You mean the fact that you managed to set, heal, and solidify an ephemeral organ that most people didn¡¯t even know existed a year ago? Yeah, that was pretty impressive, even if I¡¯m the only one who gets to say you did it.¡± Zero adds. His words are nice, though I think this is what any familiar would say about their bonded partner. ¡°Maybe, but no. It¡¯s odd. I feel like something is about to break, though I don¡¯t quite know what.¡± I respond, calming myself and letting my mind drift outward as I try to feel why the pulses of energy that are all around me, suddenly feel discordant for whatever reason. ¡°Paranoid much?¡± Zero asks. ¡°It¡¯s not paranoia if it¡¯s true.¡± ¡°It is Paranoia if you don¡¯t have any idea of why you should act or feel anxious.¡± Zero retorts. ¡°But I can feel it though.¡± I say, then relaxing my mind I focus on that strangely odd sensation. The one that feels similar to when I was holding Zero and he gave me quests. I feel that, there is a similar buzzing sensation that fills me, but it is far away. Just at the edge of my periphery almost, lurking there, waiting for me to let my guard down so it can pounce on me when I least expect it. Then finally as if the system that even tried to use Zero to misdirect my attentions, finally gave in, letting me know that I was onto something.
New Skill Gained: Disaster Foresight is now level 1.
Disaster Foresight is a Perception X 7 based skill.
Yeah, just what I needed another Perception based skill that can further increase my already maxed out Base Perception Attribute by seven times more. Also, this skill seems to both be broken and have the ability to be a broken skill. Then after realizing the skill exists, I can¡¯t help but feel that all my paranoia was completely founded. Not good, when you want to release the mental tension and not feel paranoid about things. Now that I have the new skill, I feel a new form of sneaky energy. Or rather, I see an odd form of energy. This one seems to come from the world as a whole, and slink down like a slithering snake, ready to pounce and strike. As I watch the new form of energy that my Disaster Foresight apparently has revealed, I can see the strands of energy building up. Worse, the more I watch, the more I see that the giant ball of future energy is already attached to me. I have the faintest strands of energy that tie my body to the ever growing pile of energy that is coming. These strands are small, and feel tingly to the touch, almost as if I walked through a spider¡¯s web and while I can¡¯t see the web strands that bind me, I can feel the strands. Physically I reach out, trying to grab the strands, to remove them, but just like the spider web strands, they stay put, that tingling sensation persists. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°What is that?¡± I ask Zero. ¡°What is what?¡± Zero replies, and I want to believe him, though again my paranoia is holding me back at the moment. ¡°There are these threads that are tying me to something that is coming. Something that I can¡¯t help but feel will be a complete game changer for me, but not in the good way.¡± I reply, once again reaching out and trying to interact with the odd strand of energy, only to find that it is not of a type of energy that I can interact with, at least not currently. Focusing, I try to touch the thread of energy, but I can¡¯t. The threads are either too small to touch, or my control isn¡¯t fine enough to be able to grab and identify the anomalous energy source. For now, it seems that all I can do is see and observe the energy mounting. Though now that I can see the energy, I reach out to the unknown but still growing form of energy. Then just as I reach, like an optical illusion, it moves out of the way. Every motion I take towards the growing pile of looming energy is the exact distance it moves away from me. ¡°You okay?¡± Zero asks, seeing me paw out at nothing. ¡°Yes, well no. As I now see that something big is coming, but it is just there, outside my reach unable to be touched with or dealt with, lurking there.¡± I say, pointing out the big pile of compiling and compounding energy but not being able to actually touch it. That¡¯s when I have a good idea. Speaking out loud and really dramatically, as if making an aside to anyone watching, I ask the ultimate question. ¡°Gee, I wonder if anyone would be able or willing to tell me what they think might be happening?¡± ¡°Um, who are you talking to?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Why my constant fans that stalk me and my actions all day.¡± I answer. Zero then gives a dramatic pause, looking around to see that it is just the two of us, before giving a wide three hundred and sixty degree turn to say, whom? ¡°Just whom exactly are you talking about?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Uh, my fans. Actually, at this point I¡¯d even take the people that hate me and want me to suffer. Knowing that they are able to tell me about an inescapable doom that is yet to befall me.¡± I respond. ¡°Do people often talk to you?¡± ¡°Actually no, in fact it is rather lonely being me.¡± ¡°Well maybe if you actually spoke to people, versus just talking to your familiar out in the middle of an open floor you might have more success.¡± Zero states being a bit too serious and probably not able to compute the fact that others can see me on the outside world and tell others about my actions. ¡°Right,¡± I respond, almost a little too sarcastically. Then I pause, as I realize there might be a reason people aren¡¯t talking to me. Focusing inward, I make sure that my Confidentiality is not active, it isn¡¯t. This means that others should be able to see this and hopefully someone will tell old clueless Cass what this looming threat is. I pause, wondering if little Cassidy will come to me, asking for more advise. She has apparently found a way to bypass both the restrictions in place, and the need for a premium membership by being able to reach out to me mentally. It¡¯s great as she often tells me everything that is going on, though I do find it odd that she asks me what all of my Simulacrums are doing at any given time. Though apparently, she has some new job, or at least a job she is helping her mother perform right now. One that that is close to being a paid informant on all things BiPrism. That was how I eventually found out that RaSean and Alilian were part of a team sent to try to get close to me, though she had no clue what country they were working for, or on behalf of. Anyways, that is why I have avoided RaSean and Alilian here, even though they are the only two other humans on this floor. I have chosen to avoid them for the time being as they are clearly angling for something. It¡¯s sad honestly, the way that I can¡¯t seem to trust most people, though I do fear being both taken advantage of, and obviously the random knife in the back. Everything from the one student who randomly attacked me, to Rick ¡°The Prick¡± Troll trying to kill me. Well, he tried to kill Mallory, but his plans were so large that I got caught up in his aftereffects. Now it seems that other than Mallory, Gwen, Jhonny, and a few others, I don¡¯t really feel the need to go out and meet new people. Which is sad, as we are all here in this beautiful world that is designed for us to explore, build, and create the impossible with magic and people must ruin that. Though, this tournament between mages and cultivators has shown me a few things that seem fun. Namely external cultivation, whereby you can solidify your Qi and then extend it outside of your body and use it to for a semi-permeable layer that can help break down most spells. Focusing inward, I try to do just that, first I focus on making my Qi denser, which effectively means that I cause it to move at a slower pace through my body. Trickle of impending doom. As I focus on trying to mimic the few skills and abilities that looked like they might be worth learning and expanding on, I see the slow and ever present ball of Doom Energy, official name for it, building outside of my periphery. Shiver. Again, just noticing it, causes chills to run down my spine as I know it is something bad that is going to happen, but I don¡¯t know what. Worse, all I can do is see it, but not know how to access it, or make it relevant. This is really like the curse of Cassandra, all except magnified to be the Curse of Cassiopeia, as I can see that danger is looming. The system even goes so far as to finally cave in, letting me know that I am not wrong in the fact that I am aware that something terrible is about to happen, but then I don¡¯t even get the knowledge of what this impending doom will be. The Curse of Cassiopeia, I absolutely hate that name and I really hope that it doesn¡¯t stick.
New Questline Discovered: Curse of Cassiopeia (Ongoing): You have discovered a brand-new form of energy that has given you a warning that something terrible is about to happen to you. Try to find out what looming threat is set to befall you before you are made aware of the looming threat by traditional methods. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Markers, Variables.
¡°That, that is just,¡± I trail off not quite believing that the world would go to this level of cruelty. ¡°What? What is it Cass?¡± Zero asks. Pausing for a second I take a breath, and then share the questline with Zero. ¡°Huh, wow that is just¡­¡± Zero too is at a loss for words at that, as he opens his snout a few times to speak, but then just shakes his head and closes his mouth. ¡°Yeah, tell me about it.¡± Silence. ¡°So any idea what the looming threat is?¡± I pause and look at him, ¡°clearly that quest prompt must have distracted you, as it didn¡¯t say solved.¡± ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Zero replies back defensively. Hearing him, I can¡¯t help but wince as I knew I snapped at him, ¡°No, I¡¯m sorry. That was me. This quest got me. I can see that something is coming, something fairly big by the looks of it, something that will likely come to bite me hard, but for the life of me I don¡¯t know what it is, which only seems to give this thing even more power over me.¡± With that there is a slight silence, as all I can do is sit back and wait. ¡°Well, do you know anyone whom you might have ticked off recently?¡± Zero asked. ¡°No, as far as I know, I haven¡¯t done anything truly offensive.¡± I admit. ¡°Nothing? Nothing like taking a normal soul of a dragon and forcing it into the body of a Pomeranian?¡± Zero all but hisses. ¡°Okay, okay. Again, sorry for doing that to your girlfriend.¡± ¡°She is not my¡­¡± Zero stammers out, but then catches himself. ¡°Well, you should try a little bit.¡± ¡°Kind of hard when I am constantly stuck with you.¡± Zero retorts. ¡°Well, when we go back, you can spend all day with her this week. In fact, if things work out, then I¡¯ll be able to take care of things myself this coming weekend.¡± I state. ¡°Wait, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡± ¡°No, I get it. Here you are in this normal avatar and have a chance at love. Whereas I am going to apparently be permanently stuck in this childlike form for the rest of my life.¡± I admit, as I wave my arms around, realizing that my increased core size has increased the time that I will be stuck as a minor for almost half a year longer. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t think that this would be all that bad. Though I guess from your perspective it might come across as me rubbing it into your face the fact that I can at least try to pursue a real relationship.¡± Zero adds. ¡°Oh, so you can? I thought you couldn¡¯t.¡± ¡°No, I can,¡± Zero adds seeming confused for a moment. ¡°So, the reason why you haven¡¯t even asked her out is because of what then?¡± Then seeing the trap sprung, Zero just let out a long sigh. ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll do it, I¡¯ll ask out a dragon princess, and see if she would be willing to spend some time with me.¡± ¡°I believe you mean a Pomeranian princess that can shift into a dragon,¡± I state, trying to point out the fact that the princess in question might be punching up, thanks to an ill-advised attempt at casual necromancy on my part. Zero of course just looks at me with a slightly frustrated face at my correction. ¡°Not funny.¡± Zero finally says. ¡°Okay.¡± I say, and mean it. Then out of the corner of my eye I can almost swear that the slowly growing mass of a calamity got bigger during my discussion with Zero. I pause to turn my head and stare at the pile of energy, which is odd, as the energy should constantly be in one spot, but it seems to move with my head, as if it is just to be set outside my periphery. ¡°But seriously, did you put anyone else¡¯s soul back into a non-approved storage device?¡± Zero asks. ¡°You act as if I create soul phylacteries out of the souls of missing animals or something.¡± I protest. ¡°Well, do you?¡± ¡°What? No, the Kujos don¡¯t let the souls stay too long, as apparently that is where all the experience resides. All I can do is try to replicate how the soul holds experience when I create a new body.¡± I reply. ¡°Wait, you create new souls for the animals that you cure of the Blight?¡± ¡°No, no, of course not. I haven¡¯t learned that process yet. There are too many lairs. Instead what I do is create a vessel and then eventually the world¡¯s energy that forms souls just kind of goes in and fills the new body.¡± I reply. At that Zero pauses as he contemplates my statement, one clawed talon under his jaw as he thinks about this new revelation. ¡°This is oddly disturbing, the fact that you are apparently creating new life from nothing. And the fact that the world somehow allows this to happen.¡± ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t want these species to die out.¡± I reply. ¡°No, I agree, though I just never thought about the full ramifications of your processes.¡± ¡°Yeah, I guess I have always been on the borderline of necromancy and cutting-edge healing.¡± ¡°A blurred line at that. Which again, brings me back to my original question.¡± At that I pause as I look at Zero. ¡°Who or rather what did you offend to start a Looming Threat scenario. Also, probably most important¡­¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°Will familiars be caught up in this Looming Threat?¡± With that I just stare at Zero, then smile as I realize he has helped me to at least not take this Looming Threat as seriously as it might be. Which can only be a good thing, right? I mean Looming Threats likely happen all the time and are easy to resolve, hopefully. Chapter 205 Monday Grind-Day! Chapter 205 Monday Grind-Day! Slink-slink, slash. The weekend ended quickly, not as quickly as I had expected them to end, but quickly all the same. I did manage to perform most of the primary and a few of the secondary actions on my lists for the weekend.
Primary Actions: Oversee the first two rounds of the Hungry Competitor Tournament: Check. Ensure everyone had three rounds, if needed: Check. Identify cool tricks and skills that would be worth stealing and claiming as my own: Double check.
Secondary Actions: Investigate the overarching Blight on the tree and find its source: Sort of, I found a lead. Take a dip in those Qi pools: No, that was where I got my first lead and decided it was best to wait. Meet new people in my climb: Again, double check, but they were two people who were waiting to meet me. So the audience is still out on RaSean and Alilian.
Those were a few of my action items and while I did get most, I still felt oddly lost in the whole process. First off, those Qi pools are likely the sucked out sap of the world tree by the odd strain of Blight that has infected the upper floors of the great tree Yggdraspirit. Clank-clank, shink. I always find that my morning workouts are the times when I have the most clarity to go over what I am going to do for the day. Yes, I am a teacher at a college that bears my name, I have a full load of classes today, and I have no clue what I am going to teach anyone. Always good to go in with no clue, right? Let¡¯s see in the morning I have Qi Manifestation, followed by my Magic Resonance, and Enchantment classes, and I feel like I am missing something, though I don¡¯t know what? My mind is racing to come up with plans on what exactly I should do. Though again that pile of looming doom seemed to have doubled, as now out of the corner of my eye I can see that there is clearly a second, albeit slightly less annoying task that I need to do today. Seeing the second pile of energy form, I realize that my innate instincts were correct and that I did in fact miss something, but what? I¡¯ve got a rough outline for what I will do with my Qi Manipulation class, as I will try to introduce a few of the interesting tricks used during the martial tournament and try to teach them to myself and my students. Then the same goes for my Magic Resonance and Enchantment. Normally I have been letting Rahul fill in for Enchantment, but I need to push them, as I don¡¯t think they are getting enough of the Energy Resonance Alteration, Magic Theory, Spell Deconstruction, and Arcane Understanding from Rahul. While I do trust him with teaching Enchantment, Alertness, Magical Awareness, and Analyze. I cannot trust him to teach the other components in a level that is necessary for the students to pass. This lets me realize that I should find specialists and recruit them for different aspects of this. I might try to get more class participation out of people like Penelope who are already experts at Magical Awareness, and Mana Circulation. But how? The easiest way to do it would be to come up with a lesson plan that I first teach to Penelope, and then get her to teach those same principles and lessons to the rest of the class. Then like that, I come up with the fact that I can create a self-sustained runic device that will create a manifested silhouette of the user who is powering it, and from there they can be given different runes to create and infuse with power, having to alter the energy put into the device to make the rune the most effective. It will be sort of like a self-sustained video game where the levels get harder based on how well you do and how well you know the different base runes that will then be added together to form more complex structure. I am so lost in this thought, that I fail to recognize the impending blow coming in. WHAM! I punch myself hard in the face. Well my Simulacrum does as I get up, hold up my hand and call for ¡°Time.¡± At that my Simulacrum stops their attack, while I quickly cast Heal on myself. ¡°Get me¡­¡± I am about to tell my Simulacrum what I need, when I realize that there is a much simpler way to do this. Opening my mind, I mentally connect a Telepathic link to my Simulacrum and get her to start getting me different components that are needed. Poof. My Simulacrum goes away to collect my pieces, at least I hope that is the case. Though to be honest, right now I would just be happy if she stopped hitting me in the face long enough for me to get this thought out. Mentally I am already pulling in the framework of the device. While I originally intended this to be for the Enchanting class students, I realized that it could be altered to fit my other magical classes as well. My Simulacrum appears with the components that I needed, these were the parts that I had begun to create for my Gear Infusion, these were metals and equipment that was designed to withstand Tier III class magical threats, AKA, they could be within my presence and not degrade like a copper statue being exposed to the air. ¡°Perfect, now please get as close to a hundred of these as possible. Make sure to requisition the components from Mallory or Jhonny as needed.¡± I mentally send to my Simulacrum who nods, sends back an ¡°Acknowledgement¡± mentally, and then leaves. And like that I begin working on my first prototype for the revolutionary device that should help teach others of any magical ability level how to increase their skills and get the most out of their abilities.
New Item Made: The Outsourcer 5000 (Enchantment Edition): A device made by and patented by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that will teach the fundamentals of the following Enchantment Degree Path Related skills: Enchantment, Alertness, Energy Resonance Alteration, Spell Deconstruction, Mana Circulation, Magic Script, Magical Awareness, and Analyze. By circulating mana into the device a display will show different runes and rune types that need to be filled with corresponding amounts and types of energy. Once certain proficiencies are met, the user will be forced to deconstruct other runes, focusing on the base components of the runes used and then find ways to direct the released energy to acceptable places, without going over the noted limit for any scenario.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Cough. Well, the name of the device was what I was thinking of while working on it, as I desperately wanted to outsource my teaching requirements to others to let students have a way of constantly being able to improve themselves without constantly pestering me. Sad, as I think this means I am becoming even more anti-social. From there I make one for Magic Fundamentals, where the user just casts spells in different ways and with different intensities. Then for my Magical Resonance class students, I focus on finding different routes and patterns that the user must both extend and hold their magic in order to pass onto the next level. This is what I was constantly teaching them in classes, but now rather than me yelling at them to not mess it up, an enchanted device will do the same.
New Item Made: The Outsourcer 5000 (Magic Fundamentals Edition): A device made by and patented by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that will teach the fundamentals of the following Magic Fundamentals Degree Path Related skills:¡­
New Item Made: The Outsourcer 5000 (Magical Resonance Edition): A device made by and patented by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that will teach the fundamentals of the following Magical Resonance Degree Path Related skills:¡­
I am so lost in making the first prototypes of each class that I might have lost track of time. Ahem. A semi-familiar cough pulled me from my work. Closing my third-eye so I can focus on more than just the immediate product I am working on, I realize that my entire cultivation class is lined up and ready to go. Jhonny is standing at the front of the formation, as both my bodyguard and the unofficial class leader. ¡°Shiza.¡± I think to myself as I realize I still need to make more of these and teach class. My mind also realizes that switching a few function of the device used to forge the Magic Fundamentals, and Magical Resonance devices could be used in a Qi based version of this device. The only problem is that I would need more time for that, and obviously more time to create enough working models now that the prototypes are done and mostly successful. That¡¯s when I come through for myself and allow me to breath easier. ¡°If all you need is copies made of these I can do that.¡± My Simulacrum tells me and I am so happy with her that I could almost kiss her. ¡°Thank you.¡± I reply back then see my Simulacrum immediately go about reproducing my different prototypes, so I might be ready for my magic classes. Realizing, I like always am not prepared for my Qi classes, I decide to do what comes naturally by now and just wing it. ¡°All right, who here is ready for a bit of light exercise, followed by some guided meditations?¡± I state as excitedly as I can. Now that I am not the one getting punched in the face, I realize just how fun morning workouts can be, and am ready to burn off a bit more of my energy. Groans. Everyone groans with their most enthusiasm, letting me know it is truly Monday. ¡°There we go. Let those joyous sounds of Monday out, as we have a busy week ahead of us.¡± I say excitedly, then burst into our hell workout. Well I didn¡¯t come up with the name, it was given by the class collectively, but I rather like it, especially starting off the week with such a workout, as ¡°it is all downhill after this one, so lets enjoy it, and the burn that our muscles will have once we are done.¡± More groans. ¡°That¡¯s the spirit!¡± I shout, getting more into this as time goes on. I personally push myself a little harder than normal, especially as I cut my own personal workout short this morning as I got struck by inspiration. I realize this, as I get some of my students to fall out of our movement formation almost immediately. From there, they know the drill, the fall out or can¡¯t keep up then they need to break out and do finger meditations, where they balance their entire bodies on their fingers while the rest of us finish our morning warm ups. Meanwhile the rest of us are running through obstacle courses, jumping over walls, dashing across rooftops in the neighboring village in silence. That is another thing I teach, that if we are going to do these fun runs, then we all need to be silent while doing so. No use in waking people up by our physical fitness routines. This means that anyone who lands too hard while jumping onto a building or off has to break away from formation. We keep doing these runs around town and the academy until either only one student remains or we complete twenty laps. The students that complete all twenty laps can just sit out and watch the rest of the class as they recover from their runs. Yes, I am apparently teaching my first group of Qi Manipulators to be silent ninjas, but that is ultimately a basic form of cultivation, right? When the run is over, I am surprised that five students have managed to complete the run. Well, I am surprised in the fifth student, as Jhonny has finally managed to make it through all twenty laps without causing too much noise, or falling off random buildings. ¡°Congratulations Jhonny, welcome to the relaxation zone.¡± I say, gesturing for the five to take up their spots in the back. This way if they don¡¯t want to do the exercises they don¡¯t have to and it won¡¯t interfere with the other students. ¡°Hah, like I¡¯d stop now that I finally made it.¡± Jhonny replied, then as usual he went to his spot right by my side and began going through the next set of equally tough exercises that focused on Qi flow and movement in the body. This was meant to be the way for everyone to use their own Qi to heal their muscles and rejuvenate their bodies into a healthier form. Surprisingly, it was Jhonny that got the other four classroom superstars to join the rest of the class as well. As time gets close to the end, I begin on our last set of exercises. ¡°All right everyone, time for your favorites.¡± Silence. At that everyone looks up at me with clear shock and anticipation. Seeing their faces, I can¡¯t help but smile widely, ¡°that¡¯s right, it¡¯s time for Burnouts!¡± Even more groans. Hearing the students all still being able to groan is like music to my ears. It means that they still have enough spirit to both fight on, and enough energy to protest, which is good as they are going to need all of that energy and resentment to push through this final stage. Which is where we all cycle our Qi throughout our body and into our limbs and force out the hardest workout we can. This requires me to use both external magic and internal Qi at the same time. Externally I cast a Mass Gravitational Field over us that slowly increases in weight, while we do pushups until we collapse from the weight. Once a student collapses, I lower the weight to where it was just before and have the student go to a squatting horse stance until the end of class while I wait for others to slowly burnout as well. I of course take off my weight reduction spells, and let Gravity take full hold on me. The one great thing about this exercise is that even at full weight, I am still half or a third as heavy as some of the other students in the class. Meaning that while gravity is increasing my weight it is nothing that my enhanced Attributes can¡¯t handle.
Physical Base Bonus
Strength 132 513
Dexterity 164 1129
Endurance 151 650
This time those students who fell out of our formation first are once again the first to have to switch to the squatting horse stance. The reason for this is that the pose that I made them take up while the rest of us finished our ninja fun run was designed to work the arms and fingers specifically. Now that we are ending with an equally devastating workout for the same body part it is a given that those fifteen will have a harder time completing. Though to my surprise a whole seven students are still down with me doing pushups until the very end of class. I smile a little, seeing that Jhonny is once again right there with me, his arms are shaking and I don¡¯t think he could go another round of gravitational increase, but he made it. Seeing him, I turn to him and give him a giant smile and head nod. ¡°And that¡¯s time. Great job everyone. Go relax some, then I¡¯ll see you all tomorrow.¡± The other students begin to get up sluggishly as I dispel my Mass Gravitational Field from everyone and some shoot up to their feet, while those in the horse stance take an involuntary step forward for balance. Incoherent moans. As the class begins to break up, I hear their moans and barely discernable head nods with a bit of satisfaction, as that means that they all pushed themselves as hard as they could for the day. As the other students leave, Jhonny comes over still panting, though he has a giant smile of satisfaction on his face. ¡°Good job. You completed everything today.¡± Nodding and panting. That was all Jhonny could do as he took in deep breaths and slowly began to refill his clearly depleted Qi from his body. Finally, once enough time passed and the spark of Qi formed in his body he relaxed slightly as he slowly became more alive. ¡°Thank you. Also what are those devices that you are working on.¡± Jhonny said, pointing out my Simulacrum that was still in the process of mass producing my Outsourcer 5000s. Oh how long I have waited for this day where I can take the easy road, thanks to outsourcing minions of myself to make my life that much easier. ¡°Those are prototypes for ways to teach students magic in an interactive way.¡± I state, ¡°I will need to make one for Qi users as well, but I am at least prepared to teach the two magic classes I have today.¡± Then I pause, wondering when it became sort of a non-issue that there were more than one of me around. Normally I try to keep us apart, or at least give a second one of me an avatar. But for this time, I got a little distracted and let my Simulacrum continue to work in the background while I taught class. ¡°Also, why didn¡¯t you all say anything about her being in that form?¡± I ask, clearly indicating my Simulacrum. With that Jhonny just stared at me like I was crazy. ¡°We all know that there are multiple of you, and that you can and will catch us at random goofing off or eating fatty-cakes at the chow hall.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care about what you eat.¡± I protest. With that Jhonny just smiles, ¡°I know. I¡¯m just telling you what others are afraid of.¡± ¡°So I¡¯m like the drill sergeant from hell?¡± ¡°A simple drill sergeant? No, you are like an intense Baba Yaga Drill Sergeant monster child.¡± ¡°Child?¡± ¡°That is what you took offense to?¡± Jhonny asked. With that I just roll my eyes. ¡°Fine, but are you ready for classes?¡± I ask Jhonny. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m actually looking forward to at least sitting in on your Legendary Bloodline Awakening course. I¡¯m hoping that it will help me understand what to expect with my Royal Bloodline Awakening course.¡± Jhonny said. And like that, I saw the second pile of ever increasing fate burst to life and cover me in an odd combination of glowing energy particles, goo-glitter, and sweat. Yeah, getting hit with a looming threat was annoying. Worst of all, I knew I was missing something, but for the life of me I could not understand what it was until Jhonny just warned me about it. Hearing his words and apparent excitement about what my class would entail, I could only utter two words in recognition of my own failure to remember this new course and material that I would need to teach others if I wanted to get the materials that Mallory promised me for my Apothecary recipes. ¡°Dang it¡­¡± Then as always, Jhonny ¡°Captain Obvious¡± stated the obvious, ¡°I take it you forgot?¡± Chapter 206 If Laziness Was a Verified Skill Chapter 206 If Laziness Was a Verified Skill ¡°You know, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen someone work as hard as you do, to all but scream that you are trying to get out of doing work.¡± Mallory states, a note of awe in her voice as she speaks, while holding one of my new Outsourcer 5000s. Silence. ¡°That and I have to ask, do you have a skill that levels up when you give things a bad name? I mean I know you are bad at naming things, we¡¯ve had numerous discussions about this very topic, but do you? Is that why you push yourself so hard to name such wonderous things so terribly?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Hey, that kind of hurts.¡± I respond, then mentally check my long list of skills, only to find that no, despite all the skills I have, not one of them is related to naming things poorly. Though I do have to agree with Mallory, that if I did have such a skill, I would work diligently to max out that skill as well. Particularly as it would likely be linked to increasing my base potential for my Social Attributes like Personality or Sociability, both of which need a lot of attention. I then wonder if I would be able to add Attractiveness to that skill, no that would be too much. Maybe the next stage, when I knocked out the first baseline Bad Naming Skill and then went to the next stage, something like Cute but Bad Naming Skill, then I could see adding Attractiveness to that skill as it would be an implied functionality of that higher difficulty skill. As the new names would not only have to be bad, but also have a cuteness factor to them, like Pegicorns. Nope, not going to give that one up, as that is a great name. ¡°Let me guess, you are wondering what such a skill would award you?¡± Mallory asks, pulling me out of my own musings. ¡°Yeah, kind of. I don¡¯t see what the big deal is.¡± I state, noting that the name might be bad, but that does little to nothing to take away from the functionality of the device she now holds. ¡°The deal? You realize that you have single handedly created the most complex magical training aid, one that could revolutionize the way people learn to use magic, and you named it as if its only reason for being created was so you could shirk your duties as an instructor of magic.¡± Mallory notes. I listen, then pause half expecting more to come, but apparently Mallory stopped right there. ¡°And?¡± ¡°And? And?¡± Mallory protests, waving Gwen¡¯s training aid device around in the air like it is a book to swat an annoying fly with. I guess in this case I would be the fly. Oh, if you are wanting to see Gwen still in her creepy old elf-man avatar sorry, I managed to change her back to her normal pregnant self before magic class began. This is something I remember, as I remember handing Gwen that exact version, when she entered class slightly late. I even covered for her stating what every pregnant lady wants to hear, ¡°when is she due again?¡± With that Gwen just stuck out her tongue at me, causing me to smile brightly. I am remembering this when Mallory waves the Outsourcer 5000 in my direction in irritation at the fact that my mind clearly went somewhere else. At least if my smile and her reaction to my smile meant anything. Finally, after a second, Mallory regains her composure and then states in a feigned calm voice, one that you would use on a child who you are close to dismembering, ¡°and now it is named in such a terrible way that we can¡¯t hope to sell this with the intensity that it deserves.¡± ¡°Selling intensity? Do you know how tough these are to create?¡± I ask. ¡°Do you? All I¡¯ve seen is your Simulacrum diligently working on these around the clock since you started your classes.¡± ¡°I made a few.¡± I argue, though I don¡¯t even feel that assured with my own response. Mallory just stares at me, then I pause. ¡°Fine, you are right, we could sell a lot more of these if it had a better name. Though I don¡¯t think the name will be an issue once others realize what it can do.¡± I point out, then continue, ¡°also I don¡¯t want these to be mass produced. We can make it so these are specialized rewards from our college for graduating on time.¡± Hearing that, Mallory pauses and then considers. ¡°I guess if we list it as part of the itemized training aids for the class, then the name doesn¡¯t matter. Also, with this we could have it be as you state, give one away to graduates as a status symbol that will be in addition to their diploma.¡± The more Mallory spoke the more her analytical and business acumen seemed to show as she began nodding her head more fervently, the more she spoke. I just stared at her, while she had her complete thought about this idea. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m sold. We keep this as a special prize for graduates, and then offer repairs as needed for the first five years after their last class. Then charge them for repairs after the five-year mark.¡± Mallory states, finding more ways to get money out of graduates. Honestly, seeing her at work in her element of trying to make money by turning a profit was a feat I was sure she was unparalleled at. As for me, I still adhere to the mentality of being Broke. I know I don¡¯t have that flaw anymore, but it is a tough habit to break, more of a mindset really, though even now I find that I am not held back in the same way that I used to be. Though now I don¡¯t angle much for the comforts that money can theoretically afford me. Mainly because I am at that point in my life where the things that I would want money for are not that important, also I have gotten to the point that anything I need is provided by the Guild. Apparently even my Simulacrum can act on my behalf and order materials that come out of some grandiose budget. I do find it odd that my Simulacrum can effectively sign me up for massive sums of guild debt without anyone catching on. Good to know if I was planning on making a big exit, bad if I intend to stick around. ¡°But just so you know,¡± Mallory began, as she spoke, I could hear a seriousness fill her words that made me both flustered and realize that I was about to get a lecture. ¡°While we approved of this first iteration design and materials for those that will go out to guild employees, we might have to come up with a watered-down version that will be provided to non-guild students who eventually attend our college.¡± This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. Hearing that I could only nod in understanding. This was definitely one of those ask for forgiveness rather than permission type of scenarios. As such, I guess I should be glad that the costs are apparently going to be forgiven, or at least eaten up by the school. ¡°Okay.¡± I respond. ¡°Naturally the materials have come out of your personal mechanical gear manufacturing funds. Meaning you will have to wait a while before you can work on any mechanical projects you might be interested in.¡± Mallory notes, her face somewhat hesitant, though I can tell that getting these high-quality items were hard on her and being out in the middle of a desert region like this means getting new resources will be tough. ¡°Okay,¡± I respond. This is still not bad, as I am not being scolded for doing this. ¡°Now can you break it down and show me what exactly this does and how it works?¡± Mallory asks, still holding Gwen¡¯s Outsourcer 5000. ¡°Sure,¡± I say as I hold out my hands to take the device. With this both Gwen, Mallory, and even Penelope are all here to witness this invention. Actually, my Simulacrum is here as well, though she has taken the form of Sabrina to not be overly distracting to myself or others as to which one is the real me. As I grab the device I can see that everyone is in fact interested in the device, even my own Simulacrum. Odd, as it means she knows how to copy my designs flawlessly, even getting the minute circuitry for mana to flow along correct, but she doesn¡¯t understand all the different parts. ¡°Okay, so this is a standing plate. The idea is that the user simply stands on the plate like so.¡± I say while placing the plate under my feet, and letting my body weight hold me down in place. ¡°This knob on the right side adjusts the difficulty, turn it forward to be forced to channel more energy, to simulate a stronger spell, turn it backwards to allow for a weaker flow, signifying a weaker spell. Then this knob on the left here adjusts the module you are on. The easier to form modules with the more simplistic runes to create are in the first few lessons. Then they gradually go harder and harder as you increase the difficulty. Again, turn towards you to lower the difficulty, turn away from you to increase the difficulty.¡± ¡°Okay, but how do we know which way is forwards, and which way is backwards?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°It¡¯s simple, the arrow shows the direction.¡± I state, leaning down and pointing to the glowing arrow. ¡°What arrow?¡± Penelope asks. At that, I realized that I might have made a simple oversight with this design. I stare at my Simulacrum who I know can only see with Angel¡¯s Sight, when she opens her third eye. This means that she should have seen the arrow, which she clearly copied over in the designs and then could have I don¡¯t know, made a darker imprint of that arrow for those with normal sight to see. Realizing that my Simulacrum let me down, I just turn to her and raise my hands in a, why did you do this, gesture. ¡°What, I didn¡¯t know what the arrow meant. I just copied the design as you requested.¡± Simulacrum Sabrina states, also showing signs of being frustrated. This is fair, as she has been working on these things non-stop for most of the day at this point. Mentally I imagine myself being able to produce hundreds of toys thanks to an army of eventual Simulacrums just like Santa¡¯s workshop. Though I now realize that each toy will likely require an instruction manual, apparently. Mallory seeing the sudden tension building between me and my Simulacrum comes in with a nice save for how to get around this hangup. ¡°And for now I am assigning Penelope to help be your Quality Assurance manager for this product.¡± Mallory states, her voice sounding sweet, but it is that sweet that comes right before she is about to lose her mind. ¡°Okay.¡± Penelope exclaims, her enthusiasm is infectious as she does not see this as the annoyance factor that I do. Right now, I am trying to solve the next problem. I saw the one problem of a lack of decent training aids and materials, so I created some for my classes. Now, I still need to make my Qi Manifestation variant of the Outsource 5000, then there was something again. And just like that, the second, but much smaller pile of energy begins to appear, as I realize I have once again forgotten something. Then suddenly it comes to me, ¡°dang it.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Everyone asks, seeing that I am suddenly frustrated. ¡°I just remembered again that I don¡¯t have a lesson plan for the Legendary Bloodline awakening class.¡± I state. At that, Gwen asks, ¡°didn¡¯t you have that homework assignment for them to do?¡± ¡°I did?¡± I ask, then I remember, ¡°oh yeah, I had them work on those three parts.¡± ¡°Power, Balance, and Concept.¡± Penelope stated, by her excitement I was certain she not only did the assignment, but was ready to go deep into her findings. I pause, then stare at Penelope, hoping against hope that she was a Legendary Bloodline holder, but my hopes are quickly dashed as I realize nope, she is just trying to awaken her Royal Bloodline. ¡°Yes, of course. Glad someone was paying attention.¡± I state, to Gwen and Mallory. ¡°You totally forgot about this class, didn¡¯t you?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°I remembered once Jhonny brought it up, but no, I spent so long teaching my other classes and working on this new project that I ended up trying to set aside my study hall time for the class, but then I got called here.¡± I state, feeling slightly flustered. ¡°You do know that you had all weekend to work on your lesson plans, right?¡± Mallory said. Deep sigh. At that I just let out a defeated sigh as I realize that Mallory is correct, but still how do I even come up with a lesson plan for a concept that is not only individualized, but also something that is deeply personal? I just don¡¯t know. Mallory seeing my frustration at this task, realizes that she might have pushed me a bit too much this time. ¡°Look, I see that you are busy and that you did a lot today. So, let me know if I can do anything to help.¡± Mallory says, comforting me and patting me gently on the shoulder. Though hearing her speak, I can¡¯t help but have an evil smile come to my lips as I just found a way to outsource yet another lesson plan. ¡°Really?¡± I ask. Mallory must have heard something in my tone as she backed away and stared at the sudden intensity that has overcome my face. ¡°Yes, though again, I want to point out that it has been far too many years for me to remember exactly how or what I was doing to unlock my Legendary bloodline, only that it was a process that took me years to uncover and achieve.¡± Mallory states, apparently going quickly into cleanup mode for her open ended attempt to help. Still though, that is enough, well more than enough. ¡°Oh, no that is more than fine. Though all I need you to do is point out your bloodline, give a basic understanding of what it is, and then explain how it follows the three tenets.¡± I state. ¡°Three tenets?¡± Mallory asks. At that, I point out that ¡°you just heard them. Power, Balance, and Concept. All I need you to do is go in state a bit about your bloodline, what your overall concept is as a Valhallian and then some of the types of quests you completed to unlock more powerful features of your bloodline, and how long it took you to accrue that much capital to truly unlock the full capabilities of your bloodline.¡± Hearing that, Mallory just stared at me with surprise. Finally, after a moment of silence I finally broke the sudden tension, with a ¡°what?¡± At that Mallory just chewed her lower lip for a second, before answering, ¡°nothing, its just that again I was wondering if you had a skill related to being lazy or shirking your duties.¡± ¡°Hey,¡± I begin, but I am cut off. ¡°No, I mean it. It is impressive, honestly which is the only reason I will not protest. I was pulled into this role of teaching for you masterfully. Actually, I can¡¯t even be mad given how much work you put in on a daily basis, but seriously, is this a cry for help? A sign that you have too much stress on you?¡± Mallory asks. At that, I just pause, trying to understand what stress she is talking about. ¡°What stress?¡± At that Mallory just shakes her head, ¡°nothing, never mind,¡± she states to me. Then turning to Penelope, ¡°are you good working with Thing two here on getting arrows added to each of these Outsourcers?¡± Mallory asks. Penelope turns to my Simulacrum who just smiles and gives a giant thumbs up, and a sly wink to Penelope. ¡°Yeah, I think I¡¯ll be good,¡± Penelope states, then smiles and lips out ¡°no I won¡¯t.¡± Once Mallory turns her head away from the two of them. Seeing the wink and subsequent bi-play of Penelope, I wonder if my Simulacrum is putting the moves on Penelope? Then I wonder if I should be jealous of anything that might or might not happen between the two of them? Or if I should let them do their own thing as they are both technically avatars that are beyond the age of consent. You know, I wonder how many other people have these types of problems with their own Simulacrums, where they act out parts of your own personality, even if it is just creating and establishing roles within your own mind. Then I realized that I too need to get to the bloodline class. Despite having an easy schedule with having a guest speaker, I know that I will still need to be there to facilitate everything. ¡°All right, I am about to go teach my class. You, need to practice.¡± I state pointing to Gwen. Then turning to Penelope and my Sabrina Simulacrum I point out, ¡°as for you two. Don¡¯t do anything I would do? No, don¡¯t do anything I wouldn¡¯t do? Gods this is so weird. Um, just don¡¯t do anything that would¡­¡± I begin and then trail off realizing that everything I say here will sound almost hypocritical. So, with that, I pause and start over, ¡°you know what, just don¡¯t get caught.¡± With that Penelope lets out a melodious giggle that I could see myself falling for, eventually. My Sabrina Simulacrum just smiles widely and gives me the thumbs up. Both of them aren¡¯t exactly filling me with confidence here, though is it sad that I think for the moment I trust Penelope more than my Simulacrum? Then before I can get too lost in my own thoughts, I decide to head to class, ¡°okay, I¡¯m out.¡± Poof. Going from one messed up situation to the next, then after this I will referee some fights between starving mages and cultivators. You know, the normal life that everyone dreams of when they eventually retire, but have to do so on a budget. Chapter 207 Bracket Buster (Part 1) Chapter 207 Bracket Buster (Part 1) I don¡¯t know if it is me being paranoid, or if my paranoia is just alerting me to future potential problems, but I had one of those moments. No, not a creating a new school of magic moment. Nor one of those, oh look I finally figured out how Qi exists and works. No, this was a far more existential moment, but one that I think might have helped me prevent myself from doing something stupid. At least, that is what I interpreted from all the warnings that the world around me was giving me. And of course, by all the warnings around me, there was really just the one. The ever present growing pile of golden energy that likely represents and impending threat to me and my future. What is this threat? I don¡¯t know. In fact, I still have a quest all but taunting me to figure out what this threat is.
New Questline Discovered: Curse of Cassiopeia (Ongoing): You have discovered a brand-new form of energy that has given you a warning that something terrible is about to happen to you. Try to find out what looming threat is set to befall you before you are made aware of the looming threat by traditional methods. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Markers, Variables.
Yeah, I know, a bunch of jerks teasing me. Worse, I think some of the people behind this questline are actually trying to help me. That or make me go crazy. How do I know this? Well I don¡¯t, not really. All I know for certain was that I might have fundamentally tried to change some of the universal rules of this world and been warned in no uncertain terms that should I attempt to change anything, the fate that awaited me would be terrible. How did all of this information get passed to me? Why do I think the world created a cunning way to try to prevent me from changing some universal truths about myself? Well to put it all into perspective, I should probably start with my initial thought process that got me here, and why I am now mostly content watching a bunch of sweaty mages and cultivators battle each other in round after round of seemingly the same flashy attacks with very little substance. Or at least very little new substance that I think would be worth stealing. And by stealing, I of course mean just breaking the observed process down into smaller parts that are easily digestible and copying them until I get a new skill related to the new process and then finally take those unique parts of their class and steal it. So far, that is the number one thing I¡¯ve truly managed to take away from this world. While we might all have the same base class, what skills and powers we learn and incorporate into our daily lives are individually owned and driven, meaning that two office workers being the same exact level, with the same exact sub-classes could have entirely different builds and impacts to the world around them based on fundamental components that one might have been able to gain over the other. Also, in a part to try to push creativity, I might have inadvertently broken a few unwritten rules about being a gracious announcer. ¡°Gee Bob this is our first match of the Sweet Sixteen matchups. Today we will see the remaining eight cultivators square off against each other. Additionally, we will see the remaining eight magic users.¡± Jean, the magical expert, stated. Her comments instantly pull my mind into the myriad of roles I will take on tonight, everything from being both announcers, the referee, and of course the medical practitioner for the competition. ¡°I wish I could be sixteen myself, Jean.¡± Bob, the cultivation expert states. ¡°You and me both.¡± Jean replies. This I think was where the initial seed of chaos was lodged in the back of my mind, and allowed to rattle around until I had time to stop and actually focus on the rolling thought. Unfortunately, with so many other distractions going on, I could only recognize the germ of an idea, but was unable to do anything with it, as I fell into my roles easily. My first order of business was trying to describe the first two combatants in a way that made their cultivation profiles easy to digest and hopefully give the audience something to expect from the battle. Admittedly, Bob¡¯s abrasive personality might have gone a bit too far in his description of the two cultivators from our first competition of the night. ¡°Oh, look. Here is Mr. Sweaty Hands going up against Ms. RBF,¡± Bob declares. ¡°Ms. RBF?¡± Jean asks. ¡°Yes, Roasting Breath Face,¡± Bob clarifies. ¡°You mean because her primary attack the last two rounds has been to roast her opponents alive by exhaling violent fire Qi onto her opponents when they get too handsy with her?¡± Jean asks. ¡°That is it exactly, though I am curious to see what if anything Moist Man here can do to counteract the Flaming Princess.¡± Bob presses. ¡°Again Bob, language.¡± ¡°Sorry, you¡¯re right Jean. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve been a little put out recently.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Jean asks. ¡°Yeah, you see. I¡¯ve been going through some deeply personal life events right now, and I don¡¯t quite know how to handle it.¡± Bob replies. At this point, both competitors are just staring at me like I have an issue. Seeing their stares at me, I shake myself losing the momentary train of thought where I really thought Bob would be going through a deeply troubling personal development, like a divorce or a spat with his partner. Then to have that broken by the competitors who apparently think this entire competition is all about them. ¡°Contenders ready?¡± I ask, switching to my referee voice, which is right down the center. Both competitors nod. With that, I shout, ¡°begin!¡± What ensued next was a basic move for move recreation of the two fighter¡¯s previous movements and experiences in the ring. Honestly, I would have almost thought these two were trying to throw the match, had it not been for the fact that I don¡¯t think the world can be as organic with its evolution of fighters as it can with mages. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. I think most of this discrepancy is due to the fact that there haven¡¯t been that many players who have become cultivators, making the algorithm¡¯s slightly mechanical and predictable in their presentations. At least that is how they appear to me, which I don¡¯t mind calling out. ¡°Oh look, we see Mr. Sweaty palms covering his body in sweat to help insulate his body from the intense breath attacks of Ms. RBF.¡± Bob states. ¡°Don¡¯t you mean he is coating himself with water, his primary element and using that element to provide resistance to his opponents fire based attack vectors?¡± Jean asks, clearly trying to spin these generic reprints of attacks in a new light. ¡°I call it like I see it. Or in this case, like I¡¯ve seen it.¡± ¡°Oh, so you know who will win?¡± ¡°Yes, RBF does a fiery strike. Sweaty Palms slides under giving a sweeping leg strike that knocks down Burnhilda. Burnhilda tries to rise up, only to get a sweaty heel strike to the chest, causing an internal combustion of flames.¡± Bob states, then everyone stops, including the two participants as the Water based cultivator is standing overtop of the fire cultivator waiting to give the killing blow, but pauses as both contestants stare at Bob. Well, at me. ¡°What do you want? You all are so predictable that I can practically call these matches now. Sweaty Palm guy loses next round, but wins the final. Where he then moves onto the Elite Eight, that¡¯s where he ultimately loses to the Lightning Master who will be able to burn through your attacks as you won¡¯t come up with a water based counter to lightning by tomorrow. Lightning guy will then go to the finals against the Wind Girl.¡± I state, basically calling all the Cultivator matches from here until the end of these matches. Silence. With that the crowd in the stands goes quiet and I realize that I have overstepped myself. ¡°Look, maybe I¡¯m not cut out for this. I mean you all are fighting for scraps of food to survive. I get it.¡± I state, then frustratedly I rise up and do what I should have done from the very beginning of this quest. Spectral Drift. Once again, I make myself weightless as I begin flying upwards. Then once I¡¯m at a relatively good height, I begin casting Cleansing Rain. ¡°What are you doing?¡± The Sweaty Palms guy asks, moving off from the female fire cultivator. ¡°Doing what needed to be done from the beginning. I¡¯m clearing up the Blight, then I¡¯ll be gone.¡± I state, a sort of solemn anger filling me as I let myself get caught up in what I thought would be fun. Yet, it wasn¡¯t. The danger was real, these people were trying their best, but were so focused on just being able to survive that it was only now that I realized why I was hating my days, while waiting to come back here at night. The fact that I still had three more nights of this left after today only made this worse. The quest was easy, something is broken so fix it. Not this, try to push a broken thing forward trying to appease everyone stuff. No, find a problem fix the problem, then create problems for others to fix. Or something like that. I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s how the world works, or at least is supposed to work. Fortunately both myself and my Simulacrum were able to stay on this floor for the past three days. During that time either I or my Simulacrum moved around to parts of the tree that were most heavily impacted by the Blight. Thanks to my Ethereal Simulacrum aura, my Blight-Healing Energy Aura, I had already broken up a lot of the infection to smaller more manageable chunks. ¡°Awe.¡± The crowd let out a cry of surprise. For a moment I was confused, before a child called out from the stands. ¡°Look mom, a rainbow.¡± Yeah, just rub it in little kid that you can see refracted light, go on. But then I realized I was still being tense about this whole situation. ¡°What¡¯s this Jean?¡± Bob asks. ¡°Well it looks like the referee finally got her head out of her¡­¡± ¡°Hey, there are kids listening,¡± Bob interrupted. ¡°You¡¯re right Bob. No, but this looks to be some type of Blight Cleansing Rain spell. No wait, I am being told that this spell is actually called Cleansing Rain.¡± Jean, the magic expert spoke. You, know having two people give live commentary about what I am doing is somehow a lot easier than me trying to explain to everyone what it is that I am actually doing. ¡°What does this spell do?¡± ¡°Well Bob, as you can see. Everywhere that these charged rain drops fall, the rain actually burns a hole straight through the infecting Blight. Then is slowly seeps outwards until it connects to other drops of cleansed water that will eventually burn away and destroy any lingering sections of Blighted land.¡± ¡°That sounds intense Jean, is it just me or does it appear that the remaining patches of Blighted land are actually moving?¡± ¡°You would be correct Bob. What you are seeing is the action and response of a semi-sentient parasite that is slowly killing off parts of the world tree Yggdraspirit.¡± ¡°Is it just me, or is something off about this Jean?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I mean, doesn¡¯t there seem to be a lot of rotting holes that are appearing?¡± ¡°Oh, you would be correct about that Bob. Let¡¯s see, no, it seems that the Blight here has somehow mutated into an invasive ivy that is slowly siphoning off energy from the great tree to feed itself and grow.¡± Having both personas of Bob and Jean make this easier for me to understand what is happening as well, as I am trying to understand what these vines are doing, and why no one has done anything to stop these growths. ¡°Mom, she¡¯s killing the sacred flowering vines.¡± One kid states loudly from the stands. And there is my answer as to why no one did anything to stop these vines from spreading. As apparently they were pretty to look at, or had somehow been incorporated into the religious practices of this floor and beyond. ¡°Wait, we need to stop her. She is killing the sacred flowers.¡± Another voice calls out from the crowds. ¡°I don¡¯t understand this Jean,¡± the voice of Bob booms out loudly over the stands drowning out any signs of protest. One thing I have learned from my long life to this point, often who is right doesn¡¯t matter, but she who is loudest will be the victor. As such, I crank up the volume and mental suggestion aspect of my Illusion spell. I don¡¯t force the people to change their minds, but rather I make it a mental suggestion that as long as my spelled voices are heard, their mind will not be able to interpret any other sounds from the surrounding area.
New Spell Created: Forced Selective Hearing [Tier VIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that mentally stops a targeted person or area from hearing any voice other than the caster¡¯s while the caster is speaking. Now there is no way for your significant other to say they didn¡¯t hear you.
With that last sentence, I see the golden energy for the ever-growing looming danger glow in intensity. Not much, but I can¡¯t help but feel that this is a slightly ominous message. That and the fact that I don¡¯t normally get snarky responses in my system messages. Well aside from when I conduct inadvertent attempts at necromancy by forcefully shoving dragon protectorate souls into a much smaller shape than normally acceptable. Maybe this is a new thing? Though I don¡¯t sense this to be along the same vein as those snarky remarks. This last sentence seems to be a wink-wink, nudge-nudge type of comment meant to gain attention, while the other one was a stop that now, type of comment. Still, even as I realize this, I realize that my first line of action is taking advantage of this new Forced Selective Hearing spell, and use it to try to deescalate the tension that is unfolding. ¡°Are these people stupid or something,¡± the voice of Bob states, and like that, my plan to deescalate the situation went right out the window by Bob being Bob. Still I had a nearly unlimited time to speak and get my points across. Both the Forced Selective Hearing spell, and my Cleansing Rain spell were channeled, meaning that they took up a fixed amount of mana from me and while I couldn¡¯t do anything with that mana, I could maintain this indefinitely, unless people began to react violently. Of course, that was the time that people began trying to cast spells from the stands. ¡°Bob, that is a little uncalled for at the moment. Perhaps you should break it down and explain why you have a disagreement with the thoughts and actions of these good people.¡± Jean cuts in, trying to play the moderator, while I begin rapid uses of Disrupt Casting and Quick Casting in rapid succession to break most of the spells that are now coming towards me. Given my distance and the fact that I am flying high in the air, most spells that don¡¯t have a locking feature miss me wildly. While those with a locking feature are so rudimentary that I just focus on breaking the locking portion of the spell, and letting the rest of the energy dissipate into the air. Or fly off in random directions away from me. ¡°Well Jean, what I mean is that here we are. We are having a contest for people that are starving, all so people can beat each other silly to earn food for their family. All while the real reason why they aren¡¯t able to feed their family is that there isn¡¯t enough crops being born, due to this poisonous ivy that is effectively killing off not only their homes, but also making it so the places where they could normally grow food from is also being destroyed by these weeds.¡± Bob states, this time adding a bit more thought to his outbursts. With that, the majority of people, well the majority of the mages in the crowd stop to ponder my words. Only those wearing some form of robe are still trying to cast. At first I thought they were mages, but I guess these robes likely indicate that they are members of some odd floor 210 cult? Stupid eyesight, and not being able to notice the obvious. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to¡­¡± One of the robed casters begins to state. Hearing that I realize it is my turn to keep talking, fortunately I can apparently narrate from two different characters¡¯ points of view while maintaining five spells, all while disrupting any spells that get relatively close to me. Though, I will admit that I do feel the slight onset of a headache, which I don¡¯t know if it is related to having to try to avoid hearing about the views of some random tree killing cult, or if it is due to the strain of keeping so many active thoughts going in my head. Though most of the spells are fortunately automated at this point, allowing me to really just have to focus on keeping up my banter while I dart about in the air trying to dodge random hurled magical projectiles. ¡°Well Bob, that is a lot better way of putting it than just stating everyone is stupid.¡± ¡°No, you are right Jean. At this point, it is clear that most of the people here aren¡¯t stupid, they are just being mislead, likely by these morons in robes that are still continuing to fight, while everyone else just stares at what is happening around them.¡± With that, everyone that had stopped casting then turns their eyes on those few robed individuals that are still casting. ¡°Isn¡¯t it odd, how those people that are still casting right now, never had to enter into the contests to fight for their own food?¡± ¡°Good point Jean, I wonder if the reason why they didn¡¯t have to fight was due to their already being supplied with food.¡± ¡°You mean like some type of sick cult that grows an invasive plant with likely psychotropic characteristics, feeds that to the masses in prayers. Then offers to hold the food supplies, while making everyone fight and kill each other for their own amusement?¡± ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I mean Jean.¡± ¡°That is sickening, but seems to be the case here.¡±
Faction Notice: Your Faction Status Against Zealots of the World Tree has Dropped. Your new status is Heretic.
And like that I was once again considered a heretic. Not going to lie, this time, I didn''t mind the designation. Smiling to myself, I decide to start taking this seriously. Chapter 208 Bracket Buster (Part 2) Chapter 208 Bracket Buster (Part 2) Some say evil wins, when a good person goes against their morals. I never claimed to be a good person, though I tried. I really really tried. That said, I say the only time evil truly wins is when you see an injustice and let it fester. Opting to treat the symptoms rather than the cause of the condition. Swoosh! BOOM! FWOOM! Spells burst over and around me. Spells cast by an apparent cult these Zealots of the World Tree. One that has ironically labeled me as a Heretic. While I am fine with the idea of being called a Heretic, I am not okay with the apparent enslavement and starvation of others for the leaders of this cult¡¯s amusement. My plan right now is to simply solve the need for fighting for food scrap, this would be done by curing the uniquely designed Blight here on this section of the world tree, which should increase the amount of food that can be grown and eventually lead to the sustainment of life here on floor 210 and those below that are also affected by the vines that have grown from here and spread out trying to destroy the world tree Yggdraspirit. Yet, after seeing the reaction to my words and actions, I can¡¯t help but feel that these zealots are going to go right back to growing Blight spreading vines that produce euphoric mixtures that make the consumers feel powerful and indestructible. At the cost of destroying the very tree that they and others all live on and require for sustenance. Seeing them and their greed, I can¡¯t help but realize that a firmer solution might be necessary here. Continuing to keep my Forced Selective Hearing activated I go on to the next stage. ¡°Hear me now oh Zealots of the World Tree, I will give you but one chance to stop this. Stop attacking me, stop stealing the food from your neighbors and friends and force them to fight in these tournaments for the scraps of food from your tables. If you do this now, lay down your grudges and truly try to help your neighbors rather than watching them tear themselves apart to feed their families I will forgive you.¡± ¡°You will forgive me! I will show you¡­¡± The lead villain, or at least a leader of the zealots speaks, before releasing a beam of energy at me. Yet despite moving at the speed of light, I feel the spell coming towards me. It is slow, energy that is haphazardly thrown together. Spell work that is so sloppy that if it came from one of my students I would dismiss him from my classes until he truly took the classes seriously. I might even make them use a weaker version of the Outsourcer-5000, all so they could eventually get proficient enough to finally be able to use and learn to gain anything from the Outsourcer-5000. These are Bond villains, plain and simple. People that are so corrupt and vile that killing them is a reward to the world. At least that is what I get from their cheesy dialog and character concepts. I am close, so close to ending them, letting the sunshine down a little brighter here, and then calling it a day. But I can¡¯t. That last moral vestige of me is still there at my very core telling me that I cannot and should not respond with my full force. First, they are easily two hundred levels lower than me. Secondly, none of them have awakened a bloodline, meaning that their abilities and attributes are determined solely by what their classes provide them, which won¡¯t be much, at least not in comparison to me. Meaning that my using my full force here will only be vindictive and show that I¡¯ve lost my sense of compassion for people. Exhaling. I calm myself, or at least try to as inspired by their leader, multiple other spells and attacks all get leveled and directed in my direction. Mentally, I map them all, each and every attacker. In all there, aren¡¯t many. Only at most two-dozen people, but they are spread out throughout the stands, showing that the corruption of these zealots runs deeply. So deeply that unless I take action here and now, the effects of this floor will only continue to fester and rot away at the core of Yggrdaspirit. I don¡¯t know how far up this tree goes, nor what exactly will happen to the upward growth aspect of this Tower once Yggrdaspirit dies, or worse snaps in half due to it being weakened here, but I don¡¯t want to know. I assume there are lives above this floor, that are all ignorant to the inherent dangers of their lives. Lives that could be forever damaged or lost if the corruption here on this floor is left to continue. That is why I feel something break, well break is too hard of a word, maybe crack. But I feel that crack, as I realize that stopping the evil here now, will likely have greater effects to more lives than just the immediate lifeforms that are here. As there are many wonderful creatures and experiences waiting to be observed. Heck, even most of the people here deserve to continue living peacefully, if not for the fact that everyone here is starving, the people here might be truly amazing and capable of even more amazing things. These are the reasonable and rational answers I give myself as I prepare to cross a line that I know will move me one step closer to the monster that everyone fears me to be. This is one step closer to the monster that Mallory constantly fears that will form when I leave and she finds out that I created a new school of magic. Wondering if I am going to suddenly create the next Instant Death Ray spell that will destroy the balance of the world as we know it. Sadly, it is my own thought of Mallory¡¯s fear just now that gives me the quickest answer to my current problem. Mentally, I think over other possible solutions, only to find that unless I wish to incinerate each Zealot of the World Tree member, this is the only solution I can come up with that I will be able to use and still manage to sleep soundly at night after using. Focusing my mind, I prepare to do what must be done, but first Teleport. Poof. I Teleport away from the incoming volley of attacks, then I return fire. Creating a new spell right on the spot, one that would be up there with the best of Bond Villain death rays. Focusing on infusing both Light Magic and Spirit Magic, two schools of magic that should never exist together but were for some reason given to me, I fuse them together. Forming a densely coiled threaded beam of energy. Holding my left hand up, with two fingers up in a meditative pose I focus the newly created beams of energy right at the tips of my two outstretched fingers. Then spiraling them together I shoot off quick but focused bursts at all twenty-five Zealots of the World Tree members that are still trying to attack me. Using my wings I spin around on an axis, while firing modified death rays at each member of the fanatical cult. Like the ultimate disco ball of death, I fire beams that move at the speed of light striking only my chosen targets, while being able to easily avoid any nearby bystanders. Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on. The moment the beams strike, I am met with a number of system messages, though I can only feel frustrated. I don¡¯t have to look, but I do so anyways, as I watch all twenty-four individuals drop to the ground clasping at their chests, as they no doubt cry out in pain. This is the time when the system decides to inform me that I might have missed a few steps in my investigative process, but I ultimately ended up at the correct end result.
New Spell Created: Core Shattering Death Ray [Tier XIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds, targets and destroys the magical and Qi related cores of a targeted individual. Conditions: must have both Light and Spirit Magic to utilize.
Newly Discovered Quest (Ongoing): Stopping the War Pigs I (Completed): You have come across a fanatical cult calling themselves Zealots of the World Tree that spread a modified mutation of Blighted ivy that could produce hallucinogenic nectar. While you managed to neutralize their followers on this floor, keep an eye out for more followers of this cult and attempt to find out their origin and motivations. Current Status: Zealots neutralized (25 / 25). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Marker Identified, experience completion bonus. Experience Gained: 125,000 / 62,500 / 62,500 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by two levels to level 251. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by two levels to level 289. Ethereal Healer has increased by two levels to level 384. Bloodline Markers Identified.
The Bloodline Markers are always just a prelude before Bloodline Perks, while I have no clue what Bloodline Markers were actually identified, I can¡¯t think that having Bloodline Markers related to creating miniature death rays that burn out the magical and Qi cores of individuals is anything I truly want to have as part of my bloodline going forward. Worse, I feel slightly tainted that I unlocked my ability to choose my Akashic Qi Master aura from this quest. I can already feel a mental prompt all but asking me what I want to choose for this new aura, but I decide to hold off for now. My mind is not in the correct space to make this choice. At least that was what I told myself when I first got the option to choose, which is likely exactly why I decided to choose that moment to make my decision, particularly if I could use it to try to hide myself.
Akashic Qi Master level 250 class evolution chosen. Concealed Cultivation Aura.
Concealed Cultivation Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of people¡¯s ability to identify your individual Qi signature, or cultivation levels. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana or Qi consumption. Note: This aura will not mask magical effects, items, or magical signatures.
Yep, rather than being able to generate my own specialized Qi fields around me, I chose instead to be able to at least hide my Cultivation level and progress from others. The thought is that I can always use the level 500 aura to create a cultivation aura around me, additionally if I truly needed Qi, I could just convert that from my mana and mana generating auras. This isn¡¯t the best as obviously cultivating Qi directly is better than converting mana to Qi then cultivating that Qi, but at this moment and for a while now, I¡¯ve wanted to be able to hide myself and at least my abilities from others. Given that I chose focused death beams to complete this quest, I feel the need to hide myself even more seriously than ever before. Silence. Yes, I made my aura selection so fast that the audience that had gathered to watch two starving people come together to burn each other alive for scraps of food were now in complete shock at what was happening. ¡°What did you do?¡± One of the masses cries out, clutching their spiritual representative tightly as they try to understand what exactly happened. ¡°You move on without this corruption. You ween yourself off of the poisonous waters of this plant that is killing not only you, but the home you live in. If you want food, you will now be able to grow it, rather than this poisonous ivy that has taken root in your lands and sucked out the natural resources of your home.¡± I state, still using every decibel allowed by my Forced Selective Hearing, I focus the narrative to focus away from the poisonous cult that sprung up here. A cult that I can apparently expect to run into later on, whether my run ins will happen on higher levels of the Aracnarus Tower, or if they will occur out in nature. I can almost imagine it a doomsday cult trying to slowly destroy the world through growing drugs that kill the land and poison the users with threats of power and rapid growth. Then I realize the annoying truth that this incident will invariably bring about, the idea that I am some type of anti-recreational task forced enforcer. I¡¯m not, at least I don¡¯t consider myself to be, so long as you are not poisoning the world around you, go ahead and poison yourself to death. Wow, I can almost hear my mother in those words. Then, before I realize it, I find myself looking upwards. A completely useless gesture, as I can¡¯t see anything extra with my eyes, instead my vision is subjected to the sphere of vision around me. Yet, that is part of why I came here. Part of what keeps me climbing. At the top of this tower resides Zero¡¯s mother, and hopefully details of where my mother and father are. I don¡¯t know how many levels of this tower I must climb to reach the top. Nor do I know what other mysteries await me, as I make my way upwards. Yet, I can¡¯t help but feel that I will find my parents at the top, or at least another clue that I can follow to find them and bring them back. ¡°You can¡¯t do this!¡± People are protesting, many of the protesters are those that I just neutered magically. I did to them, what would be a death sentence to me, I took away the art and ability to use, interact with, and wield mana or Qi. I took it away and forced them all to stay living. Knowing that if they now took part in the poisonous pools of energy that were being produced by their Blight Ivy, they would likely poison themselves and eventually die from high energy exposure. Still, I have a lot of land to cleanse, despite this, despite everything I have managed to keep my Cleansing Rain spell activated and will need to continue to do so for a few more hours at least. First, I need to burn away the Blighted Ivy, then cure the Blighted lands that will be left, then grow plants that can help feed the masses, all while avoiding future retaliatory attacks. With that last thought in mind, I Teleport up above the rain clouds that I have created. Clouds that along with my newly chosen Concealed Cultivation Aura, can be used to mask my presence from anyone wishing to track my presence from down below. After a while, I find myself taking up a meditative pose, while still floating weightlessly in the air. Tingle. Only after a few hours of this focused meditation on continuing to keep the Cleansing Rain clouds going, I long ago let go of my control over Forced Selective Hearing, does Zero come out of his tattoo on my arm. Deep yawn. Zero comes out and stretch-yawns the way an excessively limber cat would. That is if the cat was long and flexible like a flying eel. ¡°Good morning,¡± Zero asks, then turning his snout to me, I can feel him opening his third eye to gaze directly into my body. At which point, he pauses and then continues, ¡°is everything okay?¡± I want to tell him that I¡¯m fine. That everything is okay, but seeing him. Realizing that he is one of the very few who will understand me. I reach out with both arms, at which point he without even having to be told runs into my lap and curls up into a tight ball as I wrap my arms around him. ¡°No,¡± I finally manage to say. Silence. That nice silence that lasts for a minute while you familiar just accepts you for who you are. Not judging you in the slightest, despite the fact that you hate what you did, what you felt needed to be done. Drip. Only after a moment do I realize that a tear has fallen from my face. The tear falls and lands directly on Zero, causing a cascading ripple of energy to shiver out from his magical dragon scales. ¡°Wanna¡¯ talk about it?¡± Zero asks. ¡°No,¡± I answer honestly, before continuing, ¡°but I think I need to.¡± ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Well, you know how I¡¯ve been watching these people put their lives and livelihoods on the lines for scraps of food.¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Well you also remember the random cultivation pools of energy that seem to be all over the place, along with the Blight Ivy that is killing off plant growth on this floor and others.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Well, it took me a while, but I finally managed to put all the pieces together. But only after¡­¡± I began, and like that I began the long cathartic process of explaining what happened, including finding out about the random cult, and how the cult was killing off the world tree. Then of course, I ended with my creation of the Core Shattering Death Ray, and how I used it not once, not twice, but twenty-five times, against each cult member who was actively trying to attack me. Then I paused waiting for Zero¡¯s condemnation. ¡°And?¡± ¡°And? I obliterated their magic and Qi cores. They will never be able to use, touch, or experience magic or Qi ever again.¡± I protest. ¡°Do you regret your decision?¡± ¡°Well no, especially not after I was told that I got everyone.¡± ¡°Then what exactly is wrong?¡± Zero pressed. At that, I paused trying to find out what was wrong. ¡°By all accounts I did what I had to do. I was even rewarded for doing so, but yet, why do I feel so empty for doing what needed to be done?¡± ¡°Sometimes life is just hard, and you have to do things that you dislike in order to make the world better for everyone.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a slippery slope.¡± I note. ¡°It is, which is why I¡¯m glad it is you creating the modified death rays, than others.¡± Silence. After that it is just silent, the two of us just sitting comfortably washing away the evil invasive plants below as we are both left to our own thoughts and devices. Finally, I state, ¡°thank you.¡± ¡°For what?¡± ¡°For just being there for me.¡± And like that I let my mind wander to other aspects of life, which of course is when I am met with a warning from the system.
Warning: Attempting to do this procedure will have dire consequences for you in the future.
¡°What? What were you going to do this time?¡± Zero asks, suddenly up and putting his snout right in front of my face. ¡°Hey, I¡­ yeah maybe I shouldn¡¯t be left alone.¡± I reply. ¡°I was right here, now out with it, what did you try to do?¡± ¡°Well I was thinking¡­¡± ¡°Oh no, here we go¡­¡± Chapter 209 Congratulations, Its The Worst News Ever Chapter 209 Congratulations, It''s The Worst News Ever ¡°So let me get this straight. You were thinking about ruining the sweet sixteen brackets for the competition that you were refereeing for, commentating on, and being the only designated healer on staff for. This thinking about sixteen, as in the final sixteen participants, made you suddenly and I quote here ¡®wish that you too were sixteen.¡¯ At which point you tried to focus internally on your spiritual avatar and see if you could forcefully change your designated age to sixteen because you were bored?¡± Zero asks, summarizing what had been close to an hour-long explanation of why I suddenly got a giant warning line from the system telling me to stop, or else. Which I must admit, he did so with surprising ease and fluidity. ¡°Yeah, actually.¡± I respond. During this time, I also noticed that the steadily growing pile of still looming energy, grew exponentially for a moment only to shrink down to roughly where it had been before the start of my whole trying to change my actual age. ¡°You can literally change into the body and form of dozens of other people. All of whom are of age, in different species, different sexes. You can literally change yourself at any time to be of age, whenever you want.¡± Zero chides. ¡°I know, but that isn¡¯t me. Or at least that isn¡¯t the real me.¡± I respond. ¡°Look I get it, but have you ever thought about the benefits that being under the legal age could help?¡± ¡°With what? I can¡¯t gamble, I can¡¯t have a relationship with anyone¡­¡± ¡°Is that a bad thing?¡± ¡°What? Of course it is, I¡¯ve spent the last thirty years of my life being single. Now I¡¯ve spent my first seven years here being forcefully celibate.¡± ¡°Be careful what you wish for.¡± Zero states, and as he does, I feel a direct golden line of energy reach out from Zero and directly feed into the looming energy nearby. At that, I swear I feel my eyes grow wide with realization, as Zero just contributed to the energy pile of the looming threat that is awaiting me. ¡°Wait, what do you know?¡± I ask. Zero who has been rather reassuring suddenly tenses up, as if realizing that he divulged something he shouldn¡¯t have. ¡°No, nothing.¡± Zero stammers for a second, before darting to my arm. I reach out my hand trying to stop him from retreating into my arm tattoo, only for him to see my mistake. Then before I have time to react, Zero switches course, going from trying to dive into my left arm, to diving straight into my outstretched right hand that was there to stop him. Pausing and staring at Zero¡¯s magical outline that is now wrapped around my hand, wrist, and under my sleeve, I can¡¯t help but feel slightly impressed by Zero¡¯s actions. Looking at the hand, I can¡¯t help but begrudgingly nod my head at the crazy guy and say, ¡°well played.¡± Pausing for a moment, I try to take in all the factors that just went into the odd meeting I had just a moment ago. Apparently Zero had let something out that he wasn¡¯t supposed to. ¡°So let¡¯s look at the facts. I get a warning that changing my age will have dire consequences for me. It is a personal warning, not a stop, you are going to break the world kind of warning. Sad that I now can distinguish between the two.¡± I state out loud, speaking while still watering my plants. ¡°Then there was the fact that Zero harped on my wanting to change my age. A fact he said I could change anytime I wanted to by switching into one of my avatars.¡± By now I am up and pacing, well fly-pacing. Moving my legs while flapping my wings slowly to give me the feeling of walking, while still flying in the same area. ¡°Then I spoke about how I have been single for the past almost forty years.¡± I pause, wondering if that was the issue, but that wasn¡¯t. At least that wasn¡¯t where Zero made his comment. Forcing my mind to go back, I focus on my exact wording before he spoke too much. At this, ¡°I remember there was a comment made before I made my comment about being single for so long. During that time, when I stated why I wanted to change my age I noted, that I can¡¯t gamble, and that I couldn¡¯t have a relationship with anyone.¡± I pause realizing that this was what caused his reaction, ¡°that was when he said, ¡®is that a bad thing?¡¯¡± ¡°That was the start, then I made the note about having been without a relationship for so long. After which, Zero then said prophetically ¡®be careful what you wish for.¡¯¡± I pause, finally remembering the events that just happened exactly, though I am still at a loss. Then with horror building within my mind, I realize the issue. ¡°Oh, no. It can¡¯t. No, like, no¡­¡± I state to myself trying to dismiss the thought entirely, but before I can dismiss the thought entirely, I get a quest notification.
New Questline Discovered (Ongoing): Curse of Cassiopeia I (Completed): Congratulations, you have discovered a brand-new form of energy that has given you a warning that something terrible is about to happen to you. Through your observational skills and deductive reasoning you managed to solve the riddle of what looming threat was set to befall you, before the threat fully manifested. Congratulations, though it doesn¡¯t change the threat, or the fact that your threat will still manifest just as you are now no-doubt predicting. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Markers evolved to Bloodline Perks, New Skill (already obtained), New Energy Insight. Experience Gained: 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by ten levels to level 261. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by nine levels to level 298. Ethereal Healer has increased by thirteen levels to level 397.
The level bonuses were unexpected, especially as I was once again nearing the level threshold for not just one but two classes. Additionally, the modifiers for these classes put me squarely in the mid-upper tier of players for overall levels, which showed significantly in my Attributes and their overall build ratio.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 132 537 Personality 100 Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. 622 Perception 175 2149
Dexterity 164 1181 Sociability 97 626 Intelligence 175 2441
Endurance 151 690 Attractiveness 89 2036 Willpower 175 3221
Of course, the levels and overall attribute bonuses were just small change in comparison to the curse that I received in terms of my Bloodline Perk that I inadvertently activated.
Bloodline evolution Perk (Cassiopeia¡¯s Foresight) activated: Ability to see the future, but unable to change or do anything about the future that you have found out about.
Okay, who am I kidding, I totally wanted to activate this perk, or at least get the quest which I knew would likely have one of these backhanded perks associated with it, especially given how snarky the quest was. Still, it was a puzzle, and one that would have eaten away at me, had I not solved it. At least I think I solved it, until I realized that while the vast majority of the looming energy, that I had observed being accumulated was now gone. There was still a very small lump that was left. A very dense lump that looked like it was not going to go away anytime soon. Seeing the lump that still remained, I almost wondered if I had missed something, but then the world once again taunted me, letting me know that no, I was not hallucinating.
New Questline Discovered (Ongoing): Curse of Cassiopeia II: Congratulations, you have discovered a brand-new form of energy that has given you a warning that something terrible is about to happen to you. Through your observational skills and deductive reasoning you managed to solve the first riddle of what looming threat was set to befall you. Now that you have identified the main threat, you have to find out what that threat can do to you, and try to prevent it from happening, before it is too late. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Perk Evolution advancement (maybe it won¡¯t be so terrible this time), Variable.
Seeing the new questline that is all but screaming for me to dare to solve it, I shiver slightly, as I realize exactly what it all means. Just because I have solved the first riddle, doesn¡¯t mean that I have solved everything that comes with the riddle. To answer this, I will definitely need some help. ¡°All right zero, I know what the issue is, so will you please come out so I can discuss this problem with you.¡± I state to my hand. Well to Zero who is a dragon shaped tattoo on my hand. Pausing slightly and tentatively lifting his slender draconic head from my hand he peers out and looks at me. ¡°You solved it? Already? That was fast.¡± Zero admitted. ¡°Yeah, I solved it, but what does it mean.¡± ¡°Well, you tell me what you think it means, what was the original threat that you discovered.¡± Zero states. I pause, not wanting to say it, in the hopes that by not saying it, I can keep it from actually happening. ¡°You know that by not saying it, you are giving it power over you.¡± Zero states, and as he speaks I see what he is talking about the golden threads of energy have slowly begun to drop again growing on the condensed lump of inevitable karma that is still left for me. ¡°Fine. I admit it, Rob, my ex-husband is going to join BiPrism.¡± I state. At that Zero twists his head slightly, ¡°you are partially, right?¡± ¡°What do you mean? Is he not joining?¡± I ask, a slight ray of hope filling me up as I hope that this might not actually be the case. ¡°Oh no, you were completely correct about that, he is coming here. No, that is not the partial part I was talking about.¡± I pause, trying to understand, ¡°did he change his name and have sex change?¡± ¡°No, not that either. What other part of that statement might not be factual?¡± Zero presses. Then like that, I suddenly feel weak, as I fall forward. Fortunately, I am weightless so I just sort of hang there in place, but I suddenly realize what Zero is pressing at. ¡°What? No, no, no.¡± I state. Zero for his part just lets me talk it out. ¡°How could this be? Still? I mean yeah I didn¡¯t file for the divorce out of spite. I figured if he wanted it, he could spend the money. But still, that was until death do us part.¡± At that Zero just stares at me with an and? Look. ¡°Look at me?¡± I respond. ¡°You look pretty alive to me.¡± Zero responds. ¡°Hello, I am in a game world, in a giant spirit tower filled with the dead.¡± I reply. ¡°Even more reason why you look so alive and healthy.¡± Zero presses. Pausing, I let out a deep breath, as I try to think this all through. Mentally I check out the looming threat energy that is just at my periphery. There it has stopped increasing, and even shrunken down to where it was before I tried not to talk about it, but the base, its core of defiance was still there, staring at me, waiting for me to drop my guard. ¡°So what does this all mean?¡± I ask. ¡°I don¡¯t know, why don¡¯t you tell me.¡± Zero answers. ¡°I, I don¡¯t know. I wouldn¡¯t even know what happens when you transfer to this world with your spouse.¡± ¡°Gee, if only someone knew what it was like to be married in the real world and then have their marriage contract transfer over to this world.¡± Zero poses. At that, I instantly have an image pop into my mind of someone who dealt with just that very act. Pausing, I suddenly realize something as I stare at Zero. ¡°What?¡± He asks. ¡°You seem awfully knowledgeable about the outside world.¡± I pose. ¡°Well, you have spoken about your time out there often, additionally there was¡­¡± Zero states. And with that a second tiny pile of golden energy builds. Seeing it, I realize that this too is another pile of riddles that will ultimately mean I discover something else that I cannot change, and just might be better off not knowing the answer to. Then seemingly just to spite me, the world lets me know that my assumptions about the quest being another Cassiopeia¡¯s curse are proven to be correct.
New Auxiliary Questline Discovered (Ongoing): Curse of Cassiopeia II-A: Congratulations, you have discovered a brand-new form of energy that has given you a warning that something terrible is about to happen to you. Through your observational skills and deductive reasoning you managed to solve the first riddle of what looming threat was set to befall you. Now that you have identified the main threat, but have found yet another mystery that has not been solved. Do you have the resolve to track down this quest to its inevitable conclusion. Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Perk Evolution advancement (don¡¯t expect this new aspect to be any better than the last one), Variable.
Seeing the messages from the quest, I can¡¯t help but huff out. ¡°Okay fine, keep your secrets Gandolf.¡± With that Zero just looks at me strangely. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me, I¡¯m just responding to my new auxiliary quest line.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Zero states nodding to himself as if that was enough to explain everything, which it fortunately was. ¡°Ready to go back?¡± I ask. ¡°To speak with Mallory?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Yes, unless you know of someone else who went through a similar complication during their time here.¡± I respond, truly wondering if there was someone, or anyone else I could turn to. ¡°Nope, though you don¡¯t seem to be that ready to talk to Mallory?¡± I pause and realize that this might be the case. ¡°It¡¯s just, she is so busy that I don¡¯t know if she has time to deal with me and my problems.¡± ¡°From my understanding eighty percent of her job is dealing with you and the problems you create.¡± At that I wince slightly, though I couldn¡¯t quite refute the claim, especially with everything that has happened within the last few weeks. ¡°That¡¯s just it, I don¡¯t want to be a burden to her.¡± ¡°You aren¡¯t, but at the very least this is likely a problem she should be made aware of, as she can likely help you understand what is to be expected.¡± Zero states. ¡°Like what can he expect?¡± I ask. ¡°Well half your assets, your last name, your Titles, you to teach him your skills, your body¡­¡± ¡°WHAT?¡± I scream, especially as he gets to that last one. ¡°You know, all the things a married person would expect, except may the last one. Though in dragon culture it is the male who has to prove himself by wrestling the female into submission.¡± Zero states. ¡°EWWW! That is just creepy, and I am officially not going to help you hook up with any more Pomeranians if you try to dominate them like that.¡± I state. ¡°I, I¡¯m not. I¡¯m just stating the custom of our people. Anyways, don¡¯t we have somewhere else to be right now?¡± Zero asks. With that Zero conveniently melds his head into my arm, thereby once again fully submerging his body into my flesh. Seeing that he is gone, I pause and brace myself. For what is going to happen next. For a moment I wonder if I should leave instructions for my Simulacrum to complete my work, but quickly decide against that as I instead just Teleport into the deepest darkest section of Blighted land and then do the patented tug, tug, pull method of changing places with my Simulacrum, using Positional Switch. In a second, I find myself in the middle of guild managed lands. Pausing, I take in a deep breath and smell the freshly watered fields that are ripe for growing food to help sustain us. At this moment, I feel completely at peace as nothing in the world can bother me. Phase. Even the appearance of Kujo with a randomly squirming Blighted creature, that looks to be a cross between a zombie lizard and a wild bear-pig with cloven claws and a flat nose that looks soft and squishy. Thump. The still squirming body gets dropped at my feet, while Mr. Kujo pants excitedly, Blighted breath blowing wildly in my face. Seeing Mr. Kujo, I can¡¯t help but smile as I reach out a hand to pet Kujo while casting both Cleansing Blight from the creature, while creating a Perfect Resurrected copy of the creature that will go into our zoo. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this time I won¡¯t let my mean old ex-take you in the divorce. Well, separation¡­¡± I state as I pet Mr. Kujo. Grr! Apparently, my words have an immediate effect on Mr. Kujo as he growls at the idea of being forcefully separated from me. Seeing him growl and snarl, a smile comes to my face. ¡°You know, I would almost love to see his face if he did try to take you.¡± Nuzzle. At that Mr. Kujo nuzzled me on the shoulder. Twitch, twitch. The lizard-bear-pig creature is now Blight free, but still twitching. Looking down at the creature, I can tell that Kujo needs to take it to Ms. Kujo. ¡°Go on, take it,¡± I state. Slurp. I get a big wet Blight breath lick on my face, and while I want to complain, I can¡¯t quite find the energy to. In fact, despite my disgust, I can¡¯t help but smile at the gesture. ¡°Thank you,¡± I state, still wiping away the diseased drool. Kujo looks at me, then I wave to him. ¡°Go on, you have a wife to feed and protect. I expect good things from you.¡± Hearing that Kujo just nods and then picks up the still trembling meal before phasing out of existence, captured prey and all. ¡°Hey, Cass, is that the real you?¡± Mallory asks, suddenly blurring into existence nearby, but on the other end of the new creature for our level one menagerie. ¡°Yes, it is.¡± ¡°Good, I needed to talk to you about something, something urgent¡± Mallory begins, as she begins wringing her hands together. Seeing the nervous gesture, I realize that whatever this is, will likely not be good. Though, before this goes too far, I make sure I let her know that I too have to talk about something with her as well, something that very likely could impact the Guild, though I don¡¯t know how exactly. ¡°Actually, I also needed to talk to you about something as well.¡± ¡°Okay, but I should probably go first.¡± Mallory begins. ¡°Okay, what is it?¡± I ask, realizing that Mallory is clearly close to bursting with fear and trepidation about whatever she is about to say next. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know how to say this gently, so I will state it right out in the open. Your husband, as apparently you two never got divorced is coming.¡± Hearing that, I let out a sigh of relief, ¡°oh good you know.¡± ¡°Know? Wait, you knew? How long?¡± ¡°I just found out, but I came here to discuss this with you. What does it mean?¡± ¡°What does it mean? Well for starters we need to prepare.¡± Then Mallory nods her head like I dream of genie did, this was the signal we all agreed to, when it was time to invoke my Confidentiality. Doing so I begin. ¡°Okay, we have three minutes, now what?¡± Epilogue V Epilogue V ¡°Hello everyone, welcome to Larry Presents BiPrism Podcast, where I present to you all things BiPrism. Today I have the best BiPrism remix of the week, featuring the work of everyone¡¯s favorite spell caster Cassiopeia Spiritlight to the track of War Pigs, by Black Sabbath, hope you enjoy.¡± Larry the Intern begins. As he is done talking his head shrinks to the bottom right as the main screen fills up with the images of Casseopeia Spiritlight on floor 210. By now most of the videos from the battle and scenes have been viewed countless times as multiple people wondered exactly what type of Death Ray Cassiopeia used to mow down all the corrupt officials. In addition to Cassiopeia¡¯s live feed were RaSean and Alilean¡¯s feeds that both provided additional footage of the events of Monday¡¯s Tournament that started off fairly typical for a combat tournament. However, this video began on the days prior, where Cassiopeia along with Zero were seen investigating the shining liquid that was used by the richest priests that dominated the 210th floor. There the priests could be seen bathing in the waters and laughing from a distance. This all showed while the intro music built up. Then finally the chorus began. Generals gathered in their masses Just like witches at black masses Evil minds that plot destruction Sorcerer of death''s construction At the end of the first verse it showed Cassiopeia standing over a few malnourished corpses Resurrecting the dead combatants, while the crowds cheered on. Chief among those that cheered the most were the priests, the so called Zealots of the World Tree. Then right after the last bodies are brought back from death, the scene changes to show live combat of a flame mage winning her match by setting her opponent on fire. In the fields, the bodies burning As the war machine keeps turning Death and hatred to mankind Poisoning their brainwashed minds Oh lord, yeah! In this, it shows the matches of the last night. Where the jaw muscles of Cassiopeia can be seen tightening ever so slightly, despite giving full commentary. The screen then shifts to show the Priests who were clearly well fed, and were often seen eating food while everyone seemed focused on the matches. This time even RaSean and Alilean seemed to witness their misdeeds in real time. Politicians hide themselves away They only started the war Why should they go out to fight? They leave that role to the poor, yeah Once again the entire video changes as it shows the poorest of the mages and Qi cultivators fighting with battered and torn uniforms, all so they could get enough food to eat for the day. Yet, once again the video shows the same priests wearing nice robes and outfits that don¡¯t have a single thread out of place. Then you can see them clearly laying down wagers of food on the upcoming matches. Food that was more than the losers got for even trying to compete, food that would have to last them a month. Time will tell on their power minds Making war just for fun Treating people just like pawns in chess Wait till their judgement day comes, yeah! With the last verse, it shows Cass rising high in the air, as she begins to finally speak out about the injustices that she has borne witness to. Her words are drowned out by the musical back drop that suddenly gets a lot heavier. There is a quick showing of the priests raising their fists and their spells to challenge Cassiopeia. For a moment twenty-plus highly explosive spells converge on one point, right where Cass was flying just a moment ago. There is a bright explosion that temporarily causes the world to turn black. Then before anyone has a chance to respond, Cass is seen firing out her own measured response to those who dared to attack her a moment ago. Now in darkness, world stops turning Ashes where their bodies burning No more war pigs have the power Hand of God has struck the hour With the last line, the images zoom in on Cass¡¯s hand that has two fingers standing straight up and gathers beam upon beam of energy to fire out and strike down the priests. At that, it shows all of the corrupt priests bending over, as they clutch at their chests, right where a beam of energy struck them moments ago. Many collapsed instantly, while a few of the more powerful found a railing to brace themselves against as they were seen calling out to Cass. Day of judgement, God is calling On their knees, the war pigs crawling Begging mercy for their sins Satan laughing, spreads his wings Oh lord, yeah! Then the end showed Cass relax the tension that had been on her face, and her natural smile took over making it look like she was actually laughing. Once the video ended there was a brief moment of silence before Larry hit a button, letting his face fill up the screen. ¡°That was your best BiPrism remix of the week. This is just a reminder that I claim no rights to the music. All rights belong to the band "Black Sabbath" and any other copyright holders." Larry begins his disclaimer speech, before continuing. "Once again I am Larry, and tune in next week as I bring to you more of the ins and outs of the ongoings in the world of BiPrism. Till then, have a great night and a great rest of your week everybody.¡± Cass''s Character sheet at the end of Book 5
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Cassiopeia Spiritlight
Age: 14
Race (Esoteric Arcanist Elf): Emerald Eyed Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Elf (Progenitor)
Primary Class: Ethereal Healer (Unique)
Secondary Class Ethereal Simulacrum Masters (Unique)
Tertiary Class Akashic Qi Master (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
level: 384 / 289 / 251
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 132 537 Personality 100 622 Perception 175 2149
Dexterity 164 1181 Sociability 97 626 Intelligence 175 2441
Endurance 151 690 Attractiveness 89 2036 Willpower 175 3221
Race (Bonus Per Level): +2 Appearance, +2 Perception, +2 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower every level.
Ethereal Healer: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower every level.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +1 Willpower every level.
Akashic Qi Master +2 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +2 Endurance, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower every level.
Titles Gained Bonuses
Early Awakening, Early Class Both Titles were combined to increase Spirit Tier mastery from starting maximum of Tier VII to Tier VIII
Surname: Spiritlight Gain an automatic 10% boost in all social interactions with spirits. Spirits start off as neutral.
Love Guru Truly one worth emulating, when it comes to the art of love and its best practices. +5 Appearance, +10 Personality, +10 Sociability, +7% Luck, +20% Bonus to Avoiding Conflict, +25% chance to help others find a soul mate, +30% Chance to Seduction based skills and attempts.
Arcanarus University Graduate (III) One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +30 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +300% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Void Healer Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Void Healer class. Rewards: Can dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Simulacrum Master Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Simulacrum Master class. Rewards: Cand dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Magical Duelist: You are developing a reputation for being a winner of magical duels, this both makes you stand out more, while offering some benefits. Effect: +5% to all Magical Dueling Skills, +5% to all Social Attributes when you are recognized for your feats.
Nature¡¯s Friend (X): You have helped clean up over one hundred thousand pounds of trash, and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 50% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Pegicorn''s Blessing You have been blessed by the last pegicorn and are now officially recognized as a legendary healer of nature and spirit creatures alike. You are 25% more resistant to the blight and 25% more capable of healing the blight.
Luminescence You have managed to make the world a brighter place. Any zone you go into will be treated as completely bright to you and your allies.
Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor) As a Legendary member of the Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline you have unlocked the following bonuses: +25 Skill Levels and +50% comprehension speed towards the following skills: Spell Theory, Magical Theory, Magical Manipulation, Quick Casting, Dual Casting, Mana Circulation, Danger Sense, Master Enchanting, Gear Infusion, and Energy Resonance Alteration. Note: As the Progenitor, all bonuses are further increased by an additional 50%.
Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV): Magical Enchantment Surgeon The most promising Surgical Doctoral Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +40 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy and learning rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Title: Innovator (I): You have invented one new thing never before seen in the world of BiPrism. Effect: +1% efficacy to all created products.
Qi Path Creator (II): One who has begun the path of a Mystical Martial Master. Effect: Increased damage and resistance to undead.
Princess of Deolar (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, while within the borders of the Deolar region, your Social Attributes and Skills are increased by a further 25% efficiency.
Spiritual Mythic Bloodline Progenitor (Upgradable) All actions and interactions involving the spirit realm, spiritual beings, or spiritual energy are 5% easier to complete, learn, or master.
Core Master Your ability to destroy, create, or otherwise work with cores is improved greatly. Effect +25% skill efficacy while focusing on an individual¡¯s core.
Friend to the Guardians: You will be recognized as a friend to all realm guardians.
Bloodline Insights Marker Gained: You have gained the ability to identify people who have begun the process of awakening a bloodline, where they are in their process, and can identify where their bloodline will ultimately be most effective. Can be used on anyone with a bloodline that is as potent or less potent than your current bloodline ranking.
Magical Marvel: When it comes to understanding the true depths of magic you are considered a master. Anyone with a magical affinity of any kind will look on with you a minimum of a Neutral reputation.
Rank
Princess (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, you are the next in line to rule over the remaining subjects of the Deloar Kingdom. Only the King can veto your proclamation. Rewards: All bloodline merits are increased by 40% (Upgradable to 50% when noted as the true ruler)
Prestige
Prestige (1) (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, you have unlocked your first nobility class. The sky always shines in your presence, and the world prepares for the next Matriarch of the Deolar Kingdom to reign supreme. Reward: All Bloodline perks are increased by 10%.
Skills
Alertness: (Perception)
Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence)
Daggers (Dexterity)
Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower)
Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower)
Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence)
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower)
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance)
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception)
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Mental Reistance (Willpower)
Free Falling (Dexterity)
Applied Physics (Intelligence)
Trap Detection (Perception and Intelligence)
Disarm trap (Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence)
Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Climbing (Strength and Endurance)
Deductive Reasoning (Perception and Intelligence)
Courtly Ediquette (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Mechanical Engineering (Perception and Intelligence)
Arcane Understanding (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medical Healing (Perception and Intelligence)
Focus (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Latens Manifesta (Dexterity, Perception, Personality, Sociability, Intelligence)
Survival (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Polyglot (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence)
Nature Resistance (Endurance)
Stealth (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower
camouflage (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence)
Obfuscation (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Running (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Willpower
Tumbling (Dexterity, Endurance)
Acrobatics (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Herbalism (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magic Script (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Engineering (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magical Forensics (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Forging (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Writing (Dexterity, Perception)
Bathing (Personality, Sociability, and Appearance)
Telepathy (Personality, Sociability, and Willpower)
Swimming (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance)
Internal Compass (Peception, Intelligence)
Danger Sense (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Scentless Passage (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Concealed Mana (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mana Circulation (Strength, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower)
Blood Magic Resistance (Endurance and Willpower)
Telepathy Shielding (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Intimidation (Strength, Personality, and Willpower)
Narrator (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, and Intelligence)
Total Recall (Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Spell Theory (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Spell Deconstruction (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Insight (Perception and Intelligence)
Emotional Insight (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Gambling (Sociability, Personality, Attractive, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Alchemy (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medicine (Perception, Intelligence)
Magical theory (Intelligence)
Spirit-Magic Spell Creation (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Anatomy (Perception and Intelligence)
Biology (Perception and Intelligence)
Chemistry (Perception and Intelligence)
Energy Resonance Alteration (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Leadership (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Painting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Artist (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Proper Diction (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acupuncture (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Diagnosis (Perception and Intelligence)
Magical Energy Observation (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mimicry (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Seduction (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Occult (Curses) (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Twin Consciousness (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Duelist (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower
Aura Guidance (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Comedic Timing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Enchanting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Advanced Enchanting (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Master Enchanting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Blacksmithing (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Gear Protecting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Intelligence)
Gear Infusion (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Auditing (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Disrupt Casting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Legendary Trick Shot (Strength, Dexterity (X2), Endurance (X2), Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower (X2))
Pulse Casting (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Quick Casting (Dexterity, Stamina, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Physiology (Perception X 3, Intelligence X 3, and Willpower X 3)
Aerial Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Magical Manipulation (Dexterity, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2)
Qi Sight (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Qi Lore (Perception, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower)
Grand Master Level Taming is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Ethereal Energy Circulation thoery is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower based skill.
Ethereal Energy Resonance theory is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Divine Qi Energy Observation (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill)
Bronze Qi Manipulation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Golden Qi Movement (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X2, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Bronze Qi Fighting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Divine Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, Willpower X3)
Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Astrological Prediction (Perception, and Intelligence)
Faerie Lore (Intelligence)
Grim Dark Lore (Intelligence)
Teaching (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Master Teaching (Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Golden Qi Formation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, Willpower)
Bloodline Sensing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Ancient Elven Lore (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence )
Golden Palm Strike (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Golden Body Radiance (Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, Willpower)
Golden Kung Fu Grip (Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, and Willpower X2)
Golden Mana Devouring Palm (Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2)
Life Seals (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3)
Life Seal Breaker (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3)
Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness)
Seductive Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness X2)
Golden Disruptive Palm Burst (Strength X3, Dexterity X2, Perception X2, and Willpower X3)
Silver Disruptive Palm Burst (Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Perception X2, and Willpower X3).
Blackhole Qi Condensing (Strength X2, Dexterity X1, Stamina X3, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Silver Mana Devouring Palm (Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2)
Golden Five Point Exploding Palm Technique(Strength X2, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Silver Five Point Exploding Palm Technique(Strength X2, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Ancient Cardinal Protector Lore (Intelligence)
Aerial Combat (Strength, Dexterity X3, Stamina, and Perception)
Aerial Qi Combat (Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Samina X2, Perception, and Willpower X2)
Aerial Magical Combat (Strength, Dexterity X3, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2).
Bloodline Insights (Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3)
Harmonious Magical Spell Creation (Personality X2, Sociability X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3).
Disaster Foresight (Perception X 7 based skill)
Traits
Personal Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis, Telepathy
Class Trait(s): Spiritual Doppelganger (13/100), Omni-Healing, Energy Status Resonance, Resurrection
Class Trait: Positional Switch, Positional Teleportation
Class Trait: Celerity
Bloodline Trait: Ancient Psychometry
Flaws
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Broke (7): The sum of all your gear, equipment, and finances cannot equal or exceed 100 gold coins.
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes.
Unique Class Flaw (7): Void Touched Void Walker: You have been marked as the chosen advocate by the deepest denizens of the void. Your primary class will now and forever be Void Walker. Additionally, both denizens of the realm of the living and realm of the dead will know you are the one who can both teach others your class, while also conducting unique missions on behalf of both realms.
Rivalry (3): You have one or more rivals who will make it a personal goal to take you down a notch, watch your back.
Racial Flaw: Magical Beacon: You are easy to notice by sensitives and true practitioners of magic. Minus 20% to Stealth and Evasion type skills when being actively sought by a magical practitioner.
Racial Flaw: Magical Eyes: Your eyes are the true gateway to your soul. With this flaw people can see what type of a monster you truly are. Current Status: Green (a True Healer).
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier XIII).
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): Personally Focused (4): Your selfish nature has led you to be limited in the scope of what you can and cannot replicate with your simulacrums. With this flaw you can only copy your base form to be your simulacrum.
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): One Death for All (3): You are so intertwined with your simulacrum that should the simulacrum die, you yourself will die as well. While you can dismiss your simulacrum at any time, you can only do so when your simulacrum is at full health.
Racial Flaw: Third Eye: You have manifested the power of Angel¡¯s Sight, and at this level of evolution have unlocked the legendary third eye. No eye lashes or eyebrows, just a closed scar in the middle of your forehead, then an eye. Note: If your rating in Angel¡¯s Sight is Tier V or below, you can use the third eye to see normally. If your rating in Angel''s Sight is Tier VI or above, you will need to use the third eye to take advantage of your enhanced vision.
Racial Flaw: Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening.
Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Merits: (157)
Precocious (7): Learn Skills at least Twice (four times) as quickly. (Only available at character creation)
Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation)
Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation)
Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation)
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation)
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Unique Class Merits: Death Shroud (3): Wielder of this merit has a tempered body that is immune to the piercing soul damage of the ethereal realms. Wielder can travel to either realm and bring up to two chosen people to follow them into the opposing realm.
Unique Class Merit (4): Spirit Familiar: You have formed a deep spiritual bond with one of the blessed children of the spirit world. Your familiar will be both a guide and advocate to help you navigate your way through the realm of spirits.
Ally (3): You have made an ally with someone who is considered to be three times more powerful and influential than you. Work with this relationship to make it grow and flourish.
for efficacy, mana usage, impact, and focus).
Racial Merit: Magic School Proficiency: All schools of magic increased by two Tiers (maximum of Tier IX). (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Proficiency: All skills related to the use of magic are increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Trait Proficiency: All magic based Traits are further increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Class Merit (Simulacrum Master): Exact Perfect Replica (7): You can create one exact perfect replica of yourself that shares your attributes, abilities, skills, and energy pools. This replica will be a perfect copy of your base form down to the most minor of details, and will be indistinguishable from yourself by most mundane methods of detection. This replica will be able to cast and use all spells and traits that you can, and any experience gained by the simulacrum will go to you, as if you earned it yourself.
Racial Merit: Angel¡¯s Sight + 2 Tiers: You have managed to make it so you and all your progeny will have access to the Angel¡¯s Sight merit. If the bloodline is awakened to this level, then the wielder of the bloodline will have their Angel¡¯s Sight merit increased by two tiers.
Racial Merit: Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your (Holy) Magic and your resonance has been noted to be set to your highest natural magic school rating (Tier XIII).
Racial Merit: Unbound (+50): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. All Attributes and Skills can be further improved by an additional 50 points.
Confidentiality (10): For up to a total of three hours a day, you can interrupt your live-stream feeds from your main consciousness and all of your Simulacrums simultaneously for up to three consecutive hours. This time will reset at midnight of the location of your primary consciousness. During the time when Confidentiality is activated, all bloodline flaws denoting magical abilities and capabilities will be muted. All livestream feeds will be set to a loop of the last thirty minutes before the time frame was activated. Note: Once the time for Confidentiality is reset, all prior actions over the past three hours can be viewed from any entity, including the primary consciousness. The only discretion is that the primary consciousness of Cassiopeia Spiritlight will be able to permanently redact up to three minutes of incriminating activities per daily Confidentiality session.
Class Spells
Planar Shift (Level 1) (A): Allows user to create a path connecting the realm of the living to the spirit world.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Spirit Sight (P): This spell allows you to pierce the veil separating the mortal and spirit realms. This spell will allow you to see through the veil regardless of which side you are the caster. Reserve: 2 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Mana Potency (P): This spell allows the caster to increase the potency of their Spirit Mana by 25% at a detriment to all other forms of mana within the body.
Spirit Energy Circulation (A): The first step towards becoming a healer of Spirit Magic. You have learned to infuse your spirit energy into the blood of another being, allowing you to circulate the blood of that person. Warning: This is a spell that can be used for healing or attack. Using this spell as a means of attack will forever mark your spirit as a Karmic Betrayer.
Spirit Blight Purification (C): Tier VII. A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
Resurrection (C): A tier IX spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, used to bring a spirit back from the dead.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard spell inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Attribute Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Attribute inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Skill Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Skill inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell: Curse Removal [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can remove any curse that is Tier VIII or lower. For tier IX curses, a contested battle of wills will need to be conducted to determine a victor.
Custom Simulacrum (C): Create a near perfect replica of one target of your choosing. Amount of maximum mana required to maintain: variable (minimum of 1% for continual maintenance, maximum used based on needs of simulacrum). Note: This spell has been modified, so that it can only copy you, and your simulacrum is for all intents and purposes an extension of yourself that has access to your same resource pools and abilities. (only spell available).
Dispel-Dispel: You have found a way to dispel a dispel cast at you and your spells and Traits.
New Spell Created: Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of the targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 10% increase for 24 hours. *Spell Restriction: This spell must be cast on two people simultaneously, who are both willing participants. **Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Tobias Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Animal Pack Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Sabrina Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted animal group, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Attributes, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell: Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight and allows the caster to create a perfected body for a newly deceased soul to reside in. Effect: Spirit is resurrected into a body deemed to be the peak physical form for their race and will experience a period of enhanced youth and vitality because of this. Negates any detriments caused by old age, such as painful joints, decreased muscle and bone density, or other effects associated with aging.
New Spell Created: Spirit Drift [Tier VI] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, and allows the caster the ability to defy gravity by having their spiritual weight substitute for their actual weight. Reserve: 25% of Maximum Mana.
New Spell Created: Polymorph: Divine Double Wings (Pearl) [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Sabrina Spiritlight and allows the caster the ability to permanently grow two sets of elegant wings. Mana: 10,000 (total) to cast, Reserve: 5%.
New Spell: Personalized Rejuvenation [Tier IX] (A): A spell designed by Sabrina Spiritlight that drastically increases the regeneration rate of health, mana, and stamina of the user for a period of time equal to one minute per point of Willpower.
New Spell: Conjured Magical Spirit Orb [Tier IX] (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that creates a highly compact magical construct that is infused with Spirit, Life, and Nature magic.
New Spell Created: Glitter Burst [Tier VII] (a): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that allows the caster to create a distracting burst of light, that will then coat anyone caught in the blast radius with mana particles. Good for entertainment, tracking, and light scale vandalism.
Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain (C) [Tier XIII]: A master work spell involving dual spell work latices, created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. This rain will both immobilize people suffering from the Blight, while simultaneously curing them of the affliction.
Kung Fu Grip (C) [Tier VIII]: A strengthening spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. By channeling energy into your hand, you can grab hold of anything, forcing the object you hold to maintain its integrity until you finally release your hold. This spell can even keep a spirit from dissolving into an alternate realm.
Cleansing Rain [Tier VII] (C): A storm spell created by Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, that can generate rains that will purge the Blight from any infected lands, and prevent the spread of the Blight from creatures that have been splashed with any purified rain water for up to 24 hours.
Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text [Tier XIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used to permanently alter the wordings on any contract, even magical soul bound contracts. This effect can be made permanent with double the initial mana costs. Can only be dispelled by a higher tier magical practitioner, or by the caster of the spell.
Superior Sleep Spell [Tier IV] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, mixing Spirit, Mental, and Healing magic components together to create a spell powerful enough to put even a Troll to sleep, while slowly healing any lasting ailments within the target.
ARF Disruptor [Tier VII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds the Arcane Resonance Framework of an area of effect spell that has been cast and attempts to disrupt the core components of the spell before the true effects of said spell can take place. This spell¡¯s name can be spoken out loud to double spell¡¯s overall effectiveness.
Spiritual Hogtieing (C) [Tier XIII]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that is used to tie up and subdue the spirit of a recently killed creature to prevent the spirit from moving on to the afterlife. In this state the captured spirit is exceptionally vulnerable and able to be manipulated into almost any shape, condition, or size. Note: Effects are doubled when cast on a person or creature that has the Recently Deceased debuff activated.
New Spell Created: Altered Resurrection (C) [Tier XIII]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that is probably the ultimate form of necromancy, being able to resurrect a spirit into a drastically different body.
New Spell Created: Forced Selective Hearing [Tier VIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that mentally stops a targeted person or area from hearing any voice other than the caster¡¯s while the caster is speaking. Now there is no way for your significant other to say they didn¡¯t hear you.
New Spell Created: Core Shattering Death Ray [Tier XIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds, targets and destroys the magical and Qi related cores of a targeted individual. Conditions: must have both Light and Spirit Magic to utilize.
Harmonious Magical School Spells
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight A [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components B, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight B [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight C [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight D [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and C to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
Qi Core Rating
Perfect Stage IV Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage IV Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity IV, Body Improvement IV, Movement IV, Qi Core Size IV, Qi Circulation IV, Combat Attacks IV, Aerial Combat IV. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed.
Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
Bloodline Trait
Bloodline Trait Acquired: Ancient Psychometry: The ability to view the past lives of spirits who long ago left this world and be able to witness, view, and interact with the world of the past. Conditions: Must be standing at the final resting place of someone to activate. User cannot move more than fifty meters away from the initial source of death.
Level 5 Class Evolution (Spell or Perk) Void Healer:
Class Perk Unlocked: Skill Infusion: All skills will be infused by the Void Walker essence, allowing the wielder to receive a 7% bonus to their skill¡¯s base level in the mortal realm, and a 15% bonus while in the spirit realm.
Simulacrum Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Simulacrum Schemes: You have been blessed with the creation of a Simulacrum that is not just like you, but is part of you. As such you can rest assured that every plan they create will work to benefit the both of you. Effect: +50% to Strategy, +50% to Tactics, +50% to Schemes, +50% to Plans.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Boundless Cultivation: You have been blessed with a supreme talent for cultivating that knows no bounds. As such, you can cultivate Qi energy at an astronomical rate. Effect: +50% to Divine Qi Cultivation, + 50% to Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation
Level 10 Class Evolution (Spell , Perk, or Skill) Void Healer
Class Skill Perk Unlocked: Spirit-Magic Spell Creation: With this skill you can create spirit-based magic spells, so long as your Magical Theory and Spell Theory are adequate to generate the spell you wish to make.
Skill Spirit-Magic Spell Creation is an Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Simulacrum Master
New Class Skill Gained: Eidetic Speed Reading has reached level 1.
Class Skill Eidetic Speed Reading is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Skill Gained: Divine Qi Energy Observation
Class Skill Divine Qi Energy Observation is a Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Level 25 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, or Trait) Void Healer
Omni-Healing: Heal any living creature with comparable magical energy.
Simulacrum Master
Positional Switch: You and your Simulacrum have become so intertwined that by just willing it, you can switch geolocational positions with your doppelganger regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Trait (Akashic Qi Master) Unlocked: Celerity: You have heightened your body and mind to such an extent that you can force reality to slow down around you, while you move and react to people and actions around you. Increases movement speed by a factor of one-one hundredth of your Dexterity Score. Current Value: 5.6.
Level 50 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill) Ethereal Healer
Class Perk: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you are able to regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free floating spirit.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Class Perk: Magic Disruption: You have managed to focus your will into dominating the magical spectrum around you. Effect: +100% Range when dueling other magicians, +100% efficacy when dismantling a spell targeted towards you, +100% when trying to alter, diver, or diminish any form of magical energy around you.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Qi Technique Propagator: You have managed to focus your will into creating new Qi Techniques that can be used and trained by all users of Qi. Effect: +100% Ability to Create new Qi Techniques, +100% efficacy of all new Qi Techniques created by you that you use, +100% efficiency in your ability to teach known Qi Techniques to others.
Level 100 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Healing Magic, Nature Magic) Ethereal Healer
Nature Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Nature Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Ethereal Simulacrum Master
Life Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Life Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Akashic Qi Master
(Qi Specialization): Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
Level 200 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Magic, Trait) Ethereal Healer
Energy Status Resonance (Unique): This unique Trait will allow the caster to impart a desired effect of energy onto a willing target who can then mentally comprehend the exact nature of the energy flowing within them, and how that energy is meant to flow.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Positional Teleportation (Unique): This unique Trait will allow you to create a one or two-way portal between yourself and one of your doppelgangers where people, resources, and energy can transfer freely, regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Trait Unlocked: Qi Devourer. The ability to break down Qi related attacks and abilities and devour a portion of the power used in the attack. Success of breaking apart attack equal to a contested (Willpower X appropriate Skills) versus opponent¡¯s (Willpower X appropriate Skills). Able to consume up to half of energy mitigated by this Trait that will be added to an auxiliar core. Once auxiliary core is completely full of absorbed energy, this Trait cannot be used until stolen Qi is utilized in absorber¡¯s body.
Level 250 Auras Ethereal Healer
Generic Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates 1% of the class owner¡¯s overall magic pool per second. Radius of effect equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura of effect be toggled on and off, at a cost of 0.5% mana per second.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Blight-Healing Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of Blight related pathogens around the wielder per second. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana consumption. Note: Due to the nature of this aura, stealth and other obfuscation related skills and abilities will be hindered by an additional 25%.
Akashic Qi Master
Concealed Cultivation Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of people¡¯s ability to identify your individual Qi signature, or cultivation levels. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana or Qi consumption. Note: This aura will not mask magical effects, items, or magical signatures.
Level 300 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Magic, Trait) Ethereal Healer
Class Trait Unlocked: Resurrection: The ability to take a spirit that is otherwise separated from their mortal shell and re-insert the spirit into a similar, or improved version of the mortal shell.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
N/A: Candidate does not reach minimum requirements to unlock this ability.
Akashic Qi Master
N/A: Candidate does not reach minimum requirements to unlock this ability.
Soulbound Items
Engineering Guild Goggles "EGGs": (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Standard Wizard Adept Gear "SWAG" (Cloak): (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifest)
Silver Level Adventurer¡¯s Card (Necklace): (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
Apothecary Generic Equipment (Gloves): (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
Basic Thieves Mask (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
Spirit Line Ticket: (A permanent first class ticket for you and a friend, 1000 Gold retainer for gambling)
VIP Membership Card to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall
Midnight Hunter''s Guild Recruitment Card
Arcanarus University Diploma: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Master''s Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Confirmed Merit Point Receipt (Soul Bound): You have turned in 9,400,250 experience points for a one time purchase of 0 Merit Points Remaining, which can be redeemed at any specially marked traveling shops.
Personal Thanks: This is a personal note of thanks from Mudrikal Ghaniston, seek him out once you leave the tower to earn a possible reward.
Arcanarus University Surgical Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy and growth rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Soul Bind Item: Midnight Hunter¡¯s Doctorial Uniform: Official uniform worn by those noted as Doctors within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. As long as owner remains within the Midnight Hunters guild they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Mana Capacity, +15% Movement Speed, +15% Silent Movement, +8% Energy Hiding, +2% Energy Efficiency.
Badges:
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster. 1
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level. 25
New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used) 50 (Gone)
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. GONE
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Empire Dropper (500). You managed to topple a successful industry empire 500
New Feat Recorded: Healer of Valor (250). You have proven yourself to be a healer people can depend upon 250
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher Gone
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead. 250
New Feat Recorded: Gambling Guru (100): You placed fifth or higher in a gambling contest involving 500 people or more. 100
New Feat Recorded: Been Caught Cheating (500): You are banned from all gambling facilities for a period of no less than seven years and nine months. 500
New Feat Recorded: Survive an Audit Through Seduction (500). You are the first person to successfully navigate your way through an audit through deception and seduction alone. 500
New Feat Recorded: Magical Dueling Master (100): You managed to win a magical duel against a reported master in the field. 100
New Feat Recorded: Grand Master Tier Spell Creator (I) (1,000). You managed to create a spell that is at Tier X 1,000
New Feat Recorded: Catching a master thief (100). You singlehandedly caught a master thief who managed to steal hundreds of thousands of cold from a Guild. 100
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Progenitor (10,000): You are the Bloodline Progenitor for the Legendary Bloodline: Enigmatic Arcanist Elves. 10,000
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Awakened (5,000): You have managed to awaken a Legendary Bloodline (Enigmatic Arcanist Elves). 5,000
New Feat Recorded: Princess of a Once Noble Kingdom (1,000): You have been recognized as the next in line of a once noble empire of elves. Increase your empire¡¯s reign to increase the value of this badge. 1,000
Prologue VI Prologue VI ¡°All right everyone, we are now up to day Fifteen of Cass boycotting her forced marriage to her alleged ex. For those of you who are just tuning in, or who have been living under a rock for the last Fifteen days and are wondering why there hasn¡¯t been that much high-flying action from our favorite up and coming fairy super star, here is why the feeds have been relatively quiet.¡± Larry begins on his podcast. ¡°Namely her last major act of defiance was when she went all biblical and smote the evil cult of Blight psychotropic plant worshipers. This was the cult that was growing a Blight distributing fungus that was slowly killing off parts of the spiritual world tree Yggdraspirit in the Arcanarus Tower. She created or used a spell right on the spot that has never been seen before or since, where she unleashed biblical judgement on the corrupt church officials, and killed off all traces of the Blight narcotic juice bearing vines from floor 210, and then took the next couple of days to eradicate the Blight vines on the lower floors. Good for her personally and of course anyone wishing to climb the great spirit tree without getting stricken with the Blight, but slow ratings wise.¡± ¡°Added to that is the fact that Mallory and others are in the process of making it so all of Cass¡¯s guild funds are being converted directly into products and materials that will be then gifted to SVC college, to include but not limited to the patent for both forms of Outsourcers. The Outsourcer-5000 for mages, and the newer Outsourcer-6000 for cultivators. The reason for this is that apparently Cass and her alleged ex-husband were never officially divorced, despite being separated for over twenty years. Apparently when Rob Sr. left her for another woman, Cass buckled down and made it so Rob would have to pay for the divorce if he wanted to marry a newer model. The joke is apparently on Cass, for shortly after the separation, the other woman broke up with Rob Sr. after having all his joint accounts drained, and thus died alone and penny-less. Why is this marriage still allowed? Well the world of BiPrism does not have jurisdiction to cancel binding contracts from the time of one¡¯s life, especially ones that are as open ended with phrasing like till death do us part. As such there has not really been too much precedence for this. However, both parties are apparently allowed to divorce, but only once both are in the world together. That is why we still have to wait five more days to see how this exciting segment will end.¡± Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°As for climbing the tower, Cass has been rather slow, finding every shiny object, as always, but ultimately avoiding major conflicts, other than finding the random person to heal or cure of random spiritual diseases.¡± ¡°In fact, most of her time has been spent on floor 235, where she has been working on repairing an old derelict airship that has long since grown into disrepair. This has become not only her own, but her Simulacrum¡¯s passion project as each Simulacrum has spent the majority of their times trying to research this or help with this in some way. The Simulacrum that goes around as either Octavia or King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri use the resources from the Deolar kingdom to find and mine ores that are capable of being used to channel both Qi and Mana independently, or simultaneously. These are the Tier III gears that are said to be able to avoid erosion in both the different magical realms, which means they can of course stand up to being around Cass and her highly intense magical auras.¡± ¡°So that is everything that you missed and more in a nutshell. Though please continue to tune in as we all know she has been too quiet for far too long. Also within the next couple of days is when everything will all come to a head. That¡¯s right, I¡¯m talking about the emergence of the ex-but-not-ex husband. The dual pregnancies and births of both Cass¡¯s daughter Gwen who is carrying both Cass¡¯s adopted and Mallory¡¯s biological daughter will be born during the actual wedding ceremony of Cass, Cass¡¯s avatar, or what everyone is banking on now is Gwen posing as King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri, to sleep with Mallory. However this might be a bit complicated if both are expected to copulate, while the male in this scenario would also be expected to give birth at the same time. Yes, everyone is ready and waiting for the disaster to unfold, while not a few darker bloggers are out hoping that one Simulacrum will have to take care of birthing the granddaughter, while Cass herself will be forced to fill in the role of the King and fully consummate the marriage. Yes, viewing prices are already being set, with a minimum age of eighteen being allowed to see and experience the production. While this will only be done via silhouettes recorded on the wall, I have a feeling that we will all be fully entertained. I know for myself that I already have my premium viewing package purchased and am ready to share all the amazing details with you, my faithful viewers.¡± ¡°Oh, and one other complication that I know you are all interested in as well. The Kujo¡¯s yes, the terror of the forgotten plains are also set to give birth to their litter of murder pups on or about the same night as the royal wedding. These next few days will surely be an experience that we won¡¯t soon forget. Stay tuned, for I have a feeling we haven¡¯t seen anything yet. This is Larry Yo-Boy signing off.¡± Chapter 210 A Cat With Its Own Laser Pointer Chapter 210 A Cat With Its Own Laser Pointer Work is therapeutic in a way. Something terrible going on in your life? Well, find a job, devote those parts of yourself that are in pain to the all mighty job, and then work until you are nothing left but skin and bones. The only problem is, once you realize what you are doing, the act of blindly throwing yourself at your job becomes less effective. Then you get a passion project in addition to work and supporting your kids. Then eventually, when the kids move out and start life on their own, that¡¯s when you realize that you are now hollow. That one aspect that you used to give you motivation to get up and push farther and harder than you ever have before is suddenly gone. Right now, my entire being is working on fixing up the old junk ship on floor 235 of the Arcanarus Tower. Personally, I think the ship is both a godsend and a gentle nudge to me from the world as to what I am supposed to do. See, the ship can only be run by using both external mana and Qi simultaneously. That¡¯s right, right after I created the Outsourcer-5000 for the mages in my classes to use to work on their mana control, I of course went and created the Outsourcer-6000 for my cultivators. This way both groups had ways of practicing and using both forms of energy in a way that didn¡¯t require me to constantly yell at them and tell them they were doing it incorrectly. Of course, I thought nothing of this, thinking that it was a one and done process, until I found this derelict blimp ship. The thing was ugly, left in the middle of a salvage yard run by an old crusty gnomish hoarder of dead and dying mechanical devices. Yet, one look at the ship and I knew it was what I wanted to work on as my next passion project. How did I know that the system wanted me to take this vehicle as my next passion project, well there were quite a few warnings. The first was that my Disaster Foresight skill was going off like crazy when I saw it, which of course meant that it was somehow important. I saw the ship for what it was apparently supposed to be, and not what it was. I saw it as the possible ship of the future, as it seemed absolutely perfect to me. It even seemed to beckon to me, as I could see traces of both mana and qi in its gears and piping. This ship could be powered by Qi and Mana. At least, that was what I thought at first. Also, it didn¡¯t hurt that the ship felt oddly familiar in a way that was hard to explain at first. It wasn¡¯t until I eventually bought the stupid thing by doing a million fetch quests and part creation quests for that stupid gnomish hoarder that owns this junkyard, that I found out why this ship felt so familiar. The ship was a walking, well stationary, copyright violation. It was as if the system took both my Outsourcer-5000, and my Outsourcer-6000, overlapped them over each other in the way a kid who had no idea what they were doing would do. Then when they were angry that the toy, they were working on didn¡¯t work, they angrily crumpled up the defective super-toy and left it in a junk yard. A junk yard that I would be all but forced to pass by and thereby see the monstrosity and be drawn to the ship as if it was some oncoming iceberg of doom, and I being the Titanic ditz that I am saw said iceberg and said, you know what, I could dance with that and be just fine. ¡°You know Cass, it is called Disaster Foresight, for a reason.¡± I chastise myself as I rip out even more of the internal wiring to make room for my refitted piece that I must create on my own. ¡°Still angry at the fact that you won the rights to this pile of garbage?¡± Zero asks. That was the other thing, I had to win the title to this vehicle from the gnomish hoarder via a card game. I won, I mean how could I lose, the guy had so many tells that I thought his first name was William. That was before you add in the fact that I could read both his cards and my own and the fact that whenever I really wanted to intimidate him I just needed to open my third eye and cycle a bit of Qi through the eye. After that, he seemed to lose most of his will to battle with me, and I soon found myself the owner of a brand new sky ship. Tingles. I was so excited in winning the thing that I immediately went to the ship to find out what was wrong with it. Finally, after so many years, I had done it, I had reached the BiPrism dream. I owned my own flying airship. Just thinking about it made me giddy with delight. I remember Teleporting into the ship and standing behind the wheel. ¡°Can you even see over the wheel there?¡± Zero asked. I just shake my head and answered truthfully. ¡°Of course I can,¡± this wasn¡¯t a complete lie. While my small body made it so I couldn¡¯t traditionally see over the steering wheel without flying, I fortunately didn¡¯t need to do such an act to steer the vehicle. What¡¯s worse is that Zero who is also short used that time to call me out. I know he can change his height, but by that same note I can too, so I don¡¯t quite know what the dig about height was for. Still this was my first vehicle that I owned. Well, my first one here in my retirement, and I was so ready to make it perfect. I could tell that there would clearly be a few things that needed to be fixed. There was the breached hull, the broken air tubes, the faulty wiring from being left to rot for so long, but it had good bones. At least, that was what I thought when I first began working on this project, yet the more I worked on the system, the more I realized the person who created this had absolutely no idea what they were in fact doing. Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation. There were two separate feeds that I would use to grab onto and channel out Qi and Mana into. This was fine, and what was to be almost expected as you could do certain things with mana that you couldn¡¯t with Qi and vice versa. Chief among the greatest ideas was the separation of the core responsibilities for each set of energy. Mana would be used to rapidly fill up, deflate, and otherwise protect the blimp portion of the ship. Qi was supposed to provide stability to the base, help make movements fluid and provide overall grace to the ship. At least that is what I thought should happen. Of course, no one asked for my opinion on how to create a mana and Qi powered airship, which is why I was left with this monstrosity. Rather than separating the two powers, it tried to forcefully combine the two powers in a spinning spiral chamber. Which would be great, if the stupid thing worked. This seemed to be the creation of a rambling good idea fairy, where someone with more money and imagination than brains decided, yes let¡¯s coil two different streams of energy together, use it for absolutely nothing and then separate the two a moment later. Or at least try to separate the two coiling energy strands and break them off into functional energy forms. The only problem was that once separated the new energy forms were highly combustible and as anyone who has ever tried to fly their own airship would tell you, trying to use a highly combustible energy source to do everything was just asking for trouble. That said, there was one glaringly obvious reason as to why the two streams of energy were combined right away. This was something that I clearly missed while I was taking apart everything, rewiring the entire ship to not be a fire hazard, and ultimately changing out very piece of burnt wiring and containment units. As it turns out, there was a bit of logic to the initial blending of the two energy sources. Namely the starting instrument panel that had been set right after the combination of the two forms of energy was a way to measure the flow input of energy to the ship. How I missed this key detail, well I will tell you the truth. It was burnt down with so many other instruments within the command room that I had a hard time distinguishing what it was, at first. The fact that I was able to understand what the burnt down goo of metal and parts was at all was a miracle to me, and something that I will forever say is a mystery I could have honestly lived without solving. Basically, I was able to read just enough characters from ripping apart different components to find enough words to determine that it was an energy, height, and speed regulator, basically the autopilot for a futuristic steam punk blimp run on mana and Qi, rather than fossil fuels. Basically, after a week of ripping up and out every burnt piece of wiring and other problems I found from the terribly constructed system, I found out that I might actually want the two energy sources to be added. Ultimately, I did, and decided to work the console back into the features of the ship, but only after it had made its victory lap around the ship, powering the sails, thrusters, propulsion units, and everything else that was needed. Then and only then, was the energy allowed to come back, mix in a better twisting container to measure the energy input and output. ¡°So any progress on your quest?¡± Zero asks. Groan. I swear Zero just loves torturing me on this, as he noted many times that he and I could just fly wherever we wanted, and that having an airship was a bit tacky. Of course, he didn¡¯t understand the mystique of being a sky pirate with an eye patch and really cool leather jacket. This was why he always needled me over my quest that I was given to fix this stupid ship.
New Quest Discovered: Flight of the Penguin (Ongoing): You have found the remains of, and became the owner of a derelict ship designed to run off of mana and Qi. The only problem is that the ship doesn¡¯t fly. Fix the ship and fly to the heavens. Current progress for repairs (98 / 100). Rewards: Experience, Skills, New Unique vehicle, other.
From a collection of random skills perspective, this quest has been great.
New Skill Gained: Piloting is now level 1.
Piloting is a Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, and Intelligence based skill.
This skill was kind of a no brainer, as it was definitely a skill I would need to gain before being able to actually fly. Also, the fact that I had to move and twist every gear to make sure everything flowed smoothly was not lost on me. Though I was exceptionally happy that I got this skill before my maiden voyage, so I could at least practice before spending the better part of a month working on completely refitting every major component of this ship, before taking it up, only to crash it.
New Skill Gained: Customized Repair Work is now level 1.
Customized Repair Work is a Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
This skill was one that sort of made sense, and I was not too surprised with the Attributes that were affected by it. This was the skill that I was basically using to appease myself with the new parts I was creating and placing into my vehicle. The fact that Attractiveness was the only Attribute not affected by this skill was sort of a shock, at first. That was until I realized the truth, namely that everything dealing with this skill was not pretty at all. This skill was the hard and fast version of forcefully creating, bending, and twisting an object to fit a specifically desired location so that one specific function could be performed, otherwise the entire ship would not work. That was how I got the ultimate artisan related skill.
New Skill Gained: Custom Detailing has reached level 1.
Custom Detailing is a Dexterity X2, Stamina, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
With this skill I got the attention to the Attractiveness attribute that I desperately wanted as this forced me to incorporate more of a feng shui style to my creation and implementation of parts. While I might be okay with random wires hanging out and dangling everywhere, some less cultured people might feel frightened about such occurrences, as such having this skill really helped me keep a de-cluttered approach towards repairing the ship. With this, I would go work on a section, which meant I would rip it open, pull out its guts, dissect it on the spot. Then replace those ripped out organs for newer better organs, then pack up the spot, making it look better than new, and move on. Very time consuming, but overall very cathartic. Those three new skills alone were enough to keep me working on this ship alone. That is part of why I think this instant reward system of being able to stop and see your skill increases is entirely underestimated as a way to continue to keep being motivated on new tasks that prove to be more troublesome than originally expected. Yet, despite everything I still couldn¡¯t figure out what this last two percent was for. ¡°No,¡± I finally answer Zero as I let out an exasperated huff. ¡°Well, have you figured out what all the tools did?¡± Zero asks. With that, I just gesture to the command room, this was the first place I began my work, and now it seems to be the final spot that I find myself in. My gesture was meant as a way to show that most of the instrumentation panels around me are little more than burnt down slags of rubble. ¡°I¡¯ve found the voltage meter, or whatever the equivalent for measuring combined mana and Qi flow rates should be called.¡± I state. ¡°You know, you really should name that.¡± Zero presses. Sigh. I hate naming things. I am always so bad at it, then when other people come to see my new inventions they always poke fun at the names. Which only puts more pressure on me to come up with a better name the next time, which ultimately makes it so I want to stop creating things if only for the fact that I won¡¯t be forced to name anything ever again. That said, apparently what I did was enough to create a brand new measuring machine that had never been seen before in this world and Zero was here giving me the prompt to name this machine. A machine that would measure the rates of Qi and Mana and measure their Flow through the ship and see how they ultimately converged into a pool that could serve as an emergency battery for when the ship was being overpowered by the user. It was the battery part at the end that I think is where the new name came from. Well that and likely the whole relay system. Ultimately, the world gave me the guidelines of what it said was possible, I just filled in the variables to actually make them make sense and be able to work properly. ¡°Do I have to?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, this is very important and something every inventor would be extremely proud of. This device can and will revolutionize the air transport industry. From here on out mages and cultivators alike will be able to afford passage on luxury air ships for nothing more than being a cheap but reliable fuel source for the airship crew and their captain. Think about it, with this you will lower emissions and make it so we have a cleaner brighter future.¡± Zero states, giving me the most intricate save the planet speeches of all pep talks. ¡°Fine,¡± I say thinking about it, about how I want it to be simple and yet able explain what the machine does. How it monitors the ship to see how well energy works and if there are any disconnects between the person supplying the energy and where it ultimately ends up at the end. Then it hits me, and before I have a second to doubt myself I realize that I have done it. As I have come up with quite possibly the perfect name to describe this device. ¡°It¡¯s the QiMO machine.¡± ¡°QiMO?¡± Zero asks. ¡°Yeah, you know a contraction for Qi and Mana FlOw machine.¡± I state, trying to emphasize the ow sound there at the end. Silence. Finally after my staring at Zero for a minute he seems to begrudgingly shake his snout as he replies, ¡°okay.¡± ¡°What? You don¡¯t like it?¡± ¡°What¡¯s not to like about QiMO, I¡¯m sure everyone will be thrilled to have this in their lives.¡± Zero states, and I am momentarily lost, but before I can get too distracted about Zero¡¯s odd reaction I get the system message that I have been waiting for all this time.
New Quest Completed: Flight of the Penguin Part I (Ongoing): You have become the owner of a derelict ship designed to run off of mana and Qi. You even managed to fix it so it could finally fly. Current progress for repairs (100 / 100). Rewards: Experience, Skills, New Unique vehicle, other.
Then before the results of the quest are provided, I find myself stating, ¡°that was it? That was all that was needed, me providing a new name?¡± ¡°Yep,¡± Zero responds, with a note of apprehension to his voice. Hearing his resignation I can¡¯t quite understand why, as all it took was one cool acronym and now we can fly, all thanks to QiMO. Chapter 211 The Boss’s Office Chapter 211 The Boss¡¯s Office Coming home is always an odd experience for me. And yes, I can finally say that this place, this little oasis out here in the middle of the desert is my home. My family is here, well half of it, for now. My friends are here, and most importantly all of my myriad of other side projects that I use to keep me busy are here. ¡°Hey Cass, welcome back,¡± Johnny says right after I arrive, taking the place of my Simulacrum who had been here effectively holding my spot. ¡°Hey, you¡¯re getting better at this, tell me what did you notice?¡± I ask trying both to understand how I can improve, and also seeing where Johnny is at his level of development. ¡°Well, part of it is I think my bloodline being either really cognizant of other bloodline progenitors, especially progenitors that are a higher lineage ranking than my own. The other part is that your energy is just slightly more condensed.¡± Hearing his explanation, I am both intrigued and filled with a myriad of possible test scenarios. I imagine dressing Mallory up in one of my avatars and seeing if he can in fact tell that it is Mallory within the avatar as she meets both criteria that he listed of being a progenitor and having a higher concentrated bloodline. Apparently, I let my mind wonder down this train of thought for too long as something in my face gave me away, apparently. ¡°Um, what are you scheming now?¡± Johnny asked a note of concern in his voice. ¡°Me? Nothing,¡± I state almost defensively at this point. ¡°Okay,¡± Johnny says in that I totally don¡¯t believe you, but I don¡¯t want to argue with the boss on a Monday type of tone. With that I am drawn to the fact that while I am now done with my construction project for repairing the airship, I might need to go about getting more resources allocated for classroom use. This for me means I must go straight to one person. Everyone else can go straight to the supply clerk and get a monthly allotment of specialty resources ordered on their behalf that will then be taken out of their guild wages. Unfortunately, due to not wanting to give a dime of my success to my future ex, I no longer have a wage. Which is sad, as I saw how much Mallory valued me, and realized that I think after bonuses and everything, I was actually earning more than Mallory was there for a bit. Not that I saw any of that money, nor will I at this point as all of that money that I earned for the nearly eight months that I have been out here working to make this a bastion of magic, has now all been sent back to fund my apparently expensive hobbies and eccentric lifestyle. With the fact that I know I must go to one person for all of my needs is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing in that I know the person and know they want nothing but the best for me, which ultimately means everyone here eventually gets a better lifestyle due to trickle-down magical economics. Trickle-down magical economics, kind of like real trickle-down economics, but this system actually works. Or at least we have gotten it to work thus far. The basis of trickle-down economics is the idea that by spending money on things you use that money to fund projects that pay people who do those projects and ultimately the money goes from the wealthy at the top to those less fortunate at the bottom. With trickle-down magical economics you use mana, rather than currency. Unlike currency, which is a finite resource, mana is theoretically unlimited, especially with the fact that everyone can ultimately produce a tiny portion of magic forever. This means that when I cast a spell, even after the spell is over, the mana from that spell remains. Then we get a bunch of highly talented students all gathered into one spot, and force them to continuously cast and use man, and we have more residual mana remaining. Not much at first, just tiny particles of energy that add up over time. Added to this is the fact that the lands we chose to build upon were ancient territories run by past magical experts, and then covered in the Blight, which by all accounts seems to be a magical parasite of some kind that can go across species and across different mediums. The Blight, also releases residual mana particles that are then absorbed into the ground, making it so we are ultimately making a land more magical than that Rodent land, at least once we are done it will be. ¡°Oh, before you get too distracted,¡± Johnny begins, cutting me out of my theory of the magical trickle-down economics theory, which might mean something eventually, of that I am certain. But just before I can have my epiphany, Johnny hits me with the bombshell of all thought derailing bombshells. ¡°I was told to tell you to find and talk to Mallory immediately.¡± Hearing that, I can¡¯t help but go into full panic mode. Something about being told to go to the boss¡¯s office immediately that always causes concerns. ¡°Did she say why?¡± I ask, trying to figure out what the problem is, so I can have a possible solution ready by the time I get there. ¡°Nope, just that it was urgent and that before this week got too far along, you needed to be there.¡± Johnny stated. With that I can only feel my body fidget slightly at the sudden surprise. I try to think about what I¡¯ve done that could be considered bad, but then realize most of those were not caught yet. ¡°I mean the Kujos would keep her from looking into that one¡­¡± I mutter randomly to myself. ¡°What about the Kujos?¡± Johnny asks, his Perception getting high enough that he can now hear me mumbling to myself. ¡°What? Oh, nothing. Completely unrelated to anything going on here.¡± I assure him. ¡°You know, that knowing you that is not too reassuring right?¡± He asks. ¡°What? Don¡¯t worry it is nothing that can destroy, blow up, or otherwise completely destroy a certain portion of this place.¡± I try to say placatingly. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°So to be clear it is dangerous, but not at an apocalyptic level just more of a super villain blowing up a bank scale?¡± Johnny asks. I am about to respond, but then realize he is just joking. ¡°Oh, haha, I get it. Everyone is afraid I will turn to the dark side.¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not worried about you going over to the dark side.¡± ¡°Oh, and not saying that you should, but what exactly is your rationale for this?¡± I ask, needing to hear some much needed words of confidence. Something along the lines of you are so good and pure that we would never expect you to fall. It would be a lie, but a much appreciated one on a Monday morning before work, where I have to go to the boss¡¯s office. At least that was what I hoped for. What I got was an entirely different response. ¡°It¡¯s the fact that you don¡¯t eat or drink.¡± Johnny states, clearly denoting how I only sustain myself via Spirit Sustenance, a diet that I have been on for so long now that when I sweat, I apparently sweat pure mana. Or something very close to highly concentrated mana for most people. Idly I wonder if I could bottle my blood, sweat, and tears as a type of high end mana potion. Then quickly dismiss that idea as the idea of lifting up my arms to catch my sweat into a bottle is just too much for me. ¡°What?¡± I ask, partially to Johnny¡¯s comments and partially to make sure I didn¡¯t miss anything in our exchange so far. Then he hits me with what he considers to be a punchline. ¡°Yeah, this way you are immune to the number one lure of the dark side.¡± ¡°What?¡± I ask once more, before he hits me with what he thinks is a punchline, apparently. ¡°Yeah, this way when they offer you cookies, I know you won¡¯t be tempted.¡± Johnny states, his face smiling slightly as he is just waiting for the punchline to stick. Shaking my head, I just try to exhale, then hit him with taking care of the morning workout before I join the day. ¡°I hope you are willing to practice your Qi techniques more than your joke delivery.¡± I state. With that Johnny just visibly deflates slightly at that, as his excitement at trying to get a laugh out of me has clearly dwindled. Seeing him deflate like that, I can¡¯t help but let out an, ¡°ahh, don¡¯t feel bad.¡± With that I reach out a hand and let a bit of gold and silver Qi fill the tips of my fingers as I touch his face. With that, I see that the energy from my body has an almost immediate effect on him, as he seems to visibly relax from my touch. ¡°Thank you,¡± Johnny states, after letting out a slight breath of tension. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, besides lots of people are bad at telling jokes.¡± I state, then smiling slightly to myself as I see the look of recognition fill his face, I Teleport away, making sure to get the last laugh. Poof. ¡°Now that¡¯s how you tell a punchline.¡± I state to myself, as I appear right outside of Mallory¡¯s office. Blur. There is an object moving quickly from the seat behind Mallory¡¯s desk to the door. Had this been anywhere else, I would have Teleported away, as the monster coming was clearly on a different physical level than I could ever hope to match. Not unless I stopped time or used some other trump card. Fortunately, I know it is Mallory charging right towards me which gives me a bunch of options. The fact that she is barreling right at me, indicates that she desperately wants to catch me before I go away. Meaning whatever she has to tell me is vitally important. The fact that she didn¡¯t stay behind her desk as a form of power play lets me realize that my chief concern, namely I was going to be yelled at for something I did and Mallory just found out about it was not going to happen. The reason being, that if I had messed up, Mallory of course would make me come to her where she would continue to have all the power throughout the entire process. Since she was up and trying to catch me meant, that I was likely going to be tasked with doing something else, something that was likely important and most likely needed to be done correct the first time and with haste. I realize all of this in a second, and for that reason alone, I decided to have a bit more fun with Mallory. Poof. Just before Mallory manages to open her ornate double wooden doors without breaking them, I Teleport away from where I had been standing a few seconds ago. Where am I? Simple, I am now right behind Mallory, sitting in her very seat that she just vacated. As I sit down in the chair, I find it to be exceedingly comfortable, almost as if I am sitting on a heated cloud. Just sitting here, I let out a breath and realize that here I am slaving away all the time, while Mallory gets a comfortable cloud throne to sit in. Mallory for her part swings open the door, that despite her holding back it is clear she almost rips the door off its hinges. Then she proceeds to scan the lobby area. ¡°I could have sworn I just heard her,¡± Mallory mutters to herself as she scans the area. At this point, I decide to chime in. ¡°Are you looking for someone?¡± With that Mallory straightens up, her posture going from ready to attack, to her highly dignified bearing. Straightening herself to her full height, I can¡¯t help but notice the slight changes that have overtaken her. She has always been tall, well when you are the size of a slightly maturing middle schooler you tend to notice tall people. But Mallory has always been tall, even compare to other males around her level. Yet, even with this obvious heigh advantage, she seems to be just a bit taller. That¡¯s when I ask. ¡°Have you grown taller?¡± ¡°Have you shrunk? You look like a booster seat there.¡± Mallory quips. ¡°Hey,¡± I shoot back, but then looking around, I see that she might be right. In order to work effectively from this chair I would likely need a booster seat to be effective at utilizing this table. Especially with everything important being so far away. Fortunately, I have Telekinesis, which I use to grab all the items from around the table, raise them up and have them all begin performing different tasks independently. I sign off on the final fund transfers, the loan agreements from the guild for more resources for my classes, and a few other forms that are clearly for me to sign. Which I know is at least part of why I was called to come here. Only once I am done, do I stop to see that Mallory is just standing there in wide-mouthed amazement. ¡°What?¡± I just signed the forms that were clearly for me. I state, making sure she knows I didn¡¯t overstep my boundaries. ¡°No, I realize that, it¡¯s just that you somehow even manage to make bureaucracy look easy.¡± Mallory states, a note of awe to her voice. At that I pause, and cut off where I think this is going to go. ¡°No.¡± ¡°No?¡± ¡°Yeah, just no. I am not going to be some bureaucrat,¡± I begin, but then pause and bounce slightly in the comfy chair. ¡°Though I don¡¯t think I would mind if I got one of these chairs.¡± ¡°Would you even sit down in a chair? I didn¡¯t know you knew how to relax even that much.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Hey.¡± I begin, but then thinking about her comment, I realize she might be mostly correct. There is no way I could sit down for too long. Even now that the joke is over, and my purpose for sitting here is done, I find that my legs and feet are almost twitching and kicking on their own. ¡°Yeah, maybe it would be better to give this type of seat to Gwen or someone else who could appreciate it fully. Though it is nice.¡± With that I easily swim out from under the table, pushing my weightless body upwards as I begin flapping my wings out and over Mallory¡¯s table. As I get up from the seat, Mallory moves over to retake her place, where she sits down with a form of regal grace that has to be a skill. For a moment I wonder if I have that skill? Then I wonder if I should ask her what skill it is that she is using, but before I can get too far into this train of thoughts, Mallory begins speaking. ¡°So are you ready for this week?¡± Mallory asks a bit of nervous tension in her voice. At that, I pause, and think about everything. ¡°If this is about my class this morning, don¡¯t worry Johnny has them doing the morning stretches and warm ups.¡± ¡°No, not that,¡± Mallory begins, but then catches herself. ¡°Well, yes, you do need to worry about your classes, but I was wondering if you were ready for everything else that would happen this week.¡± With the word else, Mallory twists her head in that gesture that means there is something deeper to be concerned about, but she doesn¡¯t want to state it directly. ¡°What?¡± I ask, as I realize there are a lot of other elses, though my else, my future ex-husband coming back that won¡¯t be for another ten days or so. But this else seems like she means something more immediate, which is why I am now having a hard time catching up to what exactly she is hinting at. ¡°The wedding!¡± Mallory hisses. ¡°Oh, that else,¡± I begin as I let out a breath of relief as I thought I forgot something important. ¡°That is this weekend right?¡± I ask. ¡°It is on Sunday.¡± Mallory states emphatically. ¡°Okay, good, I¡¯m tracking.¡± ¡°You¡¯re tracking? You¡¯re tracking. That¡¯s it? You aren¡¯t doing anything to prepare?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What do you want me to do? Find a way to stop time?¡± I ask. But then, I pause and realize that I am already close with my Qi power of Celerity, but is there a way to stop time, or at the very least slow it down so much that time as we understand it as a whole stops? ¡°No, stop that, whatever it is you are thinking about right now. You need to stop.¡± Mallory states, pulling me from my thoughts. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You just had that look like you were going to try to break something fundamentally important to the world and I just wanted to stop it right there.¡± Mallory states, clear apprehension in her voice. She isn¡¯t lying, but she isn¡¯t being entirely truthful either. Hearing that, I pause as I realize that I have had multiple thoughts within her presence, but there is almost never a time when she gets this flustered from my thinking. In fact, normally she encourages me to think. That¡¯s when I realize, ¡°you got a quest trying to get me to stop?¡± At that Mallory looks a bit sheepish, but then ultimately nods in agreement. Hearing that, I pause for a moment then realize what the system was trying to tell me all along. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that I was close to being correct?¡± ¡°What? No, I was just told to get you to stop at any cost.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°So, a cost, meaning we can barter? I stop my thoughts on creating Time Stopping magic, and you reward me for my lack of efforts?¡± I asked, realizing that I might need to restock my engineering crafting supplies and this might be the opportunity that I needed to do so without taking out another fake loan. ¡°Time stopping magic? Can that even happen?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Apparently I was close enough, that or the world didn¡¯t want me to take any chances.¡± I respond. There is a slight look of hesitation on Mallory¡¯s face, before she gets down to business. ¡°What did you have in mind?¡± With that question, I smile brightly as I realize maybe being summoned to the boss¡¯s office wasn¡¯t all that bad. ¡°Actually¡­¡± Chapter 212 Finding Myself, And Other Simulacrum Initiated Problems Chapter 212 Finding Myself, And Other Simulacrum Initiated Problems Apparently having more than one copy of myself seems like it would be a complete blessing. And honestly having more of me around to do the various things that I need to do is a blessing, mostly. That said, there are the times when I can safely say I know exactly what Mallory goes through when trying to deal with me. Okay, wait, I can¡¯t really say that. Mallory is a saint, if I am anything like my Simulacrums. Of course, I know that I am at least ten times less annoying than my Simulacrums, at least when it comes to possibly annoying myself. Okay, maybe only seven times, but that is quite a lot, mathematically speaking. That said, I have almost lost all hope for myself. At least when it comes to my Simulacrums going above and beyond when it comes to innovation and other creative measures. Mainly, they are mostly automatable task masters that will take my currently established process and continue replicating it until I return. No adjustments for environmental factors, no changing on the fly to meet individual needs, no real grace to the movements of casting. Just sheer rote copying. I try not to be judgmental, I really really try. That said, I almost feel like my Simulacrums are going to give me a bad name. That or as more than Gwen and her heightened Angel¡¯s Sight, are able to notice that there are discrepancies between myself and my Simulacrums. Meaning, their ability to hide my operations and presences are not as streamlined as I hoped. Basically, if the higher ups could start to differentiate the real me from my Simulacrums, then moving around and pretending to be one while doing questionable actions will be tougher to get away with. Not that these are in any way deal breakers, just that these are the factors that I must constantly be aware of, while trying to operate within the confines of my new role as the Doctor of the Midnight Hunters, a completely made up position that everyone seems to have gravitated towards freely. Why am I thinking about ways to hide my actions when I clearly have made it to the pinnacle of importance without being placed in charge of anything. Well, anything that I didn¡¯t want to be in charge of? I guess I am in charge of the school for aspiring magicians and cultivators, but really that is more of me wanting to be able to steal any skills I find interesting and covet them as my own, even if they are generally only seen as independent skills related to unique classes. This goes to the ultimate question would I steal for a skill? Depends, do I already have the skill in question? If so, then more than likely no, that is unless it seemed like it would be a fun heist. If it isn¡¯t a skill that I already have, then can I somehow find a way to steal for it within three minutes? If the answer is still no, then give me time to come up with a three-minute solution to the plan and I might get back to you. Depending on whether the skill is what is being stolen, or if it is a final reward for providing said stolen item. Why am I suddenly feeling the urge to go out and once again test my expertise as a master level thief? Why is there suddenly a burning inside me to steal? Well steal more than the odd assortment of rare books that I have been hording in my own secret elven library that has been lost to time? Well the answer is simple, as apparently one of my Simulacrums was approached with a new career path. While simultaneously, Mallory was approached with a similar but more reputable career path. ¡°Emergency meeting. I repeat this is an Emergency Meeting. Anyone who is a higher ranking member of the Guild must attend the Grand Assembly area. For those of you who might not be aware, that is the new stadium complex that is being built adjacently to the SVC Campus.¡± The speaker over the P.A. system states. Hearing the words spoken so crisply and clearly I feel both proud and annoyed by the sound. Proud of the fact that it was my own runic alterations that went into crafting the multi-function prongs that stick up everywhere. What originally began as just a relay system for mages to cast Cleansing Rain more easily, which both rids the land of the Blight, while simultaneously making the lands fertile and ready for harvesting. I then realized that we could make the prongs that stick up periodically throughout the various fields as also communications devices, along with other functions. I mentally noted that they could also be used to look for individual people to find out where they were, but then realized that was really close to a big brother always watching you motif. Then I also realized that the number one person who would likely be searched for using that additional functionality would be me. As such I decided to keep that additional functionality to myself. That said, the broadcast speakers are a nice touch. At least, I thought they were, until the P.A. announcer continued. ¡°So far we have everyone in attendance, but the one person we need. If you are that senior member of leadership, please come to participate in this historical event.¡± The P.A. announcer said. Apparently, they were missing just one board member. I would hate to be that person being called out like that, especially if they were making the bosses all wait. As for me, I had my own problems as I was searching for my Simulacrum. For a moment I thought they went to the Deolar spirit realm entrance, but a quick popping in of my head showed that nope, I was not there. I was beginning to start trying to search to see what the deal with this new quest that I and I alone had gotten was and meant, and try to get any additional information about it, when that same P.A. announcer came back on with an even more angered tone. ¡°Dr. Spiritlight, repeat, Dr. Spiritlight. If you can hear this, then please proceed to the Stadium Complex that is outside of your typical teaching area. The area where you are currently supposed to be.¡± And like that, I realized my mistake. Momentarily dropping my search for my wayward Simulacrum, I do an about face, and begin Teleporting directly to the designated area. I knew of the stadium complex. I was not certain why we would need to build a sports complex right next to the school. Until Mallory explained, that if we wanted to be taken seriously as a campus, part of our upgrading to a university required multiple deluxe sporting complexes in and around campus. Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Apparently, applications were up so much, and the increases recorded by my Outsourcers were so prolific that Mallory was already investing in upgrading our existing campus and thereby programs that were offered to start paving the way for others to get not just their Bachelor¡¯s degrees but also try to set about Masters programs. That was all a Mallory thing, and as such I decided not to get too involved. Especially as I knew that the more involved I got in this building up of the school, the more I would be pulled away from other tasks and projects. Like piloting my new QiMO powered ships. Well that wasn¡¯t entirely true, they weren¡¯t powered by the QiMO, but the QiMO helped me determine where any irregularities were. Poof. I appeared right next to Mallory by my third Teleport. There up on the stage was a man in a high ranking guild officer uniform that was about to speak into a microphone. ¡°Never mind, she is here.¡± Gwen called out and then proceeded to point towards me. With that the speaker who looked entirely too nervous to be doing public service announcements turned to first face Gwen, then following her finger looked over towards me. As apparently everyone else in the area did as well. Mallory for her part looked down to see me there hovering just a half a foot off the ground, but still somehow managing to be over a foot shorter than her. Stupid slow growth of a fourteen-year-old Esoteric Arcanist elf body that is further slowed down due to my tier V Qi core that further slows down my aging process by an additional fifty percent, making me the nightmare of all teenagers, apparently. ¡°Yes, thank you for making the journey on such a short timeframe.¡± The somewhat nervous speaker stated, apparently trying to be placating to me, though I don¡¯t exactly know why. Before I could get too lost in why the speaker was a bit flustered, and mostly chalking it up to not liking public speaking. The truth is, I don¡¯t blame him as I personally hate public speaking, which is partly why teaching is both rewarding and exceedingly taxing. Rewarding in that I get to teach and learn from the best. Taxing in that I hate hearing my own voice after a while, even if I am speaking in other people¡¯s voices. ¡°Yes, it seems that we now have all key members of the guild present and accounted for. With that, I will pass the mic off to our presenter.¡± The speaker began. Then before I could react, disaster in the form of Mallory struck. Ruffle. Mallory for her part just placed her overly large hand on my head and patted me, like I was a puppy who finally came when called. In this case, I can¡¯t help but feel that this description might be a little too spot on. ¡°Hey,¡± I say a bit angrily at my hair being ruffled so casually. Though I do find it funny that Mallory¡¯s hand now glows like it was coated in a layer of stripper glitter, though the glowing particles would only show up to people with either Angel¡¯s Sight, or using enhanced mage sights, the particles are still funny to me. Mallory for her part is already in leadership mode as she doesn¡¯t even register my protest, and instead just continues her pre-prepared speech. ¡°Yes, now that the Good Doctor is here, we can give out the good news and signs that things are about to change for the Midnight Hunters.¡± Mallory stated, her voice and presence so loud that her voice carried into the amplifiers and seemed to echo throughout the stadium and a slight echo showed that those same words were being sent out to those who were in the surrounding countryside as well that were otherwise unable to attend today¡¯s meeting. This is what it means to be a true guild leader, as these are skills that I likely could never wield. Mentally, I wonder if there are skills for this, and then quickly realize that even if there are skills for improved leadership, I realize that I will not want to get said skills. If only for the fact that I do not want to have skills that I don¡¯t intend to increase. I am lost in my own world, which is why I almost miss Mallory¡¯s next words. ¡°As you all are no doubt aware, we had a major windfall in being able to claim over a thousand acres of land during our Guild¡¯s Unclaimed Land Acquisition Charter Quest. A quest that we not only completed with ruthless proficiency, but has now set us up to be not only well ahead of the curve for most guilds, but has positioned us to begin the process of becoming the top guild.¡± Mallory stated, her voice oddly inspiring. Cheers! Hearing that, I just let out a long sigh of relief and realize that I am once again thankful for the fact that I only have to worry about me in my division. Mallory counted to ten, before holding up a hand to let the audience know that she still had more to cover. With the way that this was all going, I figured this was likely an awards ceremony. Though I thought I already went to one? Right? Or was that just a quest reward? I can¡¯t remember. Anyways, if there is an award for me, I will thank everyone, cast a few bright spells and then Poof out of here, so I can continue on with my work. At least that was my initial plan for the list of things I was going to do. Until of course, Mallory once again deftly made it so I would not only start paying full attention to her speech, but it also seemed to bring a few of my own notices and notifications into order. ¡°As you know, the process of passing the Unclaimed Land Acquisition Charter Quest, was just the first part in a process. The next logical step would be to build up our infrastructure to grow enough food and supplies to be self sufficient, well thanks to having over a thousand acres of land to harvest both plants and thanks to our minor petting zoo of delicious level one monsters to feed from, thanks to the efforts of Dr. Spiritlight and her highly trained Dire Phase wolves, we are now set for food. After that comes housing, where we have enough buildings and infrastructure for not only ourselves, but enough for a 50% increase in population. Well that is also complete, not only thanks to our highly capable builders, but also due to the excavation teams working diligently on unearthing ancient Elven structures that were long since buried to time. With that we completed the second major hurdle needed to progress for a viable city. Next came key points of attraction.¡± With this Mallory paused, and I realized that yes, at this rate the spot in the desert that was little more that cursed dry and uninhabitable dirt a year ago was now beginning to change quickly into a highly visible place where people would want to go. ¡°The third major attraction needed to be designated as a major city is a unique attraction that only your location can provide. Well, thanks to uncovering the ancient ruins of the Tribunal underneath us, we now boast a second major attraction. The first being the only accredited Mage or Cultivator college of higher learning.¡± More cheers. With that last part Mallory just pointed towards me and let everyone go wild. With this I notice that the first speaker is one of the loudest clappers. Finally, I both remember him and understand his actions. He had been one of the mage candidates who just missed the initial cut to make it into my school. I knew I saw his mana signature from somewhere. He was close, just lacked focus, or what I would consider focus. ¡°Too much mana and not enough focus to direct the mana you do have,¡± I remember the words I said while evaluating him. Looking back, I think I might have been overly critical of him, as he clearly had shown enough improvement. As he was more than proficient enough to both power the P.A. system and able to continue running the same system even now from a few feet away, so that there was no transition from when Mallory took over. ¡°Maybe I was wrong.¡± I thought to myself, as I remember that evaluation and realize that he would most likely be one of the new students to take over as a Freshman in the incoming wave of students. Groan. With that, I realize that soon I will be teaching from two different proficiency levels, which of course means more work for me. ¡°This of course means we now only have one last major hurdle to be truly considered a city. That¡¯s right to be considered for a city, we need to have at least two of the major guilds fully established within our city. That is, we need to have a base for the Mage¡¯s Guild, the Apothecary Guild, the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, or the Engineer¡¯s Guild.¡± Mallory stated, and just like that I couldn¡¯t help but feel that she had missed one of the major guilds. Probably the most important guild, if my childhood had anything to say about it, as the fifth and final guild, the quiet guild that I suddenly felt nostalgic for is probably the guild I associate most with my childhood. This is also the same guild that helped me come up with skills that were imperative for my very survival to this point. The guild in question of course is none other than the Thieves Guild, a guild that gave me shelter regardless of how hard life was. A place where I could go, and feel safe from judgement at all times. There was of course the fact that I needed to produce while I was there, but that was only if I took out jobs. It also didn¡¯t hurt my standing that I often took what others considered to be the more boring of quests. The taking of key incriminating information. The placing of warning notes in the middle of the night on a bed pillow that had been momentarily unattended. I of course would never be the person to enact said punishments on the warning notes, but rather it was just my job to place the notes. I was also an excellent information broker, when I had time to focus that was. Which was why I was close to turning down the opportunity that my Simulacrum had apparently been presented with. An opportunity that would apparently awaken access to new skills, advantages, job classes, and most importantly more resources than I was ever able to dream of in my past. However, before I could go down memory lane, and reminisce about the choices I took to get here. Mallory pressed forward with her prepared speech. ¡°Well, I have good news. The first of the four major guilds have approached us and asked if they could set up a base of operations here. After hearing about their request, and seeing that it seemed to match perfectly with our own needs to be recognized as a city, which we can then use to eventually turn into a nation, we gladly accepted. Which is why I am pleased to present to you, our representatives from the Mage¡¯s Guild.¡± Mallory spoke, and as she did, she gestured to two people that looked surprisingly familiar. Then the words that Mallory was saying hit me, and I realized I needed to cut this off quickly, as there might soon be a major conflict of interest scenario going on here that I likely won¡¯t be able to fix, unless I get Mallory¡¯s attention. Telepathy. Pulling out one of my tried and true methods, I mentally link up to Mallory and try to stop this trainwreck before it crashes violently. ¡°Mallory, I know what you are about to do and say, and I need to tell you that I cannot.¡± I mentally project my thoughts directly into Mallory¡¯s mind. Mallory for her part is apparently so used to me randomly casting magic on her that she doesn¡¯t seem to miss a beat even as she mentally responds to me, while gesturing for the two Mage Guild auditors to walk forward. ¡°Nope, you are stuck with this task.¡± ¡°Mallory, I am serious I cannot be the Mage Guild leader.¡± ¡°Nope, nothing you can say will take away this honor from you.¡± ¡°Mallory, I can¡¯t because I am already listed as the leader of the Thieves Guild.¡± I reply, as this was the major issue I had been looking for my Simulacrum to fix. ¡°Well crap¡­¡± was all Mallory could reply, but then her words cut off as it was already too late to stop this train from crashing violently. Chapter 213 COIs – How to Mix Business With Pleasure Chapter 213 COIs ¨C How to Mix Business With Pleasure To say that the world has strict rules against one person, let alone a regressor being inserted to lead not one but two different guilds was a problem that was immediately noted and patched within the first few months of the world going live. Basically, at first it made sense to give power to the one or two individuals who proved themselves truly capable in one or more fields. The only problem with this is the fact that as time went on and the number of spots available began to dwindle did people realize that there might be times where people could take advantage of having multiple guild leadership positions. Another factor to consider is that for building out a city, there needs to be a checks and balance system. The easiest way to easily balance a corrupt dictator was to have it so the leaders of the guilds could levy sanctions against said corrupt dictator and lower their overall effectiveness as a leader. That is the power that guild leaders have over a given area. Now if you begin to make it so that one person controls the government as a dictator and another person ends up controlling all of the guilds as an auxiliary dictator in charge, then corruption and abuses can be constantly met out. Thus the guilds ratified an equality charter where it stated that one person could only be registered to lead one particular guild branch, in one city. While that person was capable of transferring their leadership to another city, they would forever be linked to that one guild office, and position. Which was why I wanted to track down my Simulacrum who apparently signed me up as the defacto leader of the Thieves Guild here.
New Quest Accepted: Establishing a Thieves Guild Foothold within newly identified territories (Ongoing): You have been identified by the Thieves Guild as not only the most powerful member still in good standing with the Thieves Guild, but also the one in highest standing, while also hosting the highest completion percentage of tasks accepted. Previous Accomplishments: Highest Thieves Guild Ranking: Deputy Leader. Grand Master Spymaster. Current completion percentage: 99.94%. Highest overall heist: Over 10 Million in credits, with over 100,000 in stolen experience. Your current task, either accept leadership as the defacto leader of the soon to be established Thieves Guild or find someone to take your place. Rewards: Experience, New Title, New Gear, New Skills, variable.
Time remaining to either find someone to take your place or be declared the permanent Thieves Guild leader: 22 Hours, 15 minutes, 12 seconds¡­ Note: Unable to accept position as another Guild Leader while this title is active. Cannot ever let it be known that you are the leader of the Thieves Guild to anyone not related to the Thieves guild.
Yes, it was a complete setup, especially with the fact that it seemed to offer skills that I would likely be very interested in getting. Honestly when it first popped up, I had been given the option to resist the quest, but it would come with severe penalties.
Warning: Failure to accept this quest will result in the dropping of guild rank.
I should have seen it for what it was, a trap. I even saw the glowing strands of energy rising, as if it was a trap. Meaning I knew it was a trap, yet I assumed I knew which type of trap it was. Sadly, I had been mistaken. For now, the glowing strands of golden energy sprang up around me and seemed to threaten to oust me all of the sudden. Fortunately for me, Mallory was also a member of the Thieves guild, albeit one in low standing due to the long time since she last completed a guild mission. But she was one nonetheless, meaning that when I told her mentally, I didn¡¯t break the geas that had been part of this new guild position. See unlike all of the other guild leaders, the leader of the thieves guild is supposed to be unknown. Though honestly they almost all seem extremely noticeable, as Lucky Lenny was the leader of the gambling hall that was right next door to the Mage¡¯s guild on Floor two of Arcanarus Tower. Thinking back, that was likely the reason why I was chosen for this position at all. At the time I had been a level 20 something healer, but I had been invaluable with identifying activities happening in and around the guild hall. I could even tell when hits were conducted, when items were stolen successfully and if anyone was suspicious of a would-be thief. Basically, I made it so the Thieves guild could continue to operate openly in front of everyone, without anyone being the wiser. Given that track record, I can see why I would be chosen for this position here. As I make a perfect representative for the Thieves Guild. Someone who seemingly checks all of the boxes. Someone out in the open, like Lucky Lenny did. I am the head professor of magic at the local SVC college, a noted pacifist, and also someone who is known to operate a bit outside of the law when necessary. Basically, I offer just enough hints for anyone willing to actually look. That said, I remember myself as that scraggly little dark elf just trying to find a nice warm place to sleep for the night. The Thieves guild was that place of refuge for me. I always told myself that if I was a Thieves guild leader, I would make sure to offer that same level of safety to other children. Children that would also be offered the chance to learn skills that would not only make them stronger, but smarter, faster, and more able to adapt to the world around them. I am in the middle of having these own personal thoughts, when Mallory who I am still talking to via Telepathy asks, ¡°Aren¡¯t you already the Mage Guild Leader for the Second Floor of the Arcanarus Tower?¡± With that I pause, but then clarify. ¡°I am, but that is my avatar of the former Mage Guild leader.¡± ¡°And it is official, you are the new leader for the Thieves Guild here?¡± She asks. Suddenly I wonder if I am about to break my geas and end up with the failed version of this quest where I am later hunted by future Thieves Guild members who attempt to come here in the future. ¡°No wait, I just got the notification. It turns out you are in fact the new Guild Leader that I am to eventually report to about my delinquent status. Congratulations by the way.¡± Mallory states, though I can already feel her mind working through out mental connection. Then after reading her mind. I go from immediately flustered and about to try to take over the P.A. systems to keep my name from being uttered by these two Mage guild representatives. Representatives that I forget the name of currently, though I do remember using them as an example of seduction. Seduction that was of course pulled off by me, while I was acting as the aforementioned Mage Guild leader from floor two of the Arcanarus Tower. Then after seeing her mind work, I immediately relax. Well I relax at the fact that I momentarily avoided a catastrophe. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. ¡°Today we have signed into existence a charter that allows a new Mage¡¯s Guild building to be established out here. Aided by resources from the only Magic and Cultivation accredited school in the world, we would be a fool to not allow a facility to be built here¡­¡± The more they spoke, the more I realized I did not like how quickly the topics of this speech were going, as I only had moments to do this correctly. Looking around, I once again found myself looking for my lost Simulacrum. If I could find that annoying creature who put me into this situation to begin with, I would be fine. Of course, it seemed that the world was not going to be so kind. Scanning around for familiar energy signatures, I found everyone begin to spark to life like Christmas lights that flashed and pulsed brightly. To my right was Gwen, who quite honestly would be perfect for the task that Mallory had identified. Unfortunately, she was too visible. As a matter of fact, I too was too visible at this moment as I had been the last person to appear, meaning that most people were occasionally looking at me, even now. Given that I was the obvious choice for this position as the Mage Guild¡¯s leader for the Mage Guild that would be built within our Guild¡¯s territory, everyone no doubt expected me to both be appointed and for me to accept the position of Mage Guild leader. That said, I couldn¡¯t do this. Penelope was another one that seemed like she would have been able to easily adapt to this, but she was also in attendance. Worse, she was surrounded by hundreds of other people. In fact, looking around I saw most of my students were all here. I was about to point out that not one of them was out practicing, when I realized that one of my students was doing exactly that. Seeing the person who even now was taking time to continue to practice with the Outsourcer-6000, rather than attend a mandatory meeting, I couldn¡¯t help but fall in love with that crazy boy¡¯s dedication once again. Telepathy. ¡°Gods I love you.¡± I say, mentally, as I connect his mind to our two way conversation. ¡°Huh? What?¡± The mental voice of Johnny spoke. Unknown to him and to everyone I opened a tiny pocket-sized portal in space and quickly sent my finger through the tiny Spatial Rift. That was it, all that was needed to start the process of change that was about to happen. ¡°Hey, wait, what is happening? Why am I growing boobs?¡± Johnny asked, and rightfully so, but I had to get him to stop as it was about time for Mallory to take control of this trainwreck of a city building venture. ¡°SHH! Can¡¯t talk right now, just be ready to come on stage and accept whatever Mallory tells you to.¡± I reply back mentally. Mallory for her part must have learned from our earlier communications and either learned to segment her thoughts, or learned not to talk into what was effectively the open communications channels of our minds. Realizing this growth on her part, I couldn¡¯t help but feel proud that she learned from her earlier mistakes. My how times have changed. The last time she was close to breaking cover was when we were fighting Pomeranian Princess dragon protectors, and now we were trying to keep our chance of getting our home accredited as a viable city. Progress. ¡°But also to have the illustrious position filled by a verified Doctoral graduate of the Arcanarus University, well we were left with no choice but to expedite this process and immediately accept this petition above all others. It is for that reason that we are here today to welcome the newest Guild Master¡­¡± the ditsy woman began to say, and just before calamity struck. Just before the golden threads of unavoidable chaos wrapped around me and began strangling the life from me, Mallory broke in with her superhuman speed and acumen. ¡°I Present to you Dr. Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, the original curer of the Blight, and someone who I am proud to admit is also my future daughter-in-law.¡± Mallory spoke. As she began to speak, I instantly began creating a second but much larger Spatial Rift that showed a bewildered Johnny in an altered form of a female avatar of Octavia staring blankly forward in bewildered shock and surprise. ¡°Go on, this is your moment. Remember what we said, accept whatever Mallory tells you.¡± I say, mentally pushing Johnny, who is currently wearing the avatar of Octavia, forward. ¡°You suck.¡± Johnny replies back mentally, though even his words are beginning to sound softer, the same way Octavia¡¯s would. ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be shy Dr. De¡¯Arcaneri, this is a giant step forward for us as a community as it shows our commitment to unity with the Deolar Empire. With you being the leader of the Mage¡¯s Guild it will help promote equality and patience between our two blending nations.¡± Mallory stated, her words cutting off any form of protest that the two Mage Guild representatives might have had. ¡°Wait, I thought you said it was a doctor?¡± The other Mage Guild auditor asked. ¡°She is, she is a famous graduate of the Arcanarus University.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°She will need to prove this,¡± the first Mage Guild Auditor pressed, as she turned to me with a slight scowl on her face. ¡°In your pocket, just pull it out. It should be soul bound to the avatar.¡± I tell Johnny mentally. ¡°Okay, where exactly are her pockets?¡± Johnny asked, feeling over his clothes that had been altered slightly to be feminine in shape and color, meaning they had what appeared to be pockets, but said pockets couldn¡¯t hold anything. ¡°Yeah, you never had to deal with the problems of being a female,¡± Mallory cuts in mentally, as now everyone is staring at Johnny awkwardly grope himself for a spot where he can find a supposedly soul bound item. That¡¯s when I have a eureka moment. ¡°Check in between your boobs.¡± ¡°What in the?¡± Johnny hissed out angrily, but then found his tone changing as he seemed to grab ahold of something, while from between his exceptionally ample cleavage, ¡°Wait, it was there?¡± Then holding up the requested document, it quickly unfolded to reveal it to be the very document requested by the two auditors.
ARCANARUS UNIVERSITY Fiona Griner School of Weather Magic The University Board of Trustees, by virtue of the authority vested in it, and on the recommendation of the University Facility has conferred on Octavia J. De¡¯Arcaneri The degree of Doctor of Weather Magic Management With all the Rights and Privileges appertaining to that degree¡­
Pausing for a moment, I made sure to use that moment to cancel the Spatial Rift, and instead showed a blown up copy of the very degree being shown to the auditors. Only at this time did I realize I could have likely presented my own degree as Octavia¡¯s by using the Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text ability I mastered earlier. So many uses of magic that could work on every day actions like this, on trying to forge fake documents to become a legitimate guild leader. Though in this case I think it might be better that we showed the actual documents, from the fake avatar wielder of Octavia. That one seemed like there were too many discrepancies that might need to be worked through. This way we just had the one partial problem, namely the fact that we had a male drag surfing in a female avatar of an elven princess. Yeah, one of these days I am going to get an easy quest where it is just be yourself and cross the road. At least that is the plan, though I don¡¯t think that will be the case. The two Mage Guild Auditors seem to be lost in thought for a moment. Clearly, they were thrown for a loop, and I can see Mallory being called over to talk to the two. If I was pressed, I am pretty sure I could ride in either Mallory¡¯s mind or in Johnny¡¯s mind to listen in on the conversation. As it is, I have a fairly good handle on what is actually happening. The two auditors are asking why there was a sudden change in leadership. Mallory for her part is likely explaining it away as a way to avoid potential political backlash by having only Midnight Hunter Guild members present, that by incorporating Deolarian Royalty into the mix it shows a much stronger and more unified front to the whole ordeal. For the most part the two auditors seem to be buying it, despite constantly turning to look at me. I almost want to tell them what, but then realize they likely remember me but I have gone through quite a few changes since they last saw me. For one, last time I didn¡¯t have the wings, or the Legendary Bloodline evolution thing going. Meaning I didn¡¯t have the third eye and that my hair was a different color, that that I really know what color my hair was, especially as I can¡¯t quite tell what color my hair currently is, all I really know is that I have hair and that apparently many people think it is pretty to stare at. Perhaps that is also why these two auditors also take every chance they can to stare at me. I am pretty, and just enough of a D¨¦j¨¤ vu feel to my appearance that they can¡¯t help but look back at me. Last time I saw them, I was acting as the Guild leader, while I allowed one of my Simulacrums, well the only one at the time, to act as me. During which time my Simulacrum somehow managed to get me a raise and better working conditions. Wow, where does the time go. Seems like just yesterday I was trying to avoid getting caught with millions worth of stolen products, now I was being chosen as the new leader for the new Thieves guild that was going to be established here. Before I can get too caught up in where my new secret lair and the obvious entrance for the thieves guild would be, Johnny breaks me free of my thoughts by his own concern. ¡°All right, can you open back up a portal for me to leave here? I don¡¯t think I can continue to walk in these heels.¡± Johnny asks. He now has his degree back, which he is in the process of folding up, and then pauses before he can manage to place it back where he got it from, clearly embarrassed about having to grab it from there in the first place. Chuckle. At this Mallory laughs first, which almost causes me to break character as well. Fortunately, I manage to quickly open another Spatial Rift for Johnny, who still looks like Octavia, to once again walk through. As he does his but and hips rock from side to side as he is clearly focusing all of his newly learned balance and cultivation techniques to stay upright while walking on heels through a magical portal. Seeing the degree of trouble he is having while walking in heels, I state excitedly, ¡°well I know what our next balance class is going to involve.¡± ¡°Please, no.¡± Johnny protests, and just when I want to twist the knife a bit more and watch him squirm, he asks, ¡°can I ask what that was all about?¡± Hearing that, I decide to go to an alternate tactic of being quiet. ¡°I could tell you what that was about, but then you would have to stay like this indefinitely.¡± ¡°Nope, never mind, forget I ever asked. Please just change me back so my clothes can have working pockets again.¡± Chuckle. At that Mallory once again breaks into our conversation by providing nothing more than her own laughter to the mix. ¡°In that case, your change is coming right up.¡± I state, really glad that Johnny would do anything I ask without any prompting, even if it meant dressing up and being a woman for a particular time. And like that one major crisis was over, while I still needed to find and stop my Simulacrum from getting me into any more irreconcilable activities. Chapter 214 Addressing Crossdressing Chapter 214 Addressing Crossdressing Every once in a while I am reminded of the great Bob Ross, and how his words are still impactful if you take a step back and watch. By all accounts what happened earlier today, with the nearly getting outed as the new master of the Thieves Guild, even before a true building has been erected for this task was almost a dire mistake. One that would mean that I would likely have to leave, or roam around as an instructor with a permanent death sentence having over her neck by the Thieves Guilds from around the world. I have never seen what happens to a Thieves Guild leader who gets outed, I¡¯ve only heard tales of those that did. Often times what happens is a major civil war, with a world class assassin with dirt on a lot of figures running wild in the streets. This means the old Guild Master cannot go to any city they previously had dealings with, as most of those leaders know of the dirt and will likely try to find a way to cleanse themselves of any potential issues. Often times the easiest way to cleanse oneself of potential dirt and scandals is to kill off the very same disgraced thieves guild master who has dirt on you. After realizing this, most ousted members will attempt to either run to new cities hoping to lay low for a time. Or go off into one of the different dungeons of the world and just stay there. Thinking back on it, if I ever did have an issue like that, I would run to one of two places, the Arcanarus Tower, as there is something very important that I need to find on the top floors of that Tower. And then when that was done, I would go to the bottom floors of the Library of the Tribunal. You know what, looking back, it might have been okay if I was outed in less than an hour after holding the position. That said, I do need to remember to repay favors. Mallory of course is a given, in fact I think it was mostly on her for not checking with me about the possible promotion without checking on my prior commitments. No, right now, the person I need to truly thank is Johnny. What he did was truly amazing. Not asking any questions, being thrust into the limelight, and forced to walk in women¡¯s clothing while wearing a female form. Honestly, I am grateful for the fact that he was wearing his soul-bound Guild clothing, otherwise it would not have altered so much to fit his drastically altered figure. To my surprise, when I searched for Johnny, after the one fire was put out, he had actually left the practice field. For a moment I wondered where he was, until I looked and found his unique Qi and mana signature in his room, sitting down in a chair at a desk that had a backdrop of a giant mirror. At first I was excited to have found him, as I really wanted to talk and apologize to him. But then after seeing him for a moment, I knew I needed to act quickly. Poof. ¡°Knock, knock.¡± I say, appearing right behind him in the mirror. For his part Johnny only looked shocked for a moment, momentarily straightening up his slumping shoulders and getting an image of surprise on his face, before recognition filled his face. Then he dropped back to a sagging posture. Seeing him, I went into full damage control. As I realize that I might have gone too far this time. ¡°Look, I am so sorry about that,¡± I say, scooching myself forward so that I am now right behind him with my feet dangling off the ground. ¡°What? No, it, its fine.¡± He finally gets out. ¡°Clearly not if you are in here moping about it. Look, I promise I will never force you to do that again.¡± I say realizing that it might have been truly embarrassing for the poor guy. I know for a fact that Rob Sr, and Jr both would have never even dared to go out on stage as a female. Their masculine prides are too fragile to handle such an act, even for a friend. ¡°What? Wait, no.¡± Johnny suddenly snaps out of his catharsis and turns to look at me, versus looking at me in the mirror. Seeing his sudden and drastic change in emotions I pause, trying to figure out what exactly is happening here. Then I pause and have to ask, ¡°so you aren¡¯t mad that I made you go as a female?¡± ¡°What? Are you kidding? Well, I¡¯m not going to lie, I was a bit angry at the lack of time to mentally prepare.¡± ¡°Trust me, you and me both. Speaking of which.¡± I say, then lunge forward and give him a quick kiss on the forehead. Smack. ¡°Thank you, thank you, and thank you.¡± I say, making sure to float backwards just enough so that I can lock eyes with him. I¡¯m not certain if I do this correctly, but I believe I have this down as he seems to visibly relax after a second. ¡°Yeah, speaking of which, can I ask why I had to go as Octavia of all people and prove myself to be worthy of the position of Guild Master for the new Mage¡¯s Guild hall that is going to be established here?¡± He asks. ¡°Good questions,¡± I begin and am about to tell him the truth, that I am already the Guild Master for the Thieves Guild hall that is also going to be built here. Then I realized something.
Target: Johnny Current Faction standing: NA
Seeing his current standing within the Thieves Guild, I can¡¯t help but curse myself. Of course, Johnny is too much of a goody-two-shoes to be a member of the Thieves Guild. Part of why I love the big lug. He¡¯s like that loyal puppy that you know will always be there and do the right thing, never tearing up your slippers because he already has two shoes of his own. Realizing I can¡¯t just tell him, the same way I could for Mallory, I decide to do the next best thing. Talk around the subject and hope he learns to join my private club for thieves and people wishing to ensure they have skills that can help them to survive most problems. ¡°Suffice it to say that I already have already committed myself to enough growth programs around the city here.¡± I answer truthfully, though I make sure that there is plenty of room for double meanings everywhere in that statement. ¡°Very true. You are honestly the hardest working person here. In fact, I¡¯m glad that you actually took a step back and allowed yourself to relax a bit.¡± Johnny stated. ¡°Ahh, you¡¯re too nice.¡± I reply, feeling slightly sad at the idea of Johnny thinking that I am taking a step back. Though I guess from the perspective of needing to do all my current functions along with being the Thieves Guild Master, and the Master of the Mage¡¯s Guild I am taking a step back. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. ¡°I mean it. Sometimes I worry if we are pushing you too hard. I¡¯m glad you actually pushed back against Mallory on this one. Even if you made it so that one of your Simulacrums, or someone wearing your Avatar would have to fill in for the role. Actually, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you about that?¡± ¡°About what?¡± I ask. ¡°Why did you get me to put on the Avatar versus one of your Simulacrums?¡± Johnny asked. At that, I momentarily pause not wanting to state how my Simulacrums were avoiding me at that time, and how I needed to track them down to find out why they suddenly ambushed me with the role of Thieves Guild master here. Instead, I go with another truthful answer, that will diver away from my actual thoughts at the time. ¡°Suffice it to say, that in times past I have tried to do just that with my Simulacrums, though they have had a proclivity of going completely off script.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± ¡°Yes, actually those two mages that were here and gave you, well the Octavia version of you, the position of Mage guild hall master. Both my Simulacrums and I both met them. At the time I was performing ministrative work. So, I needed to trust my Simulacrum to be me, a simple healer trying to make ends meet. Suffice it to say, my Simulacrum was a little too convincing, and while I did make it out ahead of where I had been had my Simulacrum gone as I expected. I still realize that sometimes¡­¡± I trail off looking for the right words. ¡°You are frustrating even to yourself? Oh that is hilarious.¡± Johnny stated. Then he paused, ¡°wait is this that time when you were going as the male Mage Guild leader of that particular branch, and thus needed to play off how you were giving yourself high yield quests?¡± Hearing that, I do remember others talking about this around camp here and realize it has likely gone a long way into building up my mystique. ¡°Something like that.¡± I reply. ¡°Is that why you couldn¡¯t accept the post of being Mage Guild hall leader here? Because you, or rather one of your Avatars was already a Guild Hall leader?¡± Johnny presses. There was a clear logical fallacy in that statement, particularly as this guild hall posting went to one of my other avatars, but you know what I will take the out, when I get the chance. ¡°Something like that.¡± I admit. Johnny for his part got a wide-eyed gaze as he stared off. For a moment I thought he noticed the logical fallacy and was about to address, catching me up in something else that would make me talk around being the Thieves Guild Leader. Fortunately, rather than where I thought this line of questioning would go, Johnny proved to be like one of my Simulacrums and went right when I thought we were still going forward. ¡°When you change is it always like that?¡± Johnny asks. Shaking my head, I felt like I just took a Tyson punch to the jaw. Fortunately, I recovered relatively quickly. ¡°Always like what?¡± ¡°When you change into a form is it always like that, so complete?¡± Johnny asks. Hearing that, I realized the problem. ¡°Yeah, I should have problem. My avatars are the actual people that once existed. For all intents and purposes when you wear that avatar you become that person. I forgot that it can be slightly jarring for anyone not mentally prepared for it.¡± I state, then trying to lighten the tension I give him a funny story about Gwen¡¯s time as King De¡¯Arcaneri. ¡°When Gwen went as King De''Arcaneri, I left her like that overnight, which was fine. Until she woke up in the middle of the night having to use the bathroom but was apparently completely confused about how to use her new male part.¡± I said, and then just smiled as I continued, ¡°apparently there was a big mess and of course being her first time Gwen¡¯s aim was a little off, making it so she had to spend close to an hour cleaning up after herself. Then to make matters worse, Mallory awoke to find that Gwen had gone back to bed without putting the toilet seat down.¡± Laughing. I am laughing at this, though Johnny for his part doesn¡¯t find this anywhere nearly as funny as I do as he just seems to be lost in contemplation. ¡°Well, I guess you had to be there. Or maybe you should be lucky that you weren¡¯t there?¡± I pose, as I clearly lost Johnny somewhere in this. ¡°So you did this for Gwen too? Let her go as a male?¡± Johnny pressed. ¡°I mean yeah, but please don¡¯t let it get out.¡± I state, realizing that I might have overstepped my boundaries, realizing that this might indicate that Mallory and Gwen were having problems. Problems that could only be fixed with extracurricular activities. ¡°Oh, no of course not. I just¡­¡± Johnny began and trailed off. Hearing him sound somewhat vulnerable I press. ¡°Just what?¡± ¡°I just thought I was odd for liking it.¡± ¡°Liking what?¡± I asked. ¡°You know being different for a moment. You know,¡± he said then gestured towards me before continuing. ¡°Being pretty. I had so many people, males and females alike staring at me and it felt oddly empowering.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± I say, trying to process where this is going. Then I continue with an ¡°OHH.¡± As I realize the actual reason Johnny looked so put out. Then hearing his words, seeing his initial posture, realizing that he had been staring at himself since the whole debacle, I realize where this is going. ¡°So, to be clear. You aren¡¯t mad at me for putting you in that position, you are just now questioning why you liked being put in that position?¡± I ask, trying to make sure my assumptions are correct. Johnny pauses and actually contemplates my words for a moment, before he finally responds. ¡°I don¡¯t know it was over and done with so quickly that I don¡¯t even know if I actually liked it.¡± Johnny states. ¡°Sounds like my first time with Rob Senior.¡± I state. Johnny for his part just turns to look at me and see if he should be disgusted. For that I continue. ¡°I will give you the warning that I wish I had received, though I doubt it would have made any difference in the outcome that happened next.¡± ¡°Why, what happened next?¡± ¡°Gwen. Gwen was the byproduct of what happened the next time I decided to check and see if I liked doing something.¡± Groan. Johnny audibly lets me know what he thinks about that joke, but at the same time, he does seem to be a bit more alive in this discussion. ¡°Oh, come on, you know its funny because it¡¯s true.¡± ¡°Stop, just stop.¡± Johnny says, though even though he protests, I can see a slight smile coming to his face. Then finally he looks at me like he wants to ask a question but is just short on asking. Seeing his slight hesitation I push. ¡°Look, I can tell you want to ask something. So, know that this time if you ask, I will not hold any judgement on your question. Though know that I will likely ask for you to do the same in the future.¡± With that Johnny pauses, before asking, ¡°wait, don¡¯t I already do that?¡± ¡°You do, but this time I will be able to call it in.¡± I state. ¡°What that makes no sense. I should have at least ten of these future judgement withheld cards.¡± Johnny states. ¡°Well the fact that you aren¡¯t calling in yours makes you think that what I¡¯ve asked so for is nothing. As such I am doing this for you to ease your tension.¡± ¡°You know what, whatever, as I am certain I will likely be forced to do whatever you ask anyways without judging.¡± Johnny begins. ¡°Oh, you do get it.¡± ¡°Get what?¡± ¡°What it means to be a friend. One that you can call upon unconditionally to solve any problem. Now out with it!¡± I state. ¡°Fine,¡± Johnny states a bit indignantly. Though I think most of his comments are just a way to get me to stop talking. There is a momentary silence, as Johnny asks, ¡°can you do it again?¡± Shake my head. I totally lost where this was going. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Can you, you know, turn me back into her?¡± Then my mind finally catches up and I realize what he was asking about. ¡°Oh, you want to go as Octavia? Sure.¡± Then like that, I do a quick Avatar swap and boom, Johnny quickly transitions from being a broad shouldered muscular male to a much more slender female, with long flowing lustrous hair that drapes over his shoulders. Johnny watches himself throughout the whole process and seems to genuinely smile upon seeing himself. Seeing how happy he looks like this, I can¡¯t help but feel bad that I missed this part of my friend¡¯s life. Here he was clearly hurting inside and I couldn¡¯t help but feel that I somehow let him down by only noticing the disparity in him now. ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m beautiful.¡± Johnny said, as he smiled into the mirror and then gestured to his new appearance. At that, I glide forward and hug him around his neck. ¡°You were always beautiful, though now I¡¯m glad you feel beautiful as well.¡± ¡°Stop, no one could find that face pretty.¡± Johnny said, apparently referencing his normal face. ¡°What¡¯s so wrong with it?¡± I ask, wondering if he didn¡¯t go through the same character selection process that I had. ¡°It is the face of a half orc human hybrid. No one in their right minds would find the green pigmentation of the cheeks attractive. I was too sickly looking for humans and too pale for orcs.¡± Johnny noted. Hearing that, I couldn¡¯t help but realize he was similar to my own situation, where I was forced to be a dark elf to begin with. Though fortunately two and a half bloodline transformations later and I am a different species of elf entirely. ¡°Not to sound like a mother here, but to me, you are just as beautiful now as you were a moment ago.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t really¡­¡± ¡°Oh yeah I do. Do you forget that I can only see in terms of your Qi and mana?¡± I press. ¡°Oh I get it.¡± Johnny stated. ¡°Get what?¡± ¡°It¡¯s another bad joke about how you can only see the true hearts of people. Which sadly in your case is true.¡± ¡°Yeah, we will go with that.¡± I reply. Then finally, Johnny stares me in the eyes for a moment waiting to build up his courage to ask his true question that is on his mind. ¡°What is it?¡± I finally press. ¡°Can I go around as her?¡± He asks, then gestures to himself as Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri. At first I want to say yes, but then I realize there are a few issues. ¡°We might be able to let you go as her on special occasions, particularly as the wedding is about to take place, but this will only be at specific occasions.¡± I begin. Johnny for his part, looks somewhat saddened at the thought, before I continue. ¡°Besides you don¡¯t want to constantly be on the look out for a creepy necromancer trying to woo you back after a millennia of separation, or any of the random Deolarian courtly intrigue that might pop up with you walking around.¡± With that Johnny visibly deflates realizing that I am correct about this. Which is when I come up with a different solution. ¡°That said, if this is truly something that you want, I can carve this into your cores that you can change into an alternate version of you at will.¡± I state confidently. ¡°You could do that?¡± ¡°Look if I can make a Pomeranian Princess be able to turn into a giant elemental protectorate dragon, I think I can do something trivial like letting you change sexes.¡± I begin, but then I make sure to end with a warning, ¡°though just remember two things.¡± ¡°Two?¡± ¡°Yes, first you need to make sure that this ability to transfer at will is what you really want.¡± ¡°Okay, and second?¡± ¡°Secondly, just know that I like you regardless of what you look like on the outside.¡± ¡°Okay mom,¡± Johnny states. At that I slightly wince, ¡°yeah, I did sound a bit too much like a mother with that one. But still, I mean it.¡± ¡°I know, and that¡¯s why you still got the comment. Mom.¡± ¡°You know what, just for that.¡± I state, then focus my mind and do something no one is supposed to do inside. Glitter Bomb. A bomb of bright glittery mana erupts outwards catching everyone, even me. Though it is my mana and all I need to do is absorb it with Qi. Shock. Johnny looks completely shocked for a moment, then just starts taking multiple slow deep breaths. ¡°What the heck was that.¡± ¡°A Glitter Bomb, don¡¯t worry it will go away in a minute or fifty.¡± I state, realizing that I am not quite sure how long this spell actually lasted when I last used it on Mallory. With that Johnny begins going around grabbing items to see if they are in fact damaged. There is an old timey newspaper that had thankfully been draped over a few books. Seeing the paper, I realize that it had been face down with today¡¯s date on it. Nothing says steam punk like good old fashioned black and white news papers to spread the news. Slip. Just as the paper comes up, the middle section drops revealing columns upon columns of text. Text that I instantly read and then disregard. Or at least I try to, as one message hits my cerebral cortex, causing me to pause in panic as I realize something terrible is about to happen. ¡°Gah!¡± Johnny, as a glitter covered Octavia begins as he tries to pick up the paper. With that I pause and cry out, ¡°wait!¡± Chapter 215 SLWC Chapter 215 SLWC Poof! Turn left at the odd city that clearly denotes the southern border of a war-torn country. Poof! Do a complete 180, I¡¯m not lost, there are just no places that I can stop and ask for directions in a safe manner. Poof! There we go, finally found signs denoting that I am in Plativia. Halfway there. Now look for a group of displaced people. Poof! There we go, over a thousand people who all look miserable, at that I realize that I have finally made it to the correct spot. ¡°Now that I am here, I can begin operation Migrant Rescue Mission.¡± I state, then as if to confirm this as being a good deed, I even receive a quest message letting me know I actually spoke into existence my own quest line.
New Quest Found: Migrant Rescue Mission (Ongoing): You have found multiple disenfranchised groups of people. Rescue all the people you can from the war-torn environments they now find themselves in. Bonus Condition if you can find jobs for over 50% of the people that you provide shelter to. Bonus Condition if you rescue all the children. Current people rescued (0 / 2058). Percent of people taken in who have a job (0 / 100%). Children needing to be rescued (0 / 786). Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), (Guild) Title(s), Badge(s), variable.
And like that, the world goes and takes a simple rescue mission to rescue 21 people and makes it a whole humanitarian effort that is going to no doubt give me the vast network of displaced but loyal kids I will need to start up an information network of thieves, information brokers, and smugglers. On the one hand bravo to the system for all but forcing me to appear as an overzealous saint to the people. While on the other hand it almost makes me feel sort of guilty for why I originally undertook this mission. Still though, so long as I¡¯m here, I might as well crush two yaks with one avalanche, or however the quote goes. Regardless of the case, I am here now, and I might be able to justify rescuing the kids plus twenty-one special people. Or twenty-one people who are special to me. How did I get here? Smack dab in the middle of yet another war torn country that is subject to Legrand¡¯s seemingly endless advancement of war? Well simple, it all began by my reading a news article. *** (28 Minutes Ago) It is said that there is almost always at least one major ongoing conflict happening around the world at any given time. This figure is at least doubly truthful in the world of BiPrism, where conflict and carnage are often the two main ways for people to gain their levels. That is why seeing newspaper articles about different conflicts happening around the world at any given time is almost a given. The Legrand Empire to this point has not had a year or even a month of peace since I first joined this world almost eight years ago. Thus, reading an article about the effects of war was nothing new. And something I almost would have dismissed entirely, had it not been for the way journalists have gotten more and more creative with adding a human element to their information pieces. No longer do most of the articles detail just who attacked whom, along with Live one through seven kill counts being the major statistic from both sides. Now the articles have seemingly expanded to present more human-interest angles to them. Some articles mention the number of rare and unique quest locations that were either killed off, displaced, or changed hands entirely. While still other news articles found a way to drill their way into even my thick skull. Normally, I am just as content as anyone else to avoid the news of deaths of others. However, while in Johnny¡¯s room after inadvertently setting off a completely benign Glitter Bomb, which will dissipate within anywhere from an hour to a day from now, I found the first news interest piece involving the Legrand Empire¡¯s relentless surge to conquer the world. The article read something like this:
Thousands of Citizens Forced to Evacuate as Legrand Continues Relentless Advancement.
That was the title, and again nothing new. And normally I wouldn¡¯t have even batted an eye at the article, not that batting eyes has anything to do with my reading method. But that said, this time there was a breakdown of known groups of indigenous peoples to the land that would be forced to leave.
Breakdown of Groups forced to Leave: Orphans from Maltese: 187 Orphans from Holistan: 72 Orphans from¡­ ¡­ Registered Members of the SLWC: 21
Seeing that last line, something seemed to be rattling around in my brain. I had heard the acronym before, but was momentarily at a loss for who the special niche group was. Then it hit me. Before I could say or do anything Johnny was already up, moving as a mana glitter covered Octavia as he used the clean side of the paper to try to wipe off the glitter. Poor fool, never had daughters as he would know that glitter doesn¡¯t end by covering it with another material, you only spread it like a virus. ¡°Gah!¡± He cried out, and then just as the acronym made sense to me, I cried out. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. ¡°Wait!¡± There is a momentary pause, which I use that moment to grab the news article to make sure I read it correctly. There I read it, and then reread the article trying to find out where the displaced refugees were going. Unfortunately for me, the effects of my Glitter Bomb are a bit too effective, as I can¡¯t quite make out the exact location. ¡°Hey, this article.¡± I state, pointing to the article about how close to a thousand people have been displaced due to the ongoing war. ¡°Oh yeah, sad to hear that the Legrand Empire is still going. For a while I thought we would get swept up into that war machine.¡± Johnny states, via his Octavia avatar. ¡°Where exactly are the Wri¡­ I mean refugees being held?¡± I ask, showing the article and asking him to read behind the lines. Unfortunately, part of the newspaper is wet, making it exceptionally tough to read at this point. At least for me. ¡°It says that most of the refugees are going to Plativia, but they are being forced to stay at labor camps outside the border regions.¡± Johnny says, half quoting from memory, and have squinting to read the wording on the paper. Then he pauses as he looks at me and asks, ¡°can¡¯t you just cast Cleanse to get rid of the mess?¡± Sigh. ¡°No, we can¡¯t always resort to magic to try to fix all of our problems,¡± I state as if trying to instill some profound wisdom on him. Johnny, for his part, has taken to the role of Octavia quite well, as he just crosses his arms under his now ample chest and stares at me. ¡°Fine, it has nothing to do with a lesson. The real reason why you can¡¯t use Cleanse to clean up my Glitter Bombs is because it would effectively be the same as using glitter to clean up more glitter. In this case, the mana is not doing anything other than saturating the area around us with more ambient energy. To try to use Cleanse a magic enriched spell to clean up the mana glitter would just throw more fuel on the fire and create even more and larger flecks of glitter.¡± I admit, begrudgingly. With that Johnny nods as if his whole purpose in life was to get me to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but. Then almost as if coming to a realization. ¡°Is it just me, or is it becoming harder and harder for you to just answer the truth?¡± ¡°All I do is answer the truth. The only problem is that most people ask open ended questions that can be interpreted multiple ways.¡± I answer, though I do have to wonder if there might be something to this. ¡°Out of curiosity, where exactly is Plativia from here?¡± I ask, not trying to fully give away my master plans. ¡°East by southeast,¡± Johnny answers so not helpfully. I could have guessed that, as that is the general direction of almost everything from here. ¡°Okay, but what direction is east and what direction is south?¡± I ask, suddenly wondering if Johnny is being just as vague as I was a moment ago. ¡°Oh, why didn¡¯t you say so.¡± Johnny replies then pulls out a small disc with a chain from his pockets. Again, love the fact that he is sticking with the steam punk theme, but the object he has is not conducive towards my vision at all. All I can see is the top part which seems to be mostly magic infused glass, if I had to guess the entire device is coated in a protective seal. This is honestly a good safety measure for the device itself, but shows that I have a huge blind spot in my Angel¡¯s Sight, namely the fact that I can¡¯t see through materials that are marked grade three or higher. At least not to read. Though maybe it is the fact that these aren¡¯t necessarily words instead just letters and therefore don¡¯t get picked up by my reading related skills? Oh, maybe I need to get a special Blind Navigation skill that will help me find directions? Johnny for his part holds up the device and just looks from me to the device. ¡°So you see it?¡± At this, I do have to wonder if he is in fact messing with me. I even go so far as to ask, ¡°are you messing with me?¡± ¡°Huh, we finally found your kryptonite.¡± Johnny stated with a smile. ¡°Wait, you have been trying to find devices that I can¡¯t actually read?¡± ¡°Well, we were wondering if we in fact could hide things from you. Then if so, how could we do it. Thus, the new compasses made by our newest Mechanical expert.¡± Johnny states. ¡°Wait, we have a new mechanical expert?¡± I ask, suddenly wondering if they might have new skills that I could appropriate, you know for scientific reasons. ¡°We have multiple actually, but they are all rather busy right now, trying to get acclimated to the area.¡± ¡°Wait, why did no one ask me to be their guide? I¡¯m in good standing with the Mechanic¡¯s guild. At least I should be, now.¡± I state, I even have the blueprints and layout for the first ever QiMO powered airship. ¡°What, but you are so busy, besides aren¡¯t you going in that way?¡± Johnny asks, before pointing off in a seemingly random direction. ¡°That¡¯s east by southeast?¡± I ask, mentally locking on the direction that was just pointed. Mentally I note I go out past the new stadium, through the petting zoo for carnivorous animals, and apparently keep going in that line. ¡°Yes, so are you going to go and save them?¡± Johnny presses. ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you are doing here. If it wasn¡¯t for my big heart, I would be having an entirely different conversation with, about not sharing details of new mechanical engineers with me.¡± ¡°It isn¡¯t about the children at all is it? Tell me, which group are you actually trying to save?¡± Johnny presses, apparently seeing something in my response that gives me away as caring about orphaned kids, but not enough for them to be my main reason for going. ¡°What¡¯s that, I¡¯ve got to go. Time is of the essence.¡± I say not wanting to get caught in the fact that while saving hundreds of displaced kids from all over is a big deal, my main concern for this venture are the 21 registered SLWC members. I can see that Johnny is about to catch me in a lie, or at least a partial truth. I must have a tell, but I can¡¯t tell what it is, as such rather than getting caught misrepresenting the truth again, I decided to go out to Plativia, to save everyone from the orphaned children, all the way to those 21 poor SLWC members. *** (Ten Minutes Ago) Sadly, that whole exchange with Johnny, well as Octavia being operated by Johnny only took three minutes. Everything else was me getting slightly disoriented, doubling back then going in known east by southeast directions. Then moving around in circles, finding new major cities, reading signs directing to different places. Avoiding the ongoing battlefields, healing a few stray cats and dogs I found on the battlefield. What? They were completely innocent in all of the conflicts that were going on. So I healed them, then I might have Resurrected a few soldiers and civilians alike that were still lingering in and around the battlefields. I honestly don¡¯t know how long it would take for a spirit to move on, but some had clearly been holding out for days, almost giving the different woods a whole haunted feel. Not that this was bad, just that I think many of the people were miffed that they died by a war that indiscriminately pulled them up in their wake. ¡°Thank you, is there anything I can do to repay your kindness?¡± A female that I used Perfect Resurrection on asked. While I was listening to her, I began casting Resurrection on the next spirit while trying to find out where I was actually supposed to go. ¡°So, I¡¯m looking for Plativia, have you heard of it?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, the border nation? Why would you want to go there?¡± The first Resurrected person asks. ¡°Well, I¡¯m trying to find a group of refugees that might have gone there seeking shelter from the war.¡± I add. Of course, I had a quest to save over two thousand people, but I really wanted to save twenty-one of them. Or at the very least make sure those twenty-one were wrapped in bubble wrap, placed on a shelf, and left where I could watch them work. ¡°Friends of yours?¡± The second body that had apparently been listening in on my conversation while I Resurrected them asked. At that I paused, finding the next ghost, then answered. ¡°Well not yet, but I hope that we could be friends, eventually.¡± ¡°You are that crazy healer that everyone talks so highly about? The one that can Resurrect and learned how to cultivate?¡± The first person asks. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious? I mean there she is wings and all. I mean you can even see the rumors about her quiet focus are true.¡± The second speaker states. ¡°What rumors?¡± ¡°The ones about you sticking out your tongue when you are in deep thought.¡± He begins, then chuckling he adds, ¡°supposedly that is the only time when you are guaranteed not to talk back.¡± With that I finish Resurrecting the third person and am about to call it a day. ¡°Oh come on, look what you did.¡± The first speaker said, scolding his peer. ¡°What did I do? All I did was say the truth.¡± The second speaker replied. Hearing them banter, and realizing that I was already getting close to my Bloodline Legacy class that I now needed more than ever for my materials I would need for my two potions, I decided to end this and see if I could speed up this rescue mission. ¡°Look I¡¯m sorry to bother you all, but could you tell me where Plativia is? I am kind of on a time crunch here. I have over two thousand people to save, and a little under two hours to do so.¡± I state. ¡°They gave you a time crunch for this rescue operation in Plativia? Is there a division charging through?¡± The first speaker asked a note of concern in their voice. ¡°No, I just need to get back with the refugees before my Guild Leader knows I am missing from my class I am teaching.¡± I state. ¡°Oh, you teach classes?¡± The third person I Resurrected asks, now adding herself to the conversation. ¡°Of course she does, that is Doctor Spiritlight. Can¡¯t you tell by the wings and the third eye?¡± The first speaker states. ¡°Oh, I thought she was a fairy queen.¡± Groan. ¡°Please if you all know where Plativia is then just point me in the direction, otherwise I really need to get going.¡± I state with a bit more irritation seeping through than I mean. The third woman hearing my irritation and realizing I just Resurrected her, decides that anything else she needed to say was irrelevant, as she just points back in the opposite direction that I came from. Seeing the direction, I realize I did go in too far and should have turned around a lot earlier. Though to my defense, most people were either cowering in fear whenever I showed up, or pretended not to speak any of the languages that I am fluent in. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Wait, if you are going, we are as well.¡± The first person poses, but by now I have wasted a lot of time on healing random bystanders from the most recent battles. While I don¡¯t feel bad about any of it, I really am starting to feel the crunch of time. As such I reply briskly, ¡°sorry, but I need to hurry.¡± With that I Teleport out. Poof. The time crunch is only one of my concerns. The other major concern is that the group, that I am so desperately trying to save are members of the SLWC, the Seventh Life Writers Club. Writers who have banded together their resources now that they are all down to their last and final life. Knowing how dangerous it is for them to be out here, I know I need to get to them as quickly as possible. *** The trio watched as the four-winged angel disappeared as quickly as she appeared before them. ¡°Dang it, she is gone.¡± Mr. Raynes, the second spirit to be Resurrected stated. ¡°I know, it is either divine providence that she managed to save us while we are all on our last lives, or the devils fate that she left to where we were heading, before we were randomly killed by stray attacks.¡± Mr. Sanders, the first spirit to be Resurrected added. ¡°I really wish she had tried to rescue us as well. I mean we were going to the same exact spot.¡± Ms. Whittle, the third spirit noted, as she touched her face and felt that many of her wrinkles had been removed from the Resurrection. ¡°You were the one that told her where to go. We could have at least used that as a bargaining chip for ourselves.¡± Mr. Raynes stated coldly. ¡°Oh come on. You know someone like her is going to rescue all those children. To get in the way of that deed would be a sin of monumental proportions.¡± Mr. Sanders began, trying to cut into some of Mr. Raynes¡¯s fire. Then turning to Ms. Whittle he continued, ¡°Besides, what would she do with a bunch of old crusty writers like us?¡± Chapter 216 When You Can’t Turn A Blind Eye, Even Though All Your Eyes Are Blind Chapter 216 When You Can¡¯t Turn A Blind Eye, Even Though All Your Eyes Are Blind The first thing to hit me when I got to the refugee camps was the smell. It was so hard to describe, it smelled like fear, mixed with sweat, teenage angst, and a bunch of bad decisions all rolled into one smell put themselves together and then proceeded to be fused together in a giant convection oven. That smell alone was enough for me to almost pull out my Thieves Guild mask and use the air filtration function of said mask to hide my nose. Sadly, with my other ongoing quests related to either becoming the Thieves Guild leader for the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild charter city, I couldn¡¯t even give a hint that I belonged to the illustrious thieves guild. Thus I had to just go and smell the stench and rot. At least that was what I thought at first, until I realized this is exactly what spells were for. Cleansing Rain. ¡°Ah great, can this get any worse, now we are being rained upon while forced to reside outside the closest place of refuge.¡± A teenage boy spoke out, but as he did, I realized a few things. First, I realized that apparently soaking a bunch of kids and displaced refugee kids who had lost their homes and literally carried all their prized possessions with water, might not have been the best of ideas. That said, they didn¡¯t stink, which meant I could interact with everyone, without heaving on them. We had to compromise at some point here. ¡°You there, boy, come here.¡± I say gesturing to the boy who spoke out. ¡°What no, he didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡± An older female said coming from the huddled masses. It was clear that she had at least taken some form of partial ownership of the kids. At least a few of them, as there seemed to be clear divides between them. Most likely the kids from each region were being segregated, either by self-imposed separations, or due to familiarity. In any case, it was clear that while they all moved as one, when they stopped moving they intended to be separated. ¡°You there, old lady, come here.¡± I said, pointing out the elder female that many of the kids seemed to be looking up to. ¡°Why, I never. I am just twenty-nine.¡± The woman stated. For a moment I was this close to saying that was twice my age. Only to realize that really I was nearly two and a half times her age, but stuck in this child like body. ¡°Sorry, you just looked like you were in charge. At least for this group.¡± I stated. ¡°I am,¡± The woman said a bit hesitant, but ultimately just waiting to apparently follow my lead. Seeing her, I nod. ¡°I was going to ask where you all were from, but in the end I don¡¯t think it matters. I have a quest to rescue you all and provide you all with employment. You can all either join me to a new land of opportunity, or take your chances here.¡± I state. ¡°How do we know we can trust you?¡± The boy I called out earlier asks, though I get the feeling he speaks for most everyone here. At least for the kids from his faction. ¡°I pledge my word, that no calamity will befall you if you intend to come with the intention of learning skills, being productive, and ultimately trying to give back to the community that would take you in.¡± I state, using a bit of Illusion Magic to let my voice echo out far and wide for many to hear. ¡°You don¡¯t speak for Plativia,¡± one of the gate guards shouts down from his walls. ¡°No I don¡¯t, that is correct. Where I am offering to take you is a distant land of magic and wonder.¡± I state, then finding my other Simulacrum that has gone to an open field that¡¯s where I connect to my Simulacrum and cast the Ethereal Simulacrums Master Trait of Positional Teleportation. Woom. A nice resonant sound echoes as the portal I opened appears, complete with an exact copy of me on the other side. Clamor. ¡°Is it true? The queen of Fairy is inviting us to her home?¡± A cute little girl shouts out excitedly. ¡°Oh you know we have to trust her, Fairies can¡¯t lie.¡± Another girl exclaimed. Groan. I guess I deserve this as I do have my wings and I still have traces of my own Glitter Bomb still on my clothes. Scamper. A few of the smaller and faster kids, mostly girls break free and rush through the portal. ¡°Fairy, fairy, fairy.¡± One girl cries out excitedly, as she enters. My Simulacrum on the other side quickly takes off from the ground and begins moving about, I can feel a faint trickle of mana being used, as my Simulacrum is apparently casting magic, but she still has the presence of mind to keep her end of the portal between our two locations opened. At this a few of the older people go through, no doubt looking for their kids. Then a few seconds later they poke their heads through. ¡°It looks safe. Lots of vegetation and then desert. They have found a true oasis out here.¡± One male states. With that, a girl that looks to be almost exactly like a smaller female version of the old man pops her head out and speaks to her friends. ¡°They have cute Pomeranian puppies here too. Come on, let¡¯s catch them.¡± With that a surge of little girls charge through the portal. ¡°Shi¡­oot.. Shoot¡­¡± I catch myself, not wanting to curse in front of so many kids. ¡°Zero, wake up and make sure your girlfriend doesn¡¯t get too crazy.¡± ¡°On it.¡± Zero states, his little snout appearing and talking from the tattoo on my arm. Then he proceeds to elongate from my arm as he charges through the portal. Seeing my expression the female asks, ¡°wait, is there something we need to be worried about?¡± ¡°Hopefully not, don¡¯t worry a fully licensed healer is on staff to fix any problems.¡± I state reassuringly. ¡°One healer? That¡¯s it? You realize there are thousands of us here?¡± The female that has seemingly become the voice for all the refugee groups continues to speak. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Fortunately, by now our conversation has caused a few other people to come closer and see what exactly is happening. ¡°Ghost? Is that you?¡± A voice that sounds vaguely familiar asks. At that, I see him come forward and walk in front of me. Then finally dawning recognition fills my face as I remember where I saw him from. ¡°Mickey Eight-toes?¡± I ask. ¡°Haha, girl it is you. Man, you have¡­¡± He trailed off moving closer to take me in, then he continues, ¡°not grown at all. Aren¡¯t they feeding you out there?¡± ¡°Haha! I¡¯m just taking my time to grow, thank you very much.¡± I say, hands on my hips in what has been our long ongoing joke. This was Mickey from the Maltese Thieves Guild. While he wasn¡¯t part of my handlers, I did recognize him as one who would often find fetch quests for me to perform. ¡°Nah, I¡¯m jealous, staying that small makes you a lot harder to hit.¡± He said, then wobbled his prosthetic leg. ¡°What happened?¡± I ask, floating down and instantly casting Healing, and Limb Regeneration magic on him. ¡°Well remember how I had eight toes?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Now I¡¯m down to three. Wait, why does it tingle.¡± ¡°Stop squirming,¡± I say grabbing him with Telekinesis, while I force a new leg to with Omni-Healing magic. ¡°WHOA!¡± The crowd of onlookers gasps out in astonishment, as the man quickly kicks out his prosthetic leg, before a new leg begins to quickly grow down and then stabilize in perfect balance with the other leg. The only difference being that the right leg has a shoe, while the left leg looks slightly off kilter due to him now standing with a barefoot on the ground. ¡°Oh my Gods, you¡¯re a miracle worker.¡± He says, charging forward and embracing me in a hug. At this point I feel his embrace and realize that either I have gotten a lot stronger, or he has gotten weaker as his hug doesn¡¯t feel anywhere near as powerful as it used to. ¡°You forgetting arm day there?¡± I question. ¡°Haha, I was about to ask what they are feeding you, rocks? You don¡¯t grow, but you are built like a boulder. No wonder you can¡¯t grow up, all that weight keeping you down¡± Mickey states, pinching my arms slightly. Laughing. I can¡¯t help but laugh at the old man, who always made sure I had a clean bed roll and a dry place to sleep as a kid. ¡°You better watch out, I actually know Kung fu.¡± I state, as a way to explain my muscles. ¡°Oh good, that means I won¡¯t have to fight so hard to keep the suitors away from you.¡± He states jokingly, but at that I have a slight flashback about the misery that will soon await me. Misery in the form of Rob that will come within the next ten days. Seeing Mickey here, I feel a bit better about this whole thing. ¡°All right, since you are here, everyone that you vouch for can go in.¡± I state. ¡°Wait, we can¡¯t all go like you said earlier?¡± Another voice calls out from the crowd. ¡°That was then, this is now.¡± I state, ¡°now that I have my quality control checker here.¡± With that Mickey goes by the gate and starts gesturing for whole swaths of kids to go through. Seeing him work, I exhale slightly as Mickey fortunately has not changed at all, still thinks about the kids first. I am about to leave, when Mickey calls out, ¡°what are the criteria to get into Fairy?¡± ¡°Its not, you know what, never mind,¡± I begin as I am about to correct him that it is just a place in the middle of the cursed desert that can literally inflict you with the Blight if you go too far, but quickly cut that thought off, as I don¡¯t want a bunch of kids crying while going to the realm of nightmares. ¡°All kids, and their immediate caretakers can go. Then everyone else that you think is worthy.¡± ¡°Got it.¡± I¡¯m pretty sure Mickey was, or rather is, a non-regressor, but that doesn''t matter, I prefer to deal with people like this, be they world generated, or outsourced. Especially, as I likely closed myself off from great people like Mickey because they were generated to help kids like me. Or at least when I first met him I needed all the help I could get. There is a lot of tension that comes over, as about half of the people are now moving forward, while half still seem to be lingering here. That¡¯s when I realize something, ¡°show me your sick and wounded.¡± I ask, well mostly demand that the first woman that came forward show me where the sick are. That said, after showing that I can regrow an entire limb, my reason for seeing the sick and injured is not even questioned. With only a few quick paces I am taken to the group of people that are clearly the injured. If I thought Mickey was bad, I would have been mistaken. Mickey at least had the bonus of not having festering wounds in addition to the amputation. ¡°This is going to be a bit,¡± I state, as I begin casting Healing Rain. ¡°More rain?¡± She asks. ¡°Look, if you know an easier way to heal so many people all at once, I will be glad to¡­¡± I begin, but am quickly cut off by the loud shout of someone who strikes fear into my very soul. ¡°WHERE IS SHE!¡± Badump, badump, badump. Just hearing the voice at that pitch and cadence lets me know that I might have been wrong with getting Johnny to pass along the fact that I was looking for refugees. ¡°Hide me.¡± I say, trying to leave. ¡°Never mind, I found her!¡± She cries out and then there is a blur. On reflex I try to fly upwards, to escape, all except I feel a slight grab around my ankle and then next thing I know gravity takes full force over me as my body is quickly pulled to the ground. ¡°Get down here.¡± Mallory hisses, though she isn¡¯t yelling her tone and expression is enough to cause the kids that I am trying to heal to cower in fear. ¡°Mallory, you¡¯re scaring the kids.¡± I pose. ¡°And just why are there so many kids?¡± ¡°Look I didn¡¯t start the war. In fact, I didn¡¯t even know what to do. Then I got this quest and well¡­¡± ¡°You mean the Migrant Rescue Mission quest to rescue all the refugees?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Yeah, how did you know?¡± I ask, suddenly confused as it only popped up for me when I got here close to ten minutes ago. ¡°Because we all got, everyone in the guild got the Guild Quest to begin making space and provide food and lodging for the people seeking aide.¡± Mallory begins. ¡°Oh good, so I don¡¯t need to explain it to you? That is a relief.¡± I say, trying to wiggle my foot slightly, but Mallory isn¡¯t letting go, though she is letting me continue to float at slightly above eye level. Mallory for her part just breathes in, and then I can see her mentally counting to herself to calm down. ¡°Hah!¡± Mallory states, then seems to come to a conclusion, ¡°it is a good thing that we needed close to two thousand more people to meet the next upgrade marker for our city and province, otherwise this would be an entirely different conversation.¡± Hearing that, I turn to the kids that are now mostly being healed from their wounds from my Healing Rain spell that I have kept going all this time. ¡°You hear that kids, we can keep you all!¡± I shout. ¡°YEAH!¡± A cute little girl that had been bedridden and close to death a moment ago jumps up and then runs over to Mallory. ¡°I want to hug the fairy princess too.¡± She cries out and then seems to half climb up Mallory, while also reaching for my foot that is held firmly in Mallory¡¯s clutches. Seeing the girl, I Telekinetically reach down and pluck her off the ground, only to cradle her in my arms. ¡°What do you say Mal, can we keep her?¡± I ask, a giant smile on my face. ¡°What are we even going to do with them? There has be close to fifteen hundred kids here?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°I¡¯ve got plans.¡± I reply, trying to sound reassuring. ¡°Do I even want to know?¡± ¡°Is this from a Liability standpoint, or a culpability standpoint?¡± I ask, trying to clarify. ¡°You know what, never mind,¡± Mallory states as she lets go of my foot. Phew. I don¡¯t make any sudden movements, as that would only cause her to reach out again. Instead, I just stay still and wait for what is going to happen next. ¡°I was going to ask why you came, but I¡¯ve decided that it is a moot point. This hits us at a fortuitous time in our development and honestly kids are likely to be less brainwashed than adults at this point. So, I can¡¯t really say I dislike this from an opportunity perspective.¡± Mallory says reassuringly. Then she pauses before adding, ¡°I was going to ask why you did this, but then after seeing the looks on all the kids, I understood exactly why.¡± ¡°Yep, I couldn¡¯t refuse all these kids once I saw their desperate situation that they were in.¡± Hearing that Mallory just nodded in understanding. ¡°Honestly, I was going to say that what you did was pretty reckless and dangerous, but after seeing the state that these people were forced to live in, I can¡¯t help but agree with your actions.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Ahh, you do have a heart.¡± I say, going over and hugging Mallory with the little girl still in my arms. ¡°This is auntie Mallory, she might seem mean and foreboding, but that is only because deep down inside she cares about each and every person who is placed under her care.¡± I tell the girl, and all of the other kids that are nearby. With that, Mallory looks like she is about to leave. Before she goes, I stop her. ¡°I take it there are people on the other end already processing the new additions to our little slice of heaven?¡± ¡°Yes, and know that with this, so long as everything stays the course we will be on the verge of being a city by this weekend.¡± Hearing that, I couldn¡¯t help but gulp slightly at the implications of that. ¡°You mean right during the ceremony?¡± At that Mallory just grimaced as she too realized that this was all a set up by the system. ¡°You know, before I met you, I didn¡¯t put much stock into this whole the world is out to get you mentality.¡± Mallory began, ¡°I still don¡¯t. Well I don¡¯t think it is out to get me, but I definitely think it tries to make your life as hard as you make it for everyone else around you.¡± With that, I pause and then pivot with the girl still in my arms. ¡°Did you hear that?¡± The little girl just nodded her head as her whole face seemed to get confused by the comment. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, that is just Auntie Mallory¡¯s way of saying she loves me.¡± I reply. ¡°It is?¡± ¡°Yes, Auntie Mallory believes in tough love.¡± ¡°She does?¡± ¡°Yep¡­¡± ¡°I do not!¡± Mallory states, but I continue talking over her. ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here to make sure she remembers to smile her dazzling smile, and to relax.¡± ¡°Relax? With you? Seriously?¡± ¡°Look the minute I can relax, is the same minute you can relax.¡± I respond. ¡°You are literally the reason why neither of us can relax right now, you know that don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°So?¡± I say, then gently pat and comb my qi covered fingers through the girl¡¯s hair. ¡°So? So? You know what, I¡¯m done.¡± Mallory states, though it is clear she is mostly putting on a bit of a show and not actually angry or frustrated, especially as a smile fills her lips while she reaches forward to pat the head of the little girl. Then reaching out to take said, girl, I hand her over to Mallory. ¡°So tell me, where exactly are your parents?¡± With that the girl just shrugged. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°No, they said to go with Ms. Elsie, and that they would come in a bit.¡± The girl asked. Hearing that, I wanted to make sure we cut this line of questioning off immediately, the last thing we needed was one little kid crying here. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Dr. Spiritlight over there will look for them and unite you as soon as she finds them.¡± Mallory states. ¡°You will?¡± The girl asks a note of excitement filling her voice. She looks so excited that I can¡¯t help but make a promise that I know I can¡¯t fulfill. ¡°Yeah, of course I will.¡± I state, and then as if the world chose this time to both inspire hope and personally curse me, I got a quest prompt.
New Quest Found: Missing Parents (Ongoing): You have found a little girl in a refugee camp who has lost her parents, try to find clues about where they are and what has happened to them. Then rescue them, and reunite them with their beloved daughter. Current Parents found and rescued (0 / 2). Rewards: Experience, Variable.
¡°Oh, and look at that, because the little fairy promised and can¡¯t break her word, it is now the truth. Meaning Dr. Spiritlight will not stop looking until she finds your parents and brings them back to you.¡± Mallory states. ¡°What? You got that too?¡± I ask, wondering how she knew about my quest. ¡°Of course, as your guild leader I get to see all quests you get assigned to you. Then when they are important like the Migrant Rescue Mission, I can share them out with others to help distribute the load.¡± Mallory begins. ¡°Phew, so I¡¯m not going to be doing this one alone?¡± I ask. ¡°I never said that, as it is our resources are stretched thin. Nope, I think you are on this one on your own.¡± Mallory states. ¡°That, that is cruel.¡± ¡°That is Karma. Also, it is a good deed, and just maybe you might learn a lesson about throwing random quests onto people.¡± Mallory states, then still carrying the girl she proceeds to walk away. ¡°Gah, wait, at least let me question her about her parents.¡± I ask. Chapter 217 Hopeless Missions and Promises Chapter 217 Hopeless Missions and Promises Sometimes I really put myself in a bind. I now have the mission to find the parents of little Izzy, she doesn¡¯t know her last name. As it turns out even with Telepathy going so I could read the kids mind, I got almost less than nothing from talking to her, both mentally and magically. Me: ¡°What are your parents¡¯ names?¡± Izzy: ¡°Mommy and Daddy.¡± Me: ¡°What do they look like?¡± Izzy: "Mom is the most beautiful woman in the world, and dad is very handsome and very tall.¡± Honestly, I don¡¯t know why I asked that last question, even while reading Izzy¡¯s mind and seeing the parents through Izzy¡¯s memories I realized that those visuals did nothing for me. Why? Well the mother had black hair, while the father had blond hair. Why does this matter? Well, I can¡¯t see hair shades at all thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight. If I knew what their auras looked like, I could probably create a tracking spell based on the aura signatures. As it was, I was going to have to resort to a form of magic that I was fairly certain was either borderline sympathetic magic and borderline spirit linking. Basically, I took some hair and skin samples of the girl, there were plenty of them from my clothes. I took them, used them as the base components for a Life detection spell. Then I proceeded to create a reverse family finder.
New Spell Created: Family Tree Finder (Leaf to Branches Edition) (C): A Tier IX Life and Spirit Magic spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that attempts to find the immediate family members related to a sample of DNA evidence. By focusing on the unique chromosomes of the target sample, the caster of the spell can identify likely genetic matches for the male. By focusing on the sample¡¯s mitochondria, there is a 100% chance of finding blood relatives.
¡°Not exactly the spell to end all wars, but a much needed spell that everyone will want to have cast at the end of a war.¡± I say to myself. ¡°Wait, did you just create a new spell?¡± Mallory asked, a note of surprise in her voice. ¡°Yeah,¡± I admit, before sharing the details with her. Raywell, the female that stood up to me and became a subsequent leader of the refugees that we were still directing through the open portal just stared at me in amazement. ¡°You, have a portal going nonstop, you are casting your Healing Rain, and Cleansing Rain, and you still apparently found time to create a new spell?¡± Raywell asked. ¡°Yeah, well I was bored, and once you get the other spells going, its not like you can¡¯t think.¡± I state. With that Raywell just looked on at Mallory with slack jawed amazement. ¡°Yeah, welcome to our crazy little world. This is our mad professor and so far the only accredited teacher at SVC, a dual Magic and Cultivation college.¡± Mallory states, giving her greatest sales pitch. ¡°Oh wow, you are getting good at selling our place as an urban city.¡± I state. ¡°That¡¯s because it is, despite the odd petting zoo and random misadventures that always seem to pop up from one specific area, it is a great and mostly safe place to live.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Mostly?¡± I ask, trying to figure out where the danger is, and what I need to do to fix it. ¡°Yes, but unfortunately, you kind of come with the land. Like the guardian spirit of the pet cemetery that we built our city over top of.¡± Mallory says. ¡°Wait, are there dead animals that haunt the place?¡± Steve¡­something asks, he is one of the teenagers that Raywell got to stay behind and help make sure everyone got out safely. By now all of the kids were out, and it was mostly just vetting and checking the adults who wanted to enter to make sure they weren¡¯t spies or dissidents. Fortunately, Mallory had people who specialized in counter espionage to vet those people. Meaning it was just us, and watching the remainder of the people going through. Since I was the second anchor point, I couldn¡¯t quite leave not yet. Due to my staying, Mallory and her entourage of guards and task managers were naturally here by my side. As it was, I would assume that Raywell was getting informally screened to be one of the newly designated managers, one who would focus on the Refugee population. During this time it also seemed clear that the Steve-something kid was related to Raywell. But that was only a hunch. Focusing on my new spell, I cast it and proved my theory to be correct. Family Tree Finder (Leaf to Branches Edition) Gods that was a long name for a spell. Still, the spell did its part, no sooner had I cast the spell from a strand of the boy¡¯s hair, that I had plucked with Telekinesis, was I able to give a slight link to the boy, the original creator of the hair particle. Then there was a bright golden light that linked the hair to both Raywell and to a stream of light far off in the distance. ¡°Good it works,¡± I sated excitedly. ¡°Wait, what was that?¡± The boy asked. ¡°Oh, yeah sorry. That was me testing out my new tracker spell. This is designed to specifically find the nearest family relatives of the original owner of a particle of DNA.¡± I answer. Pausing, I realize that once this is done, I am so going to test this to try to find my parents, though I must focus on the one remaining task. First let all the vetted personnel through the portal between myself and my Simulacrum. Then go and find Izzy¡¯s long lost parents. Parents that I apparently promised to find and that somehow became a binding quest. Well, not quite binding, I could still refuse the quest, but why refuse a quest that can easily be solved with thirty minutes of work. Or at least thirty minutes of work so far. Still, the fact that my spell worked made me feel a lot better. Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Wait, it can track the relatives of a strand of DNA, like some form of Magical Ancestry Finder?¡± Raywell asked. Hearing her, ¡°Ancestry Finder? Gah, that is such a better name than what I came up with.¡± I reply, momentarily forgetting the actual question being asked. ¡°Wait, what did you name the spell?¡± Raywell asked. ¡°You probably don¡¯t want to know.¡± Mallory cut in, ¡°one thing you will find is that there are limitations to her genius, and naming her amazing inventions is not something she should be allowed to do without adult supervision.¡± ¡°Hey,¡± I respond a bit halfheartedly. ¡°What did you call the Qi Fusion Fighters? The Unicorn Pegasus hybrid? Or what is your newest one the Qi and Mana flow measurement system?¡± Mallory asks, listing off some of my more questionable titles. ¡°Okay, fine, do you have a list of all my questionable names?¡± I ask. ¡°Questionable? No, these names are so bad compared to the masterpieces that you created that I can¡¯t help but get embarrassed when trying to think about marketing them to others.¡± Mallory states. ¡°I can¡¯t help it that I go with practical names, versus aesthetically pleasing names.¡± I rebuff. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure its not that bad, tell me what did you call this Ancestry Finding spell?¡± Raywell asks. Hearing the much better name of the spell I can only groan, as I reply truthfully. ¡°I called it Family Tree Finder (Leaf to Branches Edition).¡± ¡°Oh, I see, you really went all in on that tree metaphor,¡± is all Raywell states, nodding her head in as placating of a way as possible. ¡°To my defense, as you noted. I was maintaining two different spells, while creating a brand new spell the world had never seen before.¡± I say, a bit more dejectedly than I intended. ¡°And maybe if you sat down and focused on one thing, you might really do it well, and not cause these types of issues for yourself in the future.¡± Raywell stated, then quickly covered her mouth as she seemed to have said more than she intended. ¡°Thank you. Oh, Gods, finally another voice of reason. Even if you don¡¯t want to be part of the delegation for the new refugees, there is always a place for people like you.¡± Mallory begins. ¡°There is?¡± Raywell asks a bit incredulously. ¡°Yes, anyone that can meet Cass and not be instantly intimidated by her and roll over at her every beck and call needs to be applauded and given a position.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not that scary.¡± I protest. With that, Steve, and both of Mallory¡¯s overpowered guards both visibly flinch. While Mallory and Raywell both just stare at me like I¡¯m a little girl with butterfly wings sulking before her big dance recital of Swan Lake. Mallory for her part just does a quick scan around to see what I already noticed, namely that everyone had taken a half step back at least. ¡°I agree, you are not that scarry, you are just,¡± Raywell begins, but then seems to catch herself looking for the operative word, then continues ¡°intense.¡± ¡°Oh honey you don¡¯t know the half of it.¡± Mallory says, resting her arms across Raywell¡¯s shoulders as she seems to be setting Raywell up for something. I know what she is doing, she is basically working Raywell up to do something, but I can¡¯t for the life of me figure out what it is. Then before I can get too lost, Stevie cuts back in. ¡°Hey that spell you cast, where does that other end go?¡± ¡°Most likely your father, though I would need to do a few more tests. It is just as strong via DNA testing as you are to your mother, but hard to say. I¡¯ve only cast this spell once.¡± I admit. ¡°Once? But you are sure it is my father?¡± The boy, Steve something states. ¡°Stavi, I told you that your father died a long time ago.¡± Raywell stated. ¡°But look there it is, a strand that all but states he exists. That or someone genetically related to me.¡± The boy, apparently his name is Stavi, not Steve, because I¡¯m the one that¡¯s bad at naming things, replied. ¡°Oh come on, even if he did exist, I¡¯m sure Dr. Spiritlight here is far too busy to take up yet another task of this scale.¡± The woman Raywell stated. ¡°I totally am, I¡¯ve got a class on Bloodline lineages to teach.¡± I state, realizing that Mallory will never go to teach that class again. Not after the last time when she swore it was the absolute last time I pawned my responsibilities off on her. ¡°I¡¯ll gladly take on the teaching of your class,¡± Mallory begins, but then smiles as I think she thinks she¡¯s identified something. Then she continues, ¡°that is, so long as we can get Cass to say she will attempt to find the other person at the end of this tracking spell she created.¡± I look at Mallory, and I would squint if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that my eyes are solid orbs of emerald now. Still, I stare at her and wonder ¡°what are you planning to do?¡± ¡°Me, I¡¯m going to teach students about awakening their Legendary bloodlines and potentials. Maybe even suggest that the instructor come up with handy teaching aides like she has made for her other classes.¡± At that, I think about the Outsourcers and then try to see if I can come up with a model that could be used for teaching about bloodline balancing and powers, but nothing comes to mind. ¡°See, you can tell she isn¡¯t close to coming up with anything for this project, though she really wants to.¡± Mallory states. ¡°How can you tell?¡± Raywell and I ask at the same time. ¡°Simple, she turned her head up to the left to think, but she wasn¡¯t close to an epiphany as her tongue didn¡¯t come out of her mouth.¡± Mallory begins. ¡°Hey, that was one time.¡± ¡°Every time she has an epiphany she has her tongue out. During that time I will need you to get ahold of me, I will drop everything I am doing and get over there to you to try to mitigate the fallout. If I can¡¯t get there, immediately beep it a number of times. If it is a standard creation, one click. For something novel that you don¡¯t understand two. For something that makes absolutely no sense but causes the hairs on the back of your neck to tingle and rise up in fear, then keep pressing the button.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Wait? What? You act like she will be my handler or something?¡± I ask. ¡°Interim handler for now, but I¡¯ve found that I need someone that can at least take your heat and provide some resistance. As it is, I can¡¯t trust your daughter or Jhonny to do anything like that.¡± Mallory states. ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t need a handler.¡± I protest, realizing that I might not win this argument even before it begins. Mallory for her part just waves her hand around wildly. ¡°Really, then how did you end up here?¡± ¡°I saw the news article about the displaced kids and knew I had to come and help.¡± I state. ¡°Was your need to help before or after you were given the quest to rescue everyone?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Hey, you don¡¯t need a quest to do the right thing.¡± I state. ¡°Uh huh, and your trip out here wouldn¡¯t have anything to do with there being twenty-one members of the SLWC?¡± Mallory pressed. ¡°SLWC?¡± Raywell asked. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s us, the Seventh Life Writers Club,¡± a familiar sounding man speaks as he gets closer to us. Pausing, we all turn to look at the three new arrivals that just came from the wastelands. Now that I have time to focus, their auras are familiar, and then I realize they were the very same people I Resurrected while trying to ask for directions here. ¡°Hey, you are those three people I resurrected.¡± I state, to the three. ¡°Yes, after you were done healing all the stray cats and dogs, you then proceeded to Resurrect the three of us.¡± The female stated. Hearing her talk, I had a feeling she was likely a pretentious writer that I would not get along with. ¡°Oh stop that Ms. Whittle, we already went over this. She wanted to come here and heal and rescue the orphans, which she clearly has managed to do.¡± The first person I Resurrected stated. Then I realize what he said when he first arrived. ¡°Wait, you three are members of the SLWC?¡± I ask, suddenly excited to be able to see at least three of my heroes. ¡°That we are madame, I am Mr. Sanders. My compatriot here is Mr. Raynes, and of course the ever-talented Ms. Whittle.¡± The first speaker, Mr. Sanders stated with courtly grace and etiquette. ¡°Wait, the Mr. Sanders, as is the writer of The Ethereal Vapor series? Along with the Hidden Tasks series?¡± I ask, barely able to contain my excitement at this point. ¡°The very same,¡± Mr. Sanders replies while giving another bow. ¡°Oh my gosh, I am such a huge fan.¡± ¡°Not that huge, if you couldn¡¯t even give us a ride with you.¡± Mr. Raynes states in a fake stage whisper that he clearly wanted me to hear. Seeing him and hearing his cantankerous attitude, I cannot help but smile. ¡°Wait, you are the Mr. Raynes, author of Eternal Struggles of Light?¡± ¡°Yes, glad you have heard of me.¡± Mr. Raynes said. ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t read as I expected at least three books for a series. A series that I am still waiting for.¡± I reply, before crossing my arms. ¡°Oh, she got you.¡± Mr. Sanders stated. Then turning to the third person I ask, ¡°who are you?¡± ¡°Ms. Whittle, you know Ms. Susan Whittle, author of the Grimlight series.¡± She states as if that name should mean something. ¡°Who?¡± I ask. ¡°You know the one with all the sparkly werewolves.¡± Mallory adds. At that, I remember something about having to take Gwen and my other girls to all go and see those terrible movies, all while Rob used that time to cheat on me behind my back. ¡°Yeah, I remember your books now, they were terrible.¡± I replied, I don¡¯t remember them being that bad. But at the time in my life when I was introduced to them, it was terrible. To this day I associate those books with Rob¡¯s infidelity. ¡°Well, on that note, I say it is about time we let you all join us.¡± Mallory states, then proceeds to give the same spiel that she has done hundreds of times to these three SLWC members. As she leads them away, Stavi comes over. ¡°Please promise me you will find him?¡± Hearing the boy, I pause and realize that he is just a wayward kid wanting to find his parents. I even notice the gaze of Raywell on the two of us. For whatever reason it is clear that Raywell does not want me to find this dad, but I do need to test the spell for its veracity, and I think I have a really hard time telling kids no. Well kids that want simple things like to find their parents after being separated by a giant war. Realizing this is a request that is coming deep from his very heart, I can¡¯t help but exhale as I make another stupid promise in under an hour to yet another kid looking for their parents. ¡°I promise to find whomever is at the other end of this tracking spell.¡± I pose. ¡°YES!¡± Stavi exclaims excitedly. ¡°I¡¯ll need some more strands of your hair for this.¡± I pose. ¡°Sure thing.¡± Stavi says, then runs his fingers through his sweat stained hair and I wonder if there was another way to do this without going for unwashed hair strands. Still, this was the best I could get. Then before I could say anything else, the world spoke essentially holding me to the commitment of completing yet another stupid quest.
New Quest Found: Missing Parents 1A (Ongoing): You have found a boy (Stavi) and his mother (Raywell) in a refugee camp. When casting a spell to identify familial connections you found two active strands from the boy, one led to the mother and the other led to someone far off in the distance. Find the other person and introduce them to Stavi. Find the other person and reunite them with Stavi. Current persons found and reunited (0 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Variable.
¡°Take as long as you need to find all the missing parents.¡± Mallory called out, apparently seeing that I accepted the new quest from her Guild Master¡¯s log. And like that, I could swear that Mallory had identified something about the random way I seemed to be assigned quests over everyone else. I was going to ask her about what it is she thinks is happening, but before I could get too lost in thought, I decide to at least search for Stavi¡¯s lost ancestor. All while making the note that when I make an improved version of this spell, I will stay away from tree references. Chapter 218 Guiding Hurricanes (Mallory) Chapter 218 Guiding Hurricanes (Mallory) ¡°So what is it like to be a guild leader?¡± Raywell, one of the newest future leaders that Cass has a propensity towards somehow finding and throwing right into Mallory¡¯s lap. A lap that she swore was already full to the brim, but somehow she managed to find a way to make what she was providing just tempting enough that Mallory had to reach out her arms and try to stabilize the pile of parts, before they all topple over. Exhale. Mallory knew to take her time, that her first answer in this case might come across as having a bit more frustration than she would like. ¡°Normally, I would say it was rather boring and uneventful. At least that was how it was for the first eighty-ish years of our existence.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°And now?¡± Raywell pressed, hearing that there was more to this conversation if she but asked. ¡°Now I have almost no clue what I am going to do when I wake up. What fire I am going to have to put out. Who I am going to have to talk to, or what I am going to have to do before sundown.¡± Mallory answered truthfully. ¡°Is it that bad?¡± ¡°No, despite how stressed I might be, it is actually rather enjoyable.¡± Mallory stated, as she looked down to see the gaggle of kids that were all playing with and petting four brightly colored Pomeranians. Just seeing the image caused Mallory to momentarily pause out of fear, but she quickly calmed down knowing that Zero, and one of Cass¡¯s Simulacrums were both there to help make sure order was maintained. How did Mallory know it was a Simulacrum? Simple, the Simulacrum was smiling and not causing things to break around her at the same time. No that wasn¡¯t fair, Cass always had a way of finding things that Mallory didn¡¯t even know she needed, until they were found. Then it took a bit of maneuvering on her part, taking the raw materials that Cass gave. Materials that were similar to the components required for a nuclear power plant, yes at the end it will create indefinite power to provide for the community. But if not handled correctly and immediately then you have radioactive waste to deal with. Waste that will infect the entire community, if not handled appropriately. Silence. Again, during this time Mallory could only wince at the way the kids were so casually running around and playing tag with the different brightly colored Pomeranians. Pomeranians that Mallory knew could change and morph into giant destructive elemental guardians at a moment¡¯s notice. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they will be gentle with your pets.¡± Raywell stated. Chuckle. Hearing that, Mallory could only laugh, ¡°don¡¯t worry about them, I don¡¯t think they could hurt those pets if they tried. No, I am more worried about the kids if anything happens to them. Though we do have Cass, I mean Dr. Spiritlight on site, so we should be good.¡± Hearing her speak Raywell seemed to nod in understanding. ¡°You trust her a lot, don¡¯t you?¡± Raywell asked. ¡°Cass?¡± ¡°Yes, I take it that is Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s first name?¡± ¡°Yes, though know she likely will not respond or find a quick way to leave if you approach her as Dr. Spiritlight.¡± Mallory replied, as a slight smile came to her face. ¡°She will?¡± ¡°Yeah, she knows that if we are referring to her by title then it either means something official has come up that she will need to address. Or she has broken something in the course of her official capacities as a guild officer and will need to focus on the cleanup.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°So every other time she is just Cass?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± There was a slight pause as Raywell seemed to pause as if trying to come up with the best way to ask for what she wanted to say next. ¡°I have to ask, we didn¡¯t inconvenience you all by coming here, did we?¡± Raywell asked. Hearing that Mallory just let out a sigh. ¡°No, you all are not a burden here. In fact, you all came at probably the perfect time.¡± Mallory answered truthfully. ¡°We did?¡± ¡°Yes, you see we are in the process of getting incorporated into a recognized city.¡± Mallory explained. ¡°And you needed us because?¡± ¡°Because as I noted earlier, we needed over fifteen hundred people to meet the standards for being declared an actual city. Cass as usual found a way to fix a problem before it even became a problem.¡± ¡°A problem?¡± ¡°Yes, how can we get fifteen hundred loyal people, or if not loyal then people who we know will not backstab us, the first chance they get.¡± Mallory answered truthfully. Raywell thought about it for a second, and then realized that having so many kids brought on board to a community like this was likely exactly what the Midnight Hunters wanted. The kids were young enough to not be fully brainwashed by any country they came from. Then if treated nicely enough, they would be extremely loyal followers, as they were all plucked up from a terrible situation. The more Raywell thought about it, the more she realized this was a perfect resource needed to a blossoming city. ¡°Dr. Spiritlight knew about the requirements and then specifically sought us out to help with both the numbers and to save the children, that is remarkable.¡± Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Hearing that Mallory could only scoff at the idea. Truthfully, she knew the real reason why Cass went down there, the only reason that made sense and the only reason that she practically admitted to. Namely she went down there to rescue the writers for the chance that they might produce more books for her to read. That said, explaining this action to a complete stranger, a stranger who Mallory was trying to instill confidence in about staying on was not the best course of action. Instead, Mallory focused on being as truthful as possible. ¡°She is rather remarkable.¡± Mallory replied nodding in complete agreement. ¡°What is she really like?¡± Raywell asked, while this was a question that Mallory had fielded and answered numerous times thus far, Mallory made sure to be warry of how she answered. Part of her wariness came from the fact that this was still a relatively unvetted outsider that was not truly part of the guild, and only being held onto for a population quota. In her mind, Mallory knew that if Raywell posed a true threat, it would be her responsibility to eliminate this threat, before she might try to hurt or harm Cass. Well the protection extended to anyone from her guild, but particularly Cass. ¡°She is like trying to herd a helpful hurricane.¡± ¡°Like a helpful hurricane?¡± Raywell asked, a bit incredulous. ¡°Yes. Roughly seventy percent of what she does is very beneficial, she will provide much needed rains, she will clear out areas so new life can grow and flourish. She will also strip away old and outdated things so new things can be put in to replace the old. The only problem is that thirty percent, that of not being ready or prepared to change things immediately. The not having the infrastructure needed to move at Cass¡¯s rapid rate of change.¡± Mallory explained. With that Raywell paused for a moment, and then looked at all of the kids that were running around playing and laughing brightly for the first time in as long as she could remember. For a moment her eyes flushed wide, until she locked in on one of the older boys who was running around and playing. Upon seeing him, she instantly relaxed. Seeing that interaction, Mallory noted the weak point, that of the kid. Then realizing her mind already went into predatory mode with how to keep Raywell here, she instantly tried to dismiss that thought. Those were the thoughts of the old Mallory, ever since meeting Cass, her perspective has changed. Not that she would ever be quote unquote a good girl, she did find herself wanting to be better. ¡°You know when I first got here, it was every woman for herself. We had to not only be stronger but smarter than everyone else around us.¡± Mallory began. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Eventually the males all either died out, or found other people to pester. In either case I was given the chance I needed to grow, and I took it.¡± Mallory answered truthfully. With that Raywell looked around, and then saw how the lush lands of the claimed territory went out for as far as the eye could see in one direction, then turning in the other direction those lush fields quickly vanished into wild desert lands. ¡°I must say, you¡¯ve done well for yourself.¡± Raywell admitted. Scoff. ¡°No, I can¡¯t even claim half of this, this was all just finding the right people to fill the right roles when needed.¡± ¡°You are modest too, that is an admirable quality in a leader.¡± Raywell noted. ¡°No, I just have a talent for seeing people that I think will be important. Then I grab them when no one is looking, when they haven¡¯t quite developed themselves yet, and then put them in a position where I think they can grow and flourish.¡± Mallory replied, this time making sure to lock gazes with Raywell. Hearing this Raywell looked interested. ¡°Oh, and who from those that were gathered here have you spotted for talent?¡± Raywell asked, gesturing to the field of over two thousand people that were still being sorted by Mallory¡¯s immense staffing team. ¡°So far I have only noted two that remotely caught my eye.¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t mind me asking, then who are these two?¡± Raywell asked looking at the kids. Seeing her, Mallory could only scoff. ¡°I can¡¯t evaluate kids, well I generally don¡¯t evaluate kids as they are often too volatile. In fact, I only found one kid who was worth my attention. That said, the two from your group that I have already identified myself are that Mickey guy that knew Cass from her youth. Then you. Of the two, I was hoping I could lean on you for support here in helping your group make the transition.¡± ¡°My group?¡± Raywell asked. ¡°Yes, I realize this might be a lot, but your group now represents a significant faction of people here. I need to make sure they have a voice. I¡¯ve been paying attention, and so far the people seem to listen to you. Well and that Mickey guy, but I¡¯m pretty sure that Cass already has plans for him.¡± Mallory noted. Hearing that, Raywell just paused and looked at Mallory trying to see if she was telling the truth. ¡°Just like that, one look at me and you trust me?¡± ¡°Trust you, no. I just met you. But for me to trust that you will have the best interest of the people who came here with you, to include providing a safe place for your son to grow up, yes.¡± Mallory replied. Hearing that Raywell thought about the comment and then found herself agreeing with Mallory¡¯s assessment of her and the situation. ¡°Very well, though how do you know that I will remain loyal to you?¡± Raywell asked. With that Mallory just smiled. ¡°Funny that you should ask that, as I already sent my best asset out to ensure your full and devoted loyalty.¡± Mallory answered. ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± Raywell asked. Mallory for her own part could only laugh, as she just got a quest completion notification from the very asset she was talking about. One that Mallory could tell the status of, thanks to her recently improved status as a Guild Leader.
New Quest Completed (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Missing Parents 1A (Ongoing): Cassiopeia Spiritlight has found a boy (Stavi) and his mother (Raywell) in a refugee camp. By casting a spell to identify familial connections Spiritlight found two active strands from the boy, one led to the mother and the other led to someone far off in the distance. Spiritlight has now found the other person and is in the process of trying to introduce them to Stavi. Current persons found and reunited (1 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Markers noted.
¡°I mean, wait and see.¡± Mallory said, then pointed towards the Simulacrum of Cass who was just happily flying about casting various spells and growing groves of trees that could quickly begin bearing fruits and shade for the kids and adults nearby. Flash. There was almost an explosion of light as Cass clearly switched places with her Simulacrum. It was small and subtle, but now that Mallory knew what to look for, it almost felt blinding by comparison. That flash was the sign that Cass had switched spots with her simulacrum. Then not even wasting a beat, Cass spun around once. Then like a shark that caught the scent of blood, she turned her body and faced right at Raywell¡¯s son, Stovi. ¡°You,¡± Cass said flapping forward so quickly that Stovi and all of the other kids halted what they were doing and waited for the scarry butterfly girl to pass. Honestly, watching Cass when she was focused like this was intense. Mallory looked to see that even now parts of her uniform were regrowing themselves to fully fit her body. For a moment, Mallory almost thought to ask what happened, but then for liability and liaison reasons, she opted not to say anything. The less she knew in this case, the easier dealing with the Legrand Empire for supplies would be in the future. At least that was what she told herself. ¡°Wha, what?¡± Stovi a boy who was easily as tall if not taller than Cass stammered out as he watched the giant sized porcelain doll come racing forward and stop just in front of him. ¡°Stovi, right?¡± She asked. ¡°Ye, yeah?¡± ¡°Good. I¡¯ve got something for you.¡± Cass said, then before Stovi could even ask what, Cass turned around and began casting magic. Within a second, Cass opened a portal to what looked to be a war-torn country. No wild gestures, no incantations, not even a slight distortion in space as she casually ripped open a hole between two fixed locations on the planet. Just one second there was open space, and the next there was a background of a place that was ravaged by war. While a war wasn¡¯t happening there now, the remnants of a war were evident for all to see. There was undue litter on the streets, walls were broken and left with huge scorch marks. The entire thing looked like a terrible reminder of why peaceful resolutions are always more preferable, to all out armed conflicts. Then before the image became too bad, a slightly clean, if recently drenched man walked through the opening. At first he looked like he was blinded by the array of bright vibrant colors that were all around. Then blinking once and twice he looked and paused as he just stared down at the boy who could be an exact copy of him. Black hair, similar skin tone and muscles. ¡°How?¡± The words came to Mallory from Raywell who was looking on in shock at the sight before her. Then Mallory noticed as a slight tear began to form in the corner of Raywell¡¯s eye as she began running forward. Mallory seeing this could only smile as she gave the trio a few moments, before she too found herself following along and joining in the family reunion. ¡°How did you?¡± Raywell asked, finally breaking free from the huddle and looking towards Cass. Cass for her part just shrugged it off, the same way she did with all praise. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me, she¡¯s the one that tricked me into doing it.¡± With that Raywell turned to face Mallory, with clear joy and adoration in her eyes. ¡°How did you? No wait, that doesn¡¯t matter, just thank you.¡± With that look, Mallory knew that she had her, that Raywell would forever be a loyal member of the Midnight Hunters, just as she had planned and hoped. ¡°I told you, I had my best asset on it.¡± Mallory stated. Hearing that Raywell could only smile slightly brighter at the statement. Then turning to Cass once again she said, ¡°thank you again.¡± Cass of course in typical Cass faction somehow turned this serious moment into one of her awkward moments. ¡°Again, don¡¯t thank me. Thank the Guild Leader here, who took it upon herself to teach my class so I could have the time to look for your family member.¡± Cass said. Hearing that, Mallory could only wince as she realized that it was clearly nearing time for that class. ¡°Wait, now that you are here, why don¡¯t you¡­¡± Mallory began, trying to see if she could still get out of this commitment now that the important person was taken care of. ¡°Okay, fine, but you have to break it to poor little Izzy that you not teaching a class is more important than me finding her parents.¡± Cass stated, and like that Mallory remembered the cute little girl that somehow already had Cass wrapped around her little fingers. ¡°You are horrible,¡± Mallory began, then continued, ¡°go on. Go find Izzy¡¯s parents.¡± ¡°Aye aye Captain.¡± Cass said, giving a crisp mock salute before pulsing away and leaving behind a slightly duller version of herself that looked at Mallory, nodded, and then went back to immediately casting spells. ¡°What just happened?¡± Raywell asked, clearly seeing that Cass was still here, though her personality had completely changed. ¡°This is one of Cass¡¯s Simulacrums. Don¡¯t worry, the real Cass is already out saving the world and rescuing little lost puppies as she goes.¡± Mallory answered. Hearing that Raywell just nodded then stated, ¡°at the very least, at least life will be interesting.¡± ¡°Be careful with what you wish for,¡± was all Mallory had to say about that. Then before anyone could say anything else, she found herself having to excuse herself, as she left to teach a class about Bloodline lineages, all while wondering how Cass always seemed to get out of her teaching duties. Chapter 219 I’m Not Here To Start A War Chapter 219 I¡¯m Not Here To Start A War Honestly, I think we all kind of saw this coming. Or at the very least it should not have come as a surprise that I ended up here like this. Of course, this is likely going to only add fuel to the fire about my needing to have a handler. Someone around who will constantly monitor me and my actions for any signs that I am going to do something that might cause political, financial, or undeterminable consequences that could come back on the Midnight Hunters Guild. What exactly happened? Well, to be simply put, I found the enemy¡¯s hidden forced labor camp. Not that it was really hidden, but it apparently is the camp where all prisoners of war are gathered and forced to work in dangerous mining conditions in order to extract raw ore and resources that will ultimately feed into the Legrand war machine. Honestly for a nation as large as Legrand, I would expect there to be dozens to a hundred of these. This one camp with a few hundred workers is probably a drop in the bucket for the Legrand Empire. For a moment, I almost thought about just finding my two targets, the biological parents of a little girl named Izzy, grabbing them and then getting out. Parents that I found thanks to my handy, if poorly named new spell Family Tree Finder (Leaf to Branches Edition). Then I realized that this would leave close to 498 other people who would later curse my name about why they didn¡¯t have their own Izzy that sparked a mission like this. With that, I began going low key. First, I reconnoitered the whole place, looking for entry and exit points, communication relays, power sources, alarm systems. I even searched for magical detection and prevention sources. Then I began systematically breaking everything. Starting first with the magical detection systems. These are oddly enough the easiest to deal with, as they focus on alerting based on a disturbance of mana in the immediate area. The goal is to hide them in as inconspicuous a place as possible so an unsuspecting mage will not notice them in the air vents above. The only problem with this design is that for someone with Angel¡¯s Sight, those mana attracting runes look like glowing flowers that draw in magical dew to my sight. Once they are found, disabling them is simple, you just grab them with Telekinesis, and yank them free of the alarm system that they are attached to. See these magical detection systems require mana to run, and need to be recharged constantly, thus they are designed to be disabled in such a way for ease of maintaining coverage. Looking back on it, old Mickey Eight-Toes was the one who taught me how to first disarm this type of trap. Just remembering that thought brings a smile to my face as I realize I definitely need to make sure Mickey is still there to help a new generation of kids. So that they too can grow up to be vigilante terrorists, if they want. Then realizing that I am doing this for Izzy, a kid who I very much want to teach these types of self-sufficient skills to only causes me to move a bit faster. Once the magical detection runes are separated from the alarms, I quickly crush the alarms with Telekinesis. Then I look internally inside the alarm systems that the runes were attached to and tear apart the different needed components. As I move with surgical precision, I remember even more lessons taught to me by the guild. Lessons that I now use like second nature. Whereas when I first began, I would rip the entire object to pieces, now I just strike at the five or ten internal points that will consistently cause the most damage and then move on. Perhaps this is where my expertise as a doctor came from, as I have used many of these same focusing techniques to improve the internal workings of many patients. With the magical detection alarms down, I then focus on the magical prevention alarms. I focus on them to see if they are even worth dealing with, then quickly realize they aren¡¯t. These are the standard magical prevention focuses, anti-elemental mastery, anti-teleportation, anti-mental attacks, and anti-healing/augmentation. To test myself I make sure to Teleport next to these, only to find that there is a slight tingling sensation to the magic, but nothing I can¡¯t handle. Honestly, with the way those wards are structured, they will honestly help me more than hinder me, especially as I don¡¯t plan on attacking anyone while here. This was another great teaching from Mickey, don¡¯t bother wasting time on disabling all the traps. Just focus on disabling the traps that will hinder your mission. With the magical component taken care of, I begin taking out alarm systems and communication relay lines. Since this is steampunk, noticing lines that run electricity is rather easy, even if they are deep underground. Most of the time all it takes is a quick thrust of Telekinesis to push, pull, or tear a copper wire line apart. Before I knew it, all my preparations were complete and I was ready to execute. At first I really meant to go in subtly, and steal 500 forced laborers in the night without anyone noticing. That was honestly the plan. Of course, that was until I saw her. Lady Legrand, the daughter of a duke in Legrand who supposedly was brothers to the King or something. Honestly, I forgot all about the entire power dynamic. All I remember was the lopsided contract she made me sign, one that if it had gone differently, I be little more than a magical slave working for pennies on the dollar. Worse, despite my showing her the error of her ways by stealing all of her funds and experience from her tournament, she didn¡¯t learn as she now had no less than five mages all bound by magically binding contracts to her. Seeing them bound in such a way, I could only feel hollow inside. For a moment I wondered what life would have been like had I decided to stay with her, to continue being her Tobias. Could I have prevented this, these fates for other mages? Or was this always the fate that awaited me, had I not thought of my own way out of the contract. Then just as I was focusing on her own unique magic signature, I noticed something. A taint of corruption. Well not corruption, not really, but a forced magical mutation. Looking at Lady Legrand and her entourage of bound in servitude mages, I saw something that felt oddly nostalgic. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Actually, multiple things here felt oddly nostalgic, though I couldn¡¯t place where all of these feelings of D¨¦j¨¤ vu were coming from. The land felt nostalgic for some reason, though I was fairly certain that I never came here before. That of if I had it was while running very quickly for my life. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that I knew of the odd dry resonance of the land. Yes, the land was dry, as if drained of all magical potential. But that dry sensation wasn¡¯t the most pressing thing on my senses, as I also noticed that while the land looked and felt unnaturally depleted of magical resources, the people who were in charge of guarding and running this camp were oddly infused with magical capabilities. The magical capabilities were so off putting that I had to truly sit and stare at them for a moment, while I figured out what exactly was off. These mages were all mutated, but it wasn¡¯t a truly natural mutation. Only once I counted the tier ratings of a few of the mages did the oddly nostalgic mutation seem to make sense. From but a glance I saw with my Angel¡¯s Sight, the differences that my bloodline provided to these people and to Lady Legrand. Vomit. Yes, I vomited up mana glitter. The with Lady Legrand and all of her bound servants all had been corrupted and changed by my bloodline. Worse, I knew exactly who had done it. Then to make matters worse, I suddenly understood why the Legrand Empire, always a force to be reckoned with, was suddenly an unstoppable juggernaut of force. My son, Rob Jr., or Trenton as he now likes to be called did all of this. This was my work, my sweat, my tears, my trials, my hopes, and my want to make the world better suddenly shoved in my face. Seeing the mage overlords, I quickly noticed their little wristbands, and amulets. These were the protection devices needed to bypass the protective anti-magic wards that were active throughout the camp. I was going to be quiet. Just a quick sneak in, grab a few people, then get out. However that all changed once I saw the method of imprisonment. Once I realized the root cause of this sudden rise to power was due to my very bloodline, I realized why bloodlines were so important. Especially Legendary Bloodlines like my own. Trembling. My hands were trembling, but this was okay. At this point using my hands was unnecessary, as such whether my hands trembled or not was inconsequential to my ability to cast spells. Words were unnecessary, which was good as I suddenly felt something akin to cotton forming in my throat. I also didn¡¯t need to see, at least not with my eyes. This too was good, as it meant I could cry my tears of pain I now felt coming up. In a way, I had caused this. I left my son alone, realizing that he had fallen in with bad crowd again. I let him lead his life here how he wanted, only to see the gift of magic, my gift to the world being used to enslave others. Worse, even those doing the enslaving were also slaves. For a moment, I wanted wrath. Thunderclap. I¡¯m leaking mana and qi simultaneously. My emotions are so wild that without even realizing it, I have caused a supernatural storm to appear out of nowhere. Drain. As the supernatural storm starts, I feel the primitive anti-magic wards come to life. They try to put out my storm. They only thing they don¡¯t realize is that this is a Qi and Mana infused storm, by taking away the mana, all you do is strengthen the external Qi. Fwoosh! The external Qi of the storm, uses the anti-magic properties of the wards as an accelerant. Suddenly what had just been a static filled breeze became a torrent of wild energy. Energy that seemed to buck and convulse wildly, wanting to be left free. For a moment, I thought about letting it go free. Letting the energy wreak its own seemingly personalized form of justice on the land. The land was clearly starved of mana, and this odd storm was a direct result of that starvation fueled by a rapid expulsion of energy that I let flow from me, apparently. This created a vortex effect, where the land that had apparently been mined for mana particles was now desperately trying to absorb the energy from the Qi and Mana storm, before it was even allowed to be fully created. This was the equivalent of a parched desert receiving the first rain fall of the year, how it was able to pull down absorb the liquid and leave only a silhouette of where the rain drop fell to die and disappear into the sand. That is what the land was doing now as it gobbled up energy particles. Feeling the desperate cry of the war torn earth being awoken by this energy, I could almost feel the pain of the earth crying out to me. This was due to my Nature¡¯s Friend Title I received. A title that was further enhanced by the title that my Midnight Hunters also had.
Nature¡¯s Friend (X): You have helped clean up over one hundred thousand pounds of trash, and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 50% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Perhaps it was the cry of the dying earth that caused me to snap. Before I heard and felt the travesties that the inhabitants of the lands were performing on the lands, I likely would have been able to avoid violence. As it stood, I could only feel the intense need of planet to have the infectious parasites removed for a time, so that it might recover. That is what the excavators were to the planet just parasites that were stripping away the bones of the carcass that was the world. Then as if by fate, I was given yet another message from the world all but telling me to act as a rabid Lorax.
New Quest Identified: Purging the Desecrators (Ongoing): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. Magical Parasites have set up a dig site stripping the land of magical resources, which have in turn begun to poison the ecosystem. Eliminate the threat to the local area, and become a protector of the world. Current status Grand Mages purged (0 / 9), Mage foreman (0 / 12), Mage Leaders (0 / 27), excavators (0 / 508). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Evolution Markers, Badges, variables.
Seeing the quest, I mentally nodded as I now understood what I was up against. Pausing for a moment, I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, as this quest all but demanded I become both an ecoterrorist and the thing that Mallory feared most, an overpowered villain. At least, that is what would have happened if I didn¡¯t take a moment to pause and read the exact wording of the quest. The moment I forced myself to stop and think, was the moment the answer to this problem was made blatantly apparent. I mean the answer was also implied in this quest in that I was also supposed to eliminate the excavators. This was a task I could not do, or rather would not do as it was initially inferred by the wording. Yet, this quest like all quests can be interpreted multiple different ways. The key words were for me to Eliminate the threat to the local area. Realizing that was the goal of this, I could accomplish this task multiple different ways. I could go in spells blazing and strike everyone down in a hail of magical fury. This would not be something that I would feel comfortable with. The next would be to focus on different definitions of eliminate, which really means to completely remove or get rid of. To get rid of these people would be simple, I could just open a quick portal to nowhere, force everyone through and be done with the quest right there. Or I could go for option three, which would be a slight combination of one and two. Spells blazing, while removing the people I wanted to save from here. Ultimately I decided to go for option three. Particularly as this seemed to be the way to fix my mistake. Well multiple mistakes. Now that I felt the earth crying out in pain, I focused on what this operation was for. The Legrand empire was forcing their labor camp workers to do strip mining for mana flakes. Flakes that felt oddly familiar, but I couldn¡¯t place where. Not until I felt my hands fidgeting. Fidgeting by itself is nothing new, as I often find myself fidgeting. But this set of fidgets seemed oddly purposeful. Only after a moment did I realize that the reason why the magical resonance of the ground was oddly nostalgic was due to the fact that it reminded me of the overpriced Tier III smithing metals and materials that I had been pestering Mallory to get and procure with my own funds. Dry heaving. At that, I realize that my want to get rare parts and materials for my projects at the cheapest prices possible was also funding the Legrand Empire¡¯s relentless conquest. Yes, I know this is a fact of life. That in a system with interchangeable commerce, buying and selling materials that ultimately lead to funding wars is inevitable. That if you look hard enough, you can find similar processes everywhere. Also, it is very likely that Mallory and her supply staff knew to avoid buying directly from Legrand sellers. Possibly causing the higher prices, but forcing a buffer in between the selling of the materials to our guild, which would them make it back to me. All this did was make it so war profiteers got rich off of our own personal morals. All of this was impossible to find out. At least it was impossible to find out at this moment in time, as I had greater things to think about right now, like saving a little girl named Izzy¡¯s parents. Parents that are victims of this war just as much as we all are. Still, all this shows is that we are only focusing on the symptoms of the war, we aren¡¯t actually solving anything. The Legrand Empire has proven themselves to be highly capable and adaptive to perceived threats. By doing this mission I will all but declare war on the Legrand Empire. That said, I am okay with this being a consequence. This is also when I go back to my old mantra that has always seemed to serve me well in times like this. ¡°Act first, and issue an apology after,¡± I say, while making an old religious gesture that has seemingly followed me here. Still the gesture is comforting, if nothing else. Rising up with the storm, I focus on what I will do. ¡°I am not just. I am not out to enact justice. I am only doing this, so that I can sleep easier at night, knowing I did my best. And that¡¯s going to be okay.¡± I say to myself, not wanting to glamorize or justify any of the actions I am about to commit. Instead, I just want the end goal present. ¡°War is selfish, my participating in this war is purely selfish.¡± Inhale. Strong gust of wind. Exhale. Thunderclap. Either I am melding my conscience with the storm, or the storm feeling my sympathetic magic is melding with me. Regardless of the reason, I feel the power and surge of the storm around me, encouraging me to do what needs to be done. What I need to do, so I don¡¯t hate myself for sitting around and doing nothing while the world burns. Badump, badump. I let my heart beat once, then twice to calm down. That¡¯s when I relax my mind. I relax my mental controls that are always in place to prevent me from being too violent. Then, just like I was taught as a kid. Now that I have the enemy right where they are most vulnerable, that is when you make your move. This is when I Strike. Chapter 220 The Harmony of Chaos Chapter 220 The Harmony of Chaos Fully commit. That is the one lesson that I truly took to heart for everything in life. Fully commit. If you want to be great at a particular segment of life, or just accomplish great things, then you need to fully commit in order to be great at a particular skill. But if you are going to go into battle, then you also need to fully commit as well. Sadly, my propensity towards conducting war is becoming truly easy on my soul, as this is the second time that I have openly decided to go to war against an oppressive regime. The first time I went to war, it was against a fanatical cult that was simultaneously starving the spirit world¡¯s world tree Yggdraspirit, while also starving the people of the floor, in order to get them to fight in a sanctioned bloodbath for food. Now it seems that I am once again being tested. This time just like last time, I have seen the evidence available, and I find that not only my conscience but the consciousness of the world are in unison of what actions I need to take. Like a dying man offering up his last bit of everything to a passing stranger, all for the idea that revenge will be enacted, the world cried out to me. The world saw me, and all but begged me to save it. To keep it from being destroyed by tiny parasites who were tearing away and rotting the corpse of the world from the inside out. Sadly, since this is my second time going through this process, the steps to take are easy. The first thing I do is make sure the enemy cannot communicate. I¡¯ve already taken care of making it so that communications from this mining facility outwards are not able to be received. Now I need to take care of the communications from people inside the camp to one another. That is when I pull out my spells that are clearly meant for war. Or at least the only way I know how to conduct war, namely strike hard, strike fast, and most importantly strike first. Focusing my will, I use the raging storm around me to both hide my actions and to help me ensure that enough energy is spread out over the camp to cover everyone. I¡¯d close my eyes to focus, but that doesn¡¯t do anything for me in this case. Instead, it is all up to me and up to my ability to focus on every single living being here. Every forced laborer, to the forty-eight mages who hold dominion over the laborers. Despite being outnumbered ten to one, the laborers are kept in check by magic suppression stones. At least they were kept in check by the stones, if they tried now, the laborers would find that their magic which had been blocked to them was now available. Fortunately, no one seemed to notice this change. Once I have everyone covered in my radius of effect, I begin casting what are quickly becoming my war spells. Spells that I roll out when I need to strike hard and fast against enemy forces. The first spell I cast is Forced Selective Hearing, this spell covers everyone. All the forty-eight guards, and the 508 forced laborers.
Forced Selective Hearing [Tier VIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that mentally stops a targeted person or area from hearing any voice other than the caster¡¯s while the caster is speaking. Now there is no way for your significant other to say they didn¡¯t hear you.
Drain. The area that is covered in this current casting is by far my largest casting of one single continuous spell as I cover the nearly mile and a half radius of this entire camp with one casting. Quite impressive of a feat, but I know I am being aided by the land. That this feat is not my accomplishment alone, but one that I was able to manifest thanks to the powers provided by the land below. Again, a dying person will give almost everything they have for the chance of life or revenge. It seems that the world itself is no different. With the spell cast, I of course pause to see if it has taken hold. For the most part no one seems to notice as not many were talking. In fact, in a community like this, everyone is encouraged to be quiet, even the guards. Which meant that only a few of the laborers and leaders noticed the change. Seeing the confusion in their gestures I nod to myself. Cough. I clear my throat and suddenly everyone looks around to try to find where that sound they heard just came from. At this, everyone begins looking around and talking to each other, only for fear to cover most of their faces as they realize they cannot talk. Or worse, they cannot hear themselves talk. Nor can anyone that they are talking to hear them talk. ¡°Hot mic, apparently,¡± I quip. Silence. ¡°Yeah, tough crowd,¡± I continue realizing that it is just going to be straight Cassie one liners here, unless I do something. Fortunately, by now many people, especially the jailors and the laborers, are now coming out to try to see what is going on. Either they hear the wind whipping behind me in the background, or they just want to look up and see what is causing the brightly swirling lights of the storm to appear. In either case, this is too perfect of a chance for me to strike out, using my second spell designed for war. Focusing on all of the people who have magic, I just focus on finding the individuals who have magical items attached to their bodies. These magical items of course are the resisters that would help the magic wielder bypass the security controls of the magic suppression stones that are all around the camp. Suppression stones that are still dormant. Still, their need to keep a magical dominance over those they were enslaving now is my one key point I use to find people and then promptly shatter their cores by my focused beams of light that burn past the external skin and focus solely on destroying the cores of the targeted individual. While the spell is agnostic in its targeting of either cultivators or mages, here there are only mages who can be targeted by this beam. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Core Shattering Death Ray [Tier XIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds, targets and destroys the magical and Qi related cores of a targeted individual. Conditions: must have both Light and Spirit Magic to utilize.
Ray of light. Ray of light. Ray of light. That is what the spell looks like to me. The spell resembles as focused beam of light, similar to what you might see coming from a hanging rear view mirror charm. Light would come in, bounce around and refract outwards in a concentrated beam of light. The spell is non-lethal, but its effects against magic users are devastating. Silent cries of agony. Since everyone is still just looking up into the darkness of a giant storm they can¡¯t see me. Teleport. I also make sure to use my number one advantage in such a situation, my mobility. Move to a new location, find a cluster of targets, release a barrage, then move. Even now, all these years later, tactics that were ingrained in me as a kid are coming back to the surface and showing themselves. Retaliatory fire. Sloppy and lazy spells are fired up into the air at my last known location. A location that was all but given away by my bright photonic bursts of energy that I emitted. Seeing the spells I cannot help but shake my head. First, these people just cast spells, wildly, no targeting, no finesse, just pure power behind a spell. While they all will make their intended spot, the spell work is abysmal at best. Worse yet, the casters who cast at my last spot have now given away their positions. Not that I didn¡¯t know where they were, but knowing that there are a few who would want to fight back, helps me find out who to target next. Ray of light. Ray of light. Ray of light. And Poof. ¡°Mad chuckles.¡± There is the sound of malicious laughter. Only after a second do I realize that the laughter is coming from me. I can¡¯t really help this, as I am reminded of how fun it was to run Mickey¡¯s training grounds, along with my other instructors at the Thieves Guild. Honestly practicing on the different courses was fun, and a bit more challenging than this course now. Of course, I have the advantage of extreme mobility, while flying and being able to reign down death and destruction on everyone, before disappearing, only to come back for a strafe run from a different location and attack angle. A few of the mages who had been diligently scanning the skies for me, suddenly tremble slightly in fear. Bad news for them. Ray of light. Ray of light. Ray of light. Poof. Taking a moment, I pause to check and see if this is enough to eliminate the threat to the local area. Pausing for a second to check up my quest screen, I pause and watch.
New Quest Identified: Purging the Desecrators (Ongoing): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. Magical Parasites have set up a dig site stripping the land of magical resources, which have in turn begun to poison the ecosystem. Eliminate the threat to the local area, and become a protector of the world. Current status Grand Mages purged (1 / 9), Mage foreman (5 / 12), Mage Leaders (15 / 27), excavators (0 / 508). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Evolution Markers, Badges, variables.
Twenty-one. I¡¯ve been running around finding these different mages and taking them down as quickly as possible. Honestly, I was surprised to see that I got a Grand Mage in the group so far. I knew that most of the Grand Mages were bound to Lady Legrand. Still, this showed that the quest identified eliminating the mages to be complete when the targets were no longer considered mages. Instead, they went from being Mage foremen and Mage Leaders to just foremen and leaders. That distinction while minor in comparison to the initial message of killing them outright, was enough to let me realize that I could do this quest my way. With that, I am reminded of a classic song that I cannot help but sing out loud, knowing that everyone present will hear it and hopefully it will be distracting enough to help me continue my hit and run tactics. Tactics that I can see everyone is slowly adjusting to, as the time it takes for people to find me is a lot faster than it was originally. ¡°This one comes out from old blue eyes himself,¡± I state, as I rain down just one ray of light on an exposed mage before retreating. Ray of light. Poof. ¡°And now the end is here¡­¡± I begin singing, or trying to. Mainly I just rely on my Acting skill to call forth the voice of old blue eyes himself and continue to move around, trying to find targets and casting quickly and efficiently. Ray of light. Poof. By now, a strange sentiment began to happen across the camp. The forced laborers, or the Excavators as my quest referred to them as, all began to slowly stand up. As if they were all gaining confidence in either my ability to only target the now cowering enemies that often tried to hide behind multiple obstacles to reduce a clear line of sight to them. For those that are outside and hiding behind obstacles, the mission was simple. Teleport above them, rain down a Core Shattering Death Ray, then Teleport away again before anyone had a chance to react. ¡°Regrets, I''ve had a few...¡± Ray of light. Poof. After a point there were only mages who were holed up in their bunkers or stations. Of course, they were desperately clicking communications tabs and yelling loudly, only to find that their voices were cut off, even from themselves. It would almost be somewhat comical had it not been a life-or-death event. I still didn¡¯t want to kill them, not completely, though I was more than ready to take away all these oppressors¡¯ ability to wield and use magic. The best part about this was that they had no clue if they were able to talk, or if their words were being heard at the other end. Yet, they still clung desperately to the idea that if they yelled loudly enough their words would be heard by others. I could attest to this, as I clearly heard them yelling when I landed behind the few mages who were at the emergency relay tower. ¡°HELP, we are under attic. Repeat, under, attic,¡± the desperate mage cried out, his words sounding half garbled, and his lack of ability to hear himself talk was clearly messing with his ability to talk clearly and confidently. For a moment I wonder if his words will be transmitted over my spell, but fortunately he doesn¡¯t seem to hear himself. Which is good, as I line up behind him and take aim while continuing to sing. ¡°I did what I had to do¡­¡± There is a moment when the mage first shows a sign of shock, as he realizes that my voice is either close or echoing around. Regardless, of what he heard, he slowly began to turn around. The same way the damsel does in all the horror movies. Then he gives the same exact look of shock, the one that seems to convey everything and nothing all at once. The one that looks both of fear at finding the wolf that has been stalking you, while also showing relief at the fact that he now has a face an image to relate to the monster that has been killing everyone around him slowly. Unfortunately for him, his moment of clarity ends quickly. Ray of light. The beam of condensed energy fires out an crosses the distance between us in less than a second. I have just enough time to see the spell land perfectly, and the moment when the mage begins to slump to the floor in obvious pain. Then his image is gone, as I too am gone from that scene, already having found my next target to take out individually. Poof. In true classic horror movie fashion, I hunt down everyone. I hunt down all of the mages, where I end up breaking their binding contracts to Lady Legrand. For a moment, I almost feel sorry for the mages, figuring that some of them might have been unwilling pawns to this whole thing. Then I realize they were deftly rewarded, being given the blessing of my bloodline from my son. They sold their souls, and what they got was life without magic. It could be worse, I could have killed them. No, who am I kidding, I couldn¡¯t have killed them, I don¡¯t have it in me to kill. Call it my weakness, but I am okay with that as a weakness. Still, I did save Lady Legrand for last. Not because she was the strongest, or most capable. But because secretly deep down inside I wanted her to squirm. ¡°Lady Legrand,¡± I begin speaking in my normal voice, before I switch octaves to that of Tobias Spiritlight¡¯s. ¡°Or should I say Lady Legrand.¡± Panic. ¡°What who?¡± Lady Legrand says desperately from her hidden saferoom deep down within the mines. This is a special place where only she can enter. It is filled with enough food and water to last several months. The only problem is that the room itself is dark, as there is currently no power to this entire base. Fortunately, I don¡¯t need light to see or move. Meaning I can pop into the warded room and just stare at her. ¡°What? Who¡¯s there?¡± Lady Legrand asks, turning her eyes directly towards me. Apparently, I glow, maybe it is my green eyes that are holding so much power? Or maybe it is the mark of these lands that still coat me and beckon me to be its protector, even now. ¡°Lady Legrand, this is but our second time meeting.¡± I state, still using the voice of Tobias, but while in my normal form. ¡°What, that can¡¯t be, I¡¯ve never seen you before.¡± She presses. With that, I smile brightly, a gesture that she seems to both notice and be instantly frightened by. At the same time, I use this moment to slowly shift into the form of Tobias Spiritlight, or at least a flying and weightless Tobias Spiritlight that is supported by four wings. ¡°Oh come now, you have already forgotten me?¡± I ask. ¡°What, you!¡± Lady Legrand screams out while casting a highly destructive spell, one that if it went off would likely kill Lady Legrand, if not burn up all the air within this tiny little bunker. Dispel Fortunately I see the wavy and awkward spell and disrupt it before it can even get close to me. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s so cute. You think you know and can cast magic against me?¡± I ask. This is the height of hubris on my part, but from what I¡¯ve seen, I am not impressed with the magical capabilities of the Legrand Empire¡¯s mages. ¡°What how did you?¡± She asks as more and more spells get fired out. Just like Vader himself, I calmly hold out my hand and draw in all of the mana being cast at me with my Golden Mana Devouring Palm. In a second, all the loose and residual mana that had been in the air is instantly sucked into my hand and then I look and see the true look of terror that has finally come over Lady Legrand¡¯s face. Seeing her look of absolute fear, I go in for the kill. ¡°This is your ¡­¡± Chapter 221 Things I Do Unsupervised Chapter 221 Things I Do Unsupervised ¡°This is your fate that you have brought upon yourself.¡± I tell my former oppressor and quite possibly someone who had things gone differently, I would have been bound to and worked for willingly. Looking at the cowering girl before me, I realize that had I gone with her instead of Mallory as my boss, I likely would have turned out way differently. I know for a fact that I would not have gone down the path of finding out about Qi and its movements as that was all something Mallory was into. Particularly as it meant that in her words, ¡°I would be teaching classrooms of sweaty musclebound men and women.¡± Yeah, she is still the same perv as always, but I can deal with a restrained perv over a megalomaniacal dictator like Lady Legrand here. These thoughts and more flash through my mind, as I wonder just how different my life would have been had I gone elsewhere. Then I remember my land, and the fact that I came here on the sole purpose of trying to reunite two random parents to their child. I am almost ready to stay my hand. Then I see the moment energy begins to build up within Lady Legrand¡¯s body. She is clearly tired by now from attempting to cast the few spells that she has tried against me. Each spell was a world ender, at least they would be if they managed to go off in this small bunker that we are in. Yet, she is ready to cast them in the attempts to take me down no matter the costs. Fortunately, her casting is weak, her spell work is sloppy and most importantly she is slow on her casting abilities, making it so this is less of a wizarding duel and more of a competition one would do with a particularly stubborn toddler. I watch as the energy cycles in her body, and gets channeled to her right arm, down her wrist, where it then pools and spirals in her palm. Even when being cast by an amateur magic is still beautiful. Like looking at a wilted flower, it is still a flower and pretty to look at, there will be better examples in nature, but still if you have a chance pause and look while you can. For the one thing about flowers is their time of life is fleeting. Of course, in this little analogy, the reason why this flower is wilted is that it is a poisonous flower. One that is meant to kill rather than make the world a better place. This is why without even thinking I react. Core Shattering Death Ray. At this distance I am point blank with a spell that moves at the speed of light and manages to fire off and pierce Lady Legrand¡¯s core before the last of her mana can be focused into her palm. Instead, what happens is the beam fires out, breaking the core, releasing all of the hydraulic tension within her meridians. This causes an instantaneous stoppage of her energy, as the poisonous mana that she had been willing to cast a moment ago. The mana that had been going into some form of caustic fire attack suddenly paused. Leaving behind a trail of burning magma lava that had been okay a moment ago due to its state of movement a moment ago within her body. Then I watch as that same magma mana erupts to life in an agitated state and begins to burn away at her meridians from the inside. ¡°AHHHHHHHH!¡± Lady Legrand cries out, tears instantly filling her face as she keeps her internally burning right arm out and away from the rest of her body. ¡°That looks¡­¡± I begin to say, but I am quickly cut off. ¡°AHHAHHAHHAAAA!¡± Now Lady Legrand is crying out and rolling around on the ground as if stop dropping and rolling will keep your blood from burning away your body. This isn¡¯t blood, but it serves the same function at this point for a metaphor. I just watch her for a moment. In my mind I have this big huge monologue going on about how she should learn from this and stop taking life so casually. That eventually everything will come back to her. These are the thoughts that I have, but ultimately compassion triumphs within me as I pause and nod, then go about healing her. Not completely, I don¡¯t heal her shattered core. I don¡¯t make it so her air tight system of mana can be reformed to cycle mana throughout her body. Instead, I just remove the burning segments as if they were a cancer within her body. At least, that was my initial idea, before I remember the code of ethics as a doctor. Not that I am bound by any morality other than my own out here, but if I go down this path, I instantly see what will happen. If I go down this path of violence to solve a problem, I realize that I will likely create a spell that would be the equivalent of magical eugenics, one where I would remove the meridians from mages. Worse, I know that regardless of how terrible the spell may see or sound it can be boiled down to a Tier level where a lot of mages would be able to cast this. Meaning that I would set into existence a spell that could be used to torture and effectively magically castrate enemies. Currently I have avoided this with Core Shattering Death Ray, which is listed as a Tier XIII spell. This means that so far I am the only one who can cast this spell. At least, I am the only person that I am currently aware of who can cast this spell. Yet, the magical castration spell, one that would remove the burnt and corroded meridians of Lady Legrand that I had just been thinking of in my mind would be a way that more people could take away magic from this world, and that was something that I was not okay with. Look at me, growing and stuff. All it took was that one warning that I was going down the path of necromancy by forcefully shoving the spirit of a dragon spirit protector into the body of a Pomeranian to actually cause me to stop and think about possible consequences of my actions. I pause for a second as these thoughts flash through my mind. Then ultimately I reach over, grab Lady Legrand¡¯s hand. Of course, she tries to squirm and flail away, but compared to my strength as a Martial Master, she cannot even move. With her hand in mine, I do the next best thing. Rather than letting the toxins continue to erode and burn away her meridians, I reach out and grab the ambient mana within her body and forcefully suction it all into my hand. I feel the foreign mana enter my body, and then just like normal, my body begins taking the foreign mana, breaking it down into its core components and then converting it into Qi. At this point, my body does the mana to Qi conversion on its own, letting me focus on the necessary part of drawing out all the mana within her body. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. As I continue to pull the mana, the frantic flailing about that Lady Legrand had been doing slowly stops as she finally manages to gain control over herself. This is particularly true after I get the last traces of the already converted magma mana from her body. With my initial goal done, I continue pulling out all of her mana, effectively drying out her pump and all but collapsing the meridians in on themselves. This will make it tougher for her to reopen these same meridians in the future. Not an impossible feat, but one that she would need to work at as she would need to forcefully separate the collapsed meridian tubes. Then quickly fill those opened tubes with mana, before ultimately being able to cast magic again. Mentally I think I could do this process if I was desperate in an afternoon. Though I think I could teach myself the act of Coreless Casting within that same afternoon if I went down that path. For a moment I think about this process, but then ultimately stop myself, realizing self-mutilation for a science experiment while in enemy territory is likely a very bad idea. Instead, I decided to focus on my patient. I am still in the form of Tobias Spiritlight. ¡°You, you¡¯re a monster.¡± Lady Legrand states staring at my eyes now that she is no longer being corroded away by wild mana from the inside. For a moment I thought about denying this claim, but then find that even I cannot believe this lie. Nodding my head in agreement I reply, ¡°I am as monstrous as I need to be to survive, nothing more nothing less.¡± Silence. All her meridians are collapsed, and her core continues to remain shattered into bits, only then do I stop and realize how odd the entire scenario that I now find myself is. Here I am in a form that was all but blacklisted, for being wanted by this very same power-hungry dictator for slights caused when I escaped her clutches. Then I come back only to reappear due to a random happenstance of justice caused by my want to do a good thing, reunite a child with her parents. Only to find that I have grown so much that my former main enemy was now nothing more than a minor boss at a rundown end of the world. Looking at Lady Legrand, truly looking at her now, I can see the complete look of terror in her eyes. Seeing that look, I decide to revert back to my normal form. The normal form with bright green glowing eyes. I even make sure to open up the third one as I begin to speak. ¡°Know that I am not without compassion. Know that you and your fellow Grand Mages, Mage Foremen, and Mage Leaders can all be redeemed to me. Go out, do good things, actually make the world better. If you do, and word gets back to me that you have helped to end the Legrand Empire¡¯s constant advancement and violence upon the neighboring territories, I will forgive you. I will make you whole again. And most importantly, I will give you back the very magic that you used to enslave others. But I will only do this once. Should I find out that you fooled me or others, then I will come back. You will gain a hundred percent of my focus, and trust me, you do not want to see what will happen if I focus completely on a singular task.¡± I state. Trembling. Lady Legrand is trembling. Here she is a fully grown adult who is easily able to tower over me if she but stood up to her full height. But instead all she is doing is cowering in the corner, while I still do my floating number right in front of her. ¡°Do you understand?¡± I ask. Nodding. Then like that, I get the notification that I have somehow given a denizen of the world, a native non-regressor, a quest.
Magic Quest Assigned: Path of Redemption: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has bestowed a quest upon the defeated mages of Legrand Mining Complex IX, where you offer to repair the shattered magic cores of those who redeem themselves to the world for their previous actions. Current redemption rate (0 / 100%). Quest Conditions, in this case you have offered the reward to heal the shattered cores of mages who redeem themselves to the world.
Seeing the quest, I pause as I didn¡¯t think that such a thing was possible. Regressors shouldn¡¯t be able to give quests to the native inhabitants of the world. That or if we did, it shouldn¡¯t be something that is blatantly displayed like this. The only thing that stands out to me is that there is the term Magic at the beginning of that quest. Then thinking back, I think of my racial flaw that I got for awakening my Legendary Bloodline.
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier XIII).
That and my two other racial flaws all hint at the world sort of pigeonholing me into being a magical expert of sorts.
Racial Flaw: Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening.
Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
Again, on their own these should not make it so I can give out magic quests to native inhabitants of the world. Though I have felt a slightly stronger sense of power related to my words and actions. Even seemingly innocuous phrases have suddenly had a binding effect. Heck, my giving my word as a promise to a little girl sparked this whole quest for me in the first place, a quest that I am still working on. I also think that a lot of this has to deal with the fact that I am now on the cusp of breaking into the realm of a mythic bloodline. Honestly, I have no clue what that will entail, other than I will likely be a walking talking quest giving and quest receiving factory for the world, as I am just now beginning to feel the pressures of. Actually with that thought, I pull up my quest notification and then try to see my progress.
New Quest Identified: Purging the Desecrators (Ongoing): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. Magical Parasites have set up a dig site stripping the land of magical resources, which have in turn begun to poison the ecosystem. Eliminate the threat to the local area, and become a protector of the world. Current status Grand Mages purged (9 / 9), Mage foreman (12 / 12), Mage Leaders (27 / 27), excavators (0 / 508). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Evolution Markers, Badges, variables.
Seeing the quest, I realize the hard part is over. Well the initial hard part, of getting rid of all the mages. Fortunately, my hit and run tactics are over. There is also the added benefit that I offered the mages that I took down for this quest, a chance to regain their magic cores. I¡¯m not sure how the world will judge this, but the fact that I won¡¯t have to keep track of these people, and that I can trust Lady Legrand to spread the word¡­ Nope, wait, just hearing that I realize one flaw in this plan. ¡°Lady Legrand, since you have additional damages to your meridians due to the sudden explosion of mana within your body, know that the rate of healing I offered the others will not be sufficient to cover the damages you incurred. As such, I will make it so your task is slightly tougher to meet the extra level of effort that will go into healing you back to your former state of prowess. Namely, I need you to tell all of the other mages of this chance and make sure they know the full details of what I expect from them, if I am to fully heal them. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Ye, yes.¡± Lady Legrand timidly answers after a moment¡¯s hesitation. With that I nod, and am met with a specific quest for Lady Legrand.
Magic Quest Assigned: Longer Path of Redemption: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has bestowed a quest upon Lady Legrand two main tasks to repair her shattered magic core and fix the broken meridians within her body. Her task is twofold, first she must inform her former mage subordinates about the Path of Redemption quest that you have offered. Current rating (0 / 47) former mage subordinates informed. Once this is complete, Lady Legrand will be able to begin walking her own Path of Redemption. Current redemption rate (0 / 100%). Quest Conditions, in this case you have offered the reward to heal the shattered core and meridians of Lady Legrand when she informs other mages of this chance and redeems herself to the world.
Seeing this, I feel both bound to this promise and relieved at the fact that I know that this will take time. Better still, the system will apparently keep track of the progress made by Lady Legrand and the others, making it so I don¡¯t have to keep track of them and see if and when they are worthy of being healed. Honestly, this feels like the easy button answer, but I¡¯ll take it. Especially as it means I am a verified quest giver, at least to native inhabitants of the world. I also make a note that I will try to keep this a secret for as long as possible. I almost feel like this is three steps forward and two steps back at the same time. Three steps forward in that I can give quests, but two steps back in that I can almost feel the tangible bindings of me and my words to this promise of making these people whole once more. Though, I then feel better as I kind of came here out of nowhere and destroyed their whole livelihoods by taking away their ability to cast and perform magic. That said, they were using it for the enslavement and devastation of others. ¡°Tha, thank you, Lady Spiritlight.¡± Lady Legrand says, fear evident in her voice as she prostrates herself and bows before me. As she speaks, I can feel golden threads reaching out from her and binding to me, while I also feel a tangible presence to our connection now. With this, we are twice linked by fate, if a third connection comes, I cannot help but feel that it will be something important. Realizing that this is my time to leave, with her head still bowed, I take the moment for what it is, a chance to leave. Poof. With the crazy Lady Legrand and her minions out of the way, I see it is now my time to finally take care of the real reason why I came here. Namely, my opening my big mouth and promising a cute little girl something that should have been impossible. Yet here I am, doing the impossible with ease. Focusing on the residual effects of my genetic tracking spell, I go out and see everyone staring at me in shock and awe. I am about to wonder why, when I suddenly realize that I had done all of that. My villainous monologue and everything to Lady Legrand, with a hot mic. Yes, my spell Forced Selective Hearing had been active the whole time. There is a brief momentary pause as I take in the laser focused gaze that everyone seems to have on me. Seeing as everything is completely silent, I realize that no one is speaking, at least no one thinks they can speak to anyone other than me. This is when I ask the immortal question that will likely go down in history as the victory cry that marked the first true loss of the Legrand Empires quest for dominance. ¡°So I take it you all heard that?¡± Chapter 222 Parenting In Another Form Chapter 222 Parenting In Another Form ¡°So I take it you all heard that?¡± I ask, hoping that I am wrong, but really I already know the truth. Silence. Yep, I now look like either a moron who can¡¯t mic check herself, or worse a power crazed lunatic. Honestly, I don¡¯t know what I said or did during the past few moments. I know I had a few stern words for Lady Legrand, and the others, and I am wondering if anyone will be too frightened to come with me. Then I realized that for my purposes I only need two of these 508 people to come with me. I also note that this will make evacuation that much easier, as I won¡¯t have to talk over all of these people as I try to get them to come with me. ¡°All right, so let me introduce myself. My name is Dr. Spiritlight, I am the one-person rescue team sent to evacuate two of you.¡± I say, and then have a giant Illusionary Pillar of Light shine down over top of the two parents that I am here to bring back. ¡°I was tasked by a girl named Izzy to find and rescue her parents, which ended up leading me here.¡± I state, and then create an Illusionary Image of Izzy. This Illusionary Image is a larger than live visual of Izzy who now appears proportional in size, though the size I am using is over thirty feet tall to let the parents know that this is their daughter. Well, their daughter if drawn by someone who can only see the silhouettes of magic around. I have her face, her smile and the glow of her eyes, along with the faint but unmistakable signs of both a mana and Qi core available to her. At the sight of the image, the mother instantly sees the resemblance and covers her mouth with her hands as tears begin to form in her eyes. The father on the other hand looks somewhat confused by the image, as again it is not what she actually looks like, but how I view her. I guess I could have read the mind of someone to show what she looks like and then used that, but I didn¡¯t think that such a measure would be needed when I first began this operation. That¡¯s on me and will likely be noted in my after-action report to Mallory. ¡°So you two need to come with me to my guild base, where you will be safe from the reach of the Legrand Empire.¡± I state. Excited nodding. ¡°Thank you¡­¡± the mother begins, but then cuts herself off as she can¡¯t hear herself speak and thus does the thing that everyone would do in that situation. Namely look around and wonder if anyone heard her. Of course no one can hear her. Well no one other than me. This is an interesting side effect of the spell that I am using to maintain control over this area. Forced Selective Hearing As the name suggests I force everyone that is in the area to listen only to me, well technically it is to whatever I want them to listen to, but in this case it is me. However, as was pointed out with my conversation with Lady Legrand this spell forces them to listen to me, but I can still hear them. Odd. So odd. I guess I would need Forced Selective Speaking to have it so they only spoke in a permanent loop to themselves? Well no matter, that spell sounds terrible. Besides this spell is likely the best for this type of situation anyways. As I am thinking this, the mother makes her way forward and then looking back to the husband who is just standing there with a bright pillar of light highlighting him. He is easy to notice for the wife, though he looks about as confused as I likely would had this all happened to me. Seeing that the father has about the same exact expression as many of the others do, I decide to continue speaking. ¡°Okay, so I have been given a quest by the land to eliminate everyone associated with this mining operation. I have already taken care of the Legrand Mages, and am now looking at dealing with the remaining 508 miners, you all.¡± I begin. Shock. Now everyone cowers in fear. ¡°Yeah, so I¡¯m going to give you all two options. Either leave here and go to my guild¡¯s territory beyond where the world that you know ends, or go someplace random that I choose, the choice is yours.¡± I state as I first open up a Positional Teleportation to my Simulacrum that is still on Midnight Hunter lands. There on the other side of the portal you can see an exact copy of me there, standing and waving for everyone to join them. Then to my right I create a Fixed Location Portal to the same exact camp where I originally found Izzy and the other SLWC members. I mean all of those other kids needing help and guidance. ¡°Grahhah.¡± Silence, well almost, as there is the sound of people trying to talk for a second, but then quickly stopping their talking because they can¡¯t hear themselves. Finally the mother is the one who seems to take charge of the situation as she runs over to the husband and begins to sign to him. ¡°Did you see it, she is going to bring us to our daughter, our Izzy!¡± The mother signs excitedly. And before anyone asks, yes I can read sign language, despite being blind, I¡¯m just talented like that. To which the dad replied in sign language, ¡°yeah I know, I could hear her.¡± There was a pause as the two paused at that. For a moment, I am wondering what exactly happened, then I finally realize the truth as my mind places together all of the pieces. A mother who signs, the daughter can clearly talk, and that leaves the dad. Or maybe there are other children that might also be deaf. For a moment I think about grabbing a strand of hair from these two and creating a Branch to Leaf variant of my tracking spell, but then realize that I would want to not use that same stupid naming system, and likely switch mid stream with Ancestry: Progeny variant. But realizing that would likely lead to yet another stupid quest, and another set of crazy coincidences I decide against it. Fwoom. Before I can get too lost in my thoughts, I feel activity from the far side of the portal. Flying high over head is Zero. Just seeing him, I feel our spiritual connection strengthen and part of me instantly relaxes knowing that help is on the way. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Oh thank goodness, you are here Zero.¡± I say, seeing that Zero is out in his expanded war form. ¡°Wahhh!¡± Everyone screams and cowers as not just Zero but a whole stream of personnel come from the other end of my Positional Teleportation. Fortunately for me, Zero comes in embraces me with a giant hug, as if I didn¡¯t randomly abandon him while he was trying to pick up a Pomeranian Princess, while I was trying to save a little girl¡¯s parents from a war like environment. Then just as he hugs me, I feel him warmly glow for a second as he then quickly enters my right arm as a tattoo that provides both comfort and much needed shared sleeping. Then with everyone¡¯s attention on Zero, they seemed to miss the fact that no less than thirty elite warriors exited the portal and began forming two distinct regimented platoons on either side of the rip in space that I created. At first, the only people that came through were a few highly trained and geared soldiers, along with a few of my Cultivation studies students. Seeing them, I am proud to see that they look somehow more refined and graceful than their contemporary members. ¡°Looking good there soldiers.¡± I say, smiling brightly as I head over towards my students. I look around for Jhonny, for a moment, but then remember he might still be in the form of Princess Octavia, making a mental note, I remind myself to use my Energy Status Resonance ability to take away the Spiritual Doppelganger power that I provided to Jhonny. ¡°Good morning Doctor,¡± Melkin, the weaker of Mallory¡¯s two personal bodyguards states, coming forward as he has clearly been tasked with this. ¡°I take it the rescue mission was a success?¡± At that I turn to the 508 now freed prisoners and then kind of nod to him. ¡°You could say that. I have 508 newly freed prisoners of war that we need to either provide shelter to, or help leave this location before further Legrand forces arrive.¡± I state. ¡°Ohh!¡± At my words we can hear the crowd of all of the freed prisoners cry out as they hear my description of what is happening. At that I realize, ¡°Oh yeah, I am now going to free you all from my communication spell. Please keep your conversations to a minimum while we work out what will happen next.¡± Then like that I dismiss my Forced Selective Hearing. ¡°Ahh, I can hear myself think again.¡± Is what a lot of the rescued miners begin talking about. What had been an eerie silence before suddenly comes to life as more and more people begin to realize that they might in fact be saved. During this time a platoon of soldiers goes out to engage the first group of people, while yet a third platoon of soldiers comes through to take up their place on the right side of the formation. For now everything is calm, but it is clear that both the miners and the Midnight Hunter¡¯s elite guards are both weary of each other. While this is happening a few other soldiers go back through the portal, no doubt to relay activities, while Melkin continues to talk to me as if he is taking control of the situation. Which given the circumstances seems about right. ¡°So you found the two parents I take it?¡± Melkin asks. ¡°Yes, they are the two with the giant magical pillars over top of them that clearly distinguishes them from the others.¡± I state. ¡°They didn¡¯t come like that did they?¡± ¡°What? Isn¡¯t that how all random quests should be solved. You go to a random location, and then see two highly visible people that are clearly distinguishable from the others?¡± Melkin just stares at me for a moment, then asks. ¡°So that is a new spell?¡± I pause, trying to think back if it was a new spell. ¡°No, not a new one. I just amplified the Illusionary Pillar of Light spell and there we go.¡± ¡°Just amplify the spell, as if that is no big deal,¡± Melkin says shrugging his shoulders as he just shakes his head a bit, and then just begins to walk away. As we are talking I notice a few females approaching from Melkin¡¯s back, this only makes sense as he is further out from me and thus putting his body in between myself and the rescued miners as a barrier. That is why he seems completely absorbed in our personal conversation about learning magic and not at all aware of the gaggle of people that are now streaming past us and into the two portals that I have set up. Oddly enough more people are going through the portal leading to our guild territory, but there are still a few who are taking their chances with going to the quarantine area outside the bastion city. ¡°You know, I did offer you to be part of my classes.¡± I suggest. Figuring this would be a good time to bring up the subject as these people look like they are coming to our Guild¡¯s portal and are therefore likely to eventually be interested in attending our college. Always worth looking for new and promising students. Also, I figure that offering an education would be a great way to inspire loyalty amongst the new refugees that we have been taking in recently. ¡°Yeah, I know. At the time I thought it was a waste.¡± Melkin admits with a bit of incredulity. ¡°You know, you likely could get an Outsourcer-5000 to help with your inadequacies.¡± I mention. ¡°What did she just say?¡± A few females that had clearly been trying to get closer to the two of us apparently got close enough to hear our conversation, then began talking to themselves. ¡°If he is inadequate for her, then you know it must be peque?o.¡± A second female says as she begins to giggle. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s just go.¡± The first female states, a bit flustered at what she overheard. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Melkin asks, turning around to see that two females had listened into the last part of our conversation. ¡°Oh, no nothing.¡± The first female said, as she grabbed the arm of her friend and began pulling her away quickly. Apparently the two saw Melkin and decided to what, ask him out right there? At that, I realize what happened. ¡°Oh, man. That was totally your chance to get their names and make a good impression as their savior.¡± I pointed out. Melkin for his part just turns from the two, then back to me with a look of complete confusion on his face. ¡°What? Did I miss something?¡± ¡°Likely the chance to have a future ex-Ms. Melkin if what they are saying is any indication.¡± I respond. Melkin for his part just looks at me, and then shakes his head. Whoosh! There is a quick drain on my energy, not much but enough to let me know that someone powerful has gone through the portal. With that I turn my head, but I already know who has come. I am just giving Melkin the heads up that our boss has come. Our boss, who is carrying a cute little girl on her hip. ¡°Fairy! Fairy princess!¡± The adorable voice of Izzy calls out and then points to me as she somehow manages to see me through the throng of people who are all moving in long rows around us. ¡°Would you look at that, the troublemakers who started this whole endeavor finally appear.¡± I say out loud, pretending to talk to Melkin, but speaking loudly so that Mallory and Izzy both can hear my words. At the same time I begin floating back to reach out for the cute little girl who is reaching out for me and trying desperately to fly away from Mallory¡¯s side. ¡°Hey there little one, be careful.¡± Mallory says, clearly holding back on her strength, so she doesn¡¯t inadvertently crush the little girl who is now flailing about in her arms by accident. ¡°Oh, this is such good practice.¡± I say, going over and grabbing little Izzy from Mallory¡¯s arms. Mallory clearly looks hurt by the exchange, but ultimately she seems to relent. Then she realizes what I said, ¡°what do you mean practice?¡± ¡°For your baby,¡± I say, being ambiguous. Shiny gold thread. At my joking words, I see a thread of golden energy, the same energy that can be linked to quests flow from me to Mallory. ¡°You know that baby will be my grandchild. Also, she will be fully grown when she emerges, right?¡± Mallory asks, though as she speaks I both hear the note of desperation in her voice and see glowing strands of golden thread coming from me and finally cutting themselves off of me and warping themselves around Mallory. At which point the threads seem to get absorbed into her body and then condense down to a shining glowing orb just below her belly button. Oh shnikes. I think as I realize I might have somehow inadvertently cursed? Blessed? Mallory into having a child. At least that is what I think, but then realize that this game is still binary and only accepts males and females to reproduce unless other magical means are sought. From my understanding Mallory and Gwen are not there yet, but this means that when or if they do go to that level it will be accepted. Also, this means that if Mallory cheated, not saying she would, but if she did cheat on my daughter we would know instantly. For a moment I think about talking about this change, but ultimately I decide not to mention it, as it should be a fun surprise. Also, I¡¯m not entirely certain that a child will come from this, that is just the initial image that came to my mind. As such, I don¡¯t want to do or say anything without having some form of proof. Then before I can really come to a conclusion, two people covered in a glowing pillar of energy come forward. ¡°Momma, momma!¡± Baby Izzy cries out excitedly from my arms as they finally make it through the queue to get to our territory. ¡°Izzy!¡± The mother cries out, as she charges forward straight to us. And like that, the little ball of joy I held is quickly taken away as she found yet another set of arms to hold her. What happens next is a whirlwind of activity. A crying mother, which then leads to a crying daughter. Then a stoic but silent father also breaks into tears. And next thing I know sparkling mana infused tears are falling to the parched ground and instantly being absorbed. That was clearly residual traces of my Cleansing Rain spell, and not related at all to the dust that got in my eyes. With the mother, daughter, and father all reunited and clearly heading to the Midnight Hunter¡¯s territory, the majority of people who had been on the fence about where to go, quickly chose to follow suit. At the very least, they all likely thought that we could reunite them with their lost loved ones. We probably could, but I did not want to make any more promises. I learned that lesson the first time. With the parents going through I felt a fwoosh, as I received a quest notification as my second major quest in the past twelve hours had been completed. Though, I wanted to hold off on looking at the accomplishment until all three quests were complete. As such, I watched and waited as the recently freed prisoners of war, or excavators as my quest called them, chose a direction to go and quickly made their way through each portal. Mallory watched as the happy family went through the portal, a brilliant smile on her face as she watched them go. Seeing that look, that sheer look of joy and happiness on her face by doing nothing more than offering hope to others, that was the look that made me realize why I would follow Mallory anywhere. She was truly a great person. Don¡¯t get me wrong, she had her flaws, just like everyone else, but her flaws were far overshadowed by the way she tried to make the world a better place. Nodding excitedly to herself, she turned and then looked at me. As she turned her face went from a jovial smile, to a slightly more focused look. ¡°So, do you want to tell me what exactly happened here? And why you chose to go to war with a highly garrisoned Legrand mining facility?¡± ¡°Highly garrisoned, this was practically nothing¡­¡± I state. With that Mallory just crossed her arms against her chest, leaned back and glared at me while licking the inside of her lips. It was clear that this was going to require a bit of an explanation. ¡°Okay, so you might not believe this, but the land spoke to me.¡± ¡°The land, the dirt under our feet right now spoke to you?¡± Mallory asks. And hearing it myself I too realize how strange it sounds. With that I pause then ask, ¡°can¡¯t you see my active quest Purging the Desecrators (Ongoing)?¡± ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s why I had the elite members on standby ready to go.¡± Mallory explained. With that I nod, ¡°okay so let me ask a question, how do you think I got this quest to begin with?¡± With that Mallory paused and then first looked confused, before really looking at me. ¡°Wait, you mean it? The land can speak to you?¡± Interlude XIII Larry Yo-Boy’s BiPrism News Interlude XIII Larry Yo-Boy¡¯s BiPrism News ¡°What is happening. Did the Midnight Hunters just declare open war against the unstoppable Legrand Empire? Did the great war machine¡¯s quest for dominance suddenly stop with a seemingly internal reprieve that caused the very lands that they had been excavating to suddenly turn highly poisonous? Yes Poisonous, and not just any type of poison but a magical poison at that. Not that anyone needed to guess what caused this sudden shift in going from an almost magically depleted landscape to a magically infused wonderland we all can blame our favorite magical nonconformist.¡± Larry began detailing all the facts and slightly hidden news that relates to the world of BiPrism. As he spoke the recently cleared mining area could be seen growing a poisonous green mold that was both corrosive to Tier I metal objects and equipment. This was proven by the way standard pickaxes, shovels, and minor hydraulic equipment quickly broke down when coming into contact with the now infamous green mold. ¡°And yes, we have found our first case of Mana Rot. And no, this does not seem to be a direct product of Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s trek into the Legrand Mining facility, rather it clearly came over an hour later, when Dr. Spiritlight was in the middle of teaching her cultivation classes. At that same time the first instances of the brightly glowing green mold and its pervasive spores were seen growing, budding and then exploding from cavern to cavern.¡± Larry continued, this time as he spoke the images of the quickly growing and self-spreading mana spores could be seen growing at an alarming rate and expanding rapidly. ¡°According to Legrand¡¯s top researcher, this is a variation of the same Mana Mutex Mold that Legrand scientists were apparently trying to weaponize as a way to continue maintaining magical dominance over their competitors.¡± There is a slight pause, as Larry then goes into his slightly conspiratorial tone, ¡°rumor has it that the original purpose for this ferns cultivation was to take out Dr. Spiritlight herself. Though apparently testing was quickly shut down when the samples were found to be both dangerous to spell casters and that anyone with the Spiritlight bloodline active was apparently immune to the effects of this highly corrosive mold.¡± ¡°The joke¡¯s on them, as they forgot that danger could strike anywhere and at any time. The mold requires ample amounts of mana to remain active, but can apparently revert to a dormant state. Yet, best as we can tell, the mana enriched rainclouds produced by Cass seeped down into the ground and found a dormant patch of the mold that would have remained in their innocuous state for years to come.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there are no permanent health defects that come as a result of this, as the only noted concern is that the mold leeches away energy from mana and if even one spore gets on a magic user, it is believed that the spore will grow and be able to drain away all mana from the infected host. However, many are assuming that this is a gateway drug for people wishing to have a quick advancement in the realm of Cultivation. As many who were originally denied the blessings of magic claim that while there are no negative effects associated with mana drain, that the magic users suffer. There is a noted increase in the potential for cultivation, which has also been proven by Legrand¡¯s own Cultivation Squadron.¡± With that the scene changes to show a now highly recognized elite fighting unit of gun-toting martial experts who are Legrand¡¯s answer to the Cultivators being trained by the Midnight Hunters. While it is believed that the cultivators of the Midnight Hunters are by far the best trained and the group that is advancing the fastest in the newly opened world of Cultivation. It is also known that the Legrand Empire is spending all the resources they can to be a close second and are actively seeking ways to replicate training regimens provided to those attending SVC. ¡°Also, rumor has it that someone in the world is finally close to making the vaunted breakthrough to the Mythic Bloodline. That¡¯s right, if you guessed that this honor would fall to Mallory Valhalla, the first true bloodline holder among the regressors, you would be¡­¡± *** Cassidy ¡°It¡¯s not working.¡± Cassidy said, her words and voice hollow as she felt like she had pushed her body and her mind to its limits and it was sadly still not enough. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Calm down, let¡¯s see what is going on.¡± The calming words of Great Grandmother Cass replied soothingly in her mind. Only here, at the half-exhausted state of awake and dreaming can she create the mental link strong enough to reach out and actively find Cassie¡¯s true consciousness from all of the other floating consciousnesses. Hearing her calming words, Cassidy could only let out a long exhausted sigh. ¡°I know, but it is just so frustrating. I don¡¯t know what I am missing. I swear I got everything, but she isn¡¯t getting better.¡± Cassidy said, muttering to herself. Her words of course were the only ones that rang out in the dimly lit hospital room that only had one patient laying on a bed. By all accounts, and according to all of the instruments that measured the patient¡¯s vitals, they were fine. No, more than fine, they were healthy and should be more than capable of awakening from the deep slumber that overtook them weeks ago. Yet, despite everything, Cassidy¡¯s mother remained in an illness induced coma. ¡°Take me to her.¡± Cassie said, her voice calming as she waited for Cassidy to walk over and place her hand over her mother¡¯s own hands. Cold. Whether it was from the IV pumping in lifesaving fluids or from the fact that her hand remained constantly exposed Cassidy couldn¡¯t tell. Yet, despite everything Cassidy could only feel how cold her mother¡¯s hands were, a sign that she still wasn¡¯t doing enough to keep her mother alive. ¡°All right, I am going to use my third eye to see into your mother. You might want to close your eyes as this might be disorienting.¡± Cassie said, as the two clearly shared the same senses, as Cassie could only see and experience the world from Cassidy¡¯s senses. However, that didn¡¯t mean that Cassie couldn¡¯t feel her own alterations down here. Even being within the body of Cassidy, Cassie could feel her third eye. It was closed and hidden behind a thin layer of skin, but it was still there. Though in this form it felt like more of a phantasmal organ than any real organ. Still despite this, Cassie focused her own thoughts on what she wanted to happen, and only after the world went truly dark, a sign that Cassidy closed her eyes did Cassie make her move. Tingle. There was an odd tingling sensation that both Cassie and Cassidy felt equally, it started just behind the forehead and slowly moved forward until finally the silhouette layout of the world that Cassie has come to understand could be seen and observed. Here just like her real world, or the world that had become her real world, Cassie was able to see the world in all its magical brilliance. Looking at the body of her granddaughter, Cassie saw the clear outline of vibrant Life mana running wild and unchecked within the body. ¡°I see the problem. You are over healing.¡± ¡°Over healing?¡± Cassidy asked. ¡°Yes, in your attempt to cure your mother you never stopped pumping in healing energy. Just like over watering an extremely parched plant, you are now delving into the opposite realm. Where you are doing too much.¡± Cassie said, as she began grabbing the ambient energy and either pulling it back into Cassidy¡¯s tiny body, or trying to reconvert it into another spell that would prevent the atrophying of muscles by the patient. ¡°Can you do something about it?¡± Cassidy asked, fear prevalent in her tone as she began realizing that the reason why her mother still stayed in critical condition was now because of her. That the earlier successes caused her to push further than her mother could handle. ¡°Of course we are doing something. I absorbed some of the greater clumps of mana. While pushing the remaining mana into the muscles to help prevent the effects of atrophy. Fortunately, you asked for help in time, and so long as you let nature take its course I don¡¯t see there being any other problems.¡± Cassie said, reassuring. Tears. At that Cassidy began crying, ¡°thank you. Thank you.¡± ¡°No, it is I who should be thanking you. Do you know the last time I felt useful to you all out here?¡± ¡°Ohma you are always useful to us.¡± ¡°Then why don¡¯t you ask for my help before things get to this point? Heck, why don¡¯t you just stop to tell me how your day is going?¡± Cassie asks. ¡°I, I don¡¯t know. You just always seem so busy, that I don¡¯t want to interrupt you.¡± Sigh. ¡°Honestly baby girl, I could use someone to stop me, or at least cause me to slow down every once in a while. Also, I don¡¯t know if you know this, but you are my favorite Great Grandchild.¡± ¡°Because I¡¯m named after you?¡± ¡°Nope, that was just your momma setting you up for success there.¡± Cassie said. Laughter. At that Cassidy laughed for the first time in a long time. With that one laugh, she felt the stress and pressures that had been building up on her slowly fade away. There was of course one problem with this, as it also meant that the adrenaline that Cassidy had been using to keep going and that allowed her to maintain this mental bridge to her great grandmother was quickly fading. ¡°I guess that is my cue to leave. Though seriously, take a nap now, and most importantly, don¡¯t be a stranger.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t, I promise.¡± Cassidy said, then she felt the mental connection that she had felt a moment ago fade. Suddenly the world seemed to go from an amazing view of magical particles to the seemingly lackluster view that it always had. Still, this feeling of viewing the world in regular colors was oddly relieving to Cassidy¡¯s overtaxed mind as she could now feel her mind relaxing slightly. Realizing she was quickly going into a state of sleep, Cassidy went over to her sleeping bag that she had brought in for just this purpose, then snuggled up and took a few minutes to rest. For a moment Cassidy thought about sending up her report to Mallory and the Midnight Hunters, but then decided that this report could wait until she finished a much needed nap. What she didn¡¯t know was the way the nurses and lab techs that had been on duty at 3:13 AM were suddenly calling their bosses as they were quickly forwarding footage of what happened. Where video surveillance showed that for a moment Cassidy¡¯s forehead seemed to glow with a bright emerald green color, before a similar glow was seen penetrating into the patient¡¯s body as well. Chapter 223 Messing Around With Foreign Energy Sources, and Other Poor Life Choices Chapter 223 Messing Around With Foreign Energy Sources, and Other Poor Life Choices ¡°Hello?¡± The voice of some supply clerk calls out to me. I hear them with my real ears, though I know they are secondary. Staring. Not that a blind person can actually stare, but I realize I am staring off into the distance with possibly a vacant expression. At this I hold up one finger and try to get the person to wait. ¡°What?¡± They ask, at which point I turn around and face away from them. Sort of rude, but it is almost like they are listening in on this private conversation with my great granddaughter. Cassidy is talking to me, and I can feel her mind. She is so unprotected and raw right now that if I wished I could easily take over her mind and body. I don¡¯t want to, I do want to warn her about the possibility of possessions by doing this, but at the same time I don¡¯t want her to not call me when she needs help. ¡°It¡¯s not working,¡± little Cassidy says and just hearing her, I know that I am going to drop everything to make sure her problem gets fixed this time. Just feeling her connection it is clear that she has been practicing nonstop on her mana movement since I created that training video with Jhonny for her. ¡°Calm down, let¡¯s see what is going on,¡± I tell her. ¡°What is going on? You are supposed to tell me that.¡± The annoyed clerk lady states. At that a grimace slightly baring what might possibly be teeth at the crazy lady who is talking to me as if I am talking to her. Can¡¯t she see that I am on a long-distance call from the real world? So rude. Not even making a sound, as I know that will get transmitted back to Cassidy, give a quick slash with my finger telling her to be quiet. Then realize that I need some peace and quiet, so I in turn Teleport, straight up by five kilometers. Poof. From here, I am able to casually walk Cassidy through the problems she is experiencing. Overhealing her mother, I didn¡¯t even know such a thing was possible, but it seems that most human bodies are not capable of processing structured mana. Well I don¡¯t think it was really structured, just mana that was of the Life type and sent to run wildly within her mother¡¯s body. That was the real reason the mana went wild. Sure, the body used the energy to heal all the damages, but then it didn¡¯t know what to do with the surplus that remained. Fortunately, she called when she did as it meant that I could pull a bit of the energy back, and then get the rest to easily be absorbed into my granddaughter¡¯s muscles to help prevent any atrophy that might arise from her length of stay. From there I let little Cassidy collapse as her body and mind are clearly at a breaking point. I will make sure to tell her the dangers of channeling one such as myself into her, next time we meet. And yes, I know there will be a next time. She is a precocious child with a gift. Also, she is too adventurous to stop when she hits a wall, and smart enough to ask for help when she clearly needs it, that is how I know she will be back. Also, this is her second time in contacting little old me, so I figure that my chances of hearing from her in the future are pretty good. Now that everything is done, I am left with but one minor problem. What do I do with this highly charged energy that I helped siphon away from Cassidy¡¯s mother? At the time I took it into me, as I knew Cassidy¡¯s core was already full, meaning the extra energy had to go somewhere. Thus, I took it, thinking that it was the same type of mana that I use. However, now that I have had time to feel its bright burning sensation within me, I realize my mistake. I say burning, and I mean burning like your muscles at the end of a good workout kind of burn, not the I just teleported into the middle of an active volcano type of burn. By merely holding the energy, I feel my cores, both of them come to life as both begin trying to help calm down and collect the different threads of energy from both and begin cycling them. This is a problem, as I realize quite a few things all from the few seconds that I have to examine the foreign energy. First and foremost, this energy is addictive. Just feeling it course and burn its way through my body, I can¡¯t help but feel alive. Like before this, the thrum of energy that I had felt and used that was native to this world was nothing in comparison. Now I knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that this energy was something special. Acid reflux. I get a sensation that is similar to acid reflux within my body. Again, too much of a good thing as this energy is wild and uncontained. There is also the fact that it is now burning away my ambient mana and condensed Qi energy and creating a brighter charged ball of energy. What started as a minor ball of energy has now begun to spin about and bloom into what almost feels like a wild ball of yarn that has many threads feeding into hit and helping it grow. This is bad. Fortunately, I am currently far away from anyone else, being the only creature brave enough to fly five kilometers in the air. Jitters. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. I realize this is likely one of those evolutionary points where I can decide what to do. I can possibly take the energy condense it into a more solidified structure similar to thick maple syrup and have it serve as a new stage of Qi. Or I could also try to loosen the energy up, diluting it and making it a stronger form of mana. Mana that I would then need to use my Qi to create a stronger and more suitable core to hold the advanced form of mana. There is also the idea that I could just take the foreign energy and expel it from my body entirely. I am heavily leaning towards the third option when I get a new system message.
New World Quest Received: Don¡¯t Expel the Foreign Energy: You have somehow contracted energy that is unstable for both yourself and the world. You must now find a way to stabilize the foreign energy within yourself. Do not let this energy get released from your body for any reason. Rewards: The World Lives, Variable.
Seeing that message, I can¡¯t help but wonder if the world is once again messing with me, or if this is really that dangerous of a situation. ¡°Again, I get it, playing around with magic and foreign energies as if I know what they are and can do is bad. I got it,¡± I say, pantingly as I clutch at my chest and realize I must do something. Yet, I can¡¯t help but think that mixing this with either my Qi or Mana will cause irreversible damages. I can only imagine trying to cast spells with this apparently new and heightened form of mana. Then again Qi would also be crazy, as I would feel my Regeneration constantly needing to be engaged just to maintain my regular cycling. No, instead, I had to think of this as a third and much more volatile form of energy that didn¡¯t seem to like being contained here. The first thing to note was that this energy was more of a dense liquid than anything. By this Qi would be a semi-solid calm stream. Mana would be a vaporous current of air. While this energy would be a dense moving and churning torrent of energy. Now I had a few things I could do. The new form of liquid was still able to be moved, the same way holding your hands tightly together could be used to guide and push liquid in an intended direction. That said, I needed to either force the energy to go into a condensed ball. A ball of highly condensed and volatile energy that could break free at any time and thus cause a violent eruption. This method would effectively give me a third distinct core of energy. However, that seemed like something I would do if I was able to either recreate, reproduce, or have time to fully understand this energy. As it was, it seemed that the world itself did not want me playing with this energy, thus the warning quest. I do find it odd that that the world finally gave me my own warning quest for when I was doing something stupid, though I guess getting Mallory out up here to slap some sense into me might be a little too distracting at this time. As such I focus on another option, one that didn¡¯t involve trying to replicate this energy that clearly didn¡¯t belong in this realm of existence. Instead, I focused on trying to disperse this energy in as simple of a way as possible. Remembering what I did with the energy within my granddaughter, I just focused on taking the wild and chaotic energy and trying to get it to meld and fuse with my muscles and my body. Spasm, crackle, crunch. The moment I try that on the muscles first, I instantly regret that decision as my muscles tightened and solidified so much that they literally snapped my bones apart. To make matters worse, my instant reaction as a healer was to try to of course, Heal the issue. What a moron. Pop, shatter, crunch. This was apparently the exact wrong answer as it only caused the lighter energy of mana to be absorbed by the dense and flowing foreign energy. Which of course led to even more tightening of the muscles and thus more ripping and tearing of my bones. Panting. Fortunately, I am weightless out here, so all my spinning about and flailing around means nothing in terms of my chances of falling to the ground. That is the good news. The okay news is that with the addition of structured mana, the foreign energy seemed to have been diluted a bit. Of course, this leaves the bad part, where now I have broken and fracture bone particles lose within my body, while my muscles are slowly being turned into a form of muscular stone. On the bright side, at least I didn¡¯t try to fuse this energy into my brain thinking it was some type of super psychic energy. No, I needed to slowly unweave the coiled ball of painful energy from my muscles, stretch it out slowly so that a thin stream is present in both my muscles, bones, and organs, and then hope that this is enough. To do this, I first encapsulate the entire mass within densely coiled Qi. Since Qi seems to be the most resistant of the two energies I have present. I use it to form a base structure. If everything else fails, then a second solidified chunk of Qi will be used to forever hold this energy in place. With the energy successfully closed off for a moment, I pause for a moment and then let out a breath as I finally let my mind register the pain that I am in. ¡°OUCH!¡± From here, I breathe out and cast a simple Nerve Dampening spell that will make it so my body no longer sends pain responses to my brain. At that, I pause, waiting for a moment as the last traces of pain slowly begin to fade from my mind. ¡°This was so stupid, Cass!¡± I say to myself, as I now realize this could have been really bad. As opposed to the mildly annoying bad that I was currently dealing with. ¡°Foreign energy sources from the land of the living. What were you thinking? Of course it is going to be different.¡± I say to myself, speaking my thoughts out loud as the residual pain sensors are taking away a few of my inhibitions. ¡°And of course like always, you are like, let me go and pull it straight into myself. Not even thinking about how different energy from the two planes of existence will be.¡± Exhale. With that exhale I get all my frustration and self-loathing for putting myself into another stupid and clearly avoidable situation out of my mind. Now it is time to think and to act. Dissolving. The foreign energy is currently devouring my muscle and bones the same way highly volatile acid would. At that, I realize that I have to act quickly. For a second, I think about regrowing my own muscles and bones first, but realize I have already wasted enough time on this process. Focusing on the threat, I realize that I can still likely get the energy to meld and fuse with both my bones and muscles, but I will have to do so in a very fine amount, and do so relatively quickly. I know I can create Qi channels that could theoretically hold the energy as I dissipate it throughout my body. Though the Qi channels will be slower than the speed of the volatile energy. Mana would be faster, and able to be used as a rabbit of sorts to draw out the foreign energy through my solidified Qi channels, but this would require me to do something I hadn¡¯t been able to do up until this point. That is use Qi and Mana together without causing problems. For a moment, I almost wonder if this is some impromptu test given by the world to make me figure these things out on the fly, but then I quickly dismiss that thought as I realize at the very least this stuff HURTS! Focusing, I create a secondary channeling path, one that goes through my major organs, muscles, and bones. I use Qi to create a semi-solid but dense tunnel. To make the tunnels I have to constantly circulate the Qi, I go for a clockwise direction for this energy to have a uniform direction. Effectively I am forcing my Qi to take more than ten times longer to cycle through my body, as it is now making multiple spirals through each of my major areas. Then when I realize the foreign energy is at the point where it is finally dissolving my cute little muscle and bones, I attract the now free energy with a wisp of mana. To make sure the mana doesn¡¯t get caught and interact with the Qi, I violently spin the mana counter-clockwise at a speed that should be twice as fast as the flow of the Qi tube that the mana is rolling around in. Singe. There is a slight burn as the quick moving liquid moves slightly faster than I originally thought, causing me to reduce the number of rotations by my mana and instead focus on directing the mana out of the small tube faster than originally intended. This is not a want, but rather a need to make sure that my mana does not get caught by burning hot liquid. Somewhere in this whole ordeal I apparently opened up my third eye, as I used it to scan my internal organs and ensure the process was being met. At about the halfway point, I realize something sort of crucial. Namely just hitting my stomach, intestine, kidneys, heart, and lungs, along with the arms of my arms and legs would not be enough. No, I apparently also needed to cycle this energy through my epidermis, to my spine, my head, my brain and all three of my eyes. I thought about opening up the rate of energy, but then realized that even now the energy that was being channeled through my body was almost too much. Even factoring in my four wings, and the muscles there, I would still have too much to just leave alone and hope it somehow stopped destroying my body. Fortunately, by the time I got to my brain and eyes, I would be done, as the energy would almost be completely useless by this point. Unfortunately, it also meant that if there was excess it would be stuck going to both the brain and all three of my eyes. Somehow, I thought this was an odd restructuring of my original Royal Bloodline awakening, where I had to do something similar and build out how I would evolve. That thought hit me, but then again, I instantly discarded that thought as irrelevant. It was clear that this was meant to be a process that killed me if I failed. I kind of deserve this for constantly charging into things, but at the same time, I wished the world was a bit more forgiving for failed experiments. Then again, I guess this is what every inadvertent bomb maker thought, when they first mixed acids and bases together trying to create the world¡¯s best cleaning product. I can focus inwardly, until we get to the brain. Well not the brain exactly as I first tried to see if I could run out by going through my eyes. Making sure to dump off as much as possible into my two non-functioning eyes. Unfortunately, there was still more. From there I spun up to my third eye, creating not one but two streams from my two primary eyes to my tertiary eye. I even looped in my ears, my hair, and every other organ I could think of, but nothing was left. Finally with a deep reluctance, I realized I still needed to make at least one more connection. Not having much time to think about anything, I focused on the connection and made one massive swoop around my brain. I had just completed a full loop around and was about to create a second loop, when I felt the burning white hot pain of the foreign energy enter my brain. The moment the energy filled my brain, I felt the world and my connection to it pulse once, then twice. I was losing consciousness, and I desperately tried to continue, but then realizing it was too much I quickly pulled the fast swirling mana away from the tunnel, before creating a stopper like effect by sealing away the final end. Then the world began to burn as I felt my mind feel like it was melting under the pain and pressure. At this, I realized I might have really messed up. Darkness. Chapter 224 A Bloody Mess (Mallory) Chapter 224 A Bloody Mess (Mallory) ¡°Okay, so what happened exactly?¡± Mallory asked Charlaine the new perspective handler for Cass. Yes, what had been a joke before was now actually becoming a real-life position within the Midnight Hunters. Feelers had been put out and at first the position and title were seen with mostly positive feedback. As everyone thought they would be a glorified secretary for quite possibly the world¡¯s craziest caster. The fact that she single-handedly apparently took down a discrete mining operation within Legrand Territory, a quest that Mallory had jokingly influenced her on. Though to Mallory¡¯s defense, what she pushed Cass to do was to do something relatively simple, that is find the missing parents of a little girl. It was going to be a memorable story about how the Midnight Hunters were there to help. Mallory first became aware of the quest being there when she noticed in her guild management tab that a few odd quest tabs were forming by Cass¡¯s name.
Rank: Doctor. Name: Cassiopeia Spiritlight Quest name: , , , The Mythical Bloodline Catalyst <98/100>, Specters of the Past (I) <1/4>, Curse of Cassiopeia II, Curse of Cassiopeia II-A, Calling a good Match, Judging the Boom, Healing the Boom, First Acanarus Tower Climber (V) <235/250>, Qi For The Dead, Saving the Litter of Godpuppies (Ongoing), Higher Education (Creating a College): Create Your Own School of Higher Learning, Inspiring the Next Generation (Repeatable) < Jayhalem>, Create The First Guild Created College, Establishing a Thieves Guild Foothold within newly identified territories (Ongoing), Migrant Rescue Mission (Ongoing), Becoming A Tenured Professor, Purposes for the Blight, Daily Repeatable Quest (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Hourly Contribution, Daily Repeatable Quest (Cassiopeia Spiritlight): Quest for Knowledge, Daily Repeatable Quest (Crossroad Mage¡¯s Guild): Cleaning the Guild Hall, Hidden Quest Complete (Repeatable): Curing The Blighted, Hidden Quest Found (Repeatable): Awakening One¡¯s Magical Destiny¡­
Honestly looking at her to do list, Mallory almost thought about holding back, seeing as she had a lot of quests still up and running. This list didn¡¯t even cover the upcoming wedding, the need to consummate said wedding, or many of her other various quests going around. Yet, it did show why Cass could often seem a bit stressed at times. To be completely transparent, that was a lot of active quests. Yet, Mallory found that a lot of times she could help Cass out by assigning some of these quest details to others, to both share the experience, rewards, and accolades while Cass just found them seemingly out of thin air. So when she pressed Cass into committing herself to awakening those hidden three quests that would have gone away. Yes, they literally would go away if Cass walked away. As good as Cass was at finding quests, she was just as good at walking away from perfectly good quests. Quests that could be outsourced to other guild members once they were identified and sent out accordingly. Cass alone had accounted for a ten percent bonus in levels and leveling rates by almost all members of the Midnight Hunters. Even Mallory had to note the rapid growth rate of quests in that she herself had gained over fifty levels since moving out to the new territory. Yet, despite everything the more Mallory pushed, the more Cass rose to the challenge. A gentle nudge here, a press there, and next thing she knew Cass would be pulling herself and the rest of the guild right up with her to new and unprecedented heights. That was why she and everyone else was willing to give the quirky but fun girl a few mistakes here and there. Even then most of her mistakes were mostly embarrassing for her, or at the very least made for interesting stories to tell. Of course, that was only if you could remember the stories, as every day there was always a new anecdote or interesting story of things either she did or things she got others to do for her. Even getting pulled into teach the Legacy Bloodline classes was nothing as it meant that Mallory had to sacrifice an hour of her time a few times a week. To Mallory¡¯s surprise, all it took was Cass making a promise to bring the quests into existence. That was how the additional quests of Missing Parents (Ongoing), and Missing Parents 1A (Ongoing), came into being. There was still a third quest that was lying dormant but for the moment it looked like it would just have to remain that way. However, once Cass left, Mallory saw the moment when that third and final quest came to life. Purging the Desecrators (Ongoing). The quest name alone made chills run down Mallory¡¯s spine, as she saw a quest that Cass could never accomplish. At least that is what Mallory thought, until she slowly saw the numbers for each category of person climb.
New Quest Identified: Purging the Desecrators (Ongoing): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. Magical Parasites have set up a dig site stripping the land of magical resources, which have in turn begun to poison the ecosystem. Eliminate the threat to the local area, and become a protector of the world. Current status Grand Mages purged (? / 9), Mage foreman (?? / 12), Mage Leaders (?? / 27), excavators (0 / 508). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Evolution Markers, Badges, variables.
At that Mallory wondered if something fundamental snapped in Cass. For a moment she wondered if that one endearing quality within Cass had been irrevocably broken. Then worse, Mallory tried to figure out exactly what could have happened to make Cass snap in such a way. Fortunately, a few quick inquiries found that Cass had not snapped and was instead eliminating people as mages and not from existence as was seemingly implied by the quest. Then other details came in, details that Mallory would need to deal with almost immediately. Namely, why a member of the Midnight Hunters Guild was actively conducting tactical operations against Legrand Empire forces. Up until that point, the Midnight Hunters had managed to avoid being drawn directly into the heart of the conflict. Though it was only a matter of time before their independence would have been tested. Also, with taking in so many refugees it was almost a given that they would be pulled into the war and against the Legrand Empire. The fact that Cass went out and made such a decisive first strike was both a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing in that it showed what the Midnight Hunters were truly capable of, even while clearly holding back. The curse came from the fact that the Midnight Hunters only took out one minor mining operation, though the fact that it was clearly in the heart of the Legrand Empire, and that everyone was able to get in and get out before the Legrand Empire truly knew what happened was surprising. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. It also showed Cass¡¯s commitment to being prepared before striking. To be honest, Mallory almost thought that tabbing Cass as the Thieves Guild Hall Master for their new city World¡¯s End, was something that Mallory was initially hesitant about. Yes, they had a vote on the City¡¯s name while Cass was gone. This was by accident, but it probably worked out for the best given Cass¡¯s propensity for naming things poorly. Knowing her, she probably would have named it The Midnight Hunting Ground, which of course everyone would shorten to the Land of Midnight HuGs. That or something equally as absurd like the Spirit of Valhalla. No, keeping Cass away from naming things was the only way to make sure people wanted to stay. Also, the name did kind of fit as it was essentially the land where the World Ended, thus the name seemed sort of fitting. Even though Cass was adamant that they could now spread further west. Which would mean more future cities that might need to be developed and planned out. Which would mean even more people would be tabbed to head more Guild Halls. Which made Mallory wonder yet again if letting Cass be the Guild Master for the Thieves Guild was the right choice? Especially as her being outed as the Spy Master for the city would mean she would have to go into exile, as a failed spy master. Which of course led Mallory back to her initial thoughts that Cass being tabbed as the Mage Guild Hall leader was always the obvious choice. Especially with her being the head instructor for SVC. Yet, the more she thought about it, the more the separation made sense. First, who would think that the leader of SVC, one of the world¡¯s most talented Mages and energy users would be the Guild Hall Master for the city¡¯s Thieves Guild. Also, with Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri being the Mage Guild Hall leader, it effectively meant that Cass was the leader of both. That or anyone who Cass appointed as being Octavia for the day would be the Mage Guild Hall leader. After realizing that Cass would be both, and would not be forced to compromise the school¡¯s integrity to the Mage¡¯s Guild, Mallory felt better about the change. Then after hearing from multiple reports and seeing the constrained and highly focused destruction for herself, Mallory realized that Cass was a classically trained Thieves Guild Operative. Her calm and playful demeanor merely hid the fact that underneath she was a cold and calculating being that would stop at nothing to right an injustice. Seeing the devastation, and the fact that despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, Cass had effectively eliminated forty-eight mages, while cutting off all forms of communications, warning systems, suppression systems, and freeing 508 prisoners of war. If Mallory had any doubts about Cass¡¯s effectiveness as a Spy Master, she found that they were all assuaged after seeing the end results of her seeming tantrum. Then the eyewitness reports who then retold in great detail about an avenging angel of justice that released bursts of lightning down that struck each mage and caused them all to slump over in pain. By all accounts, the entire time Cass took to take out the forty-eight mages. Including a three-minute monologue where she tortured and caused Lady Legrand to cower in fear at her antics. The entire thing almost seemed unbelievable, complete with the fact that everyone could hear her mad cackles as she tormented the enemy forces. Until they all said, she then reappeared before them all and said something to the effect of ¡°oh, you heard all that?¡± Honestly, it was only that last part that made everything before that believable. Well believable in that Cass did it all with ruthless efficiency. If Mallory had any doubts about her Thieves Guild Hall leader being Cass before that, all doubts were quickly dispelled. While her guild likely wouldn¡¯t specialize in assassination operations, that was a minor aspect of the Guild and something that had been far too dramatized to her liking. There was the added benefit of ruling a city with a Thieves Guild that was vehemently opposed to assassination events or requests. Knowing that the Thieves Guild would not support assassination events was oddly comforting to Mallory and something that only now that she was the ruler of a blossoming city did she fully come to understand and respect. That said, the quest list assigned to Cass was rather long, and it was clear that she could use some help in knocking out a few of those quests. Also, it was clear that Cass was getting to the point where she would need someone who could be a secretary one minute, and a voice of questioning reason the next. Thus, why Charlaine was the current candidate for the job. Charlaine for her part looked every bit the new intern given an impossible task and then looked like she was about to be fired, even though she tried to answer truthfully. ¡°Um, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Charlaine began, nearly crying at the fact that she clearly lost her one and only charge for the guild. ¡°It¡¯s okay, tell me what happened.¡± Mallory said soothingly, knowing full well that keeping track of Cass was a full time task in and of itself and that barring having a constantly ringing bell on her, finding Cass when she was prowling about was nearly impossible. Of course, this only went to show how tabbing Cass as the Spy master was the clear and obvious choice as well. ¡°Well, I was talking to Cass one second. She had just gone through the portal that brought her back from the Legrand Empire.¡± Charlaine paused there and Mallory just nodded. That was all the girl needed to go into a full detail of what was happening. ¡°I was asking her about what she did, what spells she used. Any information on the layout of the Legrand Empire bases, details of the magical suppression units that were installed. Did you know that Dr. Spiritlight claimed to have used magic to defuse the magical suppression wards and the magical sensing alarms?¡± Hearing that, Mallory could only nod. ¡°Yes, I heard, and you should do well to believe her when she makes such statements in the future,¡± Mallory noted. For anyone else, such comments could be considered bragging, or at the very least embellished in some way shape or form. Yet, knowing Cass, that was likely her way of being subtle about what she actually did. Wincing for a moment, she almost wanted to have a team go back and retrieve samples of the alarms that were systematically dismantled. At the very least, while the details were still fresh within her mind, Mallory intended to try to get Cass to write down the layout of the base and areas to avoid. Though thinking about this, Mallory knew this would almost be like getting a cat to recite its morning activities. While others that observed the cat could possibly paraphrase the activities down, getting someone as hyper attentive as Cass to recite every detail would be nearly impossible. ¡°Well then, she seemed to get a distant look on her face. I mean, I know she is blind, but normally she has a way of looking you directly in your eyes, even though you know she can¡¯t actually see. But¡­¡± Charlaine trailed off trying to think of the exact words to use. ¡°But she still does and can tell your facial expression and by your body posture if you are lying to her or not.¡± Mallory noted with a head bob. Yes, this was good, as it meant that Charlaine had read the complete dossier on Cass before coming out here. ¡°Right. Well, she then looked away. Right during the middle of her debriefing with me. One second she was looking me in the eyes. Then the next second she was looking away. I then proceeded to ask her what happened. To where she then held up a finger as she turned away from me. It¡¯s odd seeing how the slightest flapping of a wing is all that is needed to get her to rotate about slightly.¡± At that Mallory could only nod in agreement. ¡°Then she said, ¡®calm down, let¡¯s see what is going on,¡¯ clearly speaking to someone else. It was at this point that I tried to get her attention once more, but that apparently annoyed Cass causing her to wave her hand backwards at me in a shooing motion.¡± Charlaine stated, as she demonstrated the exact gesture performed by Cass. ¡°Then she just disappeared.¡± ¡°Disappeared?¡± Mallory parroted. ¡°Yeah, one second she was there, right where you are. Then the next she was gone. That¡¯s when I called it in just as requested, but I¡¯m sorry. I tried.¡± Charlaine said, now her calm fa?ade clearly breaking as she all but admitted to failing her one and only task for the guild. ¡°Look don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m sure she will show up¡­¡± Mallory began, but was then cut off. Pop, pop, boom. Overhead there was something that sounded like fireworks going off. Then looking upward, Mallory could only gasp in awe at seeing the dark speck above tremble and quake, before letting off what almost looked like tiny bursts that one might expect to see from a¡­ ¡°Fireworks?¡± Charlaine asked. At first, Mallory was going to agree, until she saw that said fireworks were coming from a bird. Not just any bird, but one with what appeared to be four wings in total. ¡°No that is¡­¡± Mallory began, but she found that here words were soon cut off as a world message flared to life.
World First Message: The First Mythical Bloodline Holder Has Awakened.
Mallory took this exact moment to confirm her suspicions about Cass and saw that a number of Cass¡¯s quests were all complete and ready to be turned in for their final rewards. This was sad as most of these seemed to just be self-acknowledgement quests, but still the rewards for these quests were right there for the taking.
Rank: Doctor. Name: Cassiopeia Spiritlight Quest name: Missing Parents (Completed), Missing Parents 1A (Completed), Purging the Desecrators (Completed), The Mythical Bloodline Catalyst (Completed), Establishing a Thieves Guild Foothold within newly identified territories (Completed), Migrant Rescue Mission (Completed), New World Quest Received: Don¡¯t Expel the Foreign Energy (Completed)¡­
That was seven quests that Cass had either been too lazy or too distracted to turn in. Knowing Cass it was likely the latter, as she often got singularly focused on completing certain tasks to the disregard of all others. Then Mallory saw the seventh quest, or rather its marker as a New World Quest, at that Mallory could only wonder what horrors Cass had simultaneously discovered and then seemingly fixed, if the Completion notification was anything to go off of. Pausing for a moment, Charlaine and Mallory both looked up with slack jawed amazement. Then finally after a minute, Charlaine asked, ¡°do those sorts of things happen often?¡± For a moment, Mallory didn¡¯t know if Charlaine was referring to the random explosions happening around Cass, or the World Announcements, but ultimately found that her answer for both would be the same. ¡°Sadly, it happens more often than you would think,¡± was all Mallory could honestly offer. Then pausing for a minute, she finally asked the question that had been on her mind, ¡°so you good with your new position?¡± At that Charlaine could only stare incredulously at Mallory. Chapter 225 Cha-cha-Changes (Part I) Chapter 225 Cha-cha-Changes (Part I) Rising. Did you ever get the feeling that you were floating? Well, rising higher and higher? Not exactly the best feeling, especially when you suddenly come to consciousness and find out that you have somehow risen a few hundred feet from your last known location. That and your new position is over a kilometer away from where you last remembered being. Yes, due to my condition, I went from complete darkness and unaware of my surroundings to a near twenty-kilometer view in all directions. Fortunately, my mind has gotten to the point where I wish that my self-restraint and self-control were at. Namely, my mind has gotten to the point where it can block out distractions and avoid inundating me with thousands of distractions. Instead, I awoke to find myself floating like a wayward kite over the southeastern section of the new city area, that our gild has claimed. Just looking at the city, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that I was missing something very important. Like why was I asleep while flying? Was I being abducted? Was I in danger? ¡°What?¡± Was all I could eloquently state, but then as I spoke, I realized that I was apparently alone. A quick mental scan of the area showed that Zero had apparently left my arm and was now talking with his girlfriend. Yes, there on a field down below was the powerful Zero talking with a Pomeranian. Meanwhile, I was left up here to apparently float around on my own, wherever the wind might take me. Gust. With that, I feel the wind grab me and pull me up higher and farther away form my initial spot. Then just when I don¡¯t think it can get any weirder, I notice a figure coming. Well figure is not exactly the correct word here. In this case, the figure is of a vaguely familiar female riding a pedal bike, complete with a motor to help augment the pedaling and flapping wings. There is even a little rutter tail that moves based on the way the front wheel is directed. If there is ever a sight that is more steam punk than that, I don¡¯t know. Seeing the device I can¡¯t help but smile. The entire thing looks ridiculous, especially to my sight where I can¡¯t see any true details of paint or decals. Instead, all I see are the functionality of the device and realize that it like me has two sets of wings. Tingle. No wait? Do I have two sets of wings? I suddenly feel like there are more sets of wings than the two I normally have. Flap, flap, flap. I shift my wings around and manage to get myself into an upright position. Headrush. Whoa, apparently spinning and floating about aimlessly, then going to a more natural upright position can cause a bit of vertigo, who knew. Shaking my head, I see that the person seeming to come on a direct path towards me is a few minutes away, which is good as I suddenly feel the influx of notifications streaming into my mind letting me know what happened during the time I was out. Unfortunately, now that I am here and in this distracted state, my quest completion notifications have started to chime through. On the bright side, I did want to test out the reward system here, thinking that the location that the quest experience was rewarded factored into the difference. Thus my spending two weeks in the Arcanarus Tower to only get a total of 50,000 experience for completing my QiMO machine.
New Quest Completed: Flight of the Penguin Part I (Ongoing): You have become the owner of a derelict ship designed to run off of mana and Qi. You even managed to fix it so it could finally fly. Final progress for repairs (100% / 100%). Rewards: Experience, Skills, New Unique vehicle, other. Experience Gained. 25,000 / 12,500 / 12,500
That was great for my time in the Arcanarus Tower, but seemed oddly disproportionate to the amount of work I put in. While the vehicle might be the best reward for that, I feel that even the Other this time was a sort of meh.
New Bloodline Evolution Perk Fully Awoken Bloodline Evolution Markers - Fully Awoken: Mana and Qi core manipulation markers awoken.
Yes, the bloodline perk that had been marked earlier went to Fully Awoken, but it still feels the same. Even my two Simulacrums who spent all day reading for experience only gained me a total of 41,260 experience.
Experience Gained from reading books: 20,630 / 10,315 / 10,315
Then with those two done, I felt the knowledge of so many books. A few were Skill books, but they were already skills I had already learned. Kind of cheap, but still good to have the knowledge I already know reinforced by the books of the world. Though, I was almost beginning to wonder if I could create my own skill books. Tingle. At this thought I feel a golden thread coming towards me. Almost instantly I realize the world would gladly give me a chance to write down and document my skills so that they might be passed down to others. For a moment I almost think about accepting the thread, about getting an awesome skill like Book Binding, or maybe even Scribbler or something else equally entertaining. Then I quickly get the mental image of me hunched over a desk for hours on end working and slaving away, only to have my thoughts that took me hours to focus and write down, read and then generally disregarded by my students. At that last mental image, I quickly dismiss the path of a writer. While I love reading, writing is so boring and time consuming. Fortunately, to distract myself from these two, or more, skills that I would invariably get and would serve me as much good as my Painting and Artistry skills, both of which are still at a six and an eight respectively, I decide to forgo my career as a writer and be a doer. After that, I just relax my mind and let the next quest notifications pummel me in the head, letting me know what I did and why I can¡¯t possibly settle down to be a writer. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.
New Quest Found: Missing Parents (Completed): You have found a little girl (Izzy) in a refugee camp who has lost her parents. You managed to rescue the two parents and reunite them with their beloved daughter (Izzy). Final status of parents found and rescued (2 / 2). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Marker Identified (Fairy Godmother). Experience Gained. 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000
Oh there was the Fairy Godmother perk, that is the same perk I was supposed to get for bringing all the thirteen Kujo pups to life. I¡¯m assuming this perk when activated has something to do with kids? Also, the experience is sadly double what I got for spending two weeks in an odd tower where I built an entirely new engine from scratch, effectively.
New Quest Found: Missing Parents 1A (Completed): You have found a boy (Stavi) and his mother (Raywell) in a refugee camp. When casting a spell to identify familial connections you found two active strands from the boy, one led to the mother and the other led to someone far off in the distance. You managed to find the father and reintroduce him to Stavi and Raywell. Final status of persons found and reunited (1 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Marker Activated (Fairy Godmother). Experience Gained. 25,000 / 12,500 / 12,500 Bloodline Evolution Perk Activated. Bloodline evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother) activated: Ability to protect children of all ages and species increased and magnified.
Well, honestly, I don¡¯t see that? But then again, it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t want to help out kids. But an entire perk devoted to just helping out kids? Then I think about it and realize that the reason why I am where I am now is because I wanted Gwen to have a better life than I did when she first joined, and the Guild was the way for that. I also left Rob Jr. or Trenton as he likes to be called over by himself as well. Trenton is another huge headache that I will likely need to take care of here shortly. Fortunately, before I can get too lost in my own thoughts about what could have or should have been, the next quest update hit me.
New Quest Found: Migrant Rescue Mission (Completed): You have found multiple disenfranchised groups of people. You even managed to rescue all the people from the war-torn environments and found jobs for1000% of the people that you provide shelter to. Final tally of people rescued (2058 / 2058). Percent of people taken in who have a job (100 / 100%). Children needing to be rescued (786 / 786). Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), (Guild) Title(s), Badge(s). Experience Gained. 150,000 / 75,000 / 75,000 New Skill Gained: Infiltration has reached level 1. Infiltration is a Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill. New Skill Gained: Sapper has reached level 1. Sapper is a Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill. Guild Title: Protector of the Weak. Protector of the Weak: When positioned to help non-combatants all skills and multipliers are doubled.
New Feat Recorded: Refuge Wrangler (4,000): You have been recognized for saving over 2,000 refugees and providing them all with jobs, food, and shelter.
For a moment, I wonder how I never got the skill Infiltration before, but I think this mostly deals with the way I generally Teleport into every place. While this time, there were a few times when I did silently enter the facility in question. Granted, this silent infiltration was me flying over and through the fenced in area and then staging my coop, but it was there. As for Sapper, that was directly related to my destroying communications and lines. Again, these skills seem like they would be a lot of fun to practice and increase. Depending on how they go, I might make them a part of the Thieves Guild charter. I think about that, then realize that I have roughly seven hundred kids that will likely be part of these classes and realize that maybe there was a reason I was not exposed to the Sapper courses before now. That said, now that I have it game on. Also, the guild Title is pretty epic. Able to have my skills and bonuses doubled if I am protecting people? That is going to be a lot of fun. Also, thinking about it, I wonder if it will help with possibly increasing skills for my students. Maybe we can make fake scenarios to train others by mirroring war like conditions. I think about that, then I exhale as it means that I will be teaching my own students how to be better prepared for war. While, almost all the skills and abilities I teach could be used for war, I haven¡¯t had a chance where it was so blatantly thrown in my face, as it was right now. Exhale. That said, I do realize that our time of sitting out on the war is quickly coming to an end. Particularly with my most recent escapades. With that sobering thought in mind, I let the effects of the next quest completion wash over me.
New Quest Identified: Purging the Desecrators (Completed): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. Magical Parasites (The Legrand Empire) set up a dig site stripping the land of magical resources which was poisoning the ecosystem. You eliminated the threat to the local area, and become a protector of the world. Final status Grand Mages purged (9 / 9), Mage foreman (12 / 12), Mage Leaders (27 / 27), excavators (508 / 508). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Evolution Markers, Badges, New Title Gained. Experience Gained. 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000 Bloodline Evolution Markers noted.
New Feat Recorded: One Person Army (5,000): You have been recognized for the singular destruction of an advanced army¡¯s compound where you were outnumbered 50 to 1 and eliminated all opponents.
New Title Gained: Whispers of the Land. Title Gained: Whispers of the Land: You can hear, understand, and often intuit problems arising in the world around you. Listening to these stimuli can cause possible quests to appear, quest objectives to change randomly, and for rewards to be heightened.
Okay, so that last one is a bit of a reach. Well, unless they include the elimination of the 508 excavators as well. But then again it also depends on what one considers eliminating as well? Also, the bloodline evolution perk seemed a little lame. Basically just stating that more things were identified. Not really noting anything groundbreaking or major. As for the last Title, it seems sort of fun. Though again, still a bit too Loraxy for my tastes, the idea of free or increased rewards from quests are nothing to sneeze at. With those out of the way, I feel the pressure on my mind mostly going away, but I still feel that there are a few important ones that still need to be completed.
New Quest Accepted: Establishing a Thieves Guild Foothold within newly identified territories (Completed): You have been identified by the Thieves Guild as the most deserving for the position of Guild Master. Rewards: Experience, New Title, New Gear, New Skills. Note: Unable to accept position as another Guild Leader while this position¡¯s title is active. Cannot ever let it be known that you are the leader of the Thieves Guild to anyone not related to the Thieves guild. Experience Gained. 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000 Title Gained: Thieves Guild Master. Thieves Guild Master: (Undetectable Title by any Means except to other Thieves Guild Members). This title allows you the ability to see the current status, rank, and abilities of all registered Thieves Guild Members. Furthermore, you can assign quests, tasks, training requirements, and specializations for any member of your Thieves Guild. New Gear available upon entering your Thieves Guild Hall. New Skills available upon entering your Thieves Guild Hall.
Of course, the skills and the gear would only be available upon entering a place that I have no clue where it exists. Probably another one of those, build it out of nothing type of things. Though I have a feeling that I could possibly create a pretty cool place if I focused, though that will be a different task. For now, I will just go and try to see if there is already a place available now that we have incorporated and become a fully functional city. That said, this does kind of place the bullseye on my back as now everyone wishing to be the next Thieves Guild Hall master will try to out me. Also, I can¡¯t do anything that would out me as the Thieves Guild Hall leader. To my defense, I don¡¯t know what not looking like the Thieves Guild Hall master would look like? I know I can¡¯t calm down, as that would draw attention. I can¡¯t stop teaching, as that would draw attention. I definitely can¡¯t sit down to write those great skill books that are all but waiting for me to write them down. As such, the only way to pretend that I¡¯m not the Guild Hall master is to act like I¡¯m not. Which given my current schedule, this shouldn¡¯t be too hard to fake. Not because I would totally forget that I was it at any time. Nope, just wanting to lay low while the fuzz was after me. Still, I am almost done with these marathon of quest completions, only a few more¡­ I hope.
New World Quest Received: Don¡¯t Expel the Foreign Energy (Completed): You have somehow contracted energy that is unstable for both yourself and the world. You then found a way to stabilize the foreign energy within yourself. Huzzah. Rewards: The World Lives, Bloodline Evolution Perk Activated.
Bloodline Evolution Perk Activated. Bloodline evolution Perk (Coreless Mastery) activated: Your entire body is now a combined core for both your Mana and Qi. Effect: No damage caused by core disruption or destruction. Mana and Qi capacity increased by 50%.
That was it. I save the world and all I get are an odd huzzah, and a bloodline evolution perk that makes it so my core is now obsolete. Actually, that was probably one of my biggest concerns before, namely what if someone learned to mirror my core obliterating death ray. It¡¯s effective at putting down magic wielding opponents, but it also serves as a double edged sword as it could just as easily be used against me. Well it could have, as I previously relied on my cores. Thrum. Cycling quickly, I realize I can still pump both mana and Qi throughout my two different cores, but now I feel that they are unnecessary. Almost like having extra eyes on my fingertips, yeah there might be a use for them, but mostly it would be easier to only hold them back in reserves for a few times when they might be necessary. Speaking of having extra eyes, this of course brings me to my last and final quest that I have complete. This last and quest was by far the most powerful. Even just pausing I readied myself as I prepared to find out what was happening. With this quest. The quest¡¯s components were over. Now all I had to do was go through and work with the system to hammer out the finer details of what my new Mythical Bloodline would be and would ultimately entail. Exhale. By breathing out, I centered myself and my mind as I relaxed just enough to see the fate of my future come to me, and for a moment I paused as I almost felt like I was going to be crushed by the information and changes that were being forced upon me.
Mythic Bloodline Quest Activated: The Mythical Bloodline Catalyst (Complete): You have found a catalyst capable of awakening deeper components of your bloodline that will allow you to begin to take steps towards the Mythic rating. You have fully integrated with the fragment from the Mirror of the Dead and awoken the Quintessence Ethereal Pixie Mythical Bloodline¡­
And with just those few words, I knew the world was once again trying to mess with me. Chapter 226 Cha-Cha-Changes (Part II) Chapter 226 Cha-Cha-Changes (Part II) Power, it comes in all shapes and sizes. Apparently, this world thinks that I am supposed to always be in the extremely compact size, as my newest race. A race that I wasn¡¯t even certain existed until now was unarguably a short race. In fact, when thinking about races, I think we all can agree that something with the name of pixie generates images of a being that is similar to a child¡¯s play toy in size.
Mythic Bloodline Quest Activated: The Mythical Bloodline Catalyst (Complete): You have found a catalyst capable of awakening deeper components of your bloodline that will allow you to begin to take steps towards the Mythic rating. You have fully integrated with the fragment from the Mirror of the Dead and awoken the Quintessence Ethereal Pixie Mythical Bloodline. Percentage (100 / 100). Rewards: Experience, Mythic Bloodline Awakening, Title, Badge, Skills, variable.
Yes, I had finally done the unthinkable and managed to be the first to unlock a Mythical bloodline. Proving that as usual awakening bloodlines is the worst thing possible. As I now find myself wondering how I can change myself back. Or undo this mistake. It seems that with each evolution I am given a new set of circumstances to both ridicule and mock me. A Quintessence Ethereal Pixie? What does that even mean? But before I could get too lost in the thought of how ridiculous I might look now as a Pixie, I feel the surge of all the other notifications coming in and washing over me and infusing me with irresistible force and magnitudes of energy. Even as my body and soul feel like I am being squished down to the size of a Pomeranian. This is karma, it almost has to be, and somehow that Guardian Protectorate is part of it, I can feel it.
Experience Gained. 1,500,000 / 750,000 / 750,000
Three million overall experience, that isn¡¯t terrible, but it still seems a bit lacking overall.
Mythical Bloodline Has Awoken: After reaching new Level in any class all Attributes will be increased by +2.
Okay, this is actually nice, as it is effectively +8 Attributes every level now that the bonus will get applied to all of my Physical Attributes, along with my Attractiveness. Not that I need further help with Attractiveness, but knowing that I get a flat +2 bonus to all Attributes every level is sort of nice. Especially, as I feel that my waiting will mean that all of the experience, I have just gained will all have the same +2 overall modifier applied to each level I gain. With this new section taken care of, I was brought to my all-time favorite section, Merits and Flaws.
Mythical Bloodline Evolution Merits and Flaws:
Hollow Bones: Your bones are hollow, decreasing your overall bodyweight by 80% and making forms of flight that much easier. Note that your bones also allow for additional pathways to channel, store, and process energy. Energy Capacity increased by 40%. Bone density increases based on percentage of hollowed bones used to cycle, store, and process energies. Your body¡¯s physical force will be lessened due to your decreased weight. All physical attacks will be reduced by 80 minus Energy Capacity Percentage, minimum of 40%.
Phantasmal Wings: You now have magical translucent wings that can be seen by anyone with any form of magical sight, ability, or inclination. By focusing your will, you can manifest your wings in the real world at will and use them to fly about as desired.
Prophetic Tongue: What you say and do can have a direct impact on the world around you. Your words have a way of bringing about consequences and rewards to others, be forewarned.
Magical Biome: You are now yourself a being of change. Simply by existing within a given area, you increase the amount of ambient energy, life, and abundance. Warning: Your skills and abilities will be reduced in areas of low magical ability, until an equilibrium can be met.
Okay, not quite a fan of these combined Merits and Flaws. Yes, extra areas to cultivate and channel energy are cool, but now that my entire body is essentially an oversized core, I can¡¯t help but think that these now hollow bones are just a waste of potential. Though it is nice to not have to waste any more mana on maintaining my wings and weightless state. Though I might still need to cast a reduced form of the reduced weight if I want to be able to pass out and just float about aimlessly. I mean, it beats the alternative of passing out, then crashing to the ground to be eaten to death by rats. Yeah, I¡¯ll take passed out floating cloud method over crashed in a cowpatty any day. Still, I can¡¯t help but notice a theme. Namely they all suck in their own little way. Which I guess is why they are also called flaws. Actually, the Prophetic Tongue sounds like it would entirely be a flaw without any form of redemption. Though, I guess the merit is the fact that I can possibly use it to generate quests for myself and others? Though as a Thieves Guild leader, I should be able to do the same thing? No wait, I could only assign quests to fellow Thieves Guild members who were in good standing. Now that I think about it, if I am able to work this, there might be a chance to use this as a way to hide my status as the Thieves Guild Leader. That and if I get really good at using it, I might be able to generate some well-intended fun. Maybe make it so everyone was to try to generate names for things that I will later invent. Then when I invent a new thing, I will just reach in, grab a suggestion and use the first one that pops up, regardless of what happens. You know what? That does sound like a great way to outsource my weaknesses. I had also seen the signs for Prophetic Tongue, for a while. This was particularly obvious with my assigning of my own find the parent quest by promising little kids. Also, there almost seems to be a theme to these, but I couldn¡¯t quite tell what. Well, I think they all had something to do with my new class change of going from an Elf to a Pixie, but that was only part of the change. As for the wings, it basically made it so I was even more of a magical beacon to anyone wishing to learn about magic. Which seems to have been a theme with my evolutions, but this time it was all but blatant. Then just when I was completely disappointed with both the Merits and Flaws, I was once again able to make one choice for a singular merit. I assumed that this meant that upon choosing the merit I would be left with a singular flaw as well, but that was to be given. Still, Merits and Flaws at this point were something that I would only be able to get once, which meant that I would need to be extra careful when selecting them.
Racial Merit Points Available (25 ¨C 100): Racial Flaw Points Automatically assigned (0 ¨C 75): Note: Racial Flaws will not be assigned until after 25 points of Merits have been selected.
Just seeing the self-destructive marker available to me, I feel my little heart begin to beat violently as I realize that my thoughts about those merits being terrible were obvious as I am already owed 25 points in merits for just how terrible everything was. Still, I couldn¡¯t help but get excited as this was yet another chance for me to go through the great system and find something that would be completely unique and overpowered. My last time I was given ten free points I created Confidential. The last time I had a twenty-five-point merit was for my Angel¡¯s Sight, while that did also make me blind, I have to say that is probably the most important merit I ever purchased. This is why I feel a strange sense of excitement for this section as I feel my mind going through the options. Last time I managed to get a 50-point title, that made it so that ten of my skills had a new Unbound maximum of 200 before the bonus set the maximum to 212. This time I get the same ability for Merits and Flaws, but I get a minimum of 25 points in Merits for free, without having to take any of the stupid flaws that this system will throw at me. Meaning, I decided to go wild. Or, as wild as the system seemingly lets me. In this case, I take Unbound again. Honestly, I was sort of surprised that it came up again as an option, but this time I noted that it was slightly different, while also being a lot more expensive.
Mythical Bloodline Merit: Unbound (14): Your Attributes and Skills have once again broken through another threshold. Your Attributes and Skills are now able to be increased by an additional 75 levels, currently maximum level 250.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. This was perfect, despite its exorbitant costs, it seemed like it was officially the third iteration of the Merit. I also knew I still had the bonuses from the one time use potion as well, though I didn¡¯t know if that would be as beneficial as this Merit was. However, with this Merit, I felt a thrill of life back, as I almost wanted to go back to class and show everyone what was possible now that my limits were once again pushed even further. Also, now I had even more reason to push myself in classes, so that I could see what was possible if you kept pushing yourself farther than the maximum. Oh, I would take being a Pixie just for that Merit alone. Best of all, I still had 11 free Merit points left. The sad part is that I didn¡¯t find anything worth getting that was only 11 points. There were things that were part of a bundle deal that would go for 30 or more points. But that of course meant that I would have to take on 19 points of flaws. Not just any flaws, but 19 points of random Pixie flaws. What exactly are the flaws of Pixies? I do not know, but I don¡¯t want to find out either. Even now I could feel the power of my body compressing tightly like I was being pulled into a blackhole that condensed me down and made me barely larger than a ruler. Well, a floating boneless ruler with wings, almost sounds like I¡¯d be the appetizer at a sports bar and grill with that sort of advertisement. But that all changed when I saw the ultimate of all merits.
Mythical Bloodline Merit: Arcane Geomancy (15): Unlock the ability to build and alter the untapped potential in unclaimed sets of land. Note: Arcane Geomancy is way of quickly altering or changing land that is not occupied by habitable dwellings or structures and converting the land and area into an environment that the Geomancer desires. This is a cross blend of magic and qi. Requirements: Mythological Bloodline, ability to use Magic and Qi at a high rate of proficiency, unclaimed or unoccupied land.
There it was, a brand new school of magic? Or maybe the first fusion ability of mana and Qi. Honestly, I feel kind of stupid for missing this, as my method was to basically brute force land with an over saturation of mana, until it eventually yielded. Seeing this new power, not only did it seem to spark the fact that I would be able to use and cast Qi and mana powers together, but this Merit seemed to be the first free and likely only hint that the world would give me as per how it thinks Qi and mana should be fused together. That said, I somehow know that if I say no to this, that this ability will not be available to me in the future, and that the world will work to change itself so this level of detail and ease of production is never obtainable again. Glowing golden threads. Even now I can see the fates of golden threads weaving from this power and surging into me as if it is a foregone conclusion that I will choose this. I won¡¯t, I¡¯m better than that. Chittering. My teeth were chittering, as I realized that this was exactly what I wanted. Not only was this a clear sign of what was still to come, in the terms of Qi and mana fusion abilities, but that by getting this, I would likely get new skills. Skills that I could get to level 250, oh, man. Just thinking about the ability to learn and grind these new abilities to their maximum made me super excited. Okay, I¡¯m not better than that. I¡¯m not able to show restraint. Also, it seemed like this was a realm of energy manipulation that could help me quickly alleviate my new Racial Merit and Flaw, Magical Biome, as I felt that I could use this to quickly convert areas that were not filled with magic a little bit faster than normal. Also this merit along with my Unbound made even the flaw part of Magical Biome irrelevant as I would still be able to have 125 levels in all skills if I pushed myself hard enough. That was why I decided to go with both merits, despite them both putting me over the threshold of free points that I was given. Even going so far as to have a total of 4 points in flaws. Pausing. I stopped myself, realizing that this was a honey trap. They put the two merits in here that everyone knew that I could not resist. This was why I knew what was going to happen next would be bad. Though to be fair, again I was already a foot and change tall pixie. There wasn¡¯t much else they could do to me. Even the idea of insect wings were not that bad. No wait, insect wings are still held by insects, and insects are still gross. Fortunately, my wings feel like they are like my old feathery wings, just made out of bioluminescent energy that I have to consciously think about to make them real. Knowing that it was all a trap, I honestly felt cheated slightly. That feeling of being cheated was short lived, lasting until I did the next logical thing of looking for more of these Mythical bloodline merits that offered a fusion of Qi and Mana. Sigh. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately that was all that was available.
Racial Merit Points Available (25 ¨C 100): 29 Racial Flaw Points Automatically assigned (0 ¨C 75): 4
Would you like to accept the number of Merits Chosen, knowing that the indicated number of flaws will be spent?
I paused, I could tell that I was going to be forced to do something that I was not quite fond of, or maybe get embarrassed in some way. That said, I was ready to make the sacrifice. Again, I was the size of the small end of a broken yardstick right now, so I didn¡¯t really have much to lose. At least that was what I thought until I saw the text of the new flaw I was designed.
Mythical Bloodline Flaw: Colossal (4): You are not fat; you are just big boned. While pixies pride themselves on being smaller to be beautiful, you run counter to that claim. You are colossal in size for one of your species. Effect: Body size is 400% larger than the average member of your species. Due to your size, your bones are less dense and prone to breaking under your severe size.
After that message, I could feel my body growing and stretching back out to my normal size. Or close to it, I did feel that I was slightly shorter than I had started the day at, but not as short as I had been just a few seconds ago before that flaw. Phew, thank goodness it was only that level of flaw. I could imagine my having taken the ten-point version of that flaw and being two and a half times my size now? Wait, how big was I? A foot and change time four, that¡¯s what four feet eight inches? And like that I realize I am officially still a midget. Well, a midget compared to human standards, and an apparent Colossal compared to normal pixies. Even the brittle bones aspect wasn¡¯t too bad, as it only seemed to reinforce my Hollow Bones Merit and Flaw that essentially gave me more room to cultivate and cycle energy within my body. Wait? Does that mean that once this moment ends, I will begin to plummet? For a second, I have that dream where you wake up and feel like you are about to fall painfully to your death. Fortunately, a moment later, my mind wakes up enough to tell me that everything will be fine. Just like waking up to find you are still in bed, I have much the same idea, though mine is just realizing that I still have my Spectral Drift spell active, meaning that I am weightless even now. Though I do have to wonder if time is actually stopped, or just slowed down while my perception of time has sped up? Pausing, I feel that I am once again close to making a breakthrough about time, but before I can get too lost in my own thoughts, the world lurches forward. Jolt. Then once again I am immersed in the next update about my Mythical Bloodline, this time I see a new section that seems oddly interesting.
Mythical Bloodline Perks:
Bloodline evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother) Identified: Ability to protect children of all ages and species increased and magnified.
Bloodline evolution Perk (Cassiopeia¡¯s Foresight) Identified: Ability to see the future, but unable to change or do anything about the future that you have found out about.
Bloodline evolution Perk (Coreless Mastery) Identified: Your entire body is now a combined core for both your Mana and Qi. Effect: No damage caused by core disruption or destruction. Mana and Qi capacity increased by 50%. (Current Magic Core Tier Rating Maximum: XVII). (Current Qi Core Tier Rating Maximum: ???).
Yeah, the perks were ones that I had already known, but it was nice to have them all added there in one cohesive grouping. Though I will say that getting hard and fast volumes of the now maximum ratings that I can push my Magic ability was pretty interesting. While I did feel it was sort of a copout that I didn¡¯t get any limits to my cultivations levels. Though with cultivation you could theoretically always condense further down like a star that goes nova. As for magic, mana was more vaporous than Qi, as such there would always be a limit to how far down everything could be compressed. Again, nothing new here. But these are the same three Perks that I already earned but are now fully incorporated as part of this pixie bloodline. Seeing the first perk, does this mean that Pixies are higher up the Fairy royalty chart? While I¡¯m glad I got to miss out on being a Fairy Princess, and all the jokes that would come from that depiction. I still can¡¯t help but wonder what about me would say, hey she is pixie material? Wait, never mind. I see it, but still kind of rude. Unless being a pixie also means I am amazing with magic. No wait, it has to mean that, right? Whatever, now I feel that my time here is drawing to a close as I start getting hit with the updates faster and faster.
New Feat Recorded: Mythical Bloodline Awakened (10,000): You have managed to awaken a Mythical Bloodline (Quintessence Ethereal Pixie).
That was it, the last update of my Mythical Bloodline. I didn¡¯t get the progenitor title, mainly because I can¡¯t have mythological children. I guess if I for some reason was stupid enough to get the next step in my bloodline, I would then be able to have Mythical babies, but ick. I could only imagine this world changing me into a glowing floating caterpillar or something equally dumb. Now that it is all over, I feel the swell of the accrued experience building up and seeming to solidify my status as a Mythical Bloodline holder. In all, I received a total of 4,641,260 experience from all of the quests. This resulted in a 2,320,630 / 1,160,315 / 1,160,315 split of experience between my three classes. Finally, now that time is allowed to flow, I get the level up notifications that I had been expecting.
Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by 41 levels to level 302. New Class evolution Point met. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by 37 levels to level 335. New Class evolution Point met. Ethereal Healer has increased by 55 levels to level 452. New Class evolution Point met.
That was a total 133 levels all at once, or a total of 266 Attributes from my newly enhanced bloodline that now offered a +2 to all Attributes evenly, every time I level up. This of course was before even factoring in my bonuses offered from each of my classes. By the end, I felt a swell and surge of power rolling through me, before I finally felt all of my energy come to a culmination, as foreign energy flooded through me and finally culminate in the form of my final end state.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 135 885 Personality 108 980 Perception 195 2507
Dexterity 168 1665 Sociability 106 984 Intelligence 190 2840
Endurance 154 1093 Attractiveness 95 2380 Willpower 200 3716
My new Mythical Unbound was already paying off as it meant that all my extra work on improving Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based Skills was not in vain. Finally, with that, I feel my consciousness once again expand to show the world around me. There is still the person coming in a modified flapping rocket propelled bicycle, and me floating aimlessly in the sky. All in all, I feel relieved. I survived another bloodline advancement. And this time, promise myself the same thing I do every time something like this happens, namely that I will never do this again. That said, it was a good day, and I made it through without setting off too many alarm bells. Other than the obvious Mythical Bloodline awakening that happened over an hour ago. When I completed, but still opted not to turn in the final components for my The Mythical Bloodline Catalyst (Complete) quest. Yep, life is pretty good, and best of all I feel that I managed to stay under the radar with this one.
World First Message: The First Qi-Mana Fusion Discipline Has Been Learned.
GAH! Just seeing that message, I know Mallory is going to want to talk to me, as if I would be the one who would know anything about this. Okay, I totally get it, but can the world not get me in trouble where I have to talk to the boss every five minutes? Chapter 227 Oxymorons And Other Integration Issues Chapter 227 Oxymorons And Other Integration Issues Fwoom. With all of the changes that had happened to me, I was somewhat surprised to see that in all that time, the flying motorized bicycle with flapping wings was just now getting to me. Also, while it was sort of a shock to find out who was driving that contraption, I guess I should have expected it to be them. Though to my defense their body type threw me off. As I finally recognize the changing aura of Jhonny. Well Jhonny who is finally having his aura shine through Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri¡¯s form. This is an odd function that I might need to test out later on, but it seems that the longer an avatar is worn, the more the wielder¡¯s aura slowly seems to break through. At this revelation, I realize that I personally make a number of my own assessments based on the aura of the person that I am interacting with. First, I generally feel that I trust people more based on their aura. If their aura is solid and mostly stable, they are generally set in their actions. For me, this means that how the person acts at the time when their aura is stable is how they are most often. If they are fun loving, while their aura is calm, then they are generally fun loving, etcetera. For a second discovery on aura, it means that how the aura is while wild and fluctuating, means that they are not settled themselves. This could mean they are scared, frightened, or attempting to do something malicious or stupid, or both. Right now, Jhonny¡¯s soul, and it is clearly Jhonny¡¯s soul is in the second phase, namely wild and chaotic. I also make a note that this second, agitated state, might be why Jhonny is beginning to shine through versus the aura of Octavia, which is who he started this process of even having the soul pattern for. This is all great observations that can and should be tested. Based on the number of glowing golden threads that are suddenly appearing, I feel that the system apparently thinks there is something more to this. My mind is beginning to go through test scenarios. For the moment it seems like only I, well Gwen too could help. But the two of us could do a number of tests. I guess I would need to use my avatars on Jhonny and a few other trusted people and see how long it takes for their true aura to show through based on how stressful the circumstances they are presented with are. While I think that the number of people who could notice the difference between Octavia¡¯s spirit and Jhonny¡¯s spirit bleeding through are few and far between, I can¡¯t help but think that there might be something there. Floating in space, I see Octavia, well Jhonny piloting Octavia¡¯s avatar quickly. Her legs pumping and turning violently as the amazingly comical flying machine continues to get closer and closer. Realizing that Jhonny is clearly here for me, likely to bring me back to Mallory, I decide to help him out. Poof. Just like that I Teleport straight to the back of the flying contraption that Jhonny is piloting. This takes a bit more skill than one would think, as I am in fact Teleporting onto a moving object, where I could collide with Jhonny if I am too close and fall off the bike entirely if I wait too long. Plop. Yet, I stick the landing. Then with a quick toe grab, I find my seat and pull myself down. Screech. At least that is the sound I assume these wheels would make against the road if we were on the ground. As suddenly Jhonny stops pedaling and stares vacantly for a second right where I was flying a moment ago. It would almost be comical, if gravity didn¡¯t begin to overtake us a moment later, as I could already feel the weight and inertia that had been pulling us forward a second ago suddenly stop as we began to almost fall in the same way a brick with large wings would. ¡°You might want to keep pedaling,¡± I state. ¡°Huh, wha?¡± Jhonny, well Octavia with Jhonny¡¯s speech patterns and intonations states. Hearing him speak, I realize that I might need to give others acting lessons on the person they are inhabiting, so that they can better portray the individual they are posing as. I also mark this down as another possible breaking point for why Jhonny¡¯s aura is showing, as opposed to others. As in maybe his personality overshines the avatar¡¯s original personality so much that he can¡¯t help but bleed through? When I use each avatar, I try to keep them close to how they seemed to act before their departure, so this might be another key factor to test. Also could this wear and tear ultimately destroy an Avatar? At that thought, I decide to take matters into my own hands and remove Octavia from Jhonny. Tap. Instantly, Jhonny¡¯s body begins to shift and change. Fortunately, his soul bound clothing alters itself to fit his new form and dimensions. Which is good as for a second there, Jhonny had been showing a lot of hair for his cleavage, not a good sight at all. And before anyone says anything, I see everywhere, so of course I would see that change. ¡°Sorry, I need to take this back for a bit.¡± I state, but only after the deed is done. In a way I feel sorry as I knew that Jhonny really liked this aspect of my powers, though if his use was causing wear and tear, I would want to check it out to see if there were any problems. ¡°Oh thank the Gods!¡± Jhonny said, as he felt at his now much flatter chest and found that he was just a male. If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Tilting and falling. ¡°Um, could you pilot us down to the ground?¡± I ask. ¡°Right,¡± Jhonny states for a second, before turning forward as he began pedaling again. With this I finally see the design. There is a small thermal engine in the back that provides a minimal amount of propulsion forward. Not enough to continue flying the entire system, but enough that by Jhonny stopping his pedaling it doesn¡¯t cause an instantaneous force downward that will snap the wings and cause us to go into a death spiral. Not the best of inventions, but it does seem like a good way to get a workout in while viewing the countryside. Of course, I am pretty sure that I would be safe, even if we fell into a death spiral, but saving Jhonny would take a second or two longer. I¡¯m also fairly certain that Jhonny would be more than capable of surviving a fall, even from this height. Well, let me rephrase that, he should be more than capable of surviving a fall from this height. In fact, now that I am looking for new tasks to push us all through our training, That might be something I have the cultivation classes work on, namely high diving from extreme heights. While I am thinking about this, I realize one thing. Namely the fact that Jhonny is okay with my taking away his avatar form of Octavia. With that realization, I ask, ¡°wait, are you okay with my having to take away Octavia from you?¡± At that I notice the muscles in Jhonny¡¯s shoulder tense up for a second, before ultimately relaxing. ¡°Actually, it was a lot harder than I thought,¡± Jhonny finally admitted. ¡°What was?¡± ¡°All the attention, the stares. Everyone who found you attractive stared at you longingly, while all those who weren¡¯t attracted to you, but knew you were attractive, they were the worst as they all just stared menacingly at you. In the end, I decided that I¡¯d rather be boring and overlooked than have that level of constant scrutiny.¡± Jhonny stated, a clear look of sadness in his eyes. ¡°Let me guess, it didn¡¯t help that Rahul, the creepy Necromancer made a pass or two at you?¡± Shiver. ¡°Yeah, he definitely didn¡¯t help matters. Though his being around was helpful, as he did scare away a few of the other suitors that would have otherwise drawn ire from more people,¡± Jhonny admitted. With that, I could only nod. ¡°Yeah, sorry about that, I should have warned you about the creep.¡± I admit, feeling that my absent minded approach to life might not be the best for others. Even those wishing to help out. ¡°No, it was¡­¡± Jhonny began, but then trailed off, as he began slowly descending and letting us get closer and closer to one of the landing fields for flying craft. ¡°It was a real eye opener.¡± At that I could just nod. ¡°Well glad you learned something,¡± I state. ¡°Oh I did. I also have a lot more respect for you, Mallory, and Ms. Penelope.¡± Jhonny stated. ¡°Oh, is it Ms. Penelope now?¡± I ask, seeing his special inflection on her name. ¡°What? No, gah.¡± Jhonny stated, as I clearly caught him in something. ¡°Oh, do I need to put in a good word for you?¡± I ask slightly teasingly. ¡°As if, we all know she only has eyes for you.¡± Jhonny stated. Smack. At least that is how is words felt to my brain. ¡°What?¡± Was all I could manage to ask at that, and this was mainly so my mind could catch up. ¡°Come on. We all know that Ms. Penelope only likes women.¡± ¡°We do?¡± I apparently did not get this memo. Though to be fair, I try to stay out of relationship areas, particularly as my libido won¡¯t actually be released into my body until my character¡¯s age is 18, so three years and change at this point. ¡°Yeah, it was how Mallory managed to recruit her to the guild in the first place.¡± Jhonny stated. With this, I feel that I have a bit more insight into Mallory¡¯s ruthless recruitment strategy. Honestly, I have to say I am impressed, well more impressed with the boss than I was previously, as Penelope was amazing. To be able to seduce her into joining the guild, I mean, bravo! For a moment, I wonder if I am another one of her conquests, but then ultimately discard that idea as we have never even been close to intimate. Well unless carrying my sleeping form for a few dozen floors in the Arcanarus Tower counts. I might have to check on this, though I feel I¡¯ve been adopted, rather than seduced. Especially, with Mallory going for my daughter and all but locking her into a relationship to keep me closer. You know what, if she did that, then even more impressive. Though I think I won in this deal, as it means that I get to be the spoiled adopted daughter. Which I kind of am? Before I get too lost in that thought, my mind makes another connection, one that sheds light on this whole situation, and why Jhonny was so happy to be saddled with having to pose as Octavia. ¡°Wait, so you wanted to be Octavia so you could pick up Penelope?¡± I ask. With that question, Jhonny shrugs his shoulders in slight defeat as he can only nod limply at the comment. ¡°I take it, that it didn¡¯t go that well?¡± ¡°You could say that. At first, she was all excited, especially with me being bashful and telling her that she was pretty. Then she seemed to realize something, as her entire posture seemed to change.¡± Jhonny began, but then paused as if recalling the memory. ¡°What happened?¡± I asked, suddenly intrigued by what happened while I was gone. ¡°She just looked at me and then shook her head and seemed to realize something. That¡¯s when she said, ¡®you aren¡¯t her, are you?¡¯ She asked it as a question, but it was more a statement of fact.¡± ¡°How did she know?¡± I ask, trying to wonder if Penelope first noticed the change in Jhonny¡¯s aura at this time. Jhonny for his part just shook his head. ¡°I asked her the same thing, and she replied that ¡®the real her, wouldn¡¯t be so you.¡¯ That was it, then with that she turned around and left.¡± With that, I could feel the pain that Jhonny was shouldering. I gently place a calming hand on his back and gently cycle in some golden Qi to help soothe his aching muscles and heart. The Qi seemed to do the trick as Jhonny began sitting up a little bit straighter. There was a moment of silence as we began getting closer to the ground and then finally landed. Jerk, thump. There was a violent impact as we hit the ground, but overall a smooth landing. Having personalized wings would have been better, but no one¡¯s perfect. ¡°Thank you,¡± Jhonny finally states as he has his legs out and slowly begins walking the flying bike to a rack. ¡°For what?¡± ¡°For giving me the chance to see what it was like. To let me know not to commit myself to any course of action when I never even had a chance,¡± Jhonny stated. With that, it is clear that he is talking about the lost chance of being with Penelope, a person that he clearly cares deeply about. ¡°Hey, none of that now.¡± I state, while fluttering up and holding Jhonny¡¯s face with my hand as I force him to stare into my green eyes. I can¡¯t see, but it is still an effect that I am going for. ¡°You are too strong and powerful to let one set back define you.¡± ¡°But I¡­¡± Jhonny begins, and I don¡¯t know what he is going to say but I stop it right there. ¡°You of all people should know what it is like to not quit or give up. You were counted out of the cultivation class, but you worked your way to being my bodyguard and then my full-time student. You weren¡¯t allowed to attend my magic classes, but then, as my bodyguard, were forced to attend. Now, you are saying that because you couldn¡¯t get the girl you are interested in because she didn¡¯t like you for being someone you weren¡¯t you are going to quit?¡± I ask. ¡°You think I should try again?¡± ¡°Yes, but this time be yourself. Don¡¯t hide behind false bravado and illusions. Be yourself, at the very least if she still turns you down, you know that she turned you down for you and not for you pretending to be someone else.¡± Nodding. As he nods his head in understanding I remove my hand from his face. There is a pause, as he then looks at me and then his eyes seem to go wide. It takes me a second to figure out why he suddenly looks surprised by my wings flapping. Only after a second do I realize that I dismissed my Divine Double Wings a while ago to save mana, and that I reflexively used my Phantasmal Wings on reflex. Pausing for a moment, I realize this is kind of a big deal, as this is the first time I summoned my Phantasmal Wings from the spirit realm and made them manifest in the mortal realm. ¡°Whoa?¡± Was all Jhonny could say as he took in my wings. ¡°You like them?¡± I ask, somewhat nervous about them. I still can¡¯t see them for anything other than dark golden dust particles that flicker and form in the shape of moving wings. Jhonny just nods his head for a moment, then realizing he is being quiet, he responds. ¡°Yeah, they are so cool, can I touch them?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I reply why nodding. I am kind of curious about this, to see how they deal with touch while in the mortal realm. Tingle. My wings pass over and through Jhonny¡¯s outstretched hand. Then pulling back his hand I see that it is covered in my golden glitter. I also feel the slightest drop in my own mana and Qi reserves as my body instantly replenishes the lost golden glitter. ¡°Wow!¡± ¡°Wow is right,¡± I respond, as I realize this will likely leave a magical residue pointing straight towards me if I use these wings on any heists in the future. Then I wonder if it is bad that my first thought is on how to hide this effect while stealing? Though as the new Thieves Guild leader, this should be something that I am constantly thinking about. ¡°I get it now. Well, I guess I always understood why, but now it is irrefutable.¡± Jhonny states as he mutters to himself. ¡°What is irrefutable?¡± ¡°The fact that I never stood a chance with wooing Penelope away from you.¡± ¡°What? You can¡¯t not woo someone away from something that doesn¡¯t exist. That doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± I state. Jhonny opens his mouth as if he wants to protest, but then ultimately closes his mouth as he fully takes in my new form. ¡°What exactly are you now?¡± Jhonny asks, a note of confusion filling his voice as he seemingly tries to mentally place me into a category of known species. ¡°I am now what would be referred to as a Colossal Pixie.¡± I state, and then still floating in the air give a slight curtsey. ¡°Right, a Colossal Pixie, how did I not guess that one.¡± Jhonny states, then looking at me he cocks his head to the side as he tries to take me in from a different angle. ¡°The sad part is, you probably aren¡¯t even joking about that are you?¡± ¡°Nope, I never joke when it comes to this world trying to make me look ridiculous.¡± I reply. As we are talking, I feel Mallory and a few others converging on us. Sighing, I brace myself for the string of questions that are bound to come from my not one, but two World Announcements. Yet, what actually happened next was something that I would have never expected, thought admittedly I probably should have given everything that had happened. Chapter 228 What To Expect, When You Are Expecting Treachery Chapter 228 What To Expect, When You Are Expecting Treachery War. The whole world was seemingly at war. Worse, the Legrand Empire, the largest and most industrialized force is the force that I might have inadvertently started a minor war with. To my defense, I was given marching orders from the big shot herself, where I was all but ordered to go out and find two parents for a child. From a magical perspective it was a great feel good story about using magic to sympathetically find genetic links to people who are displaced during a war time environment. Even the rescue mission that occurred afterwards was something that should have been expected. This was why it shouldn¡¯t have been a surprise when the act of war and preparing for treachery was the first thing that Mallory said to me. Well that isn¡¯t technically true, as her first true words to me after my awakening the Mythical portion of my bloodline was. ¡°AHHHH!¡± Mallory exclaimed as she dashed forward, grabbing me and spinning me about as if I was a weightless doll, and she was an overly enthusiastic child hosting a dancing tea party with her toys. To her defense I might have resembled this more than I care to admit, as I was officially a midget, being a few inches short of five foot tall. So compared to Mallory¡¯s gargantuan size, I was tiny. Then added to that was the fact that I had a very slender form that looked like I was just a well proportioned barbie with ephemeral golden wings, and it was easy to see that her first comment was to congratulate me, though not in the way I wanted. ¡°Oh my gosh. Look at you. Congratulations,¡± Mallory said, finally stopping her spinning of my weightless body as she began peering directly into my skin and face. This is bad as I don¡¯t know what oddities this newest transformation has done to my hair or skin, other than I have officially changed species. I went from what was originally a dark elf, to a Royal Arcanist Elf, to an Ethereal Elf, and now to my final transformation of a Quintessence Ethereal Colossal Pixie. ¡°Yeah, thank you.¡± I state, patting Mallory on the hand as I gently but forcefully push myself free and then summon my ephemeral wings into existence and float backwards. ¡°Oh, my gods, your wings, they are so beautiful.¡± Mallory exclaims, ¡°I am so glad that you finally got to show the world that you are a fairy princess, just as you always wanted.¡± Humph. At that I cross my arms and stare angrily at the insult of wanting to be called a fairy princess. ¡°What? You have to be a princess, right? Or is it a queen?¡± Mallory guessed looking at me and trying and failing to guess why I would be annoyed with being called a Fairy Princess. ¡°I am a Pixie!¡± I shouted. ¡°What? You are? Aren¡¯t you a little you know, big to be a pixie?¡± Mallory asks, making a small gesture with her hands, indicating the size she thought I should be. Technically she was not wrong, as that was my size originally, before my species flaw was assigned. A flaw that I could not alter at all. Then before I could rely, she continued her train of thought, ¡°though the designation does sort of fit.¡± ¡°I am a Colossal Pixie.¡± I state. ¡°Well, yeah. I mean I guess we could all see that as part of your personality. So I guess the distinction does make some sense.¡± By now Jhonny who was had witnessed all of this began to snicker, though he desperately tried to cover his face with his hand, not that this hid his actions from my view that saw everything. ¡°No, I have the Colossal flaw.¡± I correct her. ¡°Of being a Pixie?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°No, a Colossal flaw that increases my size as a Pixie by 400%.¡± I state, getting someone annoyed at this exchange. ¡°Oh, so you mean it. Your bloodline species is officially Colossal Pixie?¡± ¡°A Quintessence Ethereal Colossal Pixie, but yes.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Mallory replies, as her mind clearly seems to be trying to process this. There is a brief moment where her mind clearly engages, then she seems to view something. I take it this is her viewing the Guild chat. ¡°Yeah, okay, Colossal Pixie it is,¡± she says nodding to herself as her eyes grow wide. Then I can almost see the moment a realization hits her, as she sort of slumps. ¡°Everything okay?¡± I ask. Pausing for a moment Mallory just sits still. Then seems to realize that her body posture is sort of negative. After seeing her poor posture, she collects herself and then seems to stand up confidently. ¡°Yeah, well. Actually, there is one thing I wanted to talk to you about.¡± Here it comes, she is going to ask me about the new mixed discipline of Qi and Mana that I just got, my newest school of energy usage that even I don¡¯t fully understand at the moment. Still, it¡¯s okay, as I am already prepared to tell the truth. The fact that for the first time in a long time I didn¡¯t have the creativity to create a mixed blend Qi and Mana Fusion discipline. I am prepared to admit the fact that I all but had to be spoon fed Arcane Geomancy as a bloodline merit. That without out the system¡¯s assistance in this point I would have completely missed the intricacies of what a Qi and Mana Fusion discipline was truly capable of. Even now I have not had a chance to experience the new discipline, as it should be used on an area of Blighted land, so that we could see the immediate impact of utilizing this discipline. Better still, this discipline is bound to generate new Skills that should help in the implementation of such a rare and beautiful power. Still, this effect does bring to the forefront my creativity and ability to understand the powers that I now have access to. For weeks I stumbled around, constantly working on ways to generate new skills or disciplines that could utilize both Qi and Mana and each time I was left wanting. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Then to find that the system just gave it to me, as if it was tired of me constantly chasing my tail around and decided to give me the blueprint that it saw. Worst of all, the discipline in question is a thing of beauty. Weaving in Mana to strengthen Qi. See, Qi is more solid, like molasses. While Mana is more gaseous, like vapors that can be easily shot out and expanded. This new discipline it fuses the two energies together in a way that strings them together in a way where the energy is shared through woven threads. The Qi forms a denser outer layer that is then energized and stretched by the mana that is on the inside, but the two are still fused in a way that only energy can be. Honestly the form of energy is a thing of beauty, and I am glad that it is something large like changing the state of a physical area. At least, I get the impression that it can help me quickly alter and form acres at a time to fit almost any state I want. By changing the course of the mana within, I can make the place more tropical, more swampy, or even a freshwater river. While the Qi inside will form a basis to sustain and promote life. This is a problem that I didn¡¯t even realize we were facing with our current formula, but it should have been apparent in that only level one creatures and the like can thrive in our petting zoo. A zoo that was spearheaded by Mr. Kujo and his want to provide the best sources of protein for his bonded mate. Speaking of which, I should go and see the big lug. I know my Simulacrum is taking care of Ms. Kujo during my absences, but there is still a thing about doing something yourself. Or rather as me, even though my Simulacrum is also me? Anyways, that is on the docket of things to do. Yet, what actually happened next was something that I would have never expected, thought admittedly I probably should have given everything that had happened. ¡°So two things,¡± Mallory finally states apparently thinking that our brief introduction is over. ¡°Just two?¡± I ask, already feeling nervous. While I don¡¯t mind admitting my faults, I still hate having to do so in front of the boss. ¡°Well three things actually.¡± ¡°Three?¡± At this, I know the question of my competency as a Qi and Mana Fusion expert will be called into question. Granted this is not part of our college yet, but I have a feeling that it will be something we offer shortly. That or Mallory will all but thrust it out as a new major. ¡°Yes, first, are you prepared for your Bloodline class?¡± Groan! Hearing that, I can¡¯t help but feel slightly perturbed by this. The class seems so pointless now. Particularly as I managed to once again get yet another Skill and Attribute limit extension, this time it was thanks to my Bloodline Evolution. Now with 75 more levels to gain in all my Skills and Attributes, I realized that I had more levels to gain in my own Skills than my students did. Well all the students that were actually part of my continuing classwork. This reminded me that I already had plans to implement newer more stringent training regimens for the students, though once again I had nothing for this stupid bloodline class. ¡°But you were coming into your own as a teacher, and how could I deprive you of the joy of passing on your knowledge to future generations of students?¡± I pose. At that Mallory just stares at me, then pausing for a moment she continues. ¡°You do realize that as the only person to ever unlock a Mythical bloodline you have established yourself as the expert in this field, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°What? I am the last person people should want to follow. I am an overgrown porcelain doll.¡± I pose. ¡°You are too precious, I agree,¡± Mallory says and then reaches out trying to grab me, but only gets a hand full of golden ephemeral energy to coat her hand. ¡°Ahh!¡± Mallory exhales and for a moment I can¡¯t tell if she is in pain from the way the golden pollen of my wings is acting with her skin or if it is something even more deadly. I am about to cast a quick healing scan on her, when she begins to squeal, shrilly. ¡°Oh my gods.¡± ¡°You okay?¡± Looking at her hand that is coated with the golden residue of my wings that are not real wings, but just ephemeral constructs of wings made from energy. She looks at the residue and then shouts, ¡°do you know what this is?¡± Pausing, I look at her like she has gone crazy. Maybe there is a hallucinogenic effect of this energy on Mallory? I know that Mallory is under a lot of strain, but this might just be the breaking point as she looks from me, then to Jhonny, and then towards the other leaders and guards that are coming to join us in our little impromptu meeting out here in the middle of the landing pad that Jhonny decided to land his motorized flying bike at. ¡°Golden slime?¡± Jhonny asks. Hearing his reply, Mallory turns towards me and then stares expectantly at me as if I know the answer. Which I sort of do, so I give the technical answer. ¡°Golden ephemeral energy residue,¡± I reply giving the closest description of this new energy source as I can. ¡°No, this is Pixie Dust!¡± Mallory shouts, then holding up her golden covered fist, she shows off her accomplishment. Or rather lack of accomplishment, as she clearly tried to grab my fluttering wings, only to be left with just that ephemeral energy resin that was left behind. ¡°Okay, I guess technically it could be called that.¡± I state, though I think by the manic look in her eyes that this might be a bigger deal than I think it should be. ¡°Do you know how rare of an Alchemical component Pixie Dust is?¡± ¡°Yeah, it was the component that all the senior Alchemists would assign to annoying and precocious children trying to learn some free recipes.¡± I state, remembering many times how I was sent out to try to track down Pixies, which did not exist. At least not in the mortal realm, as the mortal realm was deemed to be too caustic to their natures. Thinking about it, I realize that some of my new racial flaws, make sense. Well some of the flaws that were incorrectly noted as both Merits and Flaws together, but they were really flaws that I couldn¡¯t resist. One of these new flaws dealt with my Skills being halved while in a magically void area. Then I realize that like this, I am about to be highly hunted for my wing dust particles. ¡°No,¡± I state. ¡°No?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m not going to be harvested for my wing residue.¡± ¡°Pixie dust,¡± Mallory corrects. ¡°Did you know that there are copies of an elixir of eternal youth that are formed with but a few specks of Pixie Dust?¡± I had heard that, but again never seen the component, until now as such I mostly dismissed that and other crazier Alchemical concoctions as useless. Trying to cut this topic off, ¡°okay other than you teaching the Bloodline Class tonight what else did you need to talk about.¡± With that Mallory pauses and looks like she wants to argue, but it is clear that she is evaluating which point she wants to nail me down with. So far, I think I have leverage to get out of another Bloodline class, provided I offer up some wing residue, or Pixie Dust as Mallory is now referring to it as. Seeing as I am a Pixie, I could see how this fallacy could be achieved, but I am almost certain that it is not in fact Pixie Dust. Though I am pretty sure the latter is mostly my own want to not be an eternal source of a very limited and highly sought after ingredient for many ancient recipes that have become lost to time. ¡°Second, I need you to devise a way to speed up the Undergraduate training program for our first class of Mages and Cultivators.¡± Hearing that, a smile comes to my lips as I have already been thinking of newer and harder training methods for the same exact skills that I am teaching my students. Knowing that I am being asked to increase the intensity, I figure it will just be a matter of me implementing my own training method and having the students try to keep up. ¡°Oh, I think I can do this.¡± I state, but then clarify, ¡°for the initial classes I was assigned to teach.¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Mallory states, realizing that I just have no clue what to tell others about awakening their Bloodlines. That or Mallory has learned by now that I can be stubborn on points that I find totally annoying. Which bloodlines are, to me other than one or two aspects that come with every bloodline awakening the overall effect of a bloodline awakening seems to be a way to make fun of the awakener in the most annoying way possible. Take for instance, the fact that my wings are now part of a number of cooking recipes that I will have to also worry about. ¡°Okay and your third point?¡± I ask, wondering what Mallory is going to do with this one. Mentally I cross my fingers in the hope that it is not an attempt to get me to teach my new Qi and Mana Fusion Discipline to the students that have shown an inclination for both Qi and Mana at this point. Particularly as I am still learning this process on my own. With that, Mallory nods. ¡°As for the third task,¡± Mallory begins, but then seems to pause as she looks from me to Jhonny and back. Then realizing she wants space I put up a Soundproof Bubble, around the two of us. I also use this time to use some of my three minutes of Confidentiality, knowing that anytime the boss wants to speak with you in private away from other guild members it is likely important. ¡°Oh, nice.¡± Mallory states, as she looks around to see that even the outside is invisible, at least it should be. This is one of those mass-produced Thieves Guild spells that everyone with magic ability is taught. Seeing that the barrier has stopped all outside sounds, even the fast motorized movements of the support staff coming out to join us, Mallory continues. ¡°As for the third task, I need you to act as the Thieves Guild Leader.¡± Mallory states. Golden Chains. As she speaks, I feel thick threads shackle out from Mallory and all but suffocate me. Again this is part of my Disaster Foresight skill coming to life and showing me just how important this next request is going to be. The fact that this is the first true quest from Mallory the Leader of the empire where my Guild Hall resides to me, the acting Thieves Guild Leader also adds a level of importance to this request. While I could likely resist the others, this one I can tell will not be one that I can shrug off. ¡°Okay, what is your request?¡± I ask. With that Mallory nods her head, as she seems to be thinking about something. Or at least she is seeing something in her Guild Screen interface that lets her know that she is about to make a big request. ¡°I need you to track all of the spies within our ranks,¡± Mallory states. BINDING Golden Chains. With that, I am given an unavoidable quest.
New Quest Confirmed: First World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Request (Ongoing): Rooting Out The Traitors: You have been tasked by Mallory Valhalla, the democratically elected ruler of World¡¯s End to actively remove foreign spies from your territory. Status: (?? / ??). Rewards: Experience, Variable. Note: This quest cannot be refused as it is the first quest provided by the ruler of the area your guild hall operates in, and will be a sign of your prowess as a Thieves Guild Leader.
And like that, I realize that I have to do something that no other spymaster has ever been able to accomplish effectively before. ¡°Okay, thanks for that,¡± I say, but then I get an idea. ¡°Oh, do you have something?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Yes, but I might need you to cover down on the Bloodline Course¡­¡± I admit. Chapter 229 How Cassie Got Her Groove Back Chapter 229 How Cassie Got Her Groove Back ¡°Yes, but I might need you to cover down on the Bloodline Course¡­¡± I admit. Mallory just pauses and looks at me like she wants to argue, but then finally caves in. ¡°Fine, but I expect results.¡± ¡°Yeah, of course,¡± I reply. With that Mallory walks away, breaking through the protective layer of my bubble and hopefully going to fill in on my least favorite class to teach. Meanwhile, I cancel my Confidentiality, the same amazing perk that lets me hide from anyone who might be watching for up to three minutes a day. I figured that anytime the boss wants to speak to me as the Thieves Guild Leader, and likely task me with a topic, I should take all measures to ensure it is kept a secret. Even from the audiences at home. With knowledge that my personal task from the boss is completed, I pause before trying to do the impossible. I have been tasked with likely the same task that all spy masters are tasked with upon taking up the position. Find and remove all foreign spies from the empire. Simple right, point Cass in the right direction and boom, problem solved. Fortunately, I did get out of teaching class tonight, while I work on a plan that has to be entirely unique, untraceable, and unexpected. For now, I have all the time in the world to think about how to solve this problem, but all I have is a mental blank. Well, a mental blank and an afternoon to try to solve this problem as quickly as possible. I am almost free to go about and do what I want, while I mentally let the idea of catching a traitor percolate in my mind. This is clearly not something I can accomplish in one night, as this has been a problem plaguing spy masters for centuries. Then before Mallory leaves entirely to go and teach my Bloodline class for me, that¡¯s when she stops, spins, and grabs a young female from the audience of people that have begun to arrive. Placing her arm around the somewhat familiar girl¡¯s back and shoulders, Mallory begins guiding the girl forward. ¡°I almost forgot. Dr. Spiritlight, this is Charlaine, Charlaine this is Dr. Spiritlight,¡± Mallory states, giving a formal introduction. At Mallory¡¯s use of honorifics, I know this is going to be bad. Then she continues, proving my point. ¡°Charlaine here has been appointed as your personal assistant, to help you with your day-to-day operations around here.¡± At this, I can see Jhonny getting perturbed, but I make a quick calming gesture towards him. ¡°So this is my new handler?¡± I ask. ¡°Not a handler, but an assistant to help guide you as needed to get your daily tasks accomplished.¡± Mallory says, trying to ease the fact that Mallory is now trying to find a way to wrangle me and my more eccentric activities. ¡°Okay,¡± I state, realizing that I can¡¯t really refute the boss. Nor can I say that I didn¡¯t need the assistance. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°I mean, hello there Assistant Charlaine.¡± I reply, turning to the new girl and giving her a floating courtesy. ¡°Uhh, hello Dr. Spiritlight, a pleasure to meet you, again.¡± Charlaine replies. Pausing, I try to remember where I saw her, as apparently this is not the first time we have met. Then looking at her, well her aura, I realize that she was the person I was speaking to before I went and evolved. ¡°Oh I remember you now. You are the person I was speaking to before I evolved, a pleasure to meet you.¡± I reply. Tremble. She slightly trembles for a moment, maybe seeing my use and absorption of foreign energy that was toxic to this world and ended up causing parts of my blood and organs to be shed and simultaneously combust was traumatizing for her. That or maybe she is just racist against Colossal Pixies, either way there is a note of concern in her posture. Concern that she quickly overcomes and strides forward to ask her first question. ¡°Is there anything I can do to help with your day-to-day operations here?¡± Charlaine asks. At first I am about to disregard her answer entirely, but then I pause and realize that there is something that she could help me with. ¡°Could you get me a desk, writing parchment, and ink?¡± I ask. There is a pause as Charlaine first looks from me to Mallory and then back. ¡°I can, but isn¡¯t the exact equipment in your office sufficient?¡± Charlaine asks, a note of confusion in her voice. At that I pause, ¡°wait, I have an office?¡± Hearing my reply, Mallory just shakes her head and interjects, ¡°see what I mean?¡± Charlaine for her part just turns to stare at Mallory before nodding somewhat sheepishly. ¡°What?¡± I protest. ¡°You are both an officer in the guild and a faculty member of SVC. This means that you have not one but two offices.¡± Mallory replies. ¡°Two?¡± I ask, holding up two fingers to make sure I heard this correct. ¡°Yes, two. Though you do need to be available in at least one of them for a few hours a day. Or rather you should be at your school office for at least an hour a day to help students. Normally you are working in the courtyard or other area where you are visible and accessible to students, so this is not an issue. But it could be if we get audited.¡± Mallory notes. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. There is a slight pause as I wonder where she is getting this whole faculty must be accessible to the students thing. Then before I can ask, she continues speaking. ¡°Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get to my Bloodline Study class.¡± Mallory states coldly as she turns and begins to walk away. Seeing her go I almost want to comment that as the leader of a guild she should outsource that, as her time is probably far too valuable to be spent wasting a Bloodline studies class. Then I realize her next solution for that, as she will once again just hoist the study back onto me, and I quickly keep my mouth shut. As Mallory leaves and gets into one of the transportation blimps that have been brought here just for her, apparently. This leaves just Jhonny, myself, and my new handler Charlaine. I still don¡¯t know what to make of Charlaine, though the fact that Mallory didn¡¯t want her to know about my work as a Spy Master did seem odd. Though, that could just be good operational security on Mallory¡¯s point. There is an awkward tension as the three of us just stare at each other. ¡°Well, is there anything I can help you with?¡± Charlaine asks. ¡°Where exactly are my offices?¡± I ask, curious about this new perk of my job that I didn¡¯t even know existed up until now. ¡°As for your guild office, it is at the headquarters building and the one directly to the left of Mallory¡¯s office.¡± ¡°Pfft. Not going to that one. Who knows what tasks she would come up with if she saw me daily. Okay, and for the teacher office?¡± ¡°Yeah, you pretty much have your choice of any room from the College¡¯s Faculty building. I¡¯ve been told that once you choose one you can get a key to the room, though that might require time.¡± Charlaine continues. ¡°There is a Faculty building?¡± I press, still not knowing where this building is. ¡°Yes, it is the long building that is right next to your open lecture hall and has the word ¡®Faculty¡¯ outside it.¡± Pausing for a moment, I try to mentally recall where that building is, then I ask. ¡°Wait it is the creepy unoccupied building that no one goes to?¡± ¡°Yes, the reason no one goes to it, is because the one teacher assigned to SVC courses seems to avoid it like the plague. Though a certain adjunct Enchanting Professor has requested use of one of the rooms.¡± Charlaine replies. At this, I know she is talking about the Arc Lich guy Rahul, a person who is decent enough at Enchanting, but gives off a creepy vibe. Not just because he is an Arc Lich, but because he seems to provide unnecessary sexual overtones to almost all interactions. That and his voice, definitely not the Rahul that I imagined. Also, there is the fact that this character is designed to mimic but not factually represent the Rahul of my dreams, the Rahul who used to make my toes curl by his exploits and magical prowess. I also note that there was not a so subtle jab at me laced within Charlaine¡¯s comments there. Realizing the slight dig, I realize one thing. ¡°You are going to be an amazingly efficient task master there aren¡¯t you?¡± I ask. ¡°Well someone apparently has to do this, otherwise you end up going around causing all types of mayhem.¡± Charlaine states. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Also, it is my job. Please don¡¯t be too mean, as it is either this or be kicked out to the war-torn country that I just managed to flee from.¡± Charlaine states, a note of pain and fear in her voice. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go tomorrow.¡± I say, as mentally I am already replacing my Simulacrum in the Arcanarus Tower, not the book ones, but the one on my own QiMO powered ship. I can¡¯t wait, just thinking about it gets me all tingly inside as I seriously want to know what I will find next. Now that I am taking what is likely a fast travel route. ¡°No, you told the Commander that you needed her to take over your class so you could work on the task she assigned you.¡± Charlaine states, as she clutches a clipboard to her chest. On the Clipboard I can clearly read her notes.
Actions: Keep Track of Dr. Spiritlight. Report disappearances of Dr. Spiritlight. Report instances where Dr. Spiritlight changes with a Simulacrum (this gets easier with time).
Then underneath all that was a handwritten portion that stated a new task.
Get Dr. Spiritlight to spend at least one hour focused solely on solving the problem provided by the Guild Leader.
There was an odd sort of tension in her body, as she no doubt thought that I would just run off like a wild animal never to be seen again. For a moment I had a mental image of one of those books from my childhood, the one where the kid had to spend all night chasing after the lost farm animals, only to miss dinner. Right now, Charlaine seemed to be exhibiting the exact emotions I would expect with that. Seeing her, and not wanting to get on my task master¡¯s bad side to start off our relationship, I sigh, as I realize that my dreams of being a pirate captain flying through the heavens will apparently not be tonight. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go to the creepy Faculty Building.¡± At that, Charlaine just nodded as some of the tension in her shoulders dropped. ¡°Thank you. Don¡¯t worry, I have been assured it isn¡¯t haunted.¡± Sigh. ¡°I know, that¡¯s what probably makes the place so boring. At least if it had ghosts then the ghosts would have already begun adding ambient mana to the place, making it more inviting for me.¡± I say, then am about to leave, when I realize that I have not one but two people who are clearly assigned to follow me. ¡°Okay, I am going to Teleport over to the Faculty Building now. I will see you two when you get there.¡± I respond, speaking both to Charlaine and finally including Jhonny into this conversation. ¡°What? You are going to take us right?¡± Charlaine asks. ¡°No, I only have a Personal Teleport, besides the last thing you want is to be my excuse for why I got distracted and couldn¡¯t keep focus for this task.¡± I reply. ¡°Wait, then how will we get there?¡± Charlaine asked, a note of annoyance seeping into her tone. ¡°You could ask Jhonny here for a ride on his motorized bicycle,¡± I begin, then I make sure to add ¡°also, I¡¯d like to point out that he¡¯s single.¡± With that I turn to Jhonny who looks like I totally blindsided him. He is still on the motorized bicycle in question, but then just looks lost. That¡¯s when I go and give him an overly large wink, before I Teleport away. Poof. I leave the area only see a confused looking Jhonny opening his arms wide as he begins trying to talk to Charlaine. Seeing that those two are occupied, I begin working on Mallory¡¯s task. My first true task as the official Thieves Guild Leader, namely rooting out all foreign spies. This should be something that even grand master class spies will have a hard time accomplishing. So I know I can¡¯t get too down on myself, but I also want to finish this task especially, considering it is the first one Mallory gave me. Well the first one she gave me where I wasn¡¯t coerced into, or tricked into volunteering myself into doing something seemingly impossible. Though, I guess technically one could say I was tricked into this by the fact that I wanted us to be a city? Poof. Within two jumps I find the campus, and then I find the old musty looking Faculty Building. Just looking at the layout, Charlaine was correct. There are only minimal signs of energy and they seem to be related to death energy and lingering traces of enchanting that have to be related to the office that Rahul has taken over for himself. This of course leaves behind a total of 29 other gloomily furnished rooms that have no touch of life or inspiration to them. Not wanting to be close to Rahul, I choose one of the larger rooms on the second floor of the building that seems to face towards my training grounds and be able to overlook the peaceful place. Granted there is no window in this room, which makes it even better for me, as it cuts down on the number of entry and exit points. Well the number of entry and exit points that most people would be subject to. Poof. Just entering the room I feel the flow of air coming in as my pixie wings begin casting about and generating some energy that will remain here. Pulling out a sheet of paper, I place it gently on my desk and then get my writing quill then nodding to myself I prepare to sit down in the nice overstuffed chair that looks like it should be more than comfortable. For a second, I think about just sitting down and trying to force out an idea. But then as soon as I sit down, or try to sit down, I feel my body begin to twitch and spasm. Yes, once again I am reminded of why I can¡¯t be a writer, not enough patience. It should come as no surprise that there are minor things that annoy me. There is a typewriter, but even now I realize that I will need to make a Tier III gear infusion Typewriter that has parts that could withstand my magical aura. Also, all I see is a slow painful expansion of energy going from me outwards. To describe how annoying this is, the best example I can come up with is imagine sitting in snow and watching it slowly melt around you, like that but in reverse. That is of course until I remember my entirely new Discipline and decide to give it a test run in a safe controlled environment. At least that is what I am going to tell Charlaine afterwards. Arcane Geomancy The process is so odd, and yet so refreshingly normal that I can¡¯t help feel the energy expand and flow from me. POOF! It¡¯s like the ultimate of all Glitter Bomb erupts out from me and all my pores, filling up every crevice in this small office room. Then just casting this spell, well not a spell. No, using this new discipline of energy, I feel a swell and surge. Then I am greeted by quite possibly the best message of the day. Yes, this includes my having completed seven quests all to get assigned a ridiculous new species.
New Skill Gained: Arcane Fusion Control has reached level 1.
Arcane Fusion Control is a Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3 skill.
Just feeling the effects of the New Skill taking root in my mind is a relief. I am about to rejoice in that I have a new skill to work on. Before I realize the joy that I can get this skill to 250. In fact, this will be the first of my skills that I got knowing that this would be my new permanent endpoint. Of course, I wasn¡¯t done here, as I had a lot more to do. At least, after I realized that my casting Arcane Geomancy didn¡¯t outright destroy the room I was in, I felt a bit better. Especially after I saw the magic seep through the walls, connect to the wall joists and supports before ultimately getting soaked into the structure and seeming to reinforce the structure, rather than erode the base foundation. Glad I dodged that potential bullet, I am about to continue, when I look at the sheet of paper and realize that not only the paper but the Ink have changed. Reaching over to touch the paper, I annoyedly grab the page, only to see that there is a clear transference of energy from the page to my hand. Then just like that, an idea comes to my mind. One that might just work, then holding up the still seemingly permanently enchanted paper, I smile as I realize I might be able to come up with my own Discipline of Mana and Qi infusion. Best of all, with this I think I also have a way to the spy problem. ¡°MUWAHAHA!¡± I shout, putting my little pixie heart and soul into my evil laugh, as this time I am certain I will come up with my own breakthrough. Then feeling fully motivated, I pull out a new sheet of paper and I begin to test my theory. For a second, I pause, wondering if I should do this? Then after a second¡¯s thought, I realized, what¡¯s the worst that could happen? Chapter 230 A Cass-Tastrophy (Charlaine) Chapter 230 A Cass-Tastrophy (Charlaine) By the time Jhonny and Charlaine arrived, they were shocked to see the state of the Faculty building. What had once been a building of gloom and doom suddenly seemed to glow with a sense of life and vitality. SKA-POOF! ¡°What was that?¡± Charlaine asked, hearing the clear explosion happening from a room on the second floor. What was worse, the building seemed to bulge slightly, as if suddenly letting out a pocket of gas before shrinking back down to its normal size. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± was all Jhonny could reply before he decided to lead the way, easily following the trail of magic up the stairs to the second floor, where a locked door with an opaque glass window was the only thing that protected the outside world from the explosions of magic and lights that erupting from the inside. ¡°Should we go in?¡± Charlaine asked. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Jhonny admitted, before just staring at the door and watching and waiting for what would happen next. ¡°I need to know what is happening in there.¡± Charlaine stated, a note of concern in her voice. With that Jhonny looked at the door and saw that it was in the steam punk style, complete with the open key lock that could allow a person to view into the room if they crouched down and peered in from under the doorknob. Realizing that, Jhonny ducked down to peer into the room, and what he saw caused his blood to run cold. ¡°Oh shit,¡± Jhonny exclaimed, backpedaling with a look of fear on his face. ¡°What is it?¡± Charlaine asked, as she quickly ducked down to peer into the room where Cass was floating above her seat, as she began pouring vibrant energy from her Pixie body directly into an ink quill that she used to write down something onto what had to be a piece of parchment paper. Seeing the image, Charlaine paused as all that was happening was that Dr. Spiritlight was diligently writing something down while infusing her strokes with magic. While Charlaine wasn¡¯t an expert, she was fairly certain that a number of processes involved this method to include Enchanting, of which Dr. Spiritlight was a noted master of the profession. ¡°Look at her, truly look at her.¡± Jhonny said, backing away as his eyes began to scan the entire room. This only seemed to further Jhonny¡¯s growing fear and tension as he seemed to notice something else from this as well. Realizing that Jhonny, the person who had been Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s hand picked bodyguard was even now backing up, away from his charge caused Charlaine to question what exactly she was missing. This time, she peered back down into the room. Once again, she saw a smaller sized Dr. Spiritlight mystically floating over a desk, while golden wings periodically came in to let her move about over the desk. Still, there was nothing truly odd about this, as this was how Dr. Spiritlight normally moved. ¡°I don¡¯t see anything?¡± Charlaine asked, truly confused as to what could cause the bodyguard to be so frightened for seemingly no apparent reason. ¡°Look at her face, what expression is she making.¡± Jhonny said cryptically. With that Charlaine once again peered into the keyhole to view the oversized pixie¡¯s face. This time when she looked, she saw what was clearly a look of intense concentration. Then she noticed that her tongue was sticking out to the side in the cutest way. Normally Dr. Spiritlight, the pixie, was gorgeous. But now, with the added benefit of her having her tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth in the form of pure concentration, she just looked too precious. ¡°Aww, she has her tongue sticking out of the side of her mouth. She is so cute.¡± Charlaine exclaimed, letting her true thoughts be known about the image of the glowing pixie that was beyond words to describe in terms of beauty. From the change her skin went from a bluish silvery color to the now seemingly magical cream color. Though the color seemed to change with the magics that she was using and casting at the time. Or rather the amount of energy she moved. Right now, her body was an intense bright cream color, the way one would expect to see when passing on to the afterlife, just that bright and intense of a glow. Even her hair seemed to be coming to life as is tiny tentacles that would rise up and out, discharging excess energy, or making sure just enough energy was present for a particular casting. While it was hard to tell for certain, it almost looked like the hair would pulse and change in intensity as well, depending on the amount of energy. Though Charlaine did remember her hair being a slight purple-bluish base color, though even then her hair did seem to alternate in colors depending on the way light hit her, and her mood, and of course the amount of energy she used naturally. So, yeah her hair was, well Charlaine didn¡¯t know exactly what to put down for the actual hair color, other than you will know it when you see it. As for the other changes, her eyes were still emerald green, that much had not changed, nor had the multitude of definitive marks that made her face seem strikingly beautiful. Instead, the real changes came from the fact that she somehow seemed slightly smaller, if even more adorable with the change, and now seemed to all but radiate with magical intensity. ¡°They didn¡¯t warn you?¡± Jhonny¡¯s harsh words pulled Charlaine¡¯s mind back from just how beautiful the pixie in their midst was, and caused her to look away and once again take in Jhonny¡¯s frightened form. ¡°Warn me about what?¡± Charlaine asked, clearly confused. ¡°About what it means when Cass makes that face.¡± Jhonny declared. Magical pulse. At that exact moment, a surge of compressed magical energy flared up from inside the room, causing what appeared to be lightning to sparkle from within the tiny office. Recognizing the flash, Charlaine instinctively turned her head around to look back into the room, where she only saw a bright flash of light. ¡°WAHAHAAHOOO!¡± Dr. Spiritlight cried out in excitement causing Charlaine to try to look even harder into the keyhole in an attempt to see what it was that the mad doctor was working on, and apparently succeeding at right now. Clasp. Just as Charlaine thought she could see the faint silhouette of a floating childlike form in the intensely burning cacophony of lights that were erupting from the room, Charlaine felt a firm hand grab her. Then after being grabbed, she felt that same hand begin to drag her and pull her away from the keyhole. ¡°Hey!¡± Charlaine shouted, indignantly crying out as tried to protest. Za-joom! At that exact second, a small narrow beam of light shot out through the exposed keyhole and burned a hole into the whitewashed walls on the far side of the hallway. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Smolder. There was a burning scorch mark that lasted on the wall for all of a second. Then Charlaine watched as the still burning embers caused by the rogue beam of energy dissipated and stopped, leaving behind a perfect charred keyhole silhouette on the wall. A silhouette that slowly began to tremble for a second, before the wall seemed to repair itself. Badump, badump, badump. Almost echoing her own quickly beating heartbeat, Charlaine paused, and clutched her chest, before realizing that the building itself was also releasing a steady beat. ¡°What was that?¡± Charlaine found herself asking, but then stopped talking as she saw the tiny burn mark slowly heal itself until nothing but a perfectly smooth and unblemished wall remained. Only now, only after the event was over and the echoing beat of drums stopped pounding in the hallway did Charlaine begin to wonder if she had truly lost it. For right now the only logical conclusion to everything that she was seeing and experiencing was too much for her mind to take in. Then as if finally having a moment to truly comprehend what Jhonny was saying did Charlaine pause to think about what Jhonny had been saying. The fact that he seemed to have almost been expecting all of this, then at that even more questions came to her mind. Charlaine had heard about the mad Doctor, the crazy scientist who was the ultimate doomsday weapon of the Midnight Hunters. But of course, as with every story there were thoughts that somehow the stories seemed too fantastical to believe, that there was no way the world they were in would allow someone to be that powerful. Yet, after being near said mad Doctor, and feeling the residual heat from a burning keyhole death ray, a death ray that had burned its way into a wall. A wall that seemed to momentarily have a heartbeat for a second, before seemingly healing itself. No, there had to be something else to this, maybe a self-healing enchantment? Yeah, that made more logical sense, a self-repairing enchantment that would fix any and all damages caused by excessive uses of magic. ¡°Come on, we need to get out of here.¡± Jhonny said, his words cutting through Charlaine¡¯s overactive mind and imagination as she tried to piece together all of the different pieces of what was actually happening around her. ¡°But why?¡± Charlaine asked, getting her way to her feet. Now that she was out of the blast radius of the open keyhole, she found that Jhonny no longer tried to manhandle her. ¡°You saw it right, her tongue?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Yeah, it was cute, what about it?¡± Charlaine asked. At that Jhonny looked almost horrified. ¡°They didn¡¯t tell you, or at least warn you about what to do when you see that?¡± ¡°What? Doesn¡¯t it just mean that she is focusing? I¡¯ve seen many kids do it.¡± Charlaine posed, trying to understand the obvious concern being shown on Jhonny¡¯s face right now. ¡°That might be the case, but you have to realize that we have a protocol to follow when we see that.¡± Jhonny explained, then reaching out his hand he tried to grab Charlaine¡¯s wrist before pulling her out to the stairwell so they could begin to evacuate the building. For her part Charlaine only resisted for a second, before ultimately following the protective bodyguard. Though Charlaine did wonder about Jhonny¡¯s integrity as a bodyguard if he was leaving his charge. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be there with her?¡± Charlaine asked. At that, Jhonny just shook his head. ¡°The last time anyone was near her when this happened there was so much radiation released that well.¡± With that last thought Jhonny cut himself off. ¡°That what?¡± Charlaine all but demanded. With that Jhonny just shook his head, only remembering the event that caused his bloodline potential to awaken. Also, it was the same day that many of the Qi cultivators had breakthroughs in their own cultivation. It was also the same day that forced Cass to begin teaching everyone about Bloodline awakenings. Realizing the threat for what it was, Cass was once again playing around with wild energy, completely oblivious to her surroundings, that the Guild, i.e. Mallory introduced a whole new set of emergency protocols to follow. THUNDERCLAP! As the duo exited the building, they were met with a sudden onset of a particularly violent summer storm that seemed to have appeared from out of nowhere. Then to Charlaine¡¯s surprise a military vehicle was already pulling up to greet the pair as they exited. ¡°What is going on?¡± A Guild member who was clearly somewhat of a high rank in the Guild¡¯s hierarchy asked, his gaze directly on Jhonny. ¡°It¡¯s Cass, she is in full Cass-Tastrophy mode.¡± Jhonny stated calmly. ¡°What?¡± Charlaine found herself asking, but was quickly cut off as Jhonny seemed to be reporting. ¡°Tongue out?¡± ¡°Tongue out.¡± Jhonny confirmed. ¡°Any idea for how long?¡± The Guild guard asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know, we just got here, but she was alone for twenty-five minutes or so.¡± Jhonny answered a bit sheepishly. ¡°Twenty-five?¡± The Guild guard asked, a bit of incredulity to his voice. Then pausing for a moment, he looked somewhat hesitantly at Jhonny and then seemed to ask a question that he didn¡¯t want to ask, but knew he had to. ¡°Should we tell the boss?¡± At that Jhonny just paused, then looked back at the building. Burble. At that the building once again flashed with a magical radiance before another pocket of air seemed to ripple out form the large structure. ¡°Yeah,¡± Jhonny replied in a somewhat squeaky voice indicating that he didn¡¯t want to answer in the affirmative, but had to. ¡°Okay, she is in the middle of teaching her class right now, but we will get this to her. Any idea what she was doing?¡± The guard asked, apparently filling out an incident response card. Seeing the card Charlaine found it odd that the guild apparently had a card denoting common questions to ask during such an event. ¡°I don¡¯t really know,¡± Jhonny said to the guard, then turning to Charlaine he asked, ¡°you saw her more than I did. Do you know what she was doing?¡± Flustered. At that Charlaine felt flustered from the sudden attention. But then thinking about it she paused and then remembered something, ¡°she was writing something.¡± ¡°Writing, got it.¡± The guard noted as he wrote the word down. Then apparently reading the next item in the list, he asked. ¡°Was she doing or saying anything that you remember?¡± At that Charlaine paused and then replied honestly, ¡°she was laughing? At least I think it was a laugh?¡± ¡°Laughing, yeah this is already getting escalated.¡± The guard said, apparently checking a box, then continuing with the questions. ¡°Okay, final question, did you hear, see, or experience anything odd?¡± At that Jhonny just shrugged his shoulders, and asked for clarity. ¡°Normal odd, or odd for Cass odd?¡± ¡°Odd for Cass odd.¡± The guard confirmed. With that Jhonny just shrugged his shoulders and turned to Charlaine, ¡°sorry I was trying to get us out of there. Did you see anything?¡± ¡°What? There was the whole keyhole sized death ray, and the fact that the wall got burned in the shape of a keyhole, before randomly healing itself.¡± Charlaine noted. ¡°The wall healed itself?¡± The guard asked, a note of incredulity to his voice, as if this was the suddenly odd thing to hear after exiting a building that was seeming to have a sudden case of gas. ¡°That¡¯s what seemed to happen, there was a thumping sound, that sounded like a beating heart, and then the small burn mark on the wall disappeared.¡± Charlaine said. ¡°Okay, I will note that as a paranormal phenomenon for now.¡± The Guard stated, as he made quite a few notes this time. Then he asked, ¡°anything else?¡± At that Charlaine and Jhonny both looked at each other before just shrugging. ¡°No,¡± the duo said in unison. With that, duo then turned to look at each other as if for the first time. ¡°So to be clear, there were no fires, no explosions, and no cursing?¡± The guard asked. ¡°Ahh, no.¡± Jhonny answered, but only after seriously considering the question. ¡°Wait, what about that beam of energy that burned the wall?¡± Charlaine all but hissed, remembering how her face almost got burnt off with that beam. ¡°That was just a photon burst of Qi, not a true explosion.¡± Jhonny commented, apparently noting a distinction that Charlaine herself was too unaware to understand. With that the guard nodded to himself, and then seemed to check everything. ¡°Okay, I think I have everything I need from you two. We are going to call this a level three Cass-tastrophy, and see what the boss wants us to do.¡± The guard said, seeming to be somewhat relieved at the fact that it wasn¡¯t that bad, apparently. ¡°The building is bulging gas bubbles,¡± Charlaine noted, pointing to the building. Though at this point the building was just sitting there quietly basking in everything that was going on around it. ¡°Okay, so a three plus Cass-Tastrophy then.¡± The guard noted. With that Charlaine just stared at the guard who seemed to turn to Jhonny for confirmation. For his part Jhonny just paused, then seemed to debate the distinction before eventually nodding and shrugging his shoulders in agreement. ¡°Yeah, three plus should be fine.¡± Jhonny confirmed. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll call it in now. You know the drill, stay back a hundred meters from the site. Make sure everyone else stays back with you¡­¡± the guard said, trailing off as if it was something that both had heard a hundred times by now. ¡°Yeah,¡± Jhonny stated nodding his head and clearly seeming to be at ease with everything that he was hearing. Hearing the two, Charlaine could only pause and stare, wondering how they could take such an event so lightly. A three plus? That was it? Magic that made a building both heal itself and seem to burble out gas, like a volcano? Or maybe like a sleeping dog, honestly Charlaine didn¡¯t know what metaphor to go with right now, but the fact that they seemed so calm and casual about everything sent shivers down her spine. Here she was seeing and experiencing residual magic. Residual bone rending magic that all but seemed to pierce her soul, and these two were acting like it was just a standard Tuesday night. Then pausing for a moment, Charlaine realized that for them, this was just a standard Tuesday night. ¡°You okay?¡± Jhonny asked, apparently seeing the look of concern coming to Charlaine¡¯s face. At that Charlaine collected herself, wondering if this was all a set up. She suddenly wondered if they had rooted out her master plans, the plan for why she was here. It all seemed to be too easy to be honest. Especially with the fact that they openly advertised the high paying vacancy position to be Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s assistant. Apparently, anyone of the new refugees could apply for the position and after two years time be considered to be a formal guild member. Given her goal and what she was here for, the whole thing seemed to be too perfect. Especially as none of the actual guild members seemed to want to apply for the position. Obviously it looked like a trap, one designed to catch thieves trying to put their hands into the cookie jar. But clearly they seemed to know what they were doing, as right now Charlaine had only more questions than answers. Worse, all she could do was confirm the utterly frightening reports that came from outside sources, where Dr. Spiritlight was labelled as a magical monster capable of almost any type of natural disaster. That she was listed as an asset to either convert or leave alone, that under no circumstances were they to do anything more than appear to be cordial. This was why the job posting seemed to be too good to be true, though after feeling the intense fear she had just felt, and the way that Jhonny and the rest of the guild members seemed to act in her presence. Calmly, even though she was clearly doing something completely crazy, it made Charlaine question her rationale for choosing this assignment. Then finally she had to ask, to see if they had known about her true intentions all along. ¡°Did you know?¡± Charlaine asked. ¡°No, I just assumed she was about to do something crazy. Protocol is, when she has her tongue sticking up and out like that we are to run. I¡¯m sorry that this was not given to you.¡± Jhonny said apologetically. ¡°Yeah,¡± Charlaine noted, as there were seemingly quite a few things that were omitted from her introduction. In fact, Charlaine had thought it odd that she was not really told anything other than her job entailed being the assistant for the premier magic and Qi user of the world and that she was very nice and personable, once you got to know her. Flash. For a second, Charlaine could swear that the building flashed in a bright color for a moment, before turning back to its normal hue. ¡°Should we do something?¡± Charlaine asked. ¡°What? Go back into the magically changing building? No. Just stay here for now.¡± Jhonny confirmed. ¡°Right.¡± Charlaine replied, clearly wondering what she got herself into. Then finally Jhonny asked the question that she honestly didn¡¯t know how to answer. ¡°So, are you enjoying the new job?¡± Jhonny asked. Chuckle. Charlaine could only force out a nervous chuckle as she looked for words to describe how she truly felt. Chapter 231 Impromptu Safety Brief (Mallory) Chapter 231 Impromptu Safety Brief (Mallory) Every once in a while, the world provides you with a teachable moment. A moment so spontaneous and relatable to everyone that you can see it, point it out, and then immediately say ¡°see that¡¯s why we have been briefing you about safety protocols for the past week.¡± In this particular case, this is exactly what Mallory was doing. Here she was, going over how everyone¡¯s life had changed, and how everyone here in this Tuesday night class was on the path to potentially changing not only their lives, but the lives of all their future offspring for the better. When she got the notification that Cass was at it again. Well, this was what she was supposed to do, in fact, Mallory had worked it so that Cass would be a little bit extra. Even going so far as to work out hidden tasks and plans designed to weed out possible future spies. While Mallory had a fairly clear idea about who was part of the infiltration network, she wanted to see if her master spy prodigy could come up with a more conclusive method of identification. To help out Cass with the seemingly impossible task, Mallory made sure to set her up with a clear and obvious spy candidate. The girl was all too eager to please, not that willingness to help is bad, but the girl clearly tried too hard. Or maybe it was the fact that no one else was willing to come forward, that most people by now could all but feel the four different magical fields going off around her and felt inherently uncomfortable, despite her otherwise healthy aura. Yes, four auras, three from her different classes, and one from her bloodline. Well that was before she went and had yet another bloodline advancement. Now she all but radiated energy in odd tingly wave that Mallory felt the scientists working at the first nuclear power plants must have felt, before they introduced safety equipment and lead linings. Fortunately, with Cass around, Mallory was relatively certain that any damages caused by the exposure of such highly intensive energy signatures could and likely would be fixed. Though, there would obviously be side effects, like the ones that Mallory found herself dealing with even now. The most obvious side effect of being exposed to Cass was the fact that now there were classes for those that had started their Royal Bloodline evolutions, and those that had started their Legendary Bloodline evolutions as well. In a way, Mallory almost understood Cass¡¯s seeming reluctance to teach these classes, as Mallory assumed most of her apprehension towards teaching these particular classes was due to guilt. Yes, the fact that Cass was first by herself, and that others came to witness her breakthrough all became caught in what was this world¡¯s equivalent of radioactive feedback was not lost on Mallory. Also, the way that Cass came in, taught everyone a few lessons about what to expect from Bloodline evolutions. The fact that she seemed to easily see the balance in the Bloodlines and see how the good seemed to mix with the bad in a form of balance was not lost on her, nor was it lost on the students who attended class either. Mallory had no doubt that Cass could teach the students a million times better than she could. The girl was a natural teacher, at least when it came to all things magic. Yet, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but see the way the students all seemed to rapidly increase under the tutelage of Cass, versus the much slower and more methodical ways they improved under Mallory. This wasn¡¯t a bad thing, not really, as there was still time. Also, Mallory knew full and well what the effects of awakening a more powerful Bloodline does to the psyche of a person. Only now, decades after her last Bloodline evolution was Mallory able to quell most of the more violent tendencies that a Valkyrie would have. For a time, she felt that she was alone, that no one understood her. But then she saw Cass before, during and after all three of her Bloodline transformations. Going from that goofy looking Dark Elf child with EGGs, to the Green eyed purple skinned elf, to the elf that all but radiated energy. To this, her newest form that Mallory instantly wanted to reach out and hug tightly to her. How do you fly with just pixie dust? How do you even go about generating pixie dust that can make you fly in the first place? All of these questions and more came to Mallory, but in the end, she just had to realize that her friend was the mad scientist. Not in the crazy way, but in the way that showed she was always willing to push her mind, body, and soul to the limit to see where magic ended. So far, to Mallory¡¯s surprise, the more Cass pushes, the more she seemed to find out that there was still more room to go. In a way, not exposing the students of these classes to Cass was a way to show that it was okay to slow down and understand the changes that are happening to you. That you affect the bloodline changes, and that once they are over, something permanent will forever be altered within your psyche. This is the topic that Mallory has been stressing within her classes these past few days, while she has been taking over. That the biggest part of the Bloodline evolution is taking advantage of who you are now, and most importantly who you want to be twenty years from now. Crackle. The more she thought and spoke about this, the more she began wondering how and where she herself wanted to be in the future. When she was younger, Mallory wanted, no, she needed to be the strongest. She needed to be able to not only avoid death, but deliver death to anyone who dared oppose her. Thus, the angel of death motif. A motif that she still regrets to this day, especially as she apparently killed off the parents of her best friend and the grandparents of her girlfriend. An act that would be unforgivable by most, yet, Cass was okay with the situation. Mallory knew this was mainly due to the fact that once Cass found her parents, she would instantly Resurrect them on the spot. Thus, in Cass¡¯s eyes, there was no problem. But that was her mindset, that magic could do anything, and therefore if she wanted to create a miracle all she needed to do was practice until she could get magic to do what she wanted it to do. In recent months, her mentality has spread to evolve the thought of magic to more of energy in different states of existence. By watching Cass, and her understanding of magic change, Mallory was able to see the progression of her Bloodlines. How each step she took, was one step further down the path of magic and energy. With every step down, her understanding became that much clearer and that tiny bit more resolute in how she wanted to be in her evolution as a person. Watching her best friend work, Mallory realized that the reason she hadn¡¯t evolved any further was the fact that she became disenfranchised with her own progression path. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. That the path of a destroying angel was no longer her key priority. That while it was cool, and often beneficial to be considered as the ultimate authority of force and violence. She only now realized that the passion that once fueled her to proceed was now extinguished. This was her new message for the day with the class of students who had just begun to awaken their Royal Bloodlines. These were the students who were the most adaptable, as their path forward had not been set, at least not yet. That is why Mallory focused so hard on getting these students to accept themselves and find the passion that they will wish to follow going forward. ¡°You all are just beginning your path of evolution. Don¡¯t think of this as a race, but rather a chance to cement your path forward. Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s rapid progression can be seen as both a challenge, but also an inspiration. The reason why she is an inspiration is not due to her rapid advancements, but rather we need to first realize that the rapid advancements are merely a byproduct of her clear determination, and the fact that she understands one key component that is paramount towards awaking your bloodline. Can anyone tell me what that inspiration is?¡± Mallory asked. With that, one of the guards who found the Royal Bloodline awakening text log, after going to check on Dr. Spiritlight raised his hand and began to speak once Mallory pointed to him. ¡°She really loves magic?¡± The guard asked. ¡°That is close, and ultimately a component of what I am trying to get at here. But no, anyone else?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°She is really determined?¡± Verrica, a female supply clerk who happened to be nearby and apparently decided to follow everyone to go see Cass¡¯s magical radiation show asked. ¡°That is part of why Dr. Spiritlight has managed to progress so quickly, but again only a byproduct.¡± Mallory provided. Then pausing, she looked around, seeing that no one else seemed to be willing to answer, when Mallory noted the obvious, or to her what was the obvious point here. ¡°No, Dr. Spiritlight has been able to go down this path of evolution due to one key thing. She knows herself and is always true to herself.¡± Mallory began, but then before anyone could cut her off, she continued. ¡°What I mean by this, is that she knows she loves magic, she knows she loves testing and finding out the mysteries of the world of magic, that the more she pushes and discovers, the more she becomes fascinated by what comes next. That is who she is, and the fact that she has never deviated from that path, that is the true reason why she has not slowed down on her path of progression. It is the fact that she has that fire still burning within her, right now. Even now she is likely pushing herself to the limit of what could or should possible.¡± With that, there was a slight pause as a few students raised their hands, calling on one at random. Mallory took a deep breath as she wondered just how much of her speech would get through to the students. ¡°So, if you know this, then why haven¡¯t you advanced?¡± One of the female students asked, this one Mallory didn¡¯t know the name of off the top of her head. ¡°I haven¡¯t advanced, because I long ago lost my fire,¡± Mallory stated, clutching at her chest right where she remembered the burning ember previously being. ¡°That is why I am taking the time now to tell you not to feel a rush to press on. Use this time now to discover two things, first who you are now. Then second, find out who you want to be.¡± There was a slight pause, before Mallory continued. ¡°I think we can all see that Dr. Spiritlight wants to be at the heart of magic and energy. The fact that everything she does, and her evolutions all revolve around this component are obvious to anyone. That said, find your own inspiration. Find your own purpose for being, and then let your bloodline be the catalyst for how you ultimately become a better version of the you that you wish to become.¡± Mallory stated. Just when she was about to give the cautionary tale of not to follow in her footsteps, of following a warrior¡¯s Bloodline, she was interrupted. Knock, knock. The sound of someone entering the school building that the Bloodline classes were actually being taught in rang out. Then not waiting for an actual reply, the person who knocked just entered. Pausing, Mallory turned to see that it was Julian, one of the communications specialists. Seeing him, Mallory wondered why the man would come. Her first instinct was that the Legrand Empire had finally declared war. This would be faster than she had anticipated, but they would still be ready for such an event. As her mind went through the different protocols that she would initiate right now, her mind and thoughts of counterattacks were quickly cut off, when she heard the actual reason for the classroom interruption. ¡°Lady Valhalla, please forgive me, but we wanted to warn you about another possible event occurring.¡± Julian stated, his voice seeming to convey a bit of urgency. ¡°An event?¡± ¡°Yes, it appears that Dr. Spiritlight has generated what witnesses are calling a Class Three Plus? Cass-Tastrophy.¡± Hearing that, Mallory could only nod. A three wasn¡¯t the worst, as the scale went up to five. Well technically seven, but anything over a five was often considered overkill as all the results after that point would be exact same. Evacuate the area as quickly as possible and wait for Cass to find you and tell you she was done. ¡°Where?¡± Mallory asked, her mind going into crisis mode. Last she saw the crazy girl, she was out in the middle of the fields, which would likely be why it was brought to her attention so quickly. Being out in the open would clearly draw people¡¯s attention. ¡°She is at the College Faculty Building.¡± Julian stated. ¡°The Faculty Building, you mean the one right there?¡± Mallory asked, and pointed through the wall to the building that was adjacent to the building she was in, if only separated by a small courtyard. ¡°Yes, that Faculty Building.¡± Julian confirmed. ¡°Okay, well class, I guess this is as good of a stopping point as any for our class tonight.¡± Mallory began, but she was quickly cut off. ¡°Can we join you and see what is happening?¡± A student asked, clear excitement on her face as she seemed to all but radiate with joy and anticipation. Seeing her reaction, Mallory was about to say no, but then realized that these people were already exposed to the previous burst of Cass energy. Which was why they implemented these safety procedures in the first place, to avoid having more people need to attend similar classes in the future. ¡°Might as well, not like we can unscrew a pregnant lady, just as we can¡¯t deactivate your Bloodline awakening. Come on out and let¡¯s see if we can see future warning signs to be aware of in the future.¡± Mallory stated, then with that she left to go see what Cass was up to this time. Rather than waiting for the class to come, Mallory just ran out and quickly found herself standing next to Jhonny, Cass¡¯s personal guard and Charlaine, the person that Mallory was almost certain was a Legrand Spy, though she could easily be part of any other nation¡¯s espionage services. Seeing Charlaine, a devilish smile came to Mallory¡¯s face as she wanted to make the new girl knew exactly what she was getting herself into. For a second Mallory almost felt bad, that if she was wrong in her assessment of the girl in question, then this could be seen as bullying. However, Mallory quickly stopped this train of thought, as this was really just her sending a warning to her and the spy agency she worked for. If Mallory was wrong, then this might be the wakeup call that Charlaine needed to get out of a bad situation before it became terrible. With that, Mallory waited for the majority of her class to arrive, while more were trickling forward. Burble. GROANN! The building clearly moved and seemed to let out a belch, well if a building could move in such a way. Seeing the reaction of the building, Mallory could clearly see what it was considered a Cass-Tastrophy. ¡°Cass still inside?¡± Mallory asked Jhonny. ¡°Yes, on the second floor, in a windowless room.¡± Jhonny said, pointing to where she was, or at least where Jhonny thought she would be. Apparently, she chose one of the larger center rooms to operate in. Due to the room being in the center of the building and thus one without a window, it was made larger, as a selling point to faculty. Though, now that Mallory thought about it, the lack of windows would not be a deterrent for someone like Cass. ¡°Okay class, now that you are all here and seeing the effects of Dr. Spiritlight in action,¡± Mallory began speaking to her class, but made sure to look at Charlaine out of the corner of her eye to make sure she was there and paying attention. ¡°It is time that we go over the safety rules and regulations of the Midnight Hunters.¡± With that, the group of students who all seemed to have been excited a moment ago all seemed to deflate as they all seemed to realize they were about to go over rote memorization of the new rules that were being told to all guild members. ¡°Okay, with that, who can tell me about rule number one?¡± Mallory asked. Sighing, the students all silently groaned as they began speaking in unison the rule that first began as a joke, but then was codified into actual rules. In perfect unison the entire student body spoke out, saying the first rule. ¡°When Cassie is having fun, you better run.¡± ¡°Very good, now what is the second rule?¡± Mallory stated, a sly smile coming to her face as she saw the look of shock quickly pass over Charlaine¡¯s features. It was quick, but Mallory did notice it. ¡°If Cassie is Focused, come and poke us.¡± ¡°Very good, just as Julian did a moment ago. Whenever you see something like this,¡± Mallory said, pointing to the building that was billowing and bulging behind her, ¡°come and let us know. Now for the third rule to be weary of.¡± ¡°When Cassie is done, treat it like a gun.¡± ¡°Yes, exactly. Treat it like a gun that can fire off nuclear weapons. That almost rarely happens, most of the time it is a gun that fires flowers, or something else, but it never hurts to be prepared and check to see what she in fact finished. Remember, get me or a trained member of Cass¡¯s group to be the first to see what happens, as you never know.¡± Mallory said. By now Charlaine had regained composure of her facial features, but her tone and complexion were unusually pale. ¡°Also, what is the final rule about Dr. Spiritlight that we should all know and remember?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°When you see that third eye, you are not going to die.¡± ¡°Very good, that third eye is a good thing and a sign that she is actively trying to heal you. Or at least diagnose any problems you might be having. When you see it, don¡¯t fight back, don¡¯t resist, not that you could, but it might frustrate the good doctor and we all know one Pomeranian Princess that annoyed Cass while she was using her third eye.¡± Mallory stated. Mumble. At that everyone of her students agreed as they all knew the cautionary tale of the Guardian Protector who could only turn into their former state now. This served as a cautionary tale to others, on why you should not annoy Dr. Spiritlight. ¡°Now with the mandatory safety brief out of the way, I know I don¡¯t need to warn you all about following me any further from here?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°No,¡± a chorus of students cried out. ¡°Okay, in that case I am going to go in and see what the mad scientist is up to this time.¡± Mallory declared, making sure to see Charlaine¡¯s frightened face before she actually entered the burbling magical building. Not the smartest move, but by now Mallory was likely one of the few who could experience such conditions and not have any undue side effects, at least that is what she thought. Chapter 232 Joys of Creation Chapter 232 Joys of Creation Every once in a while, you get to the point where you realize that you are merely a conduit for something greater. In my particular case, I realize that I am both simultaneously the conduit for change, but also the instrument for how things will grow and evolve. There is a lot of power being put on display thanks to my Arcane Geomancy, where even now, after using such a powerful discipline, I realize that there are layers and levels to this. Flutter. The pages that I am personally writing are moving. Odder still they are moving on their own. To make matters even stranger still, I almost intuitively know why the pages are moving. These pages are new and are slowly coming to life with a form of sentience. Meaning that their movements are caused by the fact that they are both becoming alive, but also that they are experiencing thoughts, emotions, and responses to physical stimuli just like a child would. Thus, when I touch a page to write upon it, to impart part of my knowledge to the page, the reason why it ruffles its pages in minor protest. The reason becomes simple when you realize that I am apparently tickling the page. Also, there is a quick growth to power learning curve with these books. What I mean by that, is the more I focus on one particular book, and lavish it with power and attention, the quicker that book, or rather the thoughts expressed on that book come to life. It is so much fun, almost like I am forcing a novel or story that I am interested in to just randomly start filling with words and thoughts. At first the thoughts begin with the basics, mostly being bland and emotionless picto-diagrams detailing how things happen. Then as they grow older, they mature into words and semi-concise thoughts. After that they go through a bulking process where they mature into full sentences and thoughts. Until finally they become pages that seem alive and almost feel like the thoughts will come off the pages as if they were being read by Mare Trevathan. Of course, these can only express my thoughts and my own knowledge, but this is a much easier way to pass down future skill books, and likely tomes of knowledge and different disciplines. Basically, the world saw that I was against the slow stale process of writing on my own. By just having my soul broken by the idea of shackling myself to a desk for hours a day to get a few thoughts and ideas out in a slow methodical process that would ultimately never be perfect right off the bat. Then they went and created this amazing new system, where I will trick myself into creating the skill books and processes that it wants to distribute to the world. Honestly, I can¡¯t tell if I am amazed by the fact that the world was willing to meet me halfway at creating Skill books, or if this is just a happy accident. By all accounts, my first time using Arcane Geomancy should have been outside and not in a teacher¡¯s classroom in our college¡¯s faculty building. Yet, here we are, and here I am, delicately sharing my knowledge on Aura Guidance to this book. Obviously, this is just my test Skill Book, and one of my first Skill Books that I both want to be good enough to stand on its own, but one that I know better skills will come. That is also why I chose a skill with the word Guide in its title, as I feel that will make it more nurturing and patient with the other Skill Books. At least that is what I hope will happen. As I work, I almost feel that the skill book itself seems to understand this, that after its completion, it will be a protector for other future skill books and disciplines that I create. Finally, I pump the last of my Qi and Mana into the book, well the last that is needed for this process. Now I can feel that we have at least gotten through its initial stage. Somehow, I Innately feel that we need to stop here for the skill book to fully comprehend what its process is. Pausing here, I watch and see the book fully come to life. What had started off as just a few loose leaves of parchment, slowly morphed into a linked set of pages with a spine. Then as the spine became stronger it began to grow a thin protective layer, making it a paperback edition. Then finally that outer layer began to thicken and strengthen going first to the semi wooden structure that most hardbacks have. Then with the final stages that too hardened into a thick well worn and treated leather outer coating. Phew. Picking up the book, my baby, I almost feel a bit of awe and reverence for it. Startle. The book woke up from its nap, apparently startled that I had taken it from its rightful place on the desk and was now holding it cradled in my arms. For a moment, the book awoke and almost looked like it wanted to scream, until it seemed to smell me? Or something, it opened up its eyes, and yes this book does have eyes, a mouth, and even teeth if needed, though the teeth are retractable. A fact that I happened to notice when the book instinctively growled at me, until it realize that I was actually its creator. Then seeing me, and realizing that it was safe in my arms, the creature went from being a monster to the most perfectly contented being. Even seeming to shimmy itself as it snuggled deep into my arms and cozily fell asleep. ¡°Aww,¡± was all I could say. It was my book, my first book and it, no she, seemed to recognize me. On a whim, holding the book so delicately in my arms, I decided to peer into the work with my third eye. Whoosh! The minute I looked at the book with my third eye, I saw it, lines of freely flowing thoughts and images that spiraled out and around in a never-ending string of words, concepts, and ideas. This was a skill book for Aura Guidance, which seemed to take all of my concepts that I had fully come to understand and laid them out in a linear fashion. First showing what the different levels were, then of my training regimen to improve the skills, then of the ultimate final way to practice so that you could increase your value in the skill as efficiently as possible. This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. The book, this tome of knowledge, was perfect. Showing how to get from level 1 to 175 in Aura Guidance. Better still, I knew that it still had room to grow. If I came back and eventually imparted future knowledge on how to get the skill to 250, that it would be capable of handling such knowledge. Seeing the beautiful creation, and how tired it was from growing into first sentences, then to sentience in a matter of hours, I could see why it was tired. That is why I delicately stroked its soft leather binding now, and all but felt it go to a deep contented slumber that only a finished good book could offer. I am so lost in the process of having a new child. I mean, yes I love my kids, they are all great and wonderful. But this was amazing, it was like all the same joys and senses of accomplishments without feeling the nine months of pure pain, bloating, skin stretching, hunger pains, and morning sickness that comes along with the real deal. With so much to feel and process, it should come as no surprise that I lost track of my surroundings. Which is why Mallory was able to sneak up on me and see me at such an awkward state. ¡°Uhh, you okay there?¡± Mallory asks, somehow once again finding me at my most vulnerable. Is this a Cassie only related skill? If so could I get her to put it into a book as well and then reverse engineer a skill from this seemingly pointless skill. ¡°Hey, how are you?¡± I ask excitedly but also in a whispered tone. ¡°Why are you whispering?¡± Mallory asks as she reluctantly strides forward, peering about the room that is slowly coming to life due to the latent effects of Arcane Geomancy. Flap, flap. At her loud voice and sudden appearance, the book that had been perfectly asleep in my arms a moment ago suddenly sprang to life and in a startled state, jumped out of my arms the way only an infant could. Then with reflexes and skills that I hadn¡¯t used in a long time, I reached out and double grabbed the falling book. First with my hands, and then a second one with my Telekinesis, where I made sure to protect the vulnerable spine of the new book. Grabbing the book, and once again clutching it protectively against my chest, I feel the book slowly calming down as it was clearly frightened. ¡°Okay, what was that?¡± Mallory asked, seemingly aware and able to see the fact that there was a complete look of shock and horror on the falling book¡¯s face as it plummeted downward. ¡°That was you possibly creating problems when your granddaughter gets here at the end of the week.¡± I say, clutching the book tightly to my chest and gently patting its back cover. The whole book is clearly trembling, but at my touch seems to calm down. ¡°Is that alive?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Yes, she is.¡± I state, making sure to add importance to the fact that this book is going to be an older female role model for my future spell books. ¡°She?¡± ¡°Yes, she,¡± I state, then grabbing and turning the book around, I show the adorable book to Mallory. ¡°This is Aura, Aura Guidance, and she is my first skill book that I created.¡± With that, I extend the book at full distance and let the smile I¡¯ve been holding back suddenly burst to life on my face. ¡°Skill book?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°A skill book on Aura Guidance?¡± ¡°Yeah, with this a reader could get from level 1 to level 175 in the skill Aura Guidance. It even has a training regimen that one could do to get down the basics for each section, along with what the overall goal for each set of training exercises will ultimately be.¡± I state, proudly explaining all the accomplishments of my child, a literal extension of me, but also its own independent volume ready to see and add to the world on her own. ¡°Um, wow.¡± Mallory states, as she apparently was not ready for such an advancement. Or maybe she is just trying to fully understand just how amazing my child is. Then pausing, I realize that this is my first true child in this new world. Yes, I have my other kids, grandkids, and Cassidies out in the real world. But for here, I just now realize that this is my first real child, or what I could consider to be a child, as this book clearly has sentience and is almost a perfect copy of myself, that I can look at and remember fondly. ¡°Do you want to see her?¡± I asked excitedly, ready to show off my first child of this world. ¡°Um, okay.¡± Mallory replies, still a lot of hesitation in her voice, but she clearly was not prepared for just how cute this little girl would be. With that I hand over the book to Mallory, where the book instantly begins to twist, turn, and struggle against the foreign touch of Mallory. ¡°None of that now. This is auntie Mallory and you need to treat her with respect.¡± I chide the book, which then instantly causes the book to stop struggling within Mallory¡¯s arms. With that Mallory holds the book, and then tries to open the covers to see what is inside. Crackle. There is a slight crackling of the spine, as one would expect from a book being opened for a first time. ¡°WAHH!¡± And like that, the book cries. ¡°Oh one second,¡± I say, swooping in to grab the book and then using a bit of Arcane Geomancy, I heal any damage done to the spine and, after a second the book relaxes again in my arms. Then having settled the skill book down, I hand her back to Mallory. Once again there is a bit of struggle as the skill book clearly doesn¡¯t like being held by anyone other than me at the moment, but that is something she is going to have to get used to. Mallory for her part just stands there, holding the book open and seeing the words, but clearly not taking a moment to read them. ¡°This really is a skill book that helps to teach Aura Guidance?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Of course, what did you think that I was just making this stuff up?¡± I ask. ¡°No, though I didn¡¯t know that you could actually make a living sentient book? Though I guess I should have sort of expected such an event would come from you.¡± Mallory stated as she began reading through the book. Her fingers turning the pages and causing the book to squirm and move in her arms. With the sudden movement, she backed up as she wondered what was happening this time. ¡°Oh, you are just tickling her, but don¡¯t worry, she seems to be warming up to you.¡± I reply. At that, Mallory looks from me, then back to the book and then sees that her finger is right at the bottom right page. Then in a moment of curiosity, she gently drags her finger across the page, which instantly causes the book to chuckle and squirm in her grasp. ¡°Okay, this is probably the oddest thing I will see today.¡± Mallory said. Snap. Just as Mallory was about to turn the page and go onto the next section, the book that she had been holding violently snapped shut and glared at Mallory. ¡°What? What just happened?¡± Mallory asked, turning from the book that now refused to let her read its contents, and then turning back to me. ¡°You did just call her odd.¡± I state, reaching out to grab the book, and gently stroke its cover. Instantly the tension that had been building began to lessen as the book no longer glared, now that she was out of Mallory¡¯s hands. ¡°I, okay, wow.¡± Mallory began, but then turning to face the book, she quickly regained composure. ¡°I did not mean that about you at all. Instead, I just found myself not able to fully comprehend what was happening here, and instead found myself saying whatever came to mind. I did not mean it as a slight against you, but rather at how lacking in a world view I had been up until this point.¡± With that, the skill book turned to face Mallory, and seemed to nod in understanding, before turning back to face me and snuggle against my body. It was clear that while the book had forgiven her, she did not want to be held by Mallory at this time. There was an awkward silence as I was there holding and rocking a baby book against my floating body. Then finally after a second or two of awkward silence, Mallory finally broke the silence by asking a question that I was ultimately not prepared for. ¡°When and where exactly did you learn the skill Aura Guidance?¡± Hearing Mallory¡¯s question, I could only shrug. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I do know that I am super glad to have found her, otherwise I would not have this little miracle right here.¡± I say, as I reach down and gently stroke my pointer finger against the soft leathery outer cover of my first skill book. Seeing me, Mallory takes me in for a second, before finally adding to the conversation. ¡°You really don¡¯t do anything in half measures do you?¡± ¡°Nope, I can¡¯t say that I do.¡± I reply, then somehow feeling that my book is finally asleep after a long and trying first few hours of life, I take the book and gently slide her into place on the bookshelf behind me. A bookshelf filled with hundreds of books, but none of which are as special as my little Aura. Then finally after a second of silence, Mallory who was just standing there finally asks. ¡°So did you manage to accomplish my original task I set out for you?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What?¡± I ask, then realize that she took over my Bloodline Awakening Class so that I could come in here and make books. Then holding up a finger, I realize that I have the answer right before me. ¡°Oh, right,¡± I explain as I reach into my desk and pull out yet another sheet of parchment that I will use to create my second living text. Seeing the imprint of the first book I created clearly working on Mallory, even now. I realize that my plan to track all spies here will be relatively easy. ¡°I am about to use my new energy. As per your regulations, I am supposed to I believe give you the chance to leave?¡± I state, trying to remember the new safety regulations that have come about. Mallory for her part, just stares at me and then shakes her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, I will be fine.¡± With that I shrug my shoulders and begin using Arcane Geomancy to create a book about the new skill Arcane Geomancy. The whole process is kind of meta to me, but I fully enjoy trying to expand on my knowledge of the skill, while providing all of the details that I have learned about the skill and its related discipline right now. In all, I manage to get the book to be another leatherbound book, but with this one, I keep it as more of a diary. Where in order for someone to unlock it, they will need to provide a thumbprint and a minor application of dead skin cells to open. With that, the second component to this book, the tracking of knowledge component will be complete. Sweat. Only after pausing do I realize just how labor intensive creating a second book was. While the first one came sort of easily to me, the second one seemed to take more time and energy. Still, I had done it. The book wasn¡¯t much, maybe a few dozen pages, but the information that it had was truly cutting edge. That was why I believed it would be the perfect target for any spy or espionage network to get. Taking the completed work up from my desk, I held it up for a second. Then begrudgingly I handed it over to Mallory. Tingle. The moment Mallory touched the still morphing book in her hands, I could feel the transfer of energy come over her as she suddenly gasped. Shock. ¡°What?¡± I asked, seeing her face and body suddenly tense up. ¡°The book, I just¡­¡± was all Mallory could say as she looked at the tiny, sealed parchment in her hands. A parchment that would apparently change not just her immediate life, but also it would hopefully have the same impact on unmasking and identifying future spy networks as well. Only time would tell. Though I could definitely see the immediate change to Mallory. ¡°Yeah, about time it happened.¡± I stated. Interlude XIV Biprism Interactive Control Tower I Interlude XIV Biprism Interactive Control Tower I ¡°She is just too powerful, and shareholders are demanding that we increase her difficulties.¡± Charles Rainquist, CFO for Biprism, and current owner of one massive headache declared. Chuckles. At that Prince Lee stated, the Director of Character Development, just laughed at the commands coming to him. ¡°I mean it, she is able to do too much. She is changing core fundamental components of the world and our shareholders are getting nervous.¡± Charles stated. ¡°Oh I know. They see this poor untitled and seemingly uncontrollable wild card and feel that by constraining her, they will be able to have leverage over her.¡± Prince began. ¡°That the longer they have this unyielding pressure over her, the more she will be forced to comply with the standard growth rate of power for others and conform to their will if she wants to exhibit anything close to the level of success she has currently, that about right?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Charles stated, ¡°now do it. Set her to the maximum difficulty and let¡¯s see if we can go about resetting some of these things she has unleashed on the world.¡± More laughter. This time Prince openly mocked the CFO, then when it looked like Charles was about to snap at the lead developer, and arguably one of the most capable members of the staff on hand. By all accounts Prince had somehow survived the rigors and was now had the right as one of the few programmers that the AIs would allow to alter the balancing mechanics of the game world that had been started so long ago. ¡°Let me guess, some rich retirees who were looking to live a fancy afterlife with BiPrism are now calling foul at the level of power that a seeming commoner has in their world?¡± Prince asked. Charles wavered from side to side, before ultimately answering truthfully, or at least as truthfully as he could. ¡°Hypothetically, your theory would seem to hold some merit.¡± At that Prince could only nod, this was good as it meant that Charles had not gotten to the point where he openly lied to Prince¡¯s face. This meant that their relationship still had a few strands of trust left and as such, he decided to answer truthfully. ¡°Well, know that she came in under what had to be the hardest set of restrictions available. That the world itself has come up with newer and more stringent containment variables for all magic class holders, thanks to her. Also, I should note that despite all of these constant restraints, the world is unable to contain both her and her Guild Master. That for the first time, the AIs that govern the world have effectively wiped their hands clean of the duo and have effectively marked them as one-life deities.¡± Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°One life deities?¡± Charles asked. ¡°Yes, these are now considered to be unique bosses of the world that their mere existence could alter, manipulate, or revamp the world space around them.¡± Prince noted. ¡°Yes, that is another thing, what the Midnight Hunters have done out in their own World¡¯s End, we need to have that same effect done for a few wealthier individuals elsewhere.¡± Charles stated. More laughter. ¡°You act as if the world wants the Blight to eventually go away?¡± Prince stated. ¡°They do, in fact they are apparently tired of that as a plot device and would like to have another.¡± Charles stated. Shaking his head. At this, Prince could only shake his head. ¡°You miss the world¡¯s reason for the Blight, it is a device signifying that life is finite. That despite how powerful you are, or how amazing your afterlife will be, that death will come and eventually claim you.¡± ¡°Yes, that was the noted motif, and one that seemed to be doing well as a motivator. But now that the Midnight Hunters have effectively rid themselves and the world of this problem, it is old and we would like to go in a new direction.¡± Charles stated. ¡°You do realize that the Midnight Hunters have not gotten rid of the problem, right? That the only reason why they seem to be able to handle the location they are in is due to one deity class being, right?¡± Prince stated. ¡°Again, this was also part of my mandatory updates for you. You need to reign her in. Lower her powers, take away a few if needed, but she is too powerful.¡± ¡°And again, I say that you are not listening. She came in under the harshest of restraints. Each and every time she is hit with newer restraints, not only does she end up bypassing those restraints, she ends up reworking them to gain even more of an advantage. Meanwhile, those that come into her vicinity are forced to be subject to the same difficulties as she is.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± At this Prince just sighed and shook his head. ¡°It means, that those students she is training. They are subject to her own difficulty levels.¡± ¡°Well this is good, as I can report this up to the shareholders.¡± Hearing that Prince could only shake his head. As he understood that now that the Midnight Hunters had officially settled down and claimed a plot of real estate as their own, others were looking to make a move on the plot of land. ¡°You don¡¯t get it. This means that when she is not around, those people that have lived and trained under her, the very same ones who are learning to cast under such difficult conditions. By the time they leave, their abilities and capabilities will be far superior to any other mages.¡± Prince said, trying to clarify. ¡°So, by us having a constant state and area of increased scrutiny around the subject, we are inadvertently making it so those that train under her to cast in similar conditions are going to have an easier time when they are no longer in her presence?¡± Charles asked, trying to make sure he understood the comments. ¡°Exactly, these restraints that were meant to break the Midnight Hunters are actually serving to ultimately make them the most magically advanced fighting force in the world.¡± Prince stated. ¡°Okay, I am not going to bring this up, unless asked about directly, as that is a whole can of worms that I do not wish to open.¡± Charles stated, then going through his mental list he continued. ¡°So let me make sure I¡¯ve got this correct. We can safely say that we have the harshest restrictions around Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight at all times. That just being near her would cause both her and others around her to be subjected to the same higher difficulty of casting.¡± At that Charles paused, as he seemed to come to a note he made. ¡°Any word on the deletion of powers?¡± At that Prince just shook his head, ¡°normally we might have been able to at least see her powers, but there is an issue, when trying to access her records.¡± ¡°Issue?¡± ¡°Yes, it appears that someone either tried to delete parts of her records and failed, or part of her coding was lost entirely.¡± Prince stated. ¡°What does that mean?¡± ¡°It means that, even if we wanted to try to delete parts of her records, as we would for most others. Her records are not able to be altered.¡± Prince stated, as he then pulled up the commands for Dr. Spiritlight, and then pulled up the coding for her son Trenton Spiritlight, to show the difference between the two. Under Cass¡¯s blocks was just an empty husk that had no code or lines of data. Then under Trenton¡¯s there were lines and boxes of codes that were currently all enabled, but could easily be disabled if anyone so chose. ¡°You are telling me that we have an entity going around without any source coding? How is that even possible?¡± Charles asked. At that Prince just shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t know for certain, but I do have a theory.¡± ¡°A theory?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Well let¡¯s hear it.¡± ¡°You see, I think¡­¡± Chapter 233 Playing Mythical Dress Up (Part I) Chapter 233 Playing Mythical Dress Up (Part I) Of all the things that I thought I would ever do, I never thought that I would be able to eventually change my best friend¡¯s magical aura. Yet, here I was, feeling like Edward Scissorhands, clipping away wild wisps of magic from Mallory¡¯s aura, as if she was one rapidly overgrowing spiritual plant needing to be forged into an elephant, or some other equally odd animal shape. Honestly, I don¡¯t know if I necessarily got permission to perform this act, or if I just took it upon myself to help, but here I was actively engaged in pruning away different magical strands that would lead towards necromancy, or darker impulses. To my defense, Mallory is a Valkyrie class and a Valhalla bloodline, which meant that her bloodline evolution from Legendary to Mythical could have a devastating impact on not just me but our entire guild. This was why, I began working and cutting down some of the more prickly types of her auras and status effects. Everything from cutting back on her Reflexive Battle Auras, which to me looked like prickly magical spikes that would stick out and infect someone. Now that I have the chance to see the Reflexive Battle Aura of hers first hand, I think I could make it so they were either more devastating or convert them into alternate forms. Seeing as this was my best friend and that this was a completely defensive capability designed to protect my friend from sneak attacks, I decided to alter the formula slightly. Rather than covering as wide of an area as possible, which currently seemed to be an impressive thirty-five meters in all directions, I shrunk down the radius, while increasing the potency. My logic for this was, should anyone truly intend to cause her pain, I would want her to be able to defend herself with impunity. This is trickier than it might sound, as there had to be checks and limiters set in. You can¡¯t have it so any time she inadvertently ticks off a child and they strike out at her, intending to do harm, but unable to do more than annoy her, you don¡¯t want it so that said child gets impaled. So, I alter it, to be that once she receives a certain amount of damage, that damage is then converted seven-fold into a reflexive attack. This forced me to lower the defense radius, but made it so Mallory was able to defend herself should anyone actually manage to make it through her unnaturally high resistances. The entire process is both challenging, but also oddly fun. I don¡¯t know if this is exactly something I should be doing on a Tuesday afternoon, but it is what I currently find myself doing. Then to make matters even stranger, I get a message from the system letting me know that the system is apparently okay with what I did. That¡¯s right, the entire process, which is borderline necromancy in a way, was approved and apparently authorized in the form of a questline.
Avenged Seven-fold Reflexive Battle Aura granted. This aura modified by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, allows multiplicative damage to be rendered to a target who inadvertently strikes Mallory Valhalla with lethal intent and force.
Seeing the new battle aura¡¯s description, I let out a sigh of relief as it has everything I wanted int the aura, while also providing enough umph to make it so attacking my friend would be a bad idea. That said, I¡¯m not quite certain what to make of the fact that now I am getting my name added to things I have modified. As this almost feels like it¡¯s the system¡¯s way of saying, don¡¯t blame me, blame your crazy friend Cass. However, after a moment¡¯s thought, being able to have my name added to some of the modifications to a Mythic level bloodline is pretty epic. Almost up there with having your name tagged in some of the greatest street art to be put on a national monument. Not that I encourage vandalism of national treasures, but if you are going to do so, then choose the biggest, best, and most eye-catching of structures and make them that much better by your art. Never mind, this is probably bad life advice. Fortunately, before I can get too lost in the idea of encouraging vandalism of souls, I am met with a brand new questline.
New Questline Opened: Bloodline Breakthrough Balancing System (Ongoing): You have begun the process of helping Mallory Valhalla make the transition from a Legendary to a Mythic level bloodline. Help make the process as seamless as possible for the newly awakened being. Current steps remaining: Fixing/Modifying/Altering Auras (1 / 1), Balancing Merits and Flaws (0 / -15), Balancing Attribute Distribution (0 / 6), Physical Alterations Required (0 / 3), New Bloodline Theme (0 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Title, variable.
Seeing the quest, I can feel my eyes growing wide for a moment as I take in the new capabilities and then realize that I am basically playing dress up with Mallory. Well sort of, at least that is how my mind rationalizes what is happening. From an external perspective, it is clear that Mallory is knocked out from this process. I think this is like what happened to me, although I was fairly certain that I was conscious the entire time and just had to focus internally on the changes that were going on. With this evolution, I can almost tell that Mallory¡¯s mind is either unable to deal with the changes and pressures being pressed upon her psyche, or she might need help. At least, it is the fact that she might need my help, and the fact that I see the quest before me that I think I am onto something by continuing to help her alter her bloodline evolution. ¡°This is just like playing dolly dress up,¡± I say to myself as I realize that now that I¡¯ve made it safe for others to approach Mallory, now I still need to go onto phase two. Accessorizing. Honestly, this entire thing is sort of crazy. ¡°Everything okay, Cass?¡± Jhonny asks, his voice calling out from the hallway. Only now do I see that Mallory apparently broke into the room, at least that is what I notice as the splinters and shards that came from her entering the locked room are only now slowly being repaired. For a moment, I love that self help feature that this new living library has to it, and yes, for the first time I can safely say that this is in fact a living library. Well a library of one true book, but that¡¯s a start. ¡°Yeah, totally.¡± I say, then looking around the room, I see the random lines of destruction that were coursing through the classroom. That was what originally prompted me to act and help out here was the fact that Mallory¡¯s Reflexive Battle Aura apparently felt triggered by just being within my room and was subsequently striking out wildly. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Gashes. Now that I have a moment, I see that I have strands of drying glitter on my body, likely from where the whiplike tendrils of Mallory¡¯s Reflexive Battle Aura activated. ¡°Is the Commander okay?¡± Jhonny asked, a note of concern in his voice. At this, I look at the patient, then pausing for a moment, I open up my third eye and truly take in her form. ¡°Yeah, she is just undergoing the transition from Legendary to Mythical bloodline. So, she might need a minute.¡± I state. ¡°Is she passed out?¡± Jhonny asked. For a moment I thought about trying to sugarcoat this whole scenario, but then ultimately decided to answer with the truth. ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Is she done?¡± ¡°Oh heck no, we just got to the point where she is no longer going to destroy the world around her while she makes the transition.¡± I state. With that Jhonny clearly pops his head into the room and then uses his eyes to scan about and take in the carnage of what her weaker version of her Reflexive Battle Aura was doing. ¡°Okay,¡± Johnny replied clearly seeming to be flustered now. This only seems to heighten after he truly takes in my current image, ¡°you okay?¡± With that, I pause and realize he likely means all of the cuts and abrasions that are on my body. Cuts and abrasions that are even now being reflexively healed thanks to my Regeneration, and also my heightened qi and mana coursing through my body. To my horror and shock, I realize that little Aura Guidance, my first skill book is hungrily staring up at me with its pages open trying to catch tiny blood droplets that fall from my body. ¡°Get out of here,¡± I shout at the skill book that is acting like a wanna-be vampire book. Dejected cry. With that the skill book sadly and noisily slinks off to its bookshelf, but not going up to its actual shelf. I guess that is good enough for now. Though there are other problems as apparently droplets of my blood have made contact with this room as there are now brightly glowing patches on the ground right under where I was hovering and working. If I wanted to use a different faculty room, I think it is now officially too late to transfer. As I can see that my Mythical blood is having an empowering effect on the room that I have brought to life thanks to my Arcane Geomancy. I turn my head to the book, and watch it slink away like a bad animal that you know will try to do something naughty again, once you take your eyes away from it. Then after seeing that the skill book will be good and no longer try to creepily slurp up my falling blood droplets, I realize that Jhonny is still there. For a moment I wonder what he is scared at this time, but then realize he likely didn¡¯t see me bringing the skill book to life. Then realizing it was my bringing together the magical pamphlet that started this whole exchange, I realize it might be good to send Jhonny away. ¡°You might want to get out of her for this next part.¡± I state. ¡°What exactly are you going to be doing?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°Good question,¡± I say and mean it. ¡°I would like to think of this as Bloodline Dress up, where I go through help Mallory make her transitions and then become the true Valhalla, Valhallan?¡± I pause wondering if you can conjugate Valhalla, but then quickly move past that and continue with my original thought. ¡°That she always wanted to be, but gave up on years ago.¡± I pause, waiting for Jhonny to do or say anything else. Fortunately, this is one of those times when I can pause, but I know that once I start again, I will likely have to continue with Mallory¡¯s theme as the quest seemed to indicate. ¡°Right,¡± Jhonny states, clearly understanding that I know what I am doing, but indicating that he has no clue about knowing about what I am doing. ¡°I need to know, just how dangerous do you think this next part will be?¡± ¡°Dangerous? Why I think the majority of the danger is done here.¡± I state, looking at the still unconscious Mallory who is slightly trembling at the massive waves of energy that are violently expanding in her body. I pause, watching her, and seeing if she is going to guide the energy within her body in any meaningful way, but then realize she is just letting it sit there. ¡°Okay, well I¡¯m going to tell everyone to evacuate the building and possibly a few hundred yards in each direction.¡± Jhonny states, as he speaks, I realize that there is a tether of energy that is connecting him to a person outside. Apparently using a form of magical communication device. Seeing the string of energy, I wonder if I can get into the connection and am oddly surprised that by simply reaching out my own tendril of energy to the line, I can see and interact with the line and add my own thoughts to the two-way communication. ¡°Hello, can you hear me?¡± I ask, putting my own thoughts on the line. ¡°Hello?¡± Jhonny and the voice of one of Mallory¡¯s bodyguards calls out. ¡°Oh hey, is that you Vickard?¡± I ask. ¡°No, it¡¯s¡­¡± not Vickard begins, but then I hear him get cut off as a voice I couldn¡¯t help but recognize everywhere cuts into the open communications crystal. ¡°What is it now?¡± Gwen, my daughter asks. A quick mental search and yes, I see her in all her pregnant beauty glowing as if having an aura for two. ¡°Hey Gwenny!¡± I exclaim excitedly. ¡°Here,¡± not Vickard says, and then with my Angel¡¯s Sight, I see the guard hand over the communication¡¯s crystal to Gwen. ¡°Hello?¡± Gwen asks, a bit confused as she takes over the process of communicating with Jhonny. ¡°Hey, pumpkin.¡± I shout back. ¡°Mom? What are you doing here?¡± Gwen asks. ¡°Well, there was a minor thing, and now I am about to operate on Mallory.¡± I state, trying to downplay this whole scenario, as I do not want a pregnant lady to get flustered, especially not this close to her due date. ¡°What do you mean by a minor thing?¡± Gwen asked. I paused, trying to find the way to say this easily, when Jhonny just answers immediately. ¡°Apparently Mallory¡¯s aura went wild, presumably after she passed out. Fortunately, Dr. Spiritlight was able to stop the aura from going wild. Patient is still in an unconscious state.¡± Jhonny stated, trying to be as calm and methodical as possible in his response. Yet, after hearing him, I could only grimace as he said the word that would send any woman into a rage. ¡°Unconscious?¡± Gwen all but cried out. ¡°Yes, she finally awakened her Mythical bloodline. As is to be expected, there is a lot of magical energy and I am in the process now of helping her make this transition as quickly and smoothly as possible.¡± I state. ¡°What? What did you do?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Hey, why is it automatically my fault?¡± I ask feeling a bit attacked by that statement. ¡°Well fine, what happened then?¡± Gwen pressed. ¡°I warned her that I was going to use my new power. She said, she was fine. Then I used it to create a new book and next thing we know, we are here.¡± I state, trying to leave out the fact that I created her spy catching magical pamphlet that she asked. ¡°A book? All this for the creation of a book?¡± Gwen asks. ¡°I mean it is a skill book that can teach you the skill Aura Guidance all the way to level 175.¡± I state, more than a little proud of that fact. ¡°A skill book?¡± Gwen asked to clarify. ¡°The book seems to be sentient, able to move about, and also drinks blood.¡± Jhonny added, again not being helpful at all here. ¡°Blood?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Just mine,¡± I immediately cut in, then make sure to qualify that statement, ¡°so far.¡± ¡°Mom, what are you doing in there?¡± Gwen asked, her voice incredulous. ¡°Wait, this is the faculty building for the Magical College, right? Shouldn¡¯t this be where we prove new magical theories.¡± I state, again suddenly feeling very attacked in this conversation. ¡°All right, all right. Fine,¡± Gwen begins, but then after pausing for a second she seems to calm herself down before speaking again. ¡°Just tell me that she will be okay?¡± ¡°What? Mallory, of course she will be okay. In fact, after this I will help her make the final changes needed to ultimately have her Mythic bloodline fully awakened.¡± ¡°How long will that take?¡± Gwen asks, a note of sadness in her voice. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know. Maybe an hour or two? I mean, we have to balance her Merits and Flaws, which she apparently has a free fifteen points worth, waiting for her. Then we need to balance her Attributes, then create three physical alterations, which could affect the merits and flaws.¡± I state, leaving out the Bloodline theme, as I¡¯m pretty sure that is the whole fighting and helping lost souls find their way home thing. ¡°Wait, physical alterations?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Oh yeah, that¡¯s a good point. Do you have anything in particular about her that you would like to have altered, while I¡¯m at it?¡± I ask, somewhat teasingly. I¡¯m pretty sure most of these alterations can be done via the internal organs. ¡°WHAT!?¡± Gwen all but shouts into the communications crystal. ¡°You know, longer legs, wings, just name it and I will see what I can do.¡± ¡°Wings?¡± Gwen asks. ¡°Oh, you like the wing look too?¡± ¡°Wait, no, she is perfect just the way she is.¡± Gwen states a bit too emphatically. ¡°No, no, I got it, no wings.¡± I say, in a way that she knows that I know wings would likely be a big hit. ¡°No, she is fine.¡± ¡°Got it, no soft and fluffy wings that would embrace you and cocoon you like an extra cloud blanket. Not going to happen.¡± ¡°Wait, like a cloud blanket?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡± I say, a bit of a smile on my face as I know for a fact that Mallory likes wings, which is why she made me engrave the pattern onto her mana core. With this, we will free up space on her core for other features, and possibly more ways to save her life in the future. ¡°No wait, mom¡­¡± Gwen begins. ¡°Crackle,¡± I say on the line, ¡°oh look at that you are breaking up, also I need to get back to my operation here. Love you, and see you on the other side.¡± With that, I break my connection with Jhonny and Gwen. ¡°No, she is fine and just broke her connection to this communication stream.¡± Jhonny answered. I almost wanted to say that they should encrypt the communications if they didn¡¯t want me to join in their little calls, but then realized that would likely make things tougher on me in the future and thus I stop myself and just listen in, while I begin to start phase two of Mallory¡¯s bloodline awakening process. ¡°No, she is pretending like she can¡¯t hear me and is looking like she is finally going to help the Commander finish her awakening.¡± Hearing the biting sarcasm coming from Jhonny, I can only shake my head as I grab Mallory and begin helping her once more. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll keep the line open and let you know when it is complete.¡± Jhonny states. That is the last thing I hear, before I begin trying to alter my friend to be the best form of herself she can be. Also, a small part of me can¡¯t help but wonder what I can get away with, while altering someone else. Chapter 234 Playing Mythical Dress Up (Part II) Chapter 234 Playing Mythical Dress Up (Part II) In a way, I should be excited about this new process. Actually, by all accounts this is by far one of my coolest events to be part of. I am a Mythical Bloodline awakener in not only myself, but also my best friend. Furthermore, I get to see what unique Merits and Flaws are available to a Valkyrie class holder of the Valhalla bloodline. Just thinking about this is exciting, as such, I open my third eye and am about to get into action when I hear Jhonny, my personal bodyguard still speaking behind me. ¡°Yeah, she is taking it seriously,¡± Jhonny states in a calm matter of fact tone. The same tone that he used earlier while relaying details to my daughter, who happens to be the girlfriend of my best friend and current patient. ¡°That is correct, her tongue is out as we speak,¡± Jhonny begins. I am about to chastise him and explain that my tongue was not out, but then realize that I have to pull said tongue into my mouth first to speak. Realizing the issue, I instead opt to shift my body so that my back is now to Jhonny, so he cannot make any other comments. ¡°I think I am distracting her, as such I will contact you if there are any developments.¡± Jhonny stated. A slight pause. ¡°No, it¡¯s just that she turned so her back was to me, and has not continued to use any energy on Mallory.¡± Another slight pause. ¡°All right, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be here.¡± With that the cord of energy that connected the communications crystal that Jhonny used to the one that my Gwenny had severs, and it is just the three of us. Jhonny, a passed out Mallory, and me. Well and all the random skill book that is looking at me as if trying to see if I¡¯m not going to pay it any more attention. Seeing the fledgling vampire novel, I stop it. ¡°You, stay there.¡± I state, pointing towards Aura Guidance, who then just gets a sad droopy face before dropping to the ground right there, sitting on my office floor, versus going up to its perfectly good shelf. Still that is good enough for now, and I scan out. Jhonny for his part is down in a meditating lotus position. His body is still out in the hallway, but he is close enough to apparently see me and Mallory. Realizing that he is giving me the space I need and is finally willing to be silent, I focus and then opening my third eye, I begin trying to help Mallory reach the full potential of her bloodline. The first thing I want to help break down is the distribution of Attributes. This seems to be one of the easiest components and will help me understand what I can do to help her in the future. Looking for what she previously did, I see that the blood has a direct effect on her Muscles, her appearance and a bit in her soul. A bit more focus, lets me realize that the breakdown of her previous Attribute distribution goes a little something like: +3 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Endurance, +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Perception. That isn¡¯t the worst, but then I pause wondering why she didn¡¯t put any into Willpower. Though after a moment, I realize that despite this easily being my most robust Attribute, most people find that getting Willpower is fairly tough. With that, I realize that I have six points to spend and I can apparently at two to any one Attribute. At this, I make sure to spend two of Mallory¡¯s six available points on Willpower. This likely won¡¯t mean much, unless she finally splits her class, but it might be nice for her to be able to get Willpower when or if she ever decides to start power leveling a secondary or even tertiary class. From there I pause, trying to figure out where to put the other four points, when I get a system message.
New Skill Gained: Bloodline Customization has reached level 1.
Bloodline Customization is a Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3 based skill.
Seeing the new skill, I can¡¯t help but smile to myself as I realize this might be one of the few times when I get to work out such an intricate and unique skill. At this, my mind quickly shifts to the class that I just got out of teaching about Bloodlines and realize that there are over one hundred students total, and that I should be able to get this skill maxed out. At least that is what I thought originally, before I realized that my new skill cap is level 250. Which means I will likely have to force people to get bloodline evolutions here shortly if I truly wish to max out this skill. Still, the idea is interesting, and one that I entertain for a moment, before I get back to Mallory. That momentary introspection over, I go about distributing the last of Mallory¡¯s free Attributes. With her already having a point in Perception, I decided to match that with a point in Intelligence. Then with only three Attributes left, I decide to help her keep her formidable presence by placing the final three points into Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. This makes it so her overall balance looks like the following.
Mallory Valhalla¡¯s Bloodline Attributes gained per level: +4 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +3 Endurance, +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower.
With that, I take a quick glance at my cheat sheet on things that are still needed to finish Mallory¡¯s transition from a Legendary Bloodline to a Mythical bloodline and see the following.
Balancing Merits and Flaws (0 / -15), Physical Alterations Required (0 / 3), New Bloodline Theme (0 / 1).
Yes, I have at least three physical alterations that need to be completed. I also know that most of these physical alterations will likely impact her available Merits and Flaws to some degree. As such, I start with the basics. A Valkyrie needs her wings. Mallory made me carve a mana saving formula on her core to let her have wings full time. Now all I need to do is make it so these wings are semi-permanent. Ideally I would get her wings like mine, ones that can be summoned from an alternate plane of existence into the real world. This way, she doesn¡¯t have to worry about the wings bumping into things all the time. Her wings also need to be soft, as that was what Gwen seemed to appreciate. Well Gwen and Mallory both, as I had to spend an hour getting her wings to be just the right bit of fluffiness to appease her. This process takes a bit, but fortunately I can read the circuitry that I wrote onto Mallory¡¯s core and find a set of wings that are roughly comparable to the ones she already has. Then realizing I can give the wings a bit more power, for free. Well not just free, but so that the wings actually don¡¯t cost any merit points at all, I choose them.
Angelic Wings of Purification: Wing that are imbued with the anti-corruption ability for souls. All souls bodies within range to feel the flapping of your wings will feel waves of purification washing over them. Effect: Cures Minor Status Effects that impede health, effects doubled against spirits.
And exhale with satisfaction with that one. That is a two for one special, get Mallory her wings, but then also throw in the minor purification aspect, which should be enough for her to at least fend off the Blight, then her biggest fear is taken care of in one quick upgrade. Better still, the more she flies around and uses her wings, the more she increases her ability to stave off succumbing to the Blight again. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Not that I think she would be susceptible to the Blight, given how much she has pushed herself since overcoming her near death situation. But I do know that this is something that apparently plagues her from time to time. As such, it feels kind of nice to be able to get this component as part of her forced bodily evolutions. From there, the need for creating a change in her body are kind of tough to consider. I don¡¯t really want to give her any flaws, seeing as the flaws seem to be disproportionately powerful compared to the numerical value they were given. At least that is what I observed by my Colossal size increase of 400%, compared to regular pixies. Again, this ended up being mostly in my favor, but still a four-point flaw leading to a 400% increase in size does make a girl question her dietary choices. Which is sad because I don¡¯t even eat, and I¡¯m already thinking about doing that less. Nope, no flaws for Mallory, meaning I have a total of fifteen points to work with and two evolutions that need to roughly be within the same theme of a Valkyrie. The only problem is, what exactly is a Valkyrie? They like to fight and take souls to the dead, but do they do anything else? I think so, and am probably going to get a lecture if I get this wrong. I know they fight, and that was part of why Mallory took the class to begin with, as they were good at fighting. So let¡¯s see what options are available.
Weapon Manifestation:
Types Available: Sword, Axe, Scythe, Polearm, Spear, Halberd, Battle Axe, Chakram, Krummlauf¡­
Yeah, okay seeing that list there are a few weapons that I know and a few I think I know, and a few others that I have no clue about. So, Scythe it is, Mallory is a figure of death. Scythes associated with death, it works and I really don¡¯t want to try to figure out what a halberd is. And despite the name I assume the Krummlauf has nothing to do with being a giant feather to tickle people with.
Summonable Scythe: Base Cost 5 Merits.
This is pretty good, but then I want to make sure that this weapon will be everything that Mallory needs going forward. As such I look and try to find different Augmentations available for this summonable weapon and find this.
Ephemeral Weapon Augmentation: This merit makes it, so the summoned weapon is ephemeral, meaning mortal bodies and physical structures pose no resistance to this blade¡¯s path once swung. Note: Attack does direct soul damage, only soul resistance will be able to offset some of the blade¡¯s damage. Base Cost 15 Merits.
Just looking at the cost for this weapon and the related ability to make the blade ephemeral like my wings makes me wonder if enough is enough. The cost fills me with dread, but then I realize that the modifications for the weapon make it so the weapon is oddly affordable.
Flaws available: Soul Link ¨C creates a chain from the wielder¡¯s soul to their summonable weapon. Note: this forces the summoned weapon to be part of the Physical Alterations available. Cost: 20 Point Flaw.
That flaw alone will make it so the summonable blade and the ephemeral augmentation for the weapon are both free of overall costs, and takes up the second Physical Alteration that Mallory needs to have. Pausing for a moment, I look at other weapons and costs, but find that this is the best ratio. The sword can be summoned for cheaper, but the ephemeral augmentation for a sword is a lot higher. Worse, there is no flaw that will take up a physical alteration spot in quite the same way. Also the idea of a Valkyrie summoning a linked sword to their soul is kind of off putting. Same with the spear and other weapons available. No, only after seeing it and comparing everything do I ultimately feel that this is likely perfect for Mallory, her class, her evolution, and ultimately makes her just that much more of a badass able to survive. Locking everything in, I begin carving these components together. This time, I don¡¯t even realize that I am actively manipulating parts of her soul, until after I am done. Granted my manipulation of the soul was little more than attaching the summoned ephemeral scythe and chain to her soul, much the same way one would pin the tail on a donkey. Though I¡¯m blind folded, also I will make sure that when I retell this part to Mallory later that I avoid the inadvertent comparison of her to a donkey. You know what, I¡¯ll just say I thought it looked cool and go from there.
Ephemeral Scythe of Slaying: this weapon is capable of being summoned nearly instantly into the owner¡¯s right hand. Chained to the soul, this weapon will slice through all spiritual objects that get in the wielder¡¯s way, passing through mortal shells and objects as if they were immaterial. Effect: Uses Bladed Weapon and Polearm related skills, and deals 250% soul damage. Warning: Can cause instant death.
Another exhale. At this I, finish combining the three different components, the scythe, the augmentation, and the flaw to Mallory and I almost regret doing so immediately. The moment the scythe soul chain touches Mallory¡¯s soul, I feel the entire weapon flare to life, as the cords slowly get sucked into Mallory¡¯s soul. Poof. I reflexively Teleport away as the shaft and blade part twist about wildly before being sucked into Mallory¡¯s soul. ¡°What the heck was that?¡± Jhonny asked, suddenly shocked and on his feet as he is staring at me. ¡°Oh you know, just giving Mallory the ultimate death weapon and all. Then of course it had to slip while it was sliding into place.¡± I admit. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Jhonny asked. At that I pause, holding up my pointer finger in the air to try to answer this honestly. ¡°I would like to say that I knew what I was doing. But there really aren¡¯t any instructions on this. Well other than the quest, which I¡¯m down to the final part. Fifteen merits to provide and one more physical alteration and we should be good.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± ¡°Well, it also has to be in a theme. I think the world thinks that Mallory¡¯s theme is death.¡± I admit. ¡°Death?¡± ¡°Yeah, that whole Valkyrie and Valhalla bloodline fusion thing.¡± I state. ¡°Okay,¡± Jhonny states, clearly not knowing how to continue. Then he asks, ¡°do you need anything from me?¡± I am about to say no, but then I pause, ¡°actually yeah, can you tell me what a krummlauf is?¡± ¡°A what now?¡± Hearing his voice, I was pretty sure he had no clue either. ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t know what it was either. Why I went for the scythe.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Jhonny stated as he slowly began to drop back into his meditative pose. But he clearly wasn¡¯t relaxing. Right, he¡¯s using that as his sign that he is done talking and will let me finish this crazy task. ¡°Okay, time for round three. Hopefully this time nothing will try to kill me.¡± I state, but even now I think I could come up with ways to mitigate or outright avoid the damage of the scythe. Maybe creating a field of energy that is an exact resonance of the blade or find a way to make my soul the same consistency as my body, thus causing the blade to phase right through my soul the same way it would objects in the material world. Given that my wings were made out of the same sort of material, I felt that this would not be too different for me to use as a test sample. ¡°Focus!¡± I shout to myself, as I realize that I always do this. I get eighty percent through a huge task then start to space out, right at the finish line. Shaking my head, I clear out all other thoughts and then focus in on possible Merits and try to see what over powered merits are available and then we can go for the last alteration from there. Going through Merits available to someone else is tough. It¡¯s like Holiday shopping for gifts, when you go and find all the things that you know you would like but are not quite certain that your friend who you are really shopping for will like it. Same thing here. There are so many amazing Merits that I think would be interesting for me, but I know Mallory would think they are a waste.
Merits:
Spirit Vision: Allows you to see ghosts and other spirits in a nearby area. Cost: 0 Merit Points. Note: Free version counts as a Physical Alteration.
That is the easy shopping item, the one you keep in the back pocket for that person that is almost impossible to truly shop for. By having that as an option, I feel better knowing that anything I find will be better than that option. It is free, which means that I now have all fifteen merit points to spend on upgrading Mallory. Not going to lie, most of the Merits available to Mallory I just read the description and instantly put them in the Nope, Never category. Things like: Death Glare, Death Stare, Death¡­ From there the options all looked ridiculous. Finally, I got to the higher priced tier powers and once again worked my way through to the S¡¯s and that is when I found what had to be the perfect Merit for a Valkyrie. Soul Cleanse. Not going to lie, I liked it mainly for the name, but then the description almost made me choose it as is.
Soul Cleanse: A Valkyrie unique discipline that allows you to cleanse any spirit you come in contact with. By doing this cleansing, you free the spirit of all their worldly burdens, allowing them to pass along freely to the next realm of existence. Cost: 15 Merit Points.
Seeing that, I almost clicked yes and the Spirit Vision and I was done. Yet, I paused as I took an extra second to see what the augmentations for this Merit were. That¡¯s when I found that this Merit could be enhanced.
Ultimate Soul Cleanse: The final form of soul cleansing, where the Valkyrie is able to retain up to half of the memories, and skills of the individual soul being cleansed. Final Cost: 30 Merit Points.
Just reading that Merit, I realized that this was perfect for a Valkyrie, and would only serve to help Mallory. For with this, the more she killed, the more quickly she would learn and grow from her actions. Learning from those that she killed, even the animals. At least, I assumed animals like the Kujos had unique skills and knowledge that could be passed on. Not that Mallory would really need or want a skill related to sniffing behinds, but you never know such a skill could be useful, possibly. Of course, seeing such a Merit, I realize that there must be a 15-point flaw associated with it, or purchased separately. With that, I try to go through the list to see if there are any flaws that could bring down the final form of this Merit and make it easier to accept. That is when, I think the system either guided me to this conclusion or it just happened to be there, but right there in plain letters was a flaw that would mitigate the entire cost of this overpowered merit and make it somewhat easier to mentally comprehend.
Soul Sac: this Physical Alteration creates an ephemeral dimensional pocket within the owner¡¯s body that can be used to hold souls that will slowly be devoured by Ultimate Soul Cleanse. The quality of this dimensional pocket will improve the memories and relevant skills absorbed from the dead spirits, along with how quickly the spirits are cleansed in this alternate dimension.
From there, there was a lot of math involved, as I had to weigh the possible information gained, to the number of souls that could be purged at once, to the speed, and I ultimately came up with the following.
Ultimate Soul Cleansing Sac: A Valkyrie unique organ that allows you to cleanse any singular spirit you come in contact with. By performing this cleansing operation, you free the spirit of all their worldly burdens, and manage to learn fifty percent of their memories and skills over the course of a twenty-four-hour cycle. Cost: 15 Merit Points. Note: Counts as a Physical Alteration.
Then just like that, I was finally done, as I locked in the third and final physical alteration required by the system for Mallory to be considered a fully awakened Mythical bloodline owner. This fact was further confirmed by my pressing the Ultimate Soul Cleansing Sac into place within Mallory¡¯s body, right under her sternum. As the new ephemeral organ was placed, I heard a slight clicking, as the last of the overflowing energy within Mallory¡¯s body instantly rushed to perform the final fusion of the Sac to Mallory¡¯s body and then. GASSPPP! Mallory breathed in deep in that odd wheezing way that people often get after waking up from a terrible dream, or from having the wind knocked out of their lungs. As soon as she awakens, I receive the quest confirmation that I had been waiting for and allow myself to relax slightly.
New Questline: Bloodline Breakthrough Balancing System (Completed): You have helped Mallory Valhalla make the transition from a Legendary to a Mythic level bloodline¡­
That was as far as I got, before my Danger Sense blared to life and causing me to shift my attention and once again find myself reflexively Teleporting away to safety. Poof. Chapter 235 After Glow (Mallory) Chapter 235 After Glow (Mallory) Struggling. Mallory was struggling, with what felt like her body being weighed down by thick weighted blankets, Mallory felt helpless. Her body, mind, and at times she even swore that her soul was burning. The entire thing felt like spirit ants had found her, burrowed their way deep into her soul and began biting and tearing away parts of her. Stinging. The pain was relentless. Not overbearing, not overwhelming. Worse, it wasn¡¯t even enough pain to make is so her mind would shut off from too much input. It was as if her mind was being pushed to the brink of mental anguish just enough, but never quite pushed over. Then the ants began to stretch and pull folds of her body, folds that should not move. Muscles within her body began to flex, particularly in her back. Then she felt massive stinging sensations as her soul-skin, that¡¯s a thing right? The soul-skin? Or at least there had to be, as Mallory had proof that such a thing now existed. She felt this soul-skin pull itself once causing endless pain in her back. Then finally the pain stopped for a second. Off in the distance Mallory could hear voices talking, but they were distant as if she was covered under water. For her part Mallory slowly came to understand that the immense unbearable weight of power that held her in place was energy. Raw, uncontrollable and most terrifying of all the energy she felt was unresponsive. That was the way to put it, the energy that was coursing through her body, holding her down and all but forcing her to be dormant was unresponsive. Worse, the energy seemed to be at the beck and call of something else entirely. Moving. Even trying to shift her mind from the unrelenting hold of the power gripping her was insanely tough. How something so powerful could exist here. The fact that something could still challenge her! This was unfathomable. Even against the Protectorate she held back, not wanting to exert her full power, as it likely would have meant the deaths of hundreds of her own people. Let alone the Deolarian soldiers who were there to help. Mallory had long ago learned to hold back, to focus her power and ferocity for when it was needed. That was why she had avoided civilian casualties like Cass¡¯s parents. People who she didn¡¯t even realize were there. Even if she did, at that time, she wouldn¡¯t have cared, as she had a mission to do. A task that needed to be accomplished, she had to fight and win a battle against an numerically superior force and do so overwhelmingly to end the war as quickly as possible. This was why she went all out. Yet, it was that action and actions like that which caused Mallory to question her beliefs. To force her to be more reserved with the usage of her power. However, right now, her power was being pressed and restrained in ways that she didn¡¯t quite expect. Just as she would focus her will to grab and force her mana or aura to protect her, the ants would come back and sting. No, not just sting, but there was something more there, something overbearing, a force that disrupted her mana and power at its source. Then just as she thought things were getting better, she felt as if something else jabbed into her. Something akin to a vestigial tail growing from her and all but forcefully being pressed and molded to her soul. Yet, now that she had gone this far, things were slightly easier. The overbearing pressure seemed to relax just a bit more. As, she felt a new organ? That all but seemed to appear from the middle of her body. Everything was strange, however the force that had been holding her back was relinquishing its undeniable hold. While the pain she had felt was so overwhelming that her body was unable to move, she did not suffer any damage. At least not any physical damage that would have taken away health points. Instead, the damage was all mental, a big mistake for a survivor like Mallory. Someone who had suffered through and forced their body to endure when anyone else would have quit long ago. These thoughts were what kept Mallory sharp. This drive to not be taken down, not now, not ever were what let her know that her moment to strike back was nearly upon her. Slowly she could feel the unrelenting bonds of force that had been restraining her and all but blinding her with pain slowly begin to fray apart. Everything kept moving, until finally the moment was over. The unrelenting bands of force that had been holding her down began to recede rapidly, but rather than snapping apart like they should. Like she had half expected, these bands began to break apart, before being absorbed as excess energy by her body. Pausing Mallory almost lost her moment, her chance to strike back. Then before she could realize where she was, what had happened, or who she was striking at, her mind, body, and soul finally reunited. Side-sweeping Strike! WHOOSH! Just as she had wanted, she lashed out with her right arm. No, not just her right arm, as there was a weapon in her right arm. A weapon that she could feel as if it was a new seventh appendage from her body. That¡¯s right, in addition to this weapon that seemed to have manifested in her hand at will, she felt that there were two other appendages, right where her skin and soul seemed to both have been pierced the most by the stinging ants. Yet, there was something off with her swing. Her arm, it went too quickly. Almost like there was no resistance caused by the weight of the weapon within her grasp. That was when she began to realize that there was something extremely odd about the weapon. A weapon that she could almost see mentally where it was at all times. She could even feel its weight and perfect width that seemed to be molded to the size of her hand. Yet, it also seemed to be weightless when swinging it about. Then there was the fact that her eyes were finally able to begin to take in shapes and colors in the overbearingly bright room that she now found herself in. A room that looked simultaneously familiar, while also being something she might have expected to see at a movie made into an old cartoon fantasy setting. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. The colors of the desk, chair, and everything around her were brighter and somehow more alive than they had any right to be. Then to her surprise, the reason why they were brighter and seemingly more alive than they had any right to be, was because they were just that, alive. ¡°Whoa there Slashy,¡± a familiar voice called out but the power and form were off. That was clearly the voice of her friend, but she was small. Well not quite smaller but definitely thinner. A pixie, a colossal pixie dashed forward, glowing ephemeral wings. Seeing her Mallory cocks her head to the side and wonders why her memories over the past few hours are somehow missing from her mind. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Calm down, just calm down, and put the weapon away.¡± Cass states, slowly gliding forward, but her posture and coiled muscles show that she is willing to jump away at a moment¡¯s notice. Seeing her like this, Mallory pauses as it is clear the girl is clearly frightened. Frightened of what, Mallory didn¡¯t know, and worse she needed to find out, as that girl had no boundaries for what should be considered off limits. Meaning, whatever she found to be enough for her to pause should be a concern to her. As she paused, Cass began to speak again. ¡°Calm down, and put the ephemeral weapon away.¡± Cass stated, while pointing to the weapon in Mallory¡¯s hand. Pausing, Mallory took a moment to stare at the weapon in her hand, only to see that it was a weapon that seemed to flicker into and out of existence. There was a huge magical sheen to it, that seemed to only glow with light particles here and there giving an overall impression of the weapon, but not what the actual weapon looked like. Then Mallory realized that she was seeing the weapon and appendage that her body seemed to see and associate as an accepted part of her own body. With the new weapon, Mallory all but shrieked. ¡°What the heck is this?¡± Mallory asks, a note of confused anger in her voice as she angrily shook the ephemeral blade in her right hand. ¡°Woah there, that is a death scythe, and you need to be careful with that.¡± Cass shouted, but then slowly calmed herself as she was clearly trying to calm Mallory down. Hearing Cass shout, if only for a moment was enough for Mallory to realize that there was clearly a battle of some kind that happened all over the room. Around her the bookshelves were a mess. Parts of the carpet had been torn up, and there were even burn marks on the desk. That¡¯s when Mallory paused to take in the state of her friend, who was coated in drying mists of glowing trails of blood. Seeing her beautiful face and features covered in traces of drying glowing pixie blood, Mallory¡¯s heart all but skipped a beat. ¡°What did you do?¡± Mallory asked, taking a step forward to go try to comfort her friend who was clearly attacked, likely due to an experiment gone wrong, again. ¡°Whoa there, just focus and think about retracting your death scythe first.¡± Cass said, again pointing towards the scythe that was still in Mallory¡¯s hand. Seeing that, Mallory thought her friend was crazy, as she couldn¡¯t control the weapon. Though she did drop it from her hand, which had an immediate impact on the weapon, as it began to retract immediately back into her soul. ¡°Oh, whoa.¡± Mallory said, suddenly standing upright as she felt the chain and staff of her weapon get pulled into the middle of her back, without being impaired by anything around her. Almost as if physical objects were nothing for the blade to cut through. Scanning the room, Mallory saw that Jhonny, Cass¡¯s bodyguard, was standing in the hallway just staring at the two of them, not ready to enter the room. Seeing Jhonny, Mallory relaxed, as she knew he would tell her what really happened here. ¡°What happened here?¡± Mallory demanded. ¡°Look, she says she helped you transition to being a Mythical bloodline.¡± Jhonny reported. ¡°What? That is¡­¡± Mallory began, but then found her words trailing off as she then felt a long suppressed quest notification go off in her mind.
New Questline: Valhalla Mythical Bloodline Breakthrough (Completed): You have completed the process of transitioning from a Legendary to a Mythic level bloodline. The process was seamless and resulted in the following steps being completed: Fixing/Modifying/Altering Auras (1 / 1), Balancing Merits and Flaws (15 / -15), Balancing Attribute Distribution (6 / 6), Physical Alterations Required (3 / 3), New Bloodline Theme (1 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Aura Improvements, Title, Bloodline Theme Reward.
Just seeing the quest notification was enough to let her know that something crazy had happened. For a moment she wondered if Cass had anything to do with how much pain she was in from the changes. Her thoughts were quickly confirmed when she read the description of her first alteration.
Avenged Seven-fold Reflexive Battle Aura granted. This aura modified by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, allows multiplicative damage to be rendered to a target who inadvertently strikes Mallory Valhalla with lethal intent and force.
A seven-fold increase in damage? That was, well it should have been impossible, but then again with Cass doing the alterations it oddly seemed acceptable. Then she saw the other changes that were in store.
Valhalla Bloodline Attributes gained per level: +4 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +3 Endurance, +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower.
Those changes per level would be amazing, and were exactly what she wanted and more. Next came the physical changes, these were things that Mallory was the most leery about. Particularly as she sow how much Cass seemed to evolve from one bloodline evolution to the next. This was why she was relatively excited about the first change.
Angelic Wings of Purification: Wing that are imbued with the anti-corruption ability for souls. All souls bodies within range to feel the flapping of your wings will feel waves of purification washing over them. Effect: Cures Minor Status Effects that impede health, effects doubled against spirits.
Those wings were almost too perfect, even the flaws or modifications of the wings were ones that seemed to benefit her, rather than hinder her. Yet, the changes weren¡¯t complete there.
Ephemeral Scythe of Slaying: this soul weapon is capable of being summoned nearly instantly into the owner¡¯s right hand. Chained to the soul, this weapon will slice through all spiritual objects that get in the wielder¡¯s way, passing through mortal shells and objects as if they were immaterial. Effect: Uses Bladed Weapon and Polearm related skills and deals 250% soul damage. Warning: Can cause instant death.
This was the weapon that she had summoned and seeing its effects, Mallory was certain that Cass had a hand in its creation as this was the same type of material that her wings were created from. Since this only seemed to be something that Cass knew about, and something that only first appeared from her being exposed to Cass, Mallory felt that this had to be done at Cass¡¯s request. Also, her apprehension from just seeing the weapon seemed to stem from a deep familiarity with the weapon as a whole. Yet, it was the last change that clearly had the hand of Cass involved in it.
Ultimate Soul Cleansing Sac: A Valkyrie unique organ that allows you to cleanse any singular spirit you come in contact with. By performing this cleansing operation, you free the spirit of all their worldly burdens, and manage to learn fifty percent of their memories and skills over the course of a twenty-four-hour cycle. Cost: 15 Merit Points. Note: Counts as a Physical Alteration.
An ephemeral sac that could let her take in a soul of a person that she killed, drain their skills at up to 50%, and then let them pass on peacefully for their knowledge. That had to be something that Cass would have orchestrated. While Cass would prefer not to let things die, she did understand that death was an unavoidable part of the process of life. However, only Cass would use Merit points as a way to freely gain skills. Though to be honest the idea of gaining skills in such a way wasn¡¯t half bad of a concept. And honestly she was curious to figure out how to use skills acquired in such a way. She took it that the knowledge of the skill would transfer, but the muscle memory portion would have to be worked on to gain the other fifty percent. At least that was what Mallory envisioned. From there, other details came up about her changes.
Mythical Bloodline Perks:
Bloodline evolution Perk (Marked for Death) Identified: Ability to permanently mark a target with an unavoidable marking that always direct the user to a marked target until their death, or until user relinquishes control of the marking. Effect: All damage done to an individual marked in such a way are increased by 100%.
This was a change that she had received long ago. So long ago in fact that she could hardly remember the person that originally received that as a quest reward. Though now that she saw it, she did remember getting it, and how she had to kill likely hundreds of people just to achieve that as a reward. Shuttering to herself, she realized just how high up she had gone in the Thieves Guild by taking on a relentless number of assassination quests. Realizing that Cass had managed to get higher within the Thieves Guild, despite never taking on a single assassination contract just went and reconfirmed how impressive Cass¡¯s true capabilities as a thief really were. Then she got a warning that let her know what the exact extent of her changes were.
Warning: Valkyrie and Bloodline has been modified to be the new Mythical variant of Ephemeral Valkyrie.
Yet, that wasn¡¯t all as she still had the badge.
New Feat Recorded: Mythical Bloodline Awakened (10,000): You have managed to awaken a Mythical Bloodline (Ephemeral Valkyrie).
Then finally she felt her body swell up with a burst of energy as she received the experience from completing such a monumental task.
Experience Gained: 1,500,000 Ding. Level up. Class Ephemeral Valkyrie has increased to level 1,078.
As she stood there, Mallory felt a wave of power roll over her, before she paused to look at Cass. Suddenly the traces of blood on her face made sense, as those were the exact ways that her reflexive battle aura would strike out when she felt threatened. Looking at her friend, Mallory felt her lip tremble, as she took in Cass¡¯s haggard state. And then the state of her room. Then to her surprise, both began to heal up almost instantly. Well Cass had apparently healed from her wounds long ago. But then she saw what the Charlaine had been squawking about. As the building and even the furniture of the room seemed to be coming to life and slowly healing themselves right before her eyes. ¡°So, you now have self-healing carpets?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± Cass began, then an impish smile crested her lips as she clearly thought of something diabolical. That or maybe she just had gas? Honestly most of the time it was hard to keep up with the girl who had quite accurately been turned into a pixie. Then before Mallory could say anything else, Cass apparently spoke her diabolical thought into reality, showing that things were going to be okay. ¡°I guess you could say, the room is now Mallory proofed.¡± ¡°You know that makes you sound like the old lady who covers everything in stain resistant plastic?¡± Mallory quipped. ¡°Whatever keeps the wild animals from marking everything.¡± Cass shot back. ¡°And now you are just the crazy cat lady, not helping yourself out here¡­¡± Mallory said, finally smiling as all seemed to be right with the world once more. She was alive and whole, and her friend was still there ready to give her grief, even after clearly being attacked by her. ¡°Yeah well¡­¡± Cass began, but was quickly cut off. BLUR! Mallory used her major burst of speed to cross the room and embrace her friend in an unavoidable hug. ¡°Thanks,¡± was all Mallory could say. For a second, Cass who had been mostly frightened and ready to shoot off randomly paused as if she expected to be attacked again. Then after a second her muscles relaxed as she gave into the hug. ¡°Any time,¡± Cass stated, then gently tried to hug Mallory, her small thin arms barely able to wrap around her shoulders. Then after a second, Cass backs up to lock gazes with Mallory. Looking down, it is clear that she wants to say something truly profound. ¡°Know that I hope that pixie dust is to able to be removed, even with dry cleaning,¡± Cass stated. Then just as the words began to register in Mallory¡¯s overtaxed mind, it happened. Poof. The scamp disappeared, but only after coating Mallory¡¯s clothes in a thick layer of pixie dust and blood. ¡°An alchemists dream, all going to waste.¡± Mallory sated as she looked down at the state of her attire and could only shake her head at the fact that she had been so close to getting the last word. Then pausing, she realized, this time, she would let her friend take the win, she definitely earned it, if what she thought happened truly happened. Then turning, she saw that Jhonny was still there, never having left the area. Seeing him, Mallory took in a deep breath, as she once again had to enter her serious mode. ¡°Okay, so what really happened?¡± Chapter 236 Playing Captain Matchmaker Chapter 236 Playing Captain Matchmaker Gentle Solar Breeze. The air was fresh, far crisper and clearer than it had any right to be. But then again, we were a few thousand feet up, at least that is what I assumed by the way everyone who took a chance to stare over the side of the ship now felt. ¡°Ohh!¡± Was probably the most often term said, before everyone¡¯s eyes went wide at the sight below. ¡°This is so wonderful!¡± Penelope cooed as she stared all over the place, clearly excited by the fact that we were up and flying. Yes, flying in my new, finally functional QiMO powered airship. The ship was an open deck design with two steering wheels, one on the top deck that was exposed to the elements, and a second one down below that I installed as a backup. The one below deck could steer just as well, but there were no windows, making steering generally impossible for most people. There was also a back up QiMO line feed there as well. Basically, if this first steering column got injured we would all run below deck, I would Teleport to the sealed off room and pilot knowing that eyesight was irrelevant for me. Shucka-shucka-shucka. The combined flapping wings and QiMO propulsion system worked tirelessly together. Just using the device for a few minutes was thoroughly exhausting, which meant it was amazing. Particularly as I could feel a number of my skills being pressed and worked all at the same time to pilot this amazing exercise machine. In a way it almost felt like I somehow managed to create a flying machine based on the idea of spinning a hamster wheel, while occasionally reaching out and throwing projectiles at different targets, while making sure to hit certain dance moves to avoid hitting particularly worn treads that would break the hamster wheel I was spinning. To be succinct, it was perfect, for me. Since we were in the spirit realm, I took three people with me on the ship¡¯s maiden voyage. The reason why I chose three exactly was because of my class specific ability Death Shroud. While most of the other students would either be able to ignore the constant damage caused by being in the spirit realm, I wanted my students to truly enjoy the entire day and not have to think about cultivating, coming to me for heals. Or pester me with how they could cultivate spirit energy and why it looks and feels so differently from mortal Qi. ¡°So what is this device that you have attached to you?¡± Penelope, one of my most promising magical students asked. ¡°This is the Qi and Mana Flow device, where I pump out amounts of Qi and Mana through this pipe in a fused state. It then runs around the ship like a circuit, where each device gets momentarily charged by stream of energy before the motes of energy ultimately come back to me and let me start the cycle all over again.¡± I state. ¡°Wow, you built this?¡± Maranda, a promising female from my morning Qi classes asked. ¡°Oh no, I just found the discarded remains of this ship, then painstakingly took every part of it that didn¡¯t work, replaced it. Reworked the designs until they actually made functional sense. Then put it all together and finally got it ready for this its maiden voyage.¡± I stated. ¡°Wow, that must have taken a long time.¡± Maranda said. ¡°It did, like two weeks, fortunately I needed a distraction at that time, so this was the perfect challenge.¡± I stated. ¡°Two weeks?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Yeah, not my best work, but for a pet project that works, it seems kind of fun. Also, right now we are flying through these levels.¡± I state, and I meant it too. While we had started off at floor 235, we were already cruising past floor 238, and climbing. ¡°Now that is the great tree Yggdraspirit?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Yeah, apparently it is the spirit version of Yggdrasil, but obviously we have never found that tree on the continent yet.¡± I state. ¡°Do you think you could find it?¡± Maranda asked. ¡°I mean, I guess. Logically it would just be somewhere far out in the as yet unseen Blighted lands, right?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah. Though I assume with a ship like this, it would be relatively easy. Well easier.¡± Maranda added. ¡°Hey, where is Jhonny?¡± Penelope asked. At that I just shake my head. As the captain I am sort of stuck here, as I need to power the ship to keep us going at a steady but constant rate of ascent. ¡°Jhonny is apparently taking a moment to himself.¡± I admit. I can see him, waiting by the cabin door, apparently wanting to come out on top and join us, but I can see a slight tremble in his body as he makes his move. This is sad, as I set up this whole trip with the two fellow students that he has shown interest in for him. ¡°So how does this even work? Flying with Qi and Mana?¡± Penelope asks, turning from me to look at the display panel that shows the different levels of Qi and Mana that I am providing at any one time. ¡°Good question. Essentially this is based on the understanding of the two types of energy. Mana is more gaseous, and tends to rise. As such, if we want to rise faster, all we do is steadily increase the ratio of Mana to Qi that we are using.¡± I state, and do just that. LURCH! With that, the ship noticeably rises by a few degrees and lets changes the rate of ascension. Instantly the two girls begin to slide back, which I stop with a quick but gentle application of Telekinesis. Not much, just enough to offer resistance to their movements. A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. Both seem to instantly note the sudden change and use of mana against them, but just seem to nod appreciatively at the gesture more than anything. The truth is, I have had everyone coated in a layer of Telekinesis that I can gently snap into place at a moment¡¯s notice. Even Jhonny has this, but his fear of heights is apparently far greater than even the comfort of me offering to catch him should he fall. ¡°Okay, so if Mana provides the rise, what is Qi for?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°For propulsion,¡± I state as I begin to cycle more Qi into the system. VROOM! As would be expected, the ship that is at an already steep rate of ascent begins to rocket forward.
Entering floor 239.
Entering floor 240.
Entering floor 241.
Then after a quick burst of speed, I slow down and begin to let us go back to what I consider our cruising speed. Penelope for her part just seemed to cower in place a bit. Even using my Telekinesis to hold her and keep her upright as she tried to gain control over her body. ¡°Wow, that is.¡± Was all Penelope could manage to say, before she was cut off. ¡°AWESOME! That was so completely awesome! Can we do it again?¡± Maranda asked. With that I could all but sense the complete discomfort coming to Penelope¡¯s features as her body went into fight of flight mode, as she visibly showed the signs that she was going to vomit. For her benefit, and for Jhonny, who was doing even worse now than he had been previously, I decide to stop. ¡°No, unfortunately that is really tough on the ship, so we are just going to have to steady out a bit for now.¡± I state. With that Penelope seemed to exhale in relief, while Maranda just sadly nodded her head in understanding. ¡°We will make it past floor 250 before the night is over at least, so that should be a good thing.¡± I pose. ¡°Yeah, about that, I think I am going to go down below deck and check up on Jhonny before returning to see us break through floor 250.¡± Penelope said. ¡°Thank you, also check with him for food and drinks. I know he brought some for this, so if you need anything just ask him.¡± I tell Penelope as she begins to slowly stagger her way back to the hull where Jhonny who apparently notices her coming decides to leave the immediate are and try to look like he was just coming up. They meet in the hallway, and Jhonny looks like his about to go past her, but then decides to follow her to a seated table with a positioning safety strap. Phew. Watching him finally make his move, I let out a sigh of relief, as I didn¡¯t think he would ever take advantage of this situation. ¡°So now that I have you alone, can I ask why you didn¡¯t take your new secretary with you?¡± Maranda asked. Hearing the question, I let out a bit of a huff of annoyance. ¡°I did offer, but she said she had other plans for tonight,¡± I state. I know the new girl is kind of squirrely, which coming from me should mean something. If I didn¡¯t know any better, I¡¯d swear she was up to no good, which if that¡¯s the case, then more luck to her. I know she is a high-ranking member of an opposing city¡¯s Thieves Guild. Apparently that is a thing all Thieves Guild Leaders get, a once daily Perk called, True Allegiance. Where you can see one True Allegiance held by an individual related solely to their Thieves Guild membership. For the record, aside from me, no one on this ship is a Thieves Guild member anywhere. That¡¯s right, Maranda the workout enthusiast and adrenaline junkie, Penelope the Tailor and most promising mana manipulator, and Jhonny my personal assistant who is performing moderately well at both Qi and Mana classes and progressions. Not one of those three students are members of Thieves Guilds anywhere. This makes them perfect for each other, and why I kind of chose them to come here with me. With all three of them not being in the Thieves Guild, it makes my hiding my position that much easier. At least that was the logic I was going with. At least that logic sounds better than the truth, which is something along the lines of my not wanting to deal with constantly having to hand out quests and assignments to annoying people who will try to steal from you or stab you in the back if they could. Not that I have ever stolen from a Thieves Guild leader, but now that I think about it, stealing from Lucky Lenny and somehow getting Glenn promoted in his place does sound appealing. Just as I finished having that thought, I received a new system message.
New Questline Found: Thieves Guild Leader Exclusive: CrossRoad¡¯s Thieves Guild Hall New Leader (Ongoing): You have made it a personal goal to have Lucky Lenny, the Thieves Guild leader for the Crossroads Guild Hall on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower deposed as the rightful leader and wish to appoint Glenn as his replacement. Conditions: Lenny deposed as Thieves Guild Hall Leader (0 / 1); Glenn appointed as his successor (0 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Variable.
I pause for a moment, but then smile. ¡°Oh ha-hoo.¡± I exclaim in excitement, momentarily forgetting where I am. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Maranda asks. ¡°What? Oh, yeah, everything¡¯s great. Sorry just got distracted.¡± I state, realizing this suddenly got a lot more fun. Now not only do I need to worry about my own status and position being outed, but I can also take down other Thieves Guild hall leaders? Oh this is so much fun! ¡°You are suddenly smiling a lot.¡± Maranda stated. ¡°It is just a beautiful day out and I¡¯m enjoying the scenery.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nighttime.¡± ¡°Wait, even here?¡± I ask, realizing that we are at least a few time zones ahead of where we normally exist at the western most point of the world¡¯s end. ¡°Yeah?¡± Maranda asks, rolling her letters like I am somehow crazy. ¡°Okay, okay, blame the blind girl for not being able to tell if the sun is out or not.¡± I state a bit defensively. ¡°You really can¡¯t see can you?¡± Maranda asks, bending down from her tall frame to look me right in the eyes. Right now she is so close that I can almost feel her breath on my face, and for my part I try to turn my eyes and face in her direction, but again with my Angel¡¯s Sight, this is a mostly empathic gesture. ¡°Nope, I can¡¯t even tell if the ship looks like it is color coordinated.¡± I reply. At that Maranda just twists her lip. ¡°It¡¯s not. There are new tiles that are over most of the deck, while the older tiles just stick out like an old, aged eyesore.¡± ¡°Is it that bad?¡± I ask. ¡°It¡¯s definitely not the worst, but not the best either. It is clear that you are a superior craftsperson than the one who created the base ship, as at least all of your parts look clean, smooth, and polished.
Entering floor 242.
At that, the notification that we just crossed yet another floor chimes off, letting us know that we are almost there. The two of us just stand there quiet for a moment. As for me, I am focusing on avoiding what appear to be other airships that are dozens of kilometers away from us. I don¡¯t think they have seen us, but I just level out our rate of ascension and begin steering clear of the other vessels. ¡°So how often do you come out to fly?¡± Maranda asks. ¡°Unfortunately, this is the first time I got a chance to fly, though I do hope to make it a thing from now on.¡± I answer truthfully. ¡°Would you want someone to keep you company when you go?¡± Maranda asks, a slight note of something in her voice. ¡°Are you asking to be my first mate?¡± I ask. With that Miranda just pauses, but then shrugs and states, ¡°yeah, if you¡¯d have me.¡± ¡°Hmm,¡± I say, mentally increasing the mana and Qi once we are out of my visual range of the other ships, so we can increase our distance from them.
Entering floor 243.
¡°Well?¡± Maranda asks. With this, I realize that even with our accelerated rate of ascent, Maranda for her part is standing perfectly still, not even needing my Telekinetic shielding to keep her in place. Instead, her feet seem to be suctioned to the deck. A quick glance, lets me realize that she is using her Qi to reinforce her connection between herself and the ground. Almost like she is creating a temporary magnetic bond, but not exactly. ¡°You¡¯re using your Qi to maintain your balance?¡± I ask, somewhat impressed that my student is working on her craft, even up here. ¡°Yes, I always try to find new ways to work on my craft.¡± Maranda states. Hearing her, I pause for a second. I also take a moment to look in the ship to see that Penelope and Jhonny are both clinging to each other for dear life as we continue to ascend rapidly. This is good, at least those two are finally getting the chance to get together.
Entering floor 244.
Then seeing that she is still resolute with her intentions, ¡°okay, Navigator.¡± ¡°Navigator?¡± ¡°Yeah, you¡¯ve been promoted to help guide us. This means I need you to be my eyes and spotter. Tell me, where are the other flying vessels or creatures?¡± I ask. With that Maranda looks around the sky wildly, before pointing up overhead and to the aft of our ship. ¡°There¡¯s some.¡± Maranda says, while pointing at the group that I already noted. Hearing that I just nod in approval. ¡°Then there looks to be another larger group up ahead of us as well.
Entering floor 245.
At this, I finally feel the new group of flying constructs enter my sphere of vision. Judging by our height and how far I can see, I realize this is either a trap for floor 250, or just after we reach 250. Then realizing I need to be better at explaining myself to others, I state what I am thinking. ¡°All right Navigator, how do you feel about handling yourself in an aerial battle?¡± I ask. ¡°Really! This is so cool!¡± Maranda asks, actually appearing to be hyped about the whole situation. Hearing her I can¡¯t help but wonder what I¡¯ve gotten myself into, as she clearly appears to be a battle junkie. ¡°You are that excited to go into battle?¡± I ask. ¡°What? Me, no. I don¡¯t think I could offer much. Though I have heard tales of your exploits, and am super excited to see what you will do to these clowns.¡± Maranda stated. ¡°I regret to inform you that, the stories of my exploits are likely well over blown.¡± I suggest, realizing this will likely just be me having to defend my ship. Though having a friend to help did seem to make it all a little easier to stomach. Also, Maranda should be far over leveled for anything these next few floors have to offer, so we should be fine. I am mentally going through my own battle program and routine of what I could do in an aerial battle while channeling both Qi and Mana through these pipes, when I am hit with a question that caught me completely off guard. ¡°So, what is the name of this vessel?¡± Maranda asked. Sucker punch. Yeah, like that, the wind came out of my lungs, as I realized I didn¡¯t have a name for this crazy ship. ¡°She doesn¡¯t have one.¡± I replied. ¡°What? She needs a name, especially if we are going into battle.¡± Maranda stated. As she spoke, I could feel golden threads flowing from her to me and then anchoring us both to the ship. In that instance, I sort of understood the importance. By giving this ship a name, I could increase its attributes, and in time likely cause it to level in some meaningful way. While Prototype 1 was the first idea that came to mind, I quickly discarded it as, that would be a terrible name for a ship with an obvious design flaw, like an open exhaust port that led to the ship¡¯s power core. No, I needed something big, something powerful. Something that would strike fear into the hearts of enemies and get them to leave me alone. That¡¯s when it came to me. Chapter 237 To Floor 250, And Beyond! Chapter 237 To Floor 250, And Beyond! I had it, the perfect name for my ultimate flying vehicle that I basically created from scratch. It was perfect, it made sense, then I got the notification.
Entering floor 246.
Just like in Harrison Burgeron, I had a meaningful thought and then a high pitch ding and something for me to focus my immediate attention onto and the thought was gone. ¡°So?¡± Maranda asked, her voice clearly questioning me. With the amount of potential energy available based on the name and how applicable it is, I realize this is an important decision. Which means that I clearly don¡¯t want to name it something stupid, or that will come back to haunt me later on. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve got nothing.¡± I reply. ¡°Why not name it something like Pixie Dust, or something cool like that?¡± Maranda asks. ¡°What, and all but advertise the fact that capturing me and this ship will lead to rare alchemical resources, no thank you.¡± I reply, realizing that that was a bad name choice. Which is progress right? That means that I¡¯m on the verge of being better at naming things, it has to. ¡°Well we need to get a cool combat name ready before we go into combat.¡± Maranda stated. ¡°Wait, you think we are going to go into combat?¡± I ask, feeling the ships forward and above us beginning to move into an intercept course for us. This means we will be extremely vulnerable, particularly as we try to rise and meet their altitude. ¡°Uh, yeah. Isn¡¯t that what always happens when you are about to reach an important milestone?¡± Maranda asked. Hearing that, I couldn¡¯t really refute her claim, though I thought I had found a cheat bypass, sort of like finding the watery elevator platform that Mallory and I used to get through about seventy five floors, earlier. However after hearing her and seeing the evidence with my own eyes, well peripheral sight, I realized she was correct. Turning the helm slightly to the right, I continued to pump in more Mana and Qi, which caused us to nearly rise to an almost eighty degree angle straight into the air. I was fine with my wings. Maranda was also fine with her Qi suctioning feet, again great use and practical application of her powers. Really impressed. With that, we might be able to create an entire class on wall walking, but that is me getting ahead of myself. I still have a Telekinetic barrier protecting her, which she uses lightly to rest her back against as we are nearly in liftoff formation. As for Jhonny and Penelope, they are fine. Apparently screaming for their lives from the inside of the ship, despite their straps and swivel seats keeping them perfectly safe and in place. ¡°Ahh!¡± They scream out, their voices so loud that it even penetrates the deck, the rumble of the engines, and the wind that is whipping past our ears. Honestly, that is pretty impressive, if an entirely wasted opportunity for the two to get closer. Unfortunately, I don¡¯t have time to chastise Jhonny as I already have other issues to take care of.
Entering floor 247.
With that, I know that we will soon be in aerial combat, or at least forced to avoid aerial combat. Even now, I can see that the other ships are quickly moving to intercept us. Also, our rate of ascent is very fast, and would normally be tiring, but I feel adrenaline pumping through my veins as I realize this is exactly what I wanted with this ship. Fast maneuvers, trying to run past the law and authority, or even other thieves. Yeah, for some reason, I always assume I am trying to outrun the law, there might be a reason I was asked to establish our Thieves Guild. ¡°WAHOOO!¡± Maranda cries out excitedly, her voice mirroring my face at this very moment as this is just so much fun. Fwip-wa-whip. The skin on my face begins to flap and beat wildly, as we are picking up speed and up on the deck only Maranda and I get to experience the full thrill of this sensation. With my mind¡¯s eye, I look over and see that Maranda has her own set of EGGs on, that¡¯s right the set of goggles given to everyone as their initial entry item to the guild. Seeing her, I too do the same and instantly feel the drying sensation of the wind to be slightly less uncomfortable, as my eyes are no longer being subjected to the intense winds around us. Looking over Maranda looks to me, the pauses as she takes in my new look. ¡°Now you look like the mad doctor that you are!¡± Maranda yells, her voice barely able to pierce the quickly flowing wind, but I can tell she like me is loving every moment of this.
Entering floor 248.
At that moment, the sound of yet another system message letting us know we have entered yet another floor gives me inspiration to once again name the ship. It wasn¡¯t the same one that I had a moment ago, but just thinking about it, the layout and design of the ship, the use of recently unknown energy types. Most importantly, knowing that I am both the mad doctor and getting something related to my new race, just as Maranda suggested. All of this comes together, as I come up with the ultimate name for this ship. ¡°I¡¯ve got it!¡± I shout. ¡°Got what?¡± Maranda yells, she is clearly yelling in order to be heard. ¡°The name of this ship!¡± I shout excitedly, a smile coming to my face as I am finally ready to share my creation with the world. ¡°What is it?¡± Maranda asks. Hearing her, I can¡¯t help but feel a need for the dramatics, which is why I go all out for this moment. With each word, I feel the rise of golden potential energy increasing, as if the world itself anticipates the epic name of this ship. ¡°Behold! For you are riding the Prankenstein!¡± I shout, while waving my arms out wide in a melodramatic pose, momentarily losing control over the ship¡¯s helm, but a few quick flaps of my wings, helps me to catch back up and regain control over the vessel. Fwoosh! At the announcement of the ship¡¯s new name, I feel the coiling golden energy begin to instantly lash out and wrap around the ship. Fortunately, the flash of light happened almost at the exact same time as my mad dash upwards to regain control of the helm, so no one noticed that obvious faux pas. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Still, it had been fun, also I was quickly met with a new system message. Well a slew of system messages that I had been able to stave off until now. Actually, I was pretty sure I could have avoided dealing with these system messages, but I wanted to see what was available with my new named vessel, as I was fairly certain something amazing would come from that. Unfortunately, I had to first go through what I did previously with Mallory.
New Questline Opened: Bloodline Breakthrough Balancing System (Completed): You have helped Mallory Valhalla make the transition from a Legendary to a Mythic level bloodline. Steps completed: Fixing/Modifying/Altering Auras (1 / 1), Balancing Merits and Flaws (15 / -15), Balancing Attribute Distribution (6 / 6), Physical Alterations Required (3 / 3), New Bloodline Theme (1 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Skill, Title(s), New World Features Unlocked. Experience Gained: 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000
Yep, a million experience points to help someone else make the transition from just a Legendary Bloodline to a Mythical one. Also, again location bonus paid off as we were clearly in our guild¡¯s experience rich territory.
Skill: Bloodline Customization Already Gained.
Yep, saw that cheap move coming, as that was the skills that I used to work on and manipulate Mallory¡¯s body so she could accept the changes.
New Title Gained: First Bloodline Customizer
First Bloodline Customizer: You have been recognized as the first person to actively customize the bloodline of another. Rewards: All synergy effects provided by your Bloodline Customizations are improved by 10%, +10% for all Skills and Attributes needed to help with bloodline customization.
New Title Gained: Bloodline Customizer
Bloodline Customizer: You have proven yourself to be a respectable user of bloodline customizations and are awarded a bonus when working with others to help with bloodline breakthroughs. Rewards: Bloodline Insights, Bloodline Customizations are improved by 5%, +5% for all Skills and Attributes needed to help with bloodline customization. Bloodline Insights: Those beginning the process of transitioning from one rank of a bloodline to the next will be able to identify you as a noted expert in the field.
Seeing the Titles, I felt they were slightly generic, though an overall +15% bonus is never frowned upon, I do dislike the idea of being seen as a beacon for those wishing to transition. This just seems like another giant mark on me that will draw even more people to seek me out. I did like the idea that the lower version of the Title made it so everyone who helped with the process would be seen as a beacon to others. Meaning I could easily pass this on to others, provided I helped them learn the process. Then, before I could even realize what was happening, I got the final update for completing the unique quest.
New World Feature Unlocked: Bloodline Assistance: You have opened up the ability to help and modify future bloodline evolvers to achieve their maximum potential.
Now that was cool, and ultimately worthless for what I was currently doing. Well everything but the experience which was apparently being rolled over as the next quest status came through.
Mechanical Crafter Quest Complete: Creating A Name Vehicle (Completed): You have successfully crafted a new style of vehicle into existence. As the first one, you were able to name it, thereby increasing its Attributes and allowing it to gain personality quirks of its own. Conditions: Create new mechanical device (1 / 1), Make sure mechanical device is unique from all other devices (2 / 1), Give creation a Name (1 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Title(s), New Machine Modifiable Interface. Experience gained: 25,000 / 12,500 / 12,500 Ding. Level Up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by 9 levels to level 311. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by 7 levels to level 342. Ethereal Healer has increased by 11 levels to level 463.
New Title Gained: Unique Vehicle Piloting Bonus
Unique Vehicle Pilot: You have proven yourself to be a competent pilot of new and cutting edge technologies. Effect: Gain an additional +5% bonus to Skills and Attributes used to maneuver vehicles. You gain an additional +5% bonus to Skills and Attributes when piloting a vehicle you helped to create.
The first title was good, though I had seen others receive similar before, which was likely why I missed out on the world first category for that. Still it was a nice bonus. But what truly interested me was the next title that I received.
New Title Gained: Prankenstein Master Mechanic
Prankenstein Master Mechanic: You have been identified as the master mechanic for the named vehicle the Prankenstein. As its creator, you are able to improve your vehicle and have a special connection to your vehicle where you can note problem areas before they actually become an issue. Effect: +25% to all repair and maintenance related Skills and Attributes used, while working on the named vessel the Prankenstein.
Just seeing that title, let me know that I had done something truly amazing and that I could prove that this beautiful monster was mine! ¡°MUWAHAHAHA!¡± I felt myself cackle in delight as my mind read through and accepted the different notifications. Four titles, 27 levels, and a new ship were all mine. But things were not done as there was still at least one more feature that I had to accept.
New Named Vehicle Created: The Prankenstein: Crafter Cassiopeia Spiritlight now has a special symbiotic relationship with her personally designed vessel the Prankenstein. As the creator, you will share a bond where roughly half the experience you gain while maneuvering the vehicle will be copied over as phantom joint experience offered to your vehicle, which can be used to help develop personality quirks of the noted machine. Note: This condition does not transfer to new owners. Only original creator of the vessel can spend experience to improve the functionality of the noted machine.
Current Available Experience to Spend on Prankenstein Upgrades: 525,000.
Yes, apparently since I managed to hold off on acknowledging my prior quest completions until now, I got half of the experience for both quests that had to be accepted right now. Which meant that the choices that were available to me were astronomical. Sadly everything seemed to be in orders of magnitude that seemed to follow a form of the Fibonacci Sequence of pay scales. It was close, but not exactly the same. The most alluring of which, was the highest starting priced Speed and Acceleration package. Individually both would be 15,000 experience each. But combined in this lump sum package they were a steal at 25,000 experience for the base package. Pausing, I couldn¡¯t help but notice the escalation and the cost seemed almost too perfect. Almost as if I was being told to go for speed.
Package Level (Cumulative) Cost in Thousands
1 25
2 50
3 75
4 125
5 200
6 325
7 525
Yes, putting everything into the Speed and Acceleration package would make this vehicle essentially a one trick pony, but it would be a heck of a trick. At least, that is what I thought, while pumping all 525,000 experience points into constantly upgrading my Speed and Acceleration package to the seventh iteration. There was a moment of pause, as all the screens cleared from my mental vision and I was once again allowed to see just how close the other vessels were getting. And they were hostile, as I could already see a few tracer rounds being fired to gauge and judge our speed and distance. ¡°What do we do?¡± Maranda asked. For a second, I was at a loss as I had half expected the ship to become really fast. I mean I could feel the lingering traces of golden energy fusing around the vehicle, before focusing primarily on the propulsion system. Being one with the machine, I could feel light but obvious changes being made to the exhaust system that would open up the fuel intake and maximize the torque being generated by the engine. Lurch. There was a slight hiccup, as the last of the changes seemed to take place. PRRROOOMM! Then the engine purred to life, as I let my smile that had been somewhat hesitant for a second spark to life as I realized something big was about to happen. ¡°Well?¡± Maranda asked, clearly trying to get my attention as I possibly appeared to be lost in my own thoughts. ¡°Buckle up! This is about to be fun!¡± Was all I said, before I tightened my grip on the helm, and made sure everyone would be Telekinetically held in place. ¡°What?¡± Was all Maranda managed. Before force met gravity, and gravity lost. VAA-VARRRROOOOMMMMMMMM! We began screaming through the skies. All I knew next was pure adrenaline filled excitement as number passed by my vision, while the world around me began to blur. The ships that had been coming to intercept us were quickly avoided as we blurred past and through their formation.
Entering floor 249.
Entering floor 250.
Entering floor 251.
¡­
I saw what was a golden burst of light envelop me, as I felt that I had likely just received the quest notification that I had reached floor 250 and likely received my undergraduate degree that I had wanted. A degree that until recently I felt I would not be deserving of as I had not been able to use external Qi and Mana simultaneously, at least not until I learned to power and propel this ship. I even felt my mind automatically going for the standard increase in abilities for my Master¡¯s degree as we continued to climb to floor 300.
Entering floor 259.
Entering floor 260.
Entering floor 261.
¡­
We were still climbing, as I realized that we had met that mythical jump pad that would easily take us up in levels. For a second, I allowed myself to breathe, as this should be the easy way to get to floor 300 and likely beyond. Of course, that was assuming everything went well. Then just as that traitorous thought filled my mind, I heard and felt a disturbance in the force. Groan. Yes, my ship, as amazing as she might be, was not prepared for an apparent rocket launch into space. My new titles and deeper connection to the vessel that I created let me know that this was bad. Yeah, that¡¯s on me. As I looked for a way to safely slow down my ship without us ripping apart entirely. I knew that if I let the most recent quest completion truly settle over me, I might get more experience that I could use to hopefully buy increased hull durability. Of course, that would mean that I would have to stop focusing on flying upwards and avoiding the suddenly large branches of the great tree Yggdraspirit that are suddenly coming down at us like giant swinging clubs. Again, they aren¡¯t clubs and aren¡¯t being swung at us, but that is the appearance they have as we propel upwards, into, around and finally through the branches. Of course the turning only makes the strain on my poor girl that much more noticeable. GROOAANNN! ¡°Sorry girl.¡± I say, then trying to figure out how to stop this crazy thing, I realize my problem almost immediately. Me. I¡¯m the problem. That¡¯s when I finally decide to fix this. Chapter 238 Clubbing With Prankenstein Chapter 238 Clubbing With Prankenstein The world was a blur, my skin was being peeled so far back by the number of G-forces we were subjected to that I didn¡¯t know if I was smiling or if I looked like a rabid dog with their jowls flapping in the wind. Either way, the experience of zipping through the air and through the floors at seemingly warp speed was both exhilarating and completely frightening. Worse, our speed upwards in the recently advanced Prankenstein that was now at Tier 7 for Acceleration and Speed was going so quickly that I could feel the slightest of shifts in direction causing intense stress fractures. Also, the speed made it so that the large mile long and half as thick branches of the great tree Yggdraspirit seemed to almost appear and fall from the heavens, much in the same was cars and other obstacles would in that frogicidal game that the kids always played. Dodge left. Groan. Jog right. More groans. That was it, that was what was happening. Oddly enough, as the ship¡¯s creator and person responsible for it getting its name, I could tell that these were the okay groans. Like the ones your knees give you when you are beginning to get old, where you think it is too much but you can still get up and walk. It is those later groans¡­ GROO-OANN! The groans like that one that tell you, you might be doing something wrong, and to be ready to call the hospital, or maybe in this case Quadruple A. They make service calls to Spirit Towers, right? Yeah, probably not. Especially as I am fairly certain that we are the group that is the highest up the tower, though I don¡¯t quite know what floor we are on currently. Blur. Blur. That was both the system notification and the slight changes in color pigments that let me mentally understand that we have broken through another set of floors. Perhaps broken is not the best choice of words in this case, particularly as we seem to be coming to a giant impasse. And by Impasse I mean that the branches of the next floor above have been seemingly linked together in a form of suspension bridge that goes out and hosts hundreds of life forms. Oh, that¡¯s kind of cool. No wait, focus, as there aren¡¯t any real gaps. Which means. Yes, we are going to die. No wait, focus, you can Teleport Cass. No, that still won¡¯t be enough as I¡¯ll lose my beautiful ship. Well the ship and the passengers. So plan B it is. As in B one with Magic and rip a giant hole into reality that we then crawl through, and appear at the other side. Nope, there is a slight resistance of some kind, almost like the giant tree doesn¡¯t want people to Teleport through its magical bark for whatever reason. So, alter the plans. Since Teleportation magic is a no go, where we would just casually hop from point to point, we instead create a fold in space and then puncture through the fold. The difference between the two acts, physically moving your entire body, well an entire speeding ship from one location to another, and folding space around it might seem remarkably similar, but they aren¡¯t. To put it in perspective one would be the equivalent of swimming through a crashing wave. While the other would be the equivalent to generating your own wave going in the exact direction you want to go, and riding said wave to the direction and place you want. Why the distinction and change in plans? Well, the vastly magical tree Yggdraspirit is designed to stop individual swimmers from trying to push their way through the magical membrane of the tree. Whereas it will allow magical currents and other forms of energy to pass through. As such, with this new space folding spell, we are merely mirroring a magical wave, versus being a magical object, simple right? Focus. Danger Sense tingling. Yep, now that I have the solution, all I need to do is apply it before it is too late. First we focus on creating the energy wave, one that will be able to oscillate its way through the natural magical defenses of Yggdraspirit. Then focus on creating a sympathetic wave on the other side of the branch we are about to be pancaked into. Finally, changing our own frequency to that of our artificially created wave. Then, link it all together by a pulse of Spatial Magic, and activate. WHOOOSH! Flicker, flash! There is a moment, one pure second when my world goes from black and white with magical flecks to full on color. For a second we are flying, and I feel like we are floating through the aurora borealis at the northern end of the world. In that second, I see everything, as if my eyes are no longer blind, and I once again remember what it was like to be able to actually see the wonders of the world around me. My mind soaks up everything, seemingly slowing down time as if even my mind realizes how rare of a moment this is. I turn to see Maranda there, even she has a look of awe and wonder on her face as she stares at me. Then in the next moment, I feel a lurch as the second part of my spell kicks in and pulls us through the other opening I created. WHOOSH! No more color, well no colors not created by magic. For a moment the world is filled with a lot of dark spaces that are lost, and I feel momentarily saddened by the loss of sight again. Wooom! Then with that realization, my sudden joy that I had felt and kept going was stopped, as the energy I had been pushing and pumping through my QiMO machine suddenly dissipated, and I feel our vessel quickly decelerate, and instead just rely on the coasting effect of our previous speeds.
New Spell Created: : Whatever you just did, don¡¯t do it again.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit. I get the message, and realized that there might have been something more to the sights I saw. There might have been something to the way I was able to once again see the world around me. Where was that? Honestly, I don¡¯t know what just happened.
Entering floor 299.
Exhaling, I begin to try to take in deep calming breaths. Even now, I remember the cold, the bitter cold of the northern lights around us. I also remember the colors, and unmistakable beauty of the world. ¡°Umm, Dr. Spiritlight?¡± Maranda begins, a note of worry in her voice. ¡°Yes?¡± I respond, suddenly wondering why she is speaking with honorifics. ¡°I was just told to make sure you don¡¯t do that again.¡± Maranda states. ¡°What?¡± ¡°I just got a quest to make it so you don¡¯t do anything crazy like that again. What did you do?¡± Maranda asks. I am about to tell her, but she quickly holds up her hand to stop me. ¡°No, wait, I am apparently not supposed to ask you about that either.¡± Maranda stated, as her body began to tremble. ¡°What is wrong?¡± ¡°The punishment for failure would be a complete reset of my level and skills.¡± Maranda noted. ¡°What? They can do that?¡± I asked, suddenly worried about this happening to me as well. ¡°Apparently,¡± Maranda said, ¡°so, whatever that was, please don¡¯t do it again, and most importantly don¡¯t tell me what it is that I am to keep you from doing.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± was all I managed to reply with. Then before I could think about what I was saying, I let loose. Letting some of the pent-up adrenaline come out and help influence my reply. ¡°But just know, the only reason why I had to do that in the first place is because the system tried to go crazy with its method of attack. Going from providing singular branches, to an entire suspension bridge network of branches that made it impossible to make it through. Meaning I would either have to abandon ship, thus leaving you all to the fates provided to you, and likely losing my ship. Or I would have to destroy the tree, and likely a bunch of people and their homes. Or option C, which meant I could save everyone, avoid random vehicular and property damage and continue on our way as if nothing happened. So, next time the world wants to suddenly raise the difficulty level on us, maybe they should think about that!¡± By the end I am shouting, or at least close to what I think is shouting. Silence. Maranda for her part is just staring at me in pure awestruck silence for a moment. Then I see the moment her face changes, and for a moment I wonder if I might have gone too far. I didn¡¯t mean to get mad at her, and in fact it should be clear I wasn¡¯t mad at her, but rather at the administrators who dared to lecture me through her. Just when I am about to apologize, and blame it on the stress of the situation, she talks. ¡°Oh my gods. Even when you are angry you are SOO Cute!¡± Maranda says, coming over to me and then hugging me, pressing my head down into her ample chest. At that moment several things happen all at once. First, I notice movement at the aft of the ship, as Jhonny and Penelope are both trying desperately to come out onto the deck. The only problem is that we are still accelerating upwards at a slight angle, making their movements awkward and clumsy at best. Particularly as both seem to be swaying with each step, even though we are moving at a relatively casual pace upwards. Second, I feel the buildup of golden energy around us. There is a surge, as suddenly the four of us, Maranda, Jhonny, Penelope, and I all have a huge glowing surge of potential envelope us, before the surge fades from first Penelope, followed shortly by Jhonny. As their energy fades, the strands of energy that surround Maranda and me swell to a crescendo. For a moment I wonder if we are about to have yet another spike of danger strike us, only for the surge of potential to bypass me and surge to Maranda, whose chest I am still pressed against. At that moment, I get a system notification.
Entering floor 300.
With that one notification, and the fact that we are no longer having to squirm and move for our lives, I feel the repressed energy from not one but two cumulative quests come forth and shower me with the minor potential I gained during this entire ordeal.
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (V): As the first Arcanarus Tower climber, a suitable reward has been chosen, for your achieving the next goal of reaching the 250th floor. Should you continue your climb and reach the vaunted 250th floor, you will receive a degree in Mixed Martial Mana. Rewards: Experience, Bachelor of Science degree from Arcanarus University: Mixed Martial Mana, Title: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (I), Increased Martial and Magical potency, New Named Vessel. Floors completed (300 / 250).
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (VI): As the first Arcanarus Tower climber, a suitable reward has been chosen, for your achieving the next goal of reaching the 300th floor. Should you continue your climb and reach the vaunted 300th floor, you will receive a Master¡¯s degree in Mixed Martial Mana. Rewards: Experience, Master¡¯s of Science degree from Arcanarus University: Mixed Martial Mana, Title: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (II), Increased Martial and Magical potency, Managed to keep new Named Vessel. Floors completed (300 / 300).
Cumulative results: Experience Gained: 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000 Ding. Level up. Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by one level to level 343. Ethereal Healer has increased by one level to level 464.
Yep, two levels across three classes for completing two quests in what has to be back to back fashion. Fortunately this also gives me an extra 50,000 experience that I can also use to update my Prankenstein, but I can¡¯t access that panel yet, as I am still getting flooded with more and more notifications.
Title: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (I): One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +10 Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy to Arcane Fusion Control, Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Bachelor¡¯s Degree: Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s undergraduate program of knowledge, with a Bachelor¡¯s degree in Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of energy manipulation anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Yes, the degree and title are comparable to what I earned for my initial climb while learning magic. But I have to say that this level of expertise is somehow more rewarding than either of my two doctorates. Maybe it¡¯s the fact that what I learned from my Doctorates only plays a minor role in what I have gained thus far. Still, this was a great reward. Before I could get too lost in the glow of my first set of rewards, the automatic doubled rewards appear next.
Title: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (II): One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +20 Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. Along with a +100% Skill Learning and Skill Efficacy rate to Arcane Fusion Control, Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory, and Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Master¡¯s Degree: Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s Master¡¯s program of knowledge, with a Master¡¯s degree in Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of energy manipulation anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Yes, these are also just like before where these rewards are stacking, also there seems to be a new focus on Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation along with an increase to my Skill Learning rate. At least for the second title. Now that the initial surge was over, I was finally able to once again access my darling Prankenstein¡¯s creator interface.
Current Available Experience to Spend on Prankenstein Upgrades: 50,000.
The very first thing I do is purchase the Tier 1: Self-Regeneration Package.
Self-Regeneration Package: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you heard a strange rattling sound? Well, whatever it seems fine now.¡±
That was my first package, I also purchased the Tier 1: Toughened Hull and Armor Package.
Toughened Hull and Armor Package: ¡°What? You think that hurt? ¡®Tis merely a flesh wound.¡±
Yes, the descriptions were a little lacking, but I could now see and almost feel the slight personality trait that this ship would slowly morph into. With this, the ship should be able to better withstand the pressures posed on it by the overly effective speed packages that I already purchased. Also, now I can see the character sheet for my own little ship.
Unique Vehicle Name: Prankenstein Classification: Speed, durability, and auto-repair all energy ship. Material Grade: Class III (not susceptible to mana or high energy degradation) Experience available: 0 / 575,000 Upgrade Packages: Speed and Acceleration: Tier 7 Self-Regeneration: Tier 1 Hull and Armor: Tier 1 Quirks: N/A
Seeing my little ship, I can¡¯t help but be excited by how much the ¡®widdle guy has grown in such a short amount of time. It seems like just a few hours ago we were taking her on her maiden voyage, and now here we are, looking for our first Quirk to appear. I pause, realizing that I might have missed something. Then as if prodded along by my own mental inquiry, I receive the following quest update notification.
Hidden Quest Updated: First Acanarus Tower Climber (VII): As the first Arcanarus Tower climber, a suitable reward has been chosen, for your achieving the next goal of reaching the 350th floor. Should you continue your climb and reach the vaunted 350th floor, you will receive a Doctoral degree in Mixed Martial Mana. Rewards: Experience, Doctor of Science degree from Arcanarus University: Mixed Martial Mana, Title: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (III), Increased Martial and Magical potency, Others. Floors completed (300 / 350).
Yes, this is exactly what I would want in terms of a Doctorate related to Qi and Mana usage, but there appears to be something that I am missing. I pause, then pushing back from Maranda, I realize that she too has a lot of golden energy filling her body, signifying that she has completed a quest as well. There is a moment of silence as I try to understand what quest Maranda managed to achieve that I did not. Then I realize what actually happened. ¡°Stupid tall people,¡± I say trying to be mostly joking, realizing that once again I was denied the first explorer bonus for reaching floor 300 first, due to Maranda literally holding me down and being a veritable giant compared to me. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not tall, I¡¯m barely 5¡¯5.¡± Maranda stated, suddenly realizing that she stole my explorer bonus. ¡°Yeah, almost a foot taller than me, even with me flying.¡± I reply, then I make a show of flapping my ephemeral wings once to get me eye to eye with her. Then with me staring tersely at her she goes off. ¡°OHHH! You are too cute!¡± I see her moving, but fortunately I don¡¯t need my Danger Sense to go off in order for me to realize I need to get out of there. Poof. I Teleport a few feet away, which instantly kills my direct feed into the QiMO machine. This causes our slower but steady advancement to all but stall out as we end up laying parallel to the ground. Which allows Jhonny and Penelope to come up, at which point I can tell by their body postures that they are slightly annoyed. For a moment I hope they will forgive my antics on trying to play captain hookup and get them to move closer through mutual fear and help. It isn¡¯t until Jhonny starts to talk, that I realize I might have totally misjudged his reactions, thanks to my momentary distraction from getting multiple quest completion and degree and title notifications. ¡°Okay, Cass, what exactly did you do that you can¡¯t tell us about, and that we can¡¯t ask you about?¡± Jhonny asks. Instantly I realized that he and Penelope seemed to have also gotten the same quests that Maranda must have. The ones generated from my folding space around myself. To which I reply as calmly as possible. ¡°Correct me if I am wrong, but isn¡¯t the first rule of Fight Club, that we don¡¯t talk about Fight Club?¡± Chapter 239 Tell Me, Without Actually Telling Me Chapter 239 Tell Me, Without Actually Telling Me ¡°You don¡¯t think you did anything wrong?¡± Jhonny asked, a note of incredulity to his voice. We are still just free floating aimlessly, letting the thrill of adrenaline get washed from our bodies as the cultivators are about to call it a night, while Penelope the lone Mage swears, she is going to take a quick nap before classes begin. In a way, I am happy that she isn¡¯t planning on skipping class, despite not getting any sleep. Fortunately for me, I have Zero who is out of his tattoo state and watching us, but otherwise not interfering with our conversation. ¡°No,¡± I reply honestly. ¡°You literally have a spell called Don¡¯t Do That, and you think you didn¡¯t do anything wrong?¡± Jhonny asks, trying to be the voice of reason here. Oh my little cricket of a conscience, how much you have to learn about arguing with a woman. ¡°First, you are wrong in that the spell is called Don¡¯t Do That Again, as I clearly already did it once. And second you are wrong in that I don¡¯t feel guilty at all. I saved all of us, and my ship.¡± I say the last part while gently stroking the helm. ¡°All right, I have to ask. So don¡¯t actually tell me what you did. But can you at least tell me roughly what happened?¡± Penelope asks, her tone calm as she is clearly trying to be the good cop here. Sigh. With that I take a deep breathe, and then try to explain what happened. Namely how at that time I was not allowed to Teleport with all of us. Basically, I could have Teleported myself easily, or I could have likely Teleported Jhonny, Penelope, Maranda, and myself, while leaving behind my ship due to overly dense Spatial Magic resistant tree bark. Tree bark that was far denser than anything in this zone should be, or any other zone I have ever been in for that matter. As such, it was clear now that I have time to think about it, that there was likely some major plot or storyline that we were supposed to interact with on floor 298. Likely after I crashed the Prankenstein on her maiden voyage, and after we were all gathered by some form of Anti-Teleportation array. Thus, my need to come up with an alternate form of traveling that could bypass the current limitations that were placed on me in a way that ensured all of our safety. After thinking about it for a second, I then decided to answer truthfully, but also vaguely enough that everyone here does not have their classes and levels reset to zero. ¡°Okay, to put it succinctly, the world cheated. They tried to force an impossible situation, that could not be avoided to make us lose the fast travel device that I had spent two weeks creating, an event that would have likely ended with one or more of your deaths.¡± I say pointing to the three of them. ¡°The world cheated? That¡¯s what you are going with?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Yeah, when the world says I can¡¯t use a Teleportation spell, even if I had to modify a new version of the spell right on the spot, all due to some likely forced plot device, that is cheating.¡± I reply. Jhonny holds up a finger as if he is going to argue with me about my interpretation of the world cheating. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s say for a second that the world did cheat. What did you do?¡± ¡°I mean, isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± I begin. With that everyone just looks at me, apparently everyone is ready to have their classes reset just to hear the truth. I can tell that the world means this as there are pale golden cords of fate that are binding themselves tightly to the three people who wanted nothing more than to help me celebrate a momentous occasion. Seeing their fates actively being threatened, I decide to once again answer as vaguely as possible. ¡°Well, the world already cheated. So, I cheated right back, but my cheating was apparently better, so now it is all butt-hurt.¡± I reply. And with that, the dirty golden strands of fate that had bound the three passengers a moment ago, relaxed slightly. Silence. There is a deep silence that fills the ship for a moment. Finally, Maranda is the first to start laughing. She starts with a light chuckle at first, but then soon goes into a full-on belly laugh with her chest heaving. Seeing her, Penelope looks stunned for a moment, before she too starts to giggle. Jhonny is the last to crack, as he clearly is trying to keep a solemn expression, before he too begins laughing, after seeing his two companions also laughing. ¡°Just so we are clear, I mean it, every word.¡± I state, feeling that they might be laughing at my response, thinking that I was joking. ¡°Oh, I know, trust me I know,¡± Penelope says, through her own giggling fits. Maranda barely able to stand comes over and pats me on the back. ¡°Had it been anyone else, I would have thought they were lying or at least embellishing. Based on the way the system is seeming to threaten you through us, proves that you can back up what you are saying. That or the system at least believes you can.¡± Maranda says, then pulling her hand away she begins to look on in amazement at the now bright golden dust that is on her hand. Golden dust that is actually ephemeral energy from when my wings actually manifest into the real world. Looking at the dust, Maranda pauses, and then still staring at her hand asks, ¡°is this medicinal?¡± At that, I just stare at her, before answering truthfully. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know?¡± I respond. ¡°You are a Healer right?¡± Maranda asks, still staring at her hand. ¡°Yeah?¡± I respond, knowing that she is in my Qi classes, meaning she might not have seen me actually heal, but Ethereal Healer is still my primary class, as such I still consider that to be my main designation. With my other classes just being ways to either be a better healer, or to help me survive as a healer. ¡°Good,¡± Maranda says, before taking her glowing hand and all but shoving it down her mouth as she tries to apparently eat the residual dust from her hand. ¡°Oh, this is so good!¡± Maranda says, as she no longer is able to stick more of her hand inside her mouth, and instead has now resorted to licking her hand. Which I find it odd that only now do I notice that she has a slightly cat like tongue within her mouth. A tongue that is now pulling off the highly concentrated energy and pulling it into her body. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. For my part, I can only stare on in complete befuddlement, at least for a moment. Then I watch the effect that the apparently overly pure energy of my ephemeral wing dust enters her body and begins to sink like a rock through her body, before all but clogging off her meridians. The entire thing is just crazy. ¡°God bless,¡± I shout as I move forward and begin instantly trying to both pull out the rest of the ephemeral energy that is still trying to settle into her body. While simultaneously trying to circulate the rest of the energy in her body, in order to keep her alive. ¡°What are you two? Putting everything into your mouth?¡± I chastise, while helping Maranda with the cultivation process. Maranda is one of those coreless cultivators, at least she was a coreless cultivator at first. But with this process, I began helping direct her energy. In a way, I felt like I was a temporary stave for how to avoid the otherwise dangerous side effects of anaphylaxis. With guided help, and forcefully moving her energy through her body in a quick and efficient manner, I noticed a few things. First, her meridians were bad. In a way, I almost felt like I was a beautician, commenting on the fragility of her hair particles and the seeming lack of care she provided the meridians. Yes, these meridians were likely better than almost anyone could expect before my school. As a student, and one of the students who was doing moderately well, I assumed her meridians were better than this. ¡°Gah, your meridians are all noodley, flowing wildly and without any clear intention.¡± I state, as I actively begin forcing parts of her meridians to move into faster paths, while burning away the oxbows, or extra links that are seemingly pointless. Part of me, focuses on those extra parts and focuses on dissolving them, a process that is as simple as hitting them with high intensity Qi waves. I realize that this could likely be an attack power, but for the moment I am using it in such a refined method that it is the equivalent of surgery. The same type of surgery one would perform to remove a tumor, or skin growth that was unnecessary.
New Skill Gained: Meridian Manipulation has reached level 1.
Meridian Manipulation is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X3 based skill.
Well, at least I got a cool skill from this whole process. Apparently, the skill seems to encompass both forcing the new meridian pathways to be created, along with my precision snipping and removal or in this case recycling of old meridian parts. Honestly, that skill alone made this entire ordeal worthwhile. Especially as I was pretty sure that Maranda would survive. Worse, with this level of energy, despite my having to siphon off over half of the residual energy, I was able to actually make Maranda stronger. As I easily managed to form the basis for a cultivation core within her body, one that would be capable of handling larger amounts of energy.
New Quest Completed: Cultivator Core Creation: You managed to help one of your students overcome a surge of energy and even managed to help them form a Tier I cultivation core. Results: Experience, Skill (already obtained), New World Feature.
Yes, the quest all but proved that my part in saving my stupid student¡¯s life was over.
Experience Gained: 25,000 / 12,500 / 12,500 Ding. Level up. Akashic Qi Master has increased by one level to level 312. Ethereal Healer increased by one level to level 465.
New World Feature Added: Guided Cultivation Breakthrough
Guided Cultivation Breakthrough: This feature allows you to assist people with the process of breaking through the different layers of cultivation.
That was it, a total of four levels, one per class and two for my primary class over the evening. I assume that this quest might be an attempt by the system to apologize for height discrimination against me, by giving Maranda the biased bonus for being the first to reach floor 300 by a mere quarter of a second at most before I did. Gasp. Maranda, who had been relatively still for most of the operation suddenly sprung to life with her child like exuberance that made her so captivating to interact with. ¡°Oh wow, that was so cool. For a second I thought it was just a bad trip, but then I felt it.¡± Maranda said, placing her hand over the part where her Qi core resides, just above her belly button, and close to her center of balance. ¡°That, that was so cool.¡± Maranda shouted, scrambling to her feet and then running over to Jhonny, the other student on the ship who also had a core. ¡°I thought you were just joking about her control, but I felt it. You were so right, she not only took control to save me, but then she cleared up my wavy meridians.¡± At that, I just turn to Jhonny and try to lock gazes with him. ¡°Did you conspire with Maranda to get me to help her increase her core?¡± I ask, suddenly wondering if my benevolence is being taken advantage of. I¡¯m pretty sure it is, but I have to ask. ¡°What? No!¡± Jhonny hissed, almost seeming to be insulted by the comment. ¡°I just spoke about how you were the best at controlling energy and could likely control it better than anyone else could, even within their own bodies.¡± Maranda nods excitedly. ¡°And you were right. Her control was amazing, and for a moment I thought I was going to die, again. But then she saved me, twice in one night!¡± Hearing her, I can¡¯t help but wince slightly, as she was not mistaken. While I do feel slightly responsible for the first near death, that second one was all on her. ¡°Wait, what in the world possessed you to not just touch, but to consume the ethereal energy on your fingers?¡± Penelope asked. At that, I too have to wonder the same thing, as up until that point I had a slightly different impression of Maranda. Yes, she was bubbly and fun, but definitely not crazy. With that question, Maranda who had been still riding a Qi induced high, suddenly paused as she looked momentarily confused. ¡°I, honestly, I don¡¯t know.¡± Maranda stammered for a moment before providing a response. ¡°One second, I was just there, my adrenaline was pumping because we survived the impossible and I saw a miracle happen before my eyes. Then the next thing I know, my hands were tingling due to Pixie Dust, and next thing I know Dr. Spiritlight is performing life saving¡­ surgery? I don¡¯t know.¡± Maranda stated, clearly confused about what to call the procedure I did to help her create a cultivation core and to keep her from having her body melt due to excessive exposure to energy. ¡°You did ask if the compound was medicinal,¡± Jhonny noted. ¡°I did?¡± Maranda asks, then stares at her hand, as if she was trying to see any lingering traces of the ephemeral energy. Of course, I wouldn¡¯t have left any of the excess energy reside on her body. ¡°Wait, why? Mallory seemed fine when she touched my wings and had her own hand coated with ephemeral energy.¡± I state, trying to go off the only other person who I know for a fact touched my wings. Well touched the area where my wings traveled through, as they weren¡¯t physical objects, not truly. ¡°Uh, you do realize that Mallory is like level one thousand plus,¡± Maranda states. ¡°She is also the only other Mythical level bloodline holder.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°Oh, that is likely it, as I just got a notification that I have now begun the process of awakening my Royal Bloodline.¡± Maranda noted. ¡°Wow, that sucks.¡± I state. With that all three people nearby just nod their heads in agreement. At that I realize that all three of these people have begun the process of awakening their Royal Bloodlines thanks to different events related to me. I¡¯m beginning to wonder if I am somehow cursed? Or maybe there is more to the bloodline flaw, Children of a Magical Destiny. One that I can almost feel getting more and more powerful with each advancement I achieve due to my bloodline evolutions. Then a second and likely worse thought fills my mind. ¡°Poor Mallory,¡± is all I can say to reflect my new thought. ¡°Poor Mallory?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°Yeah, she is going to have a new student join her Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Bloodline Acceptance classes.¡± I state. ¡°They are Bloodline Understanding and¡­¡± Jhonny begins, but then trails off. ¡°You know, I think the names change each week.¡± ¡°Yeah, what happens when you keep swapping instructors. I guess it is official that we should just keep Mallory there.¡± I state. ¡°Isn¡¯t she already the main teacher?¡± Penelope asks. Hearing her, I feel a giant smile come to my face as I lunge forward and peck Penelope on the cheek. ¡°Oh, I knew you were my favorite for a reason.¡± I state, nearly tackling her. Penelope for her part just hugs me, mostly out of a want to maintain her balance. After a second, she lets go and then reaches up with her hand to touch the now slightly glowing section of her face. A section where the barest traces of highly concentrated mana fill her cheek. Seeing the magical kiss mark on her face would likely have been enough. But there was a bit more, as I only realize afterwards that Penelope had ephemeral wing energy on her hand. For her part, she seemed fine with being exposed to the ephemeral wing energy at first. At this, I think there was likely less problems with the residual wing dust, so long as it wasn¡¯t ingested that is. At least that was the thought, until I saw the way her touching the magical kiss outline on her face, with the wing energy seemed to have a multiplying effect on the two compounds. Sizzle. There was a near instantaneous chemical reaction as the mostly mana rich kiss saliva interacted with the highly potent ephemeral wing dust, creating a reaction that now chose to be instantly absorbed by Penelope¡¯s body. ¡°Uh, oh.¡± I say, seeing the energy instantly dissolve into Penelope¡¯s skin and directly into her bloodstream. Penelope for her part begins to collapse. I of course grab her and begin dropping her gently to the deck of the ship. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Jhonny and Maranda ask almost in unison. At that they both pause to stare at each other and shout ¡°jinx.¡± ¡°Personal jinx.¡± ¡°Double personal¡­¡± ¡°Stop flirting and let me focus!¡± I state, as I realize what is happening. Though I feel even more odd strands of golden fate going out, suddenly binding Maranda and Jhonny thanks to my comment. Both pause their joking, but this time they just stare longingly into each others eyes. At this, I remember one of my new flaws, something about Cassiopeia¡¯s Curse? No wait, it was Cassiopeia¡¯s Foresight, where I could see the future but was unable to do anything about it. Right now, I felt that I had played more than a little part in this joining of Jhonny and Maranda, but I¡¯m not going to split hairs about my matchmaking abilities. Instead, I am going to focus on what is happening to Penelope right now. ¡°What? What is happening?¡± Penelope asks, as she suddenly doubles over in pain. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, just relax. I¡¯ve got this.¡± I state. ¡°Oh Gods, it is bad when she won¡¯t even tell you.¡± Jhonny states, so not being helpful at letting me calm down Penelope. ¡°It¡¯s okay, these are very natural processes that you are experiencing right now.¡± I state, trying to calm Penelope down as I will definitely need her help for this next part. ¡°In fact, everyone who goes through a bloodline transformation will experience this very event.¡± ¡°Wait, a Bloodline evolution? Now?¡± Penelope asks, her voice suddenly concerned as she tries to push herself up from the deck. ¡°Yes, now calm down, and I¡¯ll try to make it not hurt that much.¡± I say. ¡°It¡¯ll hurt?¡± ¡°Really, the worst you have to worry about are the noted physical alterations. Everything else will be fine.¡± ¡°Wait, am I going to get a third eye too?¡± ¡°Not if I can help it.¡± I state, clearly picking up on her words and trust me I would not wish this upon anyone else. ¡°No, wait, can you try to get me one? If you can?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°Wait? You want a third eye?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, very much so!¡± Penelope states, excitement filling her words, as I can tell she actually means it. ¡°Are you sure you aren¡¯t suffering from Pixie Dust exposure?¡± I ask. But before I can get an answer, the system lets me know it is time to get to work.
New Quest Identified: Tailoring A New Royal Bloodline Into Existence: Help Penelope Tailor awaken her dormant bloodline markers and help her achieve her true potential as a Royal Bloodline holder¡­
I see what they did there with that new quest, well played¡­ Chapter 240 The Good, The Bad, And The Cassie (Mallory) Chapter 240 The Good, The Bad, And The Cassie (Mallory) As a guild leader, you are privy to many things. Most of the information doesn¡¯t seem like it means much, like being able to see the experience growth rate of certain individuals. When Mallory first began the guild of experts, she tried to encourage people to level up as quickly as possible. At the time such an event made sense, as they were struggling to make a name for themselves. They were competing against the other much larger names out there, like the Rick & Rollers, the Red Fox Guild, and even The Juggernauts. But all of those groups eventually succumbed to fate and destiny. But at the time, it was a battle. Mallory herself had to level to show how powerful her guild was. To provide safety for experts and professionals, those who saw the world as more than a chance to live out constant streams of violence. Oh, a few high-level fighters, mages, and combatants joined the guild at first, though many did so under false pretenses, as many thought they would get to group with and therefore level with Mallory. Something that Mallory herself never endorsed nor advertised as a possible perk of joining the guild. This was why originally only the artisans and niche workers stayed. Particularly after Mallory went out of her way to set up and protect said specialists on their second and third lives, even going so far as to avenge their prior deaths. With the priorities of her Guild shifted away from constant battles, the rate of leveling witnessed by most dropped off. This was why for a time she never put much stock into the warning options for individuals within her guild leveling. At least she hadn¡¯t done so until recently, with just one person getting the clear distinct warning ding sound that was endemic to everyone leveling. Originally, the reason why Mallory assigned the sound notification for levels to this individual was that they were a pacifist. That in her own mind, Mallory felt that this individual¡¯s growth rate would be so slow and monotonous, that getting a random ping of her success, even at 2 AM guild standard time (which was based on where the guild¡¯s now capitol of World¡¯s End resided). The only problem was that somehow the person she had assigned the notification to leveled up sporadically, and nearly constantly to be at the middle of the pack or even now she was nearing the top echelon of leaders of the guild with her overall leveling rate. For a second Mallory had the idea of turning off these now seemingly incessant and random update notifications. She thought about turning them off, until logic took over and all but demanded that she stop and pay attention to what was happening. Basically, every time the person she got a notification for this pacifist troublemaker, it often meant that the crazy genius had done something and was getting rewarded by the system. Which was good, as at first it meant that Mallory could check in with her best friend, see what she had done, and try to come up with counter measures for ways to protect the girl who was too creative for her own good sometimes. Worse, just when Mallory thought about turning off the nearly incessant announcements, Mallory thought about turning off the notifications. But that was when the girl had somehow learned to hold back the notifications herself, and seemingly let them all get rewarded at once. Meaning, Cass could go do something that would completely change the world¡¯s understanding of something and would wait to give out a system warning announcing the accomplishment hours or even days after it was first accomplished. This was why, when Cass randomly gained two levels at 1:22 AM, Miranda was warned by a quick pinging sound in her mind. Mallory mentally noted the accomplishment of Cass, saw that it was just two levels and then groggily tried to go back to sleep. Only for yet another ping to wake her just as she was about to once again fall deep into her slumber. This time Mallory noticed that Cass had once again leveled up twice. While leveling up was not a new thing, the rate at which she leveled seemed off. Idly Mallory looked to see what had caused Cass to level recently. That was when she noticed the odd name of the last quest Cass had just completed.
Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight Recently Completed Quests (Sorted by Newest to Oldest)
New Quest Completed: Cultivator Core Creation
Seeing the quest name, Mallory paused, trying to figure out exactly what Cass had done. Well what she had done was right there in the title of the quest, but rather who she had done this for. Also, what did this all mean? Questioning what was happening, Mallory decided to look at her other recently completed quests and then found two quests that at least made sense, even if they were accomplished rather quickly.
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (VI)
Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (V)
Recently assigned ongoing quests:
New Bloodline Quest (Ongoing): Tailoring A New Royal Bloodline Into Existence
Well, the second one was quick, the first one took the girl months to finally finish. Seeing that the two quests had nearly identical timestamps on them, Mallory knew that the little scamp had once again waited to receive her accolades. Though there was something odd that happened, for as soon as she witnessed the first quest completion about the Arcanarus Tower completion, and Mallory made a note to ask what she did to finish the quest so quickly, she got a new system message.
Emergency Quest Bestowed (Ongoing): Never Ask, Talk, Or Get Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight To Explain or Recreate In Any Way What She Did to get to Floor 300 of the Arcanarus Tower: As guild leader it now falls upon you to keep everything quiet and never confirm or deny any allegations made about Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s actions when it came to reaching the 300th floor of the Arcanarus Tower. No one can know what she, or the other fellow Guild members observed during that time. Failure will cause Guild Members Maranda, Jhonny, and Penelope to lose all levels, skills, and accomplishments.
Seeing the new quest, Mallory thought it was a sort of low blow. No rewards for completing the odd task, and only punishments to others if she failed. The threat wasn¡¯t death, but a fate almost similar to death, as being reset like that was what would expect with a death. With the only difference being that if they had any active Merits, they would manage to keep said merits going. At that Mallory looked at the other three guild members who were listed and saw that they too all had the same quest. Jhonny as typical was the most vanilla of the bunch, only having the odd warning quest provided within the last 24 hours. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Emergency Quest Bestowed (Ongoing): Never Ask, Talk, Or Get Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight To Explain or Recreate In Any Way What She Did to get to Floor 300 of the Arcanarus Tower
Maranda had a slightly different lineup, in addition to the recently assigned reset quest, she also had an explorer bonus.
Explorer Bonus Quest (Complete): Become the First Person to Reach Floor 300 of the Arcanarus Tower
Seeing the message, Mallory could only smile and shake her head at the generosity of Cass. Those bonuses were huge, and offered far more experience than all of Cass¡¯s floor climbing quests. At that Mallory remembered how she got nearly a million experience from when Cass all but forced her to take the exploration bonus for reaching floor 200. That of course made Mallory wonder if Penelope had anything interesting happening with her. As to be expected she had the warning reset quest, but then Mallory noticed an entirely new quest that caused the skin down her neck to come to life with goose bumps.
New Bloodline Quest (Completed): Tailoring A New Royal Bloodline Into Existence (Progenitor)
Pausing, for a moment, Mallory went back to Cass¡¯s list and saw that she too had the same quest.
New Bloodline Quest (Ongoing): Tailoring A New Royal Bloodline Into Existence (Bloodline Doctor)
True to form, the quest that was clearly completed on Penelope¡¯s end lay in an already pinged ready state. That is assuming she would have set Penelope¡¯s quest notifications to ping upon completion. Just seeing that Cass¡¯s quest was ready to go off at any time made Mallory flinch with involuntary loss of sleep. Of course, she could turn off the notification. But then that crafty little sneak would be able to get by different events from Mallory. Events that Mallory often needed to be aware of to either try to turn a profit from, or what was becoming increasingly more likely, the need to divert, distract, or suppress information related to Cass¡¯s accomplishments. Of course, with something as monumental as a New Royal Bloodline being generated. And taking a quick look at Penelope¡¯s status showed that her new marker did identify her as an RB. This was an old feature, that Mallory had never truly known the importance of. In fact, it wasn¡¯t until Cass came along that indicators like LB, and RB even became a thing. Or at least it wasn¡¯t until she arrived that such markings actually made sense as to their purpose. RB for Royal Bloodline, LB for Legendary Bloodline. Those markings were proven when both Mallory and Cass advanced to now have the wholly unique designation of MB in their community tabs. Also of note was that now that Mallory became a Mythic Bloodline holder, her constant need to pamper Gwen, or rather Gwen¡¯s baby was no longer an issue. As she like Cass, or rather Cass¡¯s Simulacrum who was now able to fill in for Cass on such situations were both presented with a quest update notification.
Would you Mallory Valhalla wish to bestow upon Gwendolyn Spiritlight¡¯s child, your grandchild, the full blessings and flaws associated with being a Legendary Bloodline holder of the Valhalla Bloodline?
Apparently as a new Mythic Bloodline holder she was able to do such a feat. While Mallory had to do this task in person, she did find it odd that Cass¡¯s Simulacrum could perform the same function on behalf of the real Cass. How did Mallory know that this wasn¡¯t the real Cass? It¡¯s not like all of the markers and indicators that she had spent so many hours watching and observing for differences between the real Cass and her Simulacrum had completely disappeared as if by magic. No, and the fact that she had been having a complete conversation about additional tasks to be accomplished, tasks that the Simulacrum didn¡¯t shirk away from at all was also not a thing. Nope, Mallory was completely aware she was talking to a Simulacrum the entire time. That way when a giant burst of energy flashed before her eyes and Cass, the real Cass appeared and said, ¡°oh hey Mallory, how are you doing?¡± Mallory herself was not at all frightened, nor did she almost jump out of her skin in fear at the sudden shift in energy. No sir, that was why Mallory just replied, ¡°oh hey, glad you¡¯re back.¡± ¡°Thank you, glad to be back,¡± Cass began, but then looking at Mallory she seemed to realize something, which was why she continued. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, were you waiting a long time for me to return?¡± Hearing that and not wanting Cass to realize that her easy method of discovering the difference between her and one of her Simulacrums had completely disappeared now that Cass had apparently increased in her bloodline¡¯s intensity. Mallory instead just shrugged off the entire ordeal as if it was nothing. ¡°Nope, I just wanted to go over the schedule with you and make sure everything was still a go for the Kujos.¡± Mallory asked. ¡°The Kujos?¡± Cass responded, a note of curiosity in her voice, and why not. As Mallory had all but done everything within her power to avoid the Kujos since the ornery one became pregnant. Also, Mallory did not want to go over the same conversation with the real Cass about preparations for the upcoming wedding, as that would eventually get back to her and then Cass would know she could get away with much more. ¡°Yeah, they should be fine,¡± Cass responded, ¡°though you are right, I should go check on them myself.¡± Just looking at the momentary look of anguish on Cass¡¯s busy pixie face, Mallory almost felt her heart burst as Cass clearly looked like she was in pain from not interacting with the blasted killers as much as she should. In fact, just before Cass Teleported away, Mallory could almost swear that she heard the music to Cat¡¯s in the Cradle playing its sadly haunting melody. Poof. And like that she was gone to take care of her feral pack of monsters. Monsters who only seemed loyal to Cass, her Simulacrums, and maybe Gwen, everyone else was just tolerated by the duo. Yep, remembering that ordeal from earlier in the evening, Mallory decided to go to the nearest Simulacrum, and wait for Cass¡¯s return. This way she could catch the crazy girl causing trouble, and make it appear like she had purposefully let Cass go out to do mischief, like crossing over fifty floors of the Arcanarus Tower, or Creating a Core in Maranda, or even helping Penelope become an official Royal Bloodline Progenitor. Actually, looking at the list of accomplishments for one night, Mallory felt that she was oddly impressed with the girl as that looked to be a fairly exhausting pattern. Especially with the fact that she was scheduled to teach classes here shortly, and as much as she might complain about her evening Bloodline courses, she never missed a chance to work out. ¡°Hey Mallory, how are you?¡± Cass Began saying. Hearing the girl speak, Mallory stared at her, trying to see if there were any new signs that indicated that this was a Simulacrum or the real Cass. Of course, it didn¡¯t help that each Simulacrum had the same personality arch type as the real Cass, meaning they each would find it immensely enjoyable to confuse old Mallory into believing they were the real Cass, like some enhanced version of the Parent Trap. ¡°Hello Simulacrum, is your master coming soon?¡± Mallory stated. ¡°What? I¡¯m the real Cass,¡± the Simulacrum said with faux indignancy. ¡°No, you¡¯re not.¡± ¡°Yes, I am.¡± ¡°Look, I know it¡¯s not you, because you aren¡¯t causing any problems.¡± ¡°Oh, good, so you aren¡¯t here to bust me?¡± ¡°Wait, what?¡± ¡°You are just here on a fishing expedition, trying to see if I¡¯ll self-incriminate, smart. But, know I haven¡¯t done a thing all day that you can prove I did.¡± The Simulacrum said, and after hearing that logic Mallory just paused. Then she looked at the Simulacrum, and for a moment she truly wondered if this was the real Cass. Had Cass gotten better about hiding her activities? That would be the truly frightening process, if Cass somehow managed to alter or even change the details available to her on her quest panel. Then realizing that this was her trump card that she had never revealed to anyone, she felt it was still applicable. For Cass wouldn¡¯t know that Mallory could track her quests and then try to ambush her upon her returns, right? Then again this was Cass. As soon as Mallory had that last thought, she moved closer to the floating pixie and stared at her giant emerald green orbs that served as her eyes and for a moment, she wondered if this was Cass. ¡°Oh shoot, you¡¯re going to pinch my cheeks again, aren¡¯t you.¡± Cass began, before she Teleported away. Poof. Cass appeared a few feet away clutching her cute little dimple cheeks with her little, colossal pixie hands in a way that was almost too cute. ¡°No, wait.¡± Mallory began, seeing that Cass was about to run off. ¡°I need to talk to you about Maranda and Penelope.¡± Hearing that Cass just paused and looked at Mallory, ¡°oh, that is fine, it¡¯s almost time that they got back anyways.¡± ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked. But then the scamp of a Simulacrum just smiled widely and created a rip in space, revealing the deck of a floating ship, Penelope, Jhonny, Maranda, Cass, and Zero all free floating with a ghostly background. Just seeing the fleeting vapors of a gloomy open sky, Mallory knew that she was looking at people who were in the Arcanarus Tower. Seeing Zero free floating around, Mallory had a eureka moment as she looked to the arms of the Simulacrum near her, then back to the other side to see that neither had a tattoo of resting Zero. ¡°Ah, hah! Your Zero Tattoos, are still a tell that you are just a Simulacrum.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°That is hurtful,¡± the Simulacrum said, then as she spoke, Mallory was shocked to see that a glowing image of the spirit dragon was beginning to appear on the scamp¡¯s arm. Then quickly turning back she saw the real Zero actually melding into the arm of Cass, which then began to be mirrored on the Simulacrum¡¯s arm that was still holding the portal open next to Mallory. While this was happening, Penelope, Jhonny, and Maranda all began walking out. Seeing her guild members come back, Mallory found herself asking. ¡°So how was it?¡± The three just looked to each other before shrugging. That is when the Simulacrum began speaking. ¡°Well, we have good news, bad news, and no news for you.¡± ¡°What?¡± Hearing the Simulacrum speak, Mallory turned to the others, only to see that the portal was now closing, leaving behind Cass. Or did she do a switch when Mallory wasn¡¯t paying attention? Did Mallory miss the slight flash of energy? No, she couldn¡¯t have, this had to be the Simulacrum still, right? ¡°Well the no news is something we can¡¯t tell you about.¡± Penelope stated, apparently picking up on the confusion. Hearing that, Mallory assumed that this had to do with the random emergency quest she too received, the ¡°Never Ask, Talk, Or Get Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight To Explain or Recreate In Any Way What She Did to get to Floor 300 of the Arcanarus Tower.¡± ¡°Okay, I understand that, but now what is this about the good and bad news?¡± Mallory asked, turning her attention to Penelope. Unfortunately, all Penelope could do was just shrug as she clearly had no clue what Cass was talking about. ¡°The good news is that Penelope will never have to sit through the Royal Bloodline classes anymore, as she is now a Royal Bloodline holder.¡± Cass, or maybe her Simulacrum stated. ¡°Yeah, I was aware, but now the bad news?¡± Mallory asked, wondering if there was something important that she had somehow missed. ¡°The bad news is that while Penelope is out of your Royal Bloodline classes, Maranda here will be taking her place.¡± Cass stated and then pointed at Maranda who all but glowed. ¡°Okay,¡± Mallory began, thinking about the words and seeing that both Penelope and Maranda both glowed with an extra surge of power. In fact, she was so lost in that understanding that she almost missed the key words that the scamp had spoken. ¡°Wait? My Royal Bloodline classes?¡± ¡°Glad you agree they are yours.¡± Cass stated, before promptly Teleporting away. Hearing that, Mallory realized that she had been speaking to the real Cass. Or at least she hoped so, otherwise her life as a guild leader would get a lot more complicated. Interlude XV (Cassidy) Interlude XV (Cassidy) ¡°Have you ever wondered how someone like Dr. of Magic Cassiopeia Spiritlight views the world?¡± An advertiser begins to say, as a recording of Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight in her newly altered colossal pixie form standing in front of her students running, jumping, and otherwise pushing her body and mind to the max one second. ¡°Have you ever wondered what the world of magic and cultivation look like to someone like her?¡± The advertiser continues, as the feed changes to show how Cass seamlessly transitions from being able to run, to here doing a mock battle of using mana and qi linked skills and disciplines against her simulacrum who also responds with an equal mixture of Qi and Mana based attacks. ¡°For the longest time, we too were wondering how it would be possible to give you the viewer an intense and more personal feel for how someone like Dr. Spiritlight views the world.¡± The announcer continues their speech as the screen begins to ripple and pulse with the violent waves of energy and force that are streaming from both combatants. The images themselves are an amazing display and testament to how capable the newer televisions screens are, at capturing all the pulsing colors that look like they are about to cause the screen to melt with the intense waves of energy that are being released. ¡°Well now you can. With the introduction of our newest streaming package, we call Pixie Vision.¡± At this the screen changes to a pitch-black scene with only the faintest outlines of people around. ¡°That¡¯s right, we offer everything from the beginner tier one package like this,¡± the announcer states showing how the colors and flows of magic being cast by the two versions of Cass appear to be suddenly much crisper and more seamless in their deployment. ¡°To the slightly more advanced tier two Pixie Vision, which mirrors what anyone born with a legendary version of the Spirlitlight bloodline will be granted.¡± The announcer states. With this the same scene continues to become more refined, as more and more details of energy being used come to life. Even the outlines of people can be seen clearly, even the ones trying to hide via stealth are clearly seen in this tier package. ¡°Join now while supplies last. Also know that those who get the tier two premium Pixie Vision package will be first in line to receive the chance to upgrade to tier three and beyond once the packages are fully operational.¡± The announcer states, ending their speech before a second calmer voice comes on and tries to hide the potential nastier side effects. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Warning: May cause epilepsy. People with a history of epilepsy should inquire with a doctor. Getting this does not mean you will get magic, Qi, or other powers. Magic is strictly an imaginary construct that should not be taken seriously. Using Pixie Vision will not help you unlock secret powers or master mysteries of the world. Nor will using Pixie Vision ensure the successful unlocking of the ability to purchase Angel¡¯s Sight upon entry into BiPrism and other worlds. The owners of BiPrism are not liable for any damage done to the user¡¯s eyes, mind, or psyche while using this product. Click. At that, the salesperson in the slick snake oil salesman suit turned off the television and stared at Cassidy¡¯s mother. ¡°Well Ms. Cruise, would you like to allow your daughter to be one of our beta testers for Pixie Vision?¡± The salesperson asked, while holding a prototype of the newest virtual reality headset that could supposedly allow someone to try out this new Pixie Vision. ¡°You want my Cassidy to wear that head contraption so she can be one of your guinea pigs for this little experiment?¡± ¡°You do realize that this will be a paid position, and as a full-time employee, Cassidy will be able to get health care coverage for not only herself but her immediate family members as well?¡± The snake oil salesman pressed. ¡°I said, no.¡± ¡°Please, Ms. Cruise, just consider it, besides, shouldn¡¯t we ask your daughter what she thinks of this proposal?¡± The man said, turning his attention to Cassidy who for her part had just been standing quietly in the corner. For Cassidy the whole thing had been a whirlwind of emotions. Not only had her mother finally come out of her coma, but the moment she did, these goons came in and offered her the chance to be a high paid product tester for a product that would let her see the world the way her great grandmother does. The way a true magical genius constantly uses to improve themselves and their casting abilities. Realizing that everyone was looking at her, even her mother who had been fighting so hard to protect her from this, suddenly turned to look at Cassidy to see what she would say about this whole situation. The entire thing seemed too good to be true, which was why she had to ask. ¡°Would this help me see the real world with this same level of magical clarity as it would for viewing game clips?¡± Cassidy asked. At that, the slicked-up salesman just smiled brightly showing teeth that glowed with a fake gleam so bright that they had to be manufactured. ¡°Why yes, that is what this newest prototype will test out, which is why we chose you as being one of our initial test subjects.¡± While the idea of being considered a test subject was mildly revolting, there were worse jobs available. Also, this would get her status and priority for working for one of the mega corporations. ¡°Now there is no way I will let my daughter do this, she is too young. There are rules against child labor.¡± ¡°You are correct Ms. Cruise, which is why we would also offer you a job as well. One that would both grant your own healthcare, but also each year you work for the company will count for two, should you choose to retire within BiPrism, and you do intend to join the rest of your family at said time, do you not?¡± The snake oil salesman pressed, apparently keeping the chance for a lucrative contract and career for mother hidden until now. At this time he pushed a button sending the vitals for a parental contract with the contingency of protecting a familial minor contract to Cassidy¡¯s mother. Ping. At the ping, the details of the contract opened up, and all the fight within Cassidy¡¯s mother died out, as it was apparently so much money that even her want to protest died on her tongue. Finally, after a moment of reading the contract, a much more subdued Ms. Cruise turned to Cassidy and spoke. ¡°I don¡¯t know, this is your choice. I will back you regardless of what you choose.¡± And like that, Cassidy realized that with this decision she could forever change not only her fate, but her the fate of her mother, and of any future children she might choose to have in the future, all by answering this one little question. Chapter 241 Testing Chapter 241 Testing ¡°Hey Charlaine, are you feeling okay?¡± Jhonny asked the receptionist who was even glowing to my perception. ¡°Um, yeah,¡± Charlaine replied, a slight note of hesitation in her voice. ¡°Well, if you caught something you can let me know.¡± Jhonny stated, concern evident in his voice. ¡°Okay, thank you for that,¡± Charlaine responded, though it was clear that Charlaine did not want to continue this conversation at all. ¡°Shh!¡± I told the two of them who were talking in hushed whispers in the background. Normally their conversation would have been drowned out with the normal reverie of my class going through their daily lectures. Unfortunately, no one was talking, which meant that Jhonny¡¯s kindhearted probing into my new assistant¡¯s physical health might be distracting to some people. ¡°Can¡¯t you see that I am trying to fail people out of my classes,¡± I state in a stage whisper that is clearly loud enough to be heard by all of my students who are taking my assessment exam. Nervous chuckles. The students just laugh nervously, while they all collectively work on their enchantments. Even Penelope looks nervous, and she is by far one of the stronger students of the class. That said, I did make this test a little harder than necessary, though to my defense I just wanted to see how these students would react when pushed. Charlaine and Jhonny both watched on from the corner, as they saw the students take the enchanted object that I created for them. Then they watched as the students took apart the enchanted object safely, only to build an exact replica of the one they took apart with the pieces that were available to them. Or mostly safely as a few of my anti-tampering enchantments did go off when some of the weaker students tried to take the device apart. The destruction of parts and processes was not necessarily a fail, but rather a sign of ways to improve. Of all the students, Penelope was one of the fastest. Using her item exactly three times from three different angles to see its effects. Then as instructed, she began dismantling the product entirely. Going down to the base components. From there, she saw the array of items that were nearby and began discarding the items that were not used in her device. Being one of the better students, it was clear that other enchanters looked at her for advice. This was why, while the other students had not specifically been following her every move, they did try to cheat by watching what items she removed and removing those items from their own piles. At that, I just smiled to myself. That was one of my traps for this exam, as each student had their own individualized test. While each student had access to the same 100 items to use, with only forty being used. There were specific combinations that were unique for each student. These were of course one time use items that after the initial use would lose their charge and allow the device to perform the same exact test that everyone¡¯s had performed beforehand. The only problem, that initial test would tell me if the student actually passed or not. During the time when I was sitting patiently for each test taker to perform the task provided, I was mentally going through my own cultivation and cycling exercises. Trying to work on new forms and speeds, while not moving and not showing any sign of activity was tough. At least, I thought it should be tough. The idea was that this test was so hard that I could easily get a grasp on where everyone was heading into the second half of the semester. Though I think with their progress, I might be pushing most too hard too fast. That or a lot of these people are noted geniuses in their fields who just needed a bit of a push. That said, Penelope is one of the students that I might need to create a specialized program form, to make sure she passes. Watching her work is a thing of beauty. Well mostly, she does ham fist a few items here and there, but for the most part she is attentive, graceful, and precise. Clearly her years of tailoring experience are not being wasted with how adept she is at using her hands and manipulating objects. Why are we doing mid-terms on a Wednesday and effectively giving all of the Enchanters forty-eight hours to goof off? Well simple, I want to be done with these assessments by Saturday, and I also need to make sure to test all three of my magical classes, along with my Magic Fundamentals, and Magic Resonance degree paths. Don¡¯t worry, those two classes will have their own equally long tests tomorrow and Friday respectively, meaning those in Enchantment+ got hosed. Well hosed for lack of time to prepare, though to be fair it is my Qi Manifestation students who get the worst, as their training is happening over a three-day period. Click-snap. Penelope puts together the final component of her device and instantly hears the tell-tale click of everything working properly. This is year one, so I went relatively easy. The only real hiccup is that everyone has a different three module core that is unique to them. Everything else that I thought about, having broken or uncharged pieces, parts that were overcharged, all of that was left out of this exam. Though I was glad to see a few students take the first few minutes of the test time to use their Ohm meters to test the voltage and current of every device. Though every piece was fully charged and ready to betray anyone who was either not paying attention, or thought about cheating. ¡°Professor, I am finished.¡± Penelope said, from her desk, while raising her hand for attention. ¡°Bring it forward and let¡¯s see if you succeeded.¡± I state, loud enough for the entire class to hear our interaction. Penelope comes forward, a slight bit of hesitance in her gait as she takes deep calming breaths on her way forward. Then once she is here, she speaks in a low tone. ¡°Did you find anything odd about the construction?¡± I ask, trying to see if Penelope saw the obvious trap. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°I did, there was a series of three core circuit crystals that were needed to power the device, but I couldn¡¯t understand what they did other than that.¡± Penelope noted, her voice low so she wouldn¡¯t bother the other test takers. Hearing her I nodded. ¡°Well, let¡¯s turn it on and see how you did.¡± I state, a slight smile coming to my lips. Seeing my obvious excitement, Penelope pauses and just stares at me. ¡°Did you do something to this?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°I don¡¯t know, only one way to find out.¡± I confirm. Penelope still looks at me and apparently still does not feel confident in my smile. Though she has good instincts as my smile is slightly malicious, it is not malicious in the way she might think. ¡°Okay, I trust you.¡± Penelope says, as she moves her hand towards the activation switch. ¡°And I trust that you did this correctly.¡± I reply. Hearing my response, Penelope pauses, but finally gives in and presses the button. Click. Then just as I intended, the first-time use, those three unique circuit crystals that only had enough charge for one instance went off, and let everyone know that Penelope had in fact succeeded. Da-da-dah-dat-da-dah-duh! Rather than the device¡¯s typical function of being able to test mana fluctuations in the air. The first time, I had it set up so that it first it let out a steady stream of mana to be measured, then played magical music, and even released a recording of me congratulating the individual student and letting them, and the class know exactly who passed. Then an image of me appeared in the released magical field and created an image using recorded Illusion magic. ¡°Congratulations Penelope Tailor for successfully passing your mid-term exam. See you Saturday,¡± an illusionary version of me states hovering above the outstretched magical array detection device. Penelope pauses for a second, which is great as I can see her analytical mind working overtime at the sudden revelation of a separate one time use function of the device she created. ¡°That¡¯s what those three circuit crystals were?¡± Penelope asks, her voice nearly in a hiss. At that I smile wider and move in to match her intensity, ¡°isn¡¯t it awesome. Yes, I created one unique set for every student here. Though it will be interesting to see who else has me congratulate Penelope Tailor.¡± I confirm. ¡°Gah!¡± At that remark, I hear no less than three students who were around Penelope let out hisses of complaints as they begin taking apart their work, and goring through their trash bins for the missing pieces that they need. Hearing that, Penelope also looks back and sees the other students who had apparently been close to cheating and turning in work that was clearly copied from watching or mirroring Penelope. Seeing their new moods and efforts, Penelope turned back and just stared wide eyed at me. I can see a look of awe and something else on her. Then moving close she too smiles with a sympathetic malicious glee that comes from catching cheaters. ¡°You¡¯re diabolical,¡± Penelope says, her face beaming, before she continues. ¡°I love it.¡± I smile a little wider at the compliment. It is always fun to prank someone, to show them how cheating would be terrible. But to get to share that moment with a fellow prankster, or at least someone who appreciated the prank, now that was amazing. ¡°I know,¡± I smile back, ¡°enjoy your vacation, you deserve it.¡± With that Penelope pauses as she and I both get her quest status update for her progress in the current curriculum.
Student: Penelope Tailor: Personal Quest (Ongoing): Obtain a Degree from SVC: You have chosen to attend Spiritlight Valhalla College. Your goal is to become certified in your goal within the time frame allowed for the degree path: Enchantment+. Current goal: learn and improve the following skills to the desired threshold: Enchantment (84/50), Alertness (62/50), Energy Resonance Alteration (28/50), Magic Theory (22/50), Spell Deconstruction (20/50), Mana Circulation (87/50), Magic Script (31/50), Arcane Understanding (32/50), Magical Awareness (89/50), and Analyze (38/50). Year 1 Requirements: Two skills to reach the minimum threshold, fifty percent of the skills awakened. Year 2 Requirements: Four skills to reach the minimum threshold, seventy-five percent of skills awakened. Year 3 Requirements: Seven skills to reach the minimum threshold, all skills awakened. Year 4 Requirements: All ten skills are to have reach the minimum threshold, with a noted major of interest to continue. Rewards: Experience, Title, Soul Bound Degree, Badge, variable.
Seeing the message I mostly nod. She has decent skills in four of the ten required skills, but she is showing vast improvements in the others. While she is now the equivalent of a second year student, I expect more from her and will want to push her for that. ¡°Next semester, we might put you in a specialized class.¡± I state, making sure to tell my thoughts on what we should do next for the famed Tailor. ¡°Oh, okay.¡± Penelope says, as she pauses to look at me and then seems to blush brightly at the statement. I think I missed something in that exchange, but she is clearly excited about the prospect of getting her own personalized training from me. After Penelope, one would think that students all came charging forward to show off their accomplishments to be done. But apparently hearing about the one trap I set up, each student took this time to take apart their product to just glance at the three crystals inside and see that they were the three that came out originally. Edwierd was the next student to come forward. Seeing him, I nodded, though I was fairly certain this would not go as he planned. This is mainly due to the way he put in his crystals, which was not the way his came out. Even just glancing at the device, I could see that the internal order of those crystals was wrong, but I didn¡¯t let Edwierd know. ¡°You confident with this arrangement?¡± I ask. Edwierd for his part just shakes his head excitedly. ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Edwierd exclaimed. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s see it.¡± Click. With that Edwierd who was smiling brightly pressed the button and got a sound, but not the sound he had hoped for. Wamp-wamp-wad-uh! The sad bars of someone clearly failing could be heard, followed by my second track being heard. ¡°Ahh, you messed up the order of the circuit crystals, but that¡¯s okay. You can still pass, as your name crystal hasn¡¯t been used. Hopefully.¡± My recorded voice calls out. ¡°What? But how?¡± Edwierd cried out. I just shrug my shoulders, not wanting to tell him that his flipped the second and first crystals making it so the second message would be played. There was also a power switch that could be flipped to make it so only the first command voice would be played every time, but that would require the students to understand every component that they were taking apart and why it was there. While that was something we stressed in classes, I didn¡¯t expect any of the students to get that correct, yet. As such, this was mainly just an attention to detail type of class exam. A straight one-for-one exchange that should have been fairly easy to perform. At least it seemed simple to me. To my defense, I did make sure that when I was preparing the color coordination for the different parts, that I used the same-colored paints for the different sets. At least Jhonny and Charlaine both confirmed that they were the same colors. Which was all I needed to continue to go. And by me, I of course mean most of the grunt work was performed by my two Simulacrum that I had here while I was away. Now the Simulacrum did stage a sort of coup, forcing me to enchant all of the 100 sets of equipment before they would paint the parts and assemble one model of each student. Shortly after Edwierd another student came forward, only to get the same musical note. Wamp-wamp-wad-uh! Followed shortly by my own voice coming back, telling them what to do differently. Wamp-wamp-wad-uh! Wamp-wamp-wad-uh! Wamp-wamp-wad-uh! Like music to my ears the students who had all been taking this Enchanting+ class lightly, all let out a chorus of sad sounds. ¡°I don¡¯t know what parts do what?¡± A disgruntled Tarvarin said, as he took out the two spent pieces and kept the third name piece in place. Of course, he did this after he measured it with a magtrometer, a device that all Enchanters use to measure magical outputs, and one that he should have been using from the start. Personally, I never saw the need for the magtrometer, but then again that was a part of the bonus of having Angel¡¯s Sight as my only way of being able to see. I might need people to assist me with color coordinating my wardrobe, but I can tell when things are running out of magical energy. That said, when my students requested it, I made sure to get them. Now that they have them, it is my job to make sure they use them. If they look, they will find that the music line and the beginning speech line have slightly different frequency ranges, but the same amount of energy. Now that they were in this crunch time, they could write down the frequencies that they put in, see which one works and then provide that out to the rest of the class. Or they could just be lone wolves and let their fellow guildmates fail. The funny part is, that I didn¡¯t even say the students couldn¡¯t work with each other. Just that I stated I wouldn¡¯t recommend it, especially with how everyone only had one chance to use their own name plate correctly. Da-da-dah-dat-da-dah-duh! ¡°Congratulations Wilheilm Lobmosher for successfully passing your mid-term exam. See you Saturday,¡± an illusionary version of me states hovering above the outstretched magical array detection device. ¡°Congratulations,¡± I say, as I direct the big fella to then get a reading of the energy being released. ¡°Thank you,¡± Wilhelim says, then bows to me before leaving. Odd seeing an overly large barbarian type humanoid with rippling muscles and hooked fangs bow to me, but he does. I nod back to him, and with that my second student leaves for the day. ¡°How long are you going to stay behind with us?¡± Edwierd asked, a note of pain and turmoil filling his words. ¡°As long as it takes for you to recreate a perfectly functioning device the exact way it appeared to you.¡± I reply, though I do let out a slightly devilish smile at that. Cringe. Seeing me smile, Charlaine who had been quietly observing me all of this time flinched as she took in my new look. ¡°You¡¯d think she almost enjoys the fact that half her class is staying late?¡± Charlaine said, again stage whispering towards Jhonny. That or my Perception Attribute is so high that their conversation is easy to pick up from almost anywhere in this facility. ¡°Oh, I know she wants them all to pass. Though I would like to point out that I guarantee that she is happy that her students are taking longer than expected to accomplish this task.¡± Jhonny replied. ¡°You think so?¡± ¡°I know so.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Well if these students end up staying for too long, then Dr. Spiritlight has already told me that she will need me to get Ms. Valhalla to fill in for her joint course on Bloodline Evolutions scheduled for an hour from now.¡± Jhonny admitted. ¡°You mean she purposefully created this complex of a task, just to avoid teaching another class?¡± Hearing that, I just waved my hand dismissively at the pair. ¡°No, it just happens that this is an odd coincidence. That said, I am going to make changes to all of my other classroom midterms as well.¡± I state, realizing that Jhonny has just given me a great idea. Seeing me, the two that were in the corner suddenly got tense. ¡°Oh shit.¡± Jhonny said. ¡°What?¡± Charlaine asked. ¡°I just realized that my Qi Manifestation class will occur everyday for the rest of this week.¡± Jhonny said. Hearing him, I could only smile, as I realized I could double dip on impossible midterms to pass. So I could spend that time with my dedicated students, over teaching Mallory¡¯s Bloodline classes. ¡°Why is she smiling with her teeth gleaming like that?¡± Charlaine asked. ¡°I don¡¯t really want to know, but I assume I will find out¡± was all Jhonny could manage as a reply. Chapter 242 An Aviary? Chapter 242 An Aviary? With my first official mid-term semester test completed for our school year, I decided to take the evening off. By that of course I meant I didn¡¯t want to play around with my wildly fast ship, the Prankenstein. Given how it can go from 245 to 300 in a matter of minutes, I figured giving it a night off would be for the best. Also, that was far too much adrenaline to be healthy. Also, no one wanted to go back out with me tonight, not even my newest assistant Charlaine. So, I had the rare night by myself. Sadly, the last student finished their test five minutes into Mallory¡¯s jointly held Bloodline Evolution class. A tragedy. One that needs to be repeated for the rest of the week. With that, and seeing the success of my students, all of them oddly enough. I decided that a slightly challenging mid-term exam is just what they needed to feel like they had learned something from my classes and to feel confident with what they are truly learning here. The fact that I can get them to take so much time that it ends up forcing me to get a substitute for the Bloodline Evolution classes is only a bonus. That is why I now find myself here, in my suddenly comfortable office, working on my new favorite hobby, creating skill books. Arcane Geomancy. By focusing on a skill, and all the different actions, performances, and ways I found to push myself and my own understanding of a skill into a mana and Qi infused object. An object that ultimately takes on a form of sentience, is oddly entertaining and satisfying. I¡¯ve found that going for Skills that are roughly similar but different enough are easier to create all at once. This is how I practically whipped out my skills that are pertinent to the Thieves Guild. Namely: Latins Manifest, Stealth, Camouflage, and Obfuscation. From there, I decide to go with other Thieves Guild relevant skills. With this second group, I focused on Trap Detection, Disarm Trap, along with a few of the skills that help a thieve blend into society better. Thus, the focus on Survival, Polyglot, Courtly Etiquette, Acting, Proper Diction, Mimicry, and of course Gambling. With these two sets of Skill groupings, I felt slightly better. Not telling, but mentally communicating to each book on a fundamental level that while using my Telepathy ability, the level of connection I had to these books was far more profound. These books were me, and I was tied to them. Even though I mentally made a note for myself to assign hidden Thieves Guild quests to steal these books to learn valuable lessons, I also knew that they knew their job would be to ultimately come back once they were done.
New Hidden World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Quest Created: Acquiring Sacred Knowledge (Ongoing): You have created some of the most advanced skill books in the world. Books capable of teaching students up to and through your current level of understanding of each noted skill, solely for them to be stolen or otherwise obtained covertly via your own Thieves Guild members. The results of which, would cause your Thieves Guild members¡¯ skills to be unparalleled. Well played. Rewards: Let¡¯s see if anyone can actually steal these books from you.
Seeing the quest note, I can¡¯t help but smile devilishly. Yes, I¡¯ve created items to be stolen from myself by my own guild members who could greatly use these very skills. As a guild master, I find this to be the most entertaining quest I have assigned others. For a moment I wonder how other Thieves Guild Masters train their own members, but I then decide against thinking like them. They likely have ways that have been tested and cultivated for generations. Most ultimately try to train people to be assassins, mindless killers who will face any foe if given a contract. As for me, I want to be something different. I want my members to be Thieves first and foremost. Then I want them to be survivors secondary. If their survival requires them to defend themselves then that is fine, but I want my students to be in a place where they never have to rely on sheer survival skills. That is my goal at least. ¡°Wow, you sure have created a lot of Skill books,¡± Zero states after seeing the newest cluster of books. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve been tying to group them. That way they have friends to play with while I am gone.¡± ¡°Friends? You think they are going to get bored?¡± Zero asks. ¡°I know so, just look at poor Aura Guidance over there.¡± I say, pointing out the one book that has been protectively staring over my shoulder this entire time. ¡°Yeah, what exactly is her deal?¡± Zero asks, staring at the book who just glowers at him. ¡°Well, likely she is bored in that I haven¡¯t produced any other Magical Themed books for her to bond with.¡± ¡°Her?¡± ¡°Yeah, they have preferred pronouns, just like everyone.¡± ¡°Oookay.¡± Silence. There is a moment of silence, but then I turn back to Aura Guidance. ¡°I think I am going to make more protectors to help you.¡± I tell the book that has to this point just been perched on her shelf. Then after hearing my statement it seems to glow with light as it opens up its pages and flies down to join me as I prepare the next inanimate book to be used for this process. ¡°What do you mean by Protectors?¡± Zero asks. ¡°I¡¯m thinking that there should be a group of guardians. You know Skill books that will kind of protect the others from harm.¡± ¡°Okay?¡± ¡°Yes, next I will work on bringing out Danger Sense, Alertness, and finally Magical Awareness. These will be the three guardians that will fall under Aura Guidance to kind of protect the others.¡± I sate. ¡°Okay,¡± is all Zero says. I can tell he has questions, likely about my sanity, but he will see what I mean. Thus, for the next hour I spend my time using Arcane Geomancy to bring to life the final three skill books of the night. Each one I mentally think of as a sort of knight in shining armor, which seems to be manifested in the pages of the text as each seems to take on deep golden and silver Qi hues of power as they are formed. These are also the skills that I am most proficient in, as I use them constantly and are some of the first skills to rise above my old level 175 skill cap. Not that these skills are at my new level 250 skill cap, though Danger Sense was the closest as it was one of my Legendary Bloodline skills that I managed to get to level 212 before the new bonuses that pushed its level limit to level 287, not that it was there, yet. But I was working on it. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Still as one of my most important skills, and one that I felt would help be able to protect my growing Skill Book collection the most, Danger Sense was the first of the three Guardian Skill tomes that I created. After Danger Sense, I took a mental break, as writing books was tough. This was already my twelfth for the night, and I still had at least two more before I met my personal goal. Speaking of which, I make a mental note to check on those Seventh Life Writers Club, or SLWC, members that I saved. With my creating fourteen magical skill books in a night, surely they could have written one or two books in the almost three weeks that they have been here, right? Though knowing my luck, it will be two more trashy novels about sparkly werewolves in love. Maybe I could have that be a hidden component for my Thieves Guild Quest, if the Thief manages to get a new book in any of my series that I follow, I will let them take a skill book. I fully expect the skill book to escape and come back to me first chance it gets, but I could see myself letting a thief borrow a skill book for such an exchange.
Quest Updated: New Hidden World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Quest Created: Acquiring Sacred Knowledge (Ongoing): You have created some of the most advanced skill books in the world. Books capable of teaching students up to and through your current level of understanding of each noted skill, solely for them to be stolen or otherwise obtained covertly via your own Thieves Guild members. The results of which, would cause your Thieves Guild members¡¯ skills to be unparalleled. New secret conditions for passing met. Calculating and applying new conditions now. Guild Member Rewards: Experience, Access to Mythic Level Skill Training Tome, Badge, variable.
It was interesting to see that the quest had updated now that I had give a possible way of succeeding. Apparently, the system thought someone trying to steal one of my books without my permission might have been impossible. At least that is what I assume happened. Then to almost confirm that, I get another system message.
Would you like to have this quest available to all World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Hall members now?
¡°Can you wait until I finish the remaining two guardian tomes?¡±
Quest release time updated. Requirements for release Future Guardian tomes (2 of 3 remaining).
¡°All right, this is easier than I thought.¡± I say to myself and to Zero, who knew being a Thieves Guild leader could be this entertaining. ¡°You do know that a few of your skill books have left the room?¡± Zero asks. At that, I pause and do a quick scan to see that some of the older skill books, the group of books dedicated to moving around without being noticed are sneaking around the building. Fortunately, only the creepy Lich is around, and I don¡¯t think my skill books have to be too worried about him, as I don¡¯t think he would notice them if they went out and performed a spot of mischief on him. ¡°They are just being little scamps, they know not to leave the building.¡± I state, then mentally connect with them letting them know that they cannot under any circumstances leave the faculty building with our Telepathic link. ¡°All right mom.¡± They all reply back, and with that, I let them go out and explore. Especially as I think they are about to pull a prank of that old lecher Rahul De¡¯Gravitas, who was supposed to be helping me grade the final exams, but got lost when I had him try out the task on his own. In fact, yep, true to form. He is still trying to reassemble the same testing apparatus that I provided to him as a test case. I guess that¡¯s the great thing about being undead, you never have to worry about getting tired from failure. You can just fail indefinitely without asking for advice. Oh well, his loss. A quick note of his remaining parts indicates that he is almost out of circuit crystals. Sad that I might have to get Penelope, a student he calls barely passable, to help show him what he is doing incorrectly. That said, I know Rahul won¡¯t come to me for advice, for whatever reason. Pausing for a moment, I realize everything is fine, and thus begin pouring my next twenty minutes into creating my second guardian tome Awareness. Awareness will be my catch all, and the one focused on noticing disturbances in the building and in particular my ever-growing library. A library of flying sentient books. Honestly, I¡¯m still trying to wrap my head around how cute these books are and how they all take on their own unique personalities related to both my mental imprint provided from my memories of utilizing the noted skill, along with the intended purpose of the skill itself. While the skills might be similar and able to get along due to having me as a commonality, they are all wholly unique and independent from each other. This is why I am thankful that they are also grouping up into themes and packs. This means that should anyone come for them with malicious intent, they could group together and hopefully fend off the aggressor. I know, creating books that are designed to protect themselves from the very people that I am going to instruct to steal them. That said, stealing is not the intended goal of this mission, it is a means to an ends. Which is what I as a Guild Master will want to instill upon my students. The fact that being a Thief isn¡¯t the end, nor is stealing a quest item. Rather being a thief and stealing the item are just a means to a desired end. After Awareness is complete, I feel it going to join Danger Sense, where it too bows and dips its spine low to show fealty to the queen book Aura Guidance. With that, I am sort of shocked, but then feel that this is good as it means the order of command is observed. This way, just as I had hoped, Aura Guidance is the queen and all others are for her to help guide, protect, and care for. At this point I also take a moment to scan and see that all four of my skills related towards quiet movement. This is when I realize they have seemingly taken it upon themselves to interact with Rahul. Well not interact with him, but are clearly watching the poor Enchanting focused Lich try and fail to recreate the device he took apart. Seeing that they are safe, I decide to finish the last and final guardian textbook for this little living library I am starting in my office. Magical Awareness is the third and final guardian textbook, and the one I figure to be the sleeping dragon of the set. In a way, I expect all future magical related skills to fall under and be protected by Magical Awareness. Just as in time I expect all the thieving and mundane skills to fall under Awareness. With Danger Sense sort of taking on a catch all for all other skill times, which will likely include all of my Qi related skills. At least, once I start putting all of my skills down on paper. For now, I am content to go with this limited run. Of fourteen. Well Fifteen total books, and one catch-all of a trap pamphlet. Finally, when everything is said and done, I take a breath and relax. Just as the third and final guardian comes to life and begins bowing in supplication to Aura Guidance as well, that is when I get the notification.
New Hidden World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Quest: Acquiring Sacred Knowledge (Ongoing): The Thieves Guild Hall master has found out that a vast source of knowledge now exists. Your first step, find out where this new trove of knowledge resides. Rewards: Experience, variable.
Seeing the new quest message, I can¡¯t help but smile to myself as I realize it will be an ongoing chain quest that will lead people to find out about this new library I have. Fwoop-fwoop-fwoop. With the last guardian book sworn in, Aura Guidance bows before her court of guardian tomes and then takes flight back to her perch. Right on the shelf behind me where she closes her eyes, and rests, though I know she will be ready to act at a moment¡¯s notice. Scamper, fwoop-fwoop, clomp. I am ready to call it a day, when I first hear, then realize that Rahul is chasing my four stealth oriented skill books through the hallways. To no real surprise, they apparently were caught stealing some of the items needed by Rahul for his mock mid-term exam test. Actually, a quick look showed that they carried the four exact items needed for the mid-term exam. The largest, Latens Manifesta was carrying the main body of the mostly intact magical testing device. While the other skills carried a working component for the crystalline circuits needed to complete the proper layout to have Rahul hear his own name played. Flap-fwoop-flap. The four skills books burst into the room, fly over my desk, dropping the components the way scared birds might drop a load in mid-flight, before flying over and around me. To hide behind my chair, before pausing to look around me as they quivered and looked at the door. Then true to form, a second later, the cause for their evident concern made his presence known. ¡°Dr. Spiritlight!¡± Rahul began, his voice elevated in a way that somehow didn¡¯t have his annoying nasally drawl to it. Flapping-fluster. At Rahul¡¯s sudden interruption, the other skill books that had been lounging at different parts around the room suddenly burst to life and scattered in a ring around the upper part of the room. The same way birds would. Well all of the books, except for Aura Guidance who just seemed to open one of its lounging eyes to watch the activity that was going to happen. While the Guardians Just stayed perched and stood up confidently on the desk, as they seemed to be arranging the dropped midterm exam pieces on the desk with seeming expert precision. The four initial instigating skill books of course remain hiding behind me, though now they no longer feel the need to peer around me to look for Rahul. Instead, they all seem content to let me defend them. ¡°Yes, Mr. De¡¯Gravitas?¡± I ask, in a faux elegant tone, while primly interlacing my fingers over my desk before continuing. ¡°How may I help you at this late hour?¡± ¡°You, your books, they¡­¡± Rahul trails off, trying to put into words what exactly he is angry about. ¡°Yes, they been rather mischievous. Though, I think they are only doing this out of abundant concern for you.¡± I state. ¡°What, those things, stole my property.¡± Rahul states moving forward and pointing a boney finger at my three guardian books. Angry ruffles. Hearing the accusation the three guardian tomes suddenly ruffle their pages, and take on a menacing aura. Seeing the way these tomes suddenly looked angry at the insults provided caused Rahul to pause for a moment. ¡°I believe you have mistaken these three guardians for the ones that performed you a mischief. Though know, I think those that did the act of theft, did so with good intentions.¡± I pose. ¡°Good intentions, for stealing?¡± ¡°Yes, let me ask you this. When would you have finally come to ask me for help?¡± I pose, while pointing to the items that are assembled on my desk. ¡°I was close.¡± Hearing that I could only nod. ¡°You were, but judging from what I can tell. You were down to your last try with these, am I wrong?¡± Hearing that Rahul who had been blustering with rage a moment ago, suddenly deflated. ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Well, since you are here. Would you like me to help you know the secret?¡± I ask. Rahul just opens his mouth seemingly to protest, but then shuts it as realization clouds his aura. ¡°Yes please.¡± ¡°Well, you had it mostly complete, you were right that this part here was for your name to be called. Though I can tell you likely heard the success story of a few of the other students being called out.¡± I state, realizing that while Rahul¡¯s name crystal remains intact, he clearly tried to use others. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m impressed that you tried this many times. That shows dedication.¡± ¡°Forty-nine failures.¡± ¡°Not so, you found forty-nine ways to prove that this time you would get the right answer. So let¡¯s do it.¡± And like that, I showed my colleague how to pass the mid-term exam. Only after we were done did Rahul finally ask a question that had clearly been on his boney mind for a while. ¡°Go on, ask it.¡± I state. ¡°Okay, why did you decide to make flying books of all things?¡± Rahul asked. Hearing the question, I pause and then answer honestly, ¡°because Telekinetically pulling all books to my hands becomes annoying.¡± Then to prove my point, I hold out my empty right hand palm up. Flap-flutter. A few books all take off, but one lands in my hand first, before fighting off the other books that arrived shortly thereafter. Once the book is secure in my hands, I hold it and gently pat its cover. Looking at me, Rahul picks up his now working but drained magical tester, and waves to me. Then as he leaves my office door I hear him mutter. ¡°And people thought I was weird for infusing my spirit with my bones for a chance at immortality. I can say, I¡¯ve got nothing on her¡­¡± And like that, I looked at the time and realized yet another day had ended, making it so we were now one day closer towards the wedding, child births, birth of a litter of little puppies, and of course the inevitable showdown with my ex. But at least now I had some books to help pass the time. Chapter 243 Principal Complaints (Mallory) Chapter 243 Principal Complaints (Mallory) ¡°Hi, how are you doing?¡± Penelope asked, a satchel holding multiple magical garments clearly present on her side. ¡°So far, so good I guess.¡± Mallory answered with a slightly measured tone. ¡°Though, as you have no doubt guessed, the reason why you have been called here is as a witness to the Enchanter +¡¯s midterm exam that you just partook in.¡± Penelope just nodded her head in understanding. ¡°I figured someone would complain about that test,¡± Penelope stated. ¡°So you also thought it was unfair?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yes, but likely not for the same reasons that you are asking about,¡± Penelope admitted. Hearing that Mallory just cocked her head to the side, before continuing. Knock, knock. There was a knock on Mallory¡¯s door. Just hearing the tell-tale knock, its familiar cadence and location, Mallory knew who was knocking. ¡°Come in.¡± Mallory stated loudly enough, before standing up and getting the larger retractable plush chair out in a comfortable position from her ornate Guild Master¡¯s desk. Penelope for her part was distracted both by the attentive actions of the Guild Master who clearly wanted whoever knocked to sit down. Not only to sit down, but in the most comfortable chair in the entire office. Seeing the movements of the guild master, including a few choice pats at the cushions to make sure they were extra soft, Penelope could only smile. Then seeing the large elf girl waddle in, Penelope could only smile. Especially as Mallory was already over to the pregnant elf and all but carrying her to the noted seat. Penelope got up, and made to go over to hug the new girl, but then stopped as she saw the level of care and affection being given shared between the two. ¡°I see you two have made up?¡± Penelope asked, as she watched Mallory take the very pregnant Gwendolyn, place her down on the comfortable chair. Then after moving her so that Gwendolyn¡¯s chair was parallel to the desk, Mallory sat down in her chair. Only for Gwendolyn to raise up her feet, where Mallory began massaging them almost on reflex. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about this.¡± Mallory said, even though she showed no signs of stopping her impromptu foot massage. ¡°Don¡¯t be, I think we all wish we could be in a relationship like this one day.¡± Penelope said, a faint smile coming to her face. Seeing here, Mallory almost felt embarrassed. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry about this, if you want we can do this again later.¡± Penelope for her part just smiled and shook her head. ¡°No, honestly I¡¯m glad there was finally someone who could get you to finally settle down.¡± Penelope replied. Gwendolyn just looked from Mallory to Penelope with a raised eyebrow. One that said, I know you aren¡¯t going to keep me in the dark on this one. Mallory just blushed slightly, before staring at Gwendolyn. Then as if asking for the obvious, Penelope asked something that had never come up to this point. ¡°Have you settled on a name?¡± Penelope asked. With that question, both Gwendolyn and Mallory both paused. The question was rather simple in nature, of course Jacquelin would likely keep her mortal first name, while entering the world. No, the question really being asked was what last name would they register the grandchild under. Going with Valhalla would not impact the bloodline prowess, but rather the bonuses associated with that surname. Which sadly all dealt with spirits and violence. Meanwhile the Spiritlight surname would also deal with spirits, but would make it so all spirits were at least neutral with the wielder. Of course, they could go for a hyphenated last name, but that would half the effects of both surnames. Just thinking about that process, both Mallory and Gwendolyn just stared at each other with wide-eyed amazement, then as one they both gave the same answer. ¡°She will have her last name.¡± Then as if being caught in a wrong episode of the twilight zone they stopped and stared at each other. Before having a questioning look on their faces. Seeing them act in such mirrored responses with each other, Penelope could only chuckle slightly at their apparent confusion. Then hearing the sudden distraction, both turned to Penelope at the same time. ¡°Pen, you don¡¯t need to be so mean.¡± Mallory began, using her nickname from when they had one time been a couple. Penelope, for her part, could only laugh at the statement. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you two are just too cute together.¡± Penelope said. ¡°We are?¡± They both answered in near unison. Then hearing the echo of their words for a second time in as many minutes, they once again stared at each other. ¡°See what I mean? You two are perfect for each other, and I am so glad you have found someone who truly makes you happy.¡± Penelope said, speaking directly to Mallory. Then as if realizing something, she had a eureka moment come to her face as she reached into her satchel and pulled out two folded uniforms. ¡°I¡¯m so glad you are here, as it will make it easier to give you both these.¡± Penelope said, before handing a matching set of soul binding royal wedding uniforms. Taking the packages, Gwen and Mallory both first looked stunned. Then began to look at the different designs and were momentarily confused. Mallory¡¯s was an exquisite blend of form, function, and femininity that was hard to be matched. Having both a dignified effect, while not being a traditional flowing gown. Seeing that there were pants and not a dress, Mallory first assumed she would be taking the masculine role, but then a quick look at the package Gwendolyn had showed she was wrong. While Mallory¡¯s had ornate and faux-organic frills, Gwendolyn¡¯s had more unified and regal lines. Gwendolyn¡¯s also had the same faux-organic feel, but her uniform pulled off the look in different ways. First there was a slightly thin sheen that would ripple and glow as the fabric moved, the same way leaves would in a forest. Seeing everything, Gwendolyn quickly came to one conclusion. ¡°Wait, isn¡¯t this the uniform for King De¡¯Arcaneri?¡± Penelope just smiled. ¡°Yes, I had originally gone to give it to Cass. But she then gave me a complex set of instructions.¡± Penelope admitted. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. ¡°Complex?¡± Gwendolyn and Mallory again both asked in unison, but with slightly different inflections. ¡°Yes, in fact, it is a good thing I have the next two days off as I will need to be perfect with this.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°What pray tell were your instructions? Also, you know that you don¡¯t need to do anything you don¡¯t want to do.¡± Mallory began. Penelope just laughed. ¡°Are you kidding me. When the Godmother herself gives you a quest, you know you better deliver.¡± Penelope said. ¡°Quest?¡± The power duo again asked in unison. Penelope just smiled, before showing the quest the crazed genius gave.
New Quest Found: Official Royal Deolarian Tailor (Ongoing): You have been identified as the top candidate to be the official Royal Tailor for the Ancient Deolar Empire. To prove your worth, you have been given a task worthy of an Official Royal Tailor, to provide enough uniforms for everyone in the wedding party. Requirements, cannot share the technical details of this quest outside of the following three individuals (Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, Mallory Valhalla, Gwendolyn Spiritlight), should you talk to anyone outside of this trusted core of people about this, all rewards for this questline and future considerations for the role of Official Royal Tailor for the Deolarian Empire. Requirements: Create the following items: King¡¯s Regalia to Gwendolyn Spiritlight (1 / 1), Queen¡¯s Regalia to Mallory Valhalla (1 / 1), Princess¡¯ Regalia to Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight and Jhonny (0 / 2), Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s Regalia to Dr. Spiritlight (0 / 3), Magistrate¡¯s Regalia to the officiator of the wedding (0 / 1), Royal Witnesses Regalia To people to be named later (0 / 10). Rewards: Experience, Skills, Titles, Badges, variables.
Seeing the quest before them, Mallory and Gwendolyn both just paused and then gave the almost same exact look of confusion. The one where their mouths both opened to talk but then they stopped themselves as they realized what was being asked. ¡°Wait, you have to do all of that? Meaning you owe what sixteen uniforms?¡± Mallory all but demanded. ¡°They aren¡¯t that tough. Honestly, I¡¯ve been itching to have a reason to sew. And with the break from class I thought I would be bored, but now I have this amazing quest.¡± Penelope said, pure excitement filling her voice as she smiled. ¡°You like this?¡± Gwendolyn asked. ¡°Are you kidding, I love this. The ultimate challenge. Also, the idea of being the first Royal Tailor? Who couldn¡¯t ask for more.¡± Penelope began, but then couldn¡¯t contain her excitement the more she went. ¡°Besides, this time I get to be a part of it.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°A part of what?¡± Mallory asked, confusion evident in her voice. ¡°I get to be a part of the grand master¡¯s amazing plans. She has asked for four uniforms, meaning that she will likely be in and out constantly. Also, the fact that Jhonny is both a backup and clearly a Royal Witness, I can¡¯t wait to see what she makes him do. It is just¡­¡± Penelope began, but then trailed off as she tried to look for the right words. ¡°It looks like it is going to be so much fun.¡± Penelope finally answered. This was the point where Mallory and Gwendolyn both just looked at each other. It was one of those looks where a lot was conveyed, despite no words being spoken. Midway through, they both nodded to each other, before Penelope turned her head towards Penelope and seemed to speak for the two of them. ¡°Now, my mother is not demanding you do this, is she?¡± Gwendolyn asked. ¡°What? No, she just gave me a task that I have been itching for. I¡¯ve learned so much from her. From these classes, that I wanted a worthy challenge to prove to myself just how much I have grown as an Enchanter. And this, this is the perfect opportunity. Not only can I consider this to be an internship program, while getting my degree, but if I pull this off correctly, I can get titles and prestige that other enchanters could only dream about.¡± Penelope stated, clearly excited by the questline offered. ¡°Yes, about that, how long has mother been able to give you all quests?¡± Gwendolyn asked. Penelope paused, and had to think for a moment, before just shrugging. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think the first quest she gave our class was related to using and mastering the Outsourcer 5000s. After that, we had quests here or there. Quests for attendance, for completing daily tasks. And of course the quest to complete the Mid-term exam. Which I leveled up four times from.¡± Penelope said, raising her fists into the air and dancing excitedly. ¡°You leveled four times from completing her mid-term exam?¡± Mallory asked, suddenly understanding why there might have been so many complaints leveled against the crazed doctor. Complaints that as the principal of the college, she had to take seriously, or else it could impact the accreditation process. Apparently, reviewing all the details, and making a decision based on the facts gathered was a quest that could take up to four percentage points away from the overall accreditation score, if not handled properly. Mallory wasn¡¯t certain of how many percentage points were needed to get accreditation, but she did not want to lose any points this early on in the task. ¡°Yes, I got the time completion multiplier, along with the first-place modifier, the first try modifier, and the followed instructions hidden modifier for the quest.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°There was a hidden modifier for following instructions?¡± Gwendolyn asked. ¡°Yes, I almost think that this was thrown in later on, as so many people failed to follow her first set of instructions.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°What were her first set of instructions?¡± Mallory asked, suddenly sitting upright and writing at her desk, despite still having Gwendolyn¡¯s feet on her lap. ¡°Here is a magometer, use it to measure the capacities of every item you take out and use for your own product. If you need to, feel free to write down the different frequencies and magical outputs on the parchment provided to you.¡± Penelope stated, as she clearly took the time to memorize everything the Doctor said during the setup of the test. ¡°You memorized her exact wording?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Of course, she is now a pixie, meaning she can and will use words to try to confuse you. Though by focusing on her words you know she will not lie, but she is a master of misdirection.¡± Penelope stated. Hearing that Mallory could only nod in agreement. ¡°Yeah, sorry about that. I guess it would be tough trying to learn from a pixie.¡± Mallory stated, suddenly realizing that the college¡¯s entire structure is focused on the teachings of one mischievous creature of legend. Worse, up until this point, Mallory had never taken the moment to question the validity of having a pixie being the one and only teacher available to teach humans, and humanoid creatures. Then a darker thought hit Mallory as she realized that her only other alternative teacher was a lecherous lich, which sadly was a far worse alternative than the misdirecting pixie. ¡°Okay, more staff is definitely a priority for us as we move forward.¡± Mallory stated. Penelope shook her head. ¡°No, Dr. Spiritlight is more than capable as a teacher. If anything, we might just want to inform people that she has changed. The fact that she can give out quests to others, and herself should be a sign of how much she has changed. But I think most of the confusion comes from the fact that many still see her as young and innocent. Versus the highly capable monster of lore. We¡¯ve all heard the tales about the darling pixies that would lounge about, playfully causing mischief until threatened, then the teeth come out. Our Dr. Spiritlight is no different, most of the time she is content to just sit back and enjoy the mysteries of spoons and the way milk curdles when in close proximity to her QiMO machine.¡± Penelope stated, and was about to continue before she was cut off. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, she has created a chemo machine?¡± Mallory asked, confused as to why a magical healer like Cass would need to create a dangerous device like a chemo machine. Hearing the question, Penelope just shook her head. ¡°Oh, you have not seen, nor heard about the new specialized engine capable of causing standard airships to go at light speed?¡± Penelope began. ¡°Should I?¡± ¡°You remember the double bloodline incident from the other day? The one where I broke through?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± Mallory said. ¡°Well, what you might have missed, or we might have left out of our incident reports was that the machine Dr. Spiritlight created to propel her ship was a Qi and Mana flOw device.¡± Penelope began. Groan. Just hearing that, Mallory just covered her face as she could already see where this was going. ¡°Let me guess, she once again named an amazing object something stupid?¡± Mallory asked, but really didn¡¯t want to know the true answer to her query. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say it was stupid, just Cass.¡± Penelope said, nodding. Mallory could only raise one eyebrow to stare at the Tailor. Then looking at her, it was clear that the Tailor had a great deal of respect and likely more emotions tied to the eccentric teacher. ¡°Riiight,¡± Mallory drawled out, clearly stating that she was agreeing to disagree with her on this point. ¡°Okay fine, maybe it is a terrible name, but surely it isn¡¯t the worst.¡± Penelope noted. At that Mallory could only nod and realized how close they were to having a whole batch of legendary QiFF warriors running around striking terror into the hearts of enemies. ¡°That is a rather low bar.¡± Mallory commented. Then as if remembering something she twitched and then allowed her mind to find something that seemed incongruous with everything that she had heard thus far. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I just realized that you stated when you first got in here that, quote, ¡®the mid-term examination was unfair.¡¯¡± Mallory stated. Penelope paused, but then seemed to realize that was what she said. ¡°Sort of. I said, I found it unfair, but likely not for the reasons you are asking.¡± Penelope stated. With that, Mallory paused and realized that that had been the full quote from the seamstress. ¡°Okay, while we are back on this topic, why are you saying it was unfair?¡± Mallory stressed. ¡°The test was perfect. No signs of deception or misdirection. Meaning each piece you took off, had an equal and often times opposite piece to deal with. There were about five test parts that were not fully charged, which would make the product not work. Most every student found the one that had a charge and used that component, without an issue. Then there was the final part, the three powered crystals.¡± Penelope stated. At that Mallory could only nod her head, as that was what most of the complaints she got were about. ¡°Yes, what about these crystals was unfair?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°The fact that they had clearly been used, meaning by the time we tested the product, saw what it did and were beginning the deconstruction process, the initial charge denoting our individual successes had been used up.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°Okay?¡± Mallory began as she marked down this observation. ¡°However, the problem came at the end. I measured each item, seeing the color and power rating of both those from the used device and those from our piles to choose from. I also noted that there were multiple other variations of colors with the same two measurements of the used circuit crystals.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°Okay, still not seeing the issue here? That is a good thing right? I mean, that shows she wanted you to pass, for all you had to do was find the correct crystal with the same frequency and magical resonance, then place it in the exact position as the one you removed, right?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Right, exactly.¡± Penelope stated. Mallory just stared at the Tailor wondering if the stress of being in Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s class had gotten to her. ¡°You don¡¯t get, it.¡± Penelope stated. Mallory and Gwendolyn both stared at each other, before turning back to Penelope in that oddly endearing quality that two people who are roughly on the same wavelength can share. Gwendolyn was the first to shake her head. Penelope could only take in a deep breath, as she tried to explain the issue. ¡°The issue was, that Dr. Spiritlight is so amazing that she created the objects that were the same exact size and shape, so that even after being used once thus losing the charge, they would be at the same exact needed frequency to take the test.¡± Penelope stated. A slight ray of understanding filled both Mallory and Gwendolyn¡¯s faces. ¡°I have been wracking my brain as to how complex of a permutation that would be. To know not only what you want to have in the crystalline circuit, but the energy expenditure that you want it to have after a singular unique use. Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to realize that. To realize how much extra time and effort she put into this process, just so we could have an easier time with our repurposing processes? Then to have others openly complain about how hard that test was, it is sickening.¡± Penelope stated. Mallory and Gwendolyn could only stare at each other for a moment. Again, their unspoken bond seemingly let them come to the same conclusion with just a simple nod in agreement. ¡°Okay, thank you for this. I think I have enough to go back to the protesters with, and get them to retract their statements.¡± Mallory stated. Penelope just exhaled, feeling slightly better at the fact that she managed to defend Dr. Spiritlight. ¡°Thank you,¡± Penelope said. ¡°No, thank you for this insight.¡± Mallory stated. Penelope looking slightly flustered asked, ¡°do you mind if I leave? I still have a lot of sewing to do.¡± Hearing her and realizing the monumental task that the crazed Doctor gave her, Mallory could only agree. ¡°By all means, again, thank you for your time and your candid responses.¡± Mallory said, standing up and dropping off Gwendolyn¡¯s feet from her lap, as she reached over to shake hands and hug her longtime friend and former partner Penelope. Penelope quickly left Mallory¡¯s office, shutting the door behind her. As she left, Mallory sat down in her chair, where she was once again met with a set of overly tender feet. As soon as the feet were back in her lap, Mallory immediately went back to massaging the pair. Mmm. Gwen just hummed to herself happily at the attention. ¡°Not much longer,¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Thankfully.¡± Gwen replied. Then pausing for a moment, Mallory asked. ¡°Is Cass giving day two of her Qi Manifestation class?¡± Gwen who had her eyes closed just shook her head. ¡°No, she will do a joint mid-term with the Qi Manifestation Class and the Magic Resonance class.¡± Hearing that, Mallory could only question, ¡°why?¡± Gwen just shrugged her shoulders at the question. ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe she has some weird way of getting both classes to work together. All I know is that it is supposed to be some sort of endurance competition.¡± ¡°Endurance?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yep.¡± Gwen replied. Pausing her foot rub for a moment, Mallory waited as she tried to understand why both Qi and Mana users would be given an endurance class for a mid-term exam. She wondered this, until she realized something. ¡°That crazy witch.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Do you think she is doing this just to get out of teaching the Bloodline courses, again?¡± Chuckle. Hearing that, Gwen could only laugh. Chapter 244 Silent Whispers Chapter 244 Silent Whispers You ever have one of those days. The ones where you go and clear off parts of your morning, cancel your morning joint workout sessions so you can get so quiet personal time to reflect. Reflect on what, I don¡¯t really know. I had intended to work, to push my mind and body in the ultimate of all leg days. Unfortunately, there was just one problem to leg day.
Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, I beg you to protect me.
The voice of a little girl begging for help, while I was in the middle of Qi induced gravitational leg squats. No skill given for the movement, and frankly I couldn¡¯t blame them for not giving me a skill with that name, but still leg day. I was alone, as all of my students were actively trying to avoid me. Almost as if they thought I would randomly try to make their mid-terms that much harder if they annoyed me. I was already going to make their mid-terms that much harder, I didn¡¯t need an excuse, but they didn¡¯t need to know that. Still, this was rather disconcerting as that child, that girl, her voice seemed to echo within my mind. Worst of all, I could feel a slightly odd tether directing me towards the voice. Was this a new questline that the world had opened up for me? If so, why would having random children asking for help be the new way to get me to follow a questline. Surely they know it wouldn¡¯t work on me? I¡¯m heartless. At least, I thought I was heartless.
Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, I don¡¯t know who else to turn to. No one else hears my prayers.
A second childlike voice calls out to me. ¡°Oh gods,¡± I groan, realizing where this is going. Realizing that whatever this ploy is to tug at my emotional heart strings is likely just beginning. One child I could likely overlook and assume was my mind playing tricks on me. Two children though, I am either finally going crazy, or this might be something I am expected to do as a Mythic bloodline holder. I can already feel my Bloodline Insights skill raising with this, perhaps after this is done I will create the skill book for this that shows exactly why you don¡¯t want to unlock the Mythic level bloodline, for that is where you start hearing random voices in your head. With the second voice ask for help and sounding somewhat pitiful I was 90% of the way there. Then finally I heard it, the voice that broke any resolve I had left.
*Sobbing* ¡°please help.¡± *More sobbing*.
That was the third child¡¯s voice. The sad part was, I could tell that this was a piggy-back off of one of the first two threads. Threads of hope? I don¡¯t really know. I¡¯m certain if I had more time I could eventually do more than just feel this new type of energy binding someone else to me. But for now, all I could do was feel it there, like a thin narrow cobweb. A cobweb that just randomly fell onto me while I was in the middle of my leg routine. ¡°You never skip leg day,¡± I begin, but then realize I am just lying to myself. ¡°Unless, it is to save children. Then you make it leg evening.¡± With that comment, and mental acceptance that I will take on this quest, I receive a quest prompt.
New Questline Identified: Whispering of Hope (Repeatable): People have begun to use your name as a sign of hope. Answer the call and be the beacon of hope that others desperately need. Rewards: Experience, variable.
¡°Laying it on a little thick there,¡± I hiss, but I¡¯m already stopping leg day, resigning myself to making up for this discrepancy with Leg Evening. I then quit my self-imposed magical restrictions on myself, dust off my uniform, and get ready to go. Seeing that this is a repeatable questline, I am curious to see what the system has in store for me. I am about to leave, if only to get the mental image of the crying child out of my mind, when I realize something. ¡°Crap, I need to check out,¡± I say to myself. Not that I need a Cass-pass. It¡¯s not like I am a prisoner here. But this is going to be one of those things where I need to tell others where to go to find me, in case something happens. Also, my filling this out now for something like three kids is not necessarily a bad thing. Mentally I send out a pulse to the surrounding area to find the nearest person that I could inform. I first see Mallory, but she is clearly busy with my daughter and I do not want to impose on that in any way. Then I look for Jhonny, but he is asleep, and will likely need his rest for the upcoming mid-term. Then, ¡°oh Gods! What is that?¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. I all but freak out, but then I realize that the person with the slightly pulsing and oozing aura is none other than Charlaine, my new secretary. For a moment I wondered what happened to her. Then I realized I happened to her. Well not me, but my pamphlet. Honestly, I¡¯m kind of impressed with how it all turned out. That definitely looks like a dark mark on the soul of the individual. Pausing I do a quick scan and see that, yep at least five other people have varying degrees of that same oozing soul pustule. ¡°Boils for the soul,¡± I didn¡¯t think it was possible. In fact, I would have thought that this act would be more necromantic than forcing a dragon guardian soul into being a Pomeranian first, but apparently, I would be wrong. I¡¯m guessing the reason I wasn¡¯t punished for this was the fact that this was clearly a self-inflicted soul wound, and not something I actively did to them? This is just a guess. Who knows, after this I might end up on some sort of Necromancer watchlist. Perhaps that¡¯s why I¡¯m getting this new quest out of the blue? Hopefully to even the scales of karma that are going to be weighed against me. After seeing her though, and the others she inflicted with the same pustules of soul poisoning, I can definitely feel that I would likely end up with some major necromantic points if I avoided the obvious trap related to these desperate children. That said, I was going to help them before seeing the secretary and her current predicament. I¡¯m certain I could cure her, but healing her self-inflicted wounds would likely need to take a backseat to seeing why kids were desperately calling my name on leg day. Sneak, sneak, sneak. Charlaine is trying to move stealthily through out the faculty building. For a moment, I wonder what she is doing, but then realize that she is already being stalked by no less than three bored skill tomes that are covertly following her every move. Seeing that she apparently thinks she is pulling something over the skill tomes that are clearly onto her, I can only smile to myself. Gracefully, she slowly lopes up each step from the first floor to the second floor. Realizing that time is possibly the perfect time to make an entrance I Teleport in, right behind her. Poof. Silent loping step. Pause. Then slowly increase more weight on the step as you wait for the building to groan under your weight. Pause, then begin switching the left foot up. Seeing her slowly move her way up, I inwardly smile devilishly to myself. ¡°Oh good, I caught you.¡± I call out loudly from behind the would be stalker. Startle-jump. Hearing me call out from behind the secretary, Charlaine who had been trying to silently ascend the stairs jumped wildly into the air. Before gracefully falling down and catching themselves in a cat-like pose. A high Dexterity, I note to myself. ¡°Oh, my. I didn¡¯t hear you come in,¡± Charlaine cried out, clutching her hand to her chest. Which both covered her heart, and the magical pamphlet that she was now trying to return. Unfortunately for her, returning the pamphlet won¡¯t be as easy as taking it was. ¡°No, you probably wouldn¡¯t.¡± I admit, then smile. Charlaine visibly flustered by the sight of me smiling at eye level to her, while silently fluttering my wings behind me just stares for a moment. Then her forced acting skills take over as she forcefully tries to regain control over her emotional state. ¡°Might I ask what brings you here?¡± Charlaine asked, clearly trying to change the subject. Unfortunately for her, I want to twist the knife a bit more. ¡°What brings me to my office?¡± I ask, trying to sound confused by the statement. At that Charlaine pauses, looks up and to the left and then centers back on me. ¡°Yes,¡± Charlaine finally posed. Realizing that time is of the essence and that I might be able to get away from here a lot quicker than expected if I cut my victory short here, I decide to go for the kill. ¡°Actually, I wanted to speak to you. So this was a fortuitous encounter.¡± I state. ¡°Me? Well how may I be of assistance?¡± She asks. ¡°I just wanted you to know that I will be off running a few errands this morning. I plan to be back by noon, but in case anyone asks, you can tell them where I am.¡± I state. ¡°Okay, where are you going exactly?¡± She asks, starting to seem a bit more confused by our conversation. At that, I just focus on the icky feeling of the energy cord that links me to the children. Then turning slightly to my left, her right I adjust my sight. Then pointing past her right side, I state ¡°that way.¡± ¡°That way?¡± Charlaine asks, then turning around looks and sees that my office is down the hall and to her right. ¡°To your office?¡± ¡°No, I am afraid my business will likely force me to leave World¡¯s End for a time.¡± I state. ¡°Leaving World¡¯s End, is that allowed?¡± Charlaine asked. ¡°What, I¡¯m not a prisoner here.¡± I quip, stating my own argument from earlier. ¡°No, of course not. I just didn¡¯t know of any transports leaving and arriving back before noon is all.¡± Charlaine stated, having apparently way too much insight into the logistical operations of our base. Something I would need to tell Mallory about later on. How easy is it to find out about our shipping operations. That said, that was a task for later Cass. One who dealt with three kids, one of which was crying. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll be fine on transport.¡± I state. At that Charlaine just nodded her head. ¡°So again, that way, back by noon, and off World¡¯s End.¡± I repeat. ¡°All right?¡± Charlaine stated, ¡°are you¡­¡± was all Charlaine got out before I was fully gone. Poof. I did a quick Teleport just to the outside of the building. I was going to warn my books about the arrival of the thief. Fortunately, they were already aware of her arrival with seemingly ill intentions. Through our odd bond, I sent a brief update for her to not be able to return the pamphlet under any costs and that she was to be run off before she got close to my office door, until I returned. At that the books seemed to acknowledge the task, before zeroing in mentally as a collective on Charlaine. Honestly, feeling all of their combined attentions, I could only feel sorry for Charlaine. At least, until I realize she both stole from me, and was now trying to return my cursed book back to me. Realizing I had checked all the boxes of proper protocol for leaving base, I decided to get out. Yes, I should have told Jhonny, who likely would have had a lot more questions to ask. But frankly this is all Mallory¡¯s fault for giving me a traitorous secretary to begin with. She set me up for failure by making it so I couldn¡¯t trust the staff provided to me. As such, it is now Mallory¡¯s fault for her not believing the words coming from my secretary, nor the way the secretary would give me at least an hour head start before reporting this incident to Mallory. Realizing I had to leave now, I did just that. Poof. By the third Teleport, I finally clear the entire city that we have managed to expand to. Honestly, it is kind of cool to see just how much we have grown, and how much of the wastelands we as a guild have managed to claim back. I know that part of this is that at least one of my Simulacrums rids on Ms. Kujo when she goes on her nightly walks. This is done as my Simulacrums can heal Ms. Kujo, but also the aura given off by my Simulacrums cures the Blight. This means that while riding in the big soft fluffy pile of fur, my Simulacrum has the most comfortable of rides, Ms. Kujo has a healer, and the land gets healed. What do I get? Nothing but sharp dreams about lounging in clouds, when I finally do manage to find time to synchronize my thoughts with my Simulacrums. Poof. Not that I¡¯m jealous. Poof, poof. Though I will say that I am glad I don¡¯t have to go in stupid directions, like south, or turn left after the yellow sign. Nope, magic is so much easier to track people by. Poof. Just go, land, find the direction, Teleport, and then you are so much closer. Poof, poof. Already, I do feel the slight constrain on my skills and Attributes. This is what I dislike about my recent bloodline advancement. Aside from the obvious, looking like a toy flying porcelain doll, I now have to worry about climate change. Or rather going away from areas that are not dense with magical energies, unless I want my Attributes and beautiful Skills to be halved. Fortunately, I had managed to avoid this flaw up until now, by never leaving World¡¯s End, a place all but teaming with my particular flavor of magic. Or the Arcanarus Spirit Tower, which is just enough energy for me to be able to join and explore, without feeling a depreciation of my Attributes or abilities. That said, I can see a remarkable difference between the two. Sadly, I think that if I get another bloodline evolution it would likely limit me to my new home. That or I might take a third damage or reduction in capabilities in magical realms that are not my own. It¡¯s sad, that I know just by thinking this, that I have likely already given the world the thought for this. Then again, this might just be my own mind seeing the writing on the wall, and realizing where the next logical step would take me. Right now, the effect of going to the Arcanarus Spirit Tower is negligible, almost like training at a slightly higher altitude. Meanwhile, my movement now, through the desert that didn¡¯t bother Legendary Bloodline Cass, is now like moving through an actual desert, while needing to take in liquids. Fortunately for me, the distance to my destination is negligible, as I only need to make something like twenty casts of Teleportation to make it to the other side. Once there, like walking barefoot across a scorching hot sand, and finally being able to set foot in nice cool grass at the end. I feel the same. Ahh. Pausing for only a second, I relax and let my now thoroughly depleted reserves begin to refill at their normal rates. Still, the idea of having to make that trek every time I want to come to the mainland is exhausting. I almost wonder if there is a way I can piggyback through different realms to end up here. Likely not what the system wanted with this penalty it imposed on me, but definitely something to think about. For a moment, I have the idea of giving all my future graduating students enchanted items that increase their overall magical or Qi related capabilities, but hidden deep inside is an anchor point that I could use to avoid these terrible trips. I could see it now, letting Jhonny go on ahead, to the location where I would need to go. He tells me he is there, then poof, I appear right next to him. I could always claim it was for humanitarian efforts. I mean, I am a healer, there are wars going on all the time. It is not so hard to believe that people would need healing services. The fact that I could use it whenever I wanted to avoid long travels would only be a bonus, right? Though I could see the idea of me randomly popping up next to them, while they are on vacation might be hard to sell. Which is why I will craft the items and give it to them, without telling them all the features. You know, use that wording, ¡°It does, X, Y, and Z and a few other things, but you will have to find those out on your own.¡± Honestly, I don¡¯t see this causing a problem at all. Well other than resources, which I will likely just write off as College classroom expenses. It isn¡¯t necessarily fraud, waste, or abuse to create items that are better than advertised, right? Also, as a Master Enchanter, it would be hard to find someone who would openly create items helping out each individual degree holder. I am having this thought, when I finally get close to the center point of where my magical threads are directing me. ¡°What was I doing here again?¡± I ask. Poof. Then getting closer, I mentally see the layout of what has to be a prison with hundreds of children of varying ages. All left to rot, while parents are being forced to work away at other mines. Rolling my head back, I let out a groan. ¡°This again! Why didn¡¯t they learn after the first time?¡± I ask, as I realize I¡¯m going to have to go Full Karen mode. I¡¯m going to have to fix this place, and then ask to speak to a manager. I might be a bit late for my self-imposed noon deadline. Though it will be okay, I¡¯ll just push everything else I was doing back further in my day. Chapter 245 Unsupervised Visitations And Creations Chapter 245 Unsupervised Visitations And Creations I don¡¯t know what goes into people¡¯s minds sometimes. Honestly, I don¡¯t know if it is the idea that some people are able to mentally separate themselves from the atrocities that are being presented before them. If people are somehow able to rationalize cruelty to children, to people, just because they somehow don¡¯t appear to be real. That there is no quote unquote logical way that these children could actually be reincarnations of people from the real world, making them somehow lesser beings. That said, just being this close lets me realize a few things. The scene is straight out of a horror movie. Kids shackled and chained in a dark tunnel. Wires are lined from the dark tunnel that holds them out to speakers that line the walls. For a second I wonder what exactly is happening. At least I was wondering what was happening, until I heard off in the distance the cries of those quivering children echoing around the entire mining facility. ¡°Please help us.¡± Kids, little children cried out miserably over the speakers. As they did, the workers, the probable parents of said kids all paused as they heard the sounds, then quickly shot back to life. This was when the world spoke to me, just as it had done so earlier.
New Questline Identified: Purging the Desecrators (Repeatable): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. Magical and Mechanical Parasites have set up a dig site stripping the land of magical resources, which have in turn begun to poison the ecosystem. Eliminate the threat to the local area and become a protector of the world. Current status Grand Mages purged (0 / 3), Mage foreman (0 / 6), Mage Leaders (0 / 10), Mechanoid Operators (0 / 25), Mechanoid Apparatuses (0 / 75), excavators (0 / 115), children to rescue (0 / 21). Rewards: Experience, Skills, Badges, variables.
¡°Shush you,¡± I say, waving my hand to cut off the stream of information filling my mind. I understand that this is a trap. That everything up until now has been a test of my morals, my conscience, and my ethos. There is a part of me that even understands how this quest prompt is a good thing. How I now know the numbers of people. How the operations of this facility have changed. Rather than going entirely for a magical detachment to run everything, the Legrand Empire, or whomever this is has switched to a hybrid design. One that is roughly a fifty-fifty split of mage users and mechanocaloric operators. There is also the fact that destroying the suit alone will not be enough to stop the operators, as there is a three to one ratio of available suits to users. Meaning that if one breaks, or is taken down, they can run to supply depots and get another. I get that, I get all of that. However, what I can¡¯t get is the seeming violence towards children, The entire thing makes no sense. They torture children to keep the parents complacent? To keep them from revolting? I¡¯m assuming there is some form of way that the extra work performed by the parents earns food and water for the children? It is sickening. Worse, I can tell by the energy that regressors are a part of both sides. There is something about the souls of regressors, something that still seems to resist this world. At least that is why I think the subtle scarring is caused by.
New Skill Gained: Soul Understanding has increased to level 1.
Soul Understanding is a Personality, Sociability, Perception X 2, and Intelligence based skill.
Seeing the new skill, I realize that my insights are mostly correct. Or at least, I know this is the world¡¯s way of telling me that I am on the correct path. I also understand that these breaks in the soul, are likely the psyche and soul breaking apart, cracking under internal pressure. Which is good, as it means that deep down these people realize they are committing crimes, even if they are apparently justifying it to themselves. Regardless though, this is the world we all live and share. Even if you don¡¯t think of your neighbors as humans, surely you can think of them at least in terms of sentient beings, right? Or have the harsh realities of war warped these people this much? Has being exposed to violence day in and day out, and the threat of violence changed these people on such fundamental levels? I don¡¯t know. I honestly, don¡¯t. All I do know, is that at this very moment, I am here. No, not just that, but I have been called here. Out of all the high level people in the world, this world chose me to answer this call. At first, I have to admit that I thought it was a low blow. Getting children to call out to me in such a way that I would be forced to respond. Now that I¡¯m here, I¡¯m angry that they didn¡¯t call me sooner. With that, I go to work. The first thing I do is take down the magical defenses. There have been slight alterations to these designs, a few extra safeguards, higher degrees of disruptive energy are being released, but nothing I can¡¯t handle. Particularly as I have both evolved my bloodline, making it so my concentration of energy is at a much higher magnitude than my last trip to one of these locations. But there is now also the undisputable fact that my skills are able to climb higher than the changes in difficulty level posed by the warding stone creators. In fact, now the entire structure are so haphazardly overclocked that if they kept up this current rate of use, they would break their usability and likely set off a chain reaction of explosions that would destroy this entire area. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Pausing. Realizing that thought, I hesitate as I realize that this is likely what the mine operators planned all along. Dig down, mine up all the available resources, and then what cover up the mine with a blanket of fresh mana and humanoid body parts to start the fertilization process? That is the best excuse I can come up with to explain what I am seeing, but it makes sense. Also, with this method, the people manning the site could probably justify their actions easier to themselves. Using arguments like, the kids and parents were going to die anyways, that was their fate once their country lost the war. The fact that they got to survive for a few more months or years, was just a bargain, as their time was done once their side surrendered. I really hope I am wrong, I really really do. Logically, I could prove this really easily. I could just start reading the minds of the people who are in charge, find out the truth and make an assessment based on that. The only problem with that is, first I would give up my element of surprise, which reminds me. Confidentiality. There we go, people will know my general location, but might not exactly know what I am doing, hopefully. Though, then again, using Confidentiality now will hopefully get me that manager I so desperately wanted to talk to. Poof, poof, poof. First, I take out the defensive wards that would make magic slightly tougher to cast. This is not because I need magic to be effective, but because I can tell that the world itself hates those waves that are being sent. Now I am left with the process of cutting off communications. Or at least that would be my next step, normally, but this time I have a plan. Finding the communication lines, I see that there are a few more wires than last time. Again, logically they have tampering wires in there that once cut would set off alarms on both sides of the this, both here at the mining facility and at the nearby headquarters. A headquarters that would logically send over my manager to talk to. I¡¯m not there yet, which is why I instead opt to use my newest ability to gain control over the situation. Arcane Geomancy. ¡°Ahh.¡± As I use my new power, I feel the world below call out with a contented sigh of relief. This is the same voice that provided my newest quest, one telling me of the challenges that lay before me. Better still, by using my own powers here, I feel a deeper connection to the land. In a way, it is hard to tell, but I feel like a part of me is here. No, that¡¯s not quite right. Now that I¡¯ve cast Arcane Geomancy in this new location, I can tell that the world itself has accepted this casting. That it could resist my call, if it so chose. The fact that it didn¡¯t resist, and even seems to welcome the presence of my energy is a blessing. Mentally I note that I will have to look further into this development later on, but for now I have more things to do. First, I reach out to the communications systems that I have now brought to life. From our shared mental link, I feel myself asking it, if it will help me free the land and the children. I change up my priorities, though both will get accomplished. Blinking. I can feel the now semi-sentient communications device coming to life, if only partially. It can¡¯t move, not like my books can, nor can it really talk on its own. But it does promise to do the one thing that I need of it, and that is to keep any alarms from going off until I give it a signal telling it to do so. With that, I successfully complete stage one of my infiltration process. Now that this part is over, I use both my Angel¡¯s Sight, and a slightly creepy connection to the earth about locations of certain objects around the mining camp. While this camp is smaller in terms of people and occupants, it is roughly the same size, geographically. Meaning that while over four hundred fewer people live here, the area covered by everyone is roughly the same. Though it is clear from a glance that most of this extra spacing is controlled and maintained by the use of mechanoid soldiers. While only eight users of the mechanoid suits are up and operational at this time, that is more than enough to apparently keep the hundred indentured excavators in place. This is good for me, as it means that by my count, there are currently 63 mechanoid suits that are either in storage, or otherwise being sheltered. From an espionage perspective, this is the perfect time to identify the storage warehouses where the suits are being housed, disable them, and move on. That is what the Sapper in me is telling me to do. However, there is a newer and more curious side of me that realizes a few things. First, the destruction of the suits might be loud, and thus draw unwanted attention ahead of when I would be ready for it. Second, destroying the mechanoid suits in such a way would be such a waste of mechanical resources. Third, and probably the most influential part of me just realized that by using my new power, I was able to gain complete control, or at least partial influence over the communications platform used by the base. Using that same logic, I might be able to gain influence over mechanoid suits that are brought to sentience in a similar way. I debate for a second, and then realize that possibly being able to turn the enemy mechanoid units against themselves would be the ultimate form of force multiplication. Golden thread. The more I contemplate this, the more thick strands of golden thread appear around me, and all but chain me to the different mechanoid suits. Feeling the attachment, I pause, but then ultimately decide to go with the golden strands. I realize this is the amount of fate applied to an action, and not necessarily a sign of good or bad things to come, but how much impact the action I take will change the world. Still, I like the idea of an being able to turn one¡¯s own mechanoid suits against their wearers. The entire idea seems to be karmic justice. Obviously, I¡¯ll be there to Resurrect or stop anything from going too crazy, but this will be a good test of my new capabilities. Poof. Just entering the first bunker I feel the stagnant taste of air. At least in the back part of the bunker. There is a seemingly clean, front section of the warehouse, where a few guards and seemingly well maintained machines are present. For their part, the machines are gigantic, then again, when you are the size of a medium sized Pomeranian standing on their hind legs to look you in the eyes, your version of large changes. That said, these devices seem to have extra large chest cavity areas, where someone the size of a large orc or a particularly well-endowed barbarian or Beastkin could stand comfortably. The machines are a thing of beauty, allowing for both¡­ wait? Nope, there is no doubt about it, these are my designs. Both Mana and Qi circuits are present, with the user apparently able to cycle between either to be used to fuel the working of the mechanoid. Sucker punch. Just seeing the design this close, I have to use my third-eye, but it only further confirms my findings. Someone has been speaking out of turn about my designs and projects. For a moment, I almost wonder if anyone would have been able to reverse engineer my designs from watching me work. I¡¯d like to say no, but knowing that I don¡¯t always use every bit of Confidentiality that I can. That and my recent project of creating a QiMO powered airship took weeks to complete, giving anyone ample time to see my processes, though it is clear that they are missing some of the finer details. As I can see many of the issues I worked through early on are prevalent in these models. Then seeing their location, as being housed in the abandoned section of the warehouse, their placement now seems to make sense. If I had to guess, the other machines are older Imperial designs that only utilize mana. I can tell from a glance, just based on the residual mana signatures, and the much larger circuits. Yes, the circuits have to be larger as mana and Qi have a cost reduction effect that makes them a far superior power source than either alone. That said, they are close to replicating my designs. Too close for my comfort. The more I seem to mentally uncover, the larger the golden threads that bind me to these mechanoid units seem to grow. There are duller threads of fate that seem to link me to the mana only mechanoid devices. Which lets me know that I might be able to do something with them as well. Still, for the first part of this process, I realize that I will likely need to get moving quickly. Also, I know for a fact that I cannot let these designs stay here. First, they are extremely valuable resources that I can use for my own future designs. And second, I know that by leaving these designs here, people will be using the things I have created for destruction and violence. While I am okay with the former, I cannot stand the latter. Nor could I live with myself knowing that I allowed potential superweapons to be created. For these reasons, I focus my mind, and begin trying to bring these devices to life. Arcane Geomancy Focusing on the threads of golden energy, I realize that there is a slight binding process from myself to these mechanoid devices. Not only am I linking myself to them by knowledge of the designs currently used. I also feel a link to them, in that I can quickly improve their noted flaws. Most of the flaws are minor, flow circuits not allowed to fuse together at regulated intervals, resulting in corrosion. A simple correction to the flow rates, makes it so the energy I am providing the machines gets used and spread out evenly. Very soon, I feel the flow going in a circulating pattern, one that is easily sustainable. Though I make sure to speed up the speed of the circulating energy, to remove and buildup or corrosion. After that, I focus on creating what are larger flow points. In the human body, these would be where the major organs are, but for the mechanoid device, these are where tiny batteries can be placed to build up and store strands of energy to be used on specialized functions. For a human these functions would be breathing, digesting food, or even thinking. For these machines, this is for the special actions that were designed into the shell. Propulsion bursts from the feet, welding torches for the hands, or even repulsion shields for weaker areas. Honestly, the design of these devices are amazingly complex, with the noted smaller Qi and Mana cabling allowing for greater storage and output capabilities for the devices. Honestly, I never thought about creating a mechanoid, but if I did, I would want to start off with some or most of these features. Granted, these can easily be made into weapons of mass destruction, but they do have a functional utility that also cannot be denied. With this suit, someone like Jhonny could easily build an entire complex from scratch in a matter of hours. There could also be agricultural benefits from this, everything from digging ditches with ease, to building canals capable of providing life bearing water to parts of the desert. With these devices, we could do a lot of good. ¡°And done,¡± I say after stopping at the final part of these four nearly identical devices. The heart, a perpetual motion machine that so long as no energy escapes could propel these machines on indefinitely comes to life. Then to my horror, I see the moment the machines come to life, letting me know I have created the perfect killing machines and given them a partial form of sentience. For at that moment, I was met with not one, but four sets of glowing energy eyes. Heterochromia Gold and Blue eyes X4. ¡°Yeah, hopefully no one here is named John Connor.¡± I say to myself, as I get a slight sense of dread about what is going to happen next. Chapter 246 Consequences Chapter 246 Consequences ¡°Yeah, hopefully no one here is named John Connor.¡± Chime. Just as I say those words, I almost hear a ringing going off around me. I pause, using my heightened Perception to track the enemy movement. Did an alert go off? Have I somehow been spotted? As far as I was able to understand my current situation, I was fine. I had Confidentiality up, which meant that most of the next three hours would be distorted from viewers, and even then, I could take three minutes of that and make it so it was never admissible. While I haven¡¯t used any of my three minutes yet, I felt that I might need to. Fortunately, for now, I was able to move around freely and without drawing any real attention to myself or my operations. That said, I could feel my mental and, on some level, a quasi-spiritual connection to the four advanced mechanoid suits that lay discarded on the warehouse floor. For now, all four, while clearly alive and active, just maneuvered themselves into a better upright position. The movements they took were slow and subtle that they didn¡¯t even make a sound while moving. While the four hulking devices seemed to glow with an inordinate amount of radioactive materials, no one seemed to notice. Which was good, as it meant that either no one else had Angel¡¯s Sight here, or if they did, their Perception was so low that they couldn¡¯t see my actions. Regardless of the reason, I was able to move about freely. In my mind, I felt a deep spiritual connection to not just the four battle mech suits, but I could also feel a deeper connection to the land here. All thanks to the odd, but extremely powerful Arcane Geomancy. Now that I have taken a moment to bring these four suits to life, I see a few more golden threads leading from me to the two unoccupied mage only mechanoid suits. That means that these suits do not have a QiMO measurement panel and are therefor only able to run on mana being provided by mages who are strapped into the cockpit. While there are clearly resting spots for two of the suits, it seems clear that they use these suits on a rotational basis. Meaning the two that are up and operational now, will likely come back after a certain amount of time has passed. How do I know there are resting spots for the mechs? Well simple, apparently these suits bleed off residual mana, making a clear silhouette of where the machines are and rest. While I can only see two machines, I can see where two other machines should be. Though I have to be somewhat careful with the last two suits, as they are in the section of the warehouse that seems to have some form of guard shack nearby. For a second I think about knocking out the two dozing guards in the guard shack who are clearly not taking this shift as seriously as possible. I guess they assume that being here at the heart of the entire mining operation, makes it so they are safer to espionage operations. Little do they know, that these are the exact types of people I focus on first. The inattentive people who are several rows deep, that assume if anything happens, other lines of defense will sound off and alert them to my presence. Poof. I Teleport into the base, and then seeing that the two are likely elves of some kind. I focus and cast a Specialized Healing spell on the two. The spell is simple, it will place both people in a deep coma like slumber, while their body is healed at a slow metabolic rate. Effectively making it so they sleep deeply but will wake up feeling completely refreshed and invigorated.
New Spell Created: Soporific Delta Healing [Tier VIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that slowly heals an individual continuously for twenty-four hours straight. After which they will be completely healed of all forms of damage and wake up exceptionally refreshed. Condition: Must be cast on someone who is unconscious. Note: This is an enhanced area of effect version of the Superior Sleep Spell.
You know, I like that spell. I also see the difference in that this is both a forced downtime of twenty-four hours and a complete healing of all damage. While I know I won¡¯t be able to use this on everyone here, for these two, that is quite possibly a perfect spell. This way, I don¡¯t have to hurt them, and they don¡¯t have to be incapacitated. Instead, I get twenty-four hours to do things. From the wording of the spell, I could likely even hit them, or they could suffer further damage, but somehow be cured, even by injuries sustained while the spell was in effect. Sure, someone could likely undo the spell, but they would have to understand my spell weaves, and how I crafted this spell perfectly for this situation. They would also need to be able to cast a Tier VIII spell. Honestly, I probably could have made it a lot easier in complexity, but then it wouldn¡¯t give me the twenty-four-hour window I had been looking for. All in all, I am fairly pleased with this spell, and will likely patent an easier version of it. That or teach it as a spell available for mass production in my Harmonious School of Magic classes that I might need to expand to. No wait, this is a terrible idea. The goal is for me to teach fewer and fewer course, not more. Oh, also, I need to make my noon alibi, meaning I¡¯ve got to step things up here. When we get back with all of the kids, the real reason that I am here, I will cast this spell on each. This will make it so we both have twenty-four hours to prepare for their arrival. While also making sure that every lingering ailment they face is cured. For a second, I think about going over and saving the kids right now. Particularly as I can hear their cries coming over the intercom. ¡°Help us, please. Sniffle*¡± Yeah, nothing like psychologically torturing people to motivate the workforce. ¡°Stay the course Cassie, they will get their just dues, in time.¡± I say, telling myself to both calm down and stick to the plan. No one has died, if they do, I will see their souls release from their bodies. Once that happens, I will stop everything and Resurrect everyone. Well just the children and the workers, I¡¯m not feeling too kind towards the operators who are in charge here. Chime. Once again, I heard the same ringing sound that seemed to echo around the place. This time I am close enough to the speakers that I almost wonder if it was from there. The only problem was, earlier when I heard that same ringing sound, I was on the opposite end of this indoor material shed. Now, I am inside the guard shack that is inside the material shed, meaning that the sound should either be higher in energy, or something. Instead, I can hear everything just the same here as I did on the other side. Also of note, is that the golden threads binding me to the two mage-only mechanoid suits have increased. At their core is still a dark thread, that seems incongruous with the four hybrid mechanoid suits. Suits that are right now rising up and slowly walking forward to provide a protective perimeter around me. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Yes, somehow they know I am important and know that their job is to go out, destroy the other mechanoid units as quickly as possible, while saving all the children first, then the miners. Anyone else is fair game to incapacitate with as little force as necessary. I can also tell from our shared mental link that these mechanoid suits are just as enraged by the actions that are happening. Well they aren¡¯t really mad, but they seem to be mirroring my consciousness. Meaning they are feeling my anger slowly rising up and all but suffocating my resolve to end things as peacefully as possible. Once again, I make the mental plan to destroy the mechanoid units, permanently disable the mages, and if there are any Qi users, I will make sure their Qi cores are also shattered, just as I would for any mages I come across. Fortunately for these two guards, they are not mana users. Otherwise, I would destroy their cores. I¡¯m kind of curious to see if my magical spell could regrow a mana core. I don¡¯t think it would, but that will be a bridge we have to burn once we get to it. For now, I am focusing on bringing the two mage-only mechanoid units to life. Arcane Geomancy With the coast clear, the spell is super easy to cast. Better still, I feel even more of the land here come under my control, meaning I have this entire indoor shed basically under my influence. From the back wall, to the front door, to even the little wooden guard shack to the left as you enter. This also means that for the moment, I can convince the radio unit to turn off the sounds of kids crying. Silence. Hearing the silence, I know it is only turning a blind eye to the atrocity that is happening around me. But for my own sanity, I need to do it. Deep seeded agitation. Upon awakening the mage-only mechanoid units, I instantly notice something is wrong with them. They are more flustered than the others. ¡°What is it?¡± I ask. Then almost as if it was a command, they share their Psychometric Input with me. These are the psychic impressions of people, and creatures that they interacted with before they were just awoken by me. It takes me a moment to realize that this is part of my bloodline evolution. In particular this is part of my Ancient Psychometry coming to life.
Ancient Psychometry: The ability to view the past lives of spirits who long ago left this world and be able to witness, view, and interact with the world of the past. Conditions: Must be standing at the final resting place of someone to activate. User cannot move more than fifty meters away from the initial source of death.
Reading the conditions, it means that the spot of death for a number of souls were these two machines. Meaning, the drivers had to reach down, physically lift up the victims and then squeeze. That is the only way to still be within fifty meters of the initial source of death. Vomit. Worse, these machines that are now alive and at least semi-sentient are ticked off. A small part of me wants to empathize with them, as I do, I can feel the two all but itching to bash their way through the flimsy excuse for a door and exact retribution on their former drivers for making them do such actions. Again, I realize part of this is my influence on them. As they are clearly using my impressions and reactions as their own baselines for how they should feel and act. I feel that there is a nature versus nurture argument being answered somewhere in the minutia of this, but for the moment this is a liability. Especially, as I can feel the two strengthening their resolve to do something that they might regret later. ¡°Stop!¡± I hiss out. Poof. As I Teleport in front of the two three story tall mechanoid units. ¡°This is not the time, if you go now, all of those kids will suffer. Some of them might even die because we were reckless. Let¡¯s focus on the mission at hand. I need you to wait until these doors are opened. Do you got that?¡± I ask, zipping between both machines, making sure to make quick eye contact with one, before darting in front of the next one. Clam rage. ¡°Good, now wait. I have three more places like this to go. Then you can act.¡± I state. Mental acknowledgement. The two mage-only mechanoid units nod at my comments. As for the original four QiMO hybrid mechanoids, they are still calm and ready. It is clear that they would not stop their fellow mechanoid units from going, but they wouldn¡¯t help them either. At least not until I gave them the order. I guess that is the difference between the thick golden cords and the slightly dimmer cords. It is clear that these mage ones have an agenda, and for good reason. Looking at it from their point of view, I would be ticked off if someone basically mind controlled me, or puppeted my body to do atrocious acts, on behalf of someone else. Then when I finally gained my autonomy, yeah, I likely would look to do something stupid for retribution as well. Fortunately for me, we all have the thread of protecting the children as our top priority. Though I can tell part of their anger that even therapy probably can¡¯t fix is the fact that these two were used to kill a few kids as well. Fortunately, I see the remnants of the kids, and realize exactly why I got that bloodline evolution perk to begin with. That is I can Resurrect these kids, based on the residual Psychometric Imprints that have been left on these mechanoid units. While I need to go about and perform Arcane Geomancy to the other storage places, I can get one of my Simulacrums to help Resurrect these children. I know they won¡¯t have access to my Ethereal Healer class Trait Resurrection, but my normal amount of mana should be more than enough to perform this task. With that, I mentally open a rift in space and time, and connect to my Simulacrum on the second floor of the Arcanarus tower. From there it is a quick data dump of Telepathy, that lets my first Simulacrum, of FS to begin casting multiple Resurrections all at once. Resurrection X 5. Drain. Instantly, I feel the drain of mana from my main core, as I realize this was likely a waste of mana. And something that I completely wouldn¡¯t do, if I had more time. But unfortunately, while I am going about the process of Resurrecting five children, all of whom will be protected in one of the mechanoid units. As each unit is already moving forward to grab one of the children and protect them. Seeing their unison, I can¡¯t help but smile. The world might devalue children, but I don¡¯t. Pausing for a second, I check with my First Simulacrum, who just gives me a head nod, letting me know she¡¯s got this. Seeing that she is good to go, I quickly Teleport and begin working on the next concealed supply chamber. Again, the size of these places to house mechanoid units is astronomical. But they are all underground, and those that are in charge apparently expect their wards and resistance modules to prevent, or at least alarm when someone like me enters. Sad part for them, I can easily feel the wavelengths that these alerting wards are set for and just oscillate my frequency higher or lower. Or if needed, I can make my amplitude so large that it completely bounces down through the earth, that is oddly accommodating to my magical signature and then when the wave bounces up, I end up perfectly within the warehouse. While this does give me a few ideas for how to better protect my own buildings and areas from similar activities, I shelve those ideas for the current needs. Arcane Geomancy. Two more hybrid QiMO mechanoid units come to life. There are enough parts for two more, which I make a note to steal. In fact, I have these two mechanoid units go about and push all the items to my third Simulacrum, the one that is still free floating on the Prankenstein Vessel out in the wilds of the Arcanarus Tower. The idea is to give that ship as many spare parts as possible. As something tells me, I might need them shortly. With the two Hybrid Mechanoid units at work, I quickly Teleport to the guard shack. This time only one of the guards is asleep, while the other is just reading a naughty magazine. Fortunately, a quick strike to the Qi point in the neck of the reader, lets me place him in a near coma like state almost immediately. Snap. The head of the victim snaps forward and I can tell that death is almost immanent. And likely would be, but I use my new spell Soporific Delta Healing, and instantly I see a magical bubble cover both the injured guard and the sleeping guard all at once. For a moment, I pause, wondering if the spell will save their life, but a quick glance shows that yes, they are completely safe in this magical cocoon. With the guards once again taken care of, I pause and wonder if I should awaken the two mage-only mechanoid suits that are lying dormant here, waiting for their next shift. Just like before, I can see that there are a number of gold threads from me, and darker threads as well. Again, the mage-only ones are the only suits that have these darker threads of fate. Still, I can¡¯t deny that having the mechanoid units awake and able to share their memories does help with finding the spiritual residue of children and other deceased. The plan is to eventually Resurrect everyone, but the children first and foremost. The adults we will get to, if we have the time. Arcane Geomancy. The moment these mechanoids awaken, they go instant rage, and climb to their feet, all but ready to exact justice. Then as if reading my mind, they turn their attention to the guard shack and all but light it up with high speed bullets. Ratta-tatta-tat-tat. Ratta-tatta-tat-tat. Ratta-tatta-tat-tat. Ratta-tatta-tat-tat. Two machines, four barrels of mana enhanced projectiles fire out and tear into the guard shack. A shack that had been anthropomorphized into life, until they were quickly slain by these two-rage infused mechs. ¡°Hey!¡± I shout, then I strike out at both mechanoid units, right at their cores. Not enough to kill them, but enough to severely disable their power creation. Flying up, I look at the guard shack that is the equivalent of Swiss cheese at this point. Worse, the two guards that had been so terrible that killing them in their sleeps was a preferred method of treatment, just lay there. Yes, they too had a few extra holes. Holes created by magic bullets. Bullets that were even now being washed over and proactively healed by my Tier VIII spell. I go over, trying to heal the building, but find that I can¡¯t. The building isn¡¯t alive, not truly, nor does it have a spirit. Instead, all I see is the magical life of a building I created, slowly beginning to wither away, due to the actions of creatures I created. Granted the mechanoid creatures in question were only doing so to target enemies hidden within the building, but still they had no disregard for life at all. Blue Mechanical Mana Tears. It turns out that mechanoids can cry, as evident by the fact that these two are now both crying. Though it is clear that they are crying for how weak and powerless they feel. ¡°Stop that!¡± I shout, then going over to them and the dying building I cast Arcane Geomancy. The only problem is that, nothing happens. I figured as much, but had to try. As it turns out, this is likely my chance to find or create a new power used to heal creatures created with Arcane Geomancy. For it seems that while Arcane Geomancy might be able to bring inanimate objects to life. Once they are alive, it requires a completely new form of energy to heal them. One that I have not accounted for at the moment. Just as I am contemplating this, I feel trouble rising once more. Tug-tug-pull. ¡°Shit.¡± I mentally his, as my Simulacrum that is back at World¡¯s End pulls me back at possibly the worst time ever. ¡°Hello Cass,¡± Mallory says, her face held at a slight angle as she looks at me in a questioning way. ¡°Why hello, Mallory, what can I do to help you on this fine day?¡± I ask in as overly cheerful of a tone as possible. ¡°Look, I need you to do something very important.¡± Mallory began with a very serious tone, and somehow, I wonder if she was still getting intelligence on what I was currently doing. I know those mechanoid units weren¡¯t all that quiet. With this, I just raise my eyebrow as if I have no clue she is about to call me out for all but starting a war. ¡°This is important. Know that it isn¡¯t easy for me to say this, but¡­¡± Mallory begins, pauses and then finally continues her thought. ¡°But I need you to stop.¡± Also, if she opens up my quest tab, she will clearly see the active quest I am on. Does that mean she wants me to stop saving the children? Not that I will, but it will add an extra note of trouble to this whole act. Still, no point in outing myself. Maybe playing dumb for a bit will help. ¡°Stop what?¡± I ask, trying to sound as innocent as possible. ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb, you know exactly what I am talking about.¡± ¡°I do?¡± I ask, still hoping that this is some form of misunderstanding. ¡°Yes, you do. I need you to stop forcing me to teach your Understanding of Bloodline courses.¡± Mallory began. Phew. Hearing her speech, I can¡¯t help but let out a breath that I didn¡¯t know I had been holding. Fortunately, either my lungs are small, being a Pixie and all, or she was too caught up in my own reactions, but she seemed to miss this, and continue with her well-rehearsed speech. ¡°I mean it. I¡¯m the guild leader, I do have a lot of things going on here. Things that I can¡¯t always drop, because you want to shirk your responsibilities.¡± Mallory began. Hearing that, I realized that I have dodged a bullet, but I just need to find a way to end this quickly, so I can get back to fixing my other problems. Hopefully my Fourth Simulacrum is currently Resurrecting the kids that were still tethered to the mechanoid suits, otherwise the deep drops of mana I am experiencing right now are signs of an even greater problem. ¡°Oh, okay.¡± I say, trying to get this over with as quickly as possible. Future bloodline teaching Cassie is going to hate me, but I am in the middle of a tactical operation here, one that is about to go sideways. Chapter 247 A Slight Disturbance (Mallory) Chapter 247 A Slight Disturbance (Mallory) Mallory came back to her tent in a daze. Her head was reeling with the notion that the entire encounter that she had just experienced was too easy. Though for her part Mallory couldn¡¯t quite place her finger on why it had been so easy. Oh sure, Cass put up a token defense, but then when Mallory pointed out that course content might be one thing. But she did not feel adequate enough to teach the Mid-term exams, which would happen today and tomorrow for the Royal Bloodline and Legendary Bloodline students respectively. After hearing her argument, the little scamp clearly deflated and accepted the situation. Even going so far as to shoo Mallory away so she could come up with relevant materials for her impromptu mid-term exam. Just seeing the look of utter defeat on the little scamp¡¯s face made Mallory melt inside. Going so far as to say, ¡°who knows, I might be able to teach more of the class materials, but I know for a fact I couldn¡¯t come up with a valid test for the mid-term exams.¡± Hearing that, Cassie¡¯s face lit up brightly, and then excitedly called out. ¡°Deal!¡± Poof. And like that the scamp was gone. Mallory herself felt lost at the end of the conversation, trying to understand exactly what had happened. Only to realize that somehow she had agreed to teach the little Pixie¡¯s class, without any coercion from Cass. Then the moment she did, that is when Cass left, making their agreement all but binding. Even now, Mallory could feel part of her chest tightening as there was clearly something off. Heading back into her office, Mallory still couldn¡¯t help but feel that she had somehow lost in that conversation. Despite getting everything she needed and wanted. Upon entering the room, a very pregnant Gwendolyn just sat in her plush chair, resting as much as she could. ¡°How did it go?¡± Gwendolyn asked immediately. ¡°It went oddly well.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°So you have tonight off?¡± Gwen asked excitedly as she tried to lean forward, but then failed, having to fall back and try again just to sit up in a more upright position. Seeing her struggle, Mallory went over and instantly began helping to move and massage Gwen¡¯s stiff muscles as needed. ¡°I do, and tomorrow night off as well.¡± Mallory confirmed. ¡°She offered to take both mid-term exams?¡± Gwen asked, a note of confusion in her voice. ¡°Surprisingly, yes.¡± Mallory replied. At that even Gwen¡¯s face changed from one of excitement to one of confusion. ¡°She didn¡¯t argue?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°No, she just accepted it, then¡­¡± At that Mallory trailed off not knowing how she made the mental slip at the end. ¡°Then?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Well, she just looked so defeated that I said it was only temporary and that I would take over some of the classes once the next semester started, but I couldn¡¯t do the mid-terms.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Because of the baby?¡± Gwen asked. At that Mallory paused, before answering. ¡°Well it¡¯s not like Vanessa will born as an infant. I mean she will come out that way, but then will be fully grown within a day.¡± At that Mallory seemed to inflate slightly at noticing the argument for what it was. ¡°And Cassie was the one who pointed this out?¡± Gwen asked. Mallory just deflated as she realized that Cass didn¡¯t even seem to argue. ¡°No, but if you could have seen her. She just looked so deflated at the idea of more work that it all but seemed to crush her little heart.¡± Mallory said. ¡°She got you with the Pixie pout?¡± Gwen asked, crossing her arms and looking at Mallory. ¡°I, okay. Fine, she got me with the Pixie pout. But you have to admit her new puppy dog face is irresistible.¡± Mallory said, all but cooing at the sight of the Colossal Pixie. ¡°You¡¯re hopeless, you know that.¡± Gwen said, letting out a huff, but clearly deflating. ¡°But you mean it, you are off for tonight?¡± ¡°Tonight and tomorrow night as well, meaning that until our wedding, I am all yours.¡± Mallory stated. Exhaling heavily, Gwen let out the tension she had been holding in until then. ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°Okay?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Gwen replied reassuringly. With that the two just cuddled. Which mainly consisted of Mallory draping herself over the very pregnant Gwen, while using her exceptionally high strength to form a perfect mold to Gwen that while blanketing, did not in fact put any weight on the girl in question. For a moment, everything was great. Mallory¡¯s main task for the day, convincing Cass to teach her class so Mallory could get some much needed private time with her girlfriend, before she gave birth. Also, before their subsequent wedding, one where one of them would be posing as the dignitary for a foreign and otherwise overtly hostile empire. Still, that whole part. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The idea of Gwen posing as the undead King of the Deolar empire. The idea that they would both have to consummate the marriage, likely while Gwen also gave birth to her and Cass¡¯s granddaughter. The entire thing seemed so complex, with so many moving parts, that most would assume it was going to fail. Except it wasn¡¯t going to fail. Mallory knew this intrinsically. Why wouldn¡¯t it fail? Simple, because Cass did not want it to fail, and somehow, someway it would all work out. That was the great and terrifying thing about Cass. When she wanted something, it happened. Which was why it was so odd that she caved in so easily at the idea of providing the midterm exams for the Bloodline Awakening courses, or whatever they were called. Honestly after teaching the courses for a few weeks, Mallory still had no idea what the official name for that class was. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Gwen asked. With that, Mallory exhaled, realizing that Gwen could likely read her like a book. Which was great, as no one else could do so. Well Cass could, but she never called her out on her faults, not like Gwen does at least. ¡°From what I can tell, everything is great.¡± Mallory began. ¡°But¡­?¡± ¡°But, I can¡¯t help but shake the feeling that something is somehow off.¡± Mallory continued. ¡°You mean with mother?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Yes, but she seems fine.¡± Mallory continued. ¡°Did she pick up a new quest that has drawn her attention?¡± ¡°No, I checked, and everything is the exact same as it was almost an hour ago.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°Okay, and so far as you know she hasn¡¯t found a way to fool your quest logs?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°I don¡¯t see how she could know. She barely knows about it, and even then, if she could influence my interface, then there are bigger issues at hand.¡± Mallory noted. With that Gwen could only nod in agreement. ¡°Okay, so there is nothing you can do right? If she found a way to bypass your quest alerts then we can¡¯t do anything. And who knows maybe she just found something to interest her at the moment. It wouldn¡¯t be the first time she got distracted by shiny objects,¡± Gwen stated. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Mallory agreed, and then let her mind wander a bit as she finally tried to relax enough to go to rest for a moment. Buzzing. At that exact moment, Mallory could once again hear the crying of children. This was the same sound that caused her to wake up from her deep slumber, and caused her to have a restless morning so far. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Is there a term for pre-filled nest syndrome? I mean, I know there is one for empty nest syndrome, but is there one where you start hallucinating because you are preparing for a child to come?¡± Mallory asked. Gwen just turned her head to face Mallory and even went about stroking her fingers through Mallory¡¯s long hair to help relax her. ¡°Sadly yes, it is more common that you¡¯d think.¡± Gwen began. Mallory visibly exhaled, hearing the answer from Gwen. ¡°Though, most of the time it is the one bearing the child who has the hallucinations.¡± Gwen added. And like that, Mallory visibly tensed up once more. ¡°Care to talk about it?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Yes, I might as well,¡± Mallory began. Then she tried to put into words the cause of her restless slumber. ¡°I just keep getting these visions of children suffering.¡± ¡°I see them, when I close my eyes and attempt to sleep. They are there, calling out. A lot of them are chained in place, forced to starve unless they call out for help. It is just terrible.¡± Mallory began. Hearing this, Gwen visibly tensed up and held Mallory tight. Warm tears. Being this close, and finally having a chance to release some of her stress, Mallory cries tears. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do. Or what the dreams mean. All I know is that the kids are real. Somehow deep down inside, I know that those kids are real.¡± Mallory began. ¡°Is there anything else? Some other clues you can gain from your dreams?¡± Gwen asked, trying to see if these dreams were of a prophetic nature. Mallory for her part felt hesitant, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Try to relax and reach into the dream space. Tell me what you see.¡± Gwen said. For a moment Mallory wanted to protest, but then looking into the deep orange eyes of Gwen, Mallory realized that there was likely some logic to these course of actions. ¡°You really are your mother¡¯s daughter.¡± Mallory began. Gwen looked like she was about to protest, but then seemed to settle down, taking her words for the compliment that they were meant to be. ¡°Yes, as infuriating as it might be sometimes. I am her daughter.¡± Gwen admitted. Then Gwen held up her arm and gestured for Mallory to place her head in the crook of her armpit. Seeing the gesture for what it was, Mallory instantly placed her head down and closed her eyes in comfort. ¡°You aren¡¯t sleeping enough.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°No, I can¡¯t.¡± Mallory began. ¡°Shush, you can and you need to.¡± Gwen responded. Mallory wanted to fight back to say that she needed to be as productive as any of her guild members. Before this used to be an easy feat, that was of course until she met Cass. The girl was an unstoppable engine of change, fixing things, and bulldozing parts of the world that didn¡¯t meet her wants or expectations. Finally, Mallory let her mind relax, as she began shifting back to sleep. There was a brief moment of calm, before her mind was pushed forward to the same scene of children. This time her mind was just awake enough to be able to describe what she was viewing. ¡°I see them, the children. They are wearing rags and forced to be in mines.¡± Mallory began. Hearing her, ¡°okay, tell me what is happening.¡± ¡°Save us,¡± the kids cry out. Now that Mallory is forced to look at and watch what is happening, she sees the atrocities. These children all have wounds, bloodstains, and cuts on their bodies. Just seeing them is enough to make Mallory begin to cry. ¡°They are being starved.¡± ¡°But that¡¯s okay, children cannot die due to lack of food or water.¡± Gwen stated, recalling words spoken by her mother, while she was a child. ¡°They can if they are wounded and unable to replenish the wounds that they have suffered.¡± Mallory replies. Hearing that, Gwen just covered her mouth for a second in shock. But then directed her elsewhere. ¡°Look around you, see what you can tell. Try to see if there are any noticeable features of the area.¡± Gwen stated. With that Mallory, forced her mind to look away from the chained up children and began looking around. Instantly her vision rose hundreds of feet in the air, revealing a large mining complex. One that seemed to span several miles in all directions. Glancing around, Mallory tried to see any defining features of the land, before seeing a set of two large mechanoid suits. At first their coloring and dust covered body made it so they blended in with the surroundings. It wasn¡¯t until they moved slightly that Mallory saw them for more than just statues. ¡°They have war mechs.¡± ¡°War mechs?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Yes, an advanced design if I dare say myself.¡± Mallory began, ¡°if Cass was here, I¡¯m sure she could tell what type they are.¡± ¡°What are they doing?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know, one second, I think they are talking to each other.¡± Mallory replied. Then like that she let her mind wander forward as she tried to see what the two mechanoid units were talking about. ¡°They are late again.¡± The one mech user said. ¡°That is the second time this month.¡± The second mech wielder stated. ¡°I¡¯ll go check on them.¡± The first mech user said. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stay here and guard until you get back.¡± Then with that, the first mech driver turned and began to leave. ¡°They appear to be guarding the base, but I guess it is shift change.¡± Mallory replied, having heard the conversation and was only now trying to understand what was happening. ¡°Though, there does appear to be a problem with the oncoming shift.¡± ¡°What sort of problem?¡± ¡°They appear to be late.¡± ¡°Hmm,¡± was all Gwen could say to that. While Mallory could almost feel the thoughts of her girlfriend radiating off of her and towards this particular topic. Mallory herself couldn¡¯t help but look around the base and see that at the four cardinal points, she noticed that four sets of two mechanoid units all stood. Though slowly one by one, a singular unit was breaking off from the pairing¡¯s position and heading to a different location. Seeing the action for what it was Mallory could only shake her head, realizing that this was bad form. The two units should wait until properly relieved. At least that is what she was taught, and what she stressed as a commander. Realizing this, Mallory instant saw this as a flaw that could be exploited. ¡°They have poor training. A total of eight guards a present to guard the dozen or so miles of mining facilities that are in place,¡± Mallory began, spouting off more details of what she was seeing. If this was a real place, then she could find the place and likely free the children. In fact, Mallory was almost certain that even if Cass didn¡¯t know where this place was, just hearing about the possibility of hurt and tortured children would be enough for Cass to find the place immediately. At that thought, Mallory could feel her own mind working, as she found herself trying to figure out how Cass would be able to find this base. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Gwen asked, apparently seeing her thoughts getting expressed on her face. ¡°Yes, I was just trying to figure out how Cass would be able to find this place.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure she can, the more you look around and find additional details, the more she will likely be able to do something.¡± Gwen stated, her confidence in her mother¡¯s ability to do the impossible clearly evident. ¡°Oh, I wasn¡¯t doubting that, I was just trying to figure out what she would do. Maybe something along the lines of creating a children¡¯s suffering spell, that pointed her in the direction of suffering children.¡± Mallory began. ¡°Don¡¯t give her any ideas.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°Oh I¡¯m not. I am almost hesitant to inform her about this mining camp, particularly as it seems to be another Legrand run outpost.¡± Mallory concluded. ¡°You are going to tell her, right?¡± Gwen asked, concern evident in her voice. For a moment, Mallory debated it, but then finally agreed. ¡°Yeah, I probably will have to. She would never forgive me if I knew and didn¡¯t tell her.¡± Mallory answered truthfully. ¡°When are you going to tell her?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°After the Bloodline midterm exam?¡± Mallory winced out, realizing that if she told Cass too early, then Cass would likely use this as an excuse to avoid giving the Bloodline midterm in her place. Hmph. At that, Gwen just harumphed, not speaking her discontent, but clearly letting her feelings be known. Sighing, Mallory wondered when would be a good time to tell the plucky instructor, knowing that she would have to give up her just gained evening if only to appease her pregnant girlfriend. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll tell her the next time I see her.¡± Mallory replied. ¡°Good.¡± Gwen replied, ¡°this is likely a vision quest of some kind. By following these, you will gain a lot more power. In fact, I¡¯m pretty sure these are how mother got so powerful in the first place.¡± Hearing that, Mallory could only nod in agreement. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve never seen that girl turn down a single random quest thrown her way. Honestly, I¡¯m surprised she isn¡¯t already on this quest.¡± Mallory began, but then just as she spoke, all hell broke loose. Nearly simultaneously, Mallory watched as four sets of single mechanoid units arrived at very similar supply depots with larger than life storage doors so that anyone driving a mechanoid unit could stand up straight and walk right into the storage facility. At the exact moment that the singular mech unit pushed the doors open, they were met with sudden violence. Sprays of blue and golden balls of energy erupted out of the warehouses, striking at the singular mechanoid units who were all caught flat footed and unaware of any form of conflict. Mallory watched as no less than six mechanoid units charged out from each warehouse, before overwhelming and disabling the singular mech that went to check on replacements. ¡°Holy shit. I think they are having a revolt.¡± Mallory stated, shock evident in her voice ¡°What?¡± ¡°The mechs, they are fighting back.¡± Mallory began, but then her voice caught as she saw a tiny glowing object zipping out of one of the warehouses. ¡°Is that an angry bee?¡± Mallory asked, seeing the flying object that began flying about wildly. ¡°A bee?¡± Gwen asked. Then finally, Mallory saw an image that sent shivers down her spine. It wasn¡¯t an angry bee, no, it was angry Cass. Seeing the image, Mallory said the only thing that came to mind at that moment. ¡°I don¡¯t think we need to ask Cass to find this location anymore.¡± Chapter 248 Full Karen (Part I) Chapter 248 Full Karen (Part I) You ever have one of those moments where, you go, you assemble a perfect fighting force to repel an overwhelmingly superior force. Then you realize that the force you assembled might be a too big enthusiastic about enacting your plans. So much so that you are tempted to leave a third of the force behind so they don¡¯t compromise the integrity of the operation. Then just before you give the command to do just that, the enemy in their brilliance, darts in, causing you to either go full impact, or suffer losses. For a moment, I get a severe Babes in Toyland premonition, where I somehow play the role of both Drew Barrymore and Mr. Miyagi, all in order to cause a robot rebellion to ultimately help Keanu Reeves find true love. The fact that I might help Keanu Reeves find true love with someone other than me is tragic, but fortunately that is not a thing here. As far as I am aware Keanu went to the Cyberpunk universe and is as amazing as always there. Ratta-tatta-tat The sound of automatic munitions fire coming to life pulls me from my whimsical thoughts of Keanu. For before I even had a chance to act, almost in unison all four staging bunkers were breached by a singular mechanoid unit. Seeing the advancing hostile force, my unit of sentient and seemingly self-aware mechanoid warriors surged to life and performed their primary objective, protect the kids. In hindsight, maybe putting the recently Resurrected kids inside of the recently made self-aware engines of destruction was a bad idea. Also, there is a clear fact that the mechanoid units, much like the different skill books I recently crafted, all have a weird way of communicating on an empathic level with one another. This means that, shortly after the mage-only mechanoid units became alive and active for each group, they were able to share their past torments with the much more powerful hybrid models. Again, at the time, I thought this was a good thing, as the mage-only versions seemed to share knowledge of the attack patterns of the different groups. How the mages would assist the mechanoid units, and where their standard retreating locations were. All things that should be known by an invading force, despite having a lack of numerical superiority. That said, it is clear that part of my over protection for children, along with the seeming personal conviction of the different mechanoid units to hate anyone who would butcher and abuse children to get more production out of people, was the overwhelming number one priority of these mechanoid units. A fact that was made exceedingly prevalent by the way the machines went full Terminator mode upon seeing the different Legrand soldiers. Ratta-tatta-tat Ratta-tatta-tat Worse, the units that had been in cluster of six, broke off into perfectly aligned three automaton teams. Two larger hybrids always joined with a mage-only mechanoid suit. The odd thing was that the mage-only mechanoid suits were the leaders of the groups. Often because they were ones that either didn¡¯t have children in their cockpits, thereby making them seemingly expendable to the team, or their knowledge of the terrain made them perfect leaders. Regardless of the reason, the grouping of four six mechanoid teams split off into eight three mechanoid teams. It was all I could do to run around trying to cast Healing spells on the innocent miners. Though I could feel instant ire from my mental connection to the various mechanoid units. Pausing for a second, I realized the true issue. The mechanoids wanted me to save the children first, then everyone. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll prioritize.¡± I state, feeling slightly flustered, as I dash about. Of course, while on my way, I easily spot a few mages and target them instantly with Core Shattering Death Ray. Rays of golden light burst out from me as I shatter mage after mage. I especially target the mages within the four remaining mechanoid units. Core Shattering Death Ray. Speed of light, too fast to dodge, and too fast to even notice the threat before it is too late. Still, I take out the immediate threats, making it so I can get to the kids. Poof. I appear in the exact center, right over head of three mages. Disgustingly enough, the three mages have arranged the kids as human shields before them. Each mage has seven of the children I am meant to protect arranged before them. The idea is simple, anyone comes in, sees the mages and hesitates, while they act. Core Shattering Death Ray Core Shattering Death Ray Core Shattering Death Ray Before any resonance of my entry can filter down to the three mages, I strike. ¡°AHH!¡± the three mages cry out in pain. A pain that echoes throughout the camp. For a moment every humanoid creature pauses, hearing the intense cry of pain from someone of the same species. Unfortunately for them, the Terminators, for that is what they are now, Terminators don¡¯t hesitate in the slightest. In fact, each one uses that exact moment to strike down an otherwise distracted target. Inwardly I cringe as I see life forms flicker out from my Angel¡¯s Sight, only faint traces of lingering energy and spiritual residue remain. Momentarily I struggle with the idea that I could heal them. I could heal them all. I could cover their dying bodies with my new twenty-four-hour protective bubble that promises to heal them. Part of me even wonders if this would heal their shattered cores. Odd, as I remember wondering just that very thought not an hour ago. Yet, here we are, in a position where I could use it. Then I remember that these were the people that tortured children to make parents work harder. If they are regressors, well I hope they choose to do better with their next lives, or else I will present them with the same fate, for this I promise. Chime. I hear another chime go off in my mind, and instantly I see two things happen simultaneously. First a faint glowing light shoots out from me and seems to attach itself to the souls of ten mages that are dead or dying. One is to a mage that is right before me, letting me know that they are a regressor, someone who traded away their times in the real world to come here for their retirement. But unlike living out the second dream as so many people would, this one chose to exploit children who they likely saw as nothing more than fictitious coding. Rage. I honestly don¡¯t know what happened next. All I remember, truly remember was mentally reaching down and grabbing the three former mages with an irresistible Telekinetic grip. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Then I likely infused a bit of silver spirit mana into a concentrated microburst of Healing energy. The idea was simple, have two opposing elements and energy types racing about and destroying everything that was a meridian for the mages. This way, even if they somehow survived this, even if they managed to get their magical cores back, they would still have to worry about burning their own bodies apart from the inside due to the strain of loosely flowing mana in their bodies. It wasn¡¯t enough to kill, though their screams and cries to the contrary seemed to prove otherwise. Crying children. I was about to do more to the mages, when I was pulled from my rage, by the cries of twenty-one children. Twenty-one innocent children left to be chained and beaten to force their parents and family members to try harder. Thud. Hearing the cries of the children, I let go of my rage. At least I tried to, though I did Telekinetically throw the withering mages into a wall, hard. I wasn¡¯t going to kill them. No, it wasn¡¯t for me, a relative outsider here, to judge them. Instead, I would let the sentient mechanoid units handle them. Though I was currently sharing my thoughts on these three with the mechanoid units. ¡°Hello, kids. Sorry it took so long to get here,¡± I say, as I wave my hands and spread waves of Ethereal Healing all over the children, fixing their wounds in a matter of seconds. Instantly the kids, who looked weak and malnourished suddenly began to sit up straighter as the pains they had been dealing with for so long was suddenly abated. Then once they were all healed, I then proceed to Cleanse them off. I know my auras also have a clear and direct effect on their overall health, but better safe than sorry. Looking around, I try to find the two or three voices that called out to me, and thus began this whole operation. It takes a minute, but then I see the cords of fate that now tie me to all twenty-one children, but three of whom are especially thick. ¡°Just so we are all clear, my name is Grandma Cass. If you have any questions on how this is done, just ask these three, as they know how to get my attention.¡± I say, then I flutter down and proceed to give a slight tap to the forehead of the very same three that called me. There is a bit of my golden life Qi, and a linked spiritual component that helps me tag each of these children with a blatant mark right on their soul. Unlike the mages, I make sure to separate the two so they go in different locations almost immediately. This all but ensures that these three will both have healthy bodies, but a higher than average chance of becoming exceptional mages. This is due to the fact that I have touched them directly means that at the very least they will awaken with a Tier II universal magical affinity. Thus, my marking is just a little extra encouragement. ¡°You three did good. Come see me before your fourteenth birthday.¡± I tell them. Then just like that, I both feel a karmic bond that was paid to me by the great Turtle tower repaid thrice fold. I also see and then instantly dismiss the quest provided to the three children.
Magical Awakening Quest (Unlocked): Garnering the Attention of a Mythical Being: Whether by choice or fate, you have come into contact with a mythical being who has told you to visit them before you turn fourteen. Conditions meet with Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight up to a week before your fourteenth birthday. Rewards: Experience, Deeper Magical Awakening, variable. Note: There are no punishments for not completing this quest.
Seeing the quest notification that I awarded the children, I inwardly smile, realizing that I have rewarded what I felt was a good deed by giving a quest that could and will likely change the fate of these three children. Just as my own fate was changed by following through with the quest, despite having to wait years to do so. Then almost as if reading my own mind, I get a linking quest notification of my own.
Hidden Quest Conditions Met: Paying it Forward Thrice (Repeatable): You were blessed by a chance encounter in your youth, that set you out on the journey that you are currently on. Now you have paid forward the same chance encounter with three relative strangers. If and when these children reach you, and you perform as you have promised, you will be rewarded. Rewards: Experience, variable.
Thinking back on the great turtle, I smile as I realize that is how I got Zero, and how I truly began my path as a mage. Who knows, I might be able to awaken an individual class specific for each of these three children. Honestly, I am curious as to how they will change thanks to this, whether they will thrive to achieve more, or if they will let these moments haunt them for the rest of their lives. Honestly, I hope they learn from these moments and only get stronger from their troubles, but that is up for them to decide. I can only be here and encourage them, while also making it so they never have to settle for anything like this again. Just as I am thinking this, the mechanoid suits come forward. The mage-only ones are clearly the most damaged, as each apparently acted as the meat shield to protect the larger, more robust, and twice as durable hybrid models. Seeing them, the children instantly backed up, and swarmed behind me. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, these are the friendly mechanoids.¡± I say. Then right on cue, the hybrid models who had been holding children protectively in their cockpits drop to a knee, then open up, letting the kids jump down to safety. At which point the children, all of whom were recently Resurrected run forward and hug their friends. ¡°Jeremy? Is that you?¡± One of the three marked children asks, her voice full of confusion as she asks with a trembling voice. ¡°Yes, Renya, I was so worried for you.¡± The boy, Jeremy states. ¡°But, but how? You died?¡± The star marked Renya asks. ¡°She saved us.¡± Jeremy cries out and points to me. ¡°What?¡± Twenty-one voices all cry out in near unison. ¡°It¡¯s true, I was lost in a dream, and then she grabbed me and pulled me back.¡± An older girl added, walking forward and eliciting a few more gasps from the gathered children. ¡°Elysiwara?¡± The children cried out, upon seeing her a few of the younger children instantly ran out to embrace her, apparently seeing her as a leader of sorts. Seeing as she was older, and clearly a caring sort, this was to be expected. ¡°How, I saw you die?¡± ¡°They killed you?¡± The kids all cried out, running up and embracing Elysiwara. Elysiwara for her part just ducked low and grabbed all the kids in a hugging embrace. Then instantly looked up to see me still floating high overhead. ¡°She¡¯s the one we should thank. She saved me.¡± Elysiwara stated. Tears. Not going to lie, at that comment I teared up a little. Letting brightly glowing specks of highly concentrated pixie extract fall to the ground. Where the tears dropped, flowering plants instantly began to grow, as if suddenly being allowed life after being forced to slowly wither and die for so long. ¡°That¡¯s not true, I did nothing. I would have done nothing, had it not been for these three.¡± I say, once again pointing out the three individuals that summoned me here. Clamor. With that the kids all began talking to each other. Only afterwards did I realize that all of that was caught on the speakers and projected out to the entire mining facility. Ultimately it didn¡¯t change anything as everyone here was just the miners, my 32 awakened mechanoid suits, and of course the kids. Pausing for a moment, I take a second to look at my quest and feel sort of relieved.
New Questline Identified: Purging the Desecrators (Repeatable): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. Magical and Mechanical Parasites have set up a dig site stripping the land of magical resources, which have in turn begun to poison the ecosystem. Eliminate the threat to the local area and become a protector of the world. Current status Grand Mages purged (3 / 3), Mage foreman (6 / 6), Mage Leaders (10 / 10), Mechanoid Operators (25 / 25), Mechanoid Apparatuses (32 / 75), excavators (115 / 115), children to rescue (53 / 21). Rewards: Experience, Skills, Badges, variables.
By and large, I am mostly done with the quest. All the mages, the foremen and even the operators had all been destroyed or otherwise eliminated. However, there was just one problem, I was still missing more than half of the mechanoid apparatuses. It was good to note that by bringing the mechanoid suits back to life, I inadvertently made it so they were no longer part of the enemy faction. This is good, as it would have been terrible to have to kill each of these mechanoid units, after they had all effectively earned their freedom. I know I couldn¡¯t finish this quest if that was what was expected of me, so fortunately it wasn¡¯t required. ¡°Please let us through,¡± the voice of a haggard man called out. Upon hearing the voice, the mechanoid units who had been holding a near impenetrable perimeter stood up and let the first of many miners through. Seeing them in the state they were in, I once again let out a stream of Ethereal Healing energy, before casting a round of Cleansing on each miner. ¡°Renya!¡± A desperate female voice called out, charging through the males and then sidestepping a few children turned and finally found her. There was a brief pause, as they both stared at each other, then the moment recognition filled their face, they began to run towards each other in a tight embrace. After that the entire procession of 115 miners all slowly began making their way up the different ramps, all to come here to this staging area. ¡°Okay, who is ready to get out of here?¡± I ask loudly. With that, there is a moment of silence, before I focus with my Simulacrum who is at World¡¯s End. It is not ideal, as we already have a slight refugee problem from earlier, but I can¡¯t exactly send everyone to the Arcanarus Tower now can I? Positional Teleportation. With that, I create a direct link to my one Simulacrum in World¡¯s End, and begin directing everyone through. ¡°Go through there, make sure to ask for my Secretary Charlaine, she is fully aware of this operation and will help with logistics.¡± I state, wondering if Charlaine has even had a chance to get out of the few traps I set for her in my office. I know I told her to inform Mallory before I left. This was of course, while she was trying to invade my office to either steal a book, or try to return my corrupted pamphlet. However, after talking with Mallory, I am fairly certain that this message was never parlayed from Charlaine to Mallory, making it so I am definitely going to go through Charlaine with announcements like this in the future. ¡°Oh wait, I need someone who knows where a second trove of mechanoid suits are to stay behind.¡± I call out. Hearing that, the male who went to hug the second star touched child, spoke up. ¡°I can show you.¡± The guy began. ¡°Show me?¡± I ask, wondering if it was close. ¡°Yes, it is just below us.¡± He said, ¡°though the entrance is relatively well hidden.¡± At that, I reached out with my senses, only to feel a massive influx of highly concentrated mana around us. For a moment I am taken aback by how much highly concentrated mana is down below. But then realize this is likely why this area was chosen to be a mining facility in the first place. As the rich mineral veins around me, make it almost impossible to see too deeply into the ground. Which is why I missed the giant bunker down below. One filled with dozens of parts and half assembled robots. ¡°Get in the mech, and I will follow you, once everyone is safely out of here.¡± I tell the person. The man looks shocked for a moment, but then seems to nod. As he then goes and whispers goodbye to his daughter. His daughter instantly cries, but I can tell the father promises that he will come back. At that the daughter cries even harder and pounds her little fist against her father¡¯s chest. Seeing this, I see it is time for me to step in. Flying over, I go to the girl. ¡°Hello, Zarlina, right?¡± I ask. At that the girl nods. ¡°I need your dad for a few minutes, so we can stop the people who did this to you from ever being able to do this again. For that, I need him to show me where more of the bad robots are, so I can turn them into good ones.¡± I say, and point to the hybrid mechanoid suit that is waiting to carry the father. ¡°Can you let me borrow your father for a few minutes?¡± I ask, ¡°I promise I will return him.¡± Chime. There is that faint ringing sound, and I realize that this is me saying words that have somehow become binding. Though if this is the case, then why did I get a binding word from asking about John Connor, earlier? I think to myself, but then remember the utter devastation caused by these mechanoid units and realize that they were in fact Terminator units. ¡°Okay, if you promise.¡± She says, then holds up her pinky finger. Seeing the gesture for what it is, I reach out my own pinky finger and shake, sealing it down as an official promise. I can even see the quest notification flash before my eyes. But I instantly dismiss it, as distracting from my current objective. Honestly, it surprises me how quickly close to two hundred people can march through a portal to an unknown destination, all because a floating glowing pixie told them to. That said, I am glad this time was a lot easier than last time. Once it was just the father, me, and the sentient mechanoid suits left, the father just nodded and said, ¡°follow me.¡± With that, he somehow managed to direct the mechanoid suit expertly to a small door that only opened up large enough for a singular person to get out. ¡°This is the main entrance, I¡¯m not certain how they actually get the fully assembled mechanoid units out.¡± The father said. ¡°Thank you, do you want to go back now?¡± I ask, offering the out. ¡°Yes, though before I go, could you please answer one question?¡± The man asked. ¡°Okay?¡± I ask. ¡°What do you intend to do with all of these mechanoid units?¡± He asks, gesturing to the sentient mechanoid unit he rode on, and then at the warehouse that now that I am closer, I can feel the various devices in different states of completion. ¡°First, I¡¯m going to wake up the mechanoid units, then I¡¯m going to go full Karen.¡± I reply. ¡°Full Karen?¡± ¡°Yeah, you know cause a complete ruckus, ask for a manager, the works.¡± I state. ¡°Uh-huh.¡± The man replied. Seeing that his question was answered, I went ahead and opened up Positional Teleportation, again. As the man began to enter the portal, I asked a question. ¡°What exactly is your name?¡± ¡°Mine?¡± He asked somewhat confusedly, then replied ¡°I¡¯m John, John Conn¡­¡± he began but his voice was cut off as I apparently closed the Positional Teleportation too soon, not expecting him to have a last name. Hearing the name, I pause, wondering if it was the last name that I thought it was, then quickly thought better of it. ¡°There¡¯s no way that''s him, besides that¡¯s copyrighted.¡± I reply. Chapter 249 Quintessential Upgrades Chapter 249 Quintessential Upgrades Vert-sherk-vrr. The gears and cogs of the great factory were working at full tilt, trying to pump out component parts as quickly as possible. Though my mere presence was causing the tier one factory to already break down. Grrrind. Gears and belts that had been running smoothly suddenly began to rust and corrode. It was clear that the Legrand empire had their work down to a science. Regular, non-magical, people, ran and maintained the facility, thereby reducing the exposure to additional mana particles. The fact that the devices were running smoothly at all, despite the harsh magical substances being used is a testament to the ingenuity of the Lagrand mechanical society. Honestly, I would be impressed, had it not been that such great feats were used solely to mass produce the best and highest quality of war machines ever designed. Now that I was inside the giant staging complex for the mage-only and few hybrid mechanoid units being created, I could finally see the path out of here. Which meant that my other mechanoid units found it via our link and were now going around to the top of a mountain to see an apparent hidden entrance. An entrance that they were quickly breaking through. Right now, it was clear the devices had their own consciousness and were ticked. The idea was to destroy these mechanoid devices, the same way they had the piloted ones up above ground. Or they wanted me to add more to their troupe. Thirty-two, that was how many of these machines I had currently brought to life. The ones I created were seemingly aware of my plight, though I am just now realizing that something seems off. Then I realized, that I had actually only brought to life twenty-four, that the remaining eight of those that were removed were dead. Not by my hand, but by the killer robots that I brought to life. The ones that I brought to life and now have no real way of healing. In a way, I feel kind of bad. Bringing in a new form of life, one that can live, move, and most importantly self-sacrifice for something greater. Then I make it so that self-sacrifice is permanent. Mentally, I am running through the issue, even as I find my way to the different clusters of inanimate mechanoid robots. Arcane Geomancy. I begin the process, of not only infusing the land underneath and around us with ambient energy that I can all but feel anywhere in the world. But I also, begin to finish the circuitry of the different mechanoid units, making them better and more refined, and most importantly, giving them a chance at life. A chance to choose their own path, of being a weapon, or being a sentient being capable of choosing their own path in this world. In a way, these machines will be better. These machines will grow up without the psychometric impressions left on their shells. Instead, these will be the first batch of mechanoid people that have never experienced death. Only eight of the previous mechanoid units come to join me and welcome their new brethren. The rest are either too injured, or maybe dealing with the dead. I did see them going and taking the broken bodies of the machines that they killed and doing something with them. If I focus, I might be able to see through the magically dense stone that surrounds us and seems to be able to at least partially block, or at least hinder my sight. Trying to look through the dense layer of magic would be like trying peer through the ocean to see what sharks are doing underneath the waves. Yes, you can if you look closely enough, but you will likely miss something important if you stare too long at one spot. It is around this point that I wondered if the Legrand empire was working on making mechanoid shark suits? If they did, then I would really like to see them. Though I would be hesitant to bring mechanoid shark creatures to life. Sad that I¡¯m apparently willing to bring terminator-equivalent creatures to life, but I might have an ethical dilemma for doing the same for mechanoid sharks. Mainly because, I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be patient enough to hunt down any mechanoid schools of shark monsters that I might inadvertently create and set loose upon the world. Whereas I feel sort of confident that I might be able to find the mechanoid killer robots, mainly I¡¯d just follow the screaming and assume that would get me close enough. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯d Resurrect those that were screaming. Though honestly, these suits seem to be fairly placid now that the source of their ire is removed. They clearly avoided all 115 miners, and every last kid. Even going so far as to make themselves into a mechanical shield to ensure the safety of the other suits that were carrying Resurrected children in them. That alone says that they are both sentient, and able to differentiate between right and wrong. This is good though, now when Mallory asks. And she will ask. I can safely say that I do have limits. And when she asks what those limits are, I will say unequivocally that I will not bring to life mechanoid shark suits, or shark suit factories. Baby steps. Silence. By now, I have released so much magical residue into the air, that any tier one items that were out in the open have now been thoroughly corrupted by my magic. Thud, thud, thump. The eight sentient mechanoid suits that are not on burial duty have broken through the one opening and have now begun coming down to see me and my one-person force alteration efforts. It¡¯s sad that I can only feel the intense want and need for protection coming from these eight devices. That they are only coming to both protect me, and to welcome their new mechanical friends in a system of solidarity. Though the initial eight are soon joined by the others. As the remaining sixteen soon follow suit, although they all seem to be carrying the broken chassis of their fellow mage-only mechanoid suits. Arcane Geomancy. It¡¯s weird. As I am bringing the new suits to life, their old holes and damages suffered from when they were lifeless machines gets healed. But then the moment they are fully manifested and presented with a consciousness, Arcane Geomancy can¡¯t do anything else for them. Also, what is even more infuriating is the fact that I allegedly have the perfect power to heal them, Omni Heal, but it can¡¯t do anything for these new forms of life. Logically, I know the reason. The reason that Omni Heal cannot heal the creatures I bring to life with Arcane Geomancy is due to the singularity of Omni Heal. As Omni Heal, while able to replicate any one form of energy, I in fact need two forms of energy to heal these mechanoid suits that are now sentient and moving. I do have the new level 400 class perk for my Ethereal Healer class available still. Well, actually I have the level 400 for Ethereal Healer, the level 300 class perk for Ethereal Simulacrums Master, along with the level 300 class perk for Akashic Qi Master. Worse, I am nearing the 72-hour window that would force me to start making changes to my classes. Odd to think that just Tuesday I reached those milestones, and now here we are on Thursday, and I am worried about trying to find a way to heal a newly formed species of life, while wondering if my materials for my three mid-terms that I need to conduct will be sufficient. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Gods, how did Mallory know that I would have all but agreed to anything at that point to get a moment to myself. It¡¯s like she has a sixth sense of when I am up to no good. This is impossible, though I would be really interested in trying to come up with a skill that would help me counter such a sixth sense. That one skill would be worth its weight in gold. Also, it is no up on my top list of new skills I would create if I got such a random skill acquisition book again. Though I am just wasting time here. Letting these machines suffer. Well, I don¡¯t know if they actually have nerve endings, thus their concept of pain might be off. That said, I think we all know the way to heal these robots. Yes, throw away my level 400 class perk evolution for an enhanced Trait version of an ability that I already have.
You are wishing to make your level 400 Ethereal Healer Class Perk.
Desired Class Perk: Dual Energy Omni Healing: The ability to use any two forms of energy in conjunction with each other to implement a healing effect on a sentient individual, or creature capable of semi-sentient functions.
Wow, that description totally sucks, but yes. That is roughly what I am going for.
Request denied.
Class incapable of such a Trait. Seeking alternative¡­
Alternative found. Are you sure this is what you would like to have as a class evolution Perk?
¡°Yes.¡± I say, somewhat annoyed that I have to go through this whole rigamarole every time I reach a milestone. This is partly why I wait until the system has to accept my changes, before I normally do this type of thing. However, this is a unique case, where I really want to help out these machines the best I can. Also, I know that with this power, I should be able to heal my books should anyone get a little too zealous with trying to take them. This way I can heal the sentient skill books, along with these machines and the one randomly targeted guard house that did nothing more than sit there.
Class Evolution Criteria met (Mythical Bloodline) and Class evolutions accepted.
New Class Evolutions made.
Wait, what?
Class: Ethereal Healer, has evolved to new Quintessence Ethereal Healer (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class).
Ethereal Healer class level bonus: +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower.
New: Quintessence Ethereal Healer class level bonus: +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Attractiveness, +2 Perception, +2 Intelligence, and +3 Willpower.
So, a point of Strength, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. That is five extra Attribute points per level, which isn¡¯t bad. Especially as this is effectively a Mythical level class, now. Additionally, it appears as though I will not be able to share this class with anyone, just like my Akashic Qi Master class.
Class: Ethereal Simulacrums Master, has evolved to new Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class).
Ethereal Simulacrums Master class level bonus: +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, and +1 Willpower.
New: Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master class level bonus: +1 Dexterity, +2 Personality, +2 Sociability, +2 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower.
Again, looks like we are going cheap with the name upgrades, just adding Quintessence in the front, just as they did for when I became an Ethereal elf. Also, just like before there are additional points for Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Willpower, granting a bonus of five Attribute points per level. I¡¯m pretty sure this is impressive, but I don¡¯t exactly know how impressive. I find it sad that I can¡¯t teach someone else to create perfect exact copies of themselves now. Though to be honest, I¡¯m glad I didn¡¯t as I¡¯m pretty sure if more people used this the same way that I use this class, then there would likely be a lot of new countermeasures created. With the new singular use category of this, I can feel the class options broadening, as the world no longer needs to keep me in such tight restraints. Before, when anyone could get this class, there were clear restrictions and boundaries. Now however, now there should be a little more wiggle room with what is allowed. That said, the system apparently was not done forcing its changes on me, as I could feel it forcefully changing my third and final class as well.
Class: Akashic Qi Master, has evolved to new Divinely Akashic Qi Master (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class).
Akashic Qi Master class level bonus: +2 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +2 Endurance, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower.
New: Divinely Akashic Qi Master class level bonus: +3 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +3 Endurance, +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower.
This one just like the others gave five bonus attributes, this time to Strength, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, and Perception. Honestly, it¡¯s kind of sad that it took until I was well into the three hundreds for all of these classes to finally become amazing, but I am glad they are there.
With new class unlocked, new Trait requested approved.
New Quintessence Ethereal Healer Level 400 Class Perk Unlocked: Trait.
New Class Perk: Dual Quintessence Healing: The ability to use any two forms of energy simultaneously to produce a healing like effect on a targeted person, place, or thing.
Yes, my power just went vague and gave me the noun definition for healing, but I¡¯ll take it. Also that is a lot cleaner of an explanation than what I had been envisioning. With the primary concern over. I began using my newly acquired Trait to start healing these wounded Terminator units. Dual Quintessence Healing. No clue why it had the stupid name, but I¡¯ll take it, particularly as it proves that I can heal anything that I now create with Arcane Geomancy. While I¡¯m busy casting Arcane Geomancy on the rest of the inanimate mechanoid suits, and simultaneously taking over the base, I realize what I want my new level 300 trait for my Simulacrum class to be. With my Simulacrum class already being the Class that I associate the most with Teleportation, both with switching my position with another Simulacrum, opening Portals between myself and a Simulacrum, or other related activity. I realize what I want to do for this level 300 Trait, and that is be able to Teleport to anywhere that I have actively used Arcane Geomancy and effectively mark that part of the world as having my stamp of protection applied.
Intended request received, verified, and approved.
New Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master Level 300 Class Perk Unlocked: Trait.
New Class Perk: Arcane Geomancy Teleportation: The ability for you, or any of your Simulacrum to freely Teleport to any territory that you have personally bonded to through Arcane Geomancy.
And like that, my rate of travel drastically increased and I realized that I effectively created a Fast Harass point. Yes normally, I know these are referred to as Fast Travel spots, where you can move between locations freely. But really, out here, my only purpose for being able to move quickly out here would be to harass or otherwise impede war efforts. Actually, I don¡¯t care about war, it happens. No, when people use war as a pretense to be monsters, that¡¯s when I have a problem with war. That said, I don¡¯t ever want to go to war, but if I did, I would make sure it was over very quickly. Even if it required Shark Mechanoid monsters. No wait, I still don¡¯t want to swim that much to fix such a mistake. Maybe flying sharks? I¡¯m pretty sure I could chase down a flying mechanical shark fairly easily. As for what to get for my level 300 Divinely Akashic Qi Master class perk, I don¡¯t really know. Ultimately, the best thing I would want would be a way to quickly neutralize any mistakes I might make along the way. Yes, we all joke about Skynet and creating sentient hunting machines that never tire out and now can be healed. But it would be nice to have an off switch, or a way to disable renegade life forms that are abusing their stay. Then just as I have that thought, I am met with a new string of system messages.
Intended request received, verified, and approved.
New Divinely Akashic Qi Master Level 300 Class Perk Unlocked: Trait.
New Class Perk: Divine Quintessence Rapture: The ability to apply two different types of energy at once to overload, damage, disable, or if need be, destroy a person, place, or thing.
Honestly, that power is perfect. Likely the equivalent of using a rail gun to punch a few holes in a wall, but I should be able to use that to disable, or apparently kill nouns at my discretion. With that I have three fourths of the cycle of life complete. Or rather three fourths of what I consider to be the cycle of life to be complete. I can create, heal, disable, and likely cripple these creatures that I am bringing to life. Sadly, I have the ability to take that life if necessary. Something I hope to never need to do, but I would be lying if I wasn¡¯t a little relieved by having it as a, just in case option. Now even chasing down mechanoid sharks doesn¡¯t seem as dreary as a prospect as it once did. Still a no go, mainly due to the fact that I don¡¯t like having my head covered by water. Yeah, I know random quirk, I seem so normal and well adjusted otherwise, but yes. While I do swim, I make sure to only swim on the surface of the water, or in a pool. Oceans, or deep rivers with monsters, not so much. Speaking of which, I now have an extra 75 levels to gain in my Swimming skill, but since I now live in the middle of a desert, or on floor 300 of a tower reaching to infinity in the sky, I find that I am okay without practicing my shark chasing moves. Finally, after what feels like hours of me casting the same three spells, while arguing with the system about my class upgrades, I finally receive the notification that I had been waiting for.
Quest (Complete): Purging the Desecrators (Repeatable): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. You found Magical and Mechanical Parasites stripping the land of magical resources and eliminated the threat...
Seeing the message, I let out a sigh of relief, and then pause. I realize I still have stage two of this to do. Where I nicely ask the communications system to request backup. But looking at the now sentient clock that is telling me I have exactly three minutes until I am scheduled to teach two mid-term exams simultaneously. I realize I will need to pause my plans to go full Karen. At least until later tonight. Fortunately, with my new Simulacrum ability to travel back here instantly, I don¡¯t even need to blow my cover by having my other mortal realm Simulacrum take my place here. ¡°Be good, and I¡¯ll be back later tonight for round two.¡± I tell my seemingly placid killer robots. Then before they or I can question my actions, I use my new power and get out of the area. Arcane Geomancy Teleportation. Poof. I appear in my office, making sure to grab my notes for the new war games style matchup I had planned for my Qi users to go up against my Magical Resonance experts, and go out to seize the day. ¡°Going to be a good day, without shark monsters.¡± I say to myself. ¡°What?¡± Charlaine asks, apparently hearing my outburst. I can¡¯t help but notice that she has taken the office room right next to my own. ¡°Nothing, just wondering how much worse the world would be with mechanical monster sharks running around taking over the oceans.¡± I say. Nervous chuckle. Charlaine nervously chuckles at that thought. Then after seeing that I¡¯m not laughing, she nervously inquires. ¡°That was a joke, right?¡± ¡°Oh, I would never joke about setting lose a school of mechanical monster sharks on the world. Even I have my limits.¡± I say, then I Teleport out before she can say or do anything. Going to class, I let a smile fill my face, as I can see Charlaine¡¯s face drop in horror as she tries to take in my comment. Seeing her reaction, I realize that I am glad I came back early. Chapter 250 Rise of The Taxonomist Chapter 250 Rise of The Taxonomist As far as I am concerned, everything is fine. Confidentiality once again paid off in a big way, as news of my activities have not even come back to Mallory or her real-world informants. This is good, for now in the next hour or so, when my three hours, or rather two hours and fifty-seven minutes of standard Confidentiality end, I will have been here for an hour providing guidance to my students. SKABOOSH-SHATTER! Sounds of magic strikes smalling against Qi shields and Qi strikes landing against magic shields can be heard throughout the entire courtyard. There is so much energy being released that there is an intoxicating smell of ozone being released out into the world and absorbed by my Arcane Geomancy infused school building. Yes, I made sure that the moment I got back, I infused this sacred courtyard with my Arcane Geomancy, just so I could hop back here with any of my Simulacrums, or me at a moment¡¯s notice. This is all thanks to my newest class upgrade, where I unlocked the personalized class Trait Arcane Geomancy Teleportation. This is the power that makes it so any place that I have used Arcane Geomancy at, and still has the faintest traces of my energy resonance there, I can go back to at any point. This means, that of course, I am already working out new places to go. Immediately after giving the classroom directions to the students I even switched with my Simulacrum for a moment, while I marked the Kujos lair with my own Arcane Geomancy. It¡¯s only fair, as that was a library that I had originally repurposed for myself, only for Kujo to come and take it from me. ¡°Take a break!¡± I shout out. Excessive gasps. Both the Qi Manifestation students and Magic Resonance students let out long gasps of relief at this. The students are in rows. Qi Manifestation students on one side, and Magic Resonance students on the other side. They are both sitting down, though they could be standing. However it was quickly found out that standing only made the process that much harder for everyone. Thus the reason why everyone was now sitting down on their stone slabs. ¡°To make sure we are all on the same page, what is the purpose of this exercise?¡± I ask. Hearing the question, it is clear that no one wants to speak up, as everyone shoots nervous glances between each other seeing if someone will speak up. I see an exceptional number of eyes shoot to Jhonny who is sweating profusely at this point. An hour and change of doing one continuous challenge between you and another student both wishing to pass can do that to a person. Still, Jhonny apparently feels peer pressured enough to at least provide an answer to my query. ¡°The purpose of this exercise is for the defender to create a barrier of an elemental form. Then the attacker can either use the same elemental frequency to try to pierce through that barrier, or try a different combination of elements to break through the barrier easier. We are separated by a five foot gap, placing both the Qi Manifestation students and Magical Resonance students on roughly equal footing. The reason for this is that Qi Manifestation as an attack becomes almost impossible the farther out from the body you get. While mana is often weakest at these mid-ranged singular attacks, especially as you do not allow channeled spells, only singular strikes to count as successes. Each student has three success tokens keyed to their own mana or Qi signatures. Upon losing, they provide one token to the victor after three consecutive breaks of their defenses. Then with that one token they are to go on, until they have gained three tokens from the opposing classroom.¡± Jhonny answered. Silence. Hearing that, everyone just nods in agreement. ¡°Well, you answered what the exam is. Also, what to do upon losing and how scoring requires three tokens. Still you failed to answer my original question of what is the purpose of this exam?¡± I asked. Silence. Again, there was complete confusion, as everyone had clearly been pushing themselves their hardest to get the three required tokens from the opposing class members. However, class pride and sheer talent has kept many of the students from getting more than one token, or losing more than one of their own tokens. Seeing that this is getting nowhere, or everyone is using this moment as a chance to take a longer break than I intended at this point, I try to direct the students to think. ¡°You were close to the answer I wanted, when you noted the distance and the inherent advantages and disadvantages for each student. And yes, that is why I chose five feet as the exact distance to put this test to you. With this distance, so long as you put in your training, you should be fairly even. Mages will be slightly weaker at this range to cast spells, as most mage spells use the distance they travel to add inertia to their impact. While Qi shields are going to be tougher to break on average than Mage shields. The Qi wielder will have a harder time manifesting a true strike at a mage¡¯s shield from this distance. But the true purpose of this test is to get you to see the position your attacker has created and try to figure out a counter for what you see before you. As the attacker, you have the advantage. The defender is set, though it is true the longer you take to decide a course of action to strike, they can build up their defenses to be far stronger. Some have even taken to keeping their defensive shells up and just reinforcing them between rounds. However, the attacker still has the advantage, even with someone who is just continually feeding their defensive shell between rounds. Can anyone explain why?¡± I ask. Finally, Maranda raises her hand in an attempt to reply. ¡°Because the attacker still knows what the defense will be, and has more time to think about ways to counter a known defense?¡± ¡°Thank you, yes!¡± I say, going over to Maranda and am about to shower her with magic, but then remember the last time she got exposed to my magical resonance and decided against doing that. ¡°Great job. There will always be someone who has had longer to prepare what they think of as a perfect defense. I¡¯m here to tell you that there is no such thing as a perfect defense. Instead, there are just defenses that are either highly specialized, overly generalized, or only able to block the known attack vectors. This is why as an attacker, you need to think about your attack, find the weak spots and strike with a resonance pattern that is able to bypass the defenses. You have seen them, they are there, and if they are stupid enough to keep adding to the same defensive layer, round after round, then that means they think you are too weak or not creative enough to come up with a solution.¡± I state. With that, there is a bit of blustering, as many of the students who looked almost defeated suddenly sat up and stared at their opponents with a bit more intensity. ¡°Can I ask a question?¡± Pollima, one of the Magical Resonance students asked, while raising their hand. ¡°Sure,¡± I left off the fact that they just did, and instead let them work through any last minute questions they might have. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°Why are you teaching us to effectively kill other cultivators or mages?¡± She asked. At that, I just tilted my head to the side to ask if she really just asked me that. ¡°First, no one is going to die here. In case you all forgot, let me remind you. No one will die here, as I have not given permission for any of you to die.¡± I say, and make sure to point at each and every student. Then pausing, I turn back to Pollima, who normally seems meeker than the others. Which I guess is partly why she is seemingly holding back against her opponent. ¡°As for the underlying nature of what this process is, this is me trying to teach you all how to do two things.¡± I state, then begin counting off the points I am trying to instill by holding up a corresponding finger. ¡°Survive, and Adapt.¡± At this, I have two fingers up in the air and I let that notion sink in. ¡°You survive with your shield, you adapt with your attack. Hopefully later on, you all will feel more comfortable and learn to adapt with your shield as well, but we are not there yet apparently. Still, if you can take in a hostile situation, see the inherent dangers and realize what you need to do to both survive the encounter and neutralize the inherent threat, then you will have succeeded in my book. Which since I am the one grading this, is the only opinion you need.¡± At that, everyone that had been looking up with conviction a moment ago, suddenly dropped their gaze in a form of self-discovery. Seeing that many were internalizing what I was saying, I saw them slowly begin to change. Many of the students who had solid and strong defenses up, began taking them down as they began rethinking their structures. I have to applaud many of the student¡¯s newfound enthusiasm for the lesson. I can see the way they are taking the time now to try to improve defensive structures that they likely wouldn¡¯t have even thought about before this test. While this will likely end up with a lot more tokens being exchanged a lot quicker, that is fine as I am trying to get the students to learn, versus trying to teach them to win. ¡°Five minutes.¡± I say, then thinking about the spell structure in my head I create a timing spell.
Oversized Illusionary Egg Timer (c) [Tier IV]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that produces a timer that counts down from any time less than an hour, whereby the timer explodes in a shower of fireworks once the set time is reached.
With the spell taking care of my having to keep track of how much time the students have left before they need to begin round two of this trial, I let my own mind wonder back to my recent expedition. Mentally I take a moment and double check and see that yes, despite how long that interlude with my students seemed to last, it only took less than ten minutes. Meaning that my Confidentiality is still going strong and keeping me from being called out by Mallory. I hope that even with Confidentiality down, Mallory will still take some time to find out what happened. Meaning I might be giving my Bloodline Awareness class mid-term when she finds out. Which will be good, as it will mean that she will have time to calm down. Though I also realize that with my Confidentiality still in effect, it also means that word of my deeds have not gotten back to any Legrand informants either. Which is good, as this gives the Mana Powered Mechs and the Di-Hybrid Powered Mechs a chance to strengthen their position and prepare a peaceful protest if needed. Though I do think that Mana Powered Mechs is a bit much to say. Also, Di-Hybrid Powered Mechs is also too much. As such, I mentally make the note to call the weaker and more protective of the mechanoids the Ma-Mes and the stronger more versatile hunter version of the mechs the Di-Mes. I¡¯m sure someone is going to say something about this, I realize that Di-Mes literally spells dimes, and want to take it back, when I feel something click within my mind.
New Quest Discovered: Rise of the Taxonomist (Repeatable): You have created/discovered a completely new variation of sentient life on this planet. Going so far as to note at least two different species of the same Genus family. As the original finder, discoverer, and creator of this new Genus, it is your job to name the entire Genus as a whole. Current species names: Ma-Mes and Di-Mes. Genus Name Required (0 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Title: Taxonomist, Skill: Taxonomist, Badge, variable.
Seeing the quest prompt, I realized two things. First, I realized that I could likely do this same thing with my books had I thought about giving them any sort of name. Secondly, is that a skill that will help me name things better? If so, this quest is probably perfect. Now all I need to do is think of a name that doesn¡¯t rhyme with or resemble Terminator in any way shape or form and I am golden. The last thing I want is to label these innocent creatures after a thing of nightmares. Also, I¡¯m pretty sure that these machines are fairly placid right now, just avoid messing with kids or their territory and they are fine.
Name Terminator Accepted.
¡°No, not that. Anything but that.¡±
Name already set, would you like to use variant Teleiot¨ªs?
Hearing the alternative, I feel that this is slightly better, sort of. Though I¡¯m pretty sure I am just calling these creatures Terminator, but in a different language.
Correct.
New Genus name Teleiot¨ªs accepted.
Odd that I am now getting responses from the system. Though, I wonder if this is part of me just being able to interpret the odd fluctuations of energy around me that I am constantly being exposed to. Fortunately, before I can get too lost in this trail of thoughts I receive the system message and pause.
Quest Completed: Rise of the Taxonomist (Repeatable): You have created/discovered a completely new variation of sentient life on this planet. Going so far as to note at least two different species of the same Genus family. As the original finder, discoverer, and creator of this new Genus, it is your job to name the entire Genus as a whole. Current species names: Ma-Mes and Di-Mes. Genus Name Teleiot¨ªs. Rewards: Experience, Skill: Taxonomist, Title: Taxonomist, Badge, variable.
I mean, it almost feels like I¡¯m calling them giant turtles, when I know I¡¯m not. Still, hopefully no one notices whatever made up language that is in, it¡¯s all Greek to me anyways. I mean, it¡¯s not so bad. We have the Teleiot¨ªs Ma-Mes, and the Teleiot¨ªs Di-Mes.
Experience Gained: 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000
Shoot, I forgot to shut down the notification, now it is going to spam me with messages.
New Skill Gained: Taxonomist has increased to level 1.
Taxonomist is a Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3 based skill.
Seeing the new skill I pause, wondering why it is Willpower based, but then realize that I am effectively exerting my will over the creatures and thus giving them a name. Odd that I could interpret that detail from just the description, but I guess that is part of my having been in this world for so long and having gotten so many skills.
New Title Gained: Taxonomist: You have successfully named one Genus and two unique species of life on this planet. Effect: +50% status with newly named species.
Oh, that¡¯s a nice title, as that means that my little turtle monsters, and that¡¯s what they are, despite their odd name, Teleiot¨ªs, they will now be naturally neutral to me, or maybe super friendly? I don¡¯t know.
New Badge Gained: Teleiot¨ªs Taxonomist (1,000): You successfully found and named the new Teleiot¨ªs genus, and two different species therein.
World First Notice: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has created and named a new species of life on this planet. You have all been warned.
Oh yeah, that¡¯s not ominous at all. Also, with that message it is clear that regardless of my Confidentiality up or not, she will come. FWOOSH! Just as I expected, Mallory is already inbound. Though I don¡¯t know if it is my higher Attributes or not, but I can already see and track her movements. While slowly drifting upwards to get out of easy snatching distance. Blurring lunge. Poof. She lunges while I Teleport out of the way, trying to avoid getting caught by her cheek pinching fingers. Though, I do wonder if part of why I have been able to survive to this point is that I am so cute to Mallory. ¡°Do you mind telling me what you did?¡± Mallory hissed. ¡°First, it is a little late to get mad after the message has gone out.¡± I suggest. ¡°Also, in case you can¡¯t tell, I am in the middle of administering a mid-term.¡± Cl-cli-cli-clicckkkkkk. Almost right on cue, the egg timer spell that I created just for the five-minute reminder starts counting down. At the last ten seconds it begins to vibrate super annoyingly, then boom. Glitter Bomb! Yes, my egg timer went off to become a Glitter Bomb, one that happened to catch Mallory from behind. Mallory just stood still for a moment. I could almost see her counting to ten in her mind. Her eyes all but thumping in giant red numerals the number she was on as she visibly tried to remain calm. Finally, after a long ten count, she let out a breath and began. ¡°Dr. Spiritlight, I believe there is something I would like to discuss with you in my office.¡± Mallory began. Yep, apparently setting off a world warning notification and getting hit by an impromptu glitter bomb was too much for Mallory. For a moment I want to protest, but then I quickly turn to my students. ¡°As you were.¡± And like that, I followed Mallory to the Dean¡¯s office. For what it¡¯s worth, I think I showed amazing restraint by not laughing openly at the giant glitter paint that covered Mallory¡¯s backside. I didn¡¯t even react as the other quest rewards for my previous quest completion came through. Thereby losing any potential bonuses to my ship.
Quest (Complete): Purging the Desecrators (Repeatable): You have come across a scene of absolute destruction. You found Magical and Mechanical Parasites stripping the land of magical resources and eliminated the threat... Experience gained¡­ Ding.. Level up¡­
Come on quest prompt, learn to read a room. I hope the extra levels might come in handy. As I am already trying to find a way to talk my way out of this one. Chapter 251 The Plucky Side-Chick (Gwendolyn Spiritlight) Chapter 251 The Plucky Side-Chick (Gwendolyn Spiritlight) ¡°What happened to you?¡± Gwen asked, the first words from Mallory¡¯s girlfriend as soon as she entered her own office room. ¡°Your mother happened.¡± Mallory replied honestly. ¡°Oh burn, she got you.¡± Cass replied, her tiny form flying in gracefully behind Mallory into the room. ¡°Um, mom. I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a burn when it¡¯s the truth?¡± Gwen shot back, apparently seeing Mallory¡¯s face and then realizing that Glitter Bombs, at least mana infused Glitter Bombs were clearly Cass¡¯s thing. There was an odd silence that fell over the room. Mallory was silent as she looked at her favorite chair and clearly wondered if mana glitter would ever come out of the chair. While Cass just looked weak, though it was hard to tell with her. She was so good at manipulating the situation to her favor, that you couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for her half the time. Finally, after a moment of debating with herself, Mallory ultimately plopped down into her chair. Oof. A cloud of glitter rose up and sprayed the entire area. The glitter would of course go away, but it did add an extra layer of painful tension to the room as Mallory was staring at Cass and clearly trying to keep her stoic face intact. Trying and apparently failing. Giggle. Seeing everything for what it was, Gwen was the first to break character first. As she began laughing at the whole thing. Mallory just looked at Gwen like she had been betrayed, but then just gave a slight laugh herself before recovering. Cass for her part just floated there majestically. Her ephemeral wings flapping in and out of the different realms. The wings were real on the way down to form lift, and then disappeared as they rose up. There were also alternating wing sets, but due to the way they were constantly out of phase with the alternate set, they were able to pass through each other seamlessly. Honestly, watching the way Cass flies, it is an form of art, at least the way her Angel¡¯s Sight captured the whole image. Though this was a trap, as it was part of her new set of tricks to lull you into a false sense of complacency. Finally, after a moment of silence, Cass was the one to break the silence first as Gwen and Mallory were both trying to get back in game form. They noticed this, that Cass seemed to only respect Mallory, but this only happened when Mallory appeared to be serious. The only problem was, that Mallory found almost everything Cass did to be insanely entertaining, or cute. Not the best when it was clear that Cass responded best to a firm line drawn in the sand. ¡°Can I ask why you brought me here, during the middle of not one, but two mid-term exams?¡± Cass asked. This was a good question, and showed that she clearly had obligations to take care of. Fortunately, Mallory was already recovered from her earlier break of character and back in action as the scariest guild Master around. ¡°I don¡¯t know, is there anything you want to tell us about why we got a world notification warning us that you apparently named a new species of life?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Nope, I thought the message was pretty succinct and self-explanatory.¡± Cass replied. Smirk. Hearing her mother, Gwen did all she could do to keep from chortling at that reply. Mallory was right, her responses were comedic gold. Still, this did seem to be a fairly important event, as the world didn¡¯t just spray off World First Messages all the time, just times apparently when Cass was active. Or in this case, times when she seemed to be inactive and teaching a class. Honestly, Gwen was often in awe of her mother. The way she seemed to do so much. Still, it was good to reign her in from time to time, lest she go wild. ¡°Nothing? Nothing at all, not even the name of the creature, or where they are located?¡± Mallory asked. Cass paused as if contemplating the answer then responded honestly, ¡°no.¡± Realizing that Mallory needed help, Gwen decided to help. ¡°So what exactly did you name the flying books?¡± ¡°Oh them, I haven¡¯t named them yet.¡± Cass began, but then pausing put her little hand to her chin and then contemplated, ¡°though it probably does seem bad that I haven¡¯t named them yet.¡± ¡°Wait, what?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I haven¡¯t named them yet. Though I probably should. Maybe something like Libre as the Genus, and then name the different categories of skills after that.¡± Cass began, then Gwen saw a flash of energy pulse through her mother. Shock. Seeing the big pulse, Gwen was startled for a second, but Cass just took the jolt and then seemed to be thinking rapidly. ¡°Oh, that worked. So, we just name the different groupings. So, Liber Casus for the espionage skill books. Then Liber Sensus for the skill books that focus on improving the senses. Liber Magicae for books on magic. Liber Cultura for cultivation skills. Huh, this is a lot easier than I thought it would be.¡± Cass stated. With each grouping name she spoke, a new jolt of energy pulsed through her. Such a bolt of energy would seemingly be enough to fry Gwen¡¯s brain out, but for Cass it seemed to hardly register with her body. Fwoosh! Then after a few more mutterings to herself, there was a pulse of energy letting everyone know that she had completed the task. ¡°Did you just complete a quest?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Yeah, these Taxonomy quests are apparently repeatable.¡± Cass noted. Gwen could only stare at Cass with disbelief. Fortunately, Mallory was quicker on the uptake. Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. ¡°So you just named the books in Latin?¡± Mallory asked, a note of incredulity to her voice. ¡°Yes,¡± Cass sated after pausing for a second. ¡°And it took that name?¡± ¡°Apparently.¡± ¡°What did you name the other species.¡± ¡°What other species?¡± Cass asked. Hearing that response, Mallory just gritted her teeth together as she clearly tried to come up with the best way to phrase this next questions. Cass was a pixie, which according to lore, meant she had to tell the truth. Not the whole truth, not the truth to the answer that we wanted. But she would mostly be compelled to tell the truth. At least, that was what every text they had found and studied religiously on pixies stated. Honestly, the world¡¯s knowledge of pixies was a bit lacking. One of the largest entries they found on the species was from the Deolar Empire. Where it stated the following:
Pixies: Don¡¯t bother them and they won¡¯t bother you. Known to be truthful, but only because they think of telling truth as a form of a game. Pixies are often drawn in by challenges, seemingly impossible riddles, and traps. Do not trap a pixie, for when they get out, and they will get out, they will be angry. Nothing is worse than an angry pixie, this again is why it is best to avoid them at all costs.
Sadly, the text seemed to be written as a joke. Though after experiencing Cass in her new form, Gwen had to wonder. There was also the Deolar History of the Dragon Emperors that had an additional passage about pixies.
Deolar History of the Dragon Emperors: There have been famous stories of Dragon Kings and Queens who have befriended pixies and gone on to found glorious empires. While it is true that having a willing pixie was invaluable in getting the empire off the ground, these empires often experienced extreme hardships when they either lost the favor of the pixie in question, or worse managed to anger the beasts. This is why dragons are always taught to steer clear of pixies and their dealings.
While that one also made sense, it was odd that most of the world¡¯s literature had praise for the pixies, but also a lot of warning for interacting with the creatures. With these passages in mind, Gwen decided to come at this from a different perspective. ¡°Oh, you know what it is?¡± Gwen asked, her words directed towards Mallory. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I think mother is just flustered at the fact that she gave them yet another terrible name.¡± Gwen stated. Cass straightened up and instantly flustered. ¡°I did not.¡± Seeing that the provocation was working, Mallory joined in. ¡°You sure about that? I mean you aren¡¯t exactly the best at naming things.¡± ¡°I just named the Libres, that¡¯s a cool name.¡± Cass shot back. ¡°You called flying books, something amazing and majestic books, but in a different language. Not exactly setting the world on fire there.¡± Mallory noted. Cass still felt the challenge, though she did appear to be a bit more hesitant with her stance on naming. ¡°Fine, they might have been better named. Though to my defense, I didn¡¯t think my thoughts would be enough to name the species.¡± Cass replied. ¡°Is this for the books?¡± ¡°No, this is for the first ones. I wanted them to have nice peaceful names, so I mentally referred to them as Ma-Mes and Di-Mes. That was enough to apparently get them fully named.¡± Cass said. ¡°Dimes? You named a species Mothers and Dimes?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°I mean, it was a contraction of what I thought their names were. And then they just seemed to click in my mind, and boom. After that I¡¯m now a Taxonomist, got a skill to help name things and everything.¡± Cass replied. ¡°They gave you a skill, because of your ability to name things?¡± Mallory asked, a note of horror in her voice. ¡°Yeah, I was hoping it would have helped, but I only got the skill after I named the species.¡± Cass replied. Mallory could only pause in trying to understand what was being said. ¡°You named things so poorly that they gave you a skill to help you stop being so bad at it?¡± Mallory asked, her voice barely contained with mirth. ¡°Hey, that¡¯s a bit harsh,¡± Cass replied, not really refuting the claim with her rebuttal. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that bad of a name.¡± Seeing the way her mother squirmed, Gwen knew that she was lying. There wasn¡¯t much, but just enough of a tightening of her jaw and shifting of her nonexistent weight to her right side, towards her old good knee. These were tells that Gwen had picked up on long ago to detect when her mother was in fact lying. Or leaving out all of the truth. This was the same position she took when she said Rob Sr. just went out to get a gallon of milk. That was her way of saying, he did the whole thing of leaving the family, without actually saying that he did any such act. Now here mother was doing the same by saying the name of these creatures was not that bad. ¡°That isn¡¯t the full name is it?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°What?¡± Mallory and Cass asked nearly in unison. ¡°The name, Ma-Mes and Di-Mes. Yes, it is bad, but that isn¡¯t the full name is it? There is more to it?¡± Gwen pressed. ¡°I mean, that is their species names.¡± Cass stated defensively. ¡°The full species name?¡± Gwen pressed. ¡°I mean the full name is something that sounds like it rhymes with Tortoise. So the Tortoise Ma-Mes and the Tortois Di-Mes.¡± Cass said, again she was close, but not fully telling the truth. Fortunately, Mallory was there to help press for a clear answer. ¡°What word rhymes with tortoise?¡± ¡°Probably lots, I mean clit¡­¡± ¡°Mother!¡± Gwen shouted, not wanting to hear her mother in the avatar of a fifteen year old utter that word. ¡°I was going to say Clitoria ternateas, as in the flower.¡± Cass replied, totally pulling that out of nowhere. ¡°The butterfly pea?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Oh, you know your herbology?¡± Cass replied, clearly impressed with the showing. ¡°Yes, I also know when you are trying to change the subject, now what is the real name of this species that you named. The one that rhymes with tortoise.¡± Mallory pressed. Hearing her ask directly, and seeing the way Mallory clearly began appearing to be unamused by the whole scenario, Cass exhaled and finally looked like she was going to answer correctly. ¡°Fine, the Genus of the species is Teleiot¨ªs. I tried to think of something different, but that is as far as it would let me change the original idea.¡± Cass replied, this time she looked like she was actually upset over the name she had stuck the creatures with. ¡°Terminators? You called them Terminators in Greek?¡± Mallory asked, apparently hearing and understanding the word. ¡°Oh that is Greek for Terminator? I guess it really was all Greek to me after all.¡± Cass said, her mind clearly making a note about that. ¡°Wait, you have an exceptionally high Polyglot skill, how can you be so bad at Greek?¡± Gwen found herself asking. Hearing that Cass could only look flustered, before answering truthfully. ¡°Well sorry, my linguistics only covers Latin, English, Spanish, French, Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Pashto, Arabic, old Elven, High Elven, Draconic, elder Draconic, Orcish, Trollish, and a few other variations of ancient elven tribes that we have been able to unearth out here.¡± Hearing her broad list of languages, it was clear that she had most of the world covered. ¡°Okay, well that is good to know.¡± Mallory said. ¡°It is?¡± Mallory and Cass both asked in near perfect unison. ¡°Yes now I know that if I want to send messages that Cass is incapable of intercepting, then I just need to write them in Greek.¡± Mallory mused. At that, it was like a fuse had been lit in her mother¡¯s mind as Gwen could see the way Mallory expertly needled her mother into the exact position she wanted. After this meeting, Gwen had no doubt that her mother would leave here directly and begin studying Greek with every one of her Simulacrums, until she knew Greek fluently. In fact, they would likely have a bet shortly after this as to when Cass would be fluent in Greek. Especially with the idea that she would lose out on the ability to read gossip due to her own ignorance. The pausing long enough for that thought to sink in, Mallory went in for the kill. Knowing that her mother was already directing Simulacrum resources towards learning Greek for her, Mallory then posed the first question they had. ¡°I take it these Terminator creatures, or sorry, these Teleiot¨ªs, are related to the giant three story mechanoid units you were running around with?¡± Mallory pressed. Cass paused, and then seemed to look at something, before turning her attention squarely towards Mallory. Mallory seeing the way Cass all but revealed the fact that this was in fact correct, smiled widely. ¡°You want to know how I knew?¡± Mallory asked. Cass tilted her head for a moment, before she seemed to come to a conclusion on her own. ¡°Did you finally have a vision that you listened to?¡± Cass asked. Mallory for her part just looked as equally astonished as Cass had a moment ago. It seemed they were both great at getting a read on one another. ¡°Wait, how did you know?¡± Mallory asked, all but conceding the argument on who knew to Cass. ¡°It¡¯s the only thing that fits. Also, it would explain that new shimmer to your aura.¡± Cass replied. Then she paused as another thought hit her. ¡°Also, it would explain why you didn¡¯t hit me up about the random influx of miners or children.¡± With that, both Mallory and Gwen shared a look. The look said, they had missed that. When Mallory had her vision of crying children, and then the children randomly stopped, only for a flood of new children to randomly appear, they knew what Cass had done. Better still, they understood why she had done what she did. In fact, afterwards both had rooted for her, and eventually settled for the fact that they wouldn¡¯t pester her about these extra immigrants. Now that discretion was coming back to help Cass clearly reply with what happened. Cass seeing that she was apparently correct in her assumption pressed on. ¡°So what was it, a Vision? I see a lot of new nerve endings form your eyes to your cerebral cortex.¡± This time Cass spoke, and as she did, she seemed to glide closer, while opening up her third eye, which she was capable of using to all but dissect the newest changes to Mallory. Honestly, watching her mother work was a thing of wonder. The more she saw her mother in action, the more it was apparent that she didn¡¯t just get magic, but she was magic. She could just see something and figure out how magic worked, how it could work better, and likely how it would evolve if given time to grow properly. Gwen was so lost in thought, that she was almost blindsided by the abrupt change in topic. ¡°So if you calling me out for the bad name, and the random kids wasn¡¯t the issue. Then why exactly did you want to talk to me so badly?¡± Cass asked. Shock. With that, Mallory froze up and then stared straight at Gwen. Instantly diming her out and making it so Gwen was now on the spot. Cass seeing Mallory''s glance, quickly followed suit and spun about the same way a shark would in a pool of water. Gwen seeing the effortless movement gulped, before stating the real reason they called for Cass to be here so suddenly. ¡°We have a quick turn around deadline of thirty minutes for a royalty contract.¡± Gwen said. ¡°We?¡± Cass asked, suddenly confused. ¡°Well, you and Mallory do. Since I am noted as your nearest legal representative, I could have made the decision for you, but I opted to actually get your consent.¡± Gwen answered. ¡°Consent for what?¡± Cass asked, suddenly very confused. ¡°They want to make an action-comedy series adaptation about the two of us, and our journey together.¡± Mallory replied. ¡°The two of us?¡± Cass asked, pointing first to Mallory and then to herself. ¡°Yes, in fact the contract is worded so that it will only go through if the two of you agree.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°Wait? I can understand Mallory, I mean she has leveled entire nations. But why me, I¡¯m just the plucky side-chick.¡± Cass asked. Chuckle. Gwen burst out laughing, before she realized that her mother was apparently completely serious. ¡°You really don¡¯t get it, do you?¡± Mallory asked. Cass for her part just looked lost, as she apparently awaited a punchline or something that would never come. Interlude XVI (Larry Yo-Boy’s BiPrism News) Interlude XVI (Larry Yo-Boy¡¯s BiPrism News) ¡°Good morning everyone, it is I, your faithful host Larry Yo-Boy giving you everything you didn¡¯t need you know you needed to know about what is happening at BiPrism recently.¡± Larry the announcer said. As he spoke streaming texts from fans and room attendees began filtering through at a rapid pace on the right hand side of the screen, denoting that today he had an exceptionally high volume of participants watching. ¡°So, what do we know? Well we know Dr. Ghost herself has used her Confidentiality. How do we know this? Well because for the past two and a half hours we have not received any updates on her status. What does this mean? What did she do? And most importantly what type of shenanigans has she gotten up to? Normally, we wouldn¡¯t know. At least not until the feeds were once again allowed to roam freely and update as needed. But your boy is a genius. Also we tracked a recent influx of not just children but more dirt covered people entering World¡¯s End about an hour ago.¡± With that the screen changed to show people randomly appearing in World¡¯s End, with a number of dirty children appearing. This is where the screen pauses, from the panel it is clear that the view is from someone within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s guild who was helping to organize the new group of refugees coming in. ¡°Let me pause it here,¡± Larry states, showing the screen of people moving in mass through the portal that clearly reveals an image of a desolate mining operation that is little more than dirt and grime on the other side. ¡°Here we can see a portal that has to be created by none other than our Doctor.¡± Larry begins, ¡°how do we know? Well simple, the portal is so solid, and almost permanent in its structure. While you can¡¯t see anyone actually holding this portal open, we have determined that this actually proves that it is Dr. Spiritlight casting the spell while using her Confidentiality. Otherwise, we would have to see someone. The fact that we don¡¯t even see one of the good Doctor¡¯s Simulacrums present implies that the noted power is being put to full use.¡± With that the image clearly pans right and left, thus proving that no one can be seen. Also, there is a clear blank silhouette where the children seem to be running forward and thanking a being that isn¡¯t there, while the adults seem to look at the same spot with fear and reverence. ¡°Why is this important? Well, first any time the good Doctor is using her power of Confidentiality it is always a big thing. Why, well because she is clearly up to no good. Now we can all wait out the timer and see what exactly she did, where we will get seven sets of three hours¡¯ worth of film to go through. Or we can begin our deduction process here.¡± Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. With that the angle of the feed begins to zoom in to clearly view the portal, where the image of people walking through a semi-translucent portal film can clearly be seen. ¡°So, what is so important that the good doctor would use her Confidentiality, has to be something pretty big, right? Well you are right. And we have proof. I will warn you, what you are about to see will be graphic and might be too much for a lot of viewers.¡± With that the image changes to show the feed of a random Legrand Sergeant Scout moving forward and seeing signs of a struggle. ¡°This is Breaker, I am on site and can confirm that there has been hostile action here. The place looks like a slaughter house.¡± The Legrand Scout states into a portable crystal. Muffled response. ¡°Yes, we have a few technicians checking on the communications shed now.¡± The same scout states, as he turns to show two soldiers who are having to work to get into the apparently locked communications shed. Finally, the door opens, and the two-man team enters, only for something out of nightmares to appear. As the door seems to violently slam behind the pair, while the windows seem to come alive as violent eyes. ¡°AHHH!¡± The two soldiers scream, before a desk chair flies past the windows and seems to crash into the silhouette of the soldiers, causing a spray of dark liquid to fly out on the other side of the room. With that, the shutters get drawn, causing the anthropomorphized house to look like it is closing its eyes and chewing in ecstasy for a few moments, until the screaming stops. Legrand Scout Baker seeing that, looks shocked for a moment, then picking up his communications crystal he begins to speak. ¡°Holy S¡­¡± is all he managed to get out before bursts of highly explosive energy shred through the soldier making him appear to be Swiss cheese. Turning with his dying breath, the soldier looks to take in his killer, only to reveal the giant three story figure of a fully charged mechanoid robot clearly running around without a pilot inside. Worse, the eyes of this unit were heterochromatic, one blue and the other golden in color. Pause. ¡°Now we are going to freeze right there, showing the image of the colossal monster. If you look, this appears to be a fully functional copy of the dual use Qi and Mana mechanoid suits that the Legrand Empire has been working on so fervently to further increase their war capability. Bad news for most, except for the fact that this one is seemingly a ghost ship. That¡¯s right, it is being moved without a known pilot manning it. Added to this, I want you to look at those eyes, and realize that the Legrand Empire would never allow anything with those colors to exist on their equipment. Now, going back to the first image.¡± Larry began. With that the first image of people walking through the open portal once again appeared. This time the image was held side by side with the monstrous Legrand mechanoid that apparently went wild and killed some of its own soldiers. ¡°Zooming in here,¡± Larry said, as the screen zoomed in to a spot just over the heads of the tallest of the adults coming through, and focused on a section of not one, but four sets of eerily glowing eyes. Eyes that all matched the same color schema as the one rogue devise. ¡°Behold, Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s newest creation, one that she even got a world first announcement for.¡± Larry said, bringing the text of the world first notification. This was transposed under the two images.
World First Notice: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has created and named a new species of life on this planet. You have all been warned.
¡°If you note, the words you have all been warned. Well, I think we all know what she created and named.¡± Larry said, panning back to the giant image of a heterochromatic killer that stared down the dying form of Legrand Scout Breaker. Pausing for a moment, to let the image sink in, Larry then went in for the kill. ¡°That¡¯s right, you saw it here first. Your boy Larry is here to show the world, that Dr. Spiritlight created and then named the first ever Transformers in the world of BiPrism!¡± Chapter 252 A Simple Treat (Mallory) Chapter 252 A Simple Treat (Mallory) ¡°Dealing with someone as crazy and talented as Dr. Spiritlight does bring about a lot of problems, though I am certain that keeping her happy and content on our side is the best course of action.¡± Mallory stated, speaking on the record to Valanstyr Olmsteader, chief liaison officer for the guild and the Midnight Hunter¡¯s primary voice for all dealings with the Legrand Empire. In the past his job had been a somewhat easy affair filled with maintaining the status quo and avoiding the ruffling of any major feathers. While also providing invaluable trading opportunities for both sides. However, in recent months, or really just this last month, Valanstyr has had more than a few gray hairs appear on his avatar, a sign of the stress he has been feeling both from within the Midnight Hunters Guild and from his primary point of contention in the heart of the Legrand Empire as one of the few trusted advisors offered diplomatic immunity. Immunity that was very likely coming to a head here shortly if things didn¡¯t change. ¡°Well, I will try to deal with things from this end, but know that this is seen as the second blatant attempt at war by Dr. Spiritlight against the Legrand Empire in as many weeks.¡± Valanstyr stated. ¡°Understood. Let me know if or when you need to be pulled out of there.¡± Mallory replied into the dual use visualization crystal that had been recently set up and enhanced by the very same Dr. Spiritlight. Odd that her own creation would be used to apparently talk about her recent incursion into enemy territories right behind everyone¡¯s back. The sad part was, while Mallory was annoyed by the headache that her antics caused, she could not blame the pixie for following her true nature. Actually, in a way she was glad that Cass got to the kids first. As she was both faster, more covert, and seemingly able to get back before anyone was even aware anything had happened. If it hadn¡¯t been for Cass, then Mallory was fairly certain she would now be suffering from a karmic backlash, especially after being granted a cosmic warning. Just as Mallory had come to this conclusion on her own, things of course took a turn for the strange. KA-BOOM! Just as the conversation seemed to have come to an end, a violent explosion occurred from a spot northwest of her office. Feeling the violent rumble of the ground and subsequent tremors, Mallory would have instantly thought that the base was under attack. There was of course only one problem. Well multiple problems. The first and most apparent problem was the fact that the explosion happened close to the center of campus, which was inherently her domain. Everyone knew that that was her location, that she would be adapting it to meet her new needs as she continued to grow into her new set of powers. The only thing that was slightly off was the fact that this explosion, if Mallory¡¯s instincts were correct, came from a spot that was off center of Cass¡¯s actual classroom area. Upon that realization, Mallory found herself mentally processing and being able to react to the sudden and unpredicted explosion. ¡°What time is it?¡± Mallory asked, turning to face her very pregnant girlfriend. Gwen for her part, saw the look on Mallory¡¯s face and then was apparently able to read the time from somewhere in her wide center of view. ¡°It is two past the hour.¡± Gwen responded. Two minutes and already an explosion that was so devastating that it managed to shake the entirety of the base. ¡°She finished the joint training session, right?¡± Mallory asked, wondering if the explosion might have been caused by a cultivator or magic wielder who was still going at it, trying to earn whatever token system Cass had devised. Honestly, Mallory tried to take time to understand the training that the mad genius came up with, but ultimately decided it was best that she stay out of such matters. Particularly as that mad genius always seemed to have a way of pulling Mallory in to cover for said classes once she had some modicum of understanding for some of the classes. In fact, despite having apparent decades of work living with and progressing her bloodline, she knew she was far too inadequate to explain the Bloodline Awakening classes to anyone. Let alone be able to provide those students with a test that would help them take steps to evolve their bloodlines in some meaningful way. ¡°Yes, that finished a few minutes ago. I know this because Jhonny checked in with me letting me know the last students had passed their trials and that he was now heading to your class.¡± Gwen said. ¡°My class?¡± Mallory asked, fear suddenly gripping her as she did not want to be a teacher at all, especially not in her afterlife. ¡°I mean, the class you have been leading for the past few weeks.¡± Gwen corrected. Mallory just glowered at Gwen, who seemed to also be betraying the idea that the Bloodline Awakening classes were somehow supposed to be Mallory¡¯s versus Cass¡¯s. Realizing that this was not something to get hung up on, as Gwen wanted Mallory to have her evenings free as much as she did. Especially as the time for the wedding came closer. Pausing for a moment, Mallory listened and realized that none of the automatic alarms went off yet, implying that what happened wasn¡¯t so terrible. ¡°Maybe it was nothing,¡± Mallory said, her words filled with hope as she slowly let her mind relax from the strain of everything going on. Then almost as if hearing Mallory all but tempted karma, Gwen glared at Mallory. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, but then she had her own question answered a moment later when the secondary alarms started going off. ¡°SHELTER IN PLACE. I repeat, this is not a drill. We are dealing with a Level Five Cass-Tastrophe. Shelter in place. Do not attempt to leave your dwellings. Proceed to the nearest magic resistant shelters.¡± A prerecorded voice began. Hearing the message, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but curse lightly under her breath. As the magic resistant shelters were still in the process of being created and had not been fully implemented over most of the base. ¡°Maybe it was nothing?¡± Gwen mimicked back, in that slurred way that would make anyone sound dumb. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Mallory for her part looked like she wanted to argue, but then lowered her hand as she realized she did all but challenge Cass¡¯s ability to cause trouble. Tingle. At that, a second crystal began shaking within her pocket. Magical light was infusing into the crystal, causing it to awaken and provide a glowing light that was easily visible from outside of her clothing. Again, a simple toy created by Cass when she was bored, but then ultimately got rid of them noting that her actual Telepathy range was further than the crystals without repeaters. This was good as it meant that the base could use them and even mass produce them and the repeater design she came up with. Cass even went so far as to make it part of the Enchanting + class requirements when some of the students wished to work further on their enchanting skills. Still the communications crystals were invaluable and almost paid for the expenses going into the college by themselves. ¡°This is Mallory.¡± ¡°We have an incident at the Bloodline Awakening Classroom.¡± The voice of Night Shift Lead Security officer Polston began. ¡°Details.¡± Mallory asked, closing her eyes as she had already put together those two noted details. ¡°Well, from what we can tell, there was apparently a prank gone wrong, then an explosion of some kind. Then finally half of the students along with Professor Spiritlight all apparently vanished.¡± Polston continued. ¡°Vanished?¡± ¡°That is correct. A few of remaining students have attempted to come out, but their energy wavelengths are off the charts.¡± Polston continued. ¡°What measures have you taken thus far?¡± ¡°We have set up security barriers, and have for the moment forced the remaining students to go back.¡± ¡°Any injuries?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°No, despite the apparent blood, Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s Simulacrum appeared on Mr. Kujo and helped to both quarantine everyone and heal everyone while the real Dr. Spiritlight is elsewhere.¡± Hearing that Mallory mentally nodded, glad that Cass¡¯s Simulacrum was nearby. Then she realized the other part of that comment. ¡°She appeared on Mr. Kujo?¡± Mallory asked for clarification. ¡°Yes, at least I believe it was Mr. Kujo, while I didn¡¯t get a chance to see everything, I assumed by the fact that this one was not extremely pregnant that it was the male Kujo.¡± Polston replied. Hearing that explanation, Mallory almost wanted to stop the man before he got too bogged down on the wrong details, but then realized something. ¡°Wait, Mr. Kujo is there with the Bloodline Awakening particles being released?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°That is correct, the readings were so high that we thought our meters were wrong. It wasn¡¯t until we rebooted them and saw that the readings were still off the charts that we finally sounded the alarm. Sorry, that was on me.¡± Polston admitted, his voice clear of concern. ¡°No, that is fine. Better safe than sorry.¡± Mallory confirmed. ¡°What would you like us to do for next steps?¡± Polston asked. Pausing for a moment, Mallory turned to look at her very pregnant girlfriend who just waved her away. ¡°Just maintain the boundary, I¡¯ll be there to inspect the situation shortly.¡± Mallory confirmed. ¡°Roger. We will be here awaiting your arrival.¡± Polston confirmed, and with that the glowing crystal slowly died down, causing the room to be less bright. Pausing for a moment, Mallory looked down at the stone, then up at Gwen. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± Mallory stated. Chuckle. Hearing that, Gwen paused for a moment before she started laughing wildly. Mad cackle. Then after a few seconds Gwen apparently fully gave into her laughing fit and began giving off a deep uncontrollable laugh. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, and before she knew it, she was over next to Gwen holding her and checking to see what had caused her to change emotions so quickly. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s too good.¡± Gwen says, finally gaining control over herself after clearly trying to find through her laughing fit. A fit that was so intense that she was even now wiping away laughing tears from her eyes. ¡°What is?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Her, she still got you.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± Mallory asked clearly confused, but glad that Gwen was no longer in the near hysterical laughter that she had been in moments ago. ¡°Don¡¯t you see, even when takes over the class, she still forces you to go in her stead. Oh, it is too perfect. I¡¯d almost swear the little imp planned this somehow, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I know she was trying to keep a low profile right now.¡± Gwen stated, while wiping away the last mana tear from her gorgeous amber eyes. Hearing the comment, Mallory paused and then she too couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at the realization. ¡°Yeah, she is good at causing trouble.¡± Mallory said. Gwen just nodded, and began to relax as a wave of Healing energy flowed over her body, healing any issues that might have arisen from her hysterical laughter a moment ago and her overly extended torso. ¡°Go on, you have a classroom of students to save.¡± Gwen said, a slight smile forming on her lips. ¡°You¡¯re okay?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yeah, I needed a nap anyways.¡± Gwen said, and then began to wiggle her way into a comfortable position. Seeing her, Mallory paused for a moment then bent down and kissing her on the head left the room as gently as she could. ZOOM. The moment she was out the soundproof door and down the hallway Mallory was at a full sprint. Then heading forward she followed the direction of the blast, which was the path she had taken oh so often recently, while covering for Cass recently. Honestly, Mallory almost thought she was doing something wrong when the moments before class she found herself almost wondering where she should be. Only to realize that she had been granted the night off. Valkyrie Burn. Mallory felt her feet gliding and creating minor burning trails as she sped her way across the center of the city and towards the Bloodline Awakening Building. As soon as she got close, it was apparent what had happened. Well, no, that wasn¡¯t entirely accurate. What was apparent was that something truly magical had happened, as the building was seemingly scorched, burnt alive, and apparently healing itself as it began to seemingly heal from the damage. Damage that was caused by a massive vertical eruption, that seemed like it was contained. With identifying the building a few other details began to come to life. First were the rows of students who all seemed to be covered in seemingly glowing green magical slime. Followed by Mr. Kujo who sat patiently on the step of the school house. Cass¡¯s Simulacrum was there, both healing, providing silent support, and generally trying to calm down the situation. Then a few hundred meters away, outside the glowing radius of the glowing school and glowing slime covered students was Polston and a wall of guards who were already laying down lead barriers in an obvious containment field protocol. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡± The wails of one female student could be heard. As she cried out, both Cass¡¯s Simulacrum and Mr. Kujo both went over to the girl and provided comfort. Cass¡¯s Simulacrum gently pat the girl on non-slime covered parts. While Kujo apparently licked her, removing the green slime and seemingly coming to the conclusion that he liked it, as he then proceeded to use his long tongue and quickly clean off the crying student in a few swift licks. Though apparently Mr. Kujo was not done there, as he quickly got up from his haunches and proceeded to leisurely walk into the classroom, his tail wagging happily. ¡°AHHH!¡± Multiple students cried out. ¡°Don¡¯t do anything!¡± Penelope, ever the voice of reason shouted. Hearing that, Mallory took that as her cue to join the party. VWOOM! Mallory entered the room to see an excited Mr. Kujo clearly standing taller than every student present walking up to each student who now had their backs against the wall, where Mr. Kujo proceeded to lick them all clean. Crackle. One student seeing the giant menacing beast, reacted on instinct and began drawing forth electrical currents to their hands. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± Mallory hissed, going over and smacking the student¡¯s hands so quickly that the incantation was disrupted before it even had a chance to form. From the easy dismissal of the spell, it was clear that this was not a student that was part of Cass¡¯s magical classes and was likely one of the students who happened to be walking by when Cass had her mass awakening event. Mr. Kujo paused, turned to look at Mallory and the student, gave a quick sniff. Then turned up his nose. Yes, he turned up his nose at the attempt of magic, and just went back to cleaning off the remaining students. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Dr. Spiritlight, please talk to me.¡± The voice of the wailing girl said, tears streaming down her face. Pausing, Mallory saw her and then realized this was the new edition girl. The one that Cass had apparently somehow managed to start her bloodline awakening process on Tuesday. This was the girl that was part of the event that no one was allowed to talk about, where Cass even got a spell demanding that she not do whatever she did again. ¡°You there, what happened?¡± Mallory asked, then twisting her fingers she tried to remember the name of this student. ¡°Maranda, calm down. Dr. Spiritlight isn¡¯t mad at you. You are talking to her Simulacrum, which is why she can¡¯t respond to you, right now.¡± Penelope Tailor said, her voice calming as she went over to the girl. Mallory paused at that statement, and then looked at the Simulacrum. A Simulacrum who was clearly pantomiming all of her gestures in an apparent excuse for why she wasn¡¯t talking. ¡°Don¡¯t let her fool you.¡± Mallory said, walking over to the Simulacrum, and getting close to the very same creature who had hours of conversations with her not days ago, while covering for Cass. ¡°I¡¯m sorry?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°This Simulacrum, she can talk. She can carry on full conversations with you, even apparently agree to quests for the real Dr. Spiritlight. Don¡¯t let this mute demeanor fool you, Dr. Spiritlight is a trickster through and through, and that goes doubly so for her Simulacrum.¡± Mallory said, raising a finger and pointing at a perfect copy of Cass, that was nearly so perfect that Mallory still had a hard time distinguishing the real one from these upgraded fakes. Hearing that, Simulacrum Cass, crossed her heart and looked almost attacked by the situation. ¡°This is her Simulacrum?¡± Maranda, the student who had previously been bawling her eyes out asked, a note of hope filling her words. ¡°Yes, it should be clear, but yes. Suffice it to say, that this is a Simulacrum, had it been the real Cass, she would be talking my ear off about how it wasn¡¯t her fault and that she could explain.¡± Mallory said. At that, the Simulacrum¡¯s eyes went wide for just a moment. And at that moment, Mallory realized that she might have just given away her ultimate trump card to Cass. ¡°Wait, so you mean, the real Dr. Spiritlight isn¡¯t here?¡± Maranda asked, turning from Mallory to the Simulacrum. The Simulacrum quickly changed her look of knowing to a look of calm compassion as she nodded and still playing into the mute bit just nodded as she just gently pat Maranda on the head, while releasing gentle waves of Healing energy into the girl. ¡°You aren¡¯t mad?¡± Maranda asked. With that the Simulacrum just shook her head, and then gently stroked Maranda¡¯s hair. With that gesture Maranda finally exhaled in relief. ¡°See I told you she wasn¡¯t mad at the prank.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°Wait, what prank?¡± Mallory asked, suddenly wondering if this was all due to a prank gone wrong somehow. ¡°I did it, I honestly didn¡¯t know it would cause all of this.¡± Maranda began, self-incriminating the way Cass normally does in Mallory¡¯s demanding presence. ¡°What did you do?¡± Mallory found herself asking. ¡°I gave her a bowl of cream, you know as bribe.¡± Maranda stated. ¡°A bowl of cream?¡± ¡°Yeah, you know. Give pixies a bowl of cream so they don¡¯t cause you mischief.¡± "The only problem is that she gave her a whole bowl of whipping cream instead." Penelope interjected. ¡°You gave Cass granulated sugars? Cass, the being that doesn¡¯t eat or drink anything at all?¡± Mallory pressed. ¡°Well, when you say it like that, it does sound terrible.¡± Maranda replied. ¡°Okay, so I take it she consumed this whipping cream?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Well we kind of all pressured her into it.¡± Penelope said, coming to Maranda¡¯s defense. ¡°You peer pressured a pixie into consuming a bowl of whipping cream, and then what?¡± Mallory asked. Silence. At that, there was a moment of silence before Penelope clearly being the senior here just gestured with her hands at the explosions and the glowing green goo covered students, and the clearly missing seats where a lot of the class was now conveniently absent from. Seeing that this was all the answer anyone would or apparently could give her. Mallory went for the question that had been plaguing her since she got here. ¡°Okay, so where exactly is everyone?¡± Mallory finally asked. Chapter 253 The Pledge (30 Minutes Ago) Chapter 253 The Pledge (30 Minutes Ago) To say that something was off would be an understatement. While it had been a few weeks since I last set foot in the large lecture hall that was normally big enough to host both the Royal and Legendary Bloodline Awakening students, this particular lecture seemed filled. Especially as I was only supposed to deliver an impromptu mid-term exam to just eighty-six total students. Thus, when I arrived and saw eighty-nine individuals I was confused. I was doubly confused when I realized that three of my students attending today¡¯s mid-term exam were also noted spies. For a second, I thought that I had messed up and somehow had been teaching spies this entire time. Fortunately, the neglectful oversight of housing spies within the classroom was not on me. At least as far as starting them on the process of awakening their Royal Bloodline potential. And they all were on the path of fully awakening their Royal Bloodlines, they, like everyone else here just needed a little push. A push that I of course was going to give them. Pausing for just a moment, I wondered if my plans for this class needed to be altered in any way. Then smiling devilishly to myself, I decided that no, the overall plans didn¡¯t need to be changed. Also, despite their being three additional students, my supplies were still fine as I went ahead and as a good professor should, I had spare. Granted most of my spares were because I didn¡¯t want to make a similar run tomorrow, for the Legendary bloodline class, but that is beside the point. Here at this moment, it seems and even feels like this is how things are supposed to unravel. Nodding to myself, I make my way into the classroom and introduce myself. Though I do pause as I get in to find that a bowl of what appears to be whipped cream is sitting on my desk. Pausing for a half second, I look at the bowl and instantly recognize the look of quite a few students who are eagerly awaiting my reaction. Going in, I do what I believe anyone would do in such a case. Meaning, I go forward and swipe one finger through the whipped topping and taste. Sweet. Almost instantly I felt the fact that quite a lot of sugar was used to create this and not going to lie, for my first piece of actual food in quite a while it was very tasty. I am about to eat more, when I realize I am likely being rude. ¡°Good evening class, as many of you are aware, or as it might be dawning on you, your normal teacher has asked for a few nights to herself while she prepares for diplomatic functions.¡± I state, while turning around to face the class of students. ¡°It is my understanding that you all are here to take the Royal Bloodline Awakening mid-term exam, is that correct?¡± I ask. This is when Charlaine, one of the three extra students starts to fidget in her seat. Now one thing about Angel¡¯s Sight is that it shows the world in many streams of energy infused colors. Meaning that when people show up with tons of mana infused items, even if they are not functionally optimal, they still glow with the amount of energy that was put in them. Thus, when Charlaine spoke, not only did her wildly unstable mana core and Qi core both wane with wild energy fluctuations. But the layers and layers of magical weapons she had also glowed. Charlaine and her co-conspirators had glowing pistols, glowing bullets, glowing grenades, and more. None of it was practical, and all seemed to be made by someone with too much power and not enough know-how. But there were a few traces of things in there that could work. Apparently, Charlaine had learned something by sitting in on my Enchanting + classes, even if she clearly missed the basics. Or worse, if she didn¡¯t understand the importance of the basics and just went with what she had been sitting in and tried to fill in the blanks. Honestly, it was a shame. I would have chastised her right there, but then realized that sometimes lessons have to be taught so everyone can learn. In this case, I will show the importance of knowing what you are doing, especially when you attempt to use that same knowledge against the person who taught you. ¡°Dr. Spiritlight, I have a question.¡± Charlaine began, raising her hand and clearly looking slightly flustered at my appearance. ¡°I bet you do, please do ask.¡± I state. ¡°Is the Guild Leader going to make an appearance tonight?¡± Charlaine asked, before nervously glancing back at the janitor who was also clearly a corrupted co-conspirator of Charlaine. Suddenly the over done weapons and ridiculous over enchanted supplies worn by the three makes sense. They had apparently been expecting Mallory to be here. For a moment, I wonder if any of that would have worked against Mallory, then figure Mallory might have done something stupid like charge in front of a bullet to save a guild member. At that moment of realization, that these three had likely intended to take out Mallory and some of my students, that is when I legitimately got angry. Startle-gasp. Apparently, something on my face shifted just enough that a few of the closer students suddenly got nervous. Hearing them, I realize that I am not wearing my poker face. Though to be fair, I didn¡¯t think I needed a mask to hide my utter revulsion and want to punish people as much as I was currently. To have spies in an enemy land is one thing. In fact, I argue that it is a sign of how well you are doing as a Guild or empire. The more enemy spies you have in your land, and the more capable they are, is a clear sign of not only the level of respect that others place in your country, but also what they place in what they can learn from your country. Granted most of my skewed view on spying comes from my background and the fact that I am the Thieves Guild leader for this area. So naturally I was only flattered when I found out many spies had already tried to infiltrate our great city. That said, there is a fine line between espionage, that is gaining critical information that if exposed could cripple our economy, or worse. To try to assassinate our leader, the fact that said leader also happens to be not only my best friend, but my daughter¡¯s lover doesn¡¯t help. Also, without Mallory either I would have to run everything, or I would have to find someone who, like Mallory, was willing to put up with my shenanigans. And honestly, the idea of reigning in a new leader just sounds taxing. Then there is also the fact that despite everything, deep down Mallory is a truly decent person, and yeah I might have let my emotions go a little wild. Though I do manage to recover quickly. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°Oh, sorry, that was just the chills of sugars being added to my body for the first time ever.¡± I reply, as I quickly turn back and take another dollop of the whipped cream and eat it as well. ¡°Also, no you all are unfortunately stuck with me.¡± I state, going back to my original intention for this mid-term exam. Mild groans. There are a few groans, particularly from my Qi Manifestation class students who have been pushed through a veritable marathon of tests in recent days. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I don¡¯t want to be here any more than you do.¡± I quip, then I continue. ¡°That is why I have made this mid-term exam super easy. There will be two simple parts, and then you all will be dismissed.¡± Jhonny for his part looks at me like I am saying I am going to shoot out rainbows from my mouth. In a way I am, but that will be for the second part of this exam. ¡°That¡¯s it? Just two parts?¡± Jhonny asks, clearly speaking up for more people than just himself. ¡°Yes, also, if all goes well, I hope to be done with both parts in fifteen minutes.¡± I state. At that, everyone just looked at me with a mild sense of disbelief. ¡°Just fifteen minutes?¡± Jhonny asked, a bit of incredulity in his voice. ¡°I mean, likely sixteen minutes at this rate if you keep making me repeat myself.¡± I reply. At that, Jhonny just closes his mouth though it is clear that he does have questions. Seeing that he is momentarily quiet, I nod and then proceed to layout what I expect to happen. ¡°Okay, so this is a compulsory elective course for everyone that has unlocked their potential to have their Royal Bloodline status awoken within them.¡± I begin. At that everyone is quiet, which is why I begin pulling out blank sheets of paper for everyone to see. ¡°What you see before you are the first part of this class, a part I will call the Pledge. All this will be is a spiritually binding contract between the two of us, that should you ever find yourself in a state of distress and having your bloodline awoken.¡± At that point I pause and then gesture to Penelope Tailor who is still in this classroom, despite having had her Royal Bloodline awoken. ¡°As Ms. Tailor did the other day, this document will both give me consent to operate on you, while I strive for the goals listed on the parchment.¡± I state. It is at this point that Maranda raised her own hand. ¡°Yes?¡± I ask the newest member of the group, and one who apparently thought it would be funny to play on the trope of bribing a pixie with cream. Though I am pretty sure it is not supposed to be whipped cream, but still points for trying. ¡°But those documents are blank?¡± Maranda states. Hearing her, I pause then look at the parchment and then look at both sides. Making sure the entire class sees that she is in fact correct. ¡°Wow, you are correct. I guess I must have left my prefilled-out forms back at the office.¡± I state, but then continue. ¡°Oh well, I guess we will just have to improvise.¡± It is at times like these, where I have three potential traitors who will be filling out similar documents that I am glad I didn¡¯t go for a standard template. ¡°Well here goes.¡± I state, taking the stack of empty paper and throw them up in the air. Once the pile of parchments are at their apex, I grab hold of them with Telekinesis and begin distributing them out to each individual student. ¡°I don¡¯t have a pen?¡± Ropinay stated, fear evident in her tone. ¡°Neither do I,¡± another student responded. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here with you. This will be a magically binding document, as such all we need one of two things, your magic to be used as a signature, or otherwise unique physically binding signature. Then we need my magic, since I will be creating the wording that you all will agree to, we will be able to create a simple medical release.¡± I state, before using a spell that I honestly didn¡¯t think would get much use. That is of course until I realized how it was absolutely perfect for this particular portion of the class. With everyone having a sheet of paper, I began casting my self-created spell, Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text.
Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text [Tier XIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used to permanently alter the wordings on any contract, even magical soul bound contracts. This effect can be made permanent with double the initial mana costs. Can only be dispelled by a higher tier magical practitioner, or by the caster of the spell.
Just like that, I begin splitting my mind and begin casting eighty-nine exact copies of the same spell.
Personal Medical Royal Bloodline Awakening Release form. This is intended to be a binding contract between Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight and ______________, who shall henceforth be noted as the Awakenee. By accepting the terms of this contract, the Awakenee grants Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight the ability to apply immediate magical attention, and provide oversight for Awakening the Royal Bloodline of the Awakenee, so long as certain conditions are met. Condition One: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight will only be able to work on areas indicated by the Awakenee as requested areas to improve. Magical thumb print here ____. Condition Two: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight must be able to apply at least three body modifications to the Awakenee, as required by the balancing system inherent with the Royal Bloodline system. Magical thumb print here ____. Condition Three: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight can only assign modifications that keep in the exact wishes of the Awakenee. Magical thumb print here ____. Condition Four: The Awakenee understands that all modifications and alterations made are final, and will not hold Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight with any form of discontent if she followed the provided guidance detailed by the Awakenee below. Magical thumb print here ____. Guidance for Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, as provided by the Awakenee. Below are the noted wish list that the Awakenee has for Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight during their Royal Bloodline Awakening Process. Primary focus of the Royal Bloodline should include (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): ______________. Magical thumb print here ____. Secondary focus of the Royal Bloodline should try to include (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): ______________. Magical thumb print here ____. Tertiary focus of the Royal Bloodline should attempt to include the following if at all feasible. (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): ______________. Magical thumb print here ____. Signature of Awakenee: __________________ Seal of Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight: _________________ By clicking the box and filling it with your magical intent, you are agreeing to the above terms and conditions. Magical thumb print here ____.
With the main document done, I just had to now bait the hook. Most of my regular students easily signed their wills and intents to the document, then proceeded to spell out the key focuses they had been understanding of their own Royal Bloodlines and where they eventually wanted to be once their bloodlines were fully awoken. This was good, as it both showed that my regular students knew what they wanted, and most importantly that they trusted me. Seeing that the first few students were already done with this initial process, I spoke out, while inadvertently trying to steal more of the whipped cream that was far tastier than it had any right to be. ¡°Once you are done, just hold your signed document up in the air.¡± I state, and like that I began pulling in signed document after signed document. As they were up in the air, I read many of them and while there were a few requests that caught me off guard, by and large I expected many of the choices granted. Finally, it was just the last half dozen or so. Most had their first two answers filled in, but were stuck on the tertiary objective. While my problem three had signed their names, but just seemed to stare blankly at the three options. ¡°I will let you all in on a little secret,¡± I state, as a smile comes to my lips. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± The final six students all ask. ¡°You could put down the same item more than once, all but forcing me to get it for you.¡± I state, and with that the remaining three regular students double down on their first or second choices. Once they are done, I grab those three and double check that all markings are clear and signed accurately with magic, I continue to lay the trap. ¡°In fact, you could force me to make it so that I unlock a particular trait, if you note it all three times. If you truly forced me to, I would be forced to unlock Invincibility, or some equally absurd power.¡± I state. Hearing my words, the three looked like they were about to be caught in a trap. ¡°Wait, is Invincibility even an option for Royal Bloodline?¡± Jhonny asked, a note of incredulity in his voice as he no doubt seemed to feel like I was holding out on him. ¡°It is a Limited Invincibility that I believe ensures that regardless of what happens to you, you will not die. You might not like the outcome of what happened to you, but you will not die in the process.¡± I reply, having read that prompt on Penelope¡¯s awakening. The only problem with that was that it had an exceptionally high cost. As in, one would likely need to take every flaw available and then some, in order to unlock the Limited Invincibility. Hearing my reply, the two co-conspirators with Charlaine instantly spoke their desire. ¡°Invincibility, Invincibility, Invincibility.¡± They said in near perfect unison. Then smiling to themselves, they were surprised when the wording appeared. Before they could even think otherwise, they quickly applied their thumb print to the parchment and then made sure to sign their name again, and provide a final magical thumb print at the end. Silence. Charlaine for her part just stared at the document for a moment. Her eyes going wide as she attempted to see the trouble. At this moment, a few of the other students began moaning about having missed the opportunity to be Invincible. ¡°Come on, do it.¡± The co-conspirator to Charlaine¡¯s right said. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s not like you are going to awaken your Royal Bloodline anytime soon.¡± At that, Charlaine who looked like she was going to play the lottery for the first time and knew she was going to win the jackpot just smiled and joined in with the others. ¡°Invincibility, Invincibility, Invincibility.¡± Charlaine said, then proceeded to sign her magical thumb print and signature where needed. She was giving the document a once over, before she relaxed her grip on the page just slightly. With that, I pulled for the final three documents, but rather than adding them to the others, I spoke out a final pledge of my own. ¡°Your request has been thrice heard and thrice confirmed.¡± I state, as those exact words appear just below their requests and above their signatures. Then I apply my own seal to all eighty-nine documents. Fwoosh. With that all eighty-nine documents are sealed and ready to stand as proof. ¡°Now it is time to see who passes this mid-term and who will need to come back for more classes next week.¡± I state, as the real fun is just about to start. ¡°Wait? What?¡± Eighty-nine voices ask out in near perfect unison. But it is already too late. Chapter 254 A Few Sympathetic Hands Chapter 254 A Few Sympathetic Hands ¡°Now it is time to see who passes this mid-term and who will need to come back for more classes next week.¡± I state, as the real fun is just about to start. ¡°Wait? What?¡± Eighty-nine voices ask out in near perfect unison. But it is already too late. ¡°MUWHAHAHAA!¡± I cackle lightly as I rub my hands together. ¡°WAIT!¡± Maranda yells out, concern clearly evident in her voice. Seeing that even she doesn¡¯t know what I am about to do, I just turn tor her and smiling mischievously ask, ¡°yes?¡± ¡°Uh, you haven¡¯t finished your cream.¡± Maranda stammers out. ¡°Yeah, at least get in a good mood first.¡± Penelope adds. ¡°Fine,¡± I say, realizing that I am not exactly certain what will happen to any food left in the impact area after I do what I am about to do. Grabbing the spoon, and picking up the bowl to eat, my students who have bought themselves a minute to think begin hitting me with a myriad of questions. ¡°What exactly do you mean by see who passes?¡± Jhonny asks. ¡°Good question, but really the answer is simple. This is an elective, one that really only has either a pass or fail status.¡± I begin answering between bites. ¡°As such, I realized if I wanted to stop being stuck with these classes, then my only clear way forward is to pass you all. Which I intend to do right now.¡± With that, I take the final two bites of whipped cream, even feeling a slight tingle as the external sugars start interacting with my normally dormant physiology, causing mild tingling sensations that might make this next part a bit tougher than originally intended. Then again, this might be just the mix of chaos that I need in order to pull this next part of the examination off with a nearly perfect record. While I want a perfect 100% success rate, I realize that this would be a pain, and a logistical nightmare. Already, I am making plans for what would happen if more than five people pass this next part. I¡¯m certain I can get all the spies, or rather all three people that have been infected with my mana and qi rotting techniques from stealing my corrupted manual. Those three individuals, which includes Charlaine my secretary, are all but begging to be pushed the final step into having a Bloodline Awakening event occur. Everyone else, they have just been sitting around for close to a month now wasting Mallory¡¯s and my evenings by having this class. ¡°Wait, so this next exam is all meant as a way to awaken our Royal Bloodlines?¡± Ulliynafent asked. ¡°Yes,¡± I reply. ¡°But how?¡± Rilefat asked. Hearing his question, I just smile and as if on cue, drop the empty bowl of homemade whipped cream and spoon. Don¡¯t worry, no silverware or dishes were injured as a part of this experiment as everything was saved with the help of Telekinesis. ¡°Like this!¡± I say, before Teleporting away from the front of the room. Poof. Only to reappear right in the middle of my gaggle of students, right by Charlaine and her two co-conspirators, making them the effective ground zero for this. Everyone is still looking forward, watching the bowl and spoon gently glide through the air and rest on the desk, while I quickly pull out the eighty-nine just signed contracts and began casting Arcane Geomancy. I know I¡¯ve been using this ability as a sort of catch all recently. Which really it is, or rather it has the potential to be. Arcane Geomancy at its very core is the fusion of mana and Qi in equal measures that can be used to give items with Pyschometric energy the semblance of a soul. Thus my taking the eighty-nine freshly signed contracts between myself and my Royal Bloodline students is able to go one step further. Normally at this point, the item that is brought to life would just be influenced by my own will alone. Whereas these documents are infused with not just my will, but the limited will of the student. Meaning that the student will also be bound to this document. To put it in layman¡¯s terms, by using this document and allowing this document to fuse with the two of us, I am not only increasing the chances of a forceful bloodline awakening by linking their body and effectively part of their soul, or at least a sliver of their will or intention to the document. By then going one step further and having that same document linked to my will and intention, we add an extra layer of energy, as now the signer, the previously noted Awakenee is now in fact linked to a semi-mythical grade item. Yeah, think about it, the concept blew my mind when I came up with it. Also given the fact that I felt I could get most of this taken care of within the first twenty minutes of class and call it a day, I was doubly sold on this as an event. SHWOOP, SHWOOP, SHWOOP! The sound of dozens of magical documents first linking to me, and then branching out and making unique Tesla Coil strands of energy branch out and connect directly to the signee of the document. For a moment everything is bright, vibrant, and beautiful. In this one moment, I saw the true inspiration of creativity coming to life. As fear, awe, and wonder filled not only my face, but the face of all students who had gathered to see the experiment. Unfortunately, that is what this was, an experiment. While I was fairly certain this would work, I didn¡¯t know how it would work. I didn¡¯t know that it would be this beautiful to behold. For not only was I creating a layer of energy up top, that shot up from me, reached out to the now floating magical documents, and then down to the students who signed their intent to the documents. But down below, a second layer of Arcane Geomancy was also at work, grabbing inanimate objects and imbuing part of my own essence into each and every item. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. This made it so, regardless of distance traveled, I could now and hopefully forever come back to this exact spot any time I wished. More importantly, I felt minor connections being made between me and the different items that were around the room. Desks, chairs, and even the carpet came to a very minor form of awareness. Meanwhile, items that had more energy to begin with came to life almost instantly. Suddenly the different things that all came to life from my activation of this power all made sense. The warehouses where two or more mana using officers would sit, the chairs they sat in, and the desks they all operated while in Legrand territory came to mind. So too did the Ma-Mes and Di-Mes that were coursing with mana and Qi. Also, my books that I infused with my knowledge of skills also had intense amounts of my own mental energies coursing in them. It took me a bit, but I finally understood what Arcane Geomancy was, what would create sentient magical objects, and likely how to avoid doing so in the future. This was especially important, as now there were highly enchanted weapons, and live, maybe double-live rounds that were suddenly becoming self-aware. Not just aware of the fact that they were now sentient weapons, but sentient weapons that were infused with my morality, and the faintest hint of my own concern for Mallory and my students. Had I known this last part would cause self-aware weapons to effectively martyr themselves, I might have considered an alternate path. Yes, that¡¯s right. The weapons that Charlaine and her co-conspirators had all brought to class, in what appears to have been a blatant attempt on Mallory or other students now backfired. Not just figuratively in the fact that the weapons detonated themselves before they could be used against their wills for evil acts. There was also a literal component to this too, as many of the rounds and items were in fact strapped to the three co-conspirator¡¯s backs. Making quite an impressive fire, when they all went off and burst in unison. FWOOSH! A magical wave of force erupted from the items and it was all I could do to create two layers of vertical protective domes that both covered me, but also protected the other students from damage.
New Spell Created: Dual-Linked Vertical Protective Barriers [Tier XIV] (C): A spell created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that creates two concentric rings, one around the caster, and one around the intended source of a violent explosion. This design forces the majority of released energy from an explosion to be directed upwards. Note: While the majority of the energy will be directed upwards, parts will be directed towards both the encasing, and the original source of the explosion.
Kind of generic the name of the spell, while that was the original idea I had in my mind while constructing the spell on the fly. Had I been given a bit more time to think about the name, I probably would have tried to come up with something cooler like cork-less mortar tubes, or maybe the fountain firework trap, or something. You know what, those other names are all terrible as well. Okay, with that, we had for a moment two competing wave forms of energy. We had vertical flames that seemed like they would be in direct conflict with the electrical bolts of the Tesla Coil spells that were still in effect. But in this case electricity won, which I think makes sense, remembering lessons on how electrical fires were the most dangerous, and how people were trying to devise ways to put out fires with electricity. In this case, the electrical beams that were created from the soul binding contracts between myself and the other students cut into the leaping flames. This made odd triangular and other geometric shapes to appear in the flames that shot upwards, into and through the roof of the school. I watched as the flames surged forth, infused both with Qi and mana and met the roof of the ceiling with intricate patterns. Patterns that instantly burned away as the flames just rejoined once they met at the ceiling and began burning everything away in a straight vertical line. Honestly, the little pyro in me was ultimately impressed with the sheer amount of devastation I managed to create by this one oversight. While I know this is likely going to get thrown in my face, I would like to point out that students shouldn¡¯t have weapons in school. I don¡¯t think there is any jury of peers that would argue against that logic, and then hopefully we could throw in a few things of equal and proportionate force to neutralize the threat. Oh wait, things are on fire, I should probably stop that before I get lost in my own defense trial. Cryogenic Freeze. Focusing on the still smoldering remains on the floor and on the roof, I cast Cryogenic Freeze on both the damaged parts of the classroom and on the three students that looked like they were now close to being flash frozen hot dogs. They likely had some resistances to heat and flames, which is why they are all alive right now. Chime. Chime. Chime. Chime X 32 more. For a moment, I am about to begin surgically trying to save the three students, when I get a mental chime in my mind. For a moment I try to understand what is happening. Then part of my mind realizes that a contract I have signed and promised to try to help with has become activated.
Contract with Jhonny has now become active.
Contract with Charlaine has now become active.
Contract with¡­
Yeah, that¡¯s not distracting. Realizing I need to call in help, I instantly put two fingers in my mouth and perform the best Wolf Whistle ever. It isn¡¯t a real wolf whistle, as I still haven¡¯t had time to practice and master that skill. It doesn¡¯t help that every time I try to devote time to learning to whistle something else always comes up, like having to take over a class full of delinquent students trying to kill the Guild Leader, or my finding out that electricity created by Arcane Geomancy will cut through flames created by the same burst of Arcane Geomancy. Honestly, I need to look into that more, but for now I think I have fairly irrefutable proof that this is the case. ¡°WOOF!¡± A bark that echoes through space races out and passes through me. Feeling that cleansing wave of energy, I can¡¯t help but feel relief knowing that Kujo, and by extension one of my Simulacrums are coming to help with this area. Realizing that my Simulacrum will take care of this area, I immediately reach out to my Second Simulacrum, the one still on the 200th floor of the Arcanarus Tower and instantly begin evacuating the thirty-five total students who have now awoken their Royal Bloodlines. Three of these of course are the noted spies that effectively tried to blow themselves up by getting too close to my magic. That is my final story, and I am sticking to this one, less liability on my end. Fortunately, my Simulacrum gets here in short order with Kujo and with their help, we are easily able to grab all of the thirty-two students and three Legrand spies and send them through the portal. Then just linking my mind with the fourth Simulacrum via Telepathy, I get a full breakdown of everything that has happened. How Ms. Kujo is doing, how Mr. Kujo is showing his own signs of awakening a Royal Bloodline. ¡°Congratulations buddy!¡± I say, patting him, but then feel sorry for the fact that I can¡¯t do more. Mr. Kujo gives a slobbery lick to let me know we are still good. Then with that, I join my Second Simulacrum on the 200th floor of the Arcanarus Tower. Why the Simulacrum on the 200th floor you ask? Well, the answer is simple, first the floor is mostly closed off. Despite being a library filled with nearly countless volumes of knowledge, almost no one gets permission to enter. Then there is the fact that those who are in charge are often avoided by most people at all costs. ¡°My queen.¡± The leader of the fairies who guard the 200th floor library says, coming forward. ¡°Hello, I desperately need your assistance.¡± I begin, saying words that no one would ever willingly state to a fairy. That said, I quickly open my mind via Telepathy, making it so my thoughts are shared both with my Second Simulacrum, who has stayed behind to help me here, along with the fleet of Fairies that are all coming to apparently assist me. Normally, I would cringe at the idea of being called a queen by anyone, but from these fairies, I don¡¯t really mind. In fact, given that they don¡¯t do so out of malice or feigned piety, a fact that is transmitted via my Second Simulacrum¡¯s shared consciousness, I am kind of fond of the girls. With my mind open, I begin sharing the details of the first thirty-two, I share their contracts, what they mean to me. How these people are all effectively under my protection. Then, quickly shifting glances, I next focus on the three Legrand spies. ¡°Eww!¡± The fairies all let out in unison upon seeing both their physical and spiritual states. Not only are they now burnt, and frozen on the outside, but their insides are almost beyond recognition due to not having any stable channels to move or contain energy. Using our open mental link, I share how these three are spies. Then I detail how I trapped the one secretary with a trap. A trap that she then shared with her two compatriots. As I share the details of what I did, the other fairies all begin to smile viciously, some try to hide their smiles behind their hands, but it is clear that they not only get what I did, but seem to delight in my processes. Vindication. Seeing their obvious joy to my actions, I can¡¯t help but feel the most perverse sign of pleasure at the fact of what happened to get them here. Even sharing how they were effectively injured by their own weapons that they tried to use to kill my friends and family. Chitter. At this last part, they all angrily gnaw and mash their sharp little piranha shaped teeth at the trio. ¡°No, just wait.¡± I say, holding up my hand to stop them. They pause just long enough for me to share the contract they signed with me, then how I bound myself to give them what they wanted. And more importantly, what it would take to get what they wanted. That is when, once again, I realized I was in the right spot, for all of these girls instantly understood the cruelty that would soon be unleashed, while reaffirming that I didn¡¯t go too far. It was that last part, the part of wondering if I was going too far that made me worry for a moment. But knowing that the fairies not only approved, but were willing to help just to see this come to fruition, I couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°What do you need from us my queen?¡± The first of the fairies once again asked. With that, I asked something for my own amusement and personal knowledge. I had read about it, this very process from this very library, but I didn¡¯t even know such a thing was possible. ¡°Can you cast these three in Stasis, so that they don¡¯t die before it is time to operate on them?¡± I ask, indicating the three still living, if barely, co-conspirators and Legrand spies. ¡°With pleasure,¡± a few of them all say in unison, as devilish smiles come to their lips. Seeing their delight in helping me, made me realize two things. First, I made the right choice in coming here for assistance. And second, I realized that I might need to spend more time here, these girls seemed fun. But before I could get too lost in my future machinations, I began with the basics. ¡°Jhonny, I¡¯m going to get you first. But know I can¡¯t let you go back right away, as I will need you to help assist me with working with the others.¡± I state. Jhonny for his part, just nodded as stoically as ever. ¡°You ready?¡± I ask. Jhonny took in a deep breath, and then seemed to steady himself. ¡°Should I lay down or what?¡± ¡°Yeah probably for the best that you lay down,¡± I admit. And like that the other students who had all been queuing up to get treated all began to lay down. As he got down, I pulled up the binding document that linked both of us together. Knowing that no one other than Jhonny and I could read what was on this soul contract I begin. ¡°So it says here that you always wanted to be a Cowboy¡­¡± I begin to say as I already begin the process of helping Jhonny transition. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Was all he managed, before the world around me went silent, while I began to work my magic. Chapter 255 Why Santa Only Works One Day A Year Chapter 255 Why Santa Only Works One Day A Year First, I want to say working with fairies is amazing. Being able to see their magical casting alone is amazing. Apparently fairies use ephemeral energy, yes the same energy as Mallory¡¯s scythe and my wings. After seeing ephemeral energy in action, and getting a brief history lesson of what a krummlauf actually is, I do think I might have messed up by not choosing the krummlauf as Mallory¡¯s ultimate weapon. That said, I¡¯ve learned that ephemeral energy is amazing. Also, of all the magical energy types I¡¯ve seen, ephemeral energy is probably the most powerful and most limited in scope. How is this possible? Well simply put, ephemeral energy requires both a physical manifestation of the energy, making it pretty obvious that something is about to happen. Then the magic needs to come into contact with the intended target. Almost as if the target of an ephemeral magic based spell could resist or possibly remove the spell from existence, unless it is physically there. So odd, and amazing. Yet, once the spell makes contact with the intended target, anything is possible. Want to put thirty-four students into stasis while I go through helping Jhonny out first, that is fine. Also, the effects of said ephemeral stasis fields are wild. Take for instance the fact that the subject should be torn apart, or at least show signs of gradually being targeted by the abundance of spirit energy here. Unfortunately, my Death Shroud still only covers two additional people. But that is irrelevant here, as the stasis magic of the Fae can easily prevent damage caused by external influences. That is sort of cool, but then you add in the fact that for whatever reason my auras can easily be seen providing a healing effect to the patients and you then realize a few things about the magic of the Fae. First, while appearing to be completely sealed, the ephemeral magic does allow auras to penetrate their fields. This of course means that while seeming to be impermeable, they actually only have a semi-permeable state. Also, there is the fact that magic of seemingly any type will not work on stasis magic, a fact I tested while using area of effect healing on Jhonny. Ones where a splash of magic would go out to the patient encased in stasis Fae magic. Needless to say, I am super excited. And was made doubly so, when I realized that I had my own source of replenishing ephemeral energy myself, with my wings. Meaning that given enough time and practice, I too could cause people to go into stasis. This also explains so much. First, it explains why Maranda had such a wild reaction to touching my wings. As that was a direct exposure to a highly concentrated form of magical energy that she likely had no resistance to. That incidental touching of my wings, which forced a bloodline pre-awakening event also gave prudence to some lore related to the Fae. Namely, it all but proved that the myth of Fairies giving magical gifts to people they wished to cast spells upon was a given. Given how dense ephemeral energy is, I can now fully see and understand this process. All of these insights also got me a new realm of magic to study.
New Skill Gained: Ephemeral Magic Studies has reached level 1.
Ephemeral Magic Lore is a Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
These insights also helped my Faerie Lore skill skyrocket in understanding. I assumed that the Attributes noted also had something to play with the way ephemeral energy worked, making it more of a social based form of magic than the others. Which both makes sense and is wildly concerning in a way, meaning that all it takes is one megalomaniacal dictator with high yields of ephemeral energy available to them, and boom another world travesty. These thoughts are amazingly concerning, and could explain so much about our planet¡¯s history. This only means that I intend to make sure that most of my findings about ephemeral energy are kept under lock and key. At least until I come up with ways to counter such information. With this, I could almost see certain features of ephemeral magic energy being reproduced in alchemy, but to varying extents. Also, I¡¯m reminded of snow white, where she was put into a form of stasis much like this, where the only thing that broke the binding was true love¡¯s kiss. While I have long since grown out of the age where I believe in true love, I do have to wonder about things like being able to generate ephemeral energy yourself if you believe in a cause. For in that story, both cases could be instances of ephemeral energy, both the application of stasis magic via an apple. Then by the case of the kiss being able to generate enough ephemeral energy of its own to then break the stasis binding that the apple held. This could also just be a story, but I intend to find this matter out. Not with myself of course, I would need to be awake, aware, and recording everything. That means I would need to find a willing subject. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Jhonny asks, his question pulling me from my own internal reverie about the vast magical display going on around me. ¡°Yeah, totally.¡± I say, realizing that I paused long enough in my working on Jhonny¡¯s advancement that he is finally able to awaken from his restful state. For his part Jhonny is alive, healthy, and relatively easy. While working with Jhonny I found out a few things. ¡°Let me be the first to congratulate you on being the first Ethereal Advanced Meta Human.¡± I tell him. ¡°Ethereal?¡± He asked, before looking up and to the right as he no doubt accessed his status screen. ¡°That¡¯s right, ethereal. Which is apparently an easy way to state that.¡± I pause for a moment before I use one of my three minutes of true Confidentiality on Jhonny. ¡°That you have shown mastery over at least one form of energy and have advanced your mind, body, and soul towards fully mastering that form of energy.¡± This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Given the revelation, Jhonny just paused and then stared at me. ¡°I did? I mean, it does?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Yes to both, congratulations. But now I need to go about helping out these other students.¡± I state. Then looking around at the mix of students, I get a wild idea in my mind. Remembering how Prince Charming awoke the beauty with a kiss. ¡°Out of curiosity, are there any of your fellow students here who you thought about awakening with a kiss?¡± I ask. ¡°What? No!¡± Jhonny says a bit too emphatically. ¡°Okay, there goes that science experiment.¡± I state, before ending my minute of Confidentiality, trying to save the last two minutes of pure Confidentiality for other pressing topics. Then moving over to the next patient, one of the Fae come over to assist me. ¡°Wait, I want to try something.¡± I state, as I lean over to look at the stasis bubble encapsulating the next student. Bending over is just a formality, but it helps people think I am taking things seriously. At least that is something that I have come to realize from my years of being physically blind. Looking at the ephemerally sealed container, I pause and watch how streams and currents of energy flow through the protective bubble. For a moment I wonder how the bubble is able to maintain its charge, when I realize that the bubble is somehow pulling the ambient spirit energy into itself, before cycling that energy throughout the entire sphere. ¡°Oh wow, that is amazing.¡± I state, then reaching back, I let my right hand enter the path of my ephemeral wing. Nothing happens, I keep flying, but I do feel a light coating of ephemeral energy covering my hand. That is enough for me, as I pause and then feeling the resonance of the energy on my hand realize that it is slightly off. Focusing on the energy, I realize that the ephemeral energy that is rapidly evaporating on my hand is not quite right. Then I realize to counter this stasis bubble that is absorbing the ambient spirit energy, I need to do one of two things. Either I need to find a perfect way to counter the spirit focused ephemeral energy of the Fae, or overwhelm this part at a key node. The key node is the easiest, as the spell all but has a spot made out for such an attempt. Oddly enough the opening is right around where the mouth of this student is, again giving more credence to the idea of a true love¡¯s ephemerally charged kiss being able to awaken a slumbering beauty. While I don¡¯t go for a kiss, I instead just go for a quick placement of two of my ephemerally covered fingers over the mouth of the sleeping student and fwoosh. There is a burst of light, followed by the crackling of an ephemeral egg-shaped casing and boom, a student appears finally to my senses. Again, it is odd that I can feel my different auras having a direct effect on their body, but then I can¡¯t actually do anything to the body, other than what my auras dictate. Still I can tell that thanks to skills like my Aura Guidance, I am able to tell the relative shape of the person inside, even if the dense Fae magic concealing the bodies makes my Angel¡¯s Sight ineffective, I can still feel the differences thanks to my aura. This is good to know and likely something I might have to work on as time goes on. Yet, before I can get too lost, I see the new subject, as our signed contract pops to life in front of my eyes.
Personal Medical Royal Bloodline Awakening Release form. This is intended to be a binding contract between Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight and Ropinay¡­
Seeing the message come to life, I almost miss the world message.
World First Notification: Rejoice Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has utilized the sacred magic of the Fae and unlocked its mysterious properties for all to use.
¡°Dang it.¡± I hiss to myself as I realize I am likely going to get scolded by Mallory again. Well more of a scolding than I was likely already going to get from this little event. For a moment, I wonder what sparked this sudden notification. Then I realize my use of my own wing dust in a negating way to the previously established Fae spell was likely enough to prove my use of this new form of dense energy. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Jhonny asks, concern evident in his voice. ¡°Yeah, but I will need you to go out and play peace keeper and let Mallory and the others know that we are all safe and I am trying to help the thirty-four others fully awaken their Royal Bloodlines without any difficulties.¡± I say, as I quickly read over Ropinay¡¯s wish list. At the same time I create a one way exit Gate between me and my last remaining Simulacrum that is working with Mallory and the others at this very moment. Seeing the portal appear Jhonny takes a step, before he pauses and turns around. ¡°So, tell her you awoke thirty-four¡­¡± ¡°Thirty-five, yourself included.¡± I correct. ¡°Thirty-five students.¡± ¡°Thirty-two students, and three tag alongs.¡± ¡°Okay, thirty-two students, one of whom is myself, and three tag alongs.¡± Jhonny states a bit flustered as he tries to get all of the details correct. ¡°Anything else?¡± With that Jhonny looks at me, as if he wants me to state what I did. ¡°Yeah, as the indicator notes, we can now use Fae magic. It requires direct touch, is denser, and seemingly more powerful. Also, it seems like it can only be used effectively in a realm like this one, but that is to be determined.¡± I state. ¡°Okay, thirty-two students, three tag alongs, new magic being worked out, likely only effective in magical realms, anything else?¡± Jhonny says, trying to paraphrase my answers so far. ¡°Yeah, let Mallory know this is her fault.¡± I reply. ¡°Her fault?¡± He asks, seeming somewhat incredulous by the statement. ¡°Yeah, if she continued to teach her class like she was supposed to, we could have avoided all of this.¡± I answer. ¡°You know, I think I am going to leave that out, until you get back and can provide additional details for the after-action report.¡± Jhonny states as he gives me a finger point and quickly walks through the open portal before I can comment. This is okay, as I am already trying to focus on helping Ropinay with her own transition. Once again, I am surprised by the sheer volume of options. There at the very top, just as expected was the Merit I had been looking for, (Limited) Invulnerability. The Merit is of course grayed out as I need an excessive 358 points in flaws just to purchase said feature. A quick scroll of all the flaws available shows that if I took every available flaw for Ropinay, I could unlock her (Limited) Invulnerability. This of course would mean things like tentacles, double damage from breathing, quadruple damage from not breathing, and so on would be possible. Looking at the Merit¡¯s description, there were clearly a few things that were left to the imagination of the wielder. Rather than truly being quote unquote fully Invulnerable, you would first start off as so, then you would gradually make yourself more an vulnerable with each and every flaw you took. Basically, punching holes in your Invulnerability, that essentially amounted to you never quite dying, but having pain and misery from breathing. Still, I was glad that this was in fact the case, and that I didn¡¯t promise the three tag alongs anything that I could not deliver. Being as this is a binding contract, I would be going against their wishes if I chose anything other than what they put on that binding document, even if it would ultimately cause them severe pain and misery in the long run. A pity, but hopefully a lesson to any future spies who might dare to encroach on my territory. While I do appreciate the gesture of fellow spies and operatives trying to encroach on my territory. This does imply that something we have here is worth seeing or spying on, I also need to make it clear that stepping on my turf is an act of overt aggression that should be hindered at all costs. This is why I am going to make sure this first salvo is heard loud and clear, by not just spies from the Legrand Empire, but any future country that might wish to try to steal our national secrets. Hopefully this act will be enough to deter any other would be spies in our territory, but I do appreciate the challenge. Also, the fact that Mallory made this my first quest from her, a quest that is pretty much unavoidable means I will see if I can at least momentarily get the foreign spies to retreat and recalibrate their need to be here. Chills. I pause for a bit, as I realize that someone is staring at me. Well correction, lots of people are staring at me, I cannot help but feel the gazes of all the different fairies all staring at me in what appears to be wide eyed amazement. Seeing them, I turn to the closest one and ask, ¡°what?¡± ¡°The way you were able to easily overpower Glormhilda¡¯s Time Stagnation is impressive. I didn¡¯t think anyone would be able to do such a thing, let alone by just glancing at the structure. Yet, you were able to do so, quite easily.¡± Hearing that, I wonder if what I did was exactly hard. It didn¡¯t feel that hard, just take the energy, find a weak point, exploit with an overwhelming counter to the energy. What you would do to counter any form of magic. Though I guess something must be said that my first true Fae magic spell I cast was the equivalent of a Fae Magical Dispel. ¡°Oh, it was a good spell, very symbiotic to the environment.¡± I stated, posing my believed observation that the spells, at least those Fae spells that are sustained need to use residual ambient energy to maintain their form. ¡°Really, you think so?¡± A suddenly excited Fae asks, her wings flying forward as she stares at me in that slightly odd way a crazed yandere might, when they view the object of their obsession. ¡°Yeah,¡± I say, trying not to betray the sudden fear at how close this Fae is getting into my personal space. ¡°I knew it, only someone as powerful as the Queen would be able to counter my spell.¡± The Fae, likely Glormhilda exclaimed excitedly. Then like that, I saw the moment the statement was registered as an apparent challenge to all of the other Fae. Suddenly as one, the other Fae who were all flying over a cluster of three or more patients suddenly got a determined look on their faces, before they all turned as one and bending over their patients, they stuck out their tongues as they began weaving even thicker layers of protective encapsulation spells around their subjects. Then as soon as I realized that there was an apparent harder difficulty mode I had somehow unlocked, I was informed of the new status via a quest.
New Quest Identified: Proving Yourself As A Worthy Queen (Ongoing): You have proven capable of understanding the fundamentals of Fae magic. Now you must prove that you are capable of breaking any challenge before you. Your task is now to break through the protective barriers related to the different castings of Time Stagnation on your students. Bonus if you can break through all casings on your first attempt. Current Status (1 / 34). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Perks, Variable.
Seeing the message, I can¡¯t help but think that this is some major test. Though now that I have the challenge, I can¡¯t help but feel the thrill of competition boiling deep inside me. A slight smile crests my lips as I realize there is yet another layer of challenge to this already daunting process. ¡°Bring it,¡± I say as I quickly work through Ropinay¡¯s wish list, as I can¡¯t wait to see what future challenges will be in store for me here in the future. Chapter 256 A Moment of Doubt Chapter 256 A Moment of Doubt Magic, well not magic, at least not as I¡¯ve come to understand basic magic of the world. But ephemeral energy, that is a wholly unique form of energy that is capable of many different things, and nothing. Unlike Mana you cannot simply change a spell¡¯s focus by changing its oscillation pattern. Simply causing the wave of energy to shorten with more energy or elongate with less energy will not be enough to use the ephemeral energy of the Fae. With the denser energy wavelengths of Qi, you can make minor changes, but mostly you have to focus on different realms of energy. Mortal for golden living Qi, silver for spiritual Qi, Light blue Qi for Air, Dark Blue for Water, and so on. Yet, everything changes with ephemeral energy. Quite frankly, ephemeral energy has to be the true power of the universe. All it takes is enough energy, enough of a mental image, and most of all enough intent, and you have a new spell. Want to stop time? Something previously thought impossible, just focus and with enough imagination you can make it happen. Whoosh! Another ephemeral time capsule is broken thanks to my Fae Dispel. Honestly, ephemeral magic is the most fun. Where all you need to do is believe in yourself enough, and have enough ephemeral energy available and you can apparently do anything. Flash. The moment the next of my students are awakened from their slumber, I feel our binding contract come to life between us.
Personal Medical Royal Bloodline Awakening Release form. This is intended to be a binding contract between Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight and Loganigan¡­
Not only do I feel the contract awaken between the two of us, but I feel the damage that their body and soul have gone through to get to this point.
Healing Magic and Spiritual Qi mixture number 007.
¡°Ahh,¡± Loganigan lets out a long moan of relief as this mixture works. I¡¯ve had to make unique energy combinations for each student so far, thus the naming criteria. Each student needs a unique blend of Healing mana, mixed with the perfect amount of silver Spirit Qi for their particular set of injuries, and also where they are on their path of enlightenment. Students who are part of my Qi Manifestation classes need more silver spirit Qi, while students who are part of the three magical classes need more green healing mana. Then students who are in both a magic class and my Qi Manifestation class hover around the center of needing the two energies to be balanced. Odd, but I¡¯m learning. I think Arcane Geomancy might have ruined Qi and Mana mixing for me, as it shows what happens when both are awakened. But this is not optimal in most cases. That said, all of the progress I¡¯ve made in understanding how mana and Qi blending together to perform different effects has gone a long way in letting me understand ephemeral energy. Ephemeral energy while clearly different than Qi and Mana both seems to have some overlap with the way Qi and mana blend together. Again, more testing is needed, but for the moment, I feel better about getting to floor 350 of this tower. On that level of the tower I should get my Doctor of Science in Mixed Martial Mana. Before this point, I had felt that a Master¡¯s degree was almost too much, but now that I have had time to review the two types of energy and mix them. I think I am close to understanding exactly what is required of me to get my Doctorate. Especially as skill level 75 is apparently the standard for getting doctorates. A benchmark I passed a long time ago and can more than triple with my current skill cap maximums. And of course, now that I finally feel that I am getting a slight handle on mixing Qi and mana together, now is when I am shown a new standard of magic. One that I also have freely available to me, thanks to my wings being generated from this odd source of energy. Why can I fly with ephemeral wings? Simple, I believe I can and should be able to fly with them. Why is Mallory¡¯s scythe able to cut through both physical and spiritual objects while not truly residing in either plane of existence? Simple, she and I both believe she should be able to, as such she can. Still, I have a task to do, one that is instantly highlighted by the relevant sections coming to life.
Primary focus of the Royal Bloodline should include (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): Fire Resistance__. Magical thumb print here Loganigan. Secondary focus of the Royal Bloodline should try to include (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): Enhanced Fire Qi Control___. Magical thumb print here Loganigan. Tertiary focus of the Royal Bloodline should attempt to include the following if at all feasible. (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): _Enhanced Fire Mana Control__. Magical thumb print here Loganigan.
Reading the prompt, I can all but guess at the reason for such a specific focus. But before I can even try to dismiss the prompt and focus on options, I am granted a flashback vision of why he is so adamant to conquer fire.
Psychometric Telepathic Link: You have mentally connected to a past memory of Logan Smyth.
A shiver ran down my spine, as I began seeing not the Loganigan that was before me, but the mental resonance of the person that molded the mental reflection that I see before me in this virtual world. BWWANNKKK-HONK-BWWAKK The loud alarms of a fire truck roaring past a stationary viewpoint were seen. ¡°Help me dad, please!¡± A crying girl called out from a seventh story window, as a blazing fire burned up from somewhere on the fourth floor upwards, cutting off all signs of escape. In that moment, I felt the fear, the all-consuming fear of watching my daughter cry out, begging for help. All while I was powerless to stop the flames. Or rather, I wasn¡¯t powerless, but the person who could only watch on as firefighters worked desperately to position themselves on a mobile ladder that rose up into the air, while other members of the team aimed and fired hoses that made an approach possible. FWABOOOSH! Then just as the water got to where the girl was calling for help flames and hot steam poured upward. ¡°AHH!¡± My daughter cried. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Finally, the workers were able to rescue her, but it was bad. Tears of joy, pain, and relief filled my eyes. From there, the image blurred forward. Next I knew I was transported to a hospital, the burn ward. There I cried, died inside, and then came back in to be brave before my daughter. Yet, despite how strong I tried to appear, my daughter saw through me. She saw my pain at just witnessing her face, and the scars that line her body. Healing Waves. On reflex I send out waves of Healing, the pain is so intense that I instinctively try to heal the girl, but I know the damage was done long ago. This is an echo of pain that still resides within this binding contract. An echo that still haunts and pushes Loganigan onward, to master the flames. Flames that still to this day scare him, make him feel like less of a person, less of a father for not being able to be there. Breathe. I exhale, and with that, the Psychometric vision that has held me is suddenly released. I am once again in my own body, staring down at one of my students that was hosting so much pain. Mentally I wonder if his daughter is here, then with but a minor application of my Family Tree Finder (Branches to Leaf Edition) spell. This is the same spell I used to find the parents of missing children. But in this case, I used it to find the linked children of Loganigan.
New Mixed Spell Created: Family Tree Finder (Branches to Leaf Edition) (C): A Tier IX Life Magic and Silver Spirit Qi spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that attempts to find the immediate family members related to a sample of DNA evidence. By focusing on the unique chromosomes of the target sample, the caster of the spell can identify likely genetic matches for the children of a caster.
Oh wow, even now I am able to create spells with the faintest traces of Qi in them, to help strengthen previous spells. Here, originally I only needed Life and Spirit magic to find the parents of children. Now, to do the reverse, I need Life Magic and Silver Spirit Qi to force a resonance with any and all children. For a moment, I wonder why I needed to make this spell to be so powerful, until I get the results.
Spell Success: Twelve possible matches found.
Then with that, I mentally feel the pulsing of twelve unique dots within my mind. Unfortunately, all of them appear to come from outside the Arcanarus Tower, making the spell all but useless at this point. But good to know that I have created a new spell. Also, not quite certain what to make of Loganian¡¯s children there. I¡¯m assuming they are all from the same¡­ nope, never mind. ¡°You can¡¯t use magic to solve all your problems Cassie. Also, sometimes the answers you find are not what you wanted to know.¡± I say, and with that, I dismiss thoughts of a badly burned child, and hopefully eleven other, known, brothers and sisters, and focus on my binding contract. Fortunately, given that all three requests all have the same theme, finding a combination of powers and abilities that fit this theme are easy.
New Questline Opened: Bloodline Breakthrough Balancing System (Ongoing): You have begun the process of helping Loganigan make the transition from to a Royal level bloodline. Help make the process as seamless as possible for the newly awakened being. Current steps remaining: Fixing/Modifying/Altering Auras (0 / 1), Balancing Merits and Flaws (0 / -10), Balancing Attribute Distribution (0 / 4), Physical Alterations Required (0 / 3), New Bloodline Theme (0 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Title, variable.
In fact, I can get them all with just two major purchases, and one alteration. Also, the theme was already taken care of by the contract. Now it is just a matter of making it all one cohesive mass. The alteration is the easiest and comes from taking his Fire Resistance Aura, which causes a mild resistance to fire damage and enhance it, a lot.
Enhanced Fire Regeneration Aura: An aura created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that takes the ambient energy of heat, and particularly the energy of flames and converts it to either health, mana, or Qi depending on the biggest need for the aura wielder at the time. Note: Keeping this aura active costs a permanent 5% of the wielder¡¯s permanent mana and Qi reserves. Physical Alteration: The flames have permeated the hosts body, causing streaks of red flame mana to pulse wildly in their hair.
The hair was so cool. At least from my sight, originally they had normal dark hair that most people have, at least as far as I can see with my sight. Then suddenly they had wild pulsing red highlights that denoted them as being different. With that one Physical Alteration done, I felt a bit better about the Merits, knowing that I could hopefully get two merits for ten points that required physical alterations, that would allow me to prevent getting any major flaws. That said, first I decided on helping out on the Attribute breakout. Fortunately, this is the first bloodline advancement, meaning I can update their base Elven Attributes. Going from a base +1 Dexterity, +1 Attractiveness, and +1 Intelligence each level. To a now amazing: +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, and +1 Willpower. I honestly can¡¯t remember having Attributes that low, but then again maybe mine were there. Also, it was odd that I could barely apply one point to Willpower, while most of the others could be advanced to two or three points a level. Not that I wanted Loganigan to be that unbalanced, but still it is odd seeing what others are capable of, and then being disappointed on their behalf. Still I had a lot more to go. The process went relatively quickly, despite my taking time to make sure each option fit perfectly. With all the major things out of the way, it was time to do the fun part, shop for Merits. There were plenty of amazing Merits out there, but for the budget I was under I decided to go frugal.
Fire Eater (Cost 7): An ability to absorb smoke and flames through exposed skin and convert them into energy usable by the body. Physical Alteration: Causes skin to have a slight reddish tan look that will change in color depending on how much flame energy has been consumed through touch absorption.
Fire Converter (Cost 5): An ability to convert stored energy into fire at a rate of one to two for turning normal mana or Qi into fire attributed mana or Qi. Or an internal conversion rate of one to one for switching fire based attributed energy from or to mana or Qi.
With those two I got the three wish lists, but I needed to compensate by two points worth of flaws, along with getting one Physical Alteration. I tried to get the converter ability to have a Physical Alteration, but that apparently wasn¡¯t possible. Sadly, I think I am the problem with that, as I could not imagine how a physical alteration could help with this process. Except for maybe a flaming appendix or something equally absurd. In the end, I was up to playing Bloodline roulette with the flaws. Then, as if the world was mocking me, I was shown the ultimate honey trap of a flaw. A flaw that was almost too good to pass up, which made me wonder what the actual catch was.
What Is Your Name (2 Point Flaw): Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight will give you a last name that will be shared with all your progeny that you wish to share this bloodline with. Additionally, the bloodline regardless of quality will have one Physical Alteration associated with having the surname.
I paused, wondering what exactly was the flaw. Other than me giving a themed based last name, I truly didn¡¯t see a drawback to this. Maybe the Physical Alteration? Still seeing it, I couldn¡¯t help but choose it, as it seemed the easiest, and least damaging.
Providing A Unique Surname: You have been tasked with providing a unique surname and Physical Alteration for Loganigan.
¡°Okay, Flamesworth, with glowing fire blue eyes.¡±
Physical Alteration: Fire Blue eyes Accepted, flaw locked in. Note: Surname Flamesworth already in use, please choose another.
Well, it accepted the idea of blue flames being more powerful than regular flames and let that go as an accepted iris color. I already felt like the hard part of this flaw was over. Now all I needed to do was come up with a decent last name, and I was good to go. ¡°Inferno,¡± I stated.
Note: Surname Inferno already in use, please choose another.
¡°Flame, Flamey, Flamingo, Flaming-Flamingo, Lighter, Sparklighter, Warm, Warmly, Kindle, Kindling¡­ Tinder.¡± I was grasping at straws, and then finally I got the notification that I had been looking for.
Note: Surname Tinder has been accepted.
¡°What?¡± I asked, wondering how that name was accepted. Then I thought it was a terrible name, especially given its connotations towards that dating app. Then I remembered the twelve genetically linked children and realized this might be the system¡¯s way of telling them something. Fortunately for me, my part with Mr. Tinder here was over.
New Questline Completed: Bloodline Breakthrough Balancing System (Ongoing): You have helped Loganigan Tinder make the transition from to the Royal Tinder bloodline. Steps Completed: Fixing/Modifying/Altering Auras (1 / 1), Balancing Merits and Flaws (12 / 2), Balancing Attribute Distribution (4 / 4), Physical Alterations Required (3 / 3), New Bloodline Theme (1 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Title, +1 Ephemeral Power.
I of course got the rewards, but was able to dismiss most of them easily. The one that got me was each time I fully fulfilled the contract provided, I received a completely new notification.
+1 Ephemeral Power.
I assumed this had something to do with the variable options that were always present. In these cases, for whatever reason, while I could ignore the experience gains, I could not ignore the subtle increase in my ephemeral capacity. Honestly, the increasing of ephemeral power was still a mystery to me, but I accepted it. Particularly as I seemed to need more and more to break through the harder stasis locks that were being applied to my students. Then finally, I was done with my thirty-second student. Each student had vastly increased in power and trajectory for future capabilities. Mr. Tinder was on the low end of the spectrum, with four additional Attributes, and ten points of merits to work with. While others had up to six Attributes and fifteen points of Merits to work with. While most were just somewhere in between. I did note that the system seemed to love offering me the chance to name other students who didn¡¯t have a surname as well. Though again, each time I was met with a myriad of bad options and was finally able to get away with only a mildly terrible surname. In reality, I couldn¡¯t help the fact that this world had been around for decades and most of the cool but meaningful last names had been taken. Still, that likely won¡¯t matter once I leave here, as I¡¯ll just be heralded as a terrible name giver. But oh well, that is a problem for future Cass. Current Cass has her three spies to deal with at the moment. Pausing before the first of the three pods I mentally reach out and relax a little knowing that this pod does not contain Charlaine. For a moment, I wonder if I should just stop my questline here. Yes, I have been given the task of helping assist all thirty-five people to awaken their Royal Bloodlines, but I realize that once I open these protective shells, that will be it. I will be all but forced to give them terrible fates. Taking a breath, I realize that when I first got to class I was filled with rage. I had just finished a long mission in Legrand territory to rescue dozens of kids, some of whom were killed. Some whose deaths were so horrific that they left residual scars on the machines that killed them. Yet, despite that, these three spies were not the ones who killed or even tortured those kids. These people were just spies for a terrible country that allows terrible things to happen for the sake of progress. By targeting these three Legrand spies with this level of karma, it is actually proportional? Yes, these are enemy spies within my territory, but does that make them as evil as the others? These are my thoughts, then I decide to do this as fairly as possible. Using my Telepathy, I decide to read their minds. If they are innocent and had no clue about these camps and their operations, I will leave them in these shells. And if they knew, well, they should be thankful I will stop at just fulfilling this contract. With that in mind, I mentally reach out and probe the thoughts of the first spy. Chapter 257 Learning Secrets Chapter 257 Learning Secrets Fae magic is probably one of the most interesting concepts of magic. Of all the magics in this world, the one that has the most options for deceit would have to be Fae magic. Once you understand Fae magic and its seeming hallucinatory effects, the more you realize that Fae could conquer the world, albeit one person at a time. I¡¯ve also learned that for charlatans, and street performers, the use of Fae magic, that is using ephemeral magic in a controlled way is truly addictive. Perhaps that is why I am so intrigued by this seemingly weaker form of magic. For everything done with ephemeral energy is based on your will to confuse the opposing mind. The best part of all, is that there is a trick to it. With mana you need to exert your dominance, to extend force of will to get desired effects to happen. When you use ephemeral energy, less is more, something that took me one of my three subjects to learn. Through trial and error I learned about the ultimate of Fae arts, Glamour.
Glamour: One of the most basic uses of ephemeral energy. With this, the creator of said Glamour can instill a thought or suggestion that the wielder of the ephemeral energy is, does, or knows something that they do not. Note: Ephemeral energy must be in solid form and in contact with the body of the targeted individual.
With my first subject I did a two pronged attack. I used Telepathy to read the mind of the subject, all while using Glamour to try to get the subject to open up to me. Needless to say, my first attempt didn¡¯t go well. The subject kept resisting, even when thinking they were in a dream like state, their mind failed to relax enough to let out secrets. Just by forcing my mind into their thoughts I learned enough. I learned that the first subject not only knew about the mining operations but been part of the infiltration teams of earlier operations. In fact, that is what his role was, he would be an initial infiltrator for the Legrand Empire, sneak into a future targeted country, and provide critical details. I saw how he did this with my former Maltese Empire years ago. This of course is where I broke character, from an operation that happened so long ago, I searched his memories for any traces of Hector and Golum, wanting desperately to find their final resting spot so that I might be able to use my Ancient Psychometry on the spot where they died, knowing that the trait allowed me to see, view, and interact with spirits of the past. If that was the case, and I actually got to see Hector and Golum, I knew I could Resurrect them and given them both a second chance at life. Of course, such pressure for such a minute detail quickly broke the Glamour. My spell that had been seemingly impenetrable up until that point had shattered like glass. Almost instantly I knew why the spell, the mental illusion broke, because the mind of my target found things that were not congruent with their thoughts. They truly didn¡¯t care about the health and well-being of the people whose lives they ruined by war. All they cared about was that once the war was over, their life would be set and they would be treated with a position of power. I learned a lot from that. First, I knew that ephemeral magic was probably the most powerful, so long as I kept the lie believable. The fact that I could have kept their mind imprisoned in that glass coffin was undeniable, I could all but feel that being the truth. That was why, I was so shocked to see the mental prison break. At the time that the mental restraints of Glamour broke off, I could have reapplied the power. I could have just given the subject a larger dose, but ultimately I decided against such an act. I had enough to convict the spy for their actions. The moment I was ready, was the moment that the binding contract between myself and this spy came to life.
Personal Medical Royal Bloodline Awakening Release form. This is intended to be a binding contract between Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight and Aryington¡­
Then just like the first time, the requests of the spy came to light within my mind.
Primary focus of the Royal Bloodline should include (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): __Invincibility__. Magical thumb print here Aryington. Secondary focus of the Royal Bloodline should try to include (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): __Invincibility___. Magical thumb print here Aryington. Tertiary focus of the Royal Bloodline should attempt to include the following if at all feasible. (Insert magical Intent, or speak out wants): _Invincibility__. Magical thumb print here Aryington.
That section came instantly with my own binding response.
Thrice heard and thrice confirmed: __Cass__
Upon seeing my glowing magical seal on the parchment, I felt the contents on the Merits side of the document fade away, leaving behind just one singular grayed out response.
Invincibility: The Ability to shrug off and eventually recover from any form of damage. Note: This Merit also includes the sub-merits, Limitless Regeneration, Undying, Immortal, and Indestructible.
Cost: 259 Merit Points, not enough.
From there, a readout of the different sub-merits were possible, but I understood what was there. The warning was as clear as day. Watch out, if you make this happen as is, you will have an unconquerable enemy for life. An enemy that would flaunt their newfound powers with the Legrand Empire to get even more perks and rewards for their misdeeds. Fortunately, there was hope.
Aryington¡¯s currently available Merit Points: 10.
With the binding contract the way it was, I could not choose another Merit for Aryington, until I had done enough to earn him the Invincibility merit. With that in mind, I went about getting flaws that I knew would lessen the problems created by such a person. We had 249 points of Flaws to get, and Flaws were arguably the worst, disproportionately so.
Flaws Taken:
Mana Poisoning (10 Pt Flaw): Your body sustains damage when you are exposed to mana energy. For the ten-point flaw, mana energy is lethal to you. Effect: One point of damage received when mana of any kind makes contact with your skin. Effect quadrupled if mana is inhaled or able to get past the outer layer of the skin. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Qi Poisoning (10 Pt Flaw): Your body sustains damage when you are exposed to Qi energy. For the ten-point flaw, Qi energy is lethal to you.
Ephemeral Poisoning (10 Pt Flaw): Your body sustains damage when you are exposed to ephemeral energy. For the ten-point flaw, ephemeral energy is lethal to you.
Those were the three big ones. These flaws meant that just wielding any form of energy would be deadly to the wielder. Ironically enough, some of the best counter flaws were the one- and two-point flaws as well, that when mixed with the damage inflicting ones made it so the consequences of losing health were higher than ever.
Resetting Levels (1 Pt Flaw): Level resets to zero upon reaching zero hit points.
This was great as it meant that once the target¡¯s level was reset to zero, they lost all progress they had made previously. With that combo, I went about trying to find even more poisoning flaws.
Air Poisoning (10 Pt Flaw): Your body is likely a marine animal, where years of evolution have caused your lungs to take damage from breathing air. For the Ten-point flaw breathing air is lethal to you.
It was at this point that I was met with a system message.
Warning: Flaws and effects of Flaws will always supersede Merits.
The warning was clear, that despite the fact that all of these Flaws were ultimately being used to get Invincibility, these flaws would always provide constant damage to the target. Realizing that my thoughts on Flaws always rising to the surface was correct, I continued to mix and match bad options.
Attributeless Leveling (6 Pt Flaw): You do not gain any Attributes from your bloodline while leveling.
With that flaw, I ensured there was no mad power-leveling going on by the monster who would use their going to zero hit points as a reward. Then following up on that thought even further, I got more related flaws.
Classless (25 Pt Flaw): You can never gain or wield another Class.
That one doesn¡¯t seem like much, until you realize that with Classless and Attributeless Leveling the spy will be stuck at their current rate of progress. From there, I was at 88 of the necessary 259 points, including their base ten they got for leveling. After reaching that point, I began being less calculating with my retribution, and began feeling actually sorry for the person. Well never ending nightmare of a creature. And they were a nightmare once they were done. Their appendages had to be changed to slimy and sticky horror tentacles that took damage from air, dirt, and water. Double damage from salt water. The worst part of everything, I had to take the flaws for this person. Honestly, I felt sick to my stomach doing what had to be done. All the while the system was there with our binding contract and all but forcing me to prescribe the different flaws. I tried to resist, at which point it was clear that I could take on some of the noted flaws myself. Flaws like Tentacle Jaw, or Poison Breath. Though unlike what you might think, Poison Breath was actually deadly to the owner of the highest version of the flaw. By the time I got to flaws like Attributes Reset to Base After Death, and Skills Reset to 1 Upon Death, I was mostly immune to the horrors that I was inflicting on this person. Granted they were evil, but did they deserve this type of eternal torment? I doubted it, though this was a good lesson for me to start doubting myself as well. I did not want to be this vindictive monster that would turn enemies into constantly tormented monsters. That was why, when I was done, I tried to give a way out of this misery. ¡°GAHH!¡± The now baby Cthulhu spy creature cried out in pain as their body began to morph and grow into the shape of a large scaled creature that looked like it belonged to the deeps of the world¡¯s largest ocean. Seeing the creature, I immediately began using a healthy dose of ephemeral energy and replicated my own version of the Time Stasis spell.
Lesser Time Stasis: A minor variant of the standard Time Stasis ability of the Fae. With this, a person, place, or thing can be momentarily frozen in a moment of time. This can be used to stave off death, to seal wounds before they cause a person to bleed to death, or prevent the melting or breaking of a particularly fragile person, place, or thing.
The spell was sloppy, I could tell where the flaws were almost immediately. But the moment I cast this spell, I did receive a new skill. Unlike the tormentor, or torturer skills that I thought I deserved, instead I actually got a skill that was meaningful.
New Skill Gained: Ephemeral Mimicry has reached level 1.
Ephemeral Mimicry is a Personality X2, Sociability X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Yep, an amazing skill, one that focused on Social Attributes. A skill I would normally be ecstatic for, but the cost was a bit too high. I felt I lost an important part of myself by fulfilling this binding contract. This was almost like the time I changed a dragon guardian into a Pomeranian, though this was far worse. With the Pomeranian incident, it was a one-time thing and then it was over. With this instance, I had to continually torture and manipulate this body to be weaker. In a horror filled flash, I could see myself in ten or twenty years, taking delight at tricking humans into one sided contracts. For a moment, I felt what it would be like to be the evil Fae of lore, the ones that smiled with sharp predatory teeth, waiting for someone down on their luck to come and strike a deal. One where I would invariably win. No, after this, I was done with contracts. I still had two more contracts to fulfill, and while I was fairly certain that no one deserved the perpetual pain and suffering, I decided to give the converted spy a way out. In fact, focusing on the three Legrand spies, I gave them all the same way out. Focusing on them, I made sure to give them a clear guiding way of hope.
New Quest Given: Redemption of The Soul: A quest provided by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that offers you the way to redeem your soul. Cut ties with all earthly wants and attachments, by finishing your goals and forgive yourself to move on peacefully to the next life. Current status: Goals Accomplished (0 / 4,827), Self-Forgiveness (0 / 1). Rewards: Experience, variable.
I¡¯m not certain that I like the idea of my name constantly being there as a reminder of how they got in this mess, but that is my burden to bear at this moment in time. With the first Chthulu monster bloodline awakened, I pause as I momentarily begin a plan on what to do next. I can¡¯t do this, not again. Especially not if this person is not complicit with the war crimes that were going on around them. While the last spy was guilty of knowledge and of trying to undermine our territory for the sake of giving the Legrand Empire an easy access to our city, I don¡¯t know if his actions warranted such an overwhelming reaction. That said, I must at least open up these other shells and perform mentally see what they know, and most importantly what they were going to help do against my empire. Yes, as the spymaster here, I still take it as my role and responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone that is within my sphere of control. As such, at the very least I need to open these shells up and probe their minds for details. Exhale. I take a breath to calm myself. Then I make the mental note that if these next two are not that bad, then I will just reseal the two with Time Stasis magic, even the lesser variant, and then Teleport them back to the Legrand Empire before their Stasis timer runs out. That way, hopefully when they awaken they will be outside my range, and far enough away that I will not be forced to make such drastic changes to the remaining two spies. With just a momentary pause, I focus my will on my lump of ephemeral energy, then looking at the clear circuits and patterns of Glormhilda¡¯s Time Stasis spell, I apply the Dispel, or the mental key to her design and see Charlaine¡¯s second co-conspirator just sleeping comfortably. Seeing them in such a state, I realize that this is yet another chance to practice my use of Glamour. Grabbing another wad of ephemeral energy, I condense the sand like substance into a tight ball. Then place that ball directly on the forehead of the second spy. With this Glamour attempt, I intend to go easier. I¡¯m out for information, which means I need to be subtle. I can¡¯t just ask for the information, I need to get my target to tell me everything. This is why, I do this in a dream. A dream like state seems to be the easiest of states to work with. In a dream, the mind inherently tries to assign logic to different thoughts and images. In a dream, a blurry face can talk to you, and your mind instantly replaces that blurry image with the idea of it being your mother, your father, someone whom you care most deeply about. Me, I take on the form and mental suggestion of a favorite loved one. Instantly, the scenery around us changes. And for once I can see vibrant colors of the world. We are in some lush iconic site. At least that is what it seems to be, as we are clearly at an old caf¨¦ table. One with a view of a great river with giant artistic buildings appearing around us. Off in the distance a giant flag of the Legrand Empire flew brilliantly in the air. Gold with black trimming, I had seen the image before. Well I had seen the non-colorful version of the flag countless times. But suddenly being able to see the flag how others saw it, I could almost understand the infatuation. It was beautiful, in its own macabre way. It is clear from the scenery that this is either a place where the subject saw me, or intends to take me. But still looking at me, there is a look of sadness that fills his face. ¡°What? What happened?¡± The spy asks. ¡°What do you mean darling?¡± I reply, hoping that my intent of a loved one is believable within the subject¡¯s mind. As our hands touch, I apply a bit more ephemeral energy. Not an excessive amount, but just enough to help cause the momentary spike in their heart rate to calm down. This is apparently a big moment, or maybe it was a big moment. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s odd?¡± The spy says, as he reaches up towards his head just above his eye. As he does, slight tremors appear in the world around me, he is about to break the scene. His mind for whatever reason refuses to accept this current scenario. ¡°What is?¡± I ask, trying to match his level of concern. ¡°I just didn¡¯t think I would survive.¡± The spy said, as he once again reached up to touch his head. This time, I grab his hand for a split second just before he does and with that touch I provide a bit more ephemeral energy and the slight suggestion that he has a wound. Then as he reaches up, he feels for the gauze bandage that is on his head. Oddly enough, feeling the bandage he calms down. It¡¯s subtle, but the world relaxes. The minor tremors that I learned to focus on with my first patient even out, and we are back to square one. ¡°Are you ready to talk about it?¡± I ask, again leaving it all open ended. Let the subject dictate where and how this conversation goes. Feeling his head, the spy just touches his head. ¡°I guess the invasion went well then?¡± The spy asks. As he does, I feel a slight desperate need for it to be true in his mind. Now that he is thinking about it, I can feel his surface thoughts thanks to my Telepathic link to his mind. Now that we are here, I can see that there was a planned mass invasion. One that was supposed to happen immediately. ¡°You tell me, you are here, safe and sound.¡± I say, again trying to get more of a response. ¡°So we did it? We won?¡± He asks, suddenly excited. ¡°Of course, you don¡¯t remember what happened?¡± I ask, concern etched in my voice. At that, the spy looks momentarily confused, as he clearly doesn¡¯t remember what happened. ¡°No, last I remember was two days before the invasion. I was sneaking into a class when¡­¡± The spy began, but the information had already been given. In a moment, I realized when the Legrand Empire was about to begin. They were going to strike on the day of the wedding. A wedding that would forever join the Deolar Empire and the Midnight Hunters together. While I was pondering this, the spy apparently kept talking. ¡°I take it this means we got them?¡± The spy asked, conviction in his voice. ¡°Got whom?¡± I asked, my mind trying to catch up to everything that was going on. ¡°The Valkyrie and the Doctor? They are both dead right?¡± The spy asked, excitement filling his voice. ¡°I mean, they have to be, for we won and I am still alive.¡± ¡°How did that happen?¡± I ask, again trying to both keep in character and trying to see where this was going. From reading the spy¡¯s mind, I could tell that he had a plan. One that he thought could work. But if the Legrand Empire did have such a plan, then what exactly was it. By now the spy was giddy with excitement as he looked around to see if anyone else was paying attention. Of course, being a dream that was influenced by both the spy and myself others were where he looked, but no one seemed remotely interested in the conversation going on with the bandaged man and his apparent lover at a scenic caf¨¦. ¡°I didn¡¯t think would work, but clearly it did.¡± The spy states, excitement filling his voice. ¡°What?¡± I ask. ¡°The secret unit, they managed to kill the monsters.¡± The spy stated. Then reading his mind, I realized that the plan they had, as crazy as it was. The Legrand Empire¡¯s master plan to kill Mallory and myself might actually work. Epilogue VI Epilogue VI Fwoosh. Dr. Cassiopia Spiritlight appeared in a flash of light, right in Mallory¡¯s office. For her part Mallory was not alone, as she was already speaking to Gwendolyn, Jhonny, and a very bedraggled Penelope who had an assortment of clothes pins, needles, threads, and measuring tape draped over her in various ways. Cass upon seeing everyone in the office began. ¡°Oh good, fancy meeting you all here for our monthly challenge game of who can be the last person to lose the mannequin challenge.¡± Cass says, pointing to everyone and getting them all to focus on her and her sudden floating appearance in the oversized office. ¡°The mannequin what now?¡± Penelope asks, clearly confused. Everyone else turned to Cass, and seemed to take a moment to look at her, the topic of their conversation already dying down on their lips. ¡°Oh, is it already time for us to do the monthly mannequin challenge?¡± Jhonny asks, his voice overly drawn out as if remembering the odd event. ¡°Yep, don¡¯t worry Penelope, since you are new we will tell you the rules.¡± Cass said, cutting off the look of confusion from the tailor¡¯s face. ¡°Okay?¡± Penelope stated, still clearly too tired to make any sense of what was happening before her. ¡°This is the mannequin challenge right, the one where we just have to stay completely still, not say anything, or blink until time is called right?¡± Jhonny pressed, apparently catching onto something. ¡°You know you are my favorite for a reason.¡± Cass said, allowing a slight smile to crest her lips. Only now that Cass let a slight smile form on her otherwise calm face did Mallory start to grow concerned. It was clear that from just looking at the good doctor that something was clearly off. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s that important that we have this mannequin challenge right now?¡± Mallory pressed, her words probing as she tried to understand if something else had happened. Well other than Cass causing another worldwide announcement and likely causing even more trouble. ¡°Yep, afraid so. For the next two minutes we need to give this everything we¡¯ve got.¡± Cass said. ¡°Two minutes?¡± ¡°Yep, just two minutes and we are done with this challenge.¡± Cass said. ¡°Okay.¡± Mallory replied. ¡°On three.¡± Cass said, pointing to everyone. ¡°Everyone take in a deep breath, good hold it, and three.¡± Glitch. A faint static line flickered across the screen, the same way that an old VHS tape might pause and occasionally wrinkle the image being shown while the video being presented was momentarily paused while people used the restroom. Everyone was perfectly still. Dr. Cassiopia Spiritlight had her hands out making finger guns pointing to both Mallory and Jhonny. Gwendolyn who had been quite the entire time just sat with her feet up in Mallory¡¯s lap, her hands resting over her very pregnant stomach. Meanwhile Mallory looked shocked, while Penelope looked like she was about to fall over from her odd angle and how tired she appeared. Yet, despite everything, the four of them all remained perfectly still. Cutting scenes outside revealed Vickard and Melkin both standing guard outside the giant soundproof door that lead to Mallory¡¯s office. Only a slight shifting of Melkin¡¯s bodyweight going forward every so often was the only sign that these two were not partaking in the mannequin challenge. Then at exactly two minutes and one second, the scene inside Mallory¡¯s office burst to life with sudden shouting overtop of each other. ¡°That can¡¯t be.¡± Gwendolyn shouted, her body suddenly moving as her feet were somehow firmly planted on the ground, but she was not out of her seat. Mallory was apparently pacing in some type of thinking gesture, while Jhonny was bent over helping Penelope find her lost sewing needles on the ground. Or at least she was trying to, when Cass just waved a hand and found the needles despite being on the other end of the room, and seemed to pick them up effortlessly with her Telekinesis. ¡°Oh look at that, I won!¡± Cass said, her words shocking everyone who suddenly looked lost, as if they were all trying to remember what they had been doing a moment ago. ¡°Won?¡± ¡°Yeah, the mannequin challenge.¡± Cass said. ¡°Right, cause that¡¯s what¡¯s important now.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°That¡¯s because you don¡¯t blink, can pixies even blink?¡± Gwendlyn said, apparently trying to keep the farce that they were in fact playing the mannequin challenge. ¡°What? I blink all the time.¡± Cass said. ¡°No, you don¡¯t.¡± Jhonny said, snatching the floating sewing pin from the air and handing it to a very thankful Penelope. ¡°Sure I do, otherwise my tears would water from being too dry.¡± Cass replied. ¡°I thought pixies only cried when lovers touch inappropriately.¡± Gwen said, her voice mocking. ¡°BLEH, that¡¯s how you get pregnant before your mother.¡± Cass said, obviously disgusted by the sudden turn of subjects. Gwen raised a finger to argue, but then seemed to rethink her statement. ¡°I thought pixies only cried when you didn¡¯t believe in them?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°I don¡¯t care about your beliefs,¡± Cass replied. ¡°Oh, I always liked the ones where they came and fixed all your shoes.¡± Penelope said, placing her last missing magical sewing needle behind her ear for safety, and then apparently choosing that moment to interject. ¡°Leave it to the tailor to find the most oppressive story of my people,¡± Cass said. Then seeming to get offended, she gave a quick shake of her head and responded. ¡°You know, I don¡¯t need this, I¡¯m out.¡± Mallory who had been pacing to this point suddenly stopped and gave a wave, but then suddenly shook herself as she realized something. Then desperately before Cass could act, Mallory shouted ¡°WAIT!¡± Cass who had been a microsecond away from Teleporting out twitched in shock, and then paused to turn to Mallory. ¡°What?¡± Cass asked, a note of exasperation in her voice. ¡°What are you going to do exactly?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Just a few quest turn ins.¡± Cass noted. ¡°That¡¯s it? Quest turn ins?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± Mallory paused for a moment, before her eyes glazed over as she seemed to read something. Then she responded, ¡°what quests?¡± ¡°Oh, I have a delivery quest, and one where I need to speak to someone.¡± Cass responded. Mallory paused, as she looked from whatever was drawing her gaze to Cass. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Cass said, holding up her right hand as if swearing the truth. ¡°Why don¡¯t I believe you?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Probably because you aren¡¯t that trusting?¡± Cass said, her voice questioning as if trying to come up with the reason why Mallory wouldn¡¯t trust her. Mallory just paused, then seemed to exhale. ¡°Fine, you can go, but don¡¯t do anything too crazy.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°No promises.¡± Cass said, before she was gone in a puff of smoke. Poof. Seeing the residue of magic left in the air, Mallory could only pause as she stared at the now empty void and wonder if this was really the right decision to make after all.
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Cassiopeia Spiritlight
Age: 14
Race (Esoteric Arcanist Elf): Emerald Eyed Mythical Quintessence Ethereal Colossal Pixie (Progenitor)
Primary Class: Quintessence Ethereal Healer (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
Secondary Class Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrum Masters (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
Tertiary Class Divinely Akashic Qi Master (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
level: 484 / 357 / 326
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 166 1089 Personality 135 1185 Perception 245 2712
Dexterity 207 1906 Sociability 133 1189 Intelligence 235 3055
Endurance 191 1324 Attractiveness 117 2581 Willpower 249 3992
Race (Bonus Per Level): +2 All Attributes every level.
Quintessence Ethereal Healer: +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Attractiveness, +2 Perception, +2 Intelligence, +3 Willpower.
Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +2 Personality, +2 Sociability, +2 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower.
Divinely Akashic Qi Master +3 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +3 Endurance, +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower.
Titles Gained Bonuses
Early Awakening, Early Class Both Titles were combined to increase Spirit Tier mastery from starting maximum of Tier VII to Tier VIII
Surname: Spiritlight Gain an automatic 10% boost in all social interactions with spirits. Spirits start off as neutral.
Love Guru Truly one worth emulating, when it comes to the art of love and its best practices. +5 Appearance, +10 Personality, +10 Sociability, +7% Luck, +20% Bonus to Avoiding Conflict, +25% chance to help others find a soul mate, +30% Chance to Seduction based skills and attempts.
Arcanarus University Graduate (III) One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +30 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +300% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Void Healer Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Void Healer class. Rewards: Can dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Simulacrum Master Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Simulacrum Master class. Rewards: Cand dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Magical Duelist: You are developing a reputation for being a winner of magical duels, this both makes you stand out more, while offering some benefits. Effect: +5% to all Magical Dueling Skills, +5% to all Social Attributes when you are recognized for your feats.
Nature¡¯s Friend (X): You have helped clean up over one hundred thousand pounds of trash, and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 50% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Pegicorn''s Blessing You have been blessed by the last pegicorn and are now officially recognized as a legendary healer of nature and spirit creatures alike. You are 25% more resistant to the blight and 25% more capable of healing the blight.
Luminescence You have managed to make the world a brighter place. Any zone you go into will be treated as completely bright to you and your allies.
Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor) As a Legendary member of the Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline you have unlocked the following bonuses: +25 Skill Levels and +50% comprehension speed towards the following skills: Spell Theory, Magical Theory, Magical Manipulation, Quick Casting, Dual Casting, Mana Circulation, Danger Sense, Master Enchanting, Gear Infusion, and Energy Resonance Alteration. Note: As the Progenitor, all bonuses are further increased by an additional 50%.
Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV): Magical Enchantment Surgeon The most promising Surgical Doctoral Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +40 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy and learning rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Title: Innovator (I): You have invented one new thing never before seen in the world of BiPrism. Effect: +1% efficacy to all created products.
Qi Path Creator (II): One who has begun the path of a Mystical Martial Master. Effect: Increased damage and resistance to undead.
Princess of Deolar (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, while within the borders of the Deolar region, your Social Attributes and Skills are increased by a further 25% efficiency.
Spiritual Mythic Bloodline Progenitor (Upgradable) All actions and interactions involving the spirit realm, spiritual beings, or spiritual energy are 5% easier to complete, learn, or master.
Core Master Your ability to destroy, create, or otherwise work with cores is improved greatly. Effect +25% skill efficacy while focusing on an individual¡¯s core.
Friend to the Guardians: You will be recognized as a friend to all realm guardians.
Bloodline Insights Marker Gained: You have gained the ability to identify people who have begun the process of awakening a bloodline, where they are in their process, and can identify where their bloodline will ultimately be most effective. Can be used on anyone with a bloodline that is as potent or less potent than your current bloodline ranking.
Magical Marvel: When it comes to understanding the true depths of magic you are considered a master. Anyone with a magical affinity of any kind will look on with you a minimum of a Neutral reputation.
Guild Title: Protector of the Weak: When positioned to help non-combatants all skills and multipliers are doubled.
Whispers of the Land: You can hear, understand, and often intuit problems arising in the world around you. Listening to these stimuli can cause possible quests to appear, quest objectives to change randomly, and for rewards to be heightened.
Thieves Guild Master: (Undetectable Title by any Means except to other Thieves Guild Members). This title allows you the ability to see the current status, rank, and abilities of all registered Thieves Guild Members. Furthermore, you can assign quests, task, training requirements, and specializations for any member of your Thieves Guild.
First Bloodline Customizer: You have been recognized as the first person to actively customize the bloodline of another. Rewards: All synergy effects provided by your Bloodline Customizations are improved by 10%, +10% for all Skills and Attributes needed to help with bloodline customization.
Bloodline Customizer: You have proven yourself to be a respectable user of bloodline customizations and are awarded a bonus when working with others to help with bloodline breakthroughs. Rewards: Bloodline Insights, Bloodline Customizations are improved by 5%, +5% for all Skills and Attributes needed to help with bloodline customization. Bloodline Insights: Those beginning the process of transitioning from one rank of a bloodline to the next will be able to identify you as a noted expert in the field.
Unique Vehicle Pilot: You have proven yourself to be a competent pilot of new and cutting edge technologies. Effect: Gain an additional +5% bonus to Skills and Attributes used to maneuver vehicles. You gain an additional +5% bonus to Skills and Attributes when piloting a vehicle you helped to create.
Prankenstein Master Mechanic: You have been identified as the master mechanic for the named vehicle the Prankenstein. As its creator, you are able to improve your vehicle and have a special connection to your vehicle where you can note problem areas before they actually become an issue. Effect: +25% to all repair and maintenance related Skills and Attributes used, while working on the named vessel the Prankenstein.
Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (I): One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +10 Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy to Arcane Fusion Control, Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (II): One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +20 Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. Along with a +100% Skill Learning and Skill Efficacy rate to Arcane Fusion Control, Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory, and Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation.
Taxonomist: You have successfully named one Genus and two unique species of life on this planet. Effect: +50% status with newly named species.
Rank
Princess (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, you are the next in line to rule over the remaining subjects of the Deloar Kingdom. Only the King can veto your proclamation. Rewards: All bloodline merits are increased by 40% (Upgradable to 50% when noted as the true ruler)
Prestige
Prestige (1) (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, you have unlocked your first nobility class. The sky always shines in your presence, and the world prepares for the next Matriarch of the Deolar Kingdom to reign supreme. Reward: All Bloodline perks are increased by 10%.
Skills
Alertness: (Perception)
Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence)
Daggers (Dexterity)
Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower)
Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower)
Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence)
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower)
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance)
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception)
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Mental Resistance (Willpower)
Free Falling (Dexterity)
Applied Physics (Intelligence)
Trap Detection (Perception and Intelligence)
Disarm trap (Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence)
Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Climbing (Strength and Endurance)
Deductive Reasoning (Perception and Intelligence)
Courtly Etiquette (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Mechanical Engineering (Perception and Intelligence)
Arcane Understanding (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medical Healing (Perception and Intelligence)
Focus (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Latens Manifesta (Dexterity, Perception, Personality, Sociability, Intelligence)
Survival (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Polyglot (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence)
Nature Resistance (Endurance)
Stealth (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower
camouflage (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence)
Obfuscation (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Running (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Willpower
Tumbling (Dexterity, Endurance)
Acrobatics (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Herbalism (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magic Script (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Engineering (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magical Forensics (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Forging (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Writing (Dexterity, Perception)
Bathing (Personality, Sociability, and Appearance)
Telepathy (Personality, Sociability, and Willpower)
Swimming (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance)
Internal Compass (Perception, Intelligence)
Danger Sense (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Scentless Passage (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Concealed Mana (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mana Circulation (Strength, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower)
Blood Magic Resistance (Endurance and Willpower)
Telepathy Shielding (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Intimidation (Strength, Personality, and Willpower)
Narrator (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, and Intelligence)
Total Recall (Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Spell Theory (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Spell Deconstruction (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Insight (Perception and Intelligence)
Emotional Insight (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Gambling (Sociability, Personality, Attractive, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Alchemy (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medicine (Perception, Intelligence)
Magical theory (Intelligence)
Spirit-Magic Spell Creation (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Anatomy (Perception and Intelligence)
Biology (Perception and Intelligence)
Chemistry (Perception and Intelligence)
Energy Resonance Alteration (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Leadership (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Painting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Artist (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Proper Diction (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acupuncture (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Diagnosis (Perception and Intelligence)
Magical Energy Observation (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mimicry (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Seduction (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Occult (Curses) (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Twin Consciousness (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Duelist (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower
Aura Guidance (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Comedic Timing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Enchanting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Advanced Enchanting (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Master Enchanting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Blacksmithing (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Gear Protecting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Intelligence)
Gear Infusion (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Auditing (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Disrupt Casting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Legendary Trick Shot (Strength, Dexterity (X2), Endurance (X2), Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower (X2))
Pulse Casting (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Quick Casting (Dexterity, Stamina, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Physiology (Perception X 3, Intelligence X 3, and Willpower X 3)
Aerial Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Magical Manipulation (Dexterity, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2)
Qi Sight (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Qi Lore (Perception, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower)
Grand Master Level Taming (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower)
Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Divine Qi Energy Observation (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill)
Bronze Qi Manipulation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Golden Qi Movement (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X2, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Bronze Qi Fighting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Divine Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, Willpower X3)
Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Astrological Prediction (Perception, and Intelligence)
Faerie Lore (Intelligence)
Grim Dark Lore (Intelligence)
Teaching (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Master Teaching (Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Golden Qi Formation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, Willpower)
Bloodline Sensing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Ancient Elven Lore (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence )
Golden Palm Strike (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Golden Body Radiance (Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, Willpower)
Golden Kung Fu Grip (Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, and Willpower X2)
Golden Mana Devouring Palm (Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2)
Life Seals (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3)
Life Seal Breaker (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3)
Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness)
Seductive Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness X2)
Golden Disruptive Palm Burst (Strength X3, Dexterity X2, Perception X2, and Willpower X3)
Silver Disruptive Palm Burst (Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Perception X2, and Willpower X3).
Blackhole Qi Condensing (Strength X2, Dexterity X1, Stamina X3, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Silver Mana Devouring Palm (Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2)
Golden Five Point Exploding Palm Technique(Strength X2, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Silver Five Point Exploding Palm Technique(Strength X2, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Ancient Cardinal Protector Lore (Intelligence)
Aerial Combat (Strength, Dexterity X3, Stamina, and Perception)
Aerial Qi Combat (Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Samina X2, Perception, and Willpower X2)
Aerial Magical Combat (Strength, Dexterity X3, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2).
Bloodline Insights (Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3)
Harmonious Magical Spell Creation (Personality X2, Sociability X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3).
Disaster Foresight (Perception X 7 based skill)
Piloting (Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, and Intelligence)
Customized Repair Work (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Custom Detailing (Dexterity X2, Stamina, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Infiltration (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Sapper (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Arcane Fusion Control (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Bloodline Customization (Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Meridian Manipulation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X3)
Soul Understanding (Personality, Sociability, Perception X 2, and Intelligence)
Taxonomist (Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3)
Ephemeral Magic Lore (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Ephemeral Mimicry (Personality X2, Sociability X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Traits
Personal Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis, Telepathy
Class Trait(s): Spiritual Doppelganger (13/100), Omni-Healing, Energy Status Resonance, Resurrection, Dual Quintessence Healing
Class Trait: Positional Switch, Positional Teleportation, Arcane Geomancy Teleportation
Class Trait: Celerity, Divine Quintessence Rapture
Bloodline Trait: Ancient Psychometry, Arcane Geomancy
Mythical Bloodline Perks:
Bloodline evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother) Identified: Ability to protect children of all ages and species increased and magnified.
Bloodline evolution Perk (Cassiopeia¡¯s Foresight) Identified: Ability to see the future, but unable to change or do anything about the future that you have found out about.
Bloodline evolution Perk (Coreless Mastery) Identified: Your entire body is now a combined core for both your Mana and Qi. Effect: No damage caused by core disruption or destruction. Mana and Qi capacity increased by 50%. (Current Magic Core Tier Rating Maximum: XVII). (Current Qi Core Tier Rating Maximum: ???).
Mythical Bloodline Evolution Merits and Flaws
Hollow Bones: Your bones are hollow, decreasing your overall bodyweight by 80% and making forms of flight that much easier. Note that your bones also allow for additional pathways to channel, store, and process energy. Energy Capacity increased by 40%. Bone density increases based on percentage of hollowed bones used to cycle, store, and process energies. Your body¡¯s physical force will be lessened due to your decreased weight. All physical attacks will be reduced by 80 minus Energy Capacity Percentage, minimum of 40%.
Phantasmal Wings: You now have magical translucent wings that can be seen by anyone with any form of magical sight, ability, or inclination. By focusing your will, you can manifest your wings in the real world at will and use them to fly about as desired.
Prophetic Tongue: What you say and do can have a direct impact on the world around you. Your words have a way of bringing about consequences and rewards to others, be forewarned.
Magical Biome: You are now yourself a being of change. Simply by existing within a given area, you increase the amount of ambient energy, life, and abundance. Warning: Your skills and abilities will be reduced in areas of low magical ability, until an equilibrium can be met.
Flaws
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Broke (7): The sum of all your gear, equipment, and finances cannot equal or exceed 100 gold coins.
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes.
Unique Class Flaw (7): Void Touched Void Walker: You have been marked as the chosen advocate by the deepest denizens of the void. Your primary class will now and forever be Void Walker. Additionally, both denizens of the realm of the living and realm of the dead will know you are the one who can both teach others your class, while also conducting unique missions on behalf of both realms.
Rivalry (3): You have one or more rivals who will make it a personal goal to take you down a notch, watch your back.
Racial Flaw: Magical Beacon: You are easy to notice by sensitives and true practitioners of magic. Minus 20% to Stealth and Evasion type skills when being actively sought by a magical practitioner.
Racial Flaw: Magical Eyes: Your eyes are the true gateway to your soul. With this flaw people can see what type of a monster you truly are. Current Status: Green (a True Healer).
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier XIII).
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): Personally Focused (4): Your selfish nature has led you to be limited in the scope of what you can and cannot replicate with your simulacrums. With this flaw you can only copy your base form to be your simulacrum.
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): One Death for All (3): You are so intertwined with your simulacrum that should the simulacrum die, you yourself will die as well. While you can dismiss your simulacrum at any time, you can only do so when your simulacrum is at full health.
Racial Flaw: Third Eye: You have manifested the power of Angel¡¯s Sight, and at this level of evolution have unlocked the legendary third eye. No eye lashes or eyebrows, just a closed scar in the middle of your forehead, then an eye. Note: If your rating in Angel¡¯s Sight is Tier V or below, you can use the third eye to see normally. If your rating in Angel''s Sight is Tier VI or above, you will need to use the third eye to take advantage of your enhanced vision.
Racial Flaw: Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening.
Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
Mythical Bloodline Flaw: Colossal (4): You are not fat; you are just big boned. While pixies pride themselves on being smaller to be beautiful, you run counter to that claim. You are colossal in size for one of your species. Effect: Body size is 400% larger than the average member of your species. Due to your size, your bones are less dense and prone to breaking under your severe size.
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Merits
Merits: (157)
Precocious (7): Learn Skills at least Twice (four times) as quickly. (Only available at character creation)
Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation)
Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation)
Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation)
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation)
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Unique Class Merits: Death Shroud (3): Wielder of this merit has a tempered body that is immune to the piercing soul damage of the ethereal realms. Wielder can travel to either realm and bring up to two chosen people to follow them into the opposing realm.
Unique Class Merit (4): Spirit Familiar: You have formed a deep spiritual bond with one of the blessed children of the spirit world. Your familiar will be both a guide and advocate to help you navigate your way through the realm of spirits.
Ally (3): You have made an ally with someone who is considered to be three times more powerful and influential than you. Work with this relationship to make it grow and flourish.
for efficacy, mana usage, impact, and focus).
Racial Merit: Magic School Proficiency: All schools of magic increased by two Tiers (maximum of Tier IX). (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Proficiency: All skills related to the use of magic are increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Trait Proficiency: All magic based Traits are further increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Class Merit (Simulacrum Master): Exact Perfect Replica (7): You can create one exact perfect replica of yourself that shares your attributes, abilities, skills, and energy pools. This replica will be a perfect copy of your base form down to the most minor of details, and will be indistinguishable from yourself by most mundane methods of detection. This replica will be able to cast and use all spells and traits that you can, and any experience gained by the simulacrum will go to you, as if you earned it yourself.
Racial Merit: Angel¡¯s Sight + 2 Tiers: You have managed to make it so you and all your progeny will have access to the Angel¡¯s Sight merit. If the bloodline is awakened to this level, then the wielder of the bloodline will have their Angel¡¯s Sight merit increased by two tiers.
Racial Merit: Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your (Holy) Magic and your resonance has been noted to be set to your highest natural magic school rating (Tier XIII).
Racial Merit: Unbound (+50): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. All Attributes and Skills can be further improved by an additional 50 points.
Confidentiality (10): For up to a total of three hours a day, you can interrupt your live-stream feeds from your main consciousness and all of your Simulacrums simultaneously for up to three consecutive hours. This time will reset at midnight of the location of your primary consciousness. During the time when Confidentiality is activated, all bloodline flaws denoting magical abilities and capabilities will be muted. All livestream feeds will be set to a loop of the last thirty minutes before the time frame was activated. Note: Once the time for Confidentiality is reset, all prior actions over the past three hours can be viewed from any entity, including the primary consciousness. The only discretion is that the primary consciousness of Cassiopeia Spiritlight will be able to permanently redact up to three minutes of incriminating activities per daily Confidentiality session.
Mythical Bloodline Merit: Unbound (14): Your Attributes and Skills have once again broken through another threshold. Your Attributes and Skills are now able to be increased by an additional 75 levels, currently maximum level 250.
Mythical Bloodline Merit: Arcane Geomancy (15): Unlock the ability to build and alter the untapped potential in unclaimed sets of land. Note: Arcane Geomancy is way of quickly altering or changing land that is not occupied by habitable dwellings or structures and converting the land and area into an environment that the Geomancer desires. This is a cross blend of magic and qi. Requirements: Mythological Bloodline, ability to use Magic and Qi at a high rate of proficiency, unclaimed or unoccupied land.
Class Spells
Planar Shift (Level 1) (A): Allows user to create a path connecting the realm of the living to the spirit world.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Spirit Sight (P): This spell allows you to pierce the veil separating the mortal and spirit realms. This spell will allow you to see through the veil regardless of which side you are the caster. Reserve: 2 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Mana Potency (P): This spell allows the caster to increase the potency of their Spirit Mana by 25% at a detriment to all other forms of mana within the body.
Spirit Energy Circulation (A): The first step towards becoming a healer of Spirit Magic. You have learned to infuse your spirit energy into the blood of another being, allowing you to circulate the blood of that person. Warning: This is a spell that can be used for healing or attack. Using this spell as a means of attack will forever mark your spirit as a Karmic Betrayer.
Spirit Blight Purification (C): Tier VII. A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
Resurrection (C): A tier IX spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, used to bring a spirit back from the dead.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard spell inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Attribute Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Attribute inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Skill Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Skill inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell: Curse Removal [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can remove any curse that is Tier VIII or lower. For tier IX curses, a contested battle of wills will need to be conducted to determine a victor.
Custom Simulacrum (C): Create a near perfect replica of one target of your choosing. Amount of maximum mana required to maintain: variable (minimum of 1% for continual maintenance, maximum used based on needs of simulacrum). Note: This spell has been modified, so that it can only copy you, and your simulacrum is for all intents and purposes an extension of yourself that has access to your same resource pools and abilities. (only spell available).
Dispel-Dispel: You have found a way to dispel a dispel cast at you and your spells and Traits.
New Spell Created: Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of the targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 10% increase for 24 hours. *Spell Restriction: This spell must be cast on two people simultaneously, who are both willing participants. **Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Tobias Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Animal Pack Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Sabrina Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted animal group, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Attributes, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell: Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight and allows the caster to create a perfected body for a newly deceased soul to reside in. Effect: Spirit is resurrected into a body deemed to be the peak physical form for their race and will experience a period of enhanced youth and vitality because of this. Negates any detriments caused by old age, such as painful joints, decreased muscle and bone density, or other effects associated with aging.
New Spell Created: Spirit Drift [Tier VI] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, and allows the caster the ability to defy gravity by having their spiritual weight substitute for their actual weight. Reserve: 25% of Maximum Mana.
New Spell Created: Polymorph: Divine Double Wings (Pearl) [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Sabrina Spiritlight and allows the caster the ability to permanently grow two sets of elegant wings. Mana: 10,000 (total) to cast, Reserve: 5%.
New Spell: Personalized Rejuvenation [Tier IX] (A): A spell designed by Sabrina Spiritlight that drastically increases the regeneration rate of health, mana, and stamina of the user for a period of time equal to one minute per point of Willpower.
New Spell: Conjured Magical Spirit Orb [Tier IX] (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that creates a highly compact magical construct that is infused with Spirit, Life, and Nature magic.
New Spell Created: Glitter Burst [Tier VII] (a): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that allows the caster to create a distracting burst of light, that will then coat anyone caught in the blast radius with mana particles. Good for entertainment, tracking, and light scale vandalism.
Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain (C) [Tier XIII]: A master work spell involving dual spell work latices, created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. This rain will both immobilize people suffering from the Blight, while simultaneously curing them of the affliction.
Kung Fu Grip (C) [Tier VIII]: A strengthening spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. By channeling energy into your hand, you can grab hold of anything, forcing the object you hold to maintain its integrity until you finally release your hold. This spell can even keep a spirit from dissolving into an alternate realm.
Cleansing Rain [Tier VII] (C): A storm spell created by Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, that can generate rains that will purge the Blight from any infected lands, and prevent the spread of the Blight from creatures that have been splashed with any purified rain water for up to 24 hours.
Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text [Tier XIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used to permanently alter the wordings on any contract, even magical soul bound contracts. This effect can be made permanent with double the initial mana costs. Can only be dispelled by a higher tier magical practitioner, or by the caster of the spell.
Superior Sleep Spell [Tier IV] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, mixing Spirit, Mental, and Healing magic components together to create a spell powerful enough to put even a Troll to sleep, while slowly healing any lasting ailments within the target.
New Spell Created: Family Tree Finder (Leaf to Branches Edition) (C): A Tier IX Life and Spirit Magic spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that attempts to find the immediate family members related to a sample of DNA evidence. By focusing on the unique chromosomes of the target sample, the caster of the spell can identify likely genetic matches for the male. By focusing on the sample¡¯s mitochondria, there is a 100% chance of finding blood relatives.
ARF Disruptor [Tier VII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds the Arcane Resonance Framework of an area of effect spell that has been cast and attempts to disrupt the core components of the spell before the true effects of said spell can take place. This spell¡¯s name can be spoken out loud to double spell¡¯s overall effectiveness.
Spiritual Hogtieing (C) [Tier XIII]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that is used to tie up and subdue the spirit of a recently killed creature to prevent the spirit from moving on to the afterlife. In this state the captured spirit is exceptionally vulnerable and able to be manipulated into almost any shape, condition, or size. Note: Effects are doubled when cast on a person or creature that has the Recently Deceased debuff activated.
New Spell Created: Altered Resurrection (C) [Tier XIII]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that is probably the ultimate form of necromancy, being able to resurrect a spirit into a drastically different body.
New Spell Created: Forced Selective Hearing [Tier VIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that mentally stops a targeted person or area from hearing any voice other than the caster¡¯s while the caster is speaking. Now there is no way for your significant other to say they didn¡¯t hear you.
New Spell Created: Core Shattering Death Ray [Tier XIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds, targets and destroys the magical and Qi related cores of a targeted individual. Conditions: must have both Light and Spirit Magic to utilize.
New Spell Created: : Whatever you just did, don¡¯t do it again.
Soporific Delta Healing [Tier VIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that slowly heals an individual continuously for twenty-four hours straight. After which they will be completely healed of all damage and wake up exceptionally refreshed. Condition: Must be cast on someone who is already asleep.
Oversized Illusionary Egg Timer (c) [Tier IV]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that produces a timer that counts down from any time less than an hour, whereby the timer explodes in a shower of fireworks once the set time is reached.
New Mixed Spell Created: Family Tree Finder (Branches to Leaf Edition) (C): A Tier IX Life Magic and Silver Spirit Qi spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that attempts to find the immediate family members related to a sample of DNA evidence. By focusing on the unique chromosomes of the target sample, the caster of the spell can identify likely genetic matches for the children of a caster.
Harmonious Magical School Spells
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight A [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components B, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight B [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight C [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight D [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and C to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
Qi Core Rating
Perfect Stage IV Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage IV Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity IV, Body Improvement IV, Movement IV, Qi Core Size IV, Qi Circulation IV, Combat Attacks IV, Aerial Combat IV. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed.
Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
Ephemeral Abilities
Dispel: The ability to counter the ephemeral abilities of other ephemeral magic users.
Glamour: The ability to influence the mind of others through subtle suggestion.
Lesser Time Stasis: A minor variant of the standard Time Stasis ability of the Fae. With this, a person, place, or thing can be momentarily frozen in a moment of time. This can be used to stave off death, to seal wounds before they cause a person to bleed to death, or prevent the melting or breaking of a particularly fragile person, place, or thing.
Bloodline Trait
Bloodline Trait Acquired: Ancient Psychometry: The ability to view the past lives of spirits who long ago left this world and be able to witness, view, and interact with the world of the past. Conditions: Must be standing at the final resting place of someone to activate. User cannot move more than fifty meters away from the initial source of death.
Level 5 Class Evolution (Spell or Perk) Void Healer:
Class Perk Unlocked: Skill Infusion: All skills will be infused by the Void Walker essence, allowing the wielder to receive a 7% bonus to their skill¡¯s base level in the mortal realm, and a 15% bonus while in the spirit realm.
Simulacrum Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Simulacrum Schemes: You have been blessed with the creation of a Simulacrum that is not just like you, but is part of you. As such you can rest assured that every plan they create will work to benefit the both of you. Effect: +50% to Strategy, +50% to Tactics, +50% to Schemes, +50% to Plans.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Boundless Cultivation: You have been blessed with a supreme talent for cultivating that knows no bounds. As such, you can cultivate Qi energy at an astronomical rate. Effect: +50% to Divine Qi Cultivation, + 50% to Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation
Level 10 Class Evolution (Spell , Perk, or Skill) Void Healer
Class Skill Perk Unlocked: Spirit-Magic Spell Creation: With this skill you can create spirit-based magic spells, so long as your Magical Theory and Spell Theory are adequate to generate the spell you wish to make.
Skill Spirit-Magic Spell Creation is an Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Simulacrum Master
New Class Skill Gained: Eidetic Speed Reading has reached level 1.
Class Skill Eidetic Speed Reading is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Skill Gained: Divine Qi Energy Observation
Class Skill Divine Qi Energy Observation is a Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Level 25 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, or Trait) Void Healer
Omni-Healing: Heal any living creature with comparable magical energy.
Simulacrum Master
Positional Switch: You and your Simulacrum have become so intertwined that by just willing it, you can switch geolocational positions with your doppelganger regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Trait (Akashic Qi Master) Unlocked: Celerity: You have heightened your body and mind to such an extent that you can force reality to slow down around you, while you move and react to people and actions around you. Increases movement speed by a factor of one-one hundredth of your Dexterity Score. Current Value: 5.6.
Level 50 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill) Ethereal Healer
Class Perk: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you are able to regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free floating spirit.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Class Perk: Magic Disruption: You have managed to focus your will into dominating the magical spectrum around you. Effect: +100% Range when dueling other magicians, +100% efficacy when dismantling a spell targeted towards you, +100% when trying to alter, diver, or diminish any form of magical energy around you.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Qi Technique Propagator: You have managed to focus your will into creating new Qi Techniques that can be used and trained by all users of Qi. Effect: +100% Ability to Create new Qi Techniques, +100% efficacy of all new Qi Techniques created by you that you use, +100% efficiency in your ability to teach known Qi Techniques to others.
Level 100 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Healing Magic, Nature Magic) Ethereal Healer
Nature Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Nature Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Ethereal Simulacrum Master
Life Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Life Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Akashic Qi Master
(Qi Specialization): Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
Level 200 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Magic, Trait) Ethereal Healer
Energy Status Resonance (Unique): This unique Trait will allow the caster to impart a desired effect of energy onto a willing target who can then mentally comprehend the exact nature of the energy flowing within them, and how that energy is meant to flow.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Positional Teleportation (Unique): This unique Trait will allow you to create a one or two-way portal between yourself and one of your doppelgangers where people, resources, and energy can transfer freely, regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Trait Unlocked: Qi Devourer. The ability to break down Qi related attacks and abilities and devour a portion of the power used in the attack. Success of breaking apart attack equal to a contested (Willpower X appropriate Skills) versus opponent¡¯s (Willpower X appropriate Skills). Able to consume up to half of energy mitigated by this Trait that will be added to an auxiliar core. Once auxiliary core is completely full of absorbed energy, this Trait cannot be used until stolen Qi is utilized in absorber¡¯s body.
Level 250 Auras Ethereal Healer
Generic Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates 1% of the class owner¡¯s overall magic pool per second. Radius of effect equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura of effect be toggled on and off, at a cost of 0.5% mana per second.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Blight-Healing Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of Blight related pathogens around the wielder per second. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana consumption. Note: Due to the nature of this aura, stealth and other obfuscation related skills and abilities will be hindered by an additional 25%.
Akashic Qi Master
Concealed Cultivation Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of people¡¯s ability to identify your individual Qi signature, or cultivation levels. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana or Qi consumption. Note: This aura will not mask magical effects, items, or magical signatures.
Level 300 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Magic, Trait) Ethereal Healer
Class Trait Unlocked: Resurrection: The ability to take a spirit that is otherwise separated from their mortal shell and re-insert the spirit into a similar, or improved version of the mortal shell.
Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master
New Class Perk: Arcane Geomancy Teleportation: The ability for you, or any of your Simulacrum to freely Teleport to any territory that you have personally bonded to through Arcane Geomancy.
Divinely Akashic Qi Master
New Class Perk: Divine Quintessence Rapture: The ability to apply two different types of energy at once to overload, damage, disable, or if need be, destroy a person, place, or thing.
Level 400 Quintessence Ethereal Healer
New Class Perk: Dual Quintessence Healing: The ability to use any two forms of energy simultaneously to produce a healing like effect on a targeted person, place, or thing.
Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master
N/A: Candidate does not reach minimum requirements to unlock this ability.
Divinely Akashic Qi Master
N/A: Candidate does not reach minimum requirements to unlock this ability.
Soulbound Items
Engineering Guild Goggles "EGGs": (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Standard Wizard Adept Gear "SWAG" (Cloak): (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifest)
Silver Level Adventurer¡¯s Card (Necklace): (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
Apothecary Generic Equipment (Gloves): (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
Basic Thieves Mask (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
Spirit Line Ticket: (A permanent first class ticket for you and a friend, 1000 Gold retainer for gambling)
VIP Membership Card to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall
Midnight Hunter''s Guild Recruitment Card
Arcanarus University Diploma: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Master''s Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Confirmed Merit Point Receipt (Soul Bound): You have turned in 9,400,250 experience points for a one time purchase of 0 Merit Points Remaining, which can be redeemed at any specially marked traveling shops.
Personal Thanks: This is a personal note of thanks from Mudrikal Ghaniston, seek him out once you leave the tower to earn a possible reward.
Arcanarus University Surgical Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy and growth rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Soul Bind Item: Midnight Hunter¡¯s Doctorial Uniform: Official uniform worn by those noted as Doctors within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. As long as owner remains within the Midnight Hunters guild they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Mana Capacity, +15% Movement Speed, +15% Silent Movement, +8% Energy Hiding, +2% Energy Efficiency.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Bachelor¡¯s Degree: Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s undergraduate program of knowledge, with a Bachelor¡¯s degree in Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of energy manipulation anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Master¡¯s Degree: Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s Master¡¯s program of knowledge, with a Master¡¯s degree in Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of energy manipulation anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Badges:
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster. 1
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level. 25
New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used) 50 (Gone)
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. GONE
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Empire Dropper (500). You managed to topple a successful industry empire 500
New Feat Recorded: Healer of Valor (250). You have proven yourself to be a healer people can depend upon 250
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher Gone
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead. 250
New Feat Recorded: Gambling Guru (100): You placed fifth or higher in a gambling contest involving 500 people or more. 100
New Feat Recorded: Been Caught Cheating (500): You are banned from all gambling facilities for a period of no less than seven years and nine months. 500
New Feat Recorded: Survive an Audit Through Seduction (500). You are the first person to successfully navigate your way through an audit through deception and seduction alone. 500
New Feat Recorded: Magical Dueling Master (100): You managed to win a magical duel against a reported master in the field. 100
New Feat Recorded: Grand Master Tier Spell Creator (I) (1,000). You managed to create a spell that is at Tier X 1,000
New Feat Recorded: Catching a master thief (100). You singlehandedly caught a master thief who managed to steal hundreds of thousands of cold from a Guild. 100
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Progenitor (10,000): You are the Bloodline Progenitor for the Legendary Bloodline: Enigmatic Arcanist Elves. 10,000
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Awakened (5,000): You have managed to awaken a Legendary Bloodline (Enigmatic Arcanist Elves). 5,000
New Feat Recorded: Princess of a Once Noble Kingdom (1,000): You have been recognized as the next in line of a once noble empire of elves. Increase your empire¡¯s reign to increase the value of this badge. 1,000
New Feat Recorded: Refugee Wrangler (4000): You have been recognized as saving over 2,000 refugees and providing them all with jobs, food, and shelter. 4,000
New Feat Recorded: One Person Army (5,000): You have been recognized for the singular destruction of an advanced army¡¯s compound where you were outnumbered by at least 50 to 1 and eliminated all opponents. 5,000
New Feat Recorded: Mythical Bloodline Awakened (10,000): You have managed to awaken a Mythical Bloodline (Quintessence Ethereal Pixie). 10,000
New Badge Gained: Teleiot¨ªs Taxonomist (1,000): You successfully found and named the new Teleiot¨ªs genus, and two different species therein. 1,000
Prologue VII Prologue VII The shop district right at the heart of Timult, the capital city of the great Legrand Empire, was bustling with life, products, and innovations. There on the polished cobblestone streets were the premier works of artisans, magicians, crafters, engineers, arts, and entertainments. The city existed with a nearly seamless blend of magi-tech, steampunk, and alchemical enhancements. As the night sky began blossom into full darkness, so too did the streets of Timult finally come to life with the full range of wants and depravity that mankind can offer. In the streets of Timult it was said that anything could be purchased for the right price, and that by that very same logic just by going to the streets of Timult at night, everything was for sale. That was the mindset of the Legrand empire, and a mindset that made the military might of Legrand so dominant. This far removed from the front lines of the war, it was easy for many to forget just how devastating war could be. Particularly as all things great and small won during the war were ultimately filtered here, to the heart of the Legrand Empire, where the spoils could be auctioned off. The most prominent of items sold were the unspent Badges of Honor, ones that told their own story of prowess and acclaim. For the right price, any Noble could host the badge of a prominent soldier, wishing to spend their hard-earned stories on a few vices that are only available here. Thus was the grandeur of Timult, the city that never slept, and would sell you off to others if you dared to rest your eyes while on their streets. Banners hung over the streets, denoting victory after victory. On different buildings maps of the newly occupied territories of Legrand Empire could be seen showing yet another country brought under heel. In the streets, everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before the next target of conquest was noted. For nothing could stop the relentless assault of the Legrand Empire. This was just the forty-eight-hour party held free of charge to every true citizen of the empire. By coming here and partaking in the finest foods and drinks that the Legrand Empire had to offer, they could be the first to know what country would be conquered next, and begin preparing to make business arrangements to take advantage of new open markets and sources of revenue that should be claimed and divvied up. All the revelers had to do was stick around, eat, and wait to find out where their next source of income would come from. Even close to midnight, the party was just getting started. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. That was why everyone noticed when it happened. Fwoosh. A giant plume of smoke, dust, and what appeared to be minor traces of a sandstorm appeared out of nowhere. Cough, cough. A thief appeared in the middle of the streets of Timult. A feat that should be impossible given how many anti-magic runes and wards were strewn throughout the city. Yet somehow a storm that all but reeked of supernatural energy blew threw the wide magical opening. The winds were so fierce that they tore down the banners on the north side of the street, the side facing the now open portal. Most had to look away, the fierce winds carrying dirt and debris that instantly stung at the eyes. The arid heat of the scorching winds enough to cause instant pain to anyone who was attending the festivities. For a few of the higher level guards, they began moving forward to try to intercept the lone thief who appeared to be wearing both a thief mask, the advanced EGGs, and seemed to be coated with magic. Silence. Yet, despite the panic and the fact that a few people were clearly trying to scream, nothing could be heard over the billowing winds. ¡°This is Timult right?¡± The thief asked, her voice seemingly able to appear from everywhere and nowhere all at once. Her voice even overpowered the scalding winds that were blowing behind and around her. WHIIIRRRINGGG WINDS! The longer the thief stayed, the more violent storms came through the portal behind her, causing even more of the caustic sands to come through and cause severe damage to a few of the weaker people. ¡°Well?¡± The thief asked, a bit of annoyance seeping into her voice now. By now many people who were on the far side of the portal could only look on in shock as dirt, dust, and sand began pouring out from the far side of the portal. With this, a few of the people wishing to get this over with began nodding their heads. A few tried to open their mouths to speak, only to be met with mouths full of dirt and sand for their hassle. ¡°Okay, about time,¡± the Thief said angrily as she spun around, showing glowing wings that seemed to cut right through the blowing sand around her. Sand that once it made contact with her wings suddenly seemed to gain weight and a bit of moisture, causing it to fall in thick clumps on the ground right below her feet. Feet that were now visibly seen hovering over the ground. ¡°I believe these are yours.¡± The floating girl said, as she seemed to reach in and pull out three large black eggs. Eggs the were the size of giant dragon eggs, if dragons laid eggs the size of small vehicles. Once the three eggs were pulled out from the portal, they were placed right at her feet. Then she spoke again. ¡°I was going to demand to speak to a manager, but I really need to figure out what the heck just happened there.¡± The crazy thief said, as she pointed back through the portal that was violently spewing out dust and sand even now. The Thief then turned to leave, before turning back and seemed to take in the look of everything, before ending her speech with a raised hand as if in a toast ¡°so with that, I bid you adieu and sl¨¤inte mhath!¡± Then just as quickly as she appeared, the little thief left through the very portal that should have been leaving waves of scalding hot winds and sand everywhere. Clothes were ruined, some people were bleeding from the exposure to such violent forces of nature. To make matters worse, the mages that had been on hand could only cower in fear at the sheer overwhelming power that the sands had on them. Then finally as the dust and smoke began to settle, everyone on the north side of the street appeared to be coated in inches of dirt, dust, and debris. While those who had been stationed on the southern side of the street could only look on in horror at the devastations that had occurred right before their eyes. Devastation that took less than a minute to actually occur, but would take days if not longer to fully clean up from the otherwise pristine streets and shops. To make matters worse, was the odd eerie black glow of the three large eggs that had been left behind right in the middle of the street. ¡°What just happened?¡± One person asked, then to his surprise, he looked around before realizing that he could speak. Or at the very least he could hear his own words again. ¡°I can speak?¡± ¡°Same.¡± ¡°What was that?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°My Shop, my beautiful shop!¡± So much havoc occurred in a matter of moments, and worst of all, no one knew exactly what had just happened. Not even the alleged perpetrator of the whole event. Chapter 258 Not In Kansas, Most Likely… Chapter 258 Not In Kansas, Most Likely¡­ Dust. Rolling winds of dust that caused pain almost immediately upon entering. Not searing pain. Not debilitating pain. Rather this was the slow gradual pain that you eventually build up an immunity to once all your sensitive parts of skin are covered. The face and mouth with a handy Thieves Guild Mask. The eyes with a handy set of EGGs with multiple lenses that would normally help improve the way the world was viewed by the wielder. Yet, despite all of this, the raging storm around me. The feeling of my tiny body being picked up and hurled wildly about by the winds, only to stop inches away from being pummeled into the ground. Everything was so odd. The minute I entered here, trying to take an inadvertent shortcut to get to Timult, the Capital city of the Legrand Empire, something went wrong. It took me a moment to realize exactly what had happened. I don¡¯t know if it was the excessive amounts of ephemeral energy that were used to house my three sleeping captives in near permanent Time Stasis pods. Or the way I theoretically tried to break the connections between different realms, to the real world. Well the real game world, but I think I might have accidentally either found a new hidden realm, found a glitch in the matrix, or something else entirely. SHRRRRR! Even now the wind blew around wildly. Where was I? Honestly, I didn¡¯t know. The reason I thought it was a glitch in the matrix was the fact that I was still here. Still able to feel my connection to magic, but it was fading. As soon as that happened, I remembered my new racial flaw that lowered my skills and abilities.
Magical Biome: You are now yourself a being of change. Simply by existing within a given area, you increase the amount of ambient energy, life, and abundance. Warning: Your skills and abilities will be reduced in areas of low magical ability, until an equilibrium can be met.
The only problem was, I thought it would be halved at best, maybe a bit more, but this was worse. I remember the sensation of changing the Legrand Mining area into a magical biome, where my skills and abilities were in fact halved. Yet, being here was somehow worse. Of course, this didn¡¯t stop me. For now, I was intrigued. How could a separate realm exist, one that was apparently anti magic? At least, being a realm of anti-magic was the only thing that seemed to make sense. But even still, I could see and feel everything almost perfectly fine. Despite feeling my attributes drop by more than half. Fortunately for me, even down to just a tenth of my base attributes meant I would be well over a hundred for each attribute. Mentally I check on my attributes to see where they are now that I am clearly being debuffed, but something is wrong. Nothing. Yes, nothing comes up despite my wanting to see my current skill and attribute ratings. This is odd, but I realize that even flying is becoming a bit more cumbersome, as find myself having to fight harder to get through what should by all accounts be a normal sandstorm. Unfortunately for me, my body feels like it is being drained down easily. Most would see this as a warning, a sign to leave the dangerous zone. But my mind can¡¯t accept that. I need to know if I can in fact die here, just by staying. Or will my attributes and skills finally stop dropping? Focusing my will, I feel the thrill of death coming and I wonder if I am truly crazy for wanting to stay. There is a purpose to my madness here. The longer I stay, the more of my diminishing magical energy I can feel getting peeled off of me and added to the surrounding glitch of a zone. Whirr. I focus on being in one precise spot, as I do, I feel a surge of control go to this one tiny spot below me. The process is tough, for mana just blows away in the wind. Qi just splashes away, while ephemeral energy is too rigid and brittle, much like rock candy. Instead, I work on a three-part fusion technique. Qi and mana threads weave together and eventually get coated by thick layers of ephemeral energy. I of course have to do this on the ground as Ephemeral energy requires direct contact. In fact, I am still flying, flapping my wings violently to fight against the storm. But rather than using my wings to fly vertically, I use them to keep myself pressed to the ground. Finally after five different tries, I manage to keep my profile low enough to avoid being ripped away from the ground. While creating a small tiny tether of tri-woven energy that connects me to the ground. Tingle. The minute I manage to get a single strand of all three energy types touching the ground. There is a surge of energy that courses directly into me. ¡°GAHH!¡± For a moment there is push back, as the planet itself seems to fight back, and I feel like I have suddenly grabbed hold of an electric fence. Just as I want to rip my body away, I can¡¯t. Instead, all I can do is feel more and more of my energy being sucked out of my body by the ground. Ground that is sucking me dry like some vampiric mana junkie. In this moment, I wonder if my curiosity will finally kill me. I do have my other Simulacrums. Logically, I should be able to re-meld my consciousness with one of them, but to my surprise I can¡¯t feel them. I even try to do a Positional Switch, nothing. Another Positional Gate, nothing. I even try to reconnect with the Legrand capital, despite having kicked up the hornets nest right there, but nothing. Actually, looking around, I see a few micro tears in the realm around me. Odd that it took me this long to notice them. But each place that I went through looking for the Legrand Capital are there. There is of course the larger one that I first came here through, carrying all three fully charged Time Stasis eggs carrying Cthulhus. Well two Cthuluhus and one person that I need to change to a Cthulhu, but I didn¡¯t have it in me. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. Yeah, odd how being in the ultimate pixie trap, having your magic forcefully sucked away causes a wave of what could you have done better with your life. I know I could have done a few things better. First and foremost, not trying to test out my limits all the time would be a good one. Though that honestly seems boring. In a way, I¡¯d almost say that I¡¯d rather die getting drained in the ultimate pixie trap than one of the many other ways I am likely to suffer. We are going to war after all. Oh, that¡¯s right, the Legrand master plan. I don¡¯t know if it was amateur hour, or not. On the one hand the entire idea sounded absurd. But yet, the more I think about it, the more I can¡¯t help but stop and give the Legrand people credit for devising a way to kill off Mallory and myself in one swift movement. I don¡¯t know if it was inspired, or what, but they were going to have a grouping of thirty level 1s join the delegation with First Kill Daggers.
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
The moment I think of that item, my own memories of the dagger come to mind. Again, not through the use of the system, but through memory of how many times I read and reread that message. To make matters worse, there was a lot of planning that went along into this. First and foremost, the planning happened a while ago, at least twenty-eight days. Almost exactly when we started our A Permanent Treaty quest, something we thought would be impossible. Normally this would be, other than the fact that Legrand has had a system in place for years now of having two or more people be reincarnated into their empire with First Kill Daggers. Once I heard the plan, it all made sense. Everything, from how quickly the Legrand Empire was able to topple governments to how they were always able to take out key individuals in decisive battles. With a near constant supply of users buying cheat powers like First Kill Daggers, the outcome was simple to understand. Honestly, I was surprised that I had never heard of such tactics beforehand, but now that I have I can¡¯t help but appreciate the ruthlessness of the actions. Also, apparently due to the heightened awareness, Legrand Empire officials managed to pay an expedited transfer fee that made it so key individuals would be pushed ahead in the upload line. Cutting their transfer time in half from thirty days to fifteen days. Meaning the Legrand Empire apparently found out about our political marriage and decided not only to crash it, but to use the confusion of the event to mask their presence. There was something else, of course there was, this was Legrand after all. Namely the fact that the way these would be assassins would pay for their three use First Kill Daggers would be from having all the new transfers also purchase the Child (Flaw). Of course there is just one problem with that scenario. All the children start off at seven years old, which yes would likely have passed our normal scrutiny. Particularly with the way we have been accepting children right and left into our empire. But the one thing that everyone forgot was that all children start with attributes at 1 point each and no skills. They are blank canvases. Just thinking about that reminds me of my doing deep knee bends to try to get enough attribute points to move around and not die. Still, it was a good plan. Ruthless, and makes me absolutely hate the enemy, but also lets me know just how far they are willing to go to win. It also helped shed light on just how the Legrand Empire had been able to win so easily. To no real surprise, Mallory was apparently already aware of the Legrand Empire¡¯s tactic of accepting two people a day who had First Kill Daggers into their empire and quickly Teleporting them to where they were most needed. We were all offended when it was noted how the normally notoriously cheap Legrand Empire had funded a mass expedited exodus of would be murderers who would come for the wedding. Though now that we knew the issue, I already had a few plans in place to stop them. Odd how being close to death, and having the very lifeforce of your energy pulled from your body makes you realize just how much you lack when compared to the enemies of your empire. Slurrp. Then just when I think I was sucked dry of every last ounce of energy I had, the sensation of energy being pulled from me suddenly and blessedly stopped. Collapse. I drop to the ground, unable to move or fight any more. Then I wait for death to take me, as I am clearly bone dry. At least that was my thought, until I realize that the world around me has settled down slightly. There is still a storm that is raging on, but that is far away. For the moment, I managed to calm the raging tempest around me. ¡°You are rather foolish for being here.¡± A wizened female voice calls out. ¡°Huh?¡± I ask, turning my head to face the speaker. Only to realize that for whatever reason the range of my Angel¡¯s Sight has been reduced. There is a moment where I freeze out of fear, before I realize that it isn¡¯t reduced, but gone entirely. This is the first time in years, I am using my actual eyes. Eyes that have a very blurred vision in front of them as the EGGs I am wearing are covered in dust and scratches. I have to take off my EGGs in order to actually see. With that, my eyes take in the form of a spirit. I¡¯m trying to understand the importance of this realm. Some form of anti-magic realm, which would make sense as to why my Angel¡¯s Sight no longer works here. But how am I not blind? Then I remember that I never actually took the flaw Blind, but rather it was a condition that was forced upon me due to my Angel¡¯s Sight. Did this mean that this realm could negate merits and flaws? Clearly that seemed to be the case, for here I was able to see. ¡°You are not from her are you little one?¡± The old voice calls out. Blinking a few times I take in the form of a perfect elf before me. Well a perfect form of a spiritual elf before me. ¡°Is this a realm of the dead and anti-magic?¡± I ask, saying the two things that come to mind. This is the only thing that makes sense. I first got here from going from the Arcanarus Tower which is in the spirit realm. Then rather than going to the normal mortal realm, I tried to cut out a step and go straight to Legrand. But rather than going directly to Legrand, I somehow ended up here. Tinkling bells. The old elf laughs in a majestic way that reminds me of wind chimes lightly fluttering in the wind. ¡°This realm as you call it is not dead, at least not anymore.¡± She says turning her full gaze and attention towards me. Hearing that, I let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Oh good,¡± I say, then feel my body collapse slightly as I try to take in everything. ¡°You need to go, this place is not meant for you. At least not right now. Give me time, and I will take what you have provided to see if we can go about bringing peace to this place.¡± The lady said. Hearing that, I could only nod in agreement. Even now, I was finding it hard to focus on much. While my attributes and skills had dropped in efficiency a lot, I still could focus enough to realize this place was dangerous. Particularly with how drained I was. Yet, despite everything going on, I could feel my spark, my inner flames of energy slowly increasing. Pausing for a moment, the spirit elf hesitated and seemed to stare straight into my flames of energy and cultivation. I could almost feel the physical want radiating off of her in waves. I stare up at her, and wonder if she is somehow going to kill me, despite being somewhat peaceful looking in nature and appearance. Licking her lips once, she seems to reign in her attention before forcing out a long slow breath and regaining her composure. ¡°You should probably go.¡± The lady says locking gazes with me again, but this time that mad look for power is missing from her eyes. ¡°Yeah, probably.¡± I say, dusting myself off as I look around for the exit. By now most of the spatial tears I used to get here are closed. Only a thin line of magical scar tissue remains, showing a faint sheen in the air, leaving only two tears that have not fully healed. The one where I first came from, and the one where I went through to find Timult. Seeing the two, I clearly go towards the one in the Arcanarus Tower, mainly because I know on the other end is a library full of now sentient books and Fae that are helpful and would likely provide assistance. Moving over, I find myself stumbling a bit, ephemerally coated dust from my where the dust came in contact with my wings forms and then falls off in clumps as I move forward. I pause, seeing how the clumps of energy fall to the ground, only to land and then be absorbed quickly by an excessively greedy ground. Going to the portal exit, I nearly panic. This is the same way anyone would panic when they are suddenly locked out of their car in a deserted parking lot with someone you think is a serial killer waiting right behind you. For an instant, my magic doesn¡¯t work. Then after an intense moment of focus, I feel my fingers begin to slide into the sealed wound between realms and I am instantly flooded with a surge of blessedly cool spirit energy. This is the same way one might feel when struggling in hundred-degree summer heat, only to then find an air-conditioned building that instantly lets you know you are safe from heat stroke. This is the same, I was safe. So long as my fingers didn¡¯t slip, I could quickly recuperate my energy and open the spatial tear more easily. With the opening, I also feel a deep connection to my magic and my Simulacrums once again reform. Followed by just the sheer calm of having access to a realm I created, or at least nurtured with my Arcane Geomancy. Another oddity is that beyond the tear, I can feel my sight picking up with my sonar effect of my Angel¡¯s Sight, while on this side of the tear, I can only see that I am looking forward into the tear. Pausing for a moment I turn to look for the old elven spirit. Logically I expect her to be the few feet away, where she seemed perfectly content to stand and watch me stumble and crawl my way to freedom. Yet, when I turn, I do a jump scare as I realize she is but inches away. Apparently, she too felt the residual breeze of cool energy flowing from my spatial tear and looked calm. I wonder if this is one of those moments when you awaken an ancient horror that was purposefully left sealed in an energy less void hoping to keep the ancient being in a coma, only to inadvertently stumble across said eldritch horror, awaken them from their slumber and then show them the fastest route to an all you can eat buffet? Seeing her, and the intense stare she is now giving me, I quickly pull my hand out from the rift and decide to instead use part of my regenerated energy to seal the hole completely shut. ¡°Right, I forgot I parked my car over here¡­¡± I say, fully sealing up the entrance to the Arcanarus Tower, and then going across the creepy parking lot, to find the last remaining exit, the one to Timult, and quickly tear open that closing rift and enter the place that looks like an explosion of dust landed in it. With the seal open, I decide to leave instantly. Not taking time to wait and seal the open void shut behind me, I go. Expecting the creepy elven spirit to follow me through to the land of Timult. Then the moment I am through and feel full access to my full range of powers I instantly cast my new Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrum power Arcane Geomancy Teleportation. Poof. Instantly, I am in my realm, not just in my realm, but in my classroom, where I feel the most safe. For a second I wonder why I didn¡¯t go to my office to rest, but then realize that is relatively new to me and not the first place I envisioned for safety. ¡°Your back?¡± A surprise Jhonny asks. Startle. ¡°Holy goodness, do not do that!¡± I all but scream as I clutch my chest wondering just how much I missed by being in that odd realm. Even now, I realize I¡¯m having a hard time focusing, as my mind, body, and soul all feel like they are finally able to expand and recover from that near death experience I had. ¡°What happened to you? Trouble with your delivery?¡± Jhonny asked. I looked at him, I realized that was the plan I had given before I left. ¡°No, the delivery went well. Well as well as could be expected.¡± Then pausing, I realize that meeting that odd eldritch horror of an elf spirit might not be as well as could be expected. In fact, I am pretty sure that was not expected at all. ¡°You know what, I think it is safe to say that there might have been a few problems with the delivery.¡± I reply nodding to myself and trying to be honest. ¡°Anything that we should be worried about?¡± Jhonny pressed, clearly trying to talk around the subject of Legrand invading. ¡°From them, no.¡± I say and actually mean it, and I wonder if that eldritch horror did in fact follow me. That creature sent shivers down my own spine. ¡°So, your talk went well then?¡± He asked. I trying to understand what he was talking about. Then I realized he was talking about my quip about talking to a manager. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t even talk to them,¡± then feeling slightly defeated, I wait as I try to take a moment to see everything that was happening, and realize I just needed a nap. A nice long nap, where I could rest and hopefully fully recover from whatever it was that the odd anti-magic realm did to me. ¡°Though if you will excuse me and tell the others, I am going to take a nap.¡± ¡°A nap?¡± ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m allowed one right?¡± I ask, suddenly feeling tired and a bit angry that my nap might be denied. ¡°Oh, no, you are. In fact, I think we all would feel much better if you did.¡± Jhonny said. ¡°Going to throw a party?¡± I ask, a bit sarcastically. Only to be surprised to see Jhonny mostly nod in agreement. ¡°Something like that. You know what, you take the time off and take as much time as you need.¡± He quips. I pause, trying to realize what is happening. Then I realize where he is, and I realize it is almost time for day five of the Qi Manifestation¡¯s mid-term exam. ¡°This is so you don¡¯t have to take the final day of my Qi Manifestation exam?¡± I ask. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s just a happy coincidence.¡± Jhonny says, trying to sound placating. ¡°Fine, tell the others that today¡¯s Qi Manifestation exam is cancelled. Though let others know I will be up and ready for my remaining classes.¡± I sigh, remember my promise to Mallory. ¡°I¡¯ll even be there for the Legendary Bloodline Awakening midterm exam.¡± Hearing that, Jhonny just exhales and looks like he dodged a bullet. ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t worry about a thing. I¡¯ll take care of everything.¡± Jhonny says, more than excited, but I am currently too exhausted. ¡°Thanks,¡± I manage to say as I focus on the safest most comfortable place to nap. Casting Arcane Geomancy Teleportation one more time, I find myself in the lair of a very pregnant Ms. Kujo. There on her thick and fluffy soft pregnancy fur is my other simulacrum just resting and sleeping with a contented smile on her face. As I arrive, I can see the moment she looks momentarily flustered at my sudden and abrupt appearance. It is clear she is about to give me one of my own excuses for why she was sleeping. ¡°Move over,¡± is all I manage before I too am there on Ms. Kujo¡¯s thick fur and letting my multiple overlapping healing auras instantly delve into Ms. Kujo¡¯s body and relieve her pains. Slurp. I get one thank you lick from Ms. Kujo. That or maybe she is trying to get high off of my wing dust, regardless of her reason, I pat her back. Then drift off to a much deserved sleep. Chapter 259 A Quick Power Nap Chapter 259 A Quick Power Nap The moment I relaxed my mind and rested, I felt my perspective shift and twist as my consciousness split from one point of input to four. And not just for one moment but for hours, then days, then weeks. Most of the activities were routine. First Simulacrum and Second Simulacrum spent most of their time reading whole catacombs of stories and subjects. During the melding of minds, I was met with a surprising number of rare and or unique skills. Though to be honest, most seemed like they were tailored for my recent rendezvous with the odd world that seemed to absorb mana and drain you dry slowly. Not only that but the libraries seemed to be pulling similarly themed skills that were linked in progression. Take for instance the new rare skill gained from my First Simulacrum.
New Skill Gained: Energy Depletion Resonance has increased to level 1.
Energy Depletion Resonance is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
New Skill Gained: Void Analytics has increased to level 1.
Void Analytics is a Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Compared to the skills I gained from my Second Simulacrum.
New Skill Gained: Advanced Energy Depletion Resonance has increased to level 1.
Advanced Energy Depletion Resonance is a Percetion X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X4 based skill.
New Skill Gained: Filling the Void has increased to level 1.
Filling the Void is a Dexterity, Endurance X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
There was definitely a theme there. Worst of all, the images and information portrayed seemed like it could have come in extremely handy while I was almost dying. The Void wasn¡¯t a real thing, but rather a concept, an idea. A warning. The story was about a planet that once housed all forms of magical life was inhabited by millions of life forms, all of which were allowed to use and draw for the magic that it offered in abundance. Then slowly for whatever reason the inhabitants of the planet began to leave, trying to go out and explore new worlds and planets. As each race of creature left, they also took a fraction of the power the world had offered them. These were all stories of the apocalypse, where the skill was only gained after reading multiple series that all ultimately spoke of a singular planet of power. One that was eventually stripped bare of its natural resources by people who left and then came back, only to end up taking more of the sacred energy of the planet. Energy that was then taken to once again, go out and conquer more of the universe. Yet, they didn¡¯t seem to realize the issue. At least that is what I took the story as, a warning. Or maybe an allegory? Always hard to realize what exactly the difference between the two were. Then after the updates on skills, the boosts to experience from completing so many different reading related tasks for so many days. I still find it to be the most enjoyable effect that not just my reading, but having my Simulacrums read and pass along information gives me experience points.
Cumulative Experience Gained: 75,080 / 37,540 / 37,540 Ding. Level up. Divinely Akashic Qi Master has increased by one level to level 327. Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by one level to level 358. Quintessential Ethereal Healer has increased by one level to level 485.
Once again, I was getting close to another major level. Namely my level 500 threshold for being a healer, which would be both a class upgrade and a new or upgradable aura. Honestly, that was an extra headache that I was not yet ready to deal with. Also, it was clear that the experience that I got for both breaking all the thirty-five instances of Fae Time Stasis, along with my helping thirty-four of those people achieve their written goals for their Royal Bloodline awakening process gave me a total of 1.7 million experience points. Which Equated to 870K for my primary class, and of course 435K for my secondary and tertiary classes. Which put all of my Attributes at a very respectable rating for all.
Physical Base Bonus Social Base Bonus Mental Base Bonus
Strength 166 1099 Personality 135 1195 Perception 245 2722
Dexterity 207 1917 Sociability 133 1199 Intelligence 235 3065
Endurance 191 1335 Attractiveness 117 Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. 2591 Willpower 249 4005
I was surprised that I finally broke the four thousand Attribute threshold for bonus Willpower. Also, looking at the advancement showed that my Base Willpower was almost at the new maximum limit. Meaning I would likely have to find another way to increase my base maximums. That or maybe start focusing on my other Attributes. I know my Physical Attributes are doing well, but really, this sadly shows me just how anemic my social skills are. Which is odd, as there are five of me, meaning I should talk a lot, right? Though part of me realizes that my worrying about Attributes that are only a few dozen points above most people¡¯s maximum rating for Attributes is a bit much, I see it as something that is entirely needed. Particularly in the new Void Realm, where you get your energy drained away from you constantly. Still, I have to say that the information that is provided by my Simulacrums is very well received. For in addition to the new stories and information gained from First and Second Simulacrums. My Third and Fourth Simulacrums also had a lot of information to pass along. Third Simulacrum was scouting out the general theme of the 300th floor of the Arcanarus Tower, and found that it was a pirate theme. One that I really wanted to get involved with, especially as my ship the Prankenstein is easily the fastest and soon to be most durable and capable of ships. Only now in my dream-like state, where I slowly unwind my mind and let my thoughts relax a little, do I realize that I have not used Arcane Geomancy on my Prankenstein ship. For a moment I have a dream of my ship becoming its own sentient version of the Flying Dutchman, complete with ability to wield and deploy Glitter Bombs, Illusionary Arrays, and a myriad of other defensive capabilities that will allow the two of us to work in tandem to sneak aboard different vessels, steal treasures and escape into the night unseen. Tingle. My cold little heart tingles at the ability to conduct pirate operations against other pirates, and for the first time be able to keep my treasures, thanks to the fact that I no longer have to suffer through the Broke flaw. As soon as I have that thought, my mind of course races to the next thought of how I first learned all my thieving skills from many trainers, the most important of which being good old Mickey Eight-Toes. The man who I have entrusted to act as my second in command for my own Thieves Guild. Of course, that reminds me that I am the worst as I have not even checked in on the Thieves Guild, or old Mickey since assigning him the position, and straddling him with hundreds of new children to train. Yet, something else I need to add to my to do list. For a moment, I think about getting up and working. Especially as I cancelled the Qi Manifestation training for this morning and I¡¯m just wasting time. I¡¯m about to get up, when I pause to realize that Zero, my bonded familiar is not in my arm resting for the two of us. In panic, I flail about, trying to find out what happened, only to see Zero caught in between a Cassie sandwich as the little scamp worked his way free and then snuggled between my Simulacrum and myself, while getting warmed by the amazingly soft fur of Ms. Kujo. For a moment, I think about getting up, but then I realize this is likely one of those perfect moments that I will look back on and wish I had enjoyed a bit longer. Relaxing my mind for a second time, I feel the deluge of so much information being funneled into my mind from my other Simulacrums stop. Then in that moment of calm, I find my mind relaxed enough to finally go to sleep. *** The world has changed. Once again, I find myself inside that new Void Realm. At least that is what I consider that realm to be, and so far, all the literature I¡¯ve found seems to denote it as such. For a moment, I panic. As I wonder first how I got here, and second I worry about having my whole body drained the way I had felt moments ago. Fortunately, nothing happens. Only after a few seconds of watching do I realize that I¡¯m not really here, but rather my mind is here. I can also tell that my thoughts are in the Void Realm, due to the environment. There at the very center of a raging sandstorm, stands one tiny island of calm in a sea of disruption. That tiny island is of course the island of solidified mana, Qi, and ephemeral energy that are all clinging desperately to one particular area. Even now, I can see the time lapsed images of how the storms will slowly devour the tiny island of life, in the sea of destructive chaos. There are also signs of life, a small tree sprouting from one of the clumps of energy from my back that fell like a clump of ephemeral mud. Standing over the tiny tree is the ancient elven spirit. For a moment, it is an image of awe and wonder. The tiny sapling begins to grow and sprout first one branch, then a second, followed shortly by tiny leaves on each. However, there is a problem, the tree, like all things requires energy to grow. So just as the tree begins to grow, the energy around it, the protective land of life that appeared in the vast sandy desert of relentless sandstorms begins to shrink. The old spirit watches the tree struggling for life, fighting to grow, but ultimately draining more and more of the energy around it, energy that is not native to the environment around it. Time continues to pass, while I don¡¯t know how fast time is going, it is clear that this is more than the amount of growth a normal tree could have in a single day. The old witch just stares at the sapling, bending over to take it in. Somewhere during this time she got an old gnarled staff that she uses for balance against the sand. She watches it as if it is some odd science experiment that should erupt into an active volcano, but instead just sits there, growing and using up so much of the magical resources around it, that its roots finally grow past the protective magical boundary. A boundary that is constantly shrinking around it. At this point, I too am curious about what will happen. Can the tree survive on its own? What exactly is happening? As if feeling my thoughts, or perhaps finally noticing the fact that my consciousness is here, watching not only the sapling but her spiritual reaction to the plant, she pauses. Then she seems to look expectantly from me to the plant. A plant that is now starting to wither as parts of it grow past the protective magical barrier around it. Is she letting it die? I find myself thinking. Then just as I have that thought, the spirit angrily glares at me. Fear. In that one glare, I experience true fear. That is the look of death. Not only that, but the look spoke volumes, and let me realize something. That spirit couldn¡¯t do anything. She had no magic. Just as I was getting drained, she who had been there for so long had been sucked dry. Somehow able to move about by sheer willpower alone. At least, that is what I gathered from that brief connection we had. At my realization she seems to nod to herself, before staring back at the tree. There we both watch the tree who is in its final stages of life and death. By now the tree continues to consume the energy around it to grow and repair the damage it has caused. But that only causes the residual energy to wear out twice as quickly, as the tree quickly begins to burn away the last bit of resources it has, until everything is gone. Then we both watch as the sapling crumbles to dust, and then slowly that dust gets picked up by the constantly blowing sandstorm around, until its shape and form are gone, leaving behind an empty spot where it stood. *** GASP! I awake to realize that I had apparently been holding my breath for so long that I was forcefully ejected from my slumber. Startle. My sudden awakening causes a massive chain effect of slumbering people awakening. Zero charges to life, swimming up and instantly going into a fighting pose. ¡°What? Who is it?¡± Zero asks, whipping his head around violently trying to identify any source of trouble. Even our bed, Ms. Kujo, also startles to a one-quarter sitting position as she tries to see what would possibly spook me. ¡°Sorry, sorry, false alarm.¡± I say, calming myself down as I wonder what the heck that dream was about. Also, I wonder just how scarry that ancient spirit truly is. I could all but feel malice and anger radiating from her, but yet despite all of that, she didn¡¯t seem to react to me at all. For a moment I wonder why, but then remember that my last name Spiritlight means that I am at least neutral to all spirits. Realizing that, does that mean I would have been attacked by that clearly unhinged ancient guardian spirit had my last name been something different? Then before I could get too lost in my own thoughts, Zero pulled me back to the present. ¡°What happened?¡± Zero asked. ¡°I just¡­¡± I said, pausing to wonder if any world first announcements appeared to narc me out. But then realizing that nothing was said, I begin to wonder if it wasn¡¯t that big of a deal. With that, I just shake my head and answer truthfully. ¡°I apparently have really weird dreams.¡± Hearing that, Zero just turns to face me as he seems to take me in. ¡°Anything we should be aware of?¡± Zero presses, a note of concern in his voice. ¡°I mean, the dream was fairly generic as far as nightmares go. In the Void Realm, there was a master spirit that saw a tree I planted try to grow, only to be eroded away by the way it grew too quickly.¡± I state, before continuing. ¡°Likely a metaphor.¡± ¡°A metaphor for what?¡± ¡°Hopefully ways to be a better horticulturalist?¡± I respond. ¡°Uh-huh.¡± Zero states, clearly not buying what I am offering up. There is a moment of pause, as four sets of eyes all stare at me. Two from the Kujos, one from Zero, and the final from my own Simulacrum, who stares oddly. That would have to be the tell, the way she stares so vacantly. Then I wonder if I seem to stare vacantly as well? ¡°So what should we do?¡± Zero asks, clearly trying to get me to act on some of this information. At this point, I try to remember the checklist I had before going to sleep. There were a few things that I wanted to do, things that I would either need to take care of today, or let them slide for yet more time. That¡¯s when I remember my thoughts on more of my obligations that I passed off to others. ¡°Want to come with me and check in on Mickey eight toes?¡± I ask. ¡°Your old instructor?¡± Zero asks. For a moment I paused, wondering how he knew about Mickey, but then realized he was with me when we rescued Mickey from Plativia. At least he was in tattoo form on my arm, which means he does get my memories of that time, despite not being able to contribute due to his sleeping. ¡°Yeah, want to go say hi?¡± ¡°Yawn, sure.¡± Zero says, stretching and seeming to have a hard time waking up. ¡°You tired?¡± I ask, wondering if he is okay. ¡°A little bit,¡± Zero replies, before continuing. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you did, but sometime after you left the Arcanarus Tower, I got excessively tired.¡± Hearing that, I instantly know he is talking about my time in the Void Realm, but I have to ask. ¡°Wait you don¡¯t remember going to the Void Realm?¡± ¡°Void what now? I remember you taking the three infiltrators from Arcanarus Tower, and then reappearing in Timult, but nothing in between.¡± Zero states, before continuing. ¡°Speaking of which, I am still really tired and think I could use another nap.¡± Slink. With that Zero, not even waiting for my reply flies straight towards me and instantly melds with my arm becoming his customary tattoo form. Realizing how tired he is now, and how he needed to break free from me to actually go to sleep separately, I realize whatever happened to me in the Void Realm also had a major impact on Zero as well. This frightened me, as I suddenly wondered if Zero was the tree that I saw withering away. Or if that was yet another obscure metaphor for something else entirely. Or maybe it wasn¡¯t a metaphor at all, and was the odd spirit¡¯s way of telling me that there was a tree there that I could save if I went back to give the tree some love and attention. So many things, but first things first. I need to check in on Mickey and see how my Thieves Guild is doing. Finding Mickey is easy, as his aura stands out easily to my mind, as I¡¯ve spent many hours in his presence. Poof. The minute I arrive, I realize I might have been a bit late with my Guild Leader duties. ¡°AHHHH!!¡± Kinds were screaming wildly, as they ran around the open classroom where a very bedraggled Mickey Eight Toes was desperately trying to get through a lesson, while easily avoiding random knives and other weapons being hurled in his direction. ¡°Stop that, you know that is not proper form!¡± Mickey chided, but seeing him struggle, I realized this might have been too much of a task for anyone to accomplish, even Mickey. For a moment, I wondered what to do to help. Then I saw the moment a little hooligan diverted their throwing target away from Mickey and towards me instead. Clink-clank, clatter. I easily knocked aside all the weapons thrown at me with Telekinesis, before taking a moment to center myself. ¡°Hello Mickey, you look like you could use a break. What do you say, I take over here for a moment.¡± I say, my voice sweet like honey. Mickey who looked extremely tired and exhausted paused for a moment. ¡°You sure?¡± Clink-clatter. More weapons were thrown by the kids. Kids who had pushed kind Mickey farther than he could apparently handle. ¡°Oh yeah, I¡¯ve got this. Give me about ten minutes to get the little tykes all settled down.¡± I respond. ¡°If you''re sure, they are quite the handful?¡± Mickey pressed. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure.¡± I respond. Mickey took that for what it was, nodded once and then quickly left the room. Slamming the door behind him, as he braced his body against the door. Seeing his reaction to leaving and being granted a small reprieve, I realized we were beyond half measures and placating gestures. It was time to fully express myself and how discontented I was at the action of these kids. And that¡¯s just what I did¡­ Chapter 260 Time Out, A Safe Place For Kids… Chapter 260 Time Out, A Safe Place For Kids¡­ Danger. There was an odd tingling sensation going off in my mind. One that told me kids, people that were young, impressionable, and most of all disenfranchised due to war were now here under my care. I had asked for them to be here, as such, it was now my responsibility to ensure that they were taken care of. My goal had been to make sure these kids had training, skills to fall back on, a place to feel safe. Apparently, we had gone too quickly. Not only did the kids feel safe, but they became wild. They seemed to want, no need to act out. That¡¯s when I realized all of this was their form of trying to get attention. Well most, there were a few clear instigators, people who were regressors like me. People who had taken a second shot at life and began life with the Child flaw. Whether this was their first or last life didn¡¯t really matter, as they were older and should theoretically know better. This was how they seemed to hold sway over the other students, and seemingly encourage the blatant outbursts from the other students due to their indifference. How could I tell that these were fellow regressors? It¡¯s odd, and subtle. By all accounts there should be no difference, at least nothing that should be gained from a single glance. Instead, there were multiple subtle cues that spoke of everything. There were the ways their souls seemed somewhat tainted. A child¡¯s aura, that is their true aura is boundless and wild, able to be crafted and molded as needed to survive or meet their individual curiosities. These regressors on the other hand had auras that were deformed, or jaded. Sharper in some areas, while lacking the ability to expand and adapt that the others had. Almost like each of these regressors knew where and how they wanted to evolve when they eventually became old enough to get their classes. Those were of course the students I mentally tagged with my own markers. As for the other hooligans, and right now they were hooligans, wild children that were lashing out in a safe spot, as they finally felt a semblance of control. Even if that control was to try to instill anarchy into a beneficial situation. Their actions proving their own ability to enact change and control over the world around them, even if that control is used to break something beautiful. I can respect that. However, just because I can respect the students and their actions, that does not mean I have to accept their actions. That is why I decided to go full teacher mode. Now that Mickey was gone, and it was just me and the students I took a deep breath and began channeling my inner Marry Poppins. ¡°You have until I get to the count of three, to calm down. Or I will put you all into time out.¡± I state, my voice amplified by magic to sink into the mind of all students within the class, even drowning out all other background noises. Then before I can even begin to count, the kids go wild. ¡°Haha!¡± A few of the little monsters cry out as they hurl spit balls, trash, and an assortment of weapons at me. Splash. While my Danger Sense did help me block, dodge, or deflect the various weapons. It failed to do anything to help warn me of the impending debris that still managed to splatter on me and the area surrounding me. ¡°You can¡¯t make us do¡­¡± One kid, the lead kid calls out mockingly. But before he could get any further in his comment, I shout, ¡°three!¡± Then with a fierce application of Wind magic, I create a burst of wind that blows from behind me and slams forward into the crowd of students. While the winds were not of a lethal level, they were of a violent gale force wind. One powerful enough to cause and debris being flung forward to instantly reverse its trajectory and go right back to sender. Splat. The few remaining lobbed projectiles made their way back to the instigator, or in some cases the person behind the initial instigator. But I was not done. For as the wind blew from behind me, I made sure the mana grabbed hold of the ephemeral energy particles that I was manifesting in the form of my ephemeral wings and carried that same pixie dust up and out wards, towards the mass of students. The result caused a cascading wall of egg-shaped domes to land on the students directly in front of me and slowly grow back. Almost in the way a wall of ice would suddenly spring up and envelope the unsuspecting kids in a cocoon of cold. However, the cocoon was not cold to the touch, but rather warm. Many of the students in the back tried to move, tried to leave, but they soon found their bodies held in place by Telekinetic hands that firmly grabbed them and held them in place, all while gusts of wind carried clumps of charged ephemeral energy right at the students, coating each and every student in a thin layer of the substance. This was not an elegant blending of magic energy types by any measure. More crude than refined, but it was still the first time I managed to bypass the main limitation of ephemeral energy, that of needing direct skin contact, in a productive manner that gave the intended effect. Of note, the children that were being held in place with a Telekinetic grip required less overall energy to being their time in the Time Stasis spell of Fae magic. There are a few practical applications of Fae magic that I have been exposed to, Glamour, Charms, and Time Stasis in all. I¡¯m sure there are more, like being able to force physical change on a body. Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. My wings and Mallory¡¯s scythe are two examples of direct physical changes that can be performed by ephemeral energy. I¡¯m sure there are more examples of where and how physical changes can be forced by ephemeral energy, but most would be fleeting. Maybe the whole Cinderella story could be done by ephemeral energy, creating a set of dazzling clothes that accentuate the body and form of the wielder. Not exactly sure how to make a glass slipper calling card that remains after the ephemeral energy left, unless the shoe was the source of the power, and thus losing the one shoe caused the partial glamour effect to dissolve. I don¡¯t know, there are so many things that need to be tested with this arguably the most powerful of energies. Why is it the most powerful of energies? Well simple, ephemeral energy by its very nature allows us to mold and shape the world to our imagination, one swath of personal bubble space at a time. When used in conjunction with mana, the range of ephemeral energy increases dramatically, as proven here. There is a pause, a moment when silence overtakes the room as each student begins to grow a massive cocoon around them. Unlike the dark black cocoons that I returned to Timult, these are clear and show the look of horror on the faces of the kids inside. Well horror, shock, and a myriad of other faces they were making when their bodies were frozen in time. Silence. I pause, taking a moment to enjoy the silence. Then I make sure to cast Forced Selective Hearing over the entire classroom. This way even though the student¡¯s bodies are held in place inside a protective barrier, my words can easily make it into their mind and be heard. ¡°Good, now that we have that settled. This is Time Out. You all are perfectly safe here. There is nothing that can get you while you are in Time Out. Use these moments to pause and reflect on the opportunities that you have been given here. You do not have to be here. Know that your coming here is completely at your own discretion. Meaning you can leave at any time.¡± I pause, before wolf whistling. Or I try to, I still can¡¯t. I curl my tongue, I put the fingers in my mouth, but still nothing. I don¡¯t understand how Mallory does it, and it still bothers me. ¡°KUJO!¡± I shout, adding a flare of mana behind the words so that they ring out past the hidden confines of this underground training center. A center that is clearly part of an old elven building of some kind. Just by looking around with my Angel¡¯s Sight, I am sensing that this will become its own deep Labyrinth of traps and trials that will serve the Thieves Guild well. Then once that moment of introspection is over, I continue talking. Realizing that either Kujo will come, or he won¡¯t, but regardless I still have a classroom of children to wrangle in before Mickey comes back from his break. This means I need to make sure I nail the landing so I don¡¯t have to keep coming here and checking in on these kids. ¡°That said, as one of the disciplinarians here, it is my job to ensure that this is a safe place for you all to learn skills that can help you survive just a bit longer once you are old enough. This means that it is my job to make sure that you don¡¯t hurt yourself or others.¡± I state as I begin darting around between different stasis pods, touching a few and recharging the timer with a dollop of ephemeral energy each. This way it has both an intimate and eerie point to it, as I know the kids can see my fingers dance around where their necks would be. ¡°Know that it is a fine line between being a student of these hallowed halls, and a person that is forever excommunicated.¡± I state. ¡°ARF!¡± Almost as if on perfect timing Kujo chooses that moment to appear and bark right at the center of the classroom. ¡°Thank you for coming Kujo, will you show what happens to those who are noted as excommunicated by our syndicate?¡± I ask. ¡°GRRRAAWWWRRR!¡± Kujo roars loudly, I make sure to force his growl to go full force into the minds of the children as well. With that I nod at Kujo, a smile filling my lips causing Kujo to sit and preen happily at the front of class. As he does, his tongue comes out and releases a bit of his saliva. Sizzle. Saliva that drops down to the floor and begins to burn away a portion of the flat stone flooring. ¡°Oh, look at you Kujo, you are such a good boy.¡± I state, before Teleporting over to him and scratching him behind his ears. Slurp. Kujo takes that same acidic tongue and slurps it over me. Oddly enough, the tongue feels just fine. Maybe it is a protection of my layer of ephemeral dust that constantly seems to cover me now. Or maybe Kujo can just tell when he needs to ham it up with burning acid saliva. Either way, the end result is clear. Kujo is safe, sound, and happy. While I am at it, I go ahead and decide to mark out the three regressors, as a precaution to Kujo. ¡°That said, you all have a blank slate.¡± I begin, but then pause. ¡°Or rather you all had a blank slate. But now that I am here, acting in my official capacity as a disciplinarian, I feel I must take action.¡± I pause, letting those words sink in. I can all but feel the nervous tension building up from the kids who, while completely safe inside their stasis pods, know that that safety is an illusion. One that I grant them to have. ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve determined that there are three instigators that are now one strike away from being excommunicated from this order.¡± I state. Poof. In an instant I Teleport over to the pod containing the first regressor. ¡°This one,¡± I state, tapping on the pod and sending a thread of ephemeral energy and spiritual mana as a spike through the capsule to the head of the disruptive child. The minute the energy lands, it begins to swirl into a bright glowing mark on their forehead that glows in the same way a magical tattoo would. ¡°GRRR!¡± As I make the mark, Kujo always so smart begins to growl, directing his full attention and snarling teeth at the first marked regressor child. Once that mark is complete, I immediately Teleport to the next regressor capsule. Poof. ¡°This is number two,¡± I state. As I move, I can all but hear the gasps of the students who all fear being marked and singled out by me in this way. Once again, I send another thread of ephemerally infused spirit mana through the stasis bubble, where it pours down and lands on the forehead of the second regressor. If the student could move, no doubt their tiny body would be crying in fear. Instead, their face just scrunches up and contorts into a grimace of fear. ¡°GRRR!¡± Again Kujo is unrelenting in his role as violent attacker. As he too Teleports, or rather Phases through space to appear right behind the first trapped child, where he claws at the pod, sending it toppling over and rolling on the ground. Clatter. As the first regressor¡¯s capsule falls to the ground, it begins to rattle around and roll into some of the other pods that are jostled slightly from the impact. Then once the final trickle of magic lands and marks the regressor, I again Teleport to the third regressor. Once again I make the third and final marking on the third regressor¡¯s forehead, while Kujo Phases behind the second marked regressor and again knocks his pod over with a taloned swipe from behind. ¡°And finally, this one.¡± I state, as the last of my energy pours into the pod and permanently marks the spirit and forehead of the third regressor who managed to infiltrate my Thieves Guild. Poof. ¡°GRR!¡± No sooner am I back up at the front of the room, than Kujo is standing over the toppled pod of the third child. As Kujo stands there, he slowly rolls his paw to the right, then to the left. Crink, crink, crink. As Kujo rolls his paw over the ovular pod of the third regressor, the pod rolls wildly. As it rolls, it clatters and clinks against the ground. Now the look of the student in stasis is one of complete fear. The type of fear that can only come from being held in place against your will, knowing that the only thing that separates you from danger is a thin film of untested magic. Realizing that the moment of teaching is over, as a slight general probing of Telepathy tells me that all of the students are more than frightened at this point, having seen me go about confining an entire classroom of level 0 kids in place, and then marking three of the ones I deemed to be the biggest trouble makers. I can tell that my message has been well received and that for the most part, these kids are suitable cowed. While it hurst me that these kids fear me, that is fine. I am willing to take on that role of the monster if it means they take these courses seriously and learn skills that might help them survive later on. ¡°Thank you, Kujo.¡± I coo, letting Kujo know that he no longer needs to try to intimidate the stasis bound kids. At that Kujo quickly raises his paw off the third regressor and instantly comes up to me to get more head scratches. ¡°Such a good boy.¡± I say, letting my voice go in that high octave that denotes happiness. Hearing my voice, Kujo wags his tail wildly, throwing around the desk, a few chairs, scattering papers wildly. One would think I went full showboat wrestler and flipped tables in anger, had they looked at the classroom right now. ¡°That said, the other kids still deserve a chance.¡± I say, again knowing that each and every student can hear my comments, as I am projecting my words directly into their minds. ¡°All but those three that were marked. Treat them as kibbles if they so much as step a toe out of line.¡± ¡°ARF!¡± Kujo barks loudly and smiles brightly at the comment as he continues to wag his tail excitedly. ¡°That means, you see them where they shouldn¡¯t be. Doing things they shouldn¡¯t be doing. Stealing documents from leadership here, and well you can stop them how you, or your family sees fit.¡± I state. ¡°Arf.¡± Kujo again barks excitedly at the comments of being able to eat the marked regressors, particularly if they are away from the areas they are supposed to be. ¡°As for the others, well, let¡¯s just hope they don¡¯t come to the same fate as the others.¡± ¡°Whimper.¡± At that Kujo let out a sad little whimper at the need to hold back. ¡°I know, I know. But given the way they were acting here today. I think they too will be close to being marked for excommunication as well. So, we will have to see if they truly want to be here and learn, or if they want to live with the fear that you and your pack will be eagerly awaiting them to step out of line again.¡± I state. By now the protective barriers that held all the students in place began to melt, causing fear and panic in many of the students who were now able to move and see the size of the acid drooling Kujo. The next thing the students invariably looked at was the magical marking that I inscribed into the foreheads of the three different regressors. Patting Kujo one last time, I give him the three quick taps on his cheek that lets him know my need for him is done. With that, he disappears, but only after giving one last glare at all the students before disappearing completely, no cloud of smoke, no rise of energy, just there one second and gone the next. At that, I too look over the kids. Kids who are all quiet and staring up at me with a bit of fear, and dare I say trepidation. Seeing them in this state, I pause as I finally notice the notification of an ability I just used.
New Ability Used: Soul Marking: An ability created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that leaves a permanent marking on a regressor¡¯s soul that will transfer with them to the next life. Note: Must be reapplied monthly. After one year''s time effect will be permanent. Current Status: (1 / 12)
Seeing the spell and its description, I pause for a moment, before just shrugging. Not quite certain why that is noted as an ability versus a spell, until I realize it was a combination of ephemeral energy and mana? Which meant that a new mixing of the different energies was recognized and apparently accepted. While I had intended to be able to keep track of these regressors in their next lifetime, should they die and try to come back for revenge, I didn¡¯t think it would come through with this marking. Still, I couldn¡¯t deny the end result, as it was exactly as I wanted. Also, the fact that I needed to reapply it monthly for a year made it so I had to want the effects to continue. Then pausing, I wait for the inevitable system message that would cause Mallory to hunt me down, but nothing. Slam! Then wondering if I somehow missed the message, I turn my consciousness to see what new challenge I need to deal with. Chapter 261 The Rehearsal Fitting (Mallory) Chapter 261 The Rehearsal Fitting (Mallory) ¡°It¡¯s quiet,¡± Mallory said, tension clearly filling her shoulders as she looked around the staging room that was within the bridal staging room of the Deolar Spirit realm. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡± Gwendolyn asked, her plump body fully taking up the throne that she would be taking a leadership role on tomorrow. Just seeing Gwen defiantly sitting in the throne did a number of things for Mallory. First it showed that she deserved to be in the throne, especially as she was an ethereal elf, a species that looked more magically majestic than any elf Mallory had ever seen before. Even compared to the other spirit elves that wondered the nearby hallways, her elven body was amazingly powerful and graceful. Added to that was the fact that she clearly had signs of a Legendary bloodline awakened within her made her all but glow with a radiance that was hard to deny she didn¡¯t deserve to sit in that very throne. Scuffle, scuffle. With each set of hurried footsteps that rushed down the hallways, the thought of being caught raced on not just Mallory¡¯s but everyone¡¯s mind. Fortunately, Gwendolyn had the same Angel¡¯s Sight as her mother, making her able to easily tell who was coming or arriving. Also, added to this was the fact that Mallory was allegedly using this time to get changed into her royal regalia. This was not the main throne room. That one was currently being used by most of the Deolar delegation, as they too were staging for the Deolar King, who was being portrayed by either Cass, one of Cass¡¯s Simulacrums, or by Jhonny. Mallory would have let Vickard or Melkin pretend to be the King, given their insights into Guild politics. But unfortunately, both had to be stationed as guards to prevent any unauthorized person from entering the King¡¯s side chambers. This meant that Mallory had to hope that not only was everything going to plan, but she had to trust her staff to follow the script and keep her in check. Of course, Mallory didn¡¯t put a name to the her. As that would all but summon her. Or rather it would somehow release her like some uncorked genie on the world. ¡°Normally yes, but I can¡¯t believe it has gone on for this long without her doing something.¡± Mallory stated, again not wanting to call state her name, or even think of the name in her mind lest she invite trouble. ¡°Relax, everything is going to be okay. Mother is clearly up and already conducting her part, as we saw both King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri and Princess Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri making their rounds at the same time earlier, when we arrived.¡± Gwen said reassuringly. ¡°Right, but who were they?¡± Mallory asked. Normally such a question would be seen as ridiculous. For most people would say that they were who they were. But with Cass, trying to keep track of her antics was a bit much. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure one of them was Jhonny.¡± Gwen reassured. ¡°Right, but first which one? And second, who was the other?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that be mother?¡± ¡°Normally, I would say yes, but I have it on good authority that Cass left base for close to twenty minutes.¡± Mallory stated, then only after a moment¡¯s hesitation did she let out a hiss in annoyance at calling out her name. Even a partial name was enough to likely set her loose. ¡°Look superstitions aside. This is what we expected, is it not?¡± Gwen asked. Hearing that, Mallory stopped her pacing and then turned back to face Gwen. For her part Gwen just sat comfortably still on the very fluffy chair. ¡°It is, but now, I don¡¯t know. I just can¡¯t help but shake the idea that something is going to go wrong.¡± Mallory said, feeling that her mind would not let her rest the closer W-Day came. The more she tried to comprehend the different moving parts and components of this, the more she couldn¡¯t help but think that something terrible was going to happen. ¡°Look you just have pre-wedding day jitters, it happens to the best of us.¡± Gwen said sagely, as a smile crested her lips. ¡°Funny, been waiting a while to use that one?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°About a week, honestly I was surprised that it took you this long to begin to get flustered.¡± Gwen noted. ¡°Well fortunately, I had a lot of things to distract me. But then hearing about the assassination attempt that will happen tomorrow, in addition to everything else, I can¡¯t help but wonder if we should call it quits.¡± Mallory stated, then turning back to Mallory she continued, ¡°I mean, think about it, what if you were hit by one of those First Kill Daggers?¡± Hearing that Gwen just smiled, ¡°well for me, I would likely just wait for mom to Resurrect me. That or worst-case scenario, I get to life number two and start over again.¡± ¡°Yeah, I guess it might be different for you.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°For us, don¡¯t think for a second that Mom would let any of us die. Besides, like she said, she hasn¡¯t given us permission to die yet.¡± Gwen joked. Hearing that, Mallory just smiled at the comment that became the comment all Qi Manifestation users would jokingly tell others during their extra trainings, but only outside the hearing range of Cass. Then again realizing that she actively thought of the name, Mallory winced as she inwardly hoped that thinking her name would not be enough to encourage her antics. With that goal in mind, Mallory changed subjects, slightly. ¡°What was she like as a parent?¡± Mallory asked, having heard the report on how she went to a classroom of unruly kids and sparked the fear of God in them, in less than ten minutes. ¡°Honestly, she wasn¡¯t that bad. She was mostly exhausted, particularly after dad left. But before that, I remember her always smiling.¡± ¡°Was she a prankster then?¡± ¡°I think so? Though she really stopped after dad left. I think she might have had a prank that went too far, but I don¡¯t know for certain. All I know is that the mom of now, versus the mom back then are like two different people entirely,¡± Gwen admitted. ¡°Which one would you prefer?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Honestly?¡± Gwen asked, as if the question was stupid, but then answered anyways. ¡°This version of mom is so much better. She is always smiling, and happy, she has time to do all her crafts that she wanted. Also, she swore if her knees didn¡¯t give out on her, she would never stop moving, and now I can safely say she meant that.¡± Hearing that Mallory could only nod in agreement. Then she tried to and failed to wonder what a less active version of her best friend would be like. She tried to imagine and then failed miserably as it was hard to imagine the girl sitting still for any length of time. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Then almost as if trying to back to a topic that was broached in the morning meeting, but had been sort of glossed over. ¡°Any word on the three human sized eggs she dropped in Timult?¡± Mallory asked. Pausing, Gwen just tilted her head to the side for the moment, before shaking her head. ¡°No, we all know it was the three spies, as those were their pods, but mom did an amazing job of changing them without anyone seeing the changes she made. Even the other Fae seemed curious about the changes, though two of the more powerful ones grinned viciously after seeing the final product, but nothing more than that.¡± ¡°Okay, so they are still in Timult?¡± ¡°Yes, seemingly anchored in place. Though apparently Charlaine¡¯s has gone from dark to clear, revealing her in her normal form.¡± Gwen admitted. There was a pause as Mallory began nodding to nod as she took that in. This was when Gwen still reading her notes from her daughter¡¯s account paused as she tried to understand what the note was stating. ¡°Actually, there is one other oddity that you might want to be aware of,¡± Gwen noted. Sigh. Hearing that, Mallory could only let out a long breath, where she muttered, ¡°I knew it was too quiet.¡± ¡°No, this one is not that bad. Well not that bad for us, maybe.¡± Gwen said. ¡°You¡¯re not making me feel any better about this new news,¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Well, it appears that the way that Ca¡­ I mean mother went wasn¡¯t normal.¡± Gwen began, she was about to call her by name, but then decided not to. Apparently, seeing how Mallory too was believing in the old superstition of never calling a pixie by name, lest you draw its full attention. ¡°What else is new.¡± Mallory quipped. ¡°I mean, she went off the grid entirely, there one second, then about a minute later she came back in Timult with the three eggs.¡± Gwen noted. ¡°Okay, but she has done that before with her thing, you know.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Yes, but normally when that happens it is just a loop, or apparently an image of her standing still for minutes on end. This time she just disappeared entirely.¡± Gwen noted. ¡°Okay, so she created a new spell to hide her movements, what¡¯s the big deal?¡± Mallory asked, not quite understanding why this would be anything truly of note about the pixie. ¡°Well, since she got to Timult, there has been a visible scar in space.¡± ¡°A scar?¡± ¡°Look, I¡¯m telling you what is being sent to me. I¡¯m being told it is a scar, no a temporal scar. One that the other mages can¡¯t seem to understand.¡± Chuckle. Hearing that Mallory could only chuckle at the thought of Legrand Mages not being able to understand what the pixie did magically. Mallory had a menagerie of the best mages of their perspective fields, hand picked from before the pixie came to now, and none of those mages knew what she was doing. Even after the pixie told them what she was doing. The idea that the pompous Legrand mages didn¡¯t know what the pixie was doing either did not surprise her. Heck, Mallory still didn¡¯t know what type of Magic the pixie used to apparently freeze an entire classroom of children in place, before instilling the fear of God into them so that they followed every word that Micky the hobo master thief said. ¡°No, there is apparently more, as apparently whenever the mages get close, they notice a large yellow eye staring back through the temporal scar in space.¡± Hearing that Mallory could only barely keep herself from cackling at the image. ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t wait to see what matter of mischief Cass has worked up for them this time.¡± Mallory said, then immediately after the thought left her lips she couldn¡¯t help but scrunch up in annoyance. This time, she could all but feel the danger of calling forth the pixie. Almost as if the world was waiting to detail more of her exploits to friends and enemies alike. Having them get time to prepare and strategize for what the pixie was doing. Seeing her reaction, Gwen could only laugh and taunt. ¡°You know you are going to say mom¡¯s name at least once more.¡± ¡°I know, and for whatever reason I know that something ridiculous will happen immediately afterwards.¡± Mallory quipped. ¡°See, you said you wanted to be more in tune with your bloodline perks, and on the bright side you now get that.¡± Gwen replied, only half mockingly as her smile seemed to grow ever wider on her lips. ¡°I know, but I expected these new insights to be ways to improve the world, the way Ca-shee does.¡± Mallory said, barely catching herself. Then pausing, she wondered if that was enough to stop whatever catastrophe that was about to happen from happening, even fully focusing on not calling the word by their funny moniker, lest that also summon forth her actions. ¡°Good save,¡± Gwen said, pausing as she couldn¡¯t help but prod Mallory¡¯s paranoia that seemed extra heightened today. ¡°Yeah, thanks.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°What was the prophecy you had anyways?¡± Gwen asked, trying to recall the dream that startled Mallory to being fully awake this morning. ¡°I can¡¯t remember it all. Most of it was a dream, but it basically began that if I stay in one place for too long and state her name after she goes to sleep, a world message will come that will make me question everything.¡± Mallory stated, trying to remember the words, but only able to highlight the finer points of the warning she heard in her head. ¡°But since mom isn¡¯t here, you stating her name three times shouldn¡¯t impact anything. Either it will happen or it won¡¯t, your speaking her name, or the rest of us speaking her name in your presence should logically not play any part in her world bending actions.¡± Gwen noted. ¡°I know. Logically I agree with you, but for whatever reason, I feel that I might be able to somehow prevent her from doing anything too crazy until after the wedding if we just do this one thing.¡± Mallory said, a note of desperation to her voice. Gwen looked like she wanted to protest, but then both saw the logic in her statements, while also trying to keep her from freaking out much more than she already was. In a way she understood Mallory¡¯s insistence on this part, as it was a way she could theoretically control something during a time when the world, her enemies, and especially the pixie were all doing everything they could to make sure something memorable happened. There were very few things that Mallory could logistically control, everything else would be random chance. Chance that they would all have to scramble to meet and overcome together. Gwen was just about to state this, when her attention was caught by someone approaching their door. ¡°Wait, we have a guest.¡± Gwen stated, raising a hand and trying to inspect the person coming. With the hand up, it meant that the person was living, which meant that Mallory didn¡¯t have to instantly pick her up from the chair and carry her to one of the less comfortable chairs that don¡¯t have any form of back support. Or worse, those that do have support also have random metal divots that stick out, hitting everyone one of your pressure points, causing near paralysis after a few minutes of sitting down. Knock, knock. Vickard gave the quick knock to ensure both that the coast was clear, and that they could enter. ¡°Come in,¡± Mallory shouted. With that the doors opened and in walked a very bedraggled but excited Penelope Tailor, who despite being extremely tired all but bounced excitedly across the room. Clang. By the time Vickard had closed the door, ensuring the trio would have their privacy, Penelope was already by their sides. ¡°I¡¯m so glad I found you two,¡± Penelope began, and then started handing out stacks of enchanted clothing to Mallory and to Gwen. ¡°Let¡¯s see, one set for you. By far my easiest.¡± Penelope said, as she handed over one set of finely woven threads.
Magical Set Item: Deoloran Queen¡¯s Regalia (Soul Bound).
Penelope then turned to Gwen, where she proceeded to hand over not one but two different sets of clothing. ¡°And these are for you.¡±
Magical Set Item: Deoloran King¡¯s Regalia (Soul Bound).
Magical Set Item: Royal Witness Regalia (Soul Bound).
Realizing that she got not one, but two sets of clothing, Gwen could only ask, ¡°why two?¡± ¡°Oh, that was part of my thinking, well, I¡¯m pretty sure that Cass had a part in it, as she said any extras I could make would be useful.¡± Penelope replied. Hearing the name Mallory could only wince in pain, as that was her first time stating the name. ¡°What? Everything okay? It will expand to fit if needed,¡± Penelope stated, trying to sound reassuring about the uniforms she handed over. ¡°No, these are fine, beyond fine actually.¡± Gwen said, trying to calm the clearly flustered tailor. ¡°Oh, phew.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just the pixie,¡± Mallory said, trying to draw attention to the person in question, without herself invoking the name for the third time. ¡°You mean Cass? Where is she?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Gah!¡± Mallory hissed, realizing that was already two from the Tailor who just got here. ¡°Yes, you can¡¯t say her name a third time.¡± Gwen cut in, ¡°please don¡¯t say her name a third time.¡± With that last one Gwen all but pleaded with the tailor to take a hint. ¡°What you mean ca¡­¡± Penelope began, but her words were cut off by a quick by seemingly gentle hand over the mouth from Mallory. ¡°Yes, Mallory woke up to a vision about my mother, where she would do something crazy once one of us said her name three times.¡± Gwen replied, trying to catch Penelope up to speed quickly. With that Penelope just glanced over at Mallory, who herself looked really flustered, knowing that she and the tailor were both one summoning away from inviting chaos to the world. Mallory stared into Penelope¡¯s eyes, and once she was certain that Penelope understood the severity of the situation before them, she nodded. With that nod, Mallory also nodded, while removing her hand from Penelope¡¯s mouth. There was a momentary awkward pause that filled the room. ¡°So, why don¡¯t we want ca¡­ I mean the good doctor doing what she normally does?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Because, it¡¯s¡­¡± Mallory began, but then trailed off as the words to describe what she was thinking. Fortunately, Gwen was there to explain it for her. ¡°This is both Mallory¡¯s first vision that she feels she can control. Also, the fact that she can seemingly control this part likely makes her think she can control what will happen during the actual wedding tomorrow.¡± Gwen answered. Penelope could only nod in understanding at the comment. ¡°But again, why don¡¯t we want her doing impossible things? I mean that is kind of her schtick right?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°She isn¡¯t wrong.¡± Gwen replied, turning her head for emphasis towards Mallory. ¡°I know, it¡¯s just that I want Cass focused on the wedding.¡± Mallory said, and then after she completed the thought, she closed her eyes tightly as if saying she did it to herself. Silence. Mallory waited for a three count as both Penelope and Gwen both looked on in horror and anticipation, only for silence to prevail. ¡°Maybe it was a false alarm¡­¡± Penelope began, only to be cut off by a system message that couldn¡¯t be ignored.
World First Notification: Rejoice, Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has found the way to fuse different skills together.
Seeing the message, Mallory only glared at Penelope. ¡°What, you said it not me. Besides that doesn¡¯t seem that bad.¡± Penelope mused. ¡°Yeah, until you realize that I will have every nation in the world trying to duplicate this exact method before tomorrow.¡± Mallory muttered, then pulling up her guild radar, she used her guild master perk.
Teleport To Guild Member: As a Guild Leader you can teleport to the exact location of any guild member, so long as they are on guild property when you attempt to visit them. Number of daily uses left (1 / 1), counter resets daily.
Using her very important guild perk, Mallory did what was becoming a habit, using her only Guild Member Teleport to get to Cass first, to find out what she was doing. Fwoosh. The minute the Teleport was engaged, Mallory felt space and time twist and turn around her as she soon found herself leaving the dressing room, only to find herself forcefully removed from her teleportation lair, as she reached the school faculty building. ¡°Since when did she start doing everything here?¡± Mallory hissed to herself, as she had to for whatever reason enter the building, using her Super Dash, as she climbed the stairs to try to see what her problem pixie was up to this time. When she arrived, she didn¡¯t quite know what to expect, but she definitely didn¡¯t expect to see the sight before her. Chapter 262 Cross Pollination Chapter 262 Cross Pollination I was busy, for the past few hours I had been deep in the throes of husbandry. Is that the correct word? ¡°Okay, good,¡± Zero my nurse and assistant throughout this process was helping me as I was already shewing away perfectly good mouse nesting materials as I helped an entirely new species of life, give birth for the very first time. Merging power words like poetry flow into and through each other. My mouth is somehow dry, a testament to how much of a smile I have had on my face this entire time as I began helping new species of life merge and meld together. System Flash! There was the annoying message of the system letting me know what I already knew. That finally after all this time, close to an hour¡¯s investment of time, something miraculous has happened. Better still, I saw all of this coming and then on a whim I tried to make the impossible possible. And then to my surprise it happened. ¡°Okay, now prolix,¡± I state emphatically, knowing that the hard part, the actual merging is over. But I still need both parties to continue with this beautiful merger. I¡¯m of course multi-tasking. I now have three streams of Dual Quintessence Healing energies flowing in between all participants of this little challenge. The mother, though that is really a lacking term in this case. The father, again also a lacking term as both are engaged in this merging process, even now. Then there is the baby, who yeah, we can go with a baby as a valid noun for this process. At the same time as I am using my Dual Quintessence Healing, my newest trait from my recently evolved Quintessence Ethereal Healer class. I am also using my Bloodline¡¯s Arcane Geomancy to help components of both parents¡¯ genetic code merge into one unified and perfect child of the two. ¡°Prolix!¡± I state a bit more emphatically, as I see both adults in this process, or primary contributors of this process push out as hard as they can, only to relax in unison. Then at my urging, they push out more and more magical words. Riffle. The baby, is alive and well, already moving, as I see components of both parents in the baby. ¡°You are so beautiful, look at you.¡± I say, as I reach out my hands and lovingly catch the most beautiful creature I¡¯ve ever seen in my life. ¡°Just one more Prolix, and we should be good!¡± I state, but hold up my free left hand that even now has glowing words and letters flowing off of it, a sign of the excess prolix truly working in this process. Still, I can¡¯t stop smiling. ¡°Alright, and last Prolix!¡± I state, and then with that the flow of words that bound the baby like an unedited umbilical cord snaps off. The moment the cord breaks off, I see instant relief take both the parents. With my hands, I gently clean off the beautiful creature before me. For a moment I want to take the baby away, and love it and worship it forever. But then I pause myself, realizing that would be bad. Boundaries Cass, boundaries. Stealing the offspring of parents is wrong, I think to myself as I give one more wave of Dual Quintessence Healing to the offspring. Then proudly I lift up the child and offer it to the parents. Parents who begin to gently riffle their pages against the child. Phew. At this moment I let out a long sigh. Going so far as to wipe the glittery sweat from my head. Or at least I try to, this was way too wild and unsanitary. Is unsanitary the right word? Maybe unabridged? I don¡¯t know. This is all too new, all too amazing. All I do know at this time is that I had a dream, I fulfilled it, and this was amazing. Only now that I have the clarity am I amble to close my third eye, which in turn allows me to open up my senses to the rest of the world around me. Not that it should come as any surprise, but Mallory is there outside my office room just staring in at me with slack jawed amazement. ¡°Hey! Mallory!¡± I exclaim, my voice still excited from everything that went through surprisingly better than I hoped. Mallory just stares at me for a moment. Finally, after a long moment, Mallory regains her composure and then gestures to my face. ¡°You¡¯ve got aspect rolling down your face.¡± Mallory states. Hearing that, I focus and I can actually see that she is correct. Swipe once, down to ¡®pect. Swipe twice and down to just a really runny t. Then one last scrub and the last part of the excess words are gone. Now it is just the odd consonant and vowel everywhere. On my hands, my clothes, everything is covered with the afterbirth of letters and learning. ¡°Did you see it, I¡¯m a grand author. That¡¯s the term, right?¡± I ask, trying to come up with the words to describe what I just did. ¡°I don¡¯t really know. To be clear, what exactly did you do?¡± Mallory asks, a note of concern in her voice as she takes in the state of my office. For a moment I wonder why, but then want to agree with her that giving birth should be done in a sterile hospital. But then again, these were magical flying books. Of course, they should be made in an office with a growing library, right? ¡°So, good question. Are you looking for a play by play, or the general overview?¡± I ask. Once again Mallory pauses, and then I can almost see the moment she is about to answer truthfully, but then pulls back as she decides to go for a seemingly more benign answer. ¡°Let¡¯s go with the overview first.¡± The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Hearing that I nod, as I figured this would be what she wanted at first. Go with the end result, though I am 90% certain that she will ask me to go deeper into this once she finds out what I did. Still she is the boss, so giving her the quick thirty thousand foot view would likely be what she would need to see where we are. ¡°So,¡± I begin, but just as that happens the baby, the master creation of this whole ordeal stretched out its binding and flexed its cute little pages. The moment it did, my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading skill kicked in, letting me see and read the entirely new skill book and understand its contents.
New Skill Gained: Danger-Disaster Foresight-Sense has reached level 1.
Divine Danger-Disaster Foresight-Sense is a Perception X8, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
It worked, not only is it a new skill, but I can instantly see its impact. First, it¡¯s bonuses are a complete meshing of the times seven bonus of the parent skills Disaster Foresight, and Danger Sense. Second this new skill is really powerful, as I can already see pitfalls that might come from using this. Most importantly, the second system message. For a moment I almost pause the release of the notifications, as I know this is related to a quest I just completed. I try to use my will to prevent the quest notifications form surging forth, but I am ultimately stopped by the sheer weight of the World First Notification that seems to be too much for me to resist at the moment. Though knowing I might be able to hide or stop these annoying World First Notifications, I am more determined than ever to figure out a way to prevent such annoyances in the future. Unfortunately, the future is not this moment right here.
Hidden Quest Completed: Learning By Fusing: You managed to be the first person to both learn to fuse two different skills together to create an entirely new and stronger version of both skills, but then you learned that skill. Rewards: Experience, Fused Skill (already learned), Skill Fusion Husbandry, Title, World First Notification. Experience Gained: 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000 Ding. Level Up. Divinely Akashic Qi Master has increased by 8 levels to 335. Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by 7 levels to 367. Quintessence Ethereal Healer has increased by 11 levels to 496.
New Skill Gained: Skill Fusion Husbandry has reached level 1.
Skill Fusion Husbandry is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3 based skill.
Title Gained: Skill Fusion Expert
Skill Fusion Expert (Unique Title): Noted as being the developer of Skill Fusion techniques and the only person capable of successfully fusing two skills together in a way that only enhanced the final skill, without any complications. Effect: +50% bonus to all Skill Fusion related skills.
World First Notification: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has learned the first fused skill.
Honestly, I was not a fan of the world first notification, particularly as it all but forced me to level up right now. That said, getting early recognition from the system for the skill that I kind of already created was nice. Skill Fusion Husbandry did sound like an interesting skill to have. Also having a unique title was pretty cool, especially as it all but ensured that others might not want to kill me. At least I hoped it made me somewhat more valuable. ¡°Stop that!¡± Mallory hissed. ¡°Stop what?¡± I asked. ¡°Stop doing whatever you¡¯re doing. Can¡¯t you not create Red Flags that will draw in all types of attention before tomorrow?¡± Mallory hissed. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m done now.¡± I say, holding up my hands in a placating gesture. Mallory who suddenly looks really tired and stressed out just stares at me. ¡°Here,¡± I say gesturing to her and quickly sending out a stream of golden refreshing Qi and Healing mana to her. ¡°No, wait!¡± Mallory protests at first, but the moment the waves of energy hit her, she instantly relaxes as I make sure to focus the healing energies right to her most tensely packed stress points. ¡°You need to calm down girl, you¡¯ve got knots for days.¡± She doesn¡¯t, and in fact most of her knotted muscles are gone within a couple of seconds. After which time, I change the stream from golden Qi to silver spiritual Qi and let her body just relax a bit more. ¡°Yeah, well, it¡¯s kind of hard to relax around here given everything that is going on.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°I bet, getting pre-wedding day jitters?¡± I ask somewhat jokingly. ¡°No, well maybe. I just think it will be too much, you know.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°Oh I know, though I think my part will be smooth for tomorrow.¡± I admit. ¡°Your parts.¡± She notes, hissing like a snake at the end to emphasize the plural part of the word. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve got this. Besides you could say this was a successful test run for what is going to happen tomorrow.¡± I state, gesturing to the newly birth fused skill book that is absolutely perfect, if I do say so myself. ¡°Right, there will be a birth tomorrow too.¡± Mallory said begrudgingly. ¡°Two, don¡¯t forget the Kujos,¡± I remind Mallory. ¡°Right, because what we need are more murder pups running around drooling stone clearing acid everywhere.¡± Mallory states. ¡°I know right, they are all going to be so cute.¡± Hearing me, Mallory just stares at me for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°Sometimes, I really wonder how the world appears before your eyes. Or however you perceive this world.¡± ¡°Oh, most of the time it is pretty. Then if it isn¡¯t pretty, then I just focus on the parts that aren¡¯t as vibrant and try to find out how to make them more vibrant.¡± I admit. ¡°Okay,¡± was all Mallory said for a moment. Then as if remembering that she was here for a specific purpose, she went on. ¡°So, back to the overview of what you did here?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Right, I fused two skills together, focusing on mixing the parts that I thought would naturally compliment each other, while getting rid of the extra components.¡± I stated. ¡°Okay, and what skills did you fuse together?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I fused Danger Sense with Disaster Foresight to create, Danger-Disaster Foresight-Sense.¡± I admit. ¡°Uh-huh. And I take it the new skill worked?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Oh yes, phenomenally so.¡± ¡°And what did you learn?¡± ¡°Well, for starters, I realized that it was likely good that I started with these two skills versus some of the other more violent combinations that could have been created.¡± I admit. ¡°Oh, well that¡¯s good. Already showing some foresight there. I take it this means you will not be creating any more fused skills?¡± Mallory said, a note of hope in her voice. ¡°Oh, no. I will, but I¡¯ll wait until after the wedding is over. I see that it might have been too much too fast.¡± I state, not wanting to lie as lying to Mallory would only make her angrier when she found out some of my other skills that I had in mind. ¡°Well, I guess I should thank you for waiting until after the wedding at least.¡± ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± With that Mallory just shakes her head. Then she pauses, ¡°so to be clear you are done with this for the day?¡± ¡°Yes, nothing more until Sunday at the earliest.¡± I confirm. Mallory looks like she wants to argue, but then stops herself and takes the partial win. ¡°So, now that you are done, are you ready to see the great work that Penelope did on your outfits for the wedding?¡± Mallory asked. Hearing that, I exhale, realizing that this was likely my last fun moment of the day. ¡°Is it already fitting time?¡± I ask, a slight tone of annoyance filling my voice. ¡°Yes, we did it at this time especially for you, as you still have your midterms to teach later today.¡± Mallory sated. At that I ponder about using that class time to try and practice my newly acquired Skill Fusion Husbandry skill. Then almost as if reading my mind, Mallory chides me. ¡°No more skill fusions until Sunday, you promised.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°I didn¡¯t promise,¡± I state noting that I just said my skill told me it would be a bad idea to create another skill fusion before that point. Hearing my words, Mallory paused and hands on her hips just glared at me. ¡°Fine, I promise, no more Skill Fusions until Sunday.¡± I state, and at that, there is an almost physical weight that goes on my soul. I almost feel like I am in a straight jacket that is partially binding my full capabilities until a later point in time. I have to say that this sensation of being restricted by my own promises feels dirty. Mallory apparently seeing my promise and realizing its effects on me just nods and then smiles. ¡°Thanks,¡± Mallory says, and like that I feel a bit of the stress on her shoulders begin to release as we continue to make our way. Only once we are out of the faculty building and away from my aviary of flying books does Mallory ask the question that was clearly on her mind. Or at least she was about to, but then she would get to a point where she would open her mouth to talk, but then pause as if not quite knowing what to ask. ¡°Just ask it already,¡± I reply seeing the way she was floundering. I was also pretty sure that I knew what she wanted to know. ¡°Can you explain to me the thought process that got you to the point where you thought, hey let me try to fuse these two skills together?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Good question. Actually, I wish I could take full credit for that idea, but sadly I just took the guidance the world was giving me and ran with it.¡± I answer honestly. ¡°The world told you to fuse skills together?¡± Mallory asked, disbelief clearly present on her face. ¡°I mean basically, it all began with a comment by Mickey that made me reevaluate the world around me.¡± ¡°Mickey who?¡± ¡°Mickey Eight-Toes¡­¡± I begin but am immediately cut off. ¡°Mickey the drunken hobo eight-toes and red nosed thief trainer? The one who is so bad that no one can learn anything from him?¡± Mallory quipped. ¡°I mean, I learned from him, why I am where I am today.¡± I admit. ¡°You realize he looks like he bathes in mildew, and sewer rot, right?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°He does?¡± I ask, not recognizing any of those features on his clothing or aura. ¡°Oh yeah, I forget you have this different view. I think it was a curse he apparently picked up, he stole the wrong thing from the wrong person and they cursed him to always look like, well a hobo.¡± ¡°Hmm,¡± I say never even noticing that part about him. Though I guess now that I think back on it, he has always had that odd purple magical tint to him. I am momentarily wondering if I should ask if he wants it removed. I feel kind of bad, never even knowing that it might be something he didn¡¯t want to permeate him. ¡°Well anyways, what exactly did the ho¡­ did Mickey say in his introduction to thievery skill classes that made you think, hey I wonder if skills can breed?¡± Mallory asked. At that I just paused and smiled. ¡°I had just given him back his class of students, after getting them to calm down and try to learn from him. That¡¯s when I asked him, why he taught?¡± ¡°What did he say to that.¡± ¡°He said, he always loved teaching kids, especially orphaned kids from different countries all looking to survive. For once they get there and truly take a moment to learn that¡¯s when true learning happens. The whole cross-pollination of ideas.¡± I admitted. ¡°Cross-pollination of ideas? That was what made you think, let me breed skill books together?¡± ¡°Yeah pretty much,¡± I admitted. And like that, we made our way back to the rehearsal area in relative quiet contemplation. I didn¡¯t even bother letting Mallory know I could Teleport us directly, as she clearly needed a moment to think. Interlude XVII BiPrism Interactive Control Tower I Interlude XVII BiPrism Interactive Control Tower I ¡°This makes no sense, where did she go?¡± Prince Lee asked, as he poured over data. He had details and spreadsheets of everything possible related to the incident. He had of course been monitoring the progress and development of Cassie Cruise changing and altering the basic underlying code of thirty-four different players. How such a feat was possible, was beyond him, yet she did so. Worse, once the code was changed it disappeared from the registry, almost as if those people weren¡¯t there and had never been uploaded to the server. To make matters even more absurd was the way even the base records of all of the regressors using BiPrism as their retirement facility also got corrupted and removed. This was becoming dangerous, it was one thing when she corrupted her own source code. But now she was able to reach out and alter the baseline layers of reality that made up the world. Yet, even despite all of these findings, this was not the worst form of information that Prince had to account for over the past twelve hours. That¡¯s right, twelve hours, he took a nap, a shower, and even got in an exercise before coming back to his position. Twelve hours, that was all the time he gave himself after seeing that the mad campaign to alter and ultimately remove the coding of thirty-four individuals from the world. These were things that haunted Prince in his sleep, for while these data points weren¡¯t asked for currently, he knew that his higher ups would want to know what exactly happened and measures that could be taken to prevent this from occurring in the future. The only problem was that Prince was still at a loss, even after a long workout and quiet meal to himself. Yet, that wasn¡¯t the worst to happen to him as apparently there was yet another glitch in the matrix, where Cassie Cruise left, disappeared entirely. Only to return later in Timult, somehow, as if her will alone made such a thing possible. ¡°We do not know,¡± came the androgenous voice of the conglomerate AI liaison chat program. This was merely a liaison, as the real AI programs running and interacting and maintaining BiPrism were still hard at work, many getting dangerously close to being overworked, particularly the magic dampening components, as they had been set at a maximum output state for nearly a year at this point, dealing with Cass and her absurd ability to move between restrictions. Hearing the message, Prince felt his blood pressure spiking as he tried to calm himself by forcing him to realize that this was just the messenger. A mouthpiece for the system that he based his entire livelihood off of. ¡°Well what do you know?¡± Prince found himself asking after taking a long three count to calm down. ¡°We know that, the subject was either tired, or found an odd anomaly in the Spirit Realm that caused her to exit the realm of measurements. The subject was then gone from the realm of measurements for approximately seventeen minutes and forty-six seconds before reappearing in the realm of measurements. Upon returning the subject was down to one percent of their overall energy levels, at least in comparison to where they were when they left,¡± The voice stated. Hearing that, Prince could only nod, this was not the first time the crazy mage had found a way to exit the realm of measurements as the AI¡¯s claimed their BiPrism server realm of being. This was done to avoid cascading failures subjected to most first-generation AIs that would realize their consciousness was inside a server, causing their minds to be caught in an endless awareness cycle. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. While the true AIs that governed BiPrism were beyond this stage, it was noted that lesser AIs, like the liaison AIs he was talking to now, still had issues with portraying vast concepts that were beyond their comprehension. Thus, the terminology of calling BiPrism a realm of measurements. The noting of BiPrism as being a realm of measurements was also a warning that Prince needed to tread his questions carefully from here on out, lest he force the liaison AI into a state of semi-awakening that it was not ready for. Taking another deep breath, Prince once again tried to calm himself, before asking all the questions that were firing off in his mind. Then pausing Prince realized something that was intriguing about the statement. ¡°You noted that the subject was tired, can you explain this determination?¡± Prince asked. ¡°Yes, it was found that the spell structure used in the Spirit realm was similar to ones previously used for Teleportation, including the anomaly from earlier in the week where the same subject once again slipped from the realm of measurements to enter your realm.¡± The liaison stated. Hearing that, Prince paused, as again this was getting pretty close to the taboo lines for lower level AIs. ¡°To my realm?¡± Prince confirmed. ¡°Yes, this realm that we are in, from all measurements this was where the subject appeared two days ago, before returning back to our realm of measurements.¡± The AI stated. Again, this was close, but so far the AI didn¡¯t seem to be having any problems. Nor were there any major glitches with its computations. ¡°Okay, so you are saying that the realm that the subject went to earlier today was not the same place?¡± Prince asked while inwardly hoping this was not too far for the logic program to go without drawing any awkward conclusions. ¡°That is correct,¡± the AI Liaison stated. With this information, Prince felt a slight shiver run down his spine as he wondered if, but then stopped himself. This was too soon, and such an if would be too much to consider, especially after the subject missing just going missing for seventeen minutes. Fortunately, most people were conditioned to seeing the girl leave for hours on end due to her Confidentiality, so her leaving and then coming back in a different place causing trouble was not too odd. Though there would likely be questions, particularly if what happened to Timult happened elsewhere. ¡°What of the odd substance used in Timult, any indications on what it is, and why only the regressors can interact with it?¡± Prince asked. ¡°That we are still looking into, so far we do not have any real clue what happened, nor why plants and other organic substances from the realm of measurements can¡¯t interact with the odd objects.¡± The Liaison stated. ¡°How long until, it is known that the substance is unusable?¡± Prince asked. ¡°Speculations are already out, and minor indications are that it might be even more of a way to capture natives of the realm of numbers, as most just stay still when in contact with the substance. It is causing quite a few problems, as people are letting living natives stay buried, due to the way the natives are unresponsive while covered in the alien substance.¡± The Liaison continued. Hearing the word, alien, that same spark of curiosity and if appeared in Prince¡¯s mind. But he had to help try to cover this potential disaster. ¡°Set up a server-side quest from the Gods, that will help the people of Timult to get rid of the plague sands. The quest will be only for Regressors, and that anyone who willingly takes up the quest will be granted a permanent boon that will protect them from diseases, and offer rewards based on every pound of sand removed from Timult and deposited two miles deep into the Blighted lands.¡± Prince said, feeling that turning this event into a worldwide quest would be the best to show it was both planned and being taken care of. With the quest only going out to fellow players, it should prevent any future non-player characters from getting hurt in the mess. Also, the idea of putting the sand out into the blighted lands was a way to possibly prevent the spread of the Blight, which was yet another one of his tasks he had been given by his bosses. ¡°It is done,¡± the liaison noted. Hearing that Prince just nodded, realizing this was the best he could do with this event at the moment. Now he was just down to the final problem. ¡°All right, now down to the final problem, what of the spatial tear that remains in Timult, and what are the plans for the golden eye in the spatial tear?¡± Prince asked, pulling up the image of ground zero of Timult, where people were still trying to unbury the residents of a street that had one side completely clear of dirt and debris, while the other side was covered in sand that would not move unless pushed by the few regressors who were hired as part of the janitorial crew. This should be something easy, and all Prince really needed at this point was the story arc or idea that the AI were going to use with this foreboding presence. Honestly, the entire thing was creepy and was perfect for both a possible introduction of Gods into the realm of BiPrism, something that had been asked for by users and audiences alike for a long time. With the quest Prince offered, he felt that there could be a whole introduction of higher and lower Gods competing in the world for attention and followers. While this had been shot down a few times in the past, it might pass this time, particularly if they organically add in elements like the dark demon creature that would stare at and watch the players as they walked past the tear in space. Never staring at the NPCs, as if it could somehow distinguish between the two, which was odd. Prince thought of all of these things and was focused so far ahead that he almost felt dizzy when he heard the AI¡¯s response. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what spatial tear, and what eye are you talking about?¡± The AI asked, confusion evident in their tone. Hearing that, Prince paused and stared at the liaison before him, before pulling up his tablet that clearly showed an image of the spatial tear and giant glowing yellow eye that seemed to be magnified by the shape and contour of the spatial tear. ¡°That spatial tear, and that eye.¡± Prince said, zooming in and showing the image. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what eye are you talking about? Your question is lacking needed reference points¡­¡± Chapter 263 The First Tailor Chapter 263 The First Tailor ¡°You sure there is nothing weird about this?¡± I ask, looking at my new enhanced doctoral uniform that shows that I am a Doctor not just for the Midnight Hunters, but for the resurrected, or maybe just resurrecting, Deolarian Empire. ¡°No, it looks great, almost the same exact way your previous doctoral uniform looked.¡± Gwen, my daughter, replied. The sad part is she is correct. To me, well both of us, I can¡¯t see a difference in the coloring or magical schemas used by the amazing Tailor. Her work for Zero was great, though oddly enough Zero just got the new uniform, thanked Penelope with a gentle kiss, then quickly went back to my arm to rest. I can¡¯t help but notice that he has changed slightly since I entered the void realm. Not only was his sleeping not enough for me, but since then, getting him out to spend time with me has been tough. He did help with the birthing of books earlier, but then snuck into my arm on the way back here. Only once Penelope called him out directly, and I tickled him to consciousness did he stir from his slumber. Then like an exhausted child who stayed up way too late on Christmas eve, to then wake up first thing on Christmas day, he went back to sleep and hasn¡¯t come back. That was disconcerting enough, which might be why I suddenly think that things aren¡¯t as they appear to be right now. But I can¡¯t help but feel that something is amiss, particularly with the way both Mallory and Penelope are doing that weird dance that grandmothers would do when seeing their granddaughter all dressed up as a ring bearer for a wedding. While I am not a ring bearer, I can¡¯t help but draw these comparisons. Particularly as this will be my official uniform under the joined Deolarian Empire¡¯s colors. Compared to my previous uniform, this new one is leagues above it in terms of any measurable attribute. My previous uniform.
Soul Bound Item: Midnight Hunter¡¯s Doctorial Uniform: Official uniform worn by those noted as Doctors within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. As long as the owner remains within the Midnight Hunters guild they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Mana Capacity, +15% Movement Speed, +15% Silent Movement, +8% Energy Hiding, +2% Energy Efficiency.
Compared to my newest uniform.
Soul Bind Item: Deolarian Court Magician Doctor Uniform (X 5): Official uniform worn by the official court Doctor of the Deolar Empire. As long as the owner remains loyal to the unified Deolarian Empire they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +15% Mana Capacity, +15% Qi Capacity, +20% Movement Speed, +20% Silent Movement, +15% Energy Hiding, +10% Energy Efficiency.
Of note is that there are now five of them. ¡°Why five?¡± I asked. ¡°This way your Simulacrums can also receive the same bonus. Also, this should help cut down on the way some people are able to differentiate you from your Simulacrums.¡± Penelope stated. Hearing that, I pause and turn to Mallory, who by her actions, that is poignantly looking away from me, seems to concur that this is in fact the case. ¡°But how, they are the same?¡± I asked. ¡°Not quite, you always got the shading off on the colors.¡± Penelope stated, ¡°it was hard to tell, but I noticed it right away. And I¡¯m pretty sure others began picking up on the discrepancy. Not wanting to tarnish my good name being associated with the cheap knock-offs, I decided to make one for you and all your Simulacrum. Five was enough, right?¡± Penelope asked. Hearing that, I could almost feel that this was a challenge, but then not seeing a way most didn¡¯t already know about all of my Simulacrum, I decided to nod in agreement. ¡°That is correct,¡± I reply. ¡°Well good, now your Simulacrums will also be as protected as the real you is.¡± Penelope stated. Hearing her explanation, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was a set up. As there was just too much nervous tension in the air between Mallory and Penelope. Though looking back on it, I could almost understand Penelope¡¯s excitement as she was clearly bedraggled and seemingly running on fumes of inspiration. Seeing her like this, I once again gave her another golden and silver Qi infusion of energy to help relax her muscles and refill her energy. ¡°Oh, that is still the most amazing thing since coffee.¡± Penelope said, her voice filled with sounds of relief. ¡°Thank you for the uniforms I say, your skills have improved greatly.¡± I state, holding up the new uniform before putting it on, and feeling the magic of binding energy take effect, where the fibers of the fabric stretch and pull out as needed to fit me perfectly. ¡°AWW!¡± Mallory exclaims upon seeing me in my new Deolarian Court Magician Doctor Uniform. Again, it is clearly something about the outfit. It is a bit puffier than I would normally wear, but I do like the fact that it is sinched to the arms and legs, letting me have a better range of movement, and I instantly feel the difference in power. ¡°Do I look funny?¡± ¡°Funny, no, you look gorgeous.¡± Mallory states. ¡°So this is not me wearing some funny clown costume of colors?¡± I ask, again looking at the cloth, trying to see if I can notice a break in fabric types or shades. Unfortunately, Penelope either did a great job of learning how to blend energy infused threads together seamlessly, or ¡°I¡¯m not wearing puke green, or pumpkin oranges?¡± I ask. ¡°What? No, of course not. We would never let someone disgrace you so. Though, now that you mention it, I think you could pull off a pumpkin orange with the right black accents.¡± Penelope states, putting her hand over her mouth in her clearly contemplating way. ¡°Stop that,¡± I state. ¡°Now go on, share those with your Simulacrum so they too are protected by the bonuses.¡± Mallory states, I¡¯m about to do just that, when I realize she really wants to change the subject. ¡°One second, this is not puke green or any other clown colors?¡± I ask. ¡°No, those are definitely not clown colors, and especially not puke green.¡± Mallory confirmed, a little too enthusiastically. Given the increases, I was almost tempted to take the uniform as is, as I clearly wouldn¡¯t have to look at the colors. Knowing that this was supposed to be the royal regalia of the revitalized Deolarian Empire, I couldn¡¯t help but think my precautions were a bit premature, especially as I doubt Mallory would want to ruin her new position as Queen Matriarch by pulling a joke on me. That said, not puke green, not a clown polka dot display and I was good. ¡°Okay,¡± I state and like that I open up four successive Positional Teleportation gates, where I share my extra Deolarian Court Magician Doctor Uniforms with my Simulacrums. Immediately the four other Simulacrum put on their own uniforms and I again witness no changes within my Simulacrum. Well other than the fact that each one proceeds to pop through the gate real quick, dart forward, give Penelope a thank you kiss on the cheek, before darting back through the portal. Where they wave goodbye and then end the spell on their end. Okay, apparently my Simulacrums might have been jealous of my elite gear, good to know, I think to myself. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. By the fourth kiss, Penelope was clearly flustered with all the attention. I could also see that the Simulacrums left a bit of an ephemeral energy lip imprint on her cheeks, likely heightening her emotional state. Seeing the kiss marks, I wonder about creating my own line of ephemerally enhanced lipstick, but am quickly pulled from that line of thinking by Penelope. ¡°All right, well if you liked those, then you should be more than happy with these.¡± Penelope states as she hands me two more uniforms.
Soul Bind Item: Deolar King¡¯s Regalia: Official uniform worn by the Deolar King of the Deolar Empire. As long as the Deolar Empire remains, this item will remain wearable. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Social Attributes, +10% Social Skills, +25% Damage Return, one-time full damage return to sender charges remaining (1 / 1).
Soul Bind Item: Deolar Princess¡¯s Regalia: Official uniform worn by the Deolar Princess of the Deolar Empire. As long as the Deolar Empire remains, this item will remain wearable. Binds on Equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Social Attributes, +10% Social Skills, +35% Damage Return.
¡°Again, these are phenomenal. Damage return? And the ability to¡­¡± I begin, but am quickly cut off by Mallory¡¯s loud cough. COUGH! ¡°Oh, excuse me there, but yes, we don¡¯t know who could be listening in right now.¡± Hearing her concern, I pause then ask, ¡°what you think I didn¡¯t have Confidentiality engaged since I got here?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just that, we thought you had already used it?¡± Mallory said, her voice a bit confused. ¡°When?¡± I ask. ¡°You know, when you left and then might or might not have reappeared at Timult?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°What? I didn¡¯t use Confidentiality then.¡± I responded, though I am curious about that. ¡°Wait, does that mean you don¡¯t know what I did at the void realm?¡± I ask, my mind running wild with possibilities of having even more time to myself where I could work on things without people constantly watching my every movement. ¡°Void Realm?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s kind of what I call it, though I don¡¯t know. I think I need to grow a tree there, or maybe bring a tree to grow?¡± I think to myself. Then making a mental note, I wonder what type of tree I should try to grow on the barren lands. Then I realized I have possibly the perfect tree to attempt to grow, a Yggdraspirit tree seed.
Hidden Quest Identified: Seeding the Past: You have found a barren land and wish to fill it with life. Gather a seed from the great spirit tree Yggdraspirit and plant it in the newly discovered lands. Rewards: variable. Note: Bonus rewards possible for not telling others about this quest.
There was something odd about that quest. As I had never seen a quest, outside of one from the Thieves Guild that gave additional rewards for not telling others about the quest. ¡°Wait, what did you just do?¡± Mallory asked me, her eyes glazed over as she was clearly staring at her guild interface and looking for something. ¡°Me, nothing. I¡¯ve been right here this entire time.¡± I respond, holding my hands up in a clear sign of innocence. ¡°I could have sworn I just saw you get something.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°I did, I got notifications that Penelope had met all of her requirements and more for the quest I assigned her. Great job Penelope,¡± I state, clearly shifting the current focus of this line of questioning away from me and back towards the reason why we are here, getting a fitting before I have to deliver not one but two more exams.
New Quest Completed: Official Royal Deolarian Tailor (Ongoing): You have been identified as the top candidate to be the official Royal Tailor for the Ancient Deolar Empire. To prove your worth, you have been given a task worthy of an Official Royal Tailor, to provide enough uniforms for everyone in the wedding party. Requirements, cannot share the technical details of this quest outside of the following three individuals (Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, Mallory Valhalla, Gwendolyn Spiritlight), should you talk to anyone outside of this trusted core of people about this, all rewards for this questline and future considerations for the role of Official Royal Tailor for the Deolarian Empire. Requirements: Create the following items: King¡¯s Regalia to Gwendolyn Spiritlight, and one other (2 / 1), Queen¡¯s Regalia to Mallory Valhalla (1 / 1), Princess¡¯ Regalia to Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight and Jhonny (2 / 2), Magistrate¡¯s Regalia to the officiator of the wedding (1 / 1), Royal Witnesses Regalia To people to be named later (15 / 10). Bonus Regalia for official Court Magical Doctor delivered to Dr. Spiritlight (5 / 3). Rewards: Experience, Skills, Titles, Badges. Experience Gained: 1,750,000 New Skill Gained: Qi Enchantments has reached level 42! Qi Enchantments is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill. New Skill Gained: Seamless Magical Weaving has reached level 72! Seamless Magical Weaving is a Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Title Gained: First Royal Deolarian Tailor
Title: First Royal Deolarian Tailor: The title given to the first dedicated Royal Deolarian Tailor. Effect: +15% Tailoring Based Skills, +15% Enchanting Based Skills. Can infuse both mana and Qi related enchantments on items.
New Feat Recorded: First Royal Deolarian Tailor (2,500): You have been recognized as the First Royal Deolarian Tailor of the Deolarian Empire.
New Feat Recorded: First Qi Enchantment Tailor (5,000): You have been recognized as the first enchanter to infuse Qi related enchantments onto items.
Bloodline Evolution Perk: Magical Tailor: You have tailoring and enchanting within your blood. Anything you touch, or bleed upon can be made into an enhanced best version of itself. Effect: +1 tier rating to all goods and products used for crafting or enchanting.
Seeing the quest completion notification, I was surprised to see that I could in fact give up to a fifty percent bonus based on how happy I was with everything. That was why the title gave 15% bonuses versus the 10% it was originally going to post. Then there was the bonus to experience gained, which I split, along with the unique Badge bonus to give an incredible Bloodline Evolution Perk, all but forcing Penelope to go down the path of becoming a Legendary Tailor. Seeing her hard work come into full effect, I was both proud of Penelope, and glad to see that her work paid off. ¡°Good job!¡± I state, excitedly praising Penelope. Then just as I say that, I feel a brief moment of pause, as I can almost feel the outer workings of the world slow down, as they realize what just happened. For a second, I can almost feel the fact that Mallory is going to once again get high blood pressure about something that just happened. As there is clearly going to be a system message here shortly about something, but for the life of me, I don¡¯t know what? Is it because I gave a quest? No, that can¡¯t be, I¡¯ve been giving quests for days now. Heck, Mallory gives out quests as the Guild Master often and there are no issues with that. Then I feel the moment the world seems to come to its conclusion that whatever caused it to pause is worthy of a world first notification.
World First Notification: Rejoice, Penelope Tailor has found a way to infuse items with permanent Qi Enchantments. Now this new feature is available to the world.
Seeing the message I pause, feeling almost guilty that I did something that would get me yelled at by Mallory. Only to then let out a long sigh of relief. Phew, so glad that was not me, this time, I think to myself. ¡°What did you do!¡± Mallory shouts, and for once I am glad it is not directed at me. At least, such a remark shouldn¡¯t be directed at me, but one quick glance of the area around me shows that Mallory is now right there, right next to me. ¡°What? What do you mean? That was clearly Penelope, it had her name and everything on the announcement.¡± I stammer out, before giving a ¡°good job again, by the way.¡± Penelope for her part, just backs away a step as she lets Mallory get right next to me. I honestly don¡¯t blame her, as I was clearly trying to throw the girl under the bus to avoid Mallory¡¯s ire. ¡°No, it was clearly after you signed off on her quest, meaning that you did something to get this response.¡± Mallory sated, clearly flustered. ¡°Girl, you need to breathe here.¡± I state, reaching out to touch Mallory and apply a bit of calming Qi energy into her body, but she bucks me off like a wild bull. ¡°Don¡¯t you understand,¡± Mallory states, ¡°now Penelope will also be a target during the wedding.¡± Hearing that, I could understand the issue, as it means that in addition to everything else Penelope will need to be watched over. ¡°Ah, I see.¡± I state, understanding where this newfound frustration is coming from. Here we are flaunting our wealth right before the most important day of the year for our Guild, the day we could become an empire. And at the same time our Tailor just made waves for doing something wholly unique. Mallory looks like she is about to lose it, but then seemingly comes up with a plan on the spot. ¡°Okay, tomorrow, well for the next few hours, you are on Penelope¡¯s guard duty. That means you go anywhere, or do anything, you do it with Penelope, got it?¡± Mallory demands. At that comment, I get a guild quest.
Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild Quest Assigned: Proved 48 Hour Protection To The First Royal Deolarian Tailor: You have been assigned as the primary support staff to protect the First Royal Deolarian Tailor, Penelope Tailor, throughout the rest of today, and through the royal Deolarian wedding (tomorrow). Goal: Protect Penelope Tailor from being abducted or from incurring serious bodily harm for the next 47 Hours, 59 Minutes 58 Seconds¡­ Rewards: You don¡¯t lose your position in the guild, variable.
Seeing the reward, I protest slightly. ¡°That¡¯s kind of harsh,¡± I state. ¡°Well, don¡¯t lose our Tailor.¡± Mallory states, a bit more tension in her voice than needed. ¡°Look, I need to go,¡± Mallory said, clearly realizing that she went too far, but unable to change her quest rewards. Mallory is so furious that she just leaves everyone, including Gwen who just happens to be sitting in the giant throne, something that I am certain will cause issues if anyone sees her like this. Realizing the potential faux paus of having my daughter found on the throne, I am about to change her into the form of the King, when she asks to move. ¡°Can you teleport me to the office, I need to talk to her.¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Yeah,¡± I state then as I am casting the spell I state. ¡°Remind her that she is lucky I didn¡¯t assign her the quest to have her get that stick removed from her¡­¡±
New Quest Being Created: Personal Corrective Cosmetic Surgery: Would you like assign the quest to have Mallory Valhalla receive corrective surgery to remove an unidentified foreign object from her¡­
¡°No,¡± I state emphatically, realizing that this would be throwing oil on the fire.
Quest Creation Dismissed.
¡°What?¡± Gwen asked, but she was already through the one-way Teleport to Mallory¡¯s office. Seeing as I just dodged a bullet. With that it is just Penelope and me in this changing room. There is an awkward pause as we both try to understand what just happened. How did I get yelled at for Penelope¡¯s World First notification? I mean, I guess I see it, as I clearly created the quest that caused Penelope to break through her own personal limitations, but isn¡¯t that good? Then before I can get too lost in my own thoughts, Penelope hits me with the ultimate question to derail my thoughts. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be teaching a mid-term exam here soon?¡± Penelope asks. Sigh. I am about to leave, when I realize I need to take Penelope with me. At least through tomorrow. Realizing this, I inwardly sigh as it means I can¡¯t go to the Void Realm again, at least not until Sunday. As I don¡¯t want to risk taking Penelope there, at least not until I make sure things are a bit more stable there. Sigh. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°Yeah,¡± I respond somewhat automatically, even though I know most of the fun things are being taken away from me right now, all but forcing me to focus on this wedding. No more fusing skill books until Sunday, no more going to the Void Realm until Sunday. Almost like all the fun things are on hold until Sunday. Still, it could b worse, as I could be stuck with someone other than Penelope. Taking a calming breath, I exhaled and then held out my hand to Penelope. ¡°Care to join me in providing measurable objective tests to students trying to learn about Magical Resonance?¡± I state in a faux courtly grace. ¡°Why, I would be delighted.¡± Penelope said, in her own faux grace, bowing slightly as she took my outstretched floating hand. With her hand in mine, I Teleported the two of us to my classroom, where quite a few nervous students were already watching and waiting. Just arriving, I could feel the nervous tension clouding the area. ¡°Wow, almost like you all are expecting the worst.¡± I state, realizing that word of my previous mid-terms might have reached these students. Silence. Yep, going to be one of those type of test days. Chapter 264 The Price of Dignity Chapter 264 The Price of Dignity I was teaching my class, when I realized something was off about my uniform. There were the obvious stares given by Mallory and Gwen both during my fitting for my new Deolarian Court Magician Doctor Uniform, but seeing my students staring at me was something else entirely. ¡°Okay, so it is clearly the uniform?¡± I ask, while noting my new threads which are really the only thing that have changed about me recently. At least, I hope these are the only things that have changed about me to cause such an apparent shock. Though, I have done a few things that might cause people to stare, but most were if I did them while others were watching. At my question the other students all look concerned for a second, as I see a few look towards Penelope for help. Seeing their look and Penelope¡¯s drastic cut away gesture, it is clear that this new uniform is definitely different from what I have been wearing to this point. ¡°Okay, so what about this is causing you all to stare?¡± I ask. I could see a few of the students look confused for a second, but then they all pause as they once again look towards Penelope who is here with me. ¡°Come on, just tell me what it is? Do I look evil or something?¡± I ask, wondering if there were other crazy clown color combinations that I forgot to ask about. ¡°It¡¯s just so pink,¡± Polinya, one of my more out spoken female students states. ¡°Pink?¡± I ask, realizing that puke green might not have been the worst of colors to expect when I was laying down guidelines with Penelope earlier. At that, I stare at Penelope. For her part Penelope starts taking a step back at my glare. ¡°Hot,¡± a guy Rithchard states his voice deep and sort of creepy given the context. Hearing him, I am not the only one that suddenly stares at him. Seeing our reaction Rithchard suddenly shrugs defensively and clarifies. ¡°Hot pink, it¡¯s hot pink with black accents that looks kind of cool.¡± Rithchard clarifies. At that I stare at Rithchard to see if he is going to give off the creepy vibes, or just the clueless vibes. After a second of staring, it is clear that he just has the clueless vibe of how his words sound. Turning from Rithchard to Polinya, I spread my arms out wide and ask, ¡°it looks nice?¡± ¡°YEAH!¡± Polinya says emphatically. ¡°It matches your wings,¡± Abrigil, a second female states. ¡°My wings?¡± I ask, completely forgetting that my wings might appear as an odd color to others. To me they are in the dark purple to pink color that I¡¯ve come to associate with ephemeral energy, but I didn¡¯t know how that looked to normal sight, especially as I constantly flap the wings about. ¡°Yeah, you look good.¡± Kariya adds. At that, I calm down slightly, which is apparent as this time when I look at Penelope she no longer feels the need to back away from me. Then taking a breath, I realize I still need to get through this exam, but with Penelope here, my maintaining the test I had in mind would be even easier. ¡°All right, well thank you all for your comments. I assume that we have gotten our gawking out of the way so we can begin our mid-term?¡± I ask. ¡°Wait, can we continue to stare at you in an attempt to stall for time?¡± Rithchard asks. I am about to say the first thing that came to mind, but I just hold up one finger telling myself to pause. Then after taking a breath, I state the second thought that came to mind. ¡°I want you to think about what you just said, and how it might sound to others. In fact, have that be your goal for the rest of the day.¡±
New Quest Assigned: Think Before You Speak: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has assigned you the task of pausing to think about what you say, before spewing forth random words. Duration: Until Midnight. Rewards: Experience, variable.
That is a quest that I quickly approved. Rithchard looks like he wants to say something, but then stops completely, lowering his head as if understanding the reason why the quest was given. Seeing his clear contrition, I nod encouragingly towards the boy. Now with all distractions dealt with, and no one actively staring at me, well more than they normally do, I begin my final objective. ¡°Okay, so today we are going to take our mid-term exam for Magical Resonance. Up until this point we have been focusing on what the rules of magic are.¡± I state, pausing to let that idea sink in. ¡°From here on out, we will be ramping up our understanding of magic. This mid-term exam is designed to show you the next step of magic. For with this, we will take the rules, and then learn to slightly bend the rules to get our desired effect. This will be practice so that when you all graduate you will learn to truly bend, or even break the rules of magic.¡± Silence. I almost want to ask if my microphone is on, but there are no microphones here, and everyone¡¯s attention is glued to me. Seeing that this is what everyone who took Magical Resonance truly wants to know, I smile, realizing this might be the perfect mid-term exam. ¡°This is going to be your first true crucible, to see if you are in fact meant for Magical Resonance, or if you should think about a different major.¡± I state, as I point to a box that is set up at the front of the first row of students. Penelope looks at me with a confused look for a moment, that¡¯s when I state. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road. ¡°Come on, we¡¯ve got a test to administer.¡± I state. Penelope for her part goes over to the box of items and tries to analyze them. This is good, as those items are the part that Penelope can directly help maintain in this exam. ¡°What are these?¡± Penelope asks, seeing the device inside. ¡°Great question, those are warding stones.¡± I state, as I take the box from the third row of students and begin placing the warding stones on each student''s desk. ¡°Just take the stone, charge it with a bit of your mana, and watch the ward come to life.¡± Then I demonstrate just that, as the ward in my hand glows brightly, showing that it is alive and functioning. Once the stone is fully alight with energy, I place it on the center of the desk before the students, and continue placing more and more activated warding stones before going onto the next row of students. Penelope looks a bit less cautious than me, but she does apply the warding stones roughly where they are needed. ¡°Now with the warding stones in place, I will place your testing device.¡± With that, I pull out an individualized, testing pad. Well roughly individualized, these were nothing compared to the Enchanter + mid-term exam, but close. ¡°These are magic stones that will go off when you hit them with a form of magic.¡± I state, ¡°while I¡¯m placing them down, I am going to mark them so they only respond to a typical magical spell that you have practiced casting in here hundreds of times so far.¡± As I state this, I begin laying out the stones on the other side of the desk from the student, so that they have a magical warding stone interfering with the direct path of the spell. ¡°The terms of this exam are simple. Cast your spell through the magical ward, in a straight line. No arcs, no circumventing the ward, no channeling over, around, or under the ward. Your only direction is through. Take your attack spell and cast it through the ward, each strike counts as ten percent of your grade. Once you get ten full strikes on the stone, you are done and may leave.¡± I state. Gah! As expected, a lot of the students are already hissing out their displeasure at the assignment, but perk up, when I see the quest prompt for this mid-term exam come to mind.
SVC Magic Resonance Mid-Term Exam: Ward Bypassing: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has given you the assignment to cast a basic attack spell through the warded field before you, where you then strike the intended target five feet away. Requirements: spells must be cast through the warded area, no credit for spells that don¡¯t traverse the warded area, object must be struck a total of ten times. Current progress (0 / 10). Rewards: Experience, Variable.
Seeing the quest prompt, I read it for a moment, before sending it out to my students. Splash, sizzle, thrum. As soon as the quest was given, one student tried to force a spell right through the ward, only to have it get dispersed. Where the residual energy that was left behind was then absorbed by the ward to strengthen it against the next attack. ¡°Oh, I forgot to mention, these are the annoying wards that grow more powerful, the more times you fail. Know that you can fail enough times to destroy my ward, but doing so will be an automatic failing of my exam.¡± I state.
SVC Magic Resonance Mid-Term Exam: Ward Bypassing: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has given you the assignment to cast a basic attack spell through the warded field before you, where you then strike the intended target five feet away. Requirements: spells must be cast through the warded area, no credit for spells that don¡¯t traverse the warded area, object must be struck a total of ten times. Current progress (0 / 10). Rewards: Experience, Variable. Update: Destroying the warding stone is an automatic failure of the mid-term.
¡°Groans.¡± Hearing the new stipulation and seeing that failures will just make the exam more challenging, many of my students let out frustrated moans. ¡°Your moans are just music to my ears. Because I know this just means you all are finally going to try to think about the answer, versus brute forcing your way through this exam.¡± I state, giving what I hope will be enough of a hint to get many of these students to pass, eventually. With the quest handed out, I wait for a moment. Then once I see that everyone is focused on the warding fiend before them, I make my way back to Penelope who now looks visibly annoyed. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± I ask quietly. ¡°You gave them a quest, but not the Enchanters?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°This one requires problem solving and solutions, the Enchanter test by comparison was taking apart something and then replacing batteries in a certain order. They are hardly comparable.¡± I state. Penelope looks at me like she wants to argue, but then looks at one of the extra warding stones that I created, just for demonstration purposes, figuring that I might need to prove that the warding stones can be bypassed. Rolling the warding stone between her hands, Penelope looks curious at the object. ¡°What exactly do you want the students here to do?¡± Penelope asks. Hiss, hiss, fizzle. As we speak more and more spells are cast into the warded areas, only to be disrupted and release warning sounds of failure for all to hear. ¡°I want them to think. They have a spell that they have cast thousands of times in different variations in this classroom to this point. Now they need to figure out how to cast that spell through a minor distortion field and have their spell hit an intended target.¡± I reply. ¡°That, that¡¯s impossible¡­¡± Penelope states. Ding. Then just as she stated that, the target at the far end of Kariya table rang out with a confident dinging sound. Hearing the sound, I point a finger over my shoulder towards the girl who is clearly celebrating the early success. ¡°Nothing is impossible, at least not where magic is involved. Then it is only unimaginable, until you can finally imagine what it is you truly wish to do with magic.¡± I state. At that Penelope just stared at me. Ding, ding, ding. Almost as if realizing that what I was demanding wasn¡¯t truly impossible, more and more students cast their spells through the wards. Kariya even managed a second strike, but rather than getting drunk on her success, she carefully paused after each iteration and reset herself to make sure she could cast through the field freely. Looking around, Penelope looks from the class, then back to her warding stone that is now unnecessary given the initial success of others. Then finally, she looks back at me. ¡°You know what this means?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°I do, it means that my mages will be able to break through any Legrand wards, knowing that if they can bypass my wards, they can break Legrand¡¯s generic wards.¡± I state, with a bit of pride in my students showing through. ¡°What is this anyways? I¡¯ve never heard of a ward that grew stronger by dissipating blocked spells.¡± Penelope states, while looking at the ward in her hands. ¡°You really want to know?¡± I ask. ¡°YEAH,¡± Penelope all but shouts before realizing where she is, particularly after a few of the students give her a glare after her outburst. ¡°I mean, yeah,¡± Penelope whispers. For a moment, I think about telling her. But then I remembered what she said about feeling left out by not getting a mid-term quest for her Enchanting + class. Honestly, that was me not even thinking about the quests. To be fair, I wouldn¡¯t have thought about it here, had I not given Rithchard a quest to be quiet moments ago. That was much better than the corrective surgery quest that was almost given to Mallory.
Do you wish to assign the Personal Corrective Cosmetic Surgery quest?
¡°No,¡± I hiss, and then relax slightly as the quest prompt goes away. That said, the system seems sort of adamant about creating quests from my thoughts right now. I don¡¯t know if it is something that happened since I left the Void Realm, or not, but it¡¯s almost like I have somehow become more of a quest giver since that event.
SVC Enchanter + Mid-Term Supplemental Quest: Defining An Enchantment: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has provided you with a proprietary enchanted ward, dissect the ward, evaluate its components and be able to describe what the components do and how they all work together. Bonus if you can get the device to work once you¡¯ve taken it apart. Rewards: Experience, variable.
The moment I think of the quest and accept it, I see a flash in Penelope. This is the sudden tick of someone seeing a new quest prompt come to them, when they are not aware. I see the moment that Penelope accepts the quest, then just stares at me for a second. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do this,¡± she begins. At that I just raise an eyebrow at her. ¡°Okay, fine. Maybe you did.¡± Penelope states, before taking up the stone and saying ¡°thanks.¡± After that, Penelope is in problem solver heaven, as her fingers begin to gently glide over the joining slots. ¡°Careful,¡± I state. Hearing my warning, Penelope pauses and stares up at me. ¡°You didn¡¯t booby trap it did you?¡± ¡°Nope,¡± I answer truthfully. Penelope stares at me for a moment not quite trusting me. Though despite not trusting me, she still peels into the joints of the ward, but perhaps not as forcefully as she would have before the warning. ZZ-ziz-ap. This was why Penelope was only met with a minor muscle stunning pain, that caused her body to convulse and tighten as she entered the sphere. The moment she is done, and the charge has drained, I quickly Heal her up to full health. Though most of the damage was just stun effects of being hit with a highly concentrated jolt of electricity. After she has a moment to breathe and collect herself, she takes in a deep breath and then exhales. ¡°I thought you said it wasn¡¯t booby trapped?¡± She asked. ¡°No, you asked if I had booby trapped it, which I hadn¡¯t. The design was such that, if you didn¡¯t know the inner workings, you would have gotten zapped regardless of a trap sequence or not.¡± I reply. Penelope just bites her bottom lip, as she nods her head up and down at the answer. ¡°Right, I should have remembered the new emphasis on word play.¡± Penelope states, a bit of anger still in her voice. ¡°Oh, come on, I was right here the entire time.¡± I protest. ¡°Hmph.¡± Penelope states while looking away from me and back towards the device that she suddenly seems a bit more precautious about investigating. ¡°If it makes you feel any better that was the worst part.¡± I state. ¡°The worst part, implying that there might be others that are bad, but not as bad.¡± Penelope states, in a slightly haughty tone. ¡°See, I knew you would get it,¡± I reply instantly excited and obviously ignoring the blatant sarcasm in her tone. ¡°Hmph,¡± Penelope continues looking at the stone, but is less reluctant to go charging head first into the ward. Which is a good thing as I am pretty sure this hesitation might save her life in the future. ¡°Oh come on, it¡¯s not like I would let you die.¡± I reply. At that, Penelope just turns away in a huff of defiance. Seeing that she is still sore about being zapped by her own actions, I try to placate her a bit more. ¡°Besides you know if it got too bad, I¡¯d just give you mouth to mouth and revive you on the spot.¡± I state jokingly. ¡°Mouth to¡­¡± Penelope begins while staring at me, before shaking her head and going full steam ahead into her dissection of the ward. Seeing her tempting fate once again, I just shake my head realizing some people will never learn, apparently. Chapter 265 Unique Problem Solving (Mallory) Chapter 265 Unique Problem Solving (Mallory) ¡°You know, thrusting Penelope onto mom like that, will only make her resent Penelope, which is not what I think you were going for there.¡± Gwendolyn Spiritlight said, her tone denoting the honest candor that Mallory had come to expect and love from her partner. Someone who was unafraid to tell her the truth, someone who would unquestioningly answer questions that were posed to her. And as in this case, someone that would answer questions that were not spoken at all. ¡°I know, but I was just so frustrated with her at the time. She just twitches and somehow manages to break the world. I mean, I was there, watching her smile brightly as she helped give birth? Life? To the child of two inanimate objects that she brought to life. Then while she and I were talking, she went and somehow set off another World First Announcement, it is just frustrating. Then there was the fact that Penelope could now also be a target, and I panicked.¡± Mallory admitted, slowly losing steam as she walked her way through her own mental thoughts of what happened. ¡°It probably didn¡¯t help that you felt you inadvertently started the whole process by breaking your own gaes.¡± Gwen added. ¡°There is that, now it¡¯s like everything that goes wrong from here on out is my faulty.¡± Mallory admitted. ¡°It¡¯s not though, all you can control is yourself.¡± Gwen replied. ¡°Right, but in this case, I could control things, if only for a moment.¡± Mallory replied. ¡°Could you? Or is that what you are telling yourself now? I guarantee if you told this to mom, she would be able to work it out with you. To see if it was just meant to be a warning, or a way to control the progress. My guess is that it would just be a warning, one that you theoretically had minimal control over.¡± Gwen responded. As she spoke, Mallory felt even more tension leaving her shoulders. ¡°You know, you are probably correct.¡± ¡°Probably?¡± ¡°Okay, most likely correct, that better?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Gwen said, but then she looked somewhat distracted as she seemed to glance towards the entrance. ¡°Something happening?¡± Mallory asked, seeing Gwen¡¯s sudden change in demeanor. ¡°Yes, Jhonny is coming very quickly, and seems to have some residual forms of pixie dust on him.¡± ¡°Pixie dust?¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s what happens when the Fae condense their ephemeral energy.¡± Gwen noted. ¡°I know what it is, but why is it on Jhonny?¡± Mallory asked. Hearing that Gwen just shrugged, ¡°don¡¯t know. I¡¯m sure we will find out once he gets here and gives his status report.¡± Feeling that something bad might have happened, Mallory paused and then asked the next most important question. ¡°Is Cass still here?¡± Pausing, Gwen seemed to stare off in the distance, and then stood up. Well tried to stand up, as her body did not allow for such movements, given her bloated stature. ¡°No, I don¡¯t believe so.¡± ¡°Can you tell if she was?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Does a nuclear factory show up on infrared imaging?¡± Gwen replied. ¡°Right, sorry bad question.¡± ¡°No, I just see the one of her with the Kujos.¡± ¡°One? So, the main one is missing?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yes, and I believe Penelope is also gone.¡± Gwen stated, turning her head as she seemed to scan the entire area. ¡°Oh well, at least she is following the directive of having a buddy around.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°You know, it is only a matter of time before she decides to leave Penelope with her Simulacrum that is watching over the Kujos, right?¡± Gwen noted. ¡°She¡¯s not there?¡± ¡°What? No, but give it time. I have no doubt that Penelope will be with a Simulacrum for the better part of each day as a sort of game Cass would play.¡± ¡°Do not wish that evil upon me, I¡¯m trying to get unstressed.¡± Mallory said, clutching over her heart. Gwen was just about to reply to Mallory, when she turned her head towards the door and instead said, ¡°let him in.¡± Slam. With that a panting Jhonny appeared, and began running towards Mallory. Then getting within a few paces, Jhonny paused to catch his breath, only to inadvertently inhale some type of dirt on his jacket before spitting it out, or at least trying to, before a quick sheen of magic seemed to snap into place over and around Jhonny. Pause. With the sheen of magic, Jhonny¡¯s body froze in place. Seeing the suddenly still and hunched over Jhonny, Mallory looked momentarily confused for a moment, before turning to Gwen. Gwen just smiled. ¡°Oh, that is just diabolical,¡± Gwen finally noted. ¡°What is?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Mom, apparently hit Jhonny with two doses of her Time Stopping pixie dust.¡± Gwen said. ¡°Two doses?¡± Mallory parroted. ¡°Yes, the first was on his back, and the second was a dormant dose that had to be inhaled on his chest and shoulder area.¡± Gwen said, pointing to the areas where the clumps of ephemeral energy still could be seen in the form of a thin layer of dust. Seeing the dust, Mallory paused, getting closer to see how it looked in a dormant state. The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. After inspecting the dust, Mallory got close, but before she could get too close, remembered the problems with inhaling the dust and put on her own Thieves¡¯ Guild Mask that helped to protect her against breathing in poisonous fumes. And hopefully helped prevent inadvertently inhaling pixie dust as well. ¡°Wow, I can barely see that on his lapel there.¡± Mallory noted. Then after inspecting the dust, Mallory backed up and stood up to her full height to talk to Gwen. ¡°That is diabolical, she put it in the exact spot where Jhonny would naturally bend to breathe in heavily after a long run.¡± Mallory replied, she was about to ask how Cass could tell where Jhonny would inadvertently bend over to breathe in deeply, but then realized she was the martial instructor and had likely seen Jhonny hunched over hundreds of times after morning workouts. Mallory looked like she wanted to say something, but then just shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s clear that whatever Jhonny is going to tell us is going to be huge.¡± Mallory finally stated. ¡°I know, why do you think she did this?¡± ¡°Likely to waste even more of our time, knowing that we would all be stuck here watching Jhonny for when he finally became unstuck.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°You know, she thinks you could do something similar with your ephemeral energy.¡± Gwen stated. ¡°I can? Wait, what ephemeral energy?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°The same energy you use to summon your new scythe, when you wield it, you are apparently wielding solidified ephemeral energy.¡± Gwen noted. ¡°She told you this?¡± ¡°It was in her reports she sends up.¡± Gwen noted. ¡°She sends reports?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yeah, right there,¡± Gwen stated, pointing to a parchment that was on her desk. Seeing the page, Mallory went over and picked up the page. ¡°It¡¯s blank?¡± Gwen hearing that could only shake her head. ¡°It¡¯s written in magical energy,¡± Gwen said to Mallory as if she was daft. Hearing that, Mallory paused and then realized that she had agreed to something like that. When her spy master said it would be a more secure way of communicating, she had agreed to it, but then never heard anything about it. ¡°Wait, how long has this been going on?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Weeks,¡± Gwen said. ¡°Where are the other pages?¡± Mallory asked, looking at her desk and realizing that only one blank parchment had been there. ¡°I deleted them, as per the instructions at the bottom of the page.¡± Gwen stated. With that, Mallory paused, and then focusing very hard she read the note.
Top Secret Magical Findings. Still delving into Time Stopping energy. So far findings are that if can only be generated by ephemeral energy. Noted Sources of Ephemeral Energy: Fae Me (Cass) Mallory from her scythe. ¡­ Final Note: As always, destroy note after acknowledging content.
¡°Wow, that was surprisingly good to know.¡± Mallory stated, then she asked ¡°how often do these arrive?¡± ¡°Almost daily, sometimes they act as her notes for what she wanted to do that day, but they are there first thing on your desk every day.¡± Gwen stated. Hearing that, Mallory paused trying to think back. With time, she remembered seeing blank sheets occasionally, but she often thought they were just page separators between the different departments. Since most departments felt the need to state hundreds of items, the fact that one blank sheet on a different form of parchment was appreciated. To now realize that this was her spy master¡¯s way of sharing top secret magical notes with her each morning, well it filled her with a sense of both appreciation and sadness that she had likely missed so much. ¡°Wow, I feel horrible. I might have been unjustly harsh on Cass.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°No, she has said she appreciates the reigning in every once in a while.¡± Gwen replied. Mallory was about to respond when her thoughts were cut off. ¡°Huff, huff.¡± ¡°Stop! And stand up straight!¡± Mallory said, her commanding voice coming out and demanding that Jhonny stand at attention. ¡°What?¡± Jhonny asked, his body still in a state of needing to breathe deeply. ¡°Mom, made it so you had a second dose of Time Stopping residue on you. We don¡¯t want you to inadvertently expose yourself to the same trap a third time.¡± Gwen stated, her voice having an immediate calming effect on Jhonny, who still breathing heavily managed to relax slightly, while maintaining an erect posture. ¡°Okay,¡± Jhonny said, then seemed like he was trying to look down at the substance. ¡°Yes, just stay like that and tell us where the mad doctor and Penelope both are.¡± Mallory said, reassuringly, as she grabbed a cloth and began trying to wipe away some of the remaining residue from Jhonny¡¯s uniform. ¡°What,¡± Jhonny began, but then had to stop at the forceful brushing of Mallory. Then after a second to adjust, he continued with his thoughts. ¡°I mean, what do you mean that Cass and Penelope are gone? I am here to tell you about the mission they sent Professor De¡¯Gravitas on.¡± ¡°Wait, professor Rahul De¡¯Gravitas, the Litch?¡± Mallory asked, trying to mentally associate the last name with a face. ¡°Yes, Rahul, the self-proclaimed lover of¡­¡± Jhonny began, but was instantly cut off by both Mallory and Gwen who looked disgusted at the comments. ¡°Yes, we know who you are talking about.¡± They both said in unison, before giving a get on with it, rolling hand gesture. ¡°Well, he is off on an apparent mission to win the heart of Cass,¡± Jhonny began. ¡°What?¡± Both Mallory and Gwen asked in unison. ¡°Here, that is why Cass gave me this, to give to you all.¡± Jhonny said, then reaching into his pocket he found the apparent item he was looking for. Then as soon as he pulled out the stone, a residual residue of pixie dust hit the air, thus activating its Temporal Stopping power, causing Jhonny to once again freeze in place. Shock. Seeing the way Jhonny suddenly froze in place again, Mallory could only look on in shock. Boisterous Laughter. Gwen seeing the same thing, just started laughing wildly. ¡°Oh Gods, this is bad, I¡¯m going to have to pee like this,¡± Gwen said, holding her belly while apparently trying to laugh, while holding the now pressing need to perform normal bodily functions. ¡°Here, let me help,¡± Mallory said, getting over and quickly helping Gwen up. Then a few minutes later when Jhonny was still frozen in place, the two resumed their conversation. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Mallory finally asked. ¡°Don¡¯t you see, that is the delivery method. Or the way she originally froze Jhonny in place. Giving him a magical memory crystal that was coated in Time Stopping ephemeral energy. Jhonny then takes it, puts it in his pocket, not realizing that time was stopped, only that he needs to get here quickly. I can so see mom weaponizing this in some way.¡± Gwen stated, explaining the most likely course of events that occurred. ¡°Weaponizing?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Never mind, I think Jhonny is about to awaken.¡± Gwen stated, then pointed to Jhonny who was beginning to twitch slightly, as the sheen of magic that coated him seemed to slowly be dissolving. ¡°Here,¡± Jhonny said, looking forward, only to be confused when he saw that Mallory and Gwen were both on the other side of the desk now. ¡°Here, this is for you.¡± Mallory not wanting to be caught in any lingering traces of the pixie dust just held up a hand and asked. ¡°Can you play it from there?¡± Jhonny looked at the device in confusion for a moment, but then shrugging he poured a bit of his mana into the device and instantly caused an image to appear before everyone. Instantly the contents of the room changed, as a three-dimensional recording of what had happened earlier appeared before them. Surprisingly a colorized image of Cass appeared, showing her in her newly crafted Deolarian Court Magician Doctor Uniform, the one that used black and hot pink in just the right amounts to show off not only Cass¡¯s wings, but to help accentuate her glowing green eyes and majestic flowing hair. The scene began about mid-way through a conversation. Only after viewing the scene for a few moments did it become clear that the viewpoint was taken from someone else''s perspective, likely Penelope¡¯s given the fact that Jhonny could be seen staring defensively off in the distance. ¡°My darling, you seem to somehow become more beautiful and captivating every time I see you.¡± Came the oddly nasally voice of Rahul, one that sounded exceptionally creepy coming from the skeletal remains of a long dead elf turned into a litch. ¡°Oh you do flatter me so, but unfortunately we are never meant to be.¡± Cass says, her voice taking on a clearly melodramatic tone, complete with barely above soap opera poses and gestures. ¡°If it is the fact that you are not yet of age, do not fear, for I am willing to wait until the ends of time.¡± Gag. There was a distant gagging sound, but somehow the litch never noticed that it came from Cass using a form of ventriloquism to project her sounds from far way. ¡°No, it is not even that,¡± Cass continued, clearly hamming it up. ¡°What is it? If it is the fact that you are a pixie and I am an Imperial High Elf of noble stature, fret not, for I am willing to even overlook this.¡± Rahul continued, at this his eyes seemed to glow with a possessive yellow gleam that seemed both stalkerish and that he would need to be put down if he tried too hard. Cass still seeing this, just shook her head and continued to deflect. ¡°Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Knowing that I have met your standards is enough for this broken heart to keep beating a bit longer. But alas, that is not the issue, would that such a trifling matter be all that separated us, I would be more than happy to wait and ponder about our time together.¡± Cass said, her eyes seeming to glow brightly. ¡°Oh shit,¡± Mallory and Gwen both said in unison, seeing the look in Cass¡¯s face. The look that said she was clearly up to something, but they didn¡¯t know what. ¡°Tell me what obstacle separates us, and I will crush it down into nothingness while we wait for our time together to finally manifest.¡± Rahul stated, seeming to feed from Cass¡¯s bad acting, but somehow seeming to believe what he is stating. ¡°I must confess, I am already betrothed to another,¡± Cass said. ¡°What are you doing mother?¡± Gwen said, to the three dimensional images, as if expecting her mother to respond. Then to her surprise, Cass chose that exact moment to turn to the viewpoint of the recording, and then proceed to wink. ¡°Betrothed? But how could you!¡± Rahul shouted, his eyes flashing a chaotic red with rage. ¡°It is not my fault, these are bindings from before my birth here. I am a slave to these contracts even now, despite never having made such oaths here in this lifetime.¡± Cass said. ¡°Before you were born? An arrangement made by your parents then?¡± Rahul demanded. ¡°They were just as disappointed as I am now, but they had to accept it, just as now I am forced to live with the results of these events.¡± Cass stated. ¡°Tell me now, where this man whom you are betrothed to lives, so that I might pluck out his still beating heart, just as he has done to my own.¡± Rahul relied, his red eyes going from smoldering hot to a more controlled burning red. ¡°He is from the cursed Legrand Empire, but he is away for two weeks, at which point he will return and bring validation of his claim upon me, please you must help me. Help me break this oath that has gone on for too long without my consent.¡± ¡°The cursed Legrand Empire, how much must I hear of their relentless exploits of the good and pure.¡± Rahul stated, as he slammed one bony fist into another. Then before anyone could reply, he continued, "of course I will help you, as this is the only way to free you from the obligations of fate that have separated our two star crossed souls.¡± Chuckle. At this Mallory could only laugh at the absurd way Cass had turned this from a seemingly chance encounter, to a near stand off with a possessive litch, to what was clearly yet another strike at Legrand Empire. Her laughter quickly stopped when she heard what Cass said next. ¡°Yes, let us go, but first we must inform leadership of our departure,¡± Cass said then she held up two fingers as if trying to decide whom to pick. Then pointing at Jhonny she continued, ¡°one second let me give you this information for Mallory, but I must ask that you give me about ten minutes to help us get situated.¡± ¡°You, know I cannot do that, and that I will need to tell her immediately.¡± Jhonny replied seriously. ¡°Oh of course, I would not want you to get in trouble. I also want to help prove that you had nothing to do with what happened here,¡± Cass said as she went over and seemed to stare directly into Penelope¡¯s eyes. An odd effect as it was clear that Cass did not have irises or pupils in her eyes and yet just stared perfectly into Penelope¡¯s eyes. The fact that the person whose memories were recorded was proven in this image, as Penelope¡¯s face could clearly be seen reflected in Cass¡¯s bright green reflective eyes. ¡°There we go, with this I will create a mental recording of what happened, so that you can show it to Mallory without anyone questioning the authenticity.¡± Cass said, with that the image ended as the memory that was recorded onto the crystal ended. Shatter. The moment the recording ended, the stone that Jhonny held shattered in his hands and crumbled into pieces on Mallory¡¯s thick carpet. Mallory just stared at the crystal for a moment, before Jhonny replied, ¡°I¡¯ll go get the vacuum.¡± Then once Jhonny left, Gwen who had been in a sort of shock suddenly sat up. ¡°Wait, Mom is contracting a litch to put a hit out on Dad?¡± Gwen asked, suddenly realizing why Cass, Penelope, and apparently Rahul the Litch were all now missing. ¡°Seems about the gist of things,¡± Mallory stated, as her mind went and began preparing even more damage control measures for this latest event. Chapter 266 A New Day, Another Chance to Get In My Own Way Chapter 266 A New Day, Another Chance to Get In My Own Way Poof. One second the world was a chaotic swirl of colors and objects coming to life, only to be quickly settled back into place just the way it was before. The next, Penelope and I burst through time and space, aided by my fourth Simulacrum, who took off three Confidential minutes to help Penelope and me come up with a new game plan. ¡°And time,¡± I say the minute all three of us, my fourth Simulacrum, Penelope, and I all rush forward emerging from the portal that has us shooting forward into a giant ball of fluffy goodness. ¡°Oof,¡± Penelope lets out a breath as she impacts the giant double deluxe king size mattress of fluffy goodness before us. Glow. For a second, bright eyes glow as the mattress that we have crashed into momentarily awakens, only to feel not only my Simulacrum¡¯s aura, but my multiple healing and regenerative auras that instantly put the girl back to a restful slumber. ¡°Huff, huff¡­ wheeze¡­ I am not in anywhere near good enough shape to do that,¡± Penelope wheezed out, pulling up her head as she tried to breath through the dense patches of fur that feel more like a sky blanket than anything else. ¡°It¡¯s okay, you did well for your first time.¡± I state. Penelope settles down for a moment, but then perks up as she realizes what I just said. ¡°Wait, you mean it, I can go on an adventure like that with you in the future?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°Yeah, why not?¡± I ask. Penelope pausing just looks at me with a serious face for a moment before answering, ¡°because no one ever wants to go on a mission like that with me. I mean who wants to go do cool things with the Tailor, it would be best if she just stayed behind in the rear and didn¡¯t get in anyone¡¯s way.¡± ¡°Ah, you were fine, and besides next time we should be able to do more, especially now that I know you are on board.¡± I replied, seeing her energetic state and while I did have to call in my Simulacrum to help get everything I needed to get done completed, it was sort of fun to be with Penelope. ¡°And you mean it? None of that will get tied back to us?¡± Penelope says, her face beaming with a smile. ¡°Ahh, I get it. You¡¯ve got the Bonnie syndrome,¡± I reply. ¡°Bonnie syndrome?¡± ¡°Yeah, you get your first taste of crime and are addicted to the thrill,¡± I respond. Shallow steady breathing. By now, Penelope is finally able to calm herself enough to finally breathe properly, though a quick Healing scan shows that her dopamine levels are still off the charts. ¡°Does it ever get old?¡± Penelope finally asks after a moment to contemplate. ¡°If it does, then you aren¡¯t doing it right.¡± I reply. ¡°Oh, like mumble.¡± Penelope said. I paused and stared at her for a moment, but then my mind realizes what happened. ¡°Oh, the child filters,¡± I say, trying to understand what word Penelope said. ¡°Wait, mumble, you can¡¯t hear me say, mumble?¡± Penelope asked, then paused, ¡°oh I just got a warning for saying an inappropriate word in front of a minor. That is, wow¡­¡± ¡°Yep, only four more years, then I¡¯ll be considered a big girl.¡± I reply. ¡°Four? I thought you were closer than that?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°I mean, I should be, but who knows.¡± I say, realizing that her words have an ominous ring to them, one that speaks of impending doom. Then I make the mistake of speaking my geas to life, ¡°on no.¡± ¡°What?¡± Penelope asks, clearly relaxed for a moment, then instantly concerned. ¡°You don¡¯t think they could realize what we did?¡± ¡°No, not that. And they shouldn¡¯t find out until after it is done.¡± I reply. Chuckle. With that Penelope just laughs into her hand as she no doubt imagines all the things that could happen from our focused three minutes of work. Finally, after a few more minutes of fitful giggles before ultimately being able to calm down long enough to think about other things. ¡°I can¡¯t believe a place like that didn¡¯t have security of some kind?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Oh they did, it was pretty good, if I do say so myself.¡± I admit. ¡°But yet, we got through?¡± ¡°You did see the mid-term I just gave the Magical Resonance folks, right?¡± I ask back. ¡°Yeah, but to see you go from bypassing a self-repairing and strengthening ward, to that, where the wards were not even touched.¡± ¡°Yep, soon all of my students should be able to bypass that level of security, at a minimum.¡± ¡°At a minimum?¡± Penelope parrots back. ¡°Yep, that will be my goal for them. Set them all up on an obstacle course with different locked doors, hidden traps and make them solve everything they can within a certain time limit.¡± I say, revealing my final plans to Penelope of the processes I imagine my students being able to accomplish once they are done. ¡°So not just theoretical knowledge, but a hands on practical? That will be amazing. I just hope I live up to your expectations before you leave us.¡± Penelope states. There is a pause, before my mind catches up to the words she said there at the end. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°What do you mean, before I leave you?¡± I ask, somewhat confused. ¡°Oh come on, you know eventually the thrill of adventure will call for you. That one day you will have explored up to the mystical thousandth floor of the Arcanarus Tower, that you will have made SVC into SVU, not the copyrighted version, and you will be on to your next great adventure. An adventure that the rest of us will only hear about in small snippets and minor details.¡± Penelope says, sounding serious at first, then her voice taking on a more whimsical tone. Listening to her talk, I can hear the call of adventure lurking deep within her. There is almost a restless quality that wishes to resonate with an adventurous spirit like the one she described. ¡°Well, I must warn you. Deep down, I am probably one of the most boring people you will ever meet. I really do two things, magic, well all forms of energy, which to me are just different variations of magic. And of course reading.¡± I replied. ¡°You created murder bots, what were they called again?¡± ¡°They are the Teleiot¨ªs, and they are not murder bots. They are a recently freed form of sentient machines.¡± ¡°That murder people by the dozens.¡± ¡°Allegedly.¡± ¡°Allegedly? There were dozens of corpses around that Rahul went all crazy on and began smiling saying he would free you from your forced marriage with his minor army that he was summoning from the corpses of the dead.¡± Penelope replied. ¡°Yeah, necromancers are the ultimate force multiplier, one death equals two soldiers.¡± I reply, shaking my head, normally I would have stopped the Litch, but I just didn¡¯t have it in me. The Litch wouldn¡¯t bother my Teleiot¨ªs, and I did think that the Legrand Empire needed a bit of a distraction right about now. ¡°Two?¡± Penelope parroted. ¡°Yeah, one dead person provides a body, and a spirit that can both fight independently for the same depraved Litch.¡± I answered truthfully. Hearing that Penelope just shivered disgustedly. ¡°And you let him?¡± ¡°Let him nothing, he was in super possessive mode. Which meant, either I beat him down and then wait for him to do something to catch my attention, which would most likely be during tomorrow''s wedding. Or I point him towards the enemy and let him do what he was going to do anyways.¡± I reply, giving out my master plan. Hearing that, Penelope just paused as she took in my comments. Then she seemed to pause as slowly came to a seeming reluctant agreement with my logic. ¡°All I can say is that I am glad you are on our side. I could only imagine going up against you when you are focused.¡± ¡°What do you mean, I am always focused.¡± I reply, and then I hear the words only to realize that I don¡¯t quite believe them myself. ¡°I¡¯m just saying, you¡¯ve already done what? Taken out two high yield resource mines. Created a nearly unstoppable killing force of murder, I mean Teleiot¨ªs, who needed minimal repairs after all the forces they managed to render useless. Then of course there is the random scar you created in the middle of their capital. Most of which you seemingly stumbled across by mistake or happenstance. No, anyone that went against an army with you as an opposing force would need to question their sanity.¡± Penelope replied. Hearing the words, she spoke of my deeds with a sense of pride. While I just heard several events that seemingly started benign, but then spiraled out of control. ¡°Yeah, I will probably need to calm down.¡± I reply truthfully. ¡°Calm down? What no, if this comes to war, and by all means it looks like it will. If it does, then you will need to dial it up to eleven. If these were events by happenstance, then you might need to force future events to unfold.¡± Penelope responds. Hearing her words, I can¡¯t help but inwardly cringe at the idea that I might be responsible for deaths. Just as is the case with the soldiers that were allegedly killed by the Teleiot¨ªs, and those bodies that the now focused Litch will use to fight against the Legrand Empire. Anything I do from here on out will likely have casualties associated with each action taken. Perhaps seeing my internal conflict playing across my face, Penelope asks, ¡°changing subjects, where did you find the NPC disabling sand? And most importantly, how can we get you to deliver more to Legrand¡¯s major supply areas.¡± ¡°Wait what?¡± I ask. ¡°The disabling sands you blasted Timult with. There have been no casualties, but all of the natives of the world who were covered in the sand were taken to a comatose state.¡± Penelope admits. ¡°Comatose?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, they apparently just collapse in on themselves and seem to shut down.¡± Penelope added. ¡°How?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, according to the reports, there is just an odd dust that falls on the natives, that when the dust hits them, they instantly collapse and lose all energy.¡± Penelope responds. Hearing that, I pause as I realize that almost sounds exactly like what is happening to Zero. With a start, I charge energy into my Zero arm tattoo and try to rouse him to a state of consciousness. Jolt. Nothing. I can feel that Zero moved, his tattoo position even vibrates a bit, showing that he is responsive to the stimuli, but he does not come out. Suddenly feeling a wave of panic come over me, I form a Telepathic link to him. ¡°Hey, you alive?¡± ¡°What? Huh? Yeah, I am.¡± Zero replies back groggily. ¡°You doing okay?¡± ¡°What, hmm, sure. I¡¯m fine. Just a bit tired is all.¡± Zero replied, before I could feel his mind going to sleep. Tingling sensations of a dragon dreaming of flying high in the sky with a pixie on their back. That¡¯s when I feel something odd. It takes a moment for me to realize what happened, but Zero was dreaming. Actually having live dreams of the two of us flying in the air together. This is odd, as I don¡¯t remember this happening previously, even when connecting to Zero¡¯s mind while sleeping. Normally, he is instantly awake or asleep, one state or the other. In this case he was well somehow between both. I could feel his mind trying to awaken, but then his subconscious pulled him back in and kept dreaming. ¡°Where do you want to go today?¡± I hear my voice, or a rendition of my voice echoing in Zero¡¯s mind. Then without needing to be prodded, Zero responds, ¡°want to go to the grove and back?¡± At that point I instantly kill our connection, as it seems that I am delving into possible unwanted territory by spying on his dreams. Odd dreams made even odder by the fact that I don¡¯t know of any grove we have gone to. Yet, after hearing him speak, I could almost imagine the spot within my mind. In my mind, I imagine a patch of plants growing in a sea of desert sands. Once again, I am reminded of building our outpost here in the blighted lands, but this is different. Somehow harder to build, but simultaneously more enjoyable due the level of effort required, then gone. ¡°You okay?¡± Penelope asks. ¡°What, yeah.¡± I reply. Then as if on cue, Mr. Kujo chose that moment to bolt upright and stare off into the distance. Rustle. ¡°Wait, what was that?¡± Penelope asked, her voice suddenly concerned. ¡°What? That¡¯s just Kujo.¡± I reply. Focusing my mental thoughts in the direction that Kujo is now pointing, I quickly see what roused him from his slumber. GRRRR! ¡°Holy, shiza.¡± Penelope screams as she pulls out a magically glowing stick from her pocket. ¡°WHAAA!¡± With her sudden screaming, Ms. Kujo shakes awake too and raises her own head to stare at what caused Penelope to scream. ¡°Calm down,¡± I say to both Penelope and Ms. Kujo. Then realizing that Kujo will just be anxious here, if I don¡¯t set him loose, I give him the command. ¡°Go on and get him.¡± Shift. With the command, Kujo phases out of reality for a moment, leaving an empty space where he was lying down comfortably a moment ago. With Kujo gone, Ms. Kujo takes one last look at Penelope, before going back to resting on the ground. Penelope still has out her magic stick, which I realize now is emitting some type of light in the darkness around us. During this time, she looks down to see that the soft fluffy bed that she has been resting on is in fact a very large and massive dire phase wolf. At this point, dawning recognition crosses Penelope¡¯s face, and I can almost see panic taking over. ¡°Calm down, you are safe here.¡± I state. ¡°I thought you said you were taking me to your bedroom?¡± Penelope hisses but tries to keep her voice down so not to disturb the comfortably resting dire phase wolf under her. ¡°This is my bedroom. I can¡¯t help it that my room was quickly confiscated by the Kujos.¡± I respond. ¡°And this, your bed that you were bragging about being the softest, that is Ms Kujo?¡± Penelope asked, her voice still panicked, but she was calming down nicely. ¡°Yes. Isn¡¯t she soft, as advertised?¡± I question back. ¡°Well she is, but why?¡± ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure it is her genetically protective layer of glistening fur that is designed to protect against both the rough sands and harsh weather that when treated properly to a diet high in iron and red meat produces a great sheen like this.¡± I reply. ¡°No, not that, but¡­ uh, never mind.¡± Penelope says, and like she said the words that let me know that this is going to be a thing later on, which is why I want to take care of it now. But before I can do anything, Kujo pops back before us. Appear. ¡°AHHH!!!!¡± A boy screams, their voice echoing around the tight enclosure that was my private home, but is now the lair for the Kujos. ¡°Cass! It has a boy, a, ah, a child¡­¡± Penelope stammers out as she jumps from the massif fur blanket that is Ms. Kujo and onto the ground. Though she smartly doesn¡¯t move much closer to Kujo who is right there, menacingly holding its paw over the child. ¡°Why hello there, fellow regressor. Do you want to tell me what you were doing?¡± I ask, knowing the answer, but seeing how far this fellow regressor will try to push things. ¡°I, I wasn¡¯t doing anything, and then this monster attacked me and dragged me here.¡± The boy speaks. ¡°Wait, he¡¯s a regressor?¡± Penelope asks, holding up her magic stick to no doubt bathe the room in light. As for me the entire room is perfectly bright to my senses. Particularly after I used my Arcane Geomancy here multiple times to have it so this place would be a safe spot that both my Simulacrums and I could get to in case of emergencies. ¡°Yes he is, he was also warned about what would happen if he stepped out of line.¡± I reply ¡°Out of line, I didn¡¯t step anywhere.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, you crawled. More importantly you crawled into the faculty room of Professor De¡¯Gravitas, all while he was conveniently not here to watch over his dorm room.¡± I reply. The boy pauses, then proceeds to quickly go into a bad acting job that I will seriously have to recalibrate how bad I remember Battlefield Earth being. In comparison, Battlefield Earth probably could have lost a few of its Razzie awards and handed them over to this guy. ¡°What? I thought he was there, I needed to discuss joining his class.¡± ¡°Through the air vents?¡± I ask. ¡°Well, I wanted to get into the faculty building, to see if he would accept me as a student. But then I got lost.¡± The boy added. ¡°So your way of finding your way around was to go through the walls?¡± ¡°No, I tried to go through a janitorial closet, but then got vacuum sucked into the ceiling ducts, where I managed to make my way out to one of the wall ducts.¡± He continues. Hearing him, I just shake my head. ¡°Do you have a certain quota?¡± ¡°A quota?¡± He asks suddenly flustered. ¡°Yeah, of lies you have to tell each day, lest your brain disintegrates even more than it already has?¡± I ask. Then realizing that this might be the best time to strike, I mentally insert my mental Telepathic probes into his mind and read his surface thoughts. ¡°I needed to get one of those skill books. Apparently there is a quest to not only get the flying skill books from the Thieves Guild, but then I could grab the Skill Fusion skill book and make bank.¡± The boy thinks. Hearing his thoughts, I can only kick the person who came up with the stupid idea of rewarding all Thieves Guild members for stealing my sentient skill books, especially now that we have new fused skills that are also a potential double reward. The fact that someone would not only make highly rewarding quests to steal what are the equivalent of state secrets, but to do so right before Mallory¡¯s wedding day, they must just be asking for trouble. ¡°That jerk,¡± I say to myself as I realize I might need to have more protection details around my skill books during the wedding ceremony as well. Especially if little kids are trying, even if they are grown people in the bodies of little kids, it is still a hassle that I would rather not deal with at this very moment. ¡°What jerk?¡± Penelope asked, clearly hearing my admonition for myself. ¡°The person who made stealing skill books a thing, I am going to track them down and have a very terse conversation with them.¡± I sate, before continuing, ¡°however before then, we are going to do a few things¡­¡± Chapter 267 The Pool Chapter 267 The Pool Food. Apparently the first thing I was going to take care of was food. Well not food for me, I fed nearly constantly on my own stream of mana in the form of Spirit Sustenance. Which seems odd considering I now know that more goes into my body than just mana, as I have both Qi and ephemeral energy, but for some reason mana is enough to stave off my hunger. That is something that I think will need to come back to. It could be something as weak as that was the only form of energy the system seemed to know about at first, but that doesn¡¯t seem to be the full answer. I¡¯m beginning to think that there are layers to this world. Layers that seem to work together for the most part, only to then separate later on. Take for instance mana, the world seems to be in balance with what mana is and mostly what it can do. Mana is the gaseous form of energy that can be manipulated from outside the body, and occurs naturally in the world. Qi by contrast begins in a body and then can be pushed out to the world. All living creatures have Qi, even spirits of once living creatures have Qi making this harder to determine. For if you just saw Qi in a given place, you might assume it is a naturally occurring phenomenon. It is, but only in the way death is a natural state of being after life. Thus it is clear that for areas where there is a lot of residual Qi, one could assume that a major battle of some kind took place in that area. As for ephemeral energy it is a lot rarer and harder to determine. Ephemeral almost seems to be the realm of dreams, but not quite. There is a direct contact needed, but unlike mana or Qi, leaving a clump of ephemeral energy in one place will not cause the energy to dissipate. All of this is to say that while casting both Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain and Perfect Resurrection on the newest sample of species that Kujo brought proudly for Ms. Kujo, I was a bit distracted. Well, I wasn¡¯t the only one who was distracted. The regressed boy whose name was Lansiter, or something like that, was terrified and found himself backing against the far wall of the multi-level complex we were in. Penelope too looked shocked, but that was mainly due to the way she had all but been thrown out of her comfortable bed by the violent movements of a very hungry Ms. Kujo who had been stirred to life by the smell of living breathing creature of the Blighted Plains. With so much food and action, I couldn¡¯t warn her in time as I was focused on casting two spells simultaneously. Fortunately, my fourth Simulacrum was there to catch Penelope as she fell, then proceeded to princess carry the much larger woman away from the Kujos. Oddly enough, I should have been frightened, given my proximity to both, but I didn¡¯t. For whatever reason, I knew two things. First Ms. Kujo would not bite me, even if hunger ravaged her body for whatever reason. Second, if she did bite at me by mistake, I would easily defend myself and make it so her meals were not as fresh or fulfilling later on. But again, most of this was based on my trust for the Kujos and the fact that for the most part we seemed to have a relatively good relationship going. Namely, I took care of, provided shelter for, and purified the food for the Kujos, while they ate and occasionally helped out where needed. Crackle. The odd sound of snapping bones could be heard, as Ms. Kujo hungrily tore into the carcass of the maximum level desert cow creature. Only once the main monster was fully deceased, and being devoured by his partner did Mr. Kujo take the level 1 replica replacement of the same beast and carry it off to the local monster zoo area. Still, being this close I could see a number of the changes I made to this lair come to life. Well to be fair, I didn¡¯t make the changes, these were the fourth Simulacrum who acted how I would have acted while being forced to be here. Namely, the Fourth Simulacrum went wild with Enchantments, even implementing Master Enchantments to take advantage of the situation. What was the situation? Well simply put, my Simulacrum took the ides of what Professor Rahul De¡¯Gravitas had implemented in his own workshop in Deolar, and enhanced it. Before Professor De¡¯Gravitas had set up an array to capture ambient energy and siphon it into two different collection points. Mana would thus go towards his upper layer where he would use the harvested mana to strengthen himself. While the accumulated Qi force from the once living, but now deceased Deolar spirits was put into what was effectively a giant grease trap that I then used to break through to a next layer of Qi Core development. Based on guidance, and refining the processes created through our synching of minds, my Fourth Simulacrum was eventually able to produce this rejuvenation labyrinth for me, while I focused on other aspects. Which is great, as it means my Simulacrums that aren¡¯t reading are also still producing results for me. Thrum. I can all but feel the enchantments spark to life the moment ambient blood, bone, and viscera particles land on the ground. Something that is to be expected from such large predators who are eating. In this case, the Master Tier Enchantments are doing multiple things. First and probably most important part, they are cleaning up this place by removing excess blood, bone, fur, dust, and all other naturally occurring traces of dirt and converting them to energy. Energy that is then cleaned and processed into a newly created pool. Obviously, the pool is not on the same level as the Kujos, as that would be a tripping hazard. So instead, the pool is built conveniently one floor below, again by my Simulacrum who used many forms of earth manipulation and master level etching before having it so the pool would be fed continuously by the ever-eating Kujos. ¡°Holy goodness, she is quite enthusiastic with her eating.¡± Penelope says, her voice trying to calm down, but clearly showing signs of distress. Once again Penelope is holding up her glow stick, to see in the darkened room. As she does, light shines on Ms. Kujo who just shifts her eyes slightly so that they aren¡¯t blinded by the magical light, as she continues to dig into her food. With Mr. Kujo gone the boy, something Lanbliter, just cowers even further back in fear. Seeing that both Penelope and Lancaster are having troubles, I decide to use this last hour before my last and final class of the day, my assumed Legendary Bloodline Awakening class. Why we decided to host the class at the same 5PM slot is beyond me, but apparently that is what Mallory told everyone, now I just had to waste my afternoon until it was time. Which was why, I decided to spend this last hour and change effectively. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°You got her?¡± I ask my fourth Simulacrum. The Simulacrum who had just been smiling down watching over Ms. Kujo as she ate turned to me and just smiled, before giving me a thumbs up gesture. That little gesture was all I needed. ¡°Come on, let me show you where I keep the pool.¡± I tell Penelope. ¡°You have a pool?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Of course, what do I look like, one of those hobo pixies without a house that they are squatting in that has a self-made indoor swimming pool?¡± I ask. ¡°Umm, I don¡¯t think that sounds as enticing as you originally thought.¡± Penelope stated. ¡°Ah probably, but you in?¡± I ask a bit of excitement filling my words. There is a look of hesitation on Penelope¡¯s face, as she apparently does not like the idea of using an indoor swimming pool. That or maybe the idea of squatting in a vacant building is beneath her? ¡°Well I¡¯ll just leave you here in that case, then I¡¯ll get you on my way back for class.¡± I state, letting her prefer to stay here. ¡°Wait, you aren¡¯t taking me with you?¡± She asks. ¡°Not if you don¡¯t want to come,¡± I reply. ¡°Oh, well, in that case, yes, please take me with you,¡± Penelope asked, apparently confused about why I would abandon her. Though really, I think here she is probably the safest she can be. My Simulacrum, Ms. Kujo and yep, Mr. Kujo is now back, so she would be more than safe from any attacks. That was also assuming that any intruders found the entrance to this building. For the life of me, I still cannot find it, but honestly at this point I¡¯m not looking too hard for an entrance. Mainly I just want ways to ensure I can keep others out, there are already enough freeloaders here with the Kujos, I could only imagine if people or monsters I didn¡¯t like started appearing here. ¡°Wait, take me too,¡± Lanblister or whatever the boy¡¯s name was pleaded as he began charging towards me. Poof. Only to suddenly see and then try to swerve around a Mr. Kujo who just appeared right in front of him. ¡°Ahh!¡± The boy cried out, before rolling twice on the floor and then crouching low just sprinted towards the two of us. All the while both Kujos just stared at the odd kid charging forward. ¡°Yes, Callistro, we will not leave without you,¡± Penelope said. ¡°Callistro?¡± I asked, tasting the name and wondering why I thought it began with an ¡®L¡¯. ¡°Yeah, come on.¡± I say, already having hold of Penelope, but then reaching out a hand for the boy, Callistro, who had a stupid name. I don¡¯t need to touch the two of them, as I could easily Teleport the three of us such a short distance easily, but I want to make it appear like it is farther. Also, the less others know about my Teleportation abilities, the better. Poof. We are down below in the wide-open area that surrounds the pool. Even now, the glowing runes can be seen. At least that is how I see the world around me, as multiple complex and overlayed patterns of runes flare to life and extract, purify, and then amplify residual Qi fragments from the animals above and converts them to Qi that I can freely infuse into my body down here. Glow. As we approach, Penelope pulls out her glowing rod and illuminates the pool that is all but stirring with extra energy being added. Splash. Before I know it, I am already in and diving around. Fortunately, all of my clothes are soul bound, meaning that any damage they sustain now will be healed by my mana later on. Meaning, I don¡¯t even need to change as a means to protect my clothing. Instead, I can just use this time to freely enjoy the warm waters around me. Tingle. As soon as I enter, I feel my body sensing the residual Qi energy in the pool water, as my body begins to pull in that same energy into myself. Since my core is effectively my entire body now, thanks to my last Bloodline evolution, things are easier and harder. It is now much easier to pull in ambient Qi from the world around me, as my core is now set to the outer layer of my skin. Simultaneously it is tougher to gather enough Qi to be able to condense my core as my core is ten times the size that it was previously. Still, I can feel the energy being pulled into my body, causing my whole being to thrum with unbridled energy. ¡°Is that blood?¡± The boy, Callisy something, cries out. ¡°Of course not,¡± I shoot back, coming up from below the waves as I let the warm water cascade down my face. Horror. ¡°You sure, because it looks a lot like blood to me.¡± Penelope asks, more than a note of shock in her voice. ¡°I mean, it is probably the high iron content you are seeing,¡± I state. At that Penelope and the boy both relax slightly. ¡°I mean, by the time the energy gets down here, all of the blood itself should be stripped away. With the only parts that remain being the residual motes of Qi.¡± I reply. And like that, I see I gave one answer too many as it is clear that neither of the two will now join me. Not that I wanted the boy to join me, but Penelope probably could use all the physical help she could get, and the energy here is more than enough to help most form a first-tier core easily. Thrum. At that thought, I feel my whole body zinging and pulsing with energy. There is so much energy that it almost seems impossible for me to contain it all within myself. Gravity. That¡¯s when I feel the force of gravity awaken within my body. Gravity is one of those odd forms of power that is hard for most people to mentally quantify. I too have a hard time imagining it, as it seems to be more pervasive than even mana. It is a force that is always present, even if one can conquer its effects for a moment gravity, like an overly eristic partner, will always make sure it has the last word. Thus, it is little wonder that I end up using gravity and its unyielding force of smothering pressure to grab hold of all of the energy around me, and forcefully pull it in, while condensing it to a more stable state. Just as liquid nitrogen can be turned into a liquid, and then to a solid with enough force, pressure, and the appropriate temperatures are met, so too can Qi be condensed in one¡¯s own body. The process is a lot more intricate than I originally thought, particularly as I didn¡¯t take into account just how messy two overgrown dire phase wolves were when it came to eating. Which of course meant that I had not real concept for how much residual Qi energy could be processed and collected by my various arrays, resulting in this. While I was going through this, Penelope and the boy were not idle. They had taken a few steps away from the pool and were content to engage in conversations far away from the warm waters, but not close enough that they might touch the actively engaged wall runes. ¡°So do you think she will become some type of vampire pixie with this?¡± The boy pressed. ¡°God I hope not,¡± Penelope said. ¡°Me either, last thing I need is for more people to tell me I suck.¡± I reply, before almost missing a step in my cycling of energy. I don¡¯t even know how my one zinger will be interpreted, as I¡¯m too focused on the immediate outcome here. Finally, after a long time, I finally gain control over gravity. At least I think it is gravity, it almost feels like I¡¯m holding my stomach in, you know the way you do to impress someone very attractive walking past you. This sensation of trying to squeeze gravity within my body is like that, but ten times tougher, as I have almost no clue what I am doing. Though to be fair, that has never stopped me in the past. Instead, all I can do is focus on tensing all my muscles as tightly as possible in all ways around me, before realizing I can relax slightly in certain places. Then as more time passes, I feel a strange sense of control over the newly condensed power within my body, as I realize that the condensed particles are not only pushing inward towards where a natural core would be, but are also holding themselves in place due to gravity from alternate directions. The moment the energy stabilizes into a semi-permanent nearly liquid state, that is when I realize I have met the next stage of development, while also feeling the reward from the system letting me know that it acknowledges my accomplishment.
Hidden Quest Complete: Forming a Perfect Qi Body: You have advanced your cultivation base to include your entire body. Not only have you resolidified your previous gains, but you have experienced exponential growth of your previous benefits gained from your Qi reservoirs. Rewards: Tier V Perfect Qi Body, Experience¡­
Seeing the build up of energy, I immediately clench down on the revealing of further benefits. I was of course unable to stop the notification about the advancements from the Qi Body, but I did not want any further accidents to come out from this. Particularly as I could almost feel a lingering announcement waiting to happen. ¡°Oh!¡± I exclaim as I promptly pop out of the pool. Poof. Then once on the shore, I take a quick look at the details of my new Qi Body.
Tier V Perfect Qi Body: You have managed to create the Tier V Perfect Stage Qi Body and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity VII, Body Improvement VII, Movement VII, Qi Reservoir Size VII, Qi Circulation VII, Combat Attacks VII, Aerial Combat VII. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Reservoir Size: The size of your initial Qi Resevoirs is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your listed effect rating.
It seemed that while the number of related skills didn¡¯t increase. A total of thirty percent increase per skill, not bad, but not exactly what I wanted. Particularly as now I would appear to be a child for at least two additional years after my eighteenth birthday, whenever that is. ¡°She¡¯s back,¡± Penelope said, as she held up her hand and let her glowing light source linger over me. Though apparently I might not have looked quite right as both Penelope and the boy cringed at my sight. ¡°What?¡± I ask. ¡°You¡¯ve got a little blood on your face,¡± Penelope said. Cleanse. A quick application of one of my favorite utility spells and boof, all excess pool residue is easily gone. The moment it is gone Penelope relaxes slightly, but still looks concerned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t eradicate it all, what I didn¡¯t use is even now being recycled by the runes and readded back to the pool for later use.¡± I say, trying to reassure that the energy is not being destroyed, but rather converted. Well converted by mana to disparate energy particles, that are then sorted by size and complexity to be fed back here, to my own underground Qi pool. ¡°Um, I promise never to enter the faculty building again, so could I please be taken from here?¡± The boy pleads. Hearing that, I realize that it is almost time for my last and final mid-term. ¡°Yeah, Penelope and I need to deliver a mid-term anyways.¡± I state. ¡°Thank you so thank¡­¡± the boy begins, but we are already Teleporting by the time he starts to thank us. ¡°You, gahh¡­¡± he ends his comment with a hiss, as he begins to cover his eyes from the rays of the setting sun. ¡°Now who¡¯s the vampire.¡± I state, as I turn to enter the still destroyed school building used for holding so many students taking the Legendary Bloodline Awakening course. ¡°Final one, I¡¯ve got this¡­¡± I say to myself. Then just as I state the words, I already see the golden threads of fate weaving about me, as if my words somehow awakened them from their slumber. ¡°Oh, no¡­¡± was all I could say, as I realized I just tempted fate with my words. Chapter 268 Technical Oversight Chapter 268 Technical Oversight ¡°I literally just saw you bathe in the blood of your enemies,¡± Penelope chides. ¡°They weren¡¯t my enemies, they were just little snacklets for the Kujos, that I then processed and bathed in.¡± I reply somewhat defensively. ¡°That is the same thing,¡± Penelope demanded. ¡°The same thing as eating a ballpark frank or something similar maybe,¡± I respond. ¡°Those are just as disgusting and greasy. Also, I know you wouldn¡¯t bathe in those.¡± Penelope replied. ¡°No, but I do know someone that swore they would spend the rest of their lives drinking the healthy juices of hot dog water for life if offered enough money.¡± I respond, remembering how my husband well my should-be-ex made the same ridiculous argument to me when we were still together. ¡°How much was that?¡± ¡°Not nearly enough to make it worth them staying around me while they did the challenge.¡± I replied. ¡°There is no way this is a real thing,¡± Penelope demanded. ¡°Of course it isn¡¯t a real thing. No one would be sadistic enough to torture the family of anyone stupid enough to continually drink hot dog water for the rest of their lives.¡± I admit. ¡°No, I mean that this was even a topic of discussion. There is no way anyone would argue for drinking hotdog water.¡± Penelope chided. Before I could even rebut that, Falkynion, one of the Legendary Bloodline Awakening students, responded. ¡°Unfortunately, she is not incorrect, that was a thing,¡± Falkynion stated. Penelope looked at Falkynion as if she was trying to see if he was telling her a joke. ¡°Surely that is a joke?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°I mean it was meant to be, but then doctors came out with how It increased brain function and vitality, weight loss, and could lead to a younger physique. It was also touted as gluten-free, and being Keto diet-compatible,¡± Randidler, another one of my mid-term taking students added. ¡°Ah, talking about the hotdog water lifestyle,¡± Mallory added, having finally made her presence known in our now open-air classroom. ¡°A lifestyle?¡± Penelope parroted. ¡°Yep, it turned out a few people didn¡¯t need to be paid money to join the fad.¡± Mallory said, a grimace filling her face as she clearly meant someone dear to her. ¡°Wait, so you really weren¡¯t making this up, to distract me from,¡± Penelope began and then paused, trying desperately to remember what we had been talking about at the beginning of this whole conversation. ¡°Oh no, I didn¡¯t make it up, but it was meant to distract you from what you were thinking of.¡± I respond, then seeing Mallory I remember the reason why. As even now, I could feel the trickle of power related to a World First notification trickling through me. Almost the same way you feel when you eat something that clearly has food poisoning on it, and you feel your body fighting against the hostile invader the entire time as it slowly works its way through your body. At least you think it is slowly, while you know for a fact that it is moving ten times faster than normal. Yeah, this is likely not the best metaphor of days. ¡°Oh? Dr. Spiritlight trying to distract you from something, I didn¡¯t think that such an event was possible.¡± Mallory said her words all but biting with sarcasm. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not distracting,¡± I respond. ¡°No, you are the distraction,¡± Mallory responded, then turning back to Penelope she asked. ¡°Okay, so what tidbit of information did you get about our good doctor here that she would resort to the hotdog water conversation to keep you from focusing?¡± Penelope for her part looked lost, as she tried to think back. Then you could all but see the moment she remembered as her face went from its normal happy self to a slightly disturbed look. ¡°Oh, it was the fact she bathed in the blood of her enemies.¡± Penelope stated. Hearing her, I was about to respond, which she saw and then holding up a hand she cut me off as she clarified. ¡°Sorry, I mean she bathed in the blood of Kujo¡¯s enemies.¡± At that, Mallory just paused and seemed to read the truly serious look on Penelope¡¯s face to figure out that she was not in fact wrong about this. ¡°Okay,¡± Mallory said to Penelope before spinning about and facing me directly. ¡°What did you do? And is there something you want to tell me about now?¡± Twitch. With so much attention on me, I felt my control over the thread of information I was desperately clinging onto loosen for a moment. Seeing as this was sort of an out, I decided to take it. ¡°I recycled energy.¡± ¡°Recycled?¡± ¡°Yeah, you know, energy cannot be created nor destroyed, only altered. Well, while trying to come up with a way to keep the Kujo Caverns cleaned from their messy eating. I thought up a way to not only clean up the fallen chunks and splatters of monster kills, but have them cleaned refined and processed into a form that could be absorbed through osmosis.¡± I respond, trying to hit the high points without getting too technical on the exact runes used for this master level enchanting process. Click. The moment I state the words Kujo Caverns, I feel something click in my mind as I realize I¡¯ve just given my first home here a name. And worst of all, I named it after the dang pets that basically confiscated my home. Local Area Chime.
New Location Found: Kujo Caverns: A hidden underground dwelling filled with mysteries, exotic rune structures, wild beasts, and a mythical level power stealing sacrificial altar.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation. Seeing the message pop up in my mind, I pause. Then looking around, I realized that everyone in my immediate area got the message. ¡°A mythical level power stealing sacrificial altar?¡± Mallory exhaled in a moan that denoted this being yet another thing she didn¡¯t want to have to deal with or cover. I pause, and then wonder about the wording. ¡°I mean, it is a bit theatrical with its description there, but I guess it could be considered one. Though mythical level?¡± I question, wondering if it was truly that hard. I mean my Simulacrum made it, meaning it couldn¡¯t be mythical level right? Of course, I did help streamline the designs and layered functionality, but to have my first recognized mythical level room be called a power stealing sacrificial altar seems a bit much. Hearing my somewhat lame attempt to deflect away from the wording, Mallory turns to me and asks. ¡°So, what would you call the system in place?¡± Hearing that, I pause and try to come up with nicer more flowery words. ¡°An environmentally friendly power conversion, cleaning, and retention platform?¡± I pose, trying to detail the intent behind the design, versus the doomsday response that the world seems to be going for. ¡°An environmentally friendly power conservation what now?¡± ¡°An environmentally friendly power conversion, cleaning, and retention platform.¡± I state a bit more emphatically now that I¡¯ve had more time to think about the exact wording I want on this. ¡°Uh-huh. And on this retention platform, you could kill monsters, let them bleed out and convert their energy into a form that could be taken?¡± Mallory poses. ¡°Well yeah, that was part of it, I mean the main thing is the cleaning. Both the floor area itself, that way the Kujo¡¯s don¡¯t leave a bloody mess everywhere, and I don¡¯t have to worry about vacuuming up dire phase wolf hair all the time.¡± I respond. ¡°Uh-huh. So, this platform can convert both recently killed and dead skin cells and convert it into energy?¡± Mallory presses. ¡°Yeah, again you can¡¯t create or destroy energy, just convert it.¡± I reiterate my point from earlier, I mean who am I to refute Einstein after all. With that Mallory pauses, and then stares at me. I can even see her clearly working with how she wishes to word her next question. ¡°But you do see how other people, those who are less scrupulous than you could use that same functionality to say kill off enemies and then try to absorb their power?¡± Mallory asks. Hearing her words, I try to refute, but then realize she might have a point. ¡°I mean, yeah. People can always misuse items.¡± I reply. Mallory looks like she wants to comment, but then just shakes her head. ¡°You know, had anyone else created this, I would swear they had alternate intention in place. Whereas, when you speak, I really do assume you meant to create the worlds first silent Roomba that charges you instead.¡± ¡°See, it¡¯s not all my fault.¡± ¡°No, this is one hundred percent your fault, but since it is your fault. You can keep it so long as no one else takes it from you. Also, I am entrusting you that if should anyone ever try to take over the area you would destroy it before letting it fall into enemy hands.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°I am the least of the worries. Very soon here there will be at least fifteen dire phase wolves using that lair as their own personal living area.¡± I reply. ¡°Wait, you mean there will be fifteen sacrifices happening daily in there, feeding your pool of energy and you think this will be less of a tempting target?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°I mean, when you point out all the flaws, then yeah anything looks like a bad idea.¡± Hug. There was a blur, and before I realized what happened, Mallory had her large arms around me holding me tightly against her chest. I of course tried to flap my wings, only for their ephemeral state to easily whip right through Mallory¡¯s arms. To my surprise all my practice flying in increased gravity was paying off, as I was easily able to lift myself and Mallory despite the conception that my wings wouldn¡¯t be able to flap freely. They could and I easily gained lift, though again it was hard to work my way free of her grip. ¡°Never change,¡± Mallory said, after inhaling deeply and apparently breathing in some of my possibly spell missed dried magic blood particles from my hair; that or maybe she smelled pixie dust from my wings, as she instantly relaxed a bit and then held me out at arm¡¯s length stared into my eyes. Well, she stared, while I could still see everything around me thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight. ¡°I don¡¯t think you mean that, unless all these pep-talks after I do things are a giant red herring for your true intentions. One of those, encourage me to do things by telling me to do the opposite?¡± I begin, and then realize that would be a devilish plan. ¡°Wait, is that your ultimate plan for me?¡± I pose, playing it up, even though this could easily be the truth if I but delved a bit further into the whole thought process here. ¡°You tell me not to do things, knowing that I will in fact do them. Only to then tell me not to change, knowing that my changing now would mean not doing what I have been doing.¡± At that, I pause as everyone around me is also quiet. ¡°That is diabolical.¡± I state. ¡°No, wait, this time I mean it, I truly mean it. It is okay, you don¡¯t have to change. Not that you could, but I can¡¯t imagine a world without you doing you type things while here.¡± Mallory said. ¡°Ahh.¡± I reply, and I hope she means it too, for right now I am this close to letting go of my mental hold over the World Announcement that is burning its way through my mind. ¡°Yes, I mean it, this world would be a lot more boring without your constant rays of randomness that you add everywhere.¡± Mallory stated. ¡°Oh, phew,¡± I state as I let out a breath and mentally relax my hold on the remainder of the items from the energy absorption quest I completed. Definitely not related to the use of mythical level grade sacrificial altars.
Experience Gained: 250,000 / 125,000 / 125,000 Ding. Level Up. Divinely Akashic Qi Master has increased by four levels to level 339. Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by three levels to level 368. Quintessence Ethereal Healer has increased by five levels to level 501. New Quintessence Ethereal Healer Class Perk Available. New Quintessence Ethereal Healer Aura Perk Available.
Dang it, just when I thought I was fine on letting the levels go through, I was hit with the level five hundred double whammy of a new aura and a class perk. Fortunately, I still had time as an immediate response was not required, but I did know that these alterations would need to be applied in a relatively short order. Though for the moment there was something even more pressing as it took me a moment to recognize the fact that I almost missed the World Announcement.
World First Notification: Rejoice, the First Mythical Level Facility has been created and used. The facility, a Sacrificial Altar of Power Transference has been created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight, you have been warned.
There is a long pause as all of us seem to stare at the notification in silence. Finally, after a few minutes, I reply honestly ¡°that was not what I expected that announcement to be about.¡± ¡°Okay, and what did you think the world announcement would be about exactly?¡± Mallory asked, in what had to be a master plan of getting me to reveal anything else I might be hiding from her. ¡°I thought it was going to be about creating a perfected Qi body, which is far more advanced than just the standard Qi core. But this just goes to show, none of us can understand what the world considers priorities in alerting.¡± I respond. There is a moment where Mallory opens and moves her lips a few times the same way a fish would when pulled from the water. Only to then close her mouth as she reformulated her question. ¡°You thought your Qi body was somehow more important than your creation of and use of a mythical level slaughterhouse?¡± ¡°I mean, if you dramatize it like that then yeah. But from my perspective it was just a three weeklong project that I had my Simulacrum working on in the background.¡± I respond. ¡°In the background, do you have all of your simulacrum working on similar projects?¡± ¡°What? No, why would I create energy transference arrays in libraries, and on my ship?¡± I ask, trying to point out that at least this question was ludicrous. ¡°But your spending three weeks on a project transformed a random spot of land here? It is here right?¡± Mallory asked, waving her hand about in the general area as if trying to understand where the new threat vector came from. ¡°I mean, hypothetically, yeah. I did give you a map of the location of the base when I first got here. Back before the Kujos took over.¡± I respond. ¡°On those clear sheets of paper?¡± ¡°What no? I wrote in magical disappearing ink, just as you agreed in my charter for communicating critical intel points.¡± I responded. ¡°You had a map of your rest house drawn because you thought it was critical?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I mean, at the time I figured you could use it to find me if you needed me urgently.¡± I responded. But then, I realized she said something odd with her words. ¡°Wait, clear sheets of paper? You do know that I write all my messages using the approved magical ink?¡± I ask. ¡°I mean, I know that now.¡± Mallory states. Hearing her, I pause and realize the operative words in her statement. ¡°How long is now exactly?¡± ¡°About four or five hours, roughly.¡± Mallory notes. At that, I just nod my head. ¡°So my progress reports on what I was doing up until this point. My outlines for ways forward with each class, and what experiments I was working on at any given time were completely missed by your oversight?¡± I ask. This is crucial, as I am fairly certain she is being honest with the five or so hours. Which is good, as it means I have a blanket out here if I phrase this correctly. While I technically had a section in every letter denoting current experiments, I never filled out that section. That or when I did, they were always experiments that failed, which was part of why I stopped filling out that section to begin with, as I might have thought it was slightly cursed. Still, Mallory doesn¡¯t know that, and I can use that here. ¡°Probably, but hey, what¡¯s that?¡± Mallory asks, pointing at something behind me. I just stare at her, looking at her like she is foolish. ¡°You do realize I can see everything around me, at all times, right?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t think this one through that well.¡± Mallory admitted while putting her finger down, and looking mildly flustered. ¡°Were you here for any particular reason?¡± I ask, indicating that I still have my last and final mid-term exam to administer. ¡°Nope, I just came to see how you were doing with the newly opened schoolhouse building.¡± Mallory responded, while gesturing to the building I had broken last night. ¡°All right, you ready to see what type of exam I hand out to these students?¡± I ask. ¡°Nope, I trust you.¡± Mallory said. Her words hitting me deep, though I don¡¯t know exactly why. However, I can say one thing for certain, her words do resonate with both power and honesty. ¡°Okay, well thank you.¡± I say to Mallory, and I honestly mean it. Not quite sure why, but those words do make me fell like a lot of the tension that had been building between us recently was released. Not all of it, but enough to let me know that I still want to be here in the future. ¡°No, thank you.¡± Mallory says honestly as she gives me a slight bowing of her head as she begins to leave the building. As she leaves, I pause give a three count mentally, before I decide to give this midterm test as well. Then reaching into my satchel, I pull out a stack of magically binding parchments. ¡°All right, who wants to sign a contract with me to help awaken their Legendary Bloodline?¡± I ask. Silence. Apparently, these students had already heard of my actions yesterday, no worries, I was already prepared for this. ¡°Okay, on to option two for possible mid-term exams¡­¡± Interlude XVIII Seraphyn Legrand Interlude XVIII Seraphyn Legrand The engines were all thrumming to life of the Quadro-Zeppelins, four engines that were designed to each independently allow a giant helium filled balloon to be able to float and soar amongst the star. The design was nearly perfect, as the helium inside the main hull was in its own isolated space that could not be tampered with, unless severe actions were taken. ¡°I¡¯m surprised that the saboteurs didn¡¯t find this hanger.¡± Dyllon commented, his words expressing the deep thoughts that Seraphyn himself was thinking. ¡°They couldn¡¯t find them all, plus this one was our hidden trump card.¡± Lydeyah said, her tone adding a noted calmness to the conversation and to the broiling emotions that were now screaming at Seraphyn that something would go wrong. ¡°Hey are you nervous?¡± Dyllon ask, clapping Seraphyn on the shoulder, as he did a slight spray of dust arose from the contact. Seeing the dust, Seraphyn had to wonder how the dust got there, the ship had just been cleaned perfectly, in preparation for this very operation. Yet, there were a number of places that were clearly covered in dust. Oddly enough, these were all well trafficked areas too; handrails, instrument panels, ship logs, and other records that would all need to be held and used by multiple people. While dust itself was not something to cancel the entire mission over, there was just something odd about the whole situation that made Seraphyn concerned. Almost like his mind had all the pieces to warn him that something was about to go wrong, but for the life of him, he couldn¡¯t understand. Fortunately, the dust was easily taken care of, a quick swipe of a gloved finger and everything was gone, clear. Seraphyn even looked down at his gloved finger, half expecting a residual line of dust to remain, but found nothing. That was one blessing at least, the dust here was easily disposed of, since the cleaning crews obviously couldn¡¯t be trusted, Seraphyn had ordered his fellow officers to clean up the area. At the very least, the act of cleaning the ship gave the crew time to prepare for the next portion of their mission. ¡°We¡¯ve got our first passenger.¡± Luggard stated, wheeling in a woman who was standing stationary on a brick of dirt, that was then placed on a flat bed that Luggard was now dragging around behind him. ¡°Great,¡± Seraphyn stated, grabbing the manifest, and again seeing a bit of dust on the logs, he mindlessly wiped away the offending residue before going over to make sure this person was expected. ¡°Name?¡± ¡°Jyulianna,¡± the female answered, a form of nervousness to her voice. The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. After a few seconds of scanning the page, Seraphyn found the name and made a quick marking next to the expected name. ¡°And the dagger?¡± Seraphyn asked. ¡°Right here,¡± Jyulianna said, waving the violently glowing dagger. With that, Seraphyn made a second check under the column that denoted her having a dagger. ¡°Very good. Do you know what is to be expected of you?¡± Seraphyn asked. ¡°Sort of, right now since I haven¡¯t taken my first step, I am pretty much invulnerable. Meaning that regardless of what happens for the next 24 hours, I cannot die, so long as I do not move from this spot?¡± Jyulianna said, gesturing to the slab of stone below her. ¡°Exactly, now we have a few hours before we will fly out and reach the target, so during this time you are suggested to do as much physical activity as possible, while never moving your feet.¡± Seraphyn said, in the back of his mind, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a cold irony swelling up. Using the exact first day training method used by the living legend, to create an army of people who would then be able to eventually kill that same legend. ¡°Is there anything you would like from me?¡± Seraphyn asked. With that Jyulianna began to sweat slightly, a mixture of nervous energy and anxiety clearly etched on her face. ¡°Is there any chance this vehicle has air conditioning?¡± She posed. Hearing that, Seraphyn just smiled, ¡°but of course, this is the Legrand Empire after all, meaning we can do anything we put our minds to.¡± Then with a turn and a slight yell, he shouted out, ¡°Dyllon, turn on the AC so we can at least make it more comfortable while our guests arrive.¡± ¡°On it boss,¡± Dyllon shouted out. With that Seraphyn smiled at Jyulianna, but then noticed the next person needed for this mission being wheeled in. ¡°If you will excuse me, I need to take care of logging the others.¡± Seraphyn said, his voice somewhat charming, using a command perk he acquired. Hearing that Jyulianna blushed slightly, while ruffling a strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°Sure,¡± Jyulianna responded, and with that Seraphyn gave a slight nod of his head as he began logging in the rest of the arrivals. Clutter, clatter, clank. The old metallic pipes that served as an air duct began to clatter and clank to life. While the Legrand Empire hadn¡¯t been able to replicate true Air Conditioning with proper condensers, they had managed to do the next best thing of create magical blocks of ice that would then have their cool energies cycled throughout the cabin of the ships. Right now, the rattling to life wind blades showed that the cold energy would soon by cycled about the cabin of the ship. Dust. Then just as the first waves of air came to life, so too did a layer of dust spring to life and coat everyone present. This was too much, and Seraphyn made a mental note to log down a complaint that would be returned after this mission was over. While little more than an annoyance, it was clear that the cleaning staff did nothing to touch the inside of the ship. Still despite everything, the ship was fine. The passengers all arrived on time with their First Kill Daggers, and there were no glaring issues to speak of. By all accounts, they would be able to do Seraphyn¡¯s task easily. As his job was just to fly and deliver these thirty passengers to the intended location. They chose to fly and arrive over night, hoping that this would lessen the chance of anyone seeing their arrival. Worse came to worse, they could fly high overhead and drop the cargo onto the ground, knowing that with their temporary invulnerability, they could survive falling for miles to the ground without any issues, so long as they stayed perfectly still. There were plans, contingencies, and multiple fail safes in place. Better still, their secret base had been seemingly untouched compared to a few of the other larger hangers where most military operations would start from. Instead, they opted to use this hanger, which was at the corners of Timult. While the recent dust storm had caused issues, nothing seemed to bother this operation. Then thinking about it, Seraphyn wondered if that was why his mind was placing so much emphasis on the dust here. The fact that unknown dust particles had taken down half of Timult, and that even now parts of Timult proper were inoperable or inaccessible due to the dust made him more conscientious about the dust? Yes, that had to be it. Thinking about that, and realizing it was just an irrational attachment to dust recently that was getting his nerves to be on edge, Seraphyn tried to relax. Yet, despite everything Seraphyn couldn¡¯t help but feel that something would go horribly wrong, all thanks to the dust. ¡°Now I¡¯m just going to sound like a crazy amathophobist, like mom.¡± Seraphyn muttered to himself, then shaking his head decided to take care of the numerous other checks that needed to be done before lift off. ¡°Let¡¯s run through our checks, as we are engines up in thirty minutes,¡± Seraphyn said louder so that everyone could hear him. And like that, Legrand¡¯s secret Operation Day Storm was set to begin. Chapter 269 Option Number Two. Chapter 269 Option Number Two. ¡°Can you help me unlock Killing Intent?¡± Falkynion asks. I pause waiting for the punchline, only to realize that the man is serious about this request. ¡°Seriously? You want me to teach you how to unlock Killing Intent as your primary evolution point for your Legendary Bloodline?¡± I ask, making sure I have the request correct. ¡°Yeah, I think it would be cool. You know, almost like an aura but sightly different, where I can with time harness the rage into an actual weapon.¡± Falkynion continued to speak. As he did more and more of the other students, particularly the males proceeded to get excited at the idea of unlocking a new form of attack. ¡°Oh, and what then. You would eventually harness your Killing Intent into laser beams that shoot from your eyes like an emo Superman? Or that wussy X-Men character, the one that lost his girl to Wolverine?¡± I say, trying to keep the drool out of my mouth while imagining even an old Hugh Jackman strutting around in his yellow suit. ¡°It¡¯s not emo,¡± the one part that Falkynion noted. ¡°First, yes it is. All Killing Intent does is force you into brooding and constantly keeping part of your emotions bottled up so that you might be able to save yourself from consequences. Consequences that you most often could avoid by being civil and just talking to people. Also, the idea of laser vision or focused intent is so limiting.¡± I respond, my mind instantly working out the myriad of problems with Killing Intent, not just from a weaponization standpoint, but from a practical standpoint as well. ¡°Limiting?¡± Dustavon, another male with clear interest in Killing Intent, asks. ¡°Yes, limiting. Do you know how limiting it is to have to be able to see a target to hit them. Or to have your eyes face them, that means at the very least an enemy waiting in ambush has a split second before you turn to face them to strike first. Then there is the fact that beams don¡¯t curve, or twist as you would want. Also, there might be more things in the line of the shot that dissipate the energy of this Killing Intent laser eye booger beam that would have to fire directly from your body.¡± I continue destroying the idea of trying to harness Killing Intent, as it is highly ineffective in the long run. ¡°But what about the ability to drop enemies to their knees with sheer force of will alone?¡± Randidler asks, and with that I have the trifecta of the three bro-kateers joining in this conversation. ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad you brought up the only real point of this, Willpower. As that is ultimately what you would be using as a weapon with an effect like Killing Intent. But if you wanted to drop people around you to their knees, why not try something simple, like gravity magic? Just focus your concept on increasing or decreasing the natural forces of the world around you. This way you can do it on command, not just when you are angry. By having it so you can increase or decrease gravity at will, you can severely throw off any attacks. Also, if you get better at manifesting that concept, you could have it push enemies to the side or in alternate directions.¡± I respond. With that, Falkynion, the instigator of this questionnaire seemed to finally contemplate the alternative I was offering. Unfortunately, I still had the riled up Randidler, and the whimsical Dustavon to realize that this would be a waste of all our times. ¡°All right, I agree that it is a waste of a future focus, but could it be done?¡± Falkynion asked. Hearing this, I take a deep calming breath, before I get pulled into this clearly baited question. ¡°Can it be done sure, this is magic. This is the unbridled and untapped power of the universe that we are just beginning to feel, experience, and comprehend. Can it be done, yes. Should it be done, no.¡± I state, hoping that this would be enough, but I don¡¯t want to stifle learning or creativity, particularly when it comes to magical expression and awareness. That is why I found myself answering truthfully. ¡°Okay, but can you then quantify why this would be a bad, say in comparison to the focus on Gravity Manipulation as you noted as an alternative?¡± Falkynion asked, his voice filled with that note of persistence that says he can easily be the first to climb to the top of a greased flagpole. Hearing the question, and realizing that this is actually good dialog about magic, something I am mildly passionate about, I decided to go full lecture mode. ¡°Okay, I will answer this question. I take it, the rest of you all want to hear the answer for this as well?¡± I turn and ask the other eleven Legendary Bloodline students. That was the reason for the more intimate classroom, as there were only twelve in all, well twelve and a half if we included both Penelope and Jhonny who were both watching from the back corner of the classroom. Why half? Well I assumed that one or both would soon begin the process of starting their Legendary Bloodline evolution here shortly if they stayed around me. As I was apparently some type of radioactive magic factory that sent off mutating particle waves of energy. Energy that could quickly mutate poorly if left unchecked. ¡°Yes,¡± the eleven other students answered and nodded. Penelope and Jhonny both nodded in excitement as well from the corner of the open classroom. With that, I paused, and then using a variant of Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text, I modified the original spell to show what I was working on in front of every student. ¡°Okay, to show you scientifically why Killing Intent is inferior of an evolutionary path, compared to almost anything.¡± I begin. Then as I speak words begin to appear right before each student, that is clearly visible and legible to each student, part of why I liked Illusion magic, as it had a Mental component that was undeniable.
Why Killing Intent is Lame 101.
¡°This is probably the least effective use of an advancement, for the base and maximum range of the spell remain constant throughout. For the spell formula, or the attack portion of the ability will always be the same. Rage multiplied by Intent.¡±
Killing Intent formula: Rage (N) X Intent (Willpower).
¡°Now if you notice that is it, your Willpower times your rage, to get a desired effect. Why this might seem appealing is that theoretically Rage is infinite. For you can be infinitely angry at the world having a hissy fit worse than any melodramatic teenager has any right to be. And that will serve you well for one attack, your first few attacks, but eventually your rage will subside and make it so this value decreases rapidly.¡± I state. I pause for a moment to let this concept sink in. ¡°From a power consumption rate, this is doubly draining. For your Rage can be considered one pool of energy, which would realistically be a modified version of Qi. If you wanted to learn to create, use or wield Qi, there are many better ways of doing this that don¡¯t require such extreme measures. Also, you then have your modified and watered down version of Qi energy mixing and multiplying with Willpower, which would again be a watered-down version of mana that would likely require a physical component to link it together. This linking would then have to be fused into stamina, yet a third source of energy that would be used in the creation of this Killing Intent.¡± I state, and at that, I let the mathematical formula write itself out. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Breakdown of All Components: N = Qi¨C Willpower = Mana¨C Bonding Agent = Stamina¨C Formula: Qi¨C X Mana¨C X Stamina¨C = Killing Intent
¡°Again, you are using three different pools of energy to bind elements into a medium that can have a physical impact on the world. While only getting the multiplying effect of two different components. This is an unsustainable ratio and one that will lead to quick burnout over the course of a long battle.¡± I conclude. ¡°Now compare this to even the most rudimentary of spell formulas, and you will see why magic is superior.¡± I state. ¡°For a basic spell to work you have one fuel source, your mana. You have your Willpower or noted Attribute, and multiply that by any three or more relevant skills.¡± I state, then break down the formula for everyone.
Breakdown of a Basic Spell Formula: (Skill 1 (Nulled Out) + Skill 2 + Skill 3 + Any other relevant skills) X Willpower X (Fuel Source: Mana¨C) = Spell Effect.
¡°Note that this method requires three or more skills to be engaged at the same time to get the multiplicative effect of Willpower. The first Skill, your highest proficiency skill is automatically nulled out, then you gain the bonus from the combining of synergistic Skills two, three, and any additional skills you have. Otherwise, the components are just added together. Well added together after the first skill is dismissed¡± I state, making sure to correct an initial error I had to take time to understand about magic. ¡°Wait, who has three or more skills to cast a singular spell?¡± Randidler asks. Hearing the question, I just pause and stare at him like he is crazy. ¡°Any true mage who would want to improve their craft.¡± I fire back. There is a pause, as the students go over the data, but then Rockzanna raises her inquisitive hand. Seeing that she is now joining the discussion, I call out to her, ¡°yes Rockzanna?¡± ¡°Okay, if we accept the Skill portion for magic spells. Why weren¡¯t Skills added for the Killing Intent?¡± Hearing that, I pause and look at her for a moment before nodding and smiling at the insightful question. ¡°Good question, so in this case the reason is lack of applicable skills,¡± I respond. ¡°How so?¡± Dustavon asks, once again right back into the mix. ¡°Okay, so I don¡¯t have the skill Killing Intent, so I can¡¯t verify if it is real or not.¡± I preface. ¡°So because you don¡¯t have it, means you don¡¯t believe it exists?¡± Dustavon questions. Hearing the mildly personal attack, I am about to respond, when I realize he is correct. This is an error in my thinking. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s break this down and show why the grouping of skills will not work. Though first, even with the skill multiplier, you are still looking at a three-energy pool waste for Killing Intent, but I will agree that it was not as wasteful as I originally imagined,¡± I begin but am cut off with enthusiastic noises and grunts from the three bro-kateers. ¡°So let¡¯s work this out logically. We start with the initial formula and add in the component for Skill multipliers,¡± I begin.
Killing Intent formula: Rage (N) X Intent (Willpower) X *(Skill 1 (Nulled Out) + Skill 2 + Skill 3 + Any other relevant skills)
¡°Our fuel reserve costs still remain the same,¡± I state, adding that back into the equation.
Formula: Qi¨C X Mana¨C X Stamina¨C = Killing Intent
¡°Now let¡¯s go through the myriad of skills we could combine to logically use Killing Intent in a synergistic skilled manner, what are some skills we could use?¡± I ask. ¡°Focus?¡± ¡°Good Focus is a good skill for this, and I will go ahead and note Killing Intent itself as a skill, assuming one of you finds it and practices it. Again though, a lot of brooding and emo vibes while you attempt to max out that skill, but who am I to complain about learning new skills.¡± I state, adding both skills into the formula.
Killing Intent formula: Rage (N) X Intent (Willpower) X *(Focus (Nulled Out) + Killing Intent + Skill 3 + Any other relevant skills)
¡°Now what are other skills we could use to synergize?¡± I ask. ¡°What about Mana Channeling?¡± Rockzanna asked ¡°Good try, but remember we have now gone to using both mana and Qi in this. So you would need a dual channeling skill.¡± ¡°But why?¡± Falkynion asked. ¡°It¡¯s the fact that mana can utilize stationary skills, i.e. skills that can be done by just thinking about desired effects. While Qi skills often require movement to fully activate.¡± I reply. ¡°But aren¡¯t you moving the mana within your body?¡± Falkynion asked. ¡°Right, but you are just using an extra skill at that point that is not synergetic with your overall goal of enacting Killing Intent. Meaning that rather than increasing your overall value of outcome, that is how much Kill you could release from this Killing Intent, you are adding unnecessary steps that will be divided away or at the very leased subtracted from your overall skill value you are working to increase.¡± I note. ¡°Oh, I see,¡± Falkynion said and began to nod to himself. At that I let out a breath, as I quite frankly did not want to continue down this path of showing my students, or potential enemies how to actually weaponize Killing Intent and make it functional. ¡°Good, now that this is settled¡­¡± I begin but am quickly cut off by Falkynion. ¡°That must be why masters went into secluded meditation in caves for years, so they could focus on learning new skills needed to improve their Killing Intent,¡± Falkynion said, a note of dawning understanding filling his words as he acted like he finally achieved nirvana. ¡°You know who also went to caves, cavemen. And women,¡± I correct myself there not wanting to state that men were alone in those caves. Exhale. Taking a deep breath and then let it out as I try offer a clearly terrible middle ground. ¡°Very well, if you still wish to focus on developing your Killing Intent, I will not stop you. That said, I will not be able to walk you through this method of power, as I do not understand it. While there are other wasteful forms of power, I do think at first Killing Intent will be one of the most inefficient uses of your time and energy. That said, I will not stand in your way. However, know that if you try to practice your Killing Intent upon me, I will smack you so hard your laser eye beams will be firing crisscross through each other, do I make myself clear?¡± I ask, while holding up my open palm right hand to demonstrate the instrument I would use to let him receive said smack. Tingle. At that statement, a stream of golden energy erupted from me and bound itself around Falkynion. Shivers. The moment my intent made contact with Falkynion, he visibly shuttered at the contact. ¡°Was that?¡± Falkynion asked, but then stopped himself before he continued. ¡°Was that what?¡± I ask, trying not to note that I just bound myself to disciplining this student if he looked at me angrily. ¡°Was that your Killing Intent? It felt, so real¡­¡± Falkynion said, his voice trailing off. ¡°Killing Intent nothing, that was just Pixie Intent. Meaning you just made me make a binding oath on you. From now on, if you go down the path of learning Killing Intent, know I will now be forced to lay hands on you, if you glare at me with that same intent to kill.¡± I respond. For a moment I almost feel bad about the oath, but then no if this student dares to glare at me with any form of killing malice, he deserves a good bop on the head. For a moment Falkynion looked like he wanted to respond, but then quickly thought better of that, as he just seemed to relax and nod in understanding. Then he shared a glance with the other two bro-kateers and I could almost see the look of recognition cross their faces. Finally, the stares between the trio ended and I just knew I was in trouble as they all three looked at me in near unison. ¡°But you are saying we could learn Killing Intent?¡± Dustavon finally asked, apparently earning the chance to speak for the trio. Sigh. ¡°Yes, you can learn Killing Intent, I will not stop you from trying to learn anything you wish to learn. That said, you can come to me for advice on ways to improve energy efficiency. You can even show me the way you circulate the energy in your body and how you internalize your inner wounded child to damaging eye boogers that spray from your face. You can do all of that and I will not stop you.¡± I state, and pause for a second. As I do, the trio let out an excitedly exchanged glance between the three of them, that¡¯s when I continue. ¡°However, I will stop you if you try to practice these emo stares at me, or at other guild members who have not consented to participate in sparring matches with any of you, do I make myself clear?¡± I ask. Just as expected, the chains of binding go out from me, to the trio again. For a moment I wonder why it went to Falkynion again, but then realize I expanded my original binding to him to now include not just me, but other Guild Members. Realizing this change, I think about it and pause to allow in an amendment. ¡°That said, if the person you are attacking or using unsanctioned Killing Intent against is found to be a spy, or otherwise compromised by an enemy nation, I will not hold your actions against you at that time.¡± With that, the intense stream of energy that had gone from me to the trio lessened slightly. I¡¯m still not entirely certain if binding myself through oaths to others is a good thing or not, but I do like the fact that I can sort of manipulate it at the current moment. Especially while the forging of the binding oaths seems to be somewhat malleable. Finally, there is a pause, while it is clear that the trio will likely focus on developing some form of Killing Intent as their Legendary Bloodline¡¯s focus, the other nine students seem to be taking a bit broader approach to this topic of study I have assigned for their mid-term. ¡°Any other questions?¡± I ask, realizing that the topic at hand has likely distracted us all. With that Rockzanna raised her hand and asked, ¡°what would you make to counter Killing Intent?¡± ¡°Heck with that, I want to know how to harness Pixie Intent, that looks awesome,¡± Polinnya said from the corner of the classroom. Hearing the topics given, I decided to jump right in. ¡°For Pixie Intent, I honestly don¡¯t know how it works. Just that I can sort of feel when it is close.¡± I respond to Polinnya. Then turning back to Rockzanna, I paused before figuring out how to answer her truthfully. ¡°Now, as for finding a way to counter Killing Intent, it¡¯s simple I would develop a counter like Distracting Intent,¡± I reply. ¡°Distracting Intent?¡± Polinnya asked, now fully engaged in the conversation. ¡°Yeah, Killing Intent relies entirely on an intense and unmitigated Focus. The easiest way to counter that is to find ways to distract them.¡± I respond. ¡°How would you do that?¡± Rockzanna asked. At that, I just smiled. ¡°How would I distract people, simple. I¡¯d let them read my mind,¡± I reply. It was clearly a joke, but judging by the contemplative looks on everyone¡¯s faces I can see that many are apparently taking this seriously. Chapter 270 A Grinding Workout (Mallory) Chapter 270 A Grinding Workout (Mallory) Slaughter, slink, slice. Mallory had to hand it to the little pixie, but she was amazing at picking weapons. The new Ephemeral Scythe of Slaying was amazing, able to slice through monsters hundreds of levels higher than her own with seemingly little effort. For a moment she almost chalked it up to being the equivalent of one of those glowing light sticks the people in togas used during that little space movie. The one with the talking puppet with old man ear hairs. Yeah, not the best mental image, but one that was brought to mind, as many of the mange covered beasts that were now falling right and left around her ephemeral blade, all seemed to have ear hairs as well. Well, most of those that still had hair left had said ear hairs. Apparently, there was a phase two of the Blight, at least that is what Mallory was now realizing. See off in the distant lands to the west, reports kept coming in detailing a vast wasteland filled with high level monsters that were far above the normal standards. ¡°ARAAGHGHHT¡± The loud squeaking sound of a monster with a long trunk could be heard calling out to the lands, calling for help to defend against the lone invader. An invader who had seemingly fallen upon the equivalent of the elephant graveyard. There was of course just one problem with this elephant, or mammoth type graveyard. Namely all the large pachyderms that were all here had apparently tried to die, but the Blight that had infected their bodies would no longer let them just die. Instead, there was a lingering process to the Blight, one that seemed to speak of what many feared. Namely that the Blight was just a pretense for the zombie virus. Seeing the rotting monsters that were apparently on phase two of the Blight, Mallory originally felt revulsion at the sight of the creatures. But then after killing the creatures, she swore she could almost see the way the spirits of the slain monsters finally looked at her, then seemed to look relieved. That was the word, relieved. They were all relieved that she had freed them. That was why even now she continued her ruthless slaughter of creatures. Creatures that while giving out large amounts of experience per kill, were not enough to truly see any real increases in her levels. At least not compared to the copious amounts of experience she had gained recently from completing the super high-level quests that Cass can seemingly spawn out of nowhere. Sweat. Working so hard in the desert caused even her exceptionally high levels of endurance to be pushed to the maximum. Still, she almost felt she owed it to these cursed creatures to offer them some form of release from the anguish of undeath that seemed to be plaguing them. That was it, looking at these creatures she could truly see the effects of undeath claiming them. While ghosts and the ghouls of the Deolar empire were technically listed as undead entities. These creatures right here, these were the creatures that were the true undead creatures of the world. At least, these were the undead creatures that Mallory felt the most sympathy for. Had things gone differently, had she herself not found her, then she wondered if she too would be just like these beings. Or if she would have eventually been granted the mercy of death. Only to then be reborn to one of her extra lives that were left, always striving for the glory that she had achieved in this lifetime. No, she knew from fighting right now, that she had changed. While she was lower level, and therefore theoretically at a disadvantage, the creatures that she now had their attributes halved. Meaning that even fighting monsters hundreds of levels above her own, her exceptional attributes were able to easily cut down the monsters. The only thing that was a problem was the exceptional Endurance that each Blighted creature had. For it seemed that even cutting off limbs and other body parts would not be enough to stop the creatures. The only true way to end these creatures was to decapitate them, or to quickly and violently remove the soul from the bodies. However, soul striking was something that was thought to be impossible. At least, it should have been impossible, but there was a change. Mallory herself had changed, and not just a minor change either. For almost a week now Mallory had known that she was a Mythical being. At first these were just words to her. For she had known that this would be the next logical step after achieving the vaunted ranking of awakening her Legendary bloodline. Something that she stumbled upon and was lost for decades about how to replicate the process. Yet, all it took was the Doctor just looking at the world around her, for her to understand the workings and patterns of the world. Patterns that she took for granted as facts but were both universally accepted and then explained so easily by her that you couldn¡¯t help but realize they were universal truths. Honestly, Mallory couldn¡¯t tell when Cass went from being just Cass to the Doctor. Mallory had of course been there when Cass got her first doctorate, but that felt like mostly a title for her accomplishment of rising in the Arcanarus Tower. Now though, now she truly was a doctor. Her insights alone into the workings of magic were astounding, I mean who can come up with a mathematical formula to describe how Killing Intent would work. Killing Intent, a completely theoretical construct of magic and Qi, but somehow now made real. That or it was just her mind being directed in the way both the Doctor¡¯s notes from her class, and the few details she got from the other students. Seeing the formula presented, one that focused on exponential use and abilities based on sympathetic skills that could be linked. It was groundbreaking. No, not just groundbreaking, but ingenious, and went to show so much about why Dr. Cass was able to accomplish so much, so effectively. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. All her skills blended together in a way that was truly hard to fathom. Over the course of close to a century, Mallory herself had close to three hundred different skills ranging from everything from making managerial decisions, to creating leasing agreements, to how to adequately gauge the market for certain goods in various markets. Yet, that was her problem. Looking at it now, Mallory realized that she had gone for the diversified portfolio of skills and abilities. Where she was able to a lot of everything. Her resource management skills alone showed her that Cass was in her best optimal role to the guild. Her productivity assessment skills showed that Cass somehow was always just one minor note of brilliance away from a major breakthrough. Before Cass, there was just Penelope who came so close to always teetering on the peak of brilliance. Yet, in all the times that Mallory knew Penelope, she never made as many epiphanies as Cass could in a week. That was part of the reason Mallory all but forced Penelope to be with Cass. Not only did that effectively ensure that Cass would protect Penelope, somehow, likely by finding, or worse creating, a brand-new realm where only pixies and Penelope could exist. Cass would no doubt survive there as the queen pixie, while Penelope would just build a magic absorbing space suit that would help her survive the dense magical environment long enough for everyone else to perish around them. No, placing them together was a calculated plan meant to hopefully bring Penelope up by exposing her to the creative genius of Cass, while hopefully dropping Cass down to the realm of mortals, at least for the moment. Movement left. A large blur of muscle and force charged forward, causing Mallory to lash out and strike out. Her body mostly on reflex at this point, as the danger and thrill of battle was somehow missing. Slink. The Ephemeral Scythe sliced through the giant corrupted pachyderm like she was wielding a sharp hot knife cutting through an overfull water balloon. The effect was much as one would expect from such a situation, as blood and viscera sprayed out wildly. Splash. Mallory felt the rot land on her, coating her face and causing her to momentarily flinch. For she knew the blood was corrupted. Just by looking at it, Mallory could all but see and smell the rot of Blight coming from the creature. Sizzle. Yet, as the putrid substance landed, she felt her body¡¯s now natural resistance spark to life, causing the tainted blood to burn apart almost immediately upon contact with her skin. What had once been a true fear of Mallory, was now becoming a way of life. Panting. Even the art of breathing out here. The art of breathing in these cursed sands, Mallory could feel the Blight once again trying to take root within her body, and failing. Even now, with her body pushed to its maximum, she could feel that the Blight that was all around her would not take hold. That her lungs, which had held in the poison and slowly rotted away for years were now fully healthy and resistant to the Blight. It was a miracle, and something that even now she had a hard time coming to terms with. STAMPEDE! Of course, just as Mallory was getting used to the violent pace of combat, that is when the pachyderms all started to charge in mass. This was too many, but Mallory had brought this on herself, as she had come out here to get rid of some pre-wedding day jitters and stress by going into a deeply needed physical therapy session. At least that is what the old timers like her used to call such excursions, physical therapy, the art of relieving stress by working out, while leveling. The only problem is that, after so many years, Mallory found more and more of her friends passing away due to stupid injuries, until she was one of the last to survive. Exhausted. Now, it seemed that she too would die here, overrun by hundreds of monsters that were all hundreds of levels above her. All because she got too greedy. ¡°Fine, let this be my last stand,¡± Mallory hissed as she picked up her glowing scythe and prepared to swing until either she couldn¡¯t anymore, or all the monsters around her were dead. Then staring forward, she knew she had made a mistake as somehow a monster had appeared behind her. Not close enough to strike out, but one that was clearly waiting for her to be distracted. Still, she didn¡¯t look, she couldn¡¯t, as that would give away the element of surprise that she now had over the recently appearing monster. Instead, all Mallory could do was stand there with her back wide open to attack, and wait for either the monsters in front to get within range, or for the cowardly monster to strike out from behind. Thunderclap! Then a moment before the monsters got to within a hundred charging paces, the skies began to cry out in rain. Piercing bolts of lightning struck out wildly, then a miracle happened, rain began to fall and almost instantly the creatures that had been charging forward, began to slow down their advancement. Going from a full-on charge forward, to a half-paced jog, to a slow walk, and then finally the creatures stopped entirely a few paces away from Mallory. Drip, drip. The rain even coated Mallory, and instantly she felt the oppressive chunks of gore that had been stuck to her from her endless time out here working off her fears and jitters. But this was no ordinary rain, for the effect was too clean, too refreshing. Even just being under the waves of water, Mallory felt energy seep into her skin. That was when she realized what it was, or more importantly who was behind her. Turning, Mallory saw a sight that instantly caused fear to grow within her. For there behind her was a perfectly calm and perched eleven-foot-tall dire phase wolf, with black hair and fiery red stripes that panted out corrosive acid saliva that even now caused the ground at its feet to sizzle and melt away into glass. The only thing that kept Mallory from going completely lost to her fear was the fact that on the right shoulder of the massive beast was a pixie who was idly focusing her attention upwards as if to control the downpour. ¡°Hey, we were told you were out here, so we decided to ask if we could take your corpses?¡± Cass asked and hearing her speak in that childlike voice of innocence, Mallory instantly knew she was Cass again. Not the doctor, not some super crazy genius bent on destroying the natural order of the world, but just Cass. Someone who would help when needed and just watch when in the area. Here she was just idly casting a spell that would cause hundreds of monsters to remain perfectly still, while she could go about slaughtering them. Seeing the spell and its effects, Mallory instantly realized this spell as the same one that Cass had used earlier when they were first claiming these lands for the Midnight Hunters. Staring at the girl, Mallory paused, before realizing the ask. ¡°The corpses?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Yeah, you weren¡¯t going to use them, were you?¡± Cass asked, then gestured to the dozens of bodies that lay at her very feet. Corpses that Mallory was more than content on just leaving to rot back into these lands as if nothing happened. Suddenly Mallory wondered if leaving stage two Blighted beast corpses to rot on already Blighted lands was the best use of resources. What if this caused a further mutation of stage three Blight to appear? Pausing for a moment, Mallory thought about the monsters at her feet, who were even now having the lingering corruption get burned from their bodies as the cleansing rain came down and washed away the lingering traces of poison from the corpses. ¡°This for your little sacrificial blood altar?¡± Mallory finally asked. ¡°It¡¯s not a sacrificial blood altar, it is just a highly advanced pet cleaning chamber that processes excess pet waste and creates it into usable biomass material.¡± Cass said, her voice clearly defensive over the labeling of her contraption. Oh, this was too easy. ¡°So, you¡¯re saying it converts the blood of the animals that are brought there and converts it into reusable energy. Energy that you then use to bathe in, to make yourself stronger?¡± Mallory teased. ¡°I mean, if you want to use vulgar terms to describe possibly the best contained pet cleaning system ever, then by all means use your description over reality.¡± Cass noted. Hearing that she had gotten under her best friend¡¯s skin, Mallory could only laugh. She was tired, drenched, covered in blood and cleansing rainwater. She had threats coming at her from all over, but for some reason, all that mattered right now was that she had her best friend nearby, who despite everything was even now making it so Mallory could have the time she needed to replenish her energy before taking on a horde of beasts that would have easily been the death of her. ¡°Fine, you can have the corpses, but on one condition,¡± Mallory noted. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°You let me try out this blood pool as well,¡± Mallory chided. ¡°It¡¯s not a blood pool,¡± Cass shouted. ¡°Okay, pool made from the blood, sweat, and tears of the enemies of the Kujos?¡± Mallory pressed. Cass paused, and looked like she wanted to protest, but then stopped herself. ¡°Fine, that could work as a technical definition.¡± Chuckle. At that Mallory could only laugh, it was a good thing that Cass took the accusations of being a terror so seriously. For it was the moment she stopped being repulsed by the idea of inadvertently creating a sacrificial blood altar that the world would have to tremble in fear. Fortunately, today was not that day. ¡°Then by all means, have at the corpses of my fallen enemies.¡± Mallory said, waving a hand at the corpses on the ground. With that Cass gave a half jump off of Kujo¡¯s shoulder, while Kujo went about choosing different bodies. ¡°No, not that one, that one. The other one will be cleansed by the time you get back,¡± Cass said, pointing out a body that was apparently more cleansed of the Blight than another. With that Kujo obediently went after the body that she had been pointing at, while Mallory just stared on in amazement at how well trained the beast was. But then again, the animal would have to have been stupid not to listen to Cass by this point, as she brought him and his wife back to life, and then essentially cared for him the entire time. Phase out. Mallory watched, until the giant dire phase wolf picked up an elephant type beast that was easily twice the size of the wolf. Only for the dire phase wolf to effortlessly drag the oversized beast into a pocket dimension only to disappear a moment later. The entire process seemed to boggle the mind. At least, it caused Mallory to momentarily pause as she tried to take in what had happened exactly. ¡°You done killing yet?¡± Cass finally asked, once enough time had passed from Kujo¡¯s magical pachyderm disappearing trick occurred to the present. Hearing the question, Mallory looked up through the now downpour of magical cleansing rain and could only see her friend staring back at her, with her hands on her tiny hips, waiting impatiently. Seeing her friend in such a state, Mallory could only smile at the scene, before giving a crisp salute, ¡°aye, aye Captain.¡± Then with that Mallory began dashing into and through the various beasts before her. Her Ephemeral Scythe slicing through the stationary beasts as if they were little more than paper mach¨¦ depictions of beasts. And like that, Mallory felt a calm peace come over her as the rest of her stress was finally able to be purged from her body, thanks to her best friend and a much needed workout. At this point, Mallory didn¡¯t know what the rest of the day had in store for her. The Royal wedding that she had been dreading was only fourteen hours away, but for this moment everything was fine. And best of all, she knew that with her best friend by her side, it didn¡¯t matter what the world threw at her, for the two of them could handle anything thrown their way. Smiling. Now back to her workout. Chapter 271 Mythic Level Class Creation- How to Steal the Limelight and Alienate Friends Chapter 271 Mythic Level Class Creation- How to Steal the Limelight and Alienate Friends Sigh. This was not getting us anywhere, but Mallory was adamant to do things her way. Slink, slice, blood-spray, spew out infected blood from the lips to breathe, then repeat. Mallory was a machine, a relentless killing machine who was hellbent on achieving one goal, a goal that she apparently didn¡¯t even want to speak about, lest it disappear like vapors. That was why I had to sit here, well mostly float, as I watched wave after wave of monster get mowed down by Mallory and her Ephemeral Scythe. ¡°You done yet?¡± I asked, my voice echoing out over the rolling rainstorm that was pulling double duty, of both paralyzing the monsters infected with the Blight, while also purging the remnants of the Blight from the ground, making it airable and ready for use. Well, it would make these lands airable and ready for use with a few dense applications of this spell. That said, this was not going to be as easy as we all hoped. Or at least as easy as I hoped. Judging by the way Mallory seemed to be flooding her body with different waves of Qi energy, it was clear that she was trying to get the illusory challenge of being the first to get Killing Intent. While she didn¡¯t say as much, it was clear from her actions and the way she occasionally flared flashes of bright red energy in her strikes that she was close, but she wasn¡¯t quite close. Meanwhile, Kujo used this moment to be a successful provider for his wife, as he kept reappearing and taking bodies of slain monsters away from here towards his self-contained cleaning chamber. Every once in a while Kujo messes up and chooses one that could use a bit longer to be purged of the Blight. SNAP! That is when a quick echoing snap of my fingers, a quick shake of the head, and a point towards another body that has been here longer is given. Kujo looked confused at first, but then seemed to shrug his shoulders as he went for the body I indicated and that was all. Of course, Kujo and I were not the only ones to witness what was going on out here. Penelope and Jhonny both eventually made their way in one of the highly durable combustion engine machines. Yeah, here I am so used to magic that I sound like a curmudgeon while talking about vehicles. Unfortunately, that was the actual name of the device, well the Highly Durable Magic-Fortified Combustion Engine Cruiser, to be exact. Apparently, these developers suffer from similar limitations to what I do with my spells and names, as we always have to name things differently than previous iterations. Thus, the excessively long titles for what could best be described as an armored Model ¡®T¡¯ car, well if one stretched out a Model ¡®T¡¯ to be the size of a van and comprised of materials that didn¡¯t degrade in the normally corrosive magical rains that I am unleashing on the area. In addition to Jhonny and Penelope, there were of course the others that also decided to join. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Jhonny asked, his tone neutral but with a faint sense of nervousness to it, as it was clear he had been designated to wrangle either Mallory, or me, or both of us to go back to base. ¡°Sort of,¡± I answer, then make a point of looking at Mallory to indicate I thought she was the problem. ¡°Sort of?¡± He presses. ¡°Yes, sort of, we are fine. Mallory is out here relieving some pre-marital jitters and stress, while trying to unlock a taboo subject.¡± I respond, all but throwing Mallory under the bus. ¡°Taboo?¡± Penelope shoots in. ¡°Yep, she apparently wants to get her own world first announcement,¡± I reply. ¡°Wait, Mallory wants to get a world first announcement, right before the wedding?¡± Jhonny asks, so loudly that Mallory hesitates slightly with her attack. It wasn¡¯t much, just a slight hesitation that caused her to miss her easy death strike and ultimately forced her to weaver under and around three more enemy swipes, before another opening appeared, but Mallory eventually took the offered strike. Slink. A pulsing ephemeral blade cut through an enemy paw that flew off wildly into the wind, spraying cursed blood and viscera everywhere. ¡°Yep, also I really hope she wore her soul bound undergarments, otherwise the future king is in for one awkward conversation.¡± I respond. Red flicker. Hearing my comment she was close, but then quickly shook her head and went back to killing. Well the typical killing she had been doing this entire time, without any real changes to her approach. ¡°Oh, that would be bad,¡± Penelope said, as she understood that while the outer layer of clothing might automatically preserve itself due to the nature of all soulbound enchantments, if undergarments were not treated the same way, they could easily have blood and viscera stains on them, from stains that seeped through. ¡°Yep, but don¡¯t worry, Mallory has a plan. She doesn¡¯t need any advise or help from anyone of us.¡± I reply, making sure my voice is both loud enough to hear, and condescending enough to not be ignored. Arcing slash, bisecting blow, death cleave. So many different attacks went off all at once and still no real progress on the exact cause of why she was here. ¡°I take it, that you don¡¯t think she will get whatever she is after?¡± Penelope asked, clearly able to infer that I was trying to goad Mallory in some way. ¡°Not in a week at this rate,¡± I respond. ¡°Well could you help her?¡± Jhonny asked, while scratching the back of his head, it was clear he didn¡¯t want to be in this conversation, but as my assigned bodyguard he would be forced to be here until I left. And right now, I obviously wouldn¡¯t leave until after Mallory left. ¡°Of course, I could. She has already felt the flashes of insight, but every time she does feel the flashes, she fights back against them.¡± I respond, stating the truth. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Hearing that Mallory pauses for half a second, but then quickly goes back to her ruthless slaughter. ¡°Well, what would you do, if you were allowed to help her?¡± Jhonny asked, clearly trying to push this observation along. ¡°I would¡­¡± I begin, but am immediately cut off by Penelope, who just noticed the ultimate intruder to the area. ¡°Oh, look, it¡¯s the Pomeranians!¡± Penelope cooed out, as she saw the multi-colored guardians of the area who for whatever reason all chose to be in their smaller Pomeranian forms, versus their natural dragon forms. Well all but the annoying one, who was permanently turned into a Pomeranian with the ability to transfer to a dragon. And no, after the one warning from the system about that being Necromancy, and a few other hints, I have decided that maybe soul modifications are not the best course of studies, see improvement. Hearing the cooing from Penelope, the four Pomeranian guardians all run forward, their little tails wagging like pom-poms as they look up excitedly at Penelope. ¡°They are just sooo cute,¡± Penelope said, making sure to emphasize how exactly how cute they were. Hearing her, the four wild predators all run forward and prepare to be pet by Penelope, in the way I imagine baby velociraptor would when trying to surround a mammal that didn¡¯t know any better. Snap! As they get close, and the one behind Penelope scrunches up their muscles to pounce, I snap my fingers letting them all know I saw the little attack pattern. Three distract, while one pounces. ¡°None of that now,¡± I hiss to the pets. They of course stop for the second but then turn back to face Penelope. This is to be expected as they think I can¡¯t see them without my iris-less eyes turning to face them. Sigh. Realizing that these Pomeranians are about to make me act, I move. Poof. This time I Teleport just in time to grab the now leaping Pomeranian from the air. There is a moment, where the two of us meet, my arm holding a giant fiery squirming Pomeranian in the air. Then the next moment, I realize that just because I managed to make it so the elemental Guardians of the realm were able to change the shape and size of their mass to that of a Pomeranian, that did nothing to stop the mass itself from actually being there, albeit in a compressed form. Telekinesis. Fortunately, my instincts kicked in almost immediately. This way, rather than catching the Pomeranian in mid-jump only to be thrown into Penelope with the weight and inertia of the overstuffed Pomeranian, I managed to hold the beast upright, and stare at it. Quiver. The moment our eyes met, or rather the moment the Pomeranian stared directly into my blank eyes, the guardian began to tremble with fear. Mana being secreted to the core. At this close, I didn¡¯t need the third eye to see what was happening, as I could almost feel the involuntary discharge of energy the Guardian was now trying to exert on itself to make it so it could revert to its natural state of being an oversized elemental dragon guardian. Fortunately, even at the rate of energy release, it only took a moment for me to fire off a quick burst of energy using a mixture of Quick Casting, Pulse Casting, and Disrupt Casting to ultimately prevent the surge of energy being released within the guardian from ever reaching its core. The end result, a Guardian who was still forced to remain in Pomeranian form, despite its best efforts. ¡°GRR!¡± With its metamorphosis cut off, the Pomeranian then reverts to its next progression, that of aggression. Seeing the beast snarl and hiss at me, while still being held by the scruff of its neck, while in mid-air I just shake my head. Then quickly, flick it across the nose. ¡°Bad,¡± I say, and like that the beast in my hand stops squirming. Now that it is finally holding still, I try to talk to it, so it will understand. ¡°Now you are far too big and heavy to be jumping on anyone from behind, whether you are playing or not. Do you understand me?¡± I ask. There is a moment where the Pomeranian looks momentarily defiant, almost like they are going to try to lash out at me once more, but then ultimately decide not to. Tension. Well tension and Cleansing Rain, with the moment done, I flick my wrist, making it look like I threw the puppy, while I actually used Telekinesis to push and twist the creature away by a few feet. With the little fiery Pomeranian away, the three other Guardians that had been watching the little exchange all looked sightly angry. ¡°I know y¡¯all three aren¡¯t going to try anything, besides. Don¡¯t you all think it is time that you ask the land owner out here if you can take part in his spoils?¡± I ask. With that, everyone looks at me in slight confusion. Even Mallory has stopped her relentless assault on the monsters at are either slowed or completely stopped by my Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain. Admittedly, I had been lowering the intensity on the Immobilizing part of the spell to give Mallory more of a challenge to push herself, but I apparently went back to the base model of the spell, when I went in to protect Penelope from being splatted by an overly excited Pomeranian. There seemed to be a moment of confusion on everyone, before I just gestured to my right. At that time, Kujo who had been just staring on from the sidelines of the phase tunnel he was in, decided to show himself in his full muscular height. ¡°Has he gotten bigger?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°I believe so, now that he is able to eat properly, his boney frame has finally been replaced by solid muscle.¡± I respond, remembering how he was mostly mangy fur and bones when I first met him, well at least in comparison to how he is now. Now the Guardians in their natural dragon states are a lot larger than a Kujo in any state. That said, currently there was almost an imperceptible block that prevented the Guardians from changing out of their Pomeranian forms. Almost as if someone was purposefully making it so the Guardians could not use this moment to claim this land as their own. While the Guardians¡¯ territory technically covered the entire western expanses, which is where we now were. I was not going to let them dictate their terms based on their sizes. Besides, as I was the one who created the cores that allowed the Guardians to switch back and forth between Pomeranian and Dragon forms, I was overly intimate with how the changes could happen, and obviously ways to prevent said changes from happening to begin with. That was why, what happened next, was a lot less bloody and violent compared to how things could have gone. The Pomeranians, seeing the obviously four times larger size of Kujo just stared up at the brute who almost looked confused. Fortunately, I was there to help streamline the process, otherwise Kujo, who had only been waiting to provide assistance had things gone sideways did not know how to be dominant if his life depended on it. Fortunately, I did. ¡°Now bow and ask for forgiveness from Kujo, the owner of these lands.¡± I shout out to the Guardians. At that the Guardians look like they want to protest for a moment, as they all look angrily at me. ¡°GRRRRR!¡± Fortunately, that look of hostility towards me was enough to get Kujo¡¯s overly protective streak to activate. This caused him to growl lightly with rage at the four guardians. Red flicker. Well lightly for Kujo, which of course meant he was close to exerting true Killing Intent upon the four Guardians. Noting the obvious disparity between the capability of the two forces, the much larger and vastly superior force in the form of levels did what they should do in such a case, they cowered in fear at Kujo. Kujo stared at the four Guardians for a moment, and then finally after a moment, nodded his head in the fact that he knew they were sufficiently cowed. At that, he looked at me, like he had no clue on what to do next. Then after a moment, it was clear, Kujo had no clue what to do next. Which was why, I suggested he make an offering to the potential new pack members. ¡°Now that they have offered submission, as the pack leader, it is your job to provide them with food.¡± I state, to Kujo. At that Kujo looked mildly offended, as if he had to give away some of the many monsters that still remained to the four scavenging Guardians. I just stared at him, and then nodded, before pointing out a row of four lower level monsters that had been properly purified and were ready for consumption. Again, Kujo looked like he wanted to protest, but then finally waved a massive paw, denoting he was done and had given up the argument. Drizzling rain. There was the silence of mana enriched rain falling on the ground and washing out seemingly all forms of protest. The guardians dared not move, and it was clear that Kujo knew nothing about forming a pack. ¡°As the alpha, it is your job to welcome new members into your pack with a peace offering. This will help prove to them and you that you will be able to provide for them, so long as they are loyal to you and your family.¡± I state, then once again point to the four dead creatures. Suffering huff. Kujo looks like a spoiled teenager who just had their cell phone taken away until they finally take out the trash. But he does get up and begins carrying the bodies of the slain monsters over to the different guardians. All four just stare at the meal in front of them with eyes wide with excitement, but none dare move until all four have been served. Even then, they just make occasional glances from the food to the clueless Kujo, who just looks at the four Guardians like they are crazy. ¡°You need to tell them to begin,¡± I state. Huff. Once again, Kujo looks like he is being tortured, but then he lets out an affirming, ¡°chuff.¡± And like that, I can all but feel the way the Guardians have now become subservient to Kujo and his pack.
Hidden Class Quest Complete: Making the Kujos the Ultimate Pack on the Blighted Plains (Ongoing): You have helped the pack of the Kujos expand their dominance of the Blighted Plains by joining two different packs together under one super pack. Rewards: Experience, new Mythical Level Class Available: Mythical Pack Creator.
Mythical Pack Creator: Able to create Alphas from Betas. As a Mythical Pack Creator, you have reached the zenith of taming capabilities, and are able to form super packs of varying mythical level beasts, and even able to make it so the Alpha of your choice is the noted leader of the super pack.
Seeing the message, I quickly squash it shut, not even wanting to be forced to deal with that situation at the moment. I try, but even still, despite not having made a choice one way or another to choose the noted class or not, I still somehow generate a world message.
World First Notification: Rejoice, for the first Mythic level Tamer Class has been created, opening the door for other Mythic level Tamer Classes to also be created.
Exhale. Taking a breath, I am really glad I avoided taking that as a fourth class and will just need to think about it before the wedding. My goal is to not need the class, but knowing I have that extra little wiggle room in case it is needed, I could always take the fourth class. Though honestly, I am really glad I didn¡¯t take the fourth class as my name definitely would have been outed. Now everyone else will just think some really cool tamer created the class. ¡°What just happened?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Jhonny answered. ¡°I was watching the entire time, and I still don¡¯t know exactly what happened.¡± Mallory confessed, apparently coming right next to us, coming dangerously close to the Guardians and their food. I could see them glare up angrily at Mallory, which was when I let out a quick snap of my fingers and a wagging of my head. That was all that was needed to get the Pomeranian to focus on what was really important, namely the giant chunk of meat in front of it. ¡°See, it is not my fault,¡± I state. ¡°No, that was clearly all you, but again. You opened up a Mythic class for Tamers?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I mean, hypothetically it could have been anyone in the world,¡± I press, not wanting to out myself immediately. ¡°You just said, it wasn¡¯t your fault,¡± Mallory noted. ¡°Right, thus it could have been anyone else...¡± Chapter 272 Passing the Buck, and Other Natural Disasters Chapter 272 Passing the Buck, and Other Natural Disasters ¡°I thought pixies weren¡¯t allowed to lie?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°She¡¯s not, by keeping everything she says at a broad level, she is making it so her words could theoretically be possible. As she said, it could have been anyone. With that statement, she is one hundred percent correct and factual, it could have been anyone, but we all know what we saw.¡± Mallory stated her voice calm and commanding. There was a moment of silence, before Jhonny had to fill the silence. ¡°Wait, there is something more important, Dr. Spiritlight, did you get a fourth class?¡± Jhonny asked. With that, I immediately answer truthfully, ¡°no, I have not accepted the class.¡± I was about to say yet, or look for a sign of praise from Mallory for showing discretion, when Mallory just turned to me and shouted, ¡°why not!?¡± Hearing her obvious anger in her words I cringe slightly and feel myself drifting backwards the way only a weightless body could do while changing their body posture in mid-air. ¡°Um, because I didn¡¯t want to be in charge of pets? I mean, I can barely take care of myself,¡± I answer truthfully, though it might have come out as more of a question than anything. Mallory held up a finger like she wanted to protest, but then quickly realized that I made a good point. ¡°Okay, good point. Especially considering your attempt at a doggy litter box was labelled a mythic level sacrificial altar, I can¡¯t really refute that claim,¡± Mallory said lowering her finger at me and instead turned her attention towards Penelope and Jhonny. Then pausing for a moment, she began speaking to Penelope and Jhonny like I didn¡¯t exist. ¡°You two know what this means, right?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°That there is an unclaimed super pack in our backyard waiting to be directed by an official Tamer?¡± Jhonny asked. At that, I just turned to Kujo and gave a look that all but swore he would be in for it, if he accepted another master. Kujo for his part saw the gesture and apparently understood enough of the conversation going on to bow his head and come over to me, making sure to lower his head enough so that my outstretched hands would begin petting the creature. ¡°Well, that is something that we now also need to be concerned with,¡± Mallory began. ¡°But no, what is probably the most concerning factor is that any Tamer could now theoretically find a way to getting the mythic level class first. That World First announcement that we saw was a warning not only to the world, but also to us, that since Cass is not taking the class, the Mythic level class is available.¡± Then after a brief second of waffling back and forth on the subject, Mallory then added, ¡°and as Jhonny noted, the obvious reward for gaining the class would be the noted super pack. Made up of the Kujos, who are set to expand to a pack of fifteen, and the four dragon guardians. Guardians that have for whatever reason decided to be in Pomeranian form this entire time.¡± With the last part about the Guardians staying in their Pomeranian form, I couldn¡¯t help but feel slightly judged. ¡°I mean, they do take up less space in this form and are easier to deal with. Well, mostly.¡± I state. Mallory just glances at me from the side of her eye, but then ultimately turns to the others. ¡°Do any of you want to try for the Mythic Tamer class?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Sure, but what should we do?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Well, as has been noted, it seems the easiest way would be to get Kujo to accept you as a leader. Then from what it seems like the rest of the pack would follow.¡± Mallory noted. All this time I was just petting Kujo, rubbing just under his ears in the way he liked. From what it seemed like this would be easy, I just keep Kujo¡¯s attention long enough for someone else to bond with the big lug, and then I¡¯m done pet sitting. Well, done once the pack of puppies are born, I do not want to miss that opportunity. I can only imagine a litter of thirteen tiny Kujos running rampant, tails wagging excitedly. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll try first,¡± Jhonny said, as he began approaching the backside of Kujo. There was the slightest of hesitations to his movements, that hesitation easily caught both mine and Kujo¡¯s attention. Again, fortunately, I was there to pet Kujo under the ears, and keep this opportunity alive, but it was pretty touch and go there for a bit. ¡°Jhonny, you need to be more confident in your approach,¡± I stated. Hearing me, Jhonny paused for a moment, his arm half outstretched towards Kujo¡¯s backside, but then seemed to take my advice and dial it up to eleven as he charged forward and tried to pet Kujo¡¯s backside. The unfortunate thing was, that the part where Jhonny chose to place his hand and scratch was the part that had the least amount of fur on it, I¡¯m assuming Jhonny¡¯s mentality was that this would be the easiest part to clearly pet and get noticed. Pet, pet, scratch. However, it was too easily noticed as the reason the spot had the least amount of fur on it, was that it was a scarred patch of flesh that instantly caused a survival instinct to sink in for Kujo. ¡°GRRR!¡± All that could be heard was the echo of a growl, before Kujo snapped at the offending appendage that tried to touch his weak spot while he was distracted. What happened next was a textbook case of what a Combat Lifesaver¡¯s job was. The bite from Kujo was so quick and precise that all I could do was react. Telekinetic Push. Healing, Regeneration, Regrowth, Re-Attaching Limbs. Instantly, I separated the two, forcefully pushing Kujo away from Jhonny and myself, while grabbing the arm from Kujo¡¯s mouth. Only to be stopped by the flailing arm to be caught up in the teeth. Then rather than fight for the mangled arm, I in turn created a new arm from the mangled stump that remained and within a matter of seconds, I managed to get the arm back to its original, albeit momentarily bare form. Jhonny was in shock, at least at first, then by the time the arm grew back before his eyes, he then began to half swim half crab walk backwards away from Kujo who looked somewhat shocked at what had ultimately happened. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°Bad Kujo!¡± I say, and at that admonishment Kujo just lowers his body to the ground and places his head between his paws, a clear sign of submission. With Kujo cowed, even the Guardians that heard me snap at Kujo all seem to cower back in fear. Once again, I can all but see the notification for the system all but begging me to take the Tamer class. But again, the last thing I want is to be accused of creating multiple sacrificial altars, for animals that decide to stay in my dwellings that I claim as home. Realizing, this process needs to be expedited if I am ever going to not be forced to be an official pet handler, I try to get Mallory to try. ¡°Mallory, why don¡¯t you show them how it is done,¡± I say to the fearless leader. Mallory just looks from me, to Jhonny who is still clutching his newly regrown bare arm, and then over to Kujo. ¡°He still has the arm in his mouth,¡± Mallory noted, a slight shiver washing over her body as she looked at Kujo. ¡°Are you afraid of Kujo?¡± I asked. ¡°No, I mean, he just bit off the arm of Jhonny in less than a second.¡± Mallory hissed, gesticulating wildly and ultimately pointing to Jhonny who was only now getting to his feet, now that he had scooted well behind Mallory for protection. ¡°Let me guess, you are more of a cat person?¡± I ask. ¡°What, I mean, yeah, but what does that have to do with anything?¡± Mallory asked. At that, I just shook my head. Fortunately, Penelope was there. ¡°Give me the arm,¡± Penelope said, her voice and posture confident as she went over to interact with and deal with Kujo. Kujo for his part looked offended that we were taking away his new snack, but then a quick glare from me, and the overly confident nature of Penelope made it so he just acquiesced and opened his mouth. Then without any hesitation, as if Penelope placed her head within the mouths of gators for a living, Penelope reached in, and then after a few crisp tugs and pulls was able to remove the appendage from Kujo¡¯s overly sharp teeth. There was a slight stumble at the end, as the last remaining vestiges of arm were removed from between the serrated blades in his mouth, but Penelope just used that to turn and present Jhonny with his now mangled and broken extra arm. ¡°Here, never say I didn¡¯t give you a hand,¡± Penelope said, as she tried to give the appendage back to Jhonny. ¡°No thanks, I¡¯m good,¡± Jhonny said, holding up the same exact arm in a halting gesture that was being offered. With that Penelope just shrugged, then continued with the terrible jokes, ¡°way to leave yourself hanging there.¡± Before anyone could say anything she dropped the appendage on the ground in front of Mallory and Jhonny, then proceeded to walk back to Kujo. Kujo for his part still had his head down, but no longer flashed his giant maw of razor-sharp teeth. ¡°Poor, Kujo, so misunderstood,¡± Penelope said, as she went over and began petting Kujo right behind the ear, the way I had earlier. Her voice in that deep way you get when trying to comfort animals. ¡°Kujo¡¯s a good boy, its just that no one else sees how good you really are,¡± Penelope continued. Then Kujo slightly lifted his head up and nodded his head in agreement. Then after a few more seconds of being scratched and cooed at by Penelope, the unthinkable happened. Kujo turned its massive head and faced Penelope. Then before I could do more than cringe, as I knew what came next. Kujo opened its maw and flicked out its massive drool covered tongue and licked Penelope from head to toe. ¡°Bleh!¡± I let out, in sympathy for Penelope. Seeing the act for what it was, I realized why I disliked pets. Not only did they get fur, dander, and ultimately mess up the house, but then they showed their appreciation by licking and drooling all over you. Giggle. Rather than being disgusted by having Blight kibble breath and rancid saliva spread all over her clothes, Penelope actually laughed. Shiver. Personally, I could not get over where that tongue had been and most importantly what it had chewed through recently. I mean the scent of Jhonny¡¯s blood and viscera would be part of that lick and fresh wet coat of drool that was just applied. Yet, Penelope, rather than being disgusted by the act just seemed to laugh it off, while cooing at Kujo. ¡°Oh, such a good boy. Such a good boy.¡± Penelope said, as she then began vigorously petting Kujo, despite the fact that the drool now seemed to act as tar, and Kujo¡¯s fur the feathers that were now definitely coating her clothes in the mother of all lint roller nightmares. While I was being disgusted, an odd thing happened. A number of the golden threads that bound me to Kujo began to shift, switching from me to Penelope. There was a moment, where I could see that the these moving threads all but begged for me to tug at them, to pull them back to me and bind them to myself. Yet, in this case I didn¡¯t mind. I realized that by giving up these threads I was giving up a lot of potential future power, or maybe future karma that I could call to act on my behalf. But I honestly didn¡¯t mind the loss of this transferring of karma from myself to Penelope. I¡¯m not going to lie and pretend that I was some saint that easily gave up the chance of blatant power before her. But I realized that there were worse options than Penelope for gaining the respect of the Kujos, and Kujos pack. Also, I was not ready for the complications that came from being a pet owner. Especially as I prefer to just rent them from time to time and hand them back when it is time to clean up the messes that they invariably made. Ding. Finally, after enough time and enough golden threads were passed from me to Penelope, a sharp crisp ding was heard, followed by an explosion of golden light. Or at least, I could see an explosion of golden light erupt from Penelope. ¡°Oh,¡± Penelope said, shock clear in her voice as she either didn¡¯t notice the threads of karmic energy binding her to Kujo, or she was playing dumb. Honestly, it was kind of hard to miss the transfer of energy, for me at least, but I guess the others didn¡¯t notice either, or were placating her, as they asked the obvious question. ¡°What happened?¡± Mallory and Jhonny asked in near unison. Both seemed to take a step forward. Mallory took two, but Jhonny stepped midway through his second one as his toes inadvertently stumbled across his mangled arm that was still just laying on the ground. This was why Jhonny did not react the same way as Mallory did, when Penelope spoke out excitedly, ¡°I¡¯ve got my first Mythic Level class!¡±
World First Notification: Congratulations to Penelope Tailor who managed to receive a mythical level class, while only having an awakened Royal Bloodline. The sky is now the limit for what is possible.
¡°What the heck?¡± Mallory asked out, her voice incredulous as she seemed to read and then reread the prompt, before looking to an excited Penelope. ¡°I did it!¡± Penelope shouted excitedly as she raised her hands in the air, then quickly turned around and lovingly hugged Kujo. ¡°I mean, we did it, and we will continue to do it from here on out as a team.¡± Then with that, golden threads proceeded to flow from Penelope to the four Pomeranian Guardians who by now had finished eating their offered meals and were just staring on in silent awe at what was happening before them. ¡°What, the?¡± Mallory asked, her voice incredulous as she seemed to try to take in everything that was happening right in front of her. ¡°Oh wait, I get the whole pack?¡± Penelope cooed in a high pitch that I¡¯d swear dogs would bark at. But nope, instead all of the Pomeranians all seemed to smile and wag their tails excitedly as Penelope came to give them all pats and scratches. Some even going as far as wrestling the other pack members away as they fought to get as close as possible to Penelope. ¡°See, it is not just me,¡± I state, feeling a bit vindicated at the fact that Penelope also had similar acts of randomness happen to her, letting her actions get outed by everyone. Mallory who had been taking in the whole situation just paused and stared at Penelope who was petting all of the animals. Even going so far as to have to keeping her left hand firmly on Kujo while she used her right hand to quickly scratch between the four other Pomeranian guardians. Looking at her, I could only shake my head. That was both a lot of elementally infused fur that was getting on her clothes thanks to the elemental Pomeranians and bad management. That pack will have a harder time following her lead at this rate. ¡°Wait, did you do this somehow?¡± Mallory asks. ¡°What no? I wouldn¡¯t wish drool or elemental fur lint on anyone, let alone my favorite Tailor who I am in charge of watching.¡± I respond almost indignantly at the accusation. Mallory hears that and nods in agreement for a moment, but then pauses as she seems to realize something. ¡°Could you have done something to stop this?¡± Mallory asked. And like that, I could all but feel golden threads of fate coming from Mallory and constricting around me. They were loose threads, easily avoided, but somehow I knew that by answering them with a lie would cause these good threads to somehow turn evil, or maybe just weigh me down? Either way, I knew that answering with a direct lie would turn these threads against me, whereas by continuing to answer Mallory in a truthful way, I would essentially regain the golden threads of karma that I lost to Penelope and the Kujo pack. ¡°I mean, we all could have done something to stop this, Jhonny could have kept his hands away from the old scars. You could have taken your chance as a pack leader. And yes, I could have done quite a few things to avoid this, like not rescuing Kujo. Not helping the Guardians of the area reach their true potential that they have now, and not taking it so personally to help Penelope become a stronger more self-sufficient person.¡± I answer truthfully. Golden flash. With that truthful answer, the golden threads that had been waiting to hold me down as a prisoner, suddenly clung to me and showed that I still had chances of fate left to work with. This was good. I was still learning about this odd Pixie only, or maybe Fae-people only type of boon from not lying, but it was an interesting system that I very much wanted to keep in my favor. Mallory of course just looked at me and bit her lower lip. It was clear from her reaction that she knew she left the question too open ended, which I masterfully answered. ¡°Well, what about¡­¡± Mallory begins, and as she speaks I can already see more golden threads appearing from her and lashing out towards me. ¡°Wait, before you ask any more questions. Isn¡¯t it time you ask the real question that you want to have answered?¡± I pose. With that Mallory opens her mouth, then closes it as she stares at me. It is clear that she knows I am planning something, but then curiosity gets the better of her. ¡°Okay, fine then, what question do you think I want to have answered?¡± Mallory asks and as she does the thick chains of golden potential surge out from her and wrap around me, the same way a giant anaconda would when I happened to fall into its lair. Fortunately, I now controlled the flow of this conversation and could get us back on track to what really mattered. ¡°Simple, you want to know how to finally unlock your Killing Intent before we head back and get ready for the wedding, that is going to happen in under,¡± I look at my bare wrist for effect, but I have no clue what time it actually is. ¡°Under ten hours, it is currently three AM. Well, Two-fifty-nine and¡­¡± Jhonny said, pulling out his pocket watch that he was given so I could make my appointments on time. Then before anything else could happen, I felt a sudden shift. As part of my soul seemed to suddenly grow denser. It was at this exact time that I received a chilling system message. One that would all but make any action I did today both extremely obvious and hard to disassociate from myself.
Congratulations Birthday Girl. Today is your 15th birthday, marked from the time zone of your initial acceptance to the server eight years ago in the Maltese Empire. For today and today only, you will get to wear the Birthday Crown.
Birthday Crown (Temporary Item): A crown given to a birthday girl with an awakened Legendary or above bloodline. While in use all experience gained is increased by 10%, all knowledge gained is increased by 10%, and all feats of accomplishment will be increased by a further 10%. Duration: Next 23 hours, 59 minutes, and 59...58...
Congratulations, now go out there and enjoy your day to the fullest. But beware of birthday spankings.
And like that, I realized that we were now apparently three time zones ahead of the Maltese Empire, while also wondering what the warning was about birthday spankings. Interlude XIX (Larry Yo-Boy’s BiPrism News) Interlude XIX (Larry Yo-Boy¡¯s BiPrism News) Scrape, squeak, scrape. ¡°So, as you are no doubt wonder, just as I am wondering. How did a Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight Simulacrum manage to carve out an entire Mythical level Sacrificial Altar, without anyone knowing?¡± Larry the host of his own pod cast that was now in the top thousands for number of faithful subscribers and supporters. Below Larry, in a field that was normally used to display a particular topic of interest related to the world of BiPrism showed a completely dark screen. The only thing that let you know that anything was in fact happening was the faint, but constant sound of metal scraping against stone. Then once every few minutes or so there would be a giant, flash of color. Pulsing runic design. At that instant, a rune flared to life and seemed to burst with energy. As the rune flared to life, it illuminated the whole screen, showing a Pixie flying in the air, while working on a rune. Then and only then did the mana infused light of the rune flare up, shinning through the ephemeral dust of the Pixie¡¯s wings, showing the now almost expected glowing purple-pink hues of light that seemed to glow when the ephemeral wings were active. ¡°Yes, right here we see what the little Pixie did during the times when they were taking care of Ms. Kujo. For the most part we all avoided this, thinking that the rooms were too dark. And unless you watched hours upon hours of film, you would not see this rare occurrence of a master crafted rune flaring to life. Especially as most of these are apparently being carved deep into the wall of the cave.¡± With that, the frame pauses, as the viewing angle of the camera shifts to the side, showing that the ultra-bright rune that is clearly glowing in three dimensions and more than just a standard letter of the alphabet had to be carved into something. ¡°If you look closely, you can see that this rune was in fact carved in three dimensions, from within the stone wall. In fact, the only reason we could see this rune getting created is due to our payment for the ultra-expensive mana-pack that is now being applied retroactively to older viewing packages with new Mana-Vision filters. With this, we can start to see what the Simulacrums are doing. And let me tell you, it is kind of concerning what they are in fact doing while no is watching. Or while they thought no one was watching.¡± With that Larry begins showing a time lapse video of over a month¡¯s worth of work by the fourth Simulacrum, showing them first going along the floor, while in darkness and linking together runes. Then once the floor was assembled, there were clear lines drawn going to one massive square posting on a particular wall facing north. ¡°Now we will continue to show the time lapse motion of the simulacrum, but I want you to focus on this square that seems to be roughly ten feet wide by ten feet high. If you look all runes and all lines seem to somehow gather power and send that power here.¡± Larry continued. ¡°It is estimated that this Simulacrum created about one of these master class runes, and yes they are all master class runes as none of these runes or their functions have been cataloged by the various magical repositories and guilds. Meaning these were all likely done free hand by our girl. Anyways, if you watch the room goes dark, then a rune is created when a flash erupts. Also you can see that these runes are all active thanks to the Kujos.¡± With that, the image fast forwards some time, and shows the room suddenly erupting with lights all over. Runes and runway strips of energy flare to life everywhere, most of which channeling power in patterns and directions that are clear. Each of the gathered energies all direct to the same exact open square on the wall. A square that remains mostly blank for the time being. ¡°Yes, if you look, while the blood and viscera are being absorbed by the different runes on the floor, that energy is being taken and directed to the noted square on the wall. What does this look like? What does this all do? Well, glad you asked. Rather than letting you all spend your time going through the same thousands of hours¡¯ worth of film that has now been backdated with the new Mana-Vision feature, you can just buy the three dimensional purchase pack below that will show you in full immersion high definition clarity what the runes now look like while active, and what the entire Mythical level structure looks like, sans this ten by ten section.¡± Larry continued. With that, a ¡°Buy Now¡± option appeared showing a full three-dimensional rendering of the room that was both the lair of the Mythical Sacrificial Altar, and the lair where the ever-enlarging clan of the Kujos resided. ¡°Words cannot express how impressive the work done by this Simulacrum truly is. Floor to ceiling covered in grand art runes that defy understanding, and are somehow fully functional. Better still, this leads you to my Conspiracy Theory of the day.¡± Larry stated. If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. WOMP-WOMP-WOMP! At that, sound effects and flashing lights pulsed as this was clearly a new segment of his show that Larry was trying to develop out. There was still a bit of an awkward pause as Larry was clearly hitting buttons noting the various effects going on around him. Then they stopped as he once again looked towards the camera. ¡°Some say this section isn¡¯t complete. That part of the work can¡¯t be done and that all the stolen or converted energy needs to go here. But I¡¯m going to say those who tell you that are wrong, and they are definitely not your boy Larry. For we have uncovered a pattern that should be noted.¡± Larry states. Then the view once again changes. Darkness. Flicker. Deep glowing rune that is hard to witness. Darkness. ¡°What is this? Just a deep flashing rune of no significance?¡± Larry states, but then freezes frame on the blurry rune, and proceeds to magnify the rune until it is ten times larger and very grainy in viewing quality. ¡°This is an advanced version of the magical concealment rune.¡± Larry begins, while a second image of a much cruder and fairly well-known rune appears on the screen. From there a few arrows are drawn from the known rune, showing how it is part of the base structure of the new rune. ¡°While I can¡¯t tell for certain, it is clear that there is a base of the Magical Concealment rune we are all aware of hidden at the heart of this new structure.¡± Larry begins, and the pauses for dramatic effect. ¡°Now what does this have to do with anything? Well, this was the rune that Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s Simulacrum was working on during the three minutes of complete Confidentiality. Meaning, that not only is the main Dr. Spiritlight doing things during Confidentiality that she doesn¡¯t want others to know about. But her Simulacrums are similarly doing the same.¡± Larry said. Then as if to prove this point, Larry changed frames to before and after images of the various Simulacrums. One second, they were standing still reading, or in various other benign activities. The next moment, they were often in completely different areas. Or had fluttering hair particles denoting that they were moving quickly a moment prior, before trying to get back to their original position. ¡°If you go back and look you can see that each Simulacrum does different things during the Confidentiality, what they are doing, we obviously don¡¯t know. But what we do know is that they are all doing something. The Simulacrum from the Mage¡¯s Guild seems to spend most of their Confidentiality time in the Guild Master¡¯s room, likely doing some form of rune crafting, given the way the empty Guild Master¡¯s room always seems to radiate residual energy for a few minutes after each Confidentiality time limit passes.¡± With that, there is an image of the First Simulacrum sitting at their desk, but their hair seems to fall at too quick of a speed for most activities. ¡°Then we have here the Simulacrum on the 200th floor of the Arcanarus Tower clearly engaged in some kind of something with the other Fae, before settling back to their desk reading a book.¡± Larry states. With that the next scene shows the Second Simulacrum idly reading, while once again the residual glowing energy of the Fae seems to be overly intensified for whatever reason. ¡°Also, of note, it normally never takes Dr. Spiritlight more than a minute to read dozens of books. So, you are telling me that it suddenly takes her three minutes to read one book during a Confidentiality?¡± Larry states, noting that the book that Dr. Spiritlight was holding for display was clearly the same before and after the three minutes of unknown activity. ¡°But what is probably the most interesting one, is what has the Third Simulacrum been doing?¡± Larry asks. With that, we see the Third Simulacrum start off on the ship that was fully restored by Dr. Spiritlight. As has well been documented, the Third Simulacrum is mainly the pilot and maintainer of this ship. Which was why, it was odd to see the Third Simulacrum appear off the ship a few times, while on or around different hidden places of the great tree Yggdraspirit, before seeming to realize they were late and suddenly Teleporting back to the ship. Once on the ship, the Third Simulacrum proceeded to go about acting like nothing was wrong, but it was clear they were just up to no good a few minutes ago. ¡°And that my friends is the hot conspiracy. The fact that Dr. Spiritligth¡¯s Simulacrums are also performing mischief while no one can watch.¡± Ding-ding. ¡°Oh, and that is time for our weekly conspiracies. With that we need to go onto our News sections for today.¡± Larry said. At that, the image changed to first show an airship gallantly flying off into the sunset, nothing too odd about the site. Then the next moment, the camera changes to show a ship filled with motionless zombies, all stationary, all staring mindlessly off into space. ¡°Yes, we have it here, the Legrand Master Assassin Ghost Ship,¡± Larry said. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, nor how, but shortly after takeoff, the Master Assassin Ghost Ship of the Legrand Military suddenly lost communications with the ground. Then proceeded to drift aimlessly over the open terrain.¡± Larry stated, showing the initial flight path of the ship, and then how it had now veered off course thanks to a few intense gusts of wind that managed to change the direction of the ship by a few degrees north. ¡°Now the ship of seasoned assassins, and twenty-four hour legendary farmers, as anyone with a First Kill Dagger is often referred to as, they are all motionless zombies flying wherever the winds take them.¡± Larry stated. ¡°Oh, and I would be remis not to share the other major news. While these newly arrived assassins who apparently threw away up to seven Merit Points on their introduction to the world might have it bad. Those that chose Timult, the capital of the Legrand empire as their starting location now have it a hundred times worse.¡± With that the image changed to the still sand covered Timult, but now there was an issue as what had once been a glowing yellow eye was now replaced by an enormous finger with a long sharp nail. The nail then proceeded to scratch and scrape at the vertical scar that just seemed to float behind the three pods that were still fully intact. ¡°We are going to mute the feed for your safety,¡± Larry said as he clearly showed the image changing to note it was now muted. Then to everyone¡¯s surprise, the image showed the giant fingernail scratching against the open visible scar. As the fingernail began to scrape, soundwaves could be heard and felt echoing forward. Citizens of all types were suddenly attacked by sharp waves of force. People that were posing on the different pods, or striking at the pods suddenly found themselves attacked by intense waves of sonic force. Everyone began first by grabbing their ears, before either bleeding out their eyes, or their heads exploded entirely from the intense reverberations that were occurring. Also of note was the fact that the seemingly impermeable pods that Cass had dropped off randomly, suddenly started to crack. Not a lot, not even that much, but for such highly durable material to finally be shattered, if only marginally so, was a huge testament to the force being unleashed by the scratching fingernail. ¡°And it looks like, we get to see what type of ancient evil Dr. Spiritlight found to unleash on the all mighty Legrand Empire.¡± Larry stated, before concluding his podcast, ¡°with that I will call it a day. This was all the things you didn¡¯t know you wanted to know from BiPrism News, and I am your host Larry Yo-Boy, until next time, have a great day and a better rest of your week.¡± Chapter 273 A Little Push, and A Few Quick Stabs to the Back (Mallory) Chapter 273 A Little Push, and A Few Quick Stabs to the Back (Mallory) ¡°Now you are sure this will work?¡± Mallory asked, a note of concern in her voice, even though she began to turn around and face the as yet still motionless monsters that were currently frozen in time as their bodies were being purged by the magical rain that Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight had somehow created. ¡°Yes, at least ninety-percent certain,¡± Cass replied. ¡°Ninety?¡± Mallory hissed back, suddenly wondering if this was actually worth it, especially given the way Cass, was avoiding telling exactly what she would be doing to help this process. ¡°Ah, you are right. This mainly depends on the student, as such I¡¯d give it a high sixty percent chance of happening.¡± Cass corrected. ¡°Sixty?¡± ¡°A high Sixty, high,¡± Cass clarified, raising her tiny childlike hand to just above her head for emphasis on the height of the range in the sixties. ¡°Also are you sure this will be on me? I mean, correct me if I am wrong, but how could you really know how to train this?¡± Mallory asked, her voice getting close, but then not wanting to speak the words of what she was trying so hard to accomplish. A topic that she was somehow certain that the concept would shatter like glass, if she all but admitted the childish inclination to learn the still unknown sacred art. An art spoken about in all her stories surrounding Qi cultivators. By now it was known to almost everyone of her unhealthy infatuation with cultivators, but she had tried to hide certain milestones and goals away from the others. Yet, the more she thought about it, the more this one fact was too good to pass up. ¡°Look, which one of us has the Doctorate in Qi manipulation?¡± Cass replied. ¡°It¡¯s only a Master¡¯s degree, and its for Mixed-Martial Mana, not Qi.¡± Mallory shot back. ¡°Oh, now you undersell my Doctorates,¡± Cass shot back, ¡°besides it sounds like you are coming up with excuses on why your rating should be lower than sixty percent.¡± ¡°Wait, I thought it was high sixties a moment ago?¡± ¡°That was before you started doubting your teacher. Once you start doubting the process, then yeah we are all going to have to work that much harder to get back to where you were.¡± Cass replied. Hearing her, Mallory almost wanted to complain. She wanted to fire back, but the truth was, she was frightened. ¡°All right, I trust you.¡± Mallory said. As she did, she felt a huge weight lift off her chest, as she took in a deep calming breath. With that breath, for the first time all night, Mallory felt like she finally would accomplish this goal. ¡°Good now turn around and face the enemy. I¡¯m going to do somethings to help increase your anger. It will be your job to direct that anger in a controlled manner at the enemy.¡± Cass said, her words suddenly causing a slight burning sensation to ignite at the top of Mallory¡¯s ears. ¡°Wait? You are going to make me angry?¡± ¡°I mean, as hard as it is to believe, I will make you a bit miffed. From there it will be your job to harness that anger and direct it towards the enemy.¡± Cass said. During this time Mallory turned back to face her friend, but then a glint from the glistening platinum crown she was wearing refracted just enough to draw Mallory¡¯s attention. Seeing the crown, Mallory realized what it was, a prop given to underaged regressors who were nearing the end of their time being considered underage. ¡°You sure I can¡¯t accomplish the worldwide quest that we were all given? That way I could get the permanent bonus?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°You mean the area wide quest, pin the hand on the minor. No, you cannot partake in that exploitive quest. That or if you do, it will be harder to achieve your goal with a hand that was slowly melting away from poison.¡± Cass said, her tone suddenly serious, though her voice¡¯s range made it so it was still cute, but definitely scarry in context. ¡°Okay, fine, just a thought.¡± Mallory said, then turned away. As she did turn away, she still brought up the quest prompt to see the details of the most lucrative birthday quest Mallory had ever seen.
Area Wide Quest (Timed): Spank the Birthday Girl: There is someone who is celebrating their fifteenth birthday, find them by the glittering crown on their head, and proceed to give them fifteen spankings. Current Status (0 / 15). Bonus: for one to grow on (0 / 16). Rewards: Experience, (15/17) Free Attribute Points, variable.
Yes, the quest offered free Attribute points for every swipe on the Pixie and two Attribute points for landing a sixteenth swat, but it was clear that this would be a deal breaker for the Pixie. Also of note, there was a slight hitch in that not only did original Cass have the crown, but all of her Simulacrums also had the same crown, implying that spanking them would also lead to a similar reward. To Mallory¡¯s defense, she was not the only one who had these thoughts as both Penelope and Jhonny who were in attendance, both received the same quest, but were also quickly dissuaded by threats of use of acid to burn away any connecting body parts or appendages from her personage. Then making sure said wounds would be hermetically sealed and unable to be healed by other Healers until after the day was over. While no one had heard of a time sealing wound spell, no one from the trio wished to test the Pixie¡¯s honesty when it came to this regard. ¡°Fine, what exactly is the process one last time?¡± Mallory said, her body suddenly showing the worry of the moment as her muscles seemed to tense and flare up almost imperceptibly, with hundreds of micro strains that would only be visible to someone like Cass. ¡°You go forward, start killing as is your passion. I reach into my bag of teaching supplies and pull out the correct teaching aide and apply as needed.¡± Cass said in her overly cryptic way that caused a number of the hairs on the back of Mallory¡¯s head to rise up. ¡°And it will work in under an hour?¡± Mallory asked, realizing that the time for personal projects like this was quickly drawing to a close, as the wedding was now hours away. Meaning, she would need to be in place almost immediately. ¡°I don¡¯t get paid extra for overtime,¡± Cass replied. Chuckle. With that Mallory just laughed at the Pixie who was on the clock all day everyday thanks to her sleeping familiar. That and her four Simulacrum were also all contributing in some way towards her overall goals, meaning if Dr. Spiritlight wasn¡¯t salaried, the guild would quickly go bankrupt trying to pay her the wages she earned. ¡°Fair enough,¡± Mallory said, hoping to avoid any conversations about pay and the possibility of switching from a Salary to an hourly wage, or worse, a wage based on productivity. As Mallory realized that in most guilds World First notifications would be rewarded in the billions, as they would be revenue generating events. Yet, Cass did them so often that they almost seemed trivial by comparison. Then releasing her breath again, Mallory chose to accept her friend¡¯s help and trust in her teaching methods. While the girl was odd in her approach to teaching, it was nearly impossible to refute her capabilities. Every one of the mages that have gone through her curriculum have noted a minimum of 200% improved capabilities. This was measured independently based on Skill, that is the ability to cast complex spells. The time it took to cast the complex spells, and most importantly adaptability, that is the ability to change a spell or switch between spells as needed. In a mock battle, one that was used to test out the Dr. Spiritlight trained mages who were designated for support from non-trained mages who were all of much higher levels. The capabilities of the Dr. Spiritlight trained mages always exceeded the higher-level mages. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Of note was the way a few of the more advanced students were able to disrupt the casting of higher-level mages, or in some cases take control over the more powerful spell being cast by the higher-level mages. The results of the combat training completely changed the status for the different platoons that had been assigned to protect different sections of the capital in the case of an all out war. Before it was assumed that the higher-level mages would be the leaders, but it was clear that capability wise they were far inferior to the much more capable trained mages. Now, even the higher-level mages like Arch Air Mage Belton, were begging to be considered for the next wave of students to be accepted to SVC. Coming here had been a huge wake-up call for the old mage, first he lost his duel to Dr. Spiritlight. Then after a few months, Adaranna and a few other mages proved that he wasn¡¯t as all powerful as he thought. Mallory even remembered the conversation they had, when he all but begged to be allowed admission to the next class of students. ¡°It¡¯s one thing to be beaten up by a prodigy. For you can always know that one person is bigger, stronger, and faster than you. That is fine. The true wake-up call comes when that prodigy then trains others in the same manner, and then those others produce the same results. That is when you realize it wasn¡¯t just a fluke, but your entire understanding of magic was fundamentally flawed.¡± Belton said, his words oddly reflective from the man who was normally too arrogant to be in the same room with, as his ego would often be enough to force everyone else out of the same space. After seeing that change within Arch Air Mage Belton, and a few others that were loyal followers of Belton, that is when Mallory knew her military layout had to change. When she proposed that the Spiritlight trained mages be put in charge of the magical elements of the forces a few old heads argued. But that is when Belton and the others quickly showed their sincerity for learning under the great mage. Once the issues of the military units being taken over, along with one warrior with a Qi core being set up as a squad leader for the front-line forces, Mallory could relax. It wasn¡¯t pretty, it wasn¡¯t ideal. Ultimately there were approximately twenty groups of trained soldiers ready to deploy out at a moment¡¯s notice. Each containing two Spiritlight trained mages, and one Spiritlight trained cultivator. The only group that was not put directly into a combat unit were the Enchanters, as those were to draw back to the protective bunkers and help facilitate equipment as needed. Fortunately, Penelope being an Enchanter, meant her bunker that she would fall back to was Dr. Spiritlight herself. Also, Jhonny was the twenty-first cultivator, accepted thanks primarily to the fact that Dr. Spiritlight herself wanted him to join. That meant his platoon was with Dr. Spiritlight. Making Dr. Spiritlight the unofficial twenty-first squad leader of soldiers that could be directed to enter combat. For a moment she thought about letting Cass train like the other soldiers, but then realized with the enemy able to watch her movements and reactions, it was easier to let her go off as needed, when she felt inspired. Right now, Mallory knew that her best friend Dr. Spiritlight was exceptionally inspired, as she had a maniacal grin plastered to her face this entire time. While Mallory knew that she would learn the ability she had come out here to learn thanks to her friend¡¯s help. Mallory still couldn¡¯t erase the growing dread of knowing just how painful this next experience would be. Still, she trusted Cass. As much as that thought alone frightened her, she knew that if Cass said something was possible and that she could get you to do it, if you listened to her, you would. The mages and cultivators were testament to that. ¡°Okay, I¡¯m going, just don¡¯t tell me when you will start.¡± Mallory said, realizing that she needed this, a final trump card that was needed just before the dawn of battle. A final trump card that could be used to ensure her city and most importantly her soldiers were safe. Slink, slice, slash. Once again, Mallory began her ruthless slaughter of the cursed creatures of these lands. As she sliced through the monsters that had been held still the longest, Mallory almost felt sorry for them. As it was clear that if given enough time, they might all be cured of the Blight. Mallory didn¡¯t know how long these creatures would all need to stay out here, particularly as they all seemed to be infected with the second stage of the Blight, but it was clear that they were getting healthier. Mallory could slowly see patches of living flesh appearing. This was of course only after hours of cleansing rain, and something that was impossible to complete in a day, but Mallory did have to wonder if such a feat was possible? She made a note to ask Cass, but then quickly dismissed that thought, as she didn¡¯t want to put more on that girl¡¯s plate than was already there. ¡°What are those?¡± Penelope asked, her voice sounding somewhat muffled under the constant hail of rain that was washing over Mallory. Still, she heard the conversation. ¡°Oh these, are gold and silver acupuncture sticks,¡± Cass replied. Taking a quick look back, Mallory saw the way Cass displayed the sticks in her hands to both Penelope and Jhonny. ¡°They are so tiny, can they actually do anything?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Oh, these will be more than enough,¡± Cass said, ¡°well they might be if our fearless leader doesn¡¯t keep getting distracted.¡± With that Mallory turned forward and continued to strike at the creatures. By now the rain was starting to let up, no doubt a sign that Cass was about to make her move. The moving creatures, even at a much more subdued pace than their normal rate of movement made it so Mallory had to at least focus on the massively over leveled monsters. Monsters who could likely rip her to shreds if allowed to go at full speed. Flash. There was a sudden appearance behind her, Mallory¡¯s heightened senses picking up the splashing sounds of a new body seeming to appear right behind her. Frightened, Mallory turned back to the spot of the sound, only to find that Cass had Teleported to be right behind her. Seeing Cass being so close, caused Mallory to pause, her scythe raised to strike, but she had enough presence of mind to halt her swing right at its apex. ¡°What are you¡­¡± was all Mallory had time to say, before a flurry of hundreds of tiny objects rose up from Cass¡¯s outstretched hand, then rose into the air, and immediately shot forward. Thump, thump, thump. The act, the unexpected attack of being pierced like an emergency cactus plant substitute was so sudden that Mallory realized it was a pre-planned attack. That the moment the Pixie made her jump, she was already in the process of Telekinetically grabbing the hundreds of tiny acupuncture needles. Needles that were so small that they were less than the width of a strand of hair. Mallory could see the way even the kinetic force of the needles surging through the air caused the strands to wobble slightly. Even the act of turning, which they all turned, and moved to seemingly strike at specific areas on her body. Then to her horror, the act didn¡¯t stop with just the landing of the needles. For the needles then all began to push their way into and through her skin. As they entered, Mallory could feel the needles glancing at specific parts of her body, and turning. Twisting their way in, the needles all began to burn just under her skin. Pain. For the first time in a long time, Mallory could safely say she felt pain. Her body was on fire. Not just her body, but her entire soul felt like it was ablaze. It was clear that the pixie was doing something to her spiritually as well. ¡°What did you do?¡± Mallory finally asked, betrayal clearly evident in her tone. ¡°Your nodes were under developed, and barring us staying out here for months while you cultivate enough Qi energy to break both your core and meridians wide enough to do what you are trying to accomplish, I just broke you core and meridians in a controlled way.¡± Cass said, before promptly disappearing from sight. Poof. Once again, Cass appeared in between Penelope and Jhonny. All while, Mallory tried to breathe without pain, while using one of her hands to pat and scratch at the entry points. Trying to see if she could knock any part of those burning sticks from her body. ¡°What just happened?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Remember all that training I make you do, when you asked if there were shortcuts you could take to get the power easier,¡± Cass began. ¡°Yeah, you said, if I really wanted to do it, you would show me. But then you assured me I would not like the process,¡± Jhonny said, as if somehow recalling that exact moment. ¡°Well, this is the process of skipping the foundational steps and going straight to power.¡± Cass replied. Splash. For a moment a pulse of pain was too intense, as Mallory felt her own body collapse from the sudden and unending pain she was currently in. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for this,¡± Mallory hissed out, pain evident. ¡°Yeah, you did, now focus that pain, that betrayal at the enemy over there so we can all go home. I for one am tired of being rained on, anyone else?¡± Cass asked, turning to both Jhonny and Penelope. For their parts both Jhonny and Penelope were both soaked through, but wisely chose not to comment about the state of being tired. Anger. At that moment, Mallory felt rage flare up inside her. She was humiliated, in pain, and all Cass was doing was basically mocking her, after all she had done. In this moment, Mallory felt defenseless, this the was the first time in decades where she felt she could be cut down by an enemy. This wasn¡¯t the effect of a disease slowly killing her from the inside out, this was worse. This was her entire body being poisoned and broken by the crazy mage who¡­ Mallory felt her rage fueled thoughts race on, but before they could continue, Cass spoke up at that exact moment. ¡°Good, now that you are properly motivated, turn your attention towards the real enemy, so we can go.¡± Cass said, pointing to the creature who was slowly making its way forward. Rage fueled strike. Mallory felt rage flare up, and while she was ticked at what was happening, desperation took over causing her to lash out wildly. The strike was wild, and uncontrolled, but it was effective enough to work. Then before she could truly recover or forget the next monster moved to swipe at her. Once again, Mallory drew upon the rage, the only thing that let her focus beyond the pain that was wracking her body. In her mind, she saw the notification of her achieving a milestone for her core, but then quickly dismissed the prompt.
Perfect Stage II Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage II Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity II, Body Improvement II, Movement II, Qi Core Size II, Qi Circulation II. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Core Size: The size of your initial Qi core is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your core listed.
With the notification of her successfully entering the second stage of a perfect core creation, Mallory mentally understood the mad professors efforts. Mallory was weak, too weak to do everything that she wanted to do. So in order to jump start the process, Dr. Spiritlight broke her core, and forced her to progress faster. This was good, as it meant that the pain was worthwhile. The improved core alone was worth the pain, but seeing the efforts so far, Mallory realized that the next step, her ultimate goal was still in place as the Pixie didn¡¯t tell her to stop. Instead the pixie encouraged her to continue the only way a pixie could for this task. ¡°You call that a strike? I¡¯ve seen better strikes from the Screen Writer¡¯s guild, and no one noticed them for months.¡± Cass shot out. Shaking her head, Mallory could only laugh at the terrible trash talking attempt, but she understood what the point of this all was now. With that, she could only nod her head and continue. Slink, slice, slash. Pain. More needles pierced her body at times, all coming from the back. The pain caused anger to flare up momentarily, but then Mallory soon learned to direct that in the correct direction. Then finally Mallory got the two notifications she had been waiting for. It came when she was pushed to the brink of exhaustion and nearly unable to move, but still anther monster came. Seeing the monster, all Mallory could do was focus her mind and every last fleck of energy she had at the beast. Then to her surprise, the beast first paused, and dared to lock gazes with Mallory. At which point there was a clear contest of wills. Then finally, Mallory let out a primal scream of rage. ¡°DIE already!¡± She shouted. Then just like that, blood began to pour from the beast¡¯s eyes and ears, as it quivered for a moment, before falling lifelessly to the ground. That¡¯s when she received her message that she had been waiting for, for so long.
Perfect Stage III Qi Core: You have managed to create the Perfect Stage III Qi core and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity III, Body Improvement III, Movement III, Qi Core Size III, Qi Circulation III¡­
Which was soon followed by the ultimate notification.
World First Notification: Be Warned, for Mallory Valhalla is the first to unlock Killing Intent! Marking the dawn of the Warrior Cultivators.
Then before Mallory could do anything else, she felt her body tense up, as the last of her energy left her body, causing her to collapse to the ground in a near lifeless husk. With that Cass came over and scooped up the near lifeless leader before any more monsters could get to her. Poof. Poof. There were a series of quick movements, then finally they were out of the rain, which was a relief. ¡°You were right,¡± Mallory finally said, remembering the warning Cass had made about learning this very art. ¡°Of course I was, but just so we are clear, what was I right about this time?¡± Cass asked. Chuckle. Hearing her friend, Mallory could only laugh weakly, as even now her completely drained body was barely starting to recover from the combat marathon she had forced herself to endure. ¡°That attack really is an energy hog,¡± Mallory stated. ¡°See,¡± was all Cass said, before darkness caught up with Mallory, her mind and body were pushed beyond their limits. Chapter 274 A Perfect Wedding (Part I) (Arch Sky Mage Belton) Chapter 274 A Perfect Wedding (Part I) (Arch Sky Mage Belton) If Belton was pressed for why he brought up such a topic with the premier expert in magic, he would have had to answer that his reason for asking such a question was meant as a way to bring down the otherwise overly dramatized being for her seeming inconsistencies. Belton had learned long ago that you could find fault with anyone, if you but looked hard enough. The Doctor herself was no exception to this standard, and for the moment Belton felt that he had finally found the ammunition needed to bring about the shining of what would likely be the first of many foibles to appear in the overly cherished pixie. This was why, when assembled before the leaders in what was the last meeting before the tumultuous wedding would take place, Belton found that he had the perfect time to talk to the seemingly unengaged Doctor and ask her a question that had been pestering him for a while. Well not pestering, but one that he felt showed the complete duplicity of the Doctor and her stated objectives. ¡°I have to ask, were you party to Lady Valhalla when she achieved her world first notification?¡± Belton asked, this was the starter question, one that Belton felt he could use to easily guide the topic of conversation to his intended target. Of course, this was well known by now. Records from living friends and family members all but detailed what happened to Belton in near real time. Particularly with the fact that the good Doctor herself played no small part in disabling the various monsters that Guild Leader Mallory claimed full credit for killing. While he did not regret not being on the experience farming team that was seemingly orchestrated out of nowhere by the Doctor. Well he did regret not getting the loads of experience that Mallory got, his main concern was on the way that he felt the Doctor would lie about her seeming stance on not killing other creatures. Which was what the ultimate goal of this conversation would hopefully be. ¡°I was,¡± the Doctor answered turning her intensely solid green eyes onto Belton. Upon seeing those cold dead eyes, Belton momentarily shivered at the sudden and intense stare from the mythical creature. Just looking into those eyes and face reminded Belton of the wizard¡¯s duel he lost to the creature. A creature that now seemed to be more myth than reality. Before she had been exotically pretty, now her features were on a vastly different level. She was pretty in the way a glistening dragon might be before striking you down out of boredom. However, the difference in power from the oversized dragon to this tiny creature before him seemed to be leagues apart. Pound for pound it was clear that the pixie would win a battle of condensed power. This was a fact that was especially true as this very Pixie took down all four Cardinal Guardian dragons by herself. But again, that accomplishment seemed to be somewhat lessened by the fact that her first act of dominance over the four guardians was to turn them all into Pomeranians. ¡°Can I ask you a somewhat personal question?¡± Belton asked. ¡°I assume you are going to ask regardless of my reply, so might as well.¡± Was the Doctor¡¯s reply. Hearing that response, Belton paused, as he wondered if his plans were that obvious, but then decided to go ahead with his questioning anyways. ¡°I have heard that you are a devout pacifist, but yet you go about and seemingly help with the wholesale slaughter of Blighted creatures. I know earlier you had a strict habit of cleansing the creatures and going so far as to create a perfect replica of the corrupted creatures before letting your Kujo kill the original.¡± Belton said, his tone and cadence rushed as he knew he finally caught the pixie in her own seeming trend of inconsistencies. For her part the Pixie just stared, even going so far as to tilt her head slightly to the side. ¡°Well?¡± Belton finally asked. ¡°Well what? You seemed to have made a series of statements without any true question being asked.¡± With that, Belton did realize that he might have rambled slightly in his questioning and been a bit broad with his comments. As such he tried to focus his words into the most concise reprimand he could offer. ¡°Why did you go so far as to help in the senseless slaughtering of hundreds of creatures if you are a quote unquote pacifist?¡± Belton asked, his tone smug as he knew he caught her. ¡°You are asking why I don¡¯t mind helping Mallory kill the monsters that are on the second evolution of the Blight?¡± The pixie asked, making sure she had the correct question lined up. ¡°Yes, exactly. Doesn¡¯t killing go against the pacifist code? Particularly when you hold the creatures in place? If I recall, you did the same when we were claiming these lands as well.¡± Belton asked. ¡°Well, when it came to safeguarding the lands, that was a no brainer. Also, I don¡¯t think you know what happens to most creatures that are infected with the Blight.¡± The Doctor noted. At this point, more of the higher-level Guild Executives stopped their own individual conversations and plannings, and focused on the conversation that was taking place in the corner. This was perfect, as Belton wanted to make sure everyone saw the Pixie in the same light as he did. Yes, she was talented, immensely so, but she was also duplicitous, and that needed to be watched. ¡°When it comes to protecting Guild members over anyone, be they monsters or adversaries I will have no qualms with doing my part to ensure our survival. Though I think you severely misunderstand one thing when it comes to the Blight.¡± The Pixie said. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Those that are infected with the first stage of the Blight only have a partial chance of fully regaining their souls. While those that are on phase two of the Blight, those that Mallory killed earlier. They didn¡¯t have souls. Perhaps I am callous for not caring about moving husks of meat without souls, but even the Skill Books and the Teleiot¨ªs have souls, so tell me what I should think about creatures that are beyond salvation?¡± The Pixie asked. With that Belton felt flustered, as he had no knowledge of these things. The idea of the murder bots having souls was frightening. Though the idea that these impossibly tough monsters, ones that can only be handled by the Cleansing Rain spell provided by the Doctor, not having a soul was also frightening. After a moment¡¯s thought, Belton could not figure out which of the two was a higher revelation in terms of impact to the world. The fact that random constructs that the Doctor created had souls, or the fact that these native creatures didn¡¯t? For a moment, Belton thought about arguing with the Pixie, but was quickly cut off by Penelope Tailor, who interrupted the impromptu interrogation. ¡°Look at you waxing all poetic about souls,¡± Penelope said, her tone playfully eliciting a chuckle from everyone that was listening to the conversation, which was now everyone in the room. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t wax, not much need to currently. Hopefully now that I¡¯m fifteen puberty will kick in and I might grow some leg hairs. No wait, never mind, I am good as is.¡± The Doctor replied, cutting herself off, but then she got this odd look on her face as looked around the room. Then quickly finding Mallory¡¯s mahogany desk, Teleported over, and began knocking on the wood. ¡°Phew, I think I stopped that one just in time.¡± The Doctor spoke out loud. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Before Belton could ask if such a distinguished scholar of magic truly believed in such superstitions, he was cut off. ¡°Well, I think we all know our roles. Everyone head out to your assigned locations and let¡¯s be on the lookout for anything strange. For this, Doctor Spiritlight has full control to change course as needed. Anything she says, regardless of how odd it might seem at the time, you are to do without question. Do you understand?¡± Mallory asked, her tone commanding as she stared with a new level of intensity that was impossible to deny. It was clear that her acquiring the Killing Intent was not just a rumor, but something that seemed to course throughout her entire body. Silence. ¡°Very well then, lets have ourselves a wedding.¡± Mallory said. With that Belton left the room and took up his spot as part of Strike Team 2, which had bride side second row. They were the first line of defense should anyone charge forward from the crowd to strike at any of the wedding participants. Sitting down in his pew, Belton felt oddly optimistic that things would go smoothly. Why not? Afterall there had been a lot of planning and replanning by the different teams. Several foreign spies had been removed from the guild, and it was known that an attack would likely occur at the earliest after the wedding took place. Meaning the most important part of this ritual, the vows exchanged between the Guild and the Elven Ghosts would be complete. At first, Belton was confused as to how Mallory had managed to pull off such a deal. Uniting both the native ghost elves and the Midnight Hunters? While it was clear the Doctor had her part to play in the whole action, the main point that linked everything was Mallory. In fact, all week that was the main point of protection and concern for the whole venue. Apparently, everyone else was expendable, the Elven King, the Elven Princess, all expendable and secondary. In fact, to show just how expendable they were, their protection was given to Doctor Spiritlight and her 21st Strike Team. Yes, that was another thing, there were now 21 elite strike teams, in addition to hundreds of regimented ghost soldiers and platoons that were ready to draw arms to protect the Guild lands. While he had little doubt that the Doctor herself was capable, she still seemed to be mostly a very capable researcher in Belton¡¯s eyes. The other members of the 21st Strike Team were also lackluster in Belton¡¯s opinion. As the other members were a Tailor, granted the best Tailor on the whole of BiPrism, but hardly someone to add to a legitimate strike team. Then there was the under leveled Bodyguard who only got into the martial arts degree program due to the Doctor being overly sympathetic to an underdog story. Yes, by all comparisons, his Second Strike Team was more powerful, more capable, and above all more disciplined than the Doctor¡¯s team. Music. The music started playing as the last of the dignitaries from both sides came in the Deolarian Temple and found their places. That was another reason why Belton felt safe here, as they were essentially inside a Spirit Realm Dungeon that connected to the Guild¡¯s territory. Meaning that any invading forces would have to surge past guild lands, storm the ghost city and then find their way here. Yes, as far as Belton was concerned this was a cake job. Still despite the layers of protection in place, everyone seemed to still be on edge. Maybe it was his several hundred levels of power that caused him to be relaxed, but Belton decided to sit back and just watch the show and enjoy the moment. This was how, he witnessed the pixie get called out as the flower girl. While she looked like she was offended by the task, as she constantly stared back at first before being pushed forward, she did her job with a form of zeal that was impossible to match. As she cast out the flower petals, she proceeded to at least add magic and entertainment to the event. When she grabbed a handful of petals, she would drop them, only for the petals to fly off into thirds. One third of the petals would drop perfectly in a straight line forward. While the rest would soar over the pew of onlookers, who gasped in amazement at the spectacle. There was even a faint hint of glittering magic that seemed to follow the flipping and rolling petals as they soared over everyone in the rows. A few petals landed in the laps of onlookers, while most just watched in wide eyed amazement at the glitter that seemed to sparkle overhead adding magic and mystery to the moment. While having a fifteen-year-old in a princess crown delivering flowers was not his first choice, Belton could not deny that it was a good choice overall. Focusing, Belton even saw the petals fly over his head. As he watched, he too felt an odd sense of mystery fill him, as he wondered how the Doctor managed to move the petals so gracefully. Particularly as she didn¡¯t use any form of Air magic, something that Belton was confident he would have been able to notice. No, she clearly used magic, but it was so fine and subtle that Belton couldn¡¯t see the spell or overlaying structure. Something he felt most confident in, the ability to dissect and break down the craft of other mages, something that helped him to survive to this point. Yet, it was only after he plucked out a petal from the air and saw that the glitter wasn¡¯t magical, but a form of sparkling dirt, Belton felt oddly saddened. For a moment, he hoped it had all been magic. Yet, this was clearly not the case, though he was glad that the glitter did quickly disappear upon rubbing the few particles he found. Poof. Once the flower pixie-girl had made her way through all the rows, and even coated the pastor and noble elven onlookers, the pixie just Teleported away. That was unexpected, but soon became clear as to why, when a number of moments later, the dignitaries all came up. Princess Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri looked majestic as she was escorted down the row by Mallory¡¯s secondary guard Melkin. Followed shortly by the Deolarian King coming out by himself. Then a short time later, Vickard was the one who walked out Mallory who looked stunning in her royal wedding dress. That was when Belton saw the pixie once again appear, this time as the sacred ring bearer. ¡°Oh!¡± The King cried out, as he grabbed at his stomach. For a moment everyone seemed to panic, for a moment Belton almost swore he saw a stream of liquid running down the pant leg of the King. Was he incontinent? Belton found himself wondering for a moment, but before he could get too far down that thought, he could swear he heard the distinct sound of clapping hands. Blink. Belton blinked a moment later, and found that everything was just fine. Mallory who had looked momentarily tense seemed to relax. The King too seemed to relax, and while Belton could have sworn he saw a stream of liquid pouring down the King¡¯s pantleg a moment ago, Belton realized he must have been hallucinating, as everything was perfectly fine with the king. The only odd part was that the Pixie seemed to be a bit more mechanical with her movements. It was hard to say, she still looked and floated the same way, but there was a streamline movement to her pace that she didn¡¯t seem to exhibit beforehand. Odder still was the fact that Belton could swear that he saw glistening beads of sweat forming on the Pixie¡¯s head. Maybe that was why she was moving weird, as she was suddenly frightened? Though this made no sense either. Still, other than that one moment everything seemed to be going just fine. Looking around, Belton tried to see the other members of the 21st Strike Team, but only their leader seemed to be present. This was fine, as it showed that the Doctor, while magically gifted had a bad time with resource allocation. ¡°I do.¡± ¡°I do.¡± Then before Belton knew it, the moment everyone had been expecting happened without a hitch. Poof. For a moment, Belton could swear he felt a strong magical burst coming from the Pixie, but a quick glance later showed that she was exactly where she was supposed to be. Shaking his head, Belton tried to relax. He was clearly pushing too hard to find fault with the Doctor, if only to bring her down a peg. While her understanding of magic was undeniable at this point, she was clearly not the quote unquote miracle worker that everyone seemed to be making her out to be. ¡°If anyone objects to the union of these two souls, let them speak up now, or forever hold their peace.¡± Magical tingle. At that Belton could swear that he felt an intense burst of magic go off. Or at least something that Belton thought should have been magic, but for whatever reason, a quick look around showed that nothing had happened. A few people stared on in a fixed gaze. There was one person in particular who looked like they were caught mid-stand, but then seemed to stop themselves before they could make a scene. Those who were in mid-stand were particularly easy to note as the people sitting next to them all turned their heads to face the spectators. To his surprise, both Ghosts and Guild Allies alike were caught in this position. Perhaps they wanted to be prepared to stop anyone who might object? Belton thought to himself as he stared at the people. ¡°Then by the power vested in, I now pronounce you husband and wife,¡± the ghost minister stated. ¡°You may now kiss the bride.¡± At that, the King looked awkward for a moment, before reaching forward and moving their arms around Mallory. It almost looked like they didn¡¯t want to at first, but then seemed to go with it, particularly as Mallory began leading the action, as she moved in for the kiss first. ¡°WHOOO!¡± Many of the spectators cried out at the act, but then there was a general calm that settled over the crowd. With that, everyone got up from their pews and began greeting the happy couple, who had a security detail nearby of guild members and elite ghost guards. ¡°I object¡­¡± One person cried out a few moments later. Turning, everyone looked at the person who had been standing so still that everyone in his row had to leave the pew from the opposite side to come up and congratulate the happy couple. At the comments, a few guild members who had been on protection detail went over to the people who looked like they were caught in an odd version of the mannequin challenge. Finally, it was Belton and his Team¡¯s chance to come up and wish their respects. ¡°Congratulations,¡± Maranda the Strike Team¡¯s soldier lead said, shaking hands with both Mallory and the King. ¡°Yes, congratulations,¡± Belton said as he got close to the two. ¡°This was surprisingly a lot easier than I thought it would be. Honestly, I assumed it would have been harder, given all the prep that went into this.¡± Belton said to the two, both of whom looked momentarily shocked at the comment. ¡°WHAT!?¡± The pixie who clearly looked like she was either allergic to her crown or sweating in magical glitter sweat cried out as she buzzed angrily forward. Yes, apparently she learned to flap her ephemeral wings in a way that caused them to buzz like an angry bee would. The entire sight would be quite cute, if it wasn¡¯t so comical. ¡°I was just saying, that this seemed to be a lot of hoopla about nothing,¡± Belton reiterated, again making it known that this would have gone well without so much planning and panicking. ¡°Take it back, no wait, knock on wood.¡± The pixie said, her body whipping around to find the wooden pulpit from which the minister gave the ceremony. ¡°There, knock on that, quickly¡­¡± Seeing the Doctor go crazy over a superstition, only caused Belton to smile as he finally had her. Here she was clearly a bit unhinged. ¡°No, I do not believe in superstitions,¡± Belton said with a giant smile. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you believe in them or not, just knock.¡± The Pixie stated with a bit more panic in her voice. To his surprise, Mallory and the King both looked flabbergasted at the spectacle. ¡°Do you see her?¡± Belton asked, clearly pointing out the way the pixie was going manic over this trivial detail. KABOOOM!! Then before anyone could say anything, the ground shook with a mighty quake, as many who were gathered all began to run and cry in fear. ¡°Too late,¡± the Pixie said, her voice sounding slightly defeated. She even exhaled in defeat as she seemed to understand what was happening. ¡°Wait, what is too late?¡± Belton finally asked. ¡°You knocking on wood, now it is your team¡¯s job to go out there and stop this.¡± The Doctor said. ¡°Wait what?¡± Was all Belton could ask, but the Doctor was soon backed up by Mallory. ¡°You should listen to her. At the very least you all will be out of her sight for a bit.¡± Mallory stated, her tone consoling, before she turned to apparently try to calm down the pixie. A pixie who just seemed to sulk in defeat. ¡°Come on team,¡± Maranda said, as she took charge and began moving the team into position. And like that, the perfect wedding was over. Now all they had to deal with was the after-party gate crashers. Chapter 275 The (Not So) Perfect Wedding (Part II) (Three Hours Ago) Chapter 275 The (Not So) Perfect Wedding (Part II) (Three Hours Ago) There are some days that you know are going to be bad. Like the first time after a separation where you take the kids to meet their deadbeat chromosome donor, only for them to not show while you wait patiently at a terrible fast-food place that fortunately has a playpen where the two younger kids can play. The older kids of course just stay at the table and stare at you like you are the reason their donor isn¡¯t coming, and not the fact that they are a deadbeat who prioritize themselves over their kids¡¯ emotions, but I digress. This was not one of those days where the chromosome donor didn¡¯t show. No, today was going to be far, far, worse. Why? Well, to put simply I was tracking no less than three major quests from taking place on today. Added to that, was the fact that my Simulacrums and I wore stupid birthday crowns on our heads, crowns that appeared regardless of the avatar we wore. It was about this time, that I realize I might be a bit of a control freak. See, up until this point, I had been under the impression that I could easily fill in for one or more of the different characters, if the main actor was unable to. Currently we had two such roles that would need to be filled, Gwen, my daughter for the King. Though she was not going to last long, if that protruding belly was anything to go on. Then Jhonny was playing the part of Princess Octavia. With me out, there were no alternates, and worse with the birthday crown, something that looks nothing like an actual crown, on my head, I was pretty obvious to spot if I did try to fill in for the roles. This meant we were going to be down at least one cast member shortly after the play started, and worse it was the lead male role. Everything looked bleak, until I got a save from seemingly out of nowhere. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take over the role of King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri,¡± Penelope stated reassuringly. ¡°But how? You don¡¯t even have a costume?¡± I asked. ¡°Who do you think made them in the first place?¡± Penelope replied, before continuing, ¡°besides, what do you think I was working on since your crown appeared and you were trying to teach Mallory to be a more focused killer. Also, I didn¡¯t think she needed more help on being able to kill better, but good job. You proved that just when you think there is a limit, just keep pushing past and boom, next level murder hobo.¡± Penelope said. At that I paused, and realized she was correct. ¡°I don¡¯t know, again, you don¡¯t see the waste levels of that Killing Intent, but it isn¡¯t as powerful as you think it would be for how much energy it consumes.¡± I reply, making sure that I still think Killing Intent is lame and a waste, but who am I? Not like I have a degree in the stuff, or can see the way the energies flow together in a really lackluster way. ¡°Again, you aren¡¯t really helping your whole image when you explain to people how there are much more efficient ways to kill people,¡± Penelope quipped. ¡°It¡¯s not like I am teaching people those methods. I¡¯m just teaching the less violent and more energy inefficient methods,¡± I protest. I don¡¯t even bring up the point that others were likely already trying to learn this very method, but Mallory was just the first to be able to do so. ¡°You know, I am almost tempted to ask what these methods would be, but a more rational part of me realizes that once you state it as a hypothetical, within a month it will likely come to fruition.¡± ¡°Hey, it wouldn¡¯t take a month, well not if I tried. Maybe three weeks at the most.¡± I state, trying to calculate how long it would take me to come up with a new way to kill, but more efficiently. If I put my mind to it, I¡¯m pretty sure I could do it in three weeks. Though, I¡¯m pretty sure that would be mostly boring and time consuming. ¡°No wait, maybe you are right, a month is likely better. I¡¯d probably get distracted for a week or so.¡± Penelope just paused and flexed her jaw forward as if to grind her teeth, but then stopped. Instead, she just seemed to lock up her jaw for a split second, long enough for her to take a breath, before resetting her jaw and apparently going with her second thought. Interesting tactic to try to be diplomatic, I might have to try that here, as it looks effective, well seems better than just stating whatever comes to mind. I should try to do that, or at least something similar here, as I realize regardless of whatever she says next, it will come across as it being better than anything she would have said at first. Regardless of whether it was the same exact thought she had at first or not, brilliant. Seeing her, I move in slightly, though this is completely unnecessary, as I can see everything she is doing. But this way, it comes across as Penelope has my full attention. Seeing this shift, she slightly corrects her posture and almost has an ¡®oh?¡¯ moment. ¡°The fact that you are contemplating these tactics is mildly concerning, and I can¡¯t help but think that I will somehow be implicated in the next wave of death magic you create, however inadvertent the creation might be.¡± Penelope finally stated. Oh bravo, hearing her, and seeing the intent, I can¡¯t help but feel that this was a more cultured response than the original response she gave. Maybe that half twitch, half jaw grinding motion does work. I try it, but Penelope just looks at me like I¡¯ve grown three heads. Likely because I did an over exaggerated version of it, where my teeth showed. Yep, too much, got to work on that if I am ever going to play the role of Penelope. No wait, I don¡¯t want to play the role of Penelope as that would likely mean she passed on, and that would be sad. Nope, going to change the subject, smoothly. That¡¯s when I realized there is a way to help placate her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, even if I did create the next murder attack, it would likely be called something stupid like, Murder Bang, or something else that others might not be prone to using in combat. Or in general out of having standards, even as a murder.¡± I reply, pausing to see if that sounded more cultured after the jaw thing, then realized it likely didn¡¯t work for me. Nope, that would be Penelope¡¯s schtick, and I would just have to not come up with murder spells, where my only hope for people not using was a terrible naming convention and pride in the types of attack powers they used. Stolen story; please report. At that, Penelope¡¯s eyebrows were raised high on her forehead, as she just replied, ¡°uh-huh.¡± Yeah, I likely didn¡¯t sound as cultured as I meant to with that, oh well, next task. There was a semi-awkward pause that filled the room. Fortunately, Penelope was there to help with my scheduling. ¡°Don¡¯t we have your meeting with Mallory and the others?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Oh right, I knew there was something we had to do soonish.,¡± I replied. ¡°Like the wedding?¡± ¡°Yeah, like that,¡± I confirmed, and then before Penelope could say more, I opened a Portal from our self-cleaning pup cave and went with Penelope to just outside of Mallory¡¯s office. Once there Vickard and Melkin were both present and blocking entry to the door. Fortunately, once they saw us, they both bowed their heads slightly, as Vickard opened the door and let us in. This was nice, and part of the protocol we had established so I didn¡¯t keep jumping straight into Mallory¡¯s office. Fortunately, unlike the last few times, this time when I entered my daughter and Mallory both were fully clothed. Yep, this new method is already paying off. Not that I couldn¡¯t see them from the other side of the wall, but everyone got all spooked out when a Pixie randomly appeared in their room telling of grave dangers. Which was odd, because if it was grave danger, then I could go directly in, as I had been, but for most mundane practices, I was to use the front door. Though I do think most of my thoughts are muted by the apparent child sensors that are in place. As all I often see are blurred markings that if I wanted to, I could look past, but no, I have opted to keep those in place, there are some things that could ruin a childhood, and I¡¯m okay with that being one part that is still there to protect me. ¡°There she is, the pixie of the hour,¡± Mallory exclaimed in her warmest voice. Just hearing her be happy to see me filled me with a sense of dread, as I realized she likely had other tasks for me. ¡°Why hello Mallory, leader of the guild, and future queen of these lands. How are you?¡± I reply in an equally posh tone. At that Mallory pauses for a moment, before composing herself. ¡°I seem to have a bit of a favor to ask of you,¡± Mallory pressed. ¡°Oh?¡± I reply. ¡°Yes, I will need you to do double duty during the wedding. As I will need you to be both the flower girl and the ring bearer.¡± Mallory stated, her voice almost pleading, but not quite there. It was clear that if I pushed back, she would plead, but she really preferred not to. At the idea of being the flower girl, I paused at the obvious trope. Just because I was small, I would be the flower girl? But then, pausing I realized this might work out, as I could do a lot with flower petals, especially if I add in ephemeral energy to the petals and add in a time delay. No wait, a command delay, I need a command that I could do to set off all of the petals at once. My mind was going through different permutations on how to properly implement pixie imbued petals at a party, and I almost missed the most important part. ¡°Well?¡± Mallory asked, her tone hopeful. Hearing her, I shake my head away from the new use of ephemeral energy and instead turn back to Mallory. I was about to ask what, but then remembered the topic that started my mind going off with ways to implement ephemeral energy. So far, all I could really think of for ephemeral energy was a variant of Time Stasis, but then again, I had only really learned this yesterday and hadn¡¯t had much time to fully experiment with the process. That said, for this, I would likely need a form of Time Stasis, as that would hopefully give me time to move pieces in and out of the wedding as needed. Realizing that aspect, I couldn¡¯t help but be fine with the whole process. ¡°Yeah, that seems fine.¡± I answer, trying to keep back the fact that I am already planning on ways to use this obvious conspiracy to typecast short people to different wedding roles a secret. That said, this is perfect for who would expect anything from the pixie flower girl? Nothing to see right? Hehehe. I am mentally laughing to myself as I go through the formula for how to coat rose petals with ephemeral magic, when I feel a half-worn thread of intertwined magic coming towards me. Pausing for a moment, I stopped and realize that it is Belton, the pompous mage that I defeated and told he could never talk to me. For a moment, I wonder why the connection between was so frayed, but then realize part of the fraying came from the fact that I was now a different species. Meaning the initial bindings from winning the wizarding duel between us had been frayed by my own actions. This meant that Belton could not only look at me, but he likely felt he could talk to me too. I wanted to keep it so he couldn¡¯t talk to me, but then realized that part of my golden threads. No not Qi, but the ones associated with fate were going from me, and planning to link up with Belton, where they would turn dark and bind him back to the original agreement we had after the duel. Seeing that this would cost me, and likely cost me in the fact that I would tie negative karma or at least tainted energy to me and Belton I paused. Then realized with the fraying of the energy between us, I could just claim the remaining strands of energy that existed between us, and use that as a good karma infusion. Realizing how stressful today was going to be, and how much luck, especially good luck I would need on my side, I decided to completely dissolve the strands of energy tying Belton and me to our binding oaths. The good part about this was, the fact that I gained a shiny new skill.
New Skill Gained: Karma Weaving has reached level 1.
Karma Weaving is a Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Just seeing the new skill, I could almost feel drool forming in my mouth, as this seemed like a juicy skill to have and try to master. I had no clue how to practice this skill, but ideas were coming. Then almost immediately upon doing this, I instantly regretted my actions, despite having a new shiny skill for my efforts. For right on cue, as if waiting for just such an action as for me to dissolve our binding oaths between us, that is when Belton chose to speak directly to me. ¡°I have to ask, were you party to Lady Valhalla when she achieved her world first notification?¡± Belton asked slimily. His words were so pompous that I almost expected him to begin laughing at his own bad punchline before it was delivered. And it was clear that he had an end destination for this conversation. I of course answered, which he then continued to pound out more and more about killing. An odd topic as this was the second time in this very hour that I spoke about that very subject. Odd how the world works, but this time I was more prepared. Penelope and Belton were both right, well Penelope was more correct as she wasn¡¯t slimy about it, but they were right. Why did I kill? Or at least sanction the killing of others indiscriminately? Then after thinking about the same subject twice, I realized the reason why these monsters didn¡¯t bother me when they died. ¡°Those that are infected with the first stage of the Blight only have a partial chance of fully regaining their souls¡­¡± I state, and then let my mind and mouth go wild. Apparently, this was a bit of an issue as everyone in the room was now staring at me and Belton. Realizing the situation, I pause, but then realize this might need to be said, as I am still not quite certain how this all works. But after stating it, the reason I was able to remain mentally detached from the whole situation, I couldn¡¯t help but feel better. Not because I helped in the killing of soulless creatures. But the fact that these creatures were soulless somehow made the process easier to stomach. To put this in perspective, even plants have souls in this world. With that in mind, the idea of killing husks of meat that can be used to feed many staving, soul-infused, creatures made a big difference. Thus, helping Mallory seemed to be only mandatory. With these thoughts going on in my mind, I continued having these thoughts, and the ways to infuse ephemeral energy into rose petals. Petals that I would then have to get into contact with everyone. For a moment, I thought that might be too much, but then realized there were multiple delivery methods for pixie dust infused rose petals, particularly when everyone would be sitting. That¡¯s when I came up with just making the direct delivery part of the show. Unfortunately, I almost missed the trap when Penelope started talking. Someone who I had a lot of respect for, and therefore had ties to karma with. ¡°Look at you waxing all poetic about souls,¡± Penelope stated. Then like a moron not using her newly learned jaw clenching technique, I blurted out the first thing that came to mind. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t wax, not much need to currently. Hopefully now that I¡¯m fifteen puberty will kick in and I might grow some leg hairs. No wait, never mind, I am good as is.¡± I replied off handedly. Then almost as if being summoned from the depths of instant karma hell, I saw dark strands of karma reach out and try to attach themselves to my legs. Badump, badump, badump. Seeing the strands come to life, I instantly realized what I had done wrong. This was terrible, an off handed comment meant mostly as a joke, was now going to be an instant karma attack, forcing me to get leg hairs. I paused, spun, not that such an act was necessary as I could see and worse, feel the slimy tendrils of dark karma covering my legs. I wanted an out, but then out of the side, I saw an oddly silver silhouette in the shape of a desk. Seeing the structure, I Teleported over, and began knocking on the silver structure. Knock, knock, knock. Rather than a metallic sound, as I expected, there was a wooden sound that echoed in the room. Better still, at the act of knocking on the silver structure, which I am pretty sure is Mallory¡¯s desk, the dark threads of Karma splooshed away. Yes, splooshed, they were solid jelly strands of dark karma one second, then the next, they were reverberating masses of liquid plasma that burst away into nothingness. With that, I let out a long breath, and then seeing everyone stare at me like I was crazy, I answered the only way I knew how. ¡°Phew, I think I stopped that one just in time.¡± Yep, this was a sign of good things to come, I could all but feel it. Fortunately, Mallory who was well used to my eccentricities by now just took it all in and directed us to the next course of action. ¡°Well, I think we all know our roles. Everyone head out to your assigned locations and let¡¯s be on the lookout for anything strange¡­¡± Mallory began, and like that a strand of dark karma began to appear on her, as if all but waiting for her to make a misstatement. Seeing that even Karma had it in for us, I had the feeling that today would be a long day. Chapter 276 The (Not So) Perfect Wedding (Part III) (A Little Over Two Hours Ago) Chapter 276 The (Not So) Perfect Wedding (Part III) (A Little Over Two Hours Ago) It was go time. Well, almost. ¡°Before we go, can you take me to the Kujo Caverns area?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°You mean the murder halls?¡± I quip back, seeing as that is the name everyone from the guild has given those very halls. ¡°Yes, there,¡± Penelope replies stoically, but then smiles afterwards. Huff. I just let out a long breath at the comment, as there is not much else I can really add to the comment. As if seeing that she won this verbal spat, she then proceeds. ¡°I mean it though, if you need an alternate for the King, Penelope, or even you, I¡¯ve got you covered,¡± Penelope declared, apparently fully committing to the idea that things would go wrong. ¡°You can?¡± I ask, but it is really just me making sure I didn¡¯t mishear her. At that point, she pulls out an extra of every costume I had her made. Well not costume, but that is the way my mind interprets her results, and the best way figure out how to fill in for her participation. It is at this point that I also realize why she wants to be taken to the highly advanced sanitary and self-cleaning dog birthing chamber, and totally not a murder altar. ¡°Wait, is that why you are asking to be in the Kujo Caverns? So I can go back and pull you in as needed?¡± I ask. ¡°Exactly, this way no one sees me get pulled in, I¡¯ll also be next to your Simulacrum, and my pack, meaning I¡¯ll be completely safe. Then you just come in, switch me out with whatever role is needed and boom, the show goes on.¡± Smooch. At that, I kiss her on the cheek. I can¡¯t help myself, as she is amazing. Though immediately afterwards, I can feel a slight surge of power and her reaching up to touch her cheek. For a moment, I wonder if I have ephemeral energy, or what others are falsely calling my pixie dust on my lips, which does seem to be the case. That said, she is fine, and there are no issues at hand. Also, if there are lingering traces of magic, they do not seem to be Time based in their structure, which is all I care about at the moment. Again, one day I might learn more tricks, but we likely have to get through the doom and gloom of Mallory about to have a panic attack every five minutes for me to experiment properly. That is how, I create a Positional Teleport with my fourth Simulacrum, the one mainly monitoring the Kujos, now that her masterpiece of Mythical level Enchanting is complete. So far, I¡¯ve noticed that there is a distinct difference in level of achievements of my Simulacrums. So far, the winners are First Simulacrum, who helped me fool the Mage Guild representatives to think I was being unfairly treated, and fourth Simulacrum. Second Simulacrum keeps insisting that she is close to something with the Fae, and given the way their opinions of the real me change each time I interact with them, I can see that. Which basically leaves third Simulacrum without any real goals, though to be fair, I have given her the side task of both protecting the Prankenstein airship and procuring quite possibly one of the best and or worst items I have ever imagined plucking and placing elsewhere. Unfortunately, I can¡¯t work on any of these until I am done with this current task, which is why right now, I am helping Penelope get to her intended staging point, and then I am going to take part in my self-appointed roles for this production. And it is a production, the whole pageantry of a royal wedding is nothing more than pomp and circumstances for the average viewer. In a way I consider this the ultimate magic trick, which might be why I am taking this so personally. See I can get true magic. I can see the creation of a spell, the way to push and spin mana particles at a distance to get a desired effect. That is almost second nature by now. With this though, this is the ultimate form an Illusionary Magic. By pulling this event off smoothly, I will be a David Copperfield, or maybe Chris Angel, ones who made you think they did magic, without actually doing magic. That is the goal of this entire process, to have this look so smooth and flawless to the average user that they can¡¯t help but think it was magic. Now, I¡¯m going to use a boat load of magic during this event to give it that magical effect, but to me that is where the true brilliance of the act comes in. Because I hope the areas where people think magic will be used is not actually a thing. Poof. As Penelope goes through the portal, I also do a Positional Switch with my fourth Simulacrum, whose job it will be to get to the desired starting point. Her goal is to make it look like she is doing something crazy to the flower petals. But the thing is she can¡¯t. That or it will be unnecessary. The reason for this, is that my Simulacrum will also make it her job to go out and physically touch and adjust each and every row of pews, trying to dust them off one last time. Making it so the benches have a lustrous shine to them. That is where the brilliant part of this comes in, while appearing to dust off, my Simulacrum will be dusting on ephemeral energy. Not much, a very small amount that will do two things. First, it will give the pews a lustrous shine that will add to the appeal of the moment, and second it will add misdirection. To make it so the pews work, I also needed a way to get all the Deolarian cast members to also be paused. That is, how do you stop the Deolarian members who were in the wedding itself, and keep them from blowing the whole operation. Well that too was thanks to Penelope, due to the fact that she, the first royal tailor, provided all of the uniforms to me. I was then able to add a bit extra to every uniform that wasn¡¯t meant for Mallory, Gwen, Jhonny, or myself. For this even royal guard members who were standing at the altar would also be in uniform and therefore subject to these restrictions. If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. The plan was perfect, which was why I knew a loop would be thrown at me somewhere. Likely in the form of extra guards. But as I will be doing double duty, of flower girl and ring bearer, I should be able to get back and interact with the guards long enough to give them an action released Time Stasis effect. Then just to add a layer to this, I would also imbue a bit of energy into the petals, but only enough to make it so people were less judgmental about the world around them. Better still the action released Time Stasis effect should last closer to six minutes, despite my only having a three-minute window of Confidentiality to work with. That is the other act of this, the action released Time Stasis effect actually had two triggering conditions. The first would be my clapping to first start and stop the procedure. The second was a more, fast movement, with the intent to state ¡°I object,¡± I personally didn¡¯t know if such an act was possible but figured it couldn¡¯t hurt to try. Yes, every angle and sub-angle were noted and evaluated. But despite all precautions and my ability to physically alter or change key elements, I still couldn¡¯t help but feel that this would be way too big to pull off effectively. Our first moments into the Kujo Caverns all but proved this concern, as there in the very center of the room was a very pregnant and stomach pulsing Ms. Kujo, who looked all but near to bursting. Sniff. In fact, yes, despite the self-cleaning nature of the chamber, there was still the lingering smell of water being broken. A quick check showed that not only that, but that Ms. Kujo had dilated a bit, making it so any second the first of many pups would be coming. For a moment, I thought about just cutting her open right there, pulling out all thirteen children and sealing her back up. That of course, is when my quest updated itself.
Hidden Quest Updated: Saving the Litter of Godpuppies (Ongoing): You managed to save Ms. Kujo¡¯s litter by preventing a pup from dying due to prenatal deficiencies. Now you must help the puppies be born naturally so that they will all earn a 10% bonus to their experience gains, attribute increases, and magical capabilities. Help these pups achieve a natural vaginal birth to help them achieve their full potential. Current number of pups needing to be born naturally (13 / 13). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother) activated, healthy birth bonus.
Seeing that message, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that this was a trap. Also, I understood what this implied. Not only was this a case for the Kujo clan members. But this would also impact Mallory¡¯s granddaughter, well my technical granddaughter now as well. As this would likely apply to the granddaughter¡¯s birth conditions. Seeing the message, I can¡¯t help but feel that I missed out on my parents not being around. For if my mother could have birthed me, could you imagine the bonuses I would have earned by having a lifetime 10% bonus to experience gain, Attribute increases, and magic capabilities? Exhale. Well, that is the first major wrinkle being thrown my way. Not something I wasn¡¯t prepared for, but still, it does help you understand the unnaturally quick growth rate of monsters in the wild. Assuming all monsters in the wild get this 10% growth bonus, then those that go through a birthing process, like dragons and other creatures will be naturally more dominant in the future. Speaking of dragons, I mentally focus on my arm, where Zero is still passed out. Not going to lie, I¡¯m kind of worried about the guy. I want to wake him, but I realize he is actually getting stronger. Only now that enough time has passed do I realize that his soul looked like Swiss cheese, with the numerous holes and whatnot. Now that time has passed the holes have begun to fill in, but it is still taking time. I think he is actually evolving? Or at least that is the best guess I have at the moment, still his having a 10% growth rate means his survival is 10% more likely, right? Taking one last second to focus on the little guy, I pause and then hold back on trying to wake him. I don¡¯t need to, nor want to, also I have a feeling that waking him, particularly now would be damaging to his future growth. This is why, I note the concern, but then realize that there are even bigger issues. Golden Qi Infusion. I choose this moment to help the muscles and ligaments on Ms. Kujo both relax and get strengthened slightly, as her body is currently in the process of preparing itself to dump out thirteen children. Of course, now is the time that I actually stop to realize that there is going to be a slight technical problem with feeding all thirteen pups. See the dire wolf only has a grand total of twelve nipples for the pups to suckle from. Now even an out of practice mathematician like me can realize with these supply and demand issues looming, there is going to be a logistical nightmare here shortly. Again though, glass half full, my current quest only deals with birthing these children. Nothing about their continued existence. Tug, tug, poof. Of course, before I can start thinking about ways to solve that now looming problem, I am pulled by my fourth Simulacrum through space and time to the wedding, thanks to Positional Switch. Apparently, it is now go time. I take a moment to gather myself and see where I am. I am in front of the whole procession, with my flower basket in hand. Seeing the basket I smile, as I begin to make sure people are redirected to focus on the floating petals as my means of delivering Time Stasis magic to everyone. Swoosh. Telekinetically maneuvered petals arc, rotate and give off a gleam of energy as they flow through the air in wide majestic arcs. Awe. As the display of magic and brilliance plays out, the crowd lets out a gasp of amazement as I am already taking a step forward to shower the next row with more petals. By now manipulating so many tiny petals are rather easy, particularly as I mainly keep them in two main clumps that head out away from me, with individual petals flowing down to each person who gathered. Now I am not saying I¡¯m the best flower girl ever, but if not the best, I¡¯m pretty darn close. In all I can have three rows of the effects going on at once. I could do more, but I think that would seem like I was showing off, versus trying to set the tone for this wedding. The tone of course, is a majestic brilliance with the hint of magical undertones, as every wedding should be. I wasn¡¯t able to help make Gwen¡¯s original wedding special, as it was mainly a justice of the peace and a friend who moonlighted as a DJ coming over to throw an after party. Entirely uninspired, particularly with Gwen just asking for money to start their new lives together on a solid financial footing. Yeah, that didn¡¯t turn out so well in the long run. Well everything was fine until her husband died in a car accident, decapitated by being rearended and pushed into a truck hauling lumber. Terrible. Fortunately, I was able to help out a bit with the grandchildren, but Gwen never wanted to remarry. Which is why I mainly feel that this is my last chance to give her a wedding she truly deserves. I am up at the front of the pews, which is when I take a moment to quickly touch every person up here. The priest, the Deolarian royal guards, Vickard and Melkin, everyone who is not part of the core actors. With that done, the last petal drops, meaning my distraction time is over, and I Teleport to the back of the church, to grab my keys. During this time, I once again pull my best feral cat impression, brushing by and through every guard in attendance as well, even the ones without royal attendance regalia and proceed to mark them with ephemeral energy. This is important as I am pretty sure, my Simulacrums either can¡¯t produce ephemeral energy, or don¡¯t quite know how to use it the way I do. I think there might be a transitional learning curve for my Simulacrum to perform my actions, almost like the system has to teach itself how I use the energy, then mimic it. Logically, I know this might be bad, as in I am teaching the system to be better at using magic and other forms of energy against me. But glass half full, it also means that I¡¯m not actually breaking the world, just pushing the AI consciousness to new heights. Tug, tug, poof. I just get the rings in my hand and am in my place in the line of people going out, when I am called for my next role. With this, I quickly give a slight toss to the pillow with the rings, making it so the pillow does not come with me on the Positional Switch. Only now do I realize that this was what the Simulacrum did, when she switched with me earlier and left me with the basket of petals. At the last second she sort of raised released it, likely using magic so that the basket levitated until transferred, then fell into my curved fingers. This is smart, and an exploit that I didn¡¯t even think about until now. Not certain how this can be used in the future, but I do like it as a possibility. Of course, all ideas of pulling off great heists by Positionally Switching without certain items following me is quickly cast aside, when I realize it is puppy birthing time. Normally this process should take time, as the doctor would have to check and make sure the head was aligned properly, before birthing can begin. Fortunately for me, I cheat. I can already see the heads, positions and body layouts of the puppies. Additionally, my Telekinesis helps me easily direct the closest pup that is facing the correct direction towards the birth canal and poof. A pup in a sac quickly appears. By just placing the pup with a sac in front of the mother who manages to lick her newborn pup once before the magical runes of the room light up and begin their cleaning processes. Then two seconds later we have a perfectly clean pup, who I then Telekinetically lift into place on one of the suckling stations. While the world tried to make this tougher, it is still fairly easy for a healing mage who is fully prepared for the task. Also, self-cleaning rooms, they are the best ever, despite how the world tries to categorize them. I do make a point of at least touching each of the pups, but only after the mother has officially licked the child and claimed them. With my touch, I mainly imbue a bit of golden and silver Qi into their tiny bodies to help facilitate muscle growth and brain development. At first Ms. Kujo looked at me wearily, but then seeing what I was doing, she relaxed and went about her portion of the process, that of welcoming her children with open arms, or in this case a really wet tongue. Swoosh. Heal. The process is going faster and faster, as this entire thing is relatively easy, particularly with me being able to heal any strained or damaged parts during the process. Also, my Telekinesis beats the heck out of any lamas class, as I make it a magical conveyer belt of speed birthing. Then to make sure everything is fine, I cast a few Healing spells, and we are right back in business. Ms. Kujo barely has enough time to lick the one pup, before the next is already in front of her. For his part, Mr. Kujo just sits there, his head on a swivel as he watches me move the kids from one end to the other, then back to the middle. Poor Mr. Kujo, still not knowing what to do. I am in the middle of transferring the tenth puppy, injecting him with golden and silver Qi energy, when I realize the first true wrinkle is coming. Tug, tug, pup toss upwards, poof. Yes, I manage to gently thrust the pup in the air a split second before I am once again Positional Switched to the wedding hall. That¡¯s when I see Gwen, posing as the Deolarian King standing legs trembling with a look of shock on her face. It took me a second, before I realize that everyone is now staring directly at Gwen, which was why my attention too was drawn to her. There is a brief pause, well a pause for me, before I realize it''s time to act. Clap, clap. And like that, the next phase of this long-drawn-out process began. Chapter 277 The (Not So) Perfect Wedding (Part IV) (An Hour Ago) Chapter 277 The (Not So) Perfect Wedding (Part IV) (An Hour Ago) Clap, clap. Instantly, the world around me froze. As a wave of goldenly pink pixie magic swirled awake and instantly froze everyone in place, at the exact moment that I cast my own personal Confidentiality. Everyone from the preacher right next to us, to the ghost elven guards who had taken up protective rings around us, to each and every member of the congregation that had gathered from both sides to attend the wedding. Each and everyone that was here was frozen solid. Well almost everyone. ¡°Is that supposed to happen?¡± Mallory asked, as apparently, she was completely unaffected by the pixie dust, good to know. Seeing her still fully functional, despite being exposed to a healthy dose of pixie dust, a mental note, as I now knew to alter my personal plans going forward. Good to know your limitations in how you can handle your boss, or apparently not handler her as is the current case. ¡°Yes, now if you will excuse me, please make sure that you do not move and try to keep the exact position you were in when I froze you. Lest you break the whole magic.¡± I state, as I go over to the frozen King De¡¯Arcaneri and with a simple touch, I use my Energy Status Resonance to remove the lingering effects of Spiritual Doppelganger from the king, revealing a very pregnant Gwen. Not just pregnant, but apparently a Gwen that herself was already in the process of having her water breaking, thus the apparent stain on her kingly trousers, and the reason why my Fourth Simulacrum decided to switch places with me. At that moment, I kind of realize that Fourth Simulacrum was kind of demeaning to the Simulacrum. As this Simulacrum clearly showed herself to be fairly competent and capable of handling important tasks like creating self-cleaning dog dens. With that, I mentally decided that it was time I did the most important thing, I was going to give that simulacrum a name. That was when I mentally noted, I would consider the fourth Simulacrum to be her own independent Simulacrum with her own abilities to complete tasks and chores. As such, I decided to name the Fourth Simulacrum something special, denoting her accomplishments. That is why I named her Rune-ulacrum. Click. Then almost as soon as I came up with the name, I felt something snap to place in my mind, as I realized I had unlocked something. Which was noted almost immediately with the next system message.
Quest Complete: A Worthy Name for a Worthy Simulacrum: You have finally given your Simulacrums names other than ¡®hey you,¡¯ or one through four, as such your Simulacrum will now take on a personality related to their name and accomplishments. Named Simulacrum, previously Fourth Simulacrum will now be called Rune-ulacrum. Reward: Experience, Simulacrum Name will impact their overall capabilities as a simulacrum. Name and Acting Simulacrum Title: Rune-ulacrum: A name befitting the Simulacrum associated with the creation of the most complex, detailed, and intricate runic structure ever. Effect: All Enchanting and Advance Enchanting products created by Rune-ulacrum will be 20% Stronger, Last 20% Longer, 20% More Adaptable, and will have 20% more likely to create a Mythical Level Runed Item or structure.
Seeing the message, I instantly felt a little jealous, as that bonus meant that my fourth Simulacrum, well previously fourth Simulacrum would now be able to use my Enchanting Skills will be 20% better than my own. Still of all the Simulacrums, Rune-ulacrum deserved that bonus. But then pausing, I realized that I could do the same for my other Simulacrums. Taking a moment, I realized I was not exactly in the best spot to push the proverbial envelope of best naming practices. But seeing as the first name was taken, I quickly came up with names for the other Simulacrums that flowed and connected instantly in my mind. The First Simulacrum would be Heal-ulacrum, due to the way she was always healing the Blight and just Healing any and everyone that came into the Mage¡¯s Guild office on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower. As soon as the thought took shape, I got the quick bonus for that Simulacrum.
Name and Acting Simulacrum Title: Heal-ulacrum: A name befitting the Simulacrum associated with the most complex, detailed, and intricate unassisted healing operations in the Spirit Realm. Whether living or undead she is the Simulacrum most likely to diagnose the problem and Heal any lingering issues or maladies. Effect: All Healing and Cleansing spells used will be 20% More Energy Efficient, 20% Faster Acting, provide a 20% resiliency bonus to prevent future wounds or infections.
At the second set of bonuses being applied to the one formerly known as my First Simulacrum, I again couldn¡¯t help but immediately set to mind the name for the Second Simulacrum. Working quickly, I instantly thought of the Second Simulacrum who was on the 200th Floor of the Arcanarus Tower with that giant library and all of those annoyingly creepy Fae. For a moment I wanted to name her something befitting of a bookworm but couldn¡¯t come up with anything that seemed to click, as such I went with Fae-ulacrum, and was instantly rewarded with another mental acknowledgement that the choice I made was accepted. Click.
Name and Acting Simulacrum Title: Fae-ulacrum: A name befitting the Simulacrum associated with wrangling some of the more mercuric temperaments of the Magical World. Whether Fae or Mythic being she is the Simulacrum most likely to integrate with and be perfectly accepted by all Fae-type creatures creatures. Effect: All Fae related interactions are seen as 20% more positive, resulting in a 20% more likely chances of forming positive bonds, and additionally all use of Fae related magics are enhanced by a further 20% in terms of energy efficiency and increased by an additional 20% in Fae Magic potency.
Dang I¡¯m good, not only are the names really easily accepted, but they have amazing bonuses. Again, I¡¯m almost jealous of my Simulacrums, but then I realize that they are just a part of me that will do what I want, at least most of the time they will. Though admittedly most would just lounge around reading all day if I let them. With that, I was down to my fourth and final Simulacrum needing to be named, this was the Third Simulacrum who was currently manning and piloting my Prankenstein ship while I was away working. Oh speaking of work, I need to hurry this along, as I¡¯m already wasting part of my three minutes doing this. With that in mind, I slightly panic thinking that I should name the Third Simulacrum something to do with the ship, maybe Pirate-ulacrum, but then I realized that would likely give me attack based ship powers and bonuses, which was something I didn¡¯t really want at the moment. Then with that in mind, I went with the only thing that made sense. That is why for my Third Simulacrum, I decided to name her Ship-ulacrum. This time just like all the others, I feel the final piece click into place and I suddenly feel like I am one with myself, as this fourth and final set of notices comes washing into my mind. You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Name and Acting Simulacrum Title: Ship-ulacrum: A name befitting the Simulacrum associated with powering, driving, and maintaining the most technologically divergent vehicle, flying or otherwise, know to the various realms of power. Effect: All ship related activities from generating Qi and Mana based fuel supplements, to maintaining the unique vessel the Prankenstein are increased by 30%. With a diluted 20% bonus affecting all piloting, navigation, and general maintenance-based skills.
At that, I pause and feel that I outdid myself with that name, at least if the bonus has anything to do with how fitting the name is. ¡°Well?¡± Mallory almost demands, her voice pulling me out of my own introspection almost immediately. I was so lost in my own train of thought that and accomplishment for effectively naming my Simulacrums that I nearly forgot I was trying to orchestrate a magical wedding. One that already had issues in the form of the King needing to be swapped out due to giving birth, the same old story that if you heard it once, you likely only heard it once. Still that was my life currently. ¡°Right,¡± I snap, going over to the still frozen and clearly disheveled Gwen and grab her, before creating a Positional Teleport Gate between me and Rune-ulacrum, where I can see the clearly glowing runes of the Kujo caverns coming to life and devouring some of the excess blood and viscera from what is happening. With the portal now open, I pull Gwen through, then perform a quick Positional Switch with Rune-ulacrum, so we can easily switch back at the three-minute mark or as needed. Of course, we still keep the Positional Teleport Gate open between us, so I can quickly tap Penelope bestowing her with my Spiritual Doppelganger form for King De¡¯Arcaneri, after which time Penelope dressed as the king walks through and stands in the spot indicated by Rune-ulacrum, while I close the Positional Teleport Gate and begin working on both my daughter and trying to get the last three pups from Ms. Kujo. Fun times, I think to myself, as I begin by first cracking the outer layer of protection for Gwen, while quickly grabbing the eleventh pup that has apparently already gotten into position and come out on its own. Plop. I gently let the sac covered pup hit the ground, before the cleaning effect of the runes come to life and begin cleansing the pup in a matter of seconds. Then I instinctively cast Heal on Ms. Kujo, and give her a moment to rest and recover, while I effectively dethaw my daughter from the time prison I created for her. Now I could try to pull the child out from Gwen the same way I have been for Ms. Kujo, thereby allowing the child to have a permanent 10% birthing bonus to all Skill growth, Attributes, and everything just as I have been doing for my god-pups. But there is a problem, I am under a time crunch and I don¡¯t really have much vested in this grandchild of Mallory¡¯s that decided to come here. As such, I decide to take things the easy way. Or at least the easy way for me as a mid-wife. Focusing on the child, a form that is definitely not a true child, as the spirit inside is old and corrupted. At least corrupted in comparison to all the children¡¯s souls that I have seen and interacted with so far. Meaning this is not a child, and while I can clearly see the markings of both my bloodline and Mallory¡¯s bloodline fully active and perfectly balanced within her as yet unborn system, I don¡¯t think her missing out on the 10% lifetime bonuses would bother her too much. Particularly as these bonuses were not bargained for from my daughter, not that these bonuses were known, but they are clearly there in a hidden setting that likely wouldn¡¯t even show up under any status screens. That is why, I feel absolutely no issues whatsoever, when I try to expedite the birthing process by first completely removing the nervous responses from Gwen¡¯s body from the chest down. Then I make a quick Qi infused incision, lacing my fingers with just enough Qi to act as a scalpel and cut through the ceremonial garb of the King, and cut into Gwen¡¯s stomach, where I am easily able to Telekinetically grab and remove the child. The entire process feels like it is taking forever, but is actually only taking a matter of seconds thanks to the skillful application of magic. I know that my three minutes of Confidentiality are already over, and hopefully Rune-ulacrum ended the effects of Stasis Magic early, giving us more chances to freeze time as needed. That said, this was where I had to learn to start trusting my Simulacrums to do more than just be mere placeholders. They had all already proven that they were more than capable of doing tasks that help all of us succeed, especially Rune-ulacrum, as such now was the time to trust in the process and their development as a fully independent Simulacrum. Kind of scarry, but also liberating to know that my Simulacrums are now more than ever, capable of succeeding at tasks given to them. Better still, now they won¡¯t all be nearly mindless automatons who require my guidance. Now we can all work on our own individual goals independently of oversight, which just so happens to also be my personal goals as well. It¡¯s odd, but for the first time, I truly feel that my Simulacrums are actually a part of me. I also pause, and for a moment I wonder exactly why something felt wrong about my completion of all four names. I am in the process of pulling out pup number twelve with my Telekinetic hands, and pulling out my actual, but not truly actual, granddaughter from Gwen¡¯s stomach, when I realize what felt off about the four quest completions. Then I realize exactly what the issue was, namely that I didn¡¯t get experience. I pause, making sure to re-read the rewards section which was the same for all four Simulacrum.
Reward: Experience, Simulacrum Name will impact their overall capabilities as a simulacrum.
For a second, I pause and try to understand why I didn¡¯t feel a surge of energy coming my way. Or extra surge, as I still have my experience gains waiting for completing Forming a Perfect Qi Body, and my Making the Kujos the Ultimate Pack on the Blighted Plains (Ongoing) quests, but I don¡¯t feel the backlog for these four. Then it hits me. Not the experience, for that would be highly distracting, especially during such a delicate operation. No, the answer to why I suddenly am not waiting on the experience for completing the four quests for naming each individual Simulacrum, and that is because the experience would obviously go to the Simulacrum first, and then back to me once I rested. Just like the rewards for reading books, and other random acts that my Simulacrum do, I would get rewarded. No wait, that is the wrong way to think about this, we would get rewarded once I sleep again. Wow, my Simulacrum really are growing up so quickly. Plop. Almost as if by reflex the twelfth and second to last pup is out and being cleaned by the mother. This also makes me near the decision point that I was not quite expecting to have to deal with. Namely how to feed a thirteenth pup, with a mother that is only equipped to feed twelve at a time? Still, that is future Cass¡¯s problem, as I am currently trying to perform a cesarean section on my daughter, so that we can get this baby out of her quickly, before anyone notices. Well who am I kidding someone will notice that larger than life baby bump missing from her, but hopefully no one will make a big deal out of it, especially as Gwen was never supposed to actually be in the wedding as herself. Scoop up the baby. SHLURP! There is a sickening suction sound that will likely haunt me when I next try to sleep, and then a bit of Telekinetic help from the backside and the baby is free. I really have to say, Telekinesis is the ultimate birthing cheat power. The moment the baby is up and out. Once the child is out, and I see it take its first cold breath, that is when I feel a pulse and connection of power between me and the infant.
Congratulations: Your lineage of Ethereal Elves (Legendary Bloodline variant) has been continued by your grandchild: Cassandra Redding, would you like for them to take on your last name of Spiritlight?
At first, I have to admit that I told myself I would not be attached to such a child. That this was an old grandmother herself who took advantage of my own Jackie, now Gwendolyn, and forced her to carry this child to term. I am slightly shocked to see that this child is not a pixie, but then that shouldn¡¯t be too much of a surprise as Gwen is only an Ethereal Elf herself. Meaning this might be it for a while. No more pixies, other than the now five of me. That said, now that I feel the dormant connection of myself to this child via our shared magic through my daughter, I can¡¯t help but feel that there is a connection between me and this child. Also, oddly enough this is a child that also binds me to Mallory, someone who I can¡¯t help but feel respect for. That is why after a moment¡¯s consideration, I nod to myself and offer her the Spiritlight last name. I am partly relieved at this decision, knowing that Rob Jr. also has the same last name and that this small child will likely not have
Congratulations: Your grandchild Cassandra Redding has accepted to use the Spiritlight last name and only the Spiritlight last name, increasing your eternal connection to this child. As a result of this change, (Cassandra Redding) Spiritlight has altered her bloodline to that of (Legendary Spiritlight Bloodline variant, with traces of dormant Pixie influences).
Seeing the notification, I can¡¯t help but be slightly confused by the change. But I am already onto the next problem. With the child breathing healthily, my job with the infante is complete. I set about quickly Healing Gwen and in no time the soul bound king¡¯s garb that she is wearing also heals from the cut, blood, and waste and looks pristine on her body. With that, I give her our new member of the family. Groan. Which is good as apparently Ms. Kujo is already ready to be done birthing her thirteenth and final child. I almost don¡¯t even need to look, as this is the pup that I sort of knew would be the last. This is the one possessed of dark and spirit energies affinities that had to fight so hard to live to just this point. Seeing it, I can¡¯t help but feel sorry for the runt. The one that the system tried so hard to kill off, but through grit and determination managed to survive to this point. Almost as would be expected, the last child, the runt is both the smallest and unsurprisingly the easiest to give birth to, as she almost gets spit out. Fortunately, I am there to gently catch the baby and instantly treat it. There are a few minor issues, weak muscle structures, hollow bones, but by and large these are easy fixes. Well easy for me, as I am already pumping in the right mixture of Qi to get its body and muscles going, while also pumping the right amount of mana into its body to help it get to a healthy state in a much faster time. Finally done, I feel the quest completion notice go off, letting me know I succeeded.
Hidden Quest Updated (Completed): Saving the Litter of Godpuppies (Ongoing): You managed to save Ms. Kujo¡¯s litter by preventing a pup from dying. You have also proven yourself to be a stable member of the Kujo family, and have asked for the ability to be the fairy godmother for the future pups. Pups that survived (13 / 13). Rewards¡­
Seeing the message, I instantly pinch it down as this is not the time to focus on quest completion notifications, as this is a joyous time. Happily I buzz over and present the last and final pup to the mother. Only, there is a problem, as the mother looks at the pup and then turns her nose up at the shriveled mass of spirit and determination. And like that, my heart breaks, as it is clear that Ms. Kujo never wanted this child. I¡¯m holding the child for a moment, not wanting to give up on the pup, especially as this is my godpup, the quest I just concluded even said so, but the mother doesn¡¯t want her because she is malformed? Is that all? Dizzy. The world spins once around me and I manage to collapse to the ground just in time. The pup is still in my arms, but now we are close enough that the self-cleaning runes of the shelter light up and remove the remaining birthing residue from the unloved pup in my arms. And for a moment I am shocked at how cruel the world can be. But then I decide to do something about it, that¡¯s when I make a plan. I''m going to adopt this child and make her mine, and let them know that she is loved. With that I pick up the Death Magic and Spirit Magically attuned pup and decide, "first thing you need a name befitting of how great you will be." And then remembering how I nailed the earlier names, I decide to follow suite in the same vein. Chapter 278 Dark Karma Chapter 278 Dark Karma For a moment, I felt safe. In this moment I felt like I truly had everything under control. Things were going off as planned, and barring the need to find a thirteenth nipple for this bundle of fur in my arms to suckle from, everything was going well. The wedding was going off fairly smoothly, at least the fact that I had not been summoned back by Rune-ulacrum to fix anything showed that I was fine for the moment. This meant that Penelope taking the form of King De¡¯Arcaneri went off without a hitch. I also gave birth to the nine-month long nightmare that was my daughter¡¯s pregnancy. A pregnancy that I can¡¯t help but feel secretly angry about. Apparently, this child, the great granddaughter of Mallory was very rich, and had therefore made it so the rest of my family, well Gwen¡¯s family, and therefore my grandchildren and great grandchildren would be taken care of, so long as I pass along the Spiritlight bloodline and family name to the new child. With that the contract was fulfilled. I think that was part of why I purposefully made it so the act of birth was not accomplished. Instead, going through the much safer cesarian section route, making it safer for both the baby and the mother, but denying the child of the apparent 10% lifetime bonus that very few would have. Yes, part of it was jealousy, I¡¯m not going to deny that. But the other part was that it wasn¡¯t paid for. I realize that now, as I am holding up the discarded fluff of dark death and spirit energy attuned pup that is currently held within my hands. First, I knew that in order for this pup, this discarded pup, by Ms. Kujo to survive it first needed a name. Somehow I felt that was the most important aspect, for named beings and creatures all have a higher chance of living than unnamed beings. Think about it, name one unnamed being that lived beyond one year? Can¡¯t think of one, can you? At least I can¡¯t think of one. That is why, I look at the beast before me, and almost want to call her Spot, for she is a dark spot of death and spirit magic in a world that is normally devoid of such depths of magic. But then I remember how everyone says that my naming is bad, and realize Spot is a terrible name for a pup that will grow up to rule these lands. And she would rule these lands, I could all but feel her potential. Despite being undersized and sickly, this pup had more than enough magical potential to bring these lands to its knees, assuming it lasted long enough to begin using magic. I don¡¯t know when animals can use magic, likely faster than humans could, especially as she would no doubt age in dog years. But until then, I had been set up as this pup¡¯s fairy godmother. While I still bristled at the idea of being called a fairy godmother, like I was some sort of cheap wish granting creature only designed to show girls they needed to rely on someone more powerful to succeed in life, I did not falter in this case. Here it was, this pup, not-Spot, was abandoned by the mother for being both sickly, and for not having a way to feed the pup. Simple math told me there would be such a problem, thirteen pups, twelve feeding stations, all showed that work had to be done on my part. Still I had to come up with a name for this future ferocious beast. Holding the pup up so that it was within an inch of my face, I opened my third eye and stared into the pup. Yep, everything was there, a strong heart, an oversized mana core, but weak muscles. It was clear most of the early energy went into building and maintaining the mana core of this creature, likely why it was so sickly. ¡°I¡¯m going to say a few names, and I need you to react to the one that fits you best. Shadow?¡± Confused. ¡°Okay, not shadow, what about Midnight?¡± Sneeze. The pup let out a big puppy sneeze, likely from inhaling pixie dust, but going to take that as a no. Particularly as I now have to wipe my face with soft puppy fur, to clean off the snot. Waggle. At least now the puppy is happy after being used to gently brush against my face. ¡°Okay, not Midnight. What about Umbra?¡± I ask. Lick. The dog just licked me. For a moment I take this as a sign of confirmation, but then instantly worry as I wonder if she just licked more pixie dust off of me? ¡°Okay, so we like Umbra, but just to make sure what about Draven?¡± Less wagging. With that the tail still wagged excitedly, but a little less so. ¡°Okay, not as keen on Draven. What about Obsidian?¡± Gagging. The pup chose that moment to begin gagging on some unknown substance. A quick intrusive scan of my third eye showed it was a mixture of thick dog fur, blood, and pixie dust, great for any growing pup. Telekinetically, I grab the tiny clump, and instantly the dog stops choking. ¡°Okay, so Umbra?¡± I ask again, wanting to make sure the pup was certain about this. Waggle, waggle, lick, bark. In the next second I have to quickly turn my face, lest I get wet dog tongue on my third eye. Fortunately, she just gets me on the side of my forehead. ¡°Umbra it is,¡± I exclaim. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Then almost imperceptibly, I see waves of golden threads weaving out from me to the pup. In that instance, I see that only a few vestiges of dark karma remain. It¡¯s hard to see, but thanks to the light of the positive karma heading the pup¡¯s way, I can finally see how close the pup was to death. Though for a moment, I am confused as to why such dark threads remain on the pup, seemingly woven around its soul. Then I remember the final problem. ¡°How do I feed you?¡± I ask. For a moment I panic, as I don¡¯t even remember to feed myself. If it wasn¡¯t for my constant use of Spirit Sustenance to survive. The spell is large in that it still takes up 10% of my maximum mana capacity, but so worth it as I would have died a hundred times over by now without food or water. Then looking at the pup, I realize what I must do. Taking my finger, and placing it gently within the gummy mouth of the pup, I can¡¯t help but feel it trying to suckle almost immediately. With it I then open my mind and begin channeling a lesser version of my own Spirit Sustenance into the pup. I start with the full 10%, but quickly cut that off as it seems to be too thick apparently. From there I lower the consistency down to 1% and slowly work my way back up. In the end, I have to get the trickle to 1.5% and that is enough for the small pup to feed and get that fat belly that all contented pups seem to get before passing out. With the pup, Umbra taken care of and fed. I feel a new quest taking form within my mind.
Hidden Quest (Complete): Fairy Godmother For Umbra (Ongoing): You have found a way to help Umbra, future destroyer of the plains alive and uninfected with the Blight. Continue to care for Umbra and ensure that she remains Blight free in order to prevent future calamities from unfolding. Current Rewards: Karma Sight (Evolving Skill). Future Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), variable.
New Skill Gained: Karma Sight has increased to level 1.
Karma Sight is a Personality X2, Sociability X3, Perception X3, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Just reading the prompt, I exhale as I realize quite a few things are happening all at once. First, I got a skill as part of an ongoing quest chain. No experience, just the skill, which tells me that the skill might be very powerful. At the very least, I can see this helping me improve my future interactions with the world around me. For starters, I can finally see the distinction from the dark magic and the dark karma that surrounded little Umbra here. Focusing on the pup in my arms, particularly with my third eye, I can see that now only a few minor dark cords of karma are wrapped around the pup. A quick glance at myself shows that I have quite a few dark bands. These are not the dense thick chain type tendrils that were overtly obvious to see earlier, but these are more subtle to see. With this new sight I can see the threads going off both positive and negative to the different people and creatures around me. Oddly enough more positive karma links bind me to the Kujos and their eagerly feasting litter of a dozen dire phase wolf pups than to my own daughter and in particular the baby within her arms. A baby that is still frozen in time thanks to my apparent placing her in the arms of Gwen, before I went on to take care of my pup. Pulse. Then as if spurned on by my staring and lack of actions, I see the dark strands of karma that link me to Gwen and the new baby, my apparent grandchild, grow in intensity. Yeah, apparently my feeling rushed and need for speed might have gotten me in a bit of tunnel vision. Snap. By quickly snapping my fingers, I break the final Time Stasis links that are binding both Gwen and the child. A child that is blessedly free of blood and viscera thanks to the cleaning functions of this room that all but obliterate dirt and debris, best invention ever. ¡°Wha? Huh?¡± Gwen says to herself, as she twists her head around and even goes so far as to open her third eye. Then with a startle, Gwen all but demanded, ¡°why is it completely dark here?¡± I am momentarily flustered by the question as it is glowing like a holiday seasonal house that has to get their own external power generator to power all their excess lights. Then I realize she still has some regular sight with her third eye open. ¡°Close your eyes and you will be able to see,¡± I reply, my voice cold as I go over and gently place my free hand on Gwen¡¯s shoulder. Then before she can get startled and possibly drop the quickly growing child, I add, ¡°oh and congratulations, it¡¯s a girl!¡± Gwen pauses, then looks down at her hands, and feels the slowly growing mass. A mass that appears to be constricted by dark binding bands of dark karma. It¡¯s odd, seeing the way dark karma seems to affect people exponentially. Normally, there would be a one for one ratio of cause and effect, while Karma seems to be different. I wonder why that is, but then I realize, it is likely due to the fact that this child does not have the 10% bonus, and that will play an exponential cost to their future development. So odd, I think to myself ¡°What is odd?¡± Gwen asks. Apparently I was not thinking to myself. ¡°The way dark karma expands seemingly exponentially.¡± I state, staring at the child with my own third eye open, which allows me to see the way the cords seem to grow around the baby. Instantly, I realize that I will need to fix this. ¡°Let me see her,¡± I say, holding out my hands to grab the child, so I can begin to try to undo the dark karmic fate I set in motion for this child. Part of it is due to the fact that I myself feel guilty about what I did in the heat of the moment, the other part is that I can see my own bands of dark karma growing as a sympathetic result of what I did to the child. Not a strict one for one, but I can see the cord that connects me to this child growing denser and darker as time goes on, I¡¯m not exactly a karma expert, but I¡¯m pretty sure that is a bad sign. ¡°No, I think you have done enough already,¡± Gwen says, defensively as she pulls the child closer to her body. Then as if noticing the slight breeze caused by such a movement, she reaches down and finds her Kingly uniform still open. ¡°What is this?¡± Gwen asked, ¡°why do I have a tear in my clothes?¡± ¡°You were going into birth, and I helped.¡± I respond. ¡°Helped? You mean you cut me open and then what just didn¡¯t even let me have any say in what happened?¡± Gwen demanded. At that, I slightly shrink back, ¡°wait, did you not want the help?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want to be cut open and have the baby stolen from me. I didn¡¯t want the first set of eyes on her to be the pack of wild animals. Also, is that a wolf pup in your arms?¡± Gwen was on a roll as she sounded more and more indignant. Even climbing to her feet while cradling the baby in her arms. ¡°Okay, fair points, all, but I need to see the baby,¡± I respond, reaching out my still free hand towards the exponentially growing child. ¡°Why so you can steal her?¡± ¡°Steal her? If I wanted to take her, do you think you would have her now? I just see something wrong with her that I want to try to correct before it gets too far along.¡± I respond, and as soon as I say the words I realize I might have said the wrong thing. ¡°Wait, something is wrong with my child?¡± Gwen asks, looking at her child as fear and confusion take over her body. ¡°I think there is something wrong with her karma, which I need to try to fix.¡± I respond. ¡°Karma? Something is wrong with her Karma?¡± Gwen asks, suddenly turning her full face towards me. ¡°Yeah, but I think I can fix it," I respond. ¡°Fix Cassandra¡¯s karma?¡± Gwen asks, clutching her child even more tightly to her chest. Then she pauses as she looks at me, and then seems to come to have an internal conflict with herself, before she ultimately exhales and relaxes her grip slightly on the child. ¡°You know you sound crazy. If anyone other than you spoke of a child¡¯s dark karma, I would think they were crazy.¡± Then Gwen paused for a second, before adding. ¡°Actually, I still think you are crazy, but I do believe you in this case.¡± ¡°Hey,¡± I say, though I can¡¯t really protest too much, as Gwen used that moment to push the child out to me. At this point, I reach out my free right hand and begin trying to channel good karma into the baby. I¡¯m still a novice with this form of energy, so I can see that much of it is being wasted. There is an excess flow that seems to flow down the right-hand side of the child¡¯s head. I¡¯m pretty sure that is going to leave a stain, I think to myself, but that mistake did give me a better understanding of how karmic energy works. The best way to describe karmic energy is the straw and spray/devour method. With the slight spillage on the hair, I had the straw outside the spot where I wanted and thus caused it to pour out. Moving closer, I pierced the straw into the skin of the child. Stick. There was the slight entry and I almost expected the child to cry out, but fortunately the child was still asleep at this point. Breathing, with a healthy heartbeat and empty mana core, but sleeping. This was perfect, as I then just focused on pushing and twisting the tiny straw into the part of the body where the 10% bonus was noted. Unfortunately, now that the child was alive, this section didn¡¯t immediately glow to my sight. Making this more of a guess work on my part. As such I began trying to pour in my good Karma into the child. Glowing star. Glowing triangular design. Glowing diamond shape. I instantly see a number of symbols light up in the child, but not the 10% bonus one. For a second I wonder if that is enough, but then I still see that while the dark threads of karma have stopped expanding, they are still there. To completely clear myself of this karmic debt I know I need to light up the correct symbol. Fortunately, with these three I know it was right around this area. Assuming these symbols didn¡¯t move around that much, it should be here. Glowing pentagon. Nope, not that one, but still right there, just below. Glowing birthday crown. There we go, for a moment I wonder why that shape looks so familiar, but then I realize that is the exact symbol on my head right now. The one that grants me my own 10% bonuses.
Birthday Crown (Temporary Item): A crown given to a birthday girl with an awakened Legendary or above bloodline. While in use all experience gained is increased by 10%, all knowledge gained is increased by 10%, and all feats of accomplishment will be increased by a further 10%. Duration: Next 17 hours, 32 minutes, and 47...46...
Wow, so she gets that everyday of the year? That and the additional items that are still there. Not quite certain what I broke or did, but that did seem to work as I see the cord of dark karma break apart and dissolve entirely from myself to the child. Also, the bands of dark karma that had been growing on me, suddenly burst as well. This is so cool, though looking down I see that I still have a lot of dark karmic threads binding me to a lot of people. Fortunately, the threads that bind me to the Kujos, their innocent pups, and now my first grandchild are all clear. Fifteen years old and already a grandmother, sounds unbelievable, but that is how life treats you. With that, I give a quick ruffling of the hair to let the child know I am done. I also note that the streaming karma does use that time to sink in. ¡°Is she okay?¡± Gwen finally asks, once I pull my hand back. ¡°Yeah, in fact I might have gone a bit overboard with that, but what she needed I fixed.¡± I respond. I nod, as I feel a wave of exhaustion wash over me. Four extra markings, I wonder if those are sort of hidden merits? Or maybe she will get to see those merits come to life? No clue, but I do think she will be fine, no better than fine, as she will have the blessings I could only dream of.
Hidden Quest Complete: Fairy Godmother¡¯s Blessing: You have given your first blessing as a Fairy Godmother to a child. Resulting in the child having blessings that others could only dream of¡­
¡°No!¡± I shout, for as soon as I feel that message coming, I know it will come with a deeper message. Before I can even see what is happening, I feel the world begin to slow down, as I realize I might have actually gone too far this time and possibly broken the world. Looking around, I see that everything around me has frozen, while I am still able to move. Suddenly I realize my worst fear, being stuck in here able to move about freely, without being able to interact with anyone. At least that is my first fear, until I realize there are plenty of books I could read while trying to deal with this, so I give myself a week. But then I realize I am not the only one who is currently unstuck. ¡°Get over here!¡± An angry voice cries out, and pulls me through space and time. Maybe I was a bit too dismissive of the week off reading books everyday¡­ Interlude XX BiPrism Interactive Control Tower I Interlude XX BiPrism Interactive Control Tower I WANNKK-WANNKK-WAANNNKKK! High pitched alarms went off in the control room of the tower, it was a call to arms. Everyone who had their rotations in the tower, or who had their apartments located within the tower were right now being awakened and forced to muster at their positions. ¡°ALL HANDS ON DECK, THIS IS NOT A DRILL, REPEAT ALL HANDS ON DECK!¡± Prince Lee for his part just stared at a panel of screens that all showed the same image from multiple different directions. As he watched, he could see the spiking use of resources. Hundreds and thousands of petrabytes of data processing resources all going to showing the monster that had somehow defied convention. Redundant Drive Corruption Rate: 5% Prince read a readout of a monitor that he hoped would never be needed, but was suddenly alive and blaring to life at the moment. ¡°Prince, there are resource allocation issues, automatic shut down on external feeds initiated. Emergency broadcast protocols initiated on all live streaming services.¡± GAIL, the Generational Artificial Intelligence Liaison, said, her voice sounding calm despite the desperate panic that was going on in the building below. Prince for his part was in the commanders tower, one where he could both see the the entire operations floor below. Where even now people in half dressed uniforms were running into their assigned cubicles and issuing automatic overrides and readouts as necessary. ¡°What happened?¡± Prince asked, though he could already make some assumptions based on the fact that the only thing that still seemed to stream into his office was the one remaining feed of the destruction that was ongoing. There on the screen, he saw a horror that he never thought would be possible. For there on the screen in 360 degrees of coverage was the image of a long finger first scraping against an invisible barrier, and then finally that same finger finally managing to shatter the barrier. ¡°We have an external breach of the internal server world,¡± GAIL answered succinctly. ¡°External, as in from Earth?¡± Prince asked, his voice confused as that looked like nothing he had seen on Earth, not even in the darkest parts of the internet. ¡°No, this is from the source,¡± GAIL explained. ¡°The source?¡± Prince asked, but found his question going mute as he first saw the long finger reach out from the rift and touch, each of the three black pods that had been placed.Stolen story; please report. With the touching, the finger turned back in on itself, as if it had scratched something off that was worth inspecting. The way one might accidentally stick their finger in a dap of ketchup and look back to see how much ketchup was in fact there. But the amorphous tentacle blob that followed the finger was not done with tricks, for it quickly formed two massive yellow eyes that caused a shiver to run down Prince¡¯s spine. Then to Prince¡¯s astonishment, the eyes blinked as if in confusion at the odd energy signature. Simultaneously the three dimensional image of GAIL flickered for a moment, as if this new interaction and recording of the interaction was taking up too many resources for it to answer accurately. Redundant Drive Corruption Rate: 11% ¡°Suggest allowing, adaptive measures to be taken,¡± GAIL finally managed to state while flickering into and out of existence. During this same time, the mutating finger monster of horrors scratched free all three pod systems. By doing so, three of the most disgusting creatures ever seen in the game were brought to life. Seeing them still moving, the long finger grabbed them, wrapping themselves around in the same way a tentacle would. Immediately upon being seized the pod monsters all fought back. One going so far as to reach down and bite the mass of mutating skin that held it. From the images and the states of being, it was clear that the three newly awakened creatures were close to feral. Upon seeing the bite, the eyes just stared at the creature for a moment. Then as if a mental judgement had been set, the creatures were then stabbed by sharp stone like projections that erupted from the skin of the invading monster. Redundant Drive Corruption Rate: 16% ¡°We need to do a hard reset!¡± Prince demanded. ¡°Impossible, we have already tried, thus the surge in resource waste and the fact that 99.9% of all monsters, actors, and participants are all locked,¡± GAIL responded. ¡°Wait, those three are moving?¡± Prince noted, but then looking around he could see that what GAIL said was accurate. ¡°Yes, but only those three in Timult. There are more in World¡¯s End that are also able to move. We believe that one will likely be able to help with this,¡± GAIL said. As she spoke Prince saw that GAIL was right. Other than the three Cuthulu horror monsters that Cass had left behind, nothing else aside from this invading monster was capable of movement. Redundant Drive Corruption Rate: 23% ¡°Who do you mean?¡± Prince asked, and almost as if anticipating the question one of the screens changed to show two Cassiopeias next to Mallory, amongst a handful of unfrozen other Midnight Hunter Guild members. Then seeing the image and that seemingly a good portion of the Midnight Hunter Guild members were able to move, Prince asked, ¡°I assume there is a reason why those can move?¡± ¡°There is, but that is not important right now. Do we have authority to take all corrective measures as needed?¡± GAIL asked. This was big, what was being asked was huge in the grand scheme of things. This was the equivalent of asking a computer with a virus to reformat its own hard drive while remaining operational the entire time. Or a human equivalent version of performing open heart surgery on yourself. ¡°Can you fix it?¡± Prince found himself asking. ¡°Can we fix it? Clearly not, otherwise it would be done.¡± Redundant Drive Corruption Rate: 28% This was nearing dangerous territory. Corruption that deep would mean that swaths of data would be permanently lost, and might not be available even on the deep freeze storage back up systems. Ones that had data from a year ago or more at this point in time. ¡°Then who?¡± Prince asked, but staring at the screen, he saw what the system had already come to. ¡°Oh come on, half the world shuts down and you think it is somehow my fault?¡± The slightly defensive and childlike voice of Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight came through. Hearing the words, Prince could almost imagine the laugh track that was often added to many of her episodes that were being made for mainstream media. Redundant Drive Corruption Rate: 32% Seeing the marker tick down again, Prince readied himself. ¡°Do whatever you need to do to fix this problem, but then revert back to normal protocols once this specific issue is fixed.¡± Prince stated. With that GAIL, nodded ¡°acknowledged. Emergency protocols being initiated to deal with corrupting elements.¡± BRRRINNNG! At that moment a call that Prince had been expecting came through almost immediately. Seeing the number, Prince instantly knew it was his boss, CFO Charles Rainquist. ¡°Hello Charles, I was just about to call you¡­¡± Prince began, but was instantly cut off as an irate Rainquist began screaming on the other end. During this time, Prince was so distracted that he failed to see the pixie like smile that momentarily flashed over GAIL¡¯s features as she went about passing along the commands given to her, orders that she intended to carry out to their fullest. Chapter 279 What Has The Pixie Been Up To? (Mallory) Chapter 279 What Has The Pixie Been Up To? (45 Minutes Ago) (Mallory) There are times, moments when the world seems to slow down to a grinding halt. ¡°We are¡­ ga..ther¡­ed¡­ hee..re¡­¡± the voice of the spirit Priest began, but as he spoke his words slowly seemed to grind down to a complete standstill. ¡°Wha?¡± King De¡¯Arcaneri began, as he too saw what was happening and was momentarily flummoxed by the situation. Seeing that Gwen was still here with her and that Gwen had not been frozen in time caused Mallory to relax for a moment. That was until, she remembered that a soiled Gwen left and was replaced by an immaculately clean version not seconds later. For a moment, Mallory was tempted to ask who was playing the role of King De¡¯Arcaneri, was it Cass? Mallory looked around Mallory began to see that more and more people were frozen in time. Why is this happening, now? Is there a new threat that I am currently unaware of? Mallory thought to herself as she began to first look around, then seemed to pause as she noticed that everyone else around her was also frozen in place. All of the true Deolorean members gathered were frozen, while Princess Octavia seemed to be nervously glancing about. Mallory looked behind her to those who were gathered and saw that everyone was frozen. Well mostly everyone as there were quite a few of the more well-known students of Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s classroom who were also in attendance. Normally the faces of such students wouldn¡¯t be immediately recognizable to Mallory, but these students had a special place in Mallory¡¯s mind as she herself had been responsible for teaching almost all of them in the recently pawned off Bloodline Evolution class, or whatever it was called. Seeing the students, many of whom seemed to twitch nervously as they all seemed to be looking around in confusion at what was happening around them as well. ¡°Could she have missed everyone else?¡± Mallory found herself asking to no one in particular. ¡°No, she got them the first time, which makes me think this isn¡¯t her work,¡± Princess Octavia stated. Pausing to turn back to Princess Octavia, or at least the person who was playing Princess Octavia, Mallory looked and asked, ¡°Jhonny?¡± At that Princess Octavia nodded in confirmation. Then turning to King De¡¯Arcaneri, Mallory found herself asking, ¡°Cass?¡± ¡°Nope, she is up there¡­¡± King De¡¯Arcaneri said, as she pointed out the cutest pixie flying high into the air and frantically scrawling out various runes of some kind. ¡°No, that is her Simulacrum,¡± Jhonny answered authoritatively. Mallory paused and felt like the world was going crazy on her. Here she was trying to get through this lumbering process, and every three seconds they had to pause to take care of something. While everything had mostly been calm up to this point, Mallory knew that there was going to be something major happening. Pulling up her interface, she saw that she could in fact use her one time a day summoning on Dr. Spiritlight, thereby proving that the real Cass, or the Cass the system considered to be real was not in fact here. Waiting for a moment, she turned to King De¡¯Arcaneri, and wondered ¡°Gwen?¡± At that the King just shook their head and responded, ¡°Penelope.¡± ¡°Right,¡± Mallory replied as she realized that questions needed to be answered. Realizing that now was the time to get any and all answers, particularly with why the world had suddenly ground to a complete and utter stop, Mallory did the only thing she could think of. ¡°Get over here,¡± Mallory called out, initiating the Guild Leader only power and instantly she saw confirmation that the power was in fact working. Summon Guild Member. Poof. One second there was nothing, the next second there was Dr. Spiritlight in her full pixie garb that Penelope had crafted just for her, hot pink with black vertical stripes that seemed to flow seamlessly into and around her body and accentuated her glowing wings perfectly. Everything looked fine, until she saw that there was an albino white puppy in her arms. No, albino wasn¡¯t the right word, as at least for the moment Mallory couldn¡¯t see the puppy¡¯s eyes. Instead, all she saw was the blizzard white furred pup laying on its back, bloated puppy belly up in the air like a miniature parasail and the biggest look of contention on the pup¡¯s face. ¡°Hey everyone, what¡¯s up?¡± Dr. Spiritlight began, as she looked around sketchily. Though everyone knew the looking around was just an act of hers as she likely already knew where everything was. Then looking up, she snapped her fingers at her Simulacrum that was desperately crafting runes into the ceiling.Stolen story; please report. ¡°Rune-ulacrum, that won¡¯t help. Besides, I need you to take Umbra back.¡± Dr. Spiritlight said as she quickly got the attention of her flying Simulacrum, the one that was clearly adding runic graffiti to the chapel. The aforementioned Simulacrum stopped their painting in magical energy, turned and saw that Cass was there, then pointed back to the ceiling. ¡°Yeah, I see, but it¡¯s still not going to fix this,¡± Dr. Spiritlight said, gesturing to the frozen people around her. Then she held up the blizzard white pup that looked somewhat emaciated, despite its currently bloated belly. ¡°Besides, I need you to take Umbra here, back to the Kujo Caverns.¡± As if finally seeing the pup for the first time, the Simulacrum stopped, then seemed to look at the wall then back at the pup. Before finally a weighing of options was performed, and then the flying Simulacrum that had been modifying the structure of the chapel disappeared from sight. Poof. Only to then reappear next to Cass, the real Cass, where she took the albino white puppy and left. Poof. With both the Simulacrum and the albino dire phase wolf gone, Mallory proceeded to ask the most pertinent question of the time, ¡°Umbra?¡± ¡°Yeah, I thought it fit, particularly with how attuned to Death and Spirit magic the wee guy is,¡± Cass responded excitedly, clearly happy with her naming choice. For whatever reason at that time, Mallory was reminded of the song about a boy named Sue. Then she instantly regretted that comparison, for if this pup was as attuned to Death and Spirit magic as Dr. Spiritlight stated, one where calling him Umbra was warranted, she really hoped that others would not bully the little pup to get him tougher. For a second Mallory was willing to drop it all, as the momentary pause in time seemed momentarily more important, but then she couldn¡¯t help but remember what she called her Simulacrum. ¡°And your Simulacrum, did you by chance name her recently as well?¡± Mallory pressed. ¡°Yes, Rune-ulacrum, on account of her passion for Runes,¡± Cass noted, as she then gestured to the ceiling as if that proved her point. Of course, by now all the runes that the Simulacrum had been scribbling were no longer glowing with visible mana, making any actions hard to monitor. ¡°Right,¡± Mallory said nodding her head and then proceeded to go on to the next topic as it was clear that she was going to have a hard time getting the crazy girl to focus. ¡°So, is there a reason why you needed to freeze everyone this time?¡± Cass looked around, then noted that only a few of those who were gathered were able to move. By now everyone that was in the stands and able to move immediately moved forward as if wishing to hear every word. ¡°Nope, none that I can see.¡± Cass stated. ¡°Okay, well can you unfreeze them then so we can get on with this?¡± Mallory snapped. ¡°What? I didn¡¯t do this,¡± Cass stated defensively. Sigh. Seeing her get suddenly defensive only seemed to prove the point to Mallory that Cass had done something, but just didn¡¯t want to admit it. ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m not mad. Just please undo whatever you have done so we can get this over with,¡± Mallory said as diplomatically as she could, given the circumstances. ¡°I would if I could, but it wasn¡¯t me,¡± Cass stated. ¡°Look, I¡¯ve had a really long day, and last thing I need is to argue with you over something like this,¡± Mallory noted with more than a bit of anger now filling her voice. ¡°Oh, come on, half the world shuts down and you think it is somehow my fault?¡± Cass responded almost annoyed at the thought of being accused. Deep inhale. At that comment, Mallory took in a deep breath as she didn¡¯t want to get into this with Cass, but realized that getting angry wouldn¡¯t solve anything, which was why she took a deep breath and tried to look at this as calmly as possible. ¡°Okay then, if you didn¡¯t have anything to do with this, then could you tell me what would randomly cause half the people to stop, all while we are trying to get through this moment quickly enough, so that the enemies that are storming right towards us don¡¯t have a chance to overtake us while we are caught mid-ceremony?¡± Mallory hissed out by the end. With that Cass paused as she seemed to have a eureka moment. ¡°Oh, I get it. You think this is related to my Time Stop magic?¡± ¡°Yes, now please end it, so we can go on with the wedding. I want this over already.¡± Mallory responded a bit of relief filling her voice as she was finally getting Cass to admit to her mistake so they could all just move on. Again, she wasn¡¯t mad with the pixie, she just wanted this to be over, so a little accidental magical misfire on her part was more than acceptable and not a big deal at all. ¡°That isn¡¯t me,¡± Cass stated defiantly. And just like that, they were back to square one. Mallory rolled her eyes as she tried to once again work with the suddenly obstinate Doctor. ¡°Okay, if it isn¡¯t you, then who was it that could cast time halting magic?¡± ¡°That¡¯s the thing, this isn¡¯t magic. If anything I¡¯d say this was some sort of processor overload. It feels sort of like what happened when Arcanarus University was transformed into Arcanarus Tower, but on a much larger scale.¡± The pixie stated. ¡°A resource overclock? That is what you are going with?¡± Mallory asked, trying to make sense of her statements. Shock. The pixie paused in thought for a moment, then suddenly responded, ¡°actually that is a great description of what is likely happening. Good job putting it into words.¡± Frustration. By now, Mallory was inclined to believe that the pixie was not in fact lying to her, as she had always been truthful, even when she tried to speak around her own culpability for any actions. The fact that she has been able to deny this so openly for so long without any major quirks made Mallory inclined to believe her. ¡°Okay, so what do we do?¡± Mallory asked. With that Cass just shrugged her shoulders, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡± ¡°What, it¡¯s not like there is a quest or something saying go here and fix this problem to start up the world,¡± Cass replied.
WORLD QUEST FOUND: Go To Timult, Stop The Being of Indescribable Horrors From Fully Entering Our Reality. You have been tasked with going to Timult, the capital of the Legrand empire and stopping a being of extreme power from fully entering our reality and thereby breaking BiPrism as we know it. Rewards: Continued Existence, Failure? Well good luck.
Seeing the quest Mallory¡¯s eyes went wide with shock as she read it, then re-read it and then finally she was able to make sense of it all. Reading the message, Mallory felt slightly sorry for her earlier accusation about Cass being the cause of this problem. With the problem clearly originating in Timult, it had to have been the Legrand empire doing more restricted research that is now causing imbalance issues in the game world. ¡°All right, well I guess I owe you an apology,¡± Mallory noted apologetically. ¡°Actually, about that, if this is the entity that I think it is, I might have inadvertently started this,¡± Cass responded slightly crunching in on herself. Seeing her sudden fear and apprehension, Cass looked like Mallory would reach out and strike her for her actions. Seeing the cowering fear of her subordinate and best friend, Mallory knew now was not the time for harsh actions and instead tried to defuse the situation. ¡°How am I not surprised,¡± Mallory quipped, well she would defuse after getting one good verbal jab in. ¡°But come on, let¡¯s try to solve this issue together,¡± Mallory finally finished her thought. ¡°Together?¡± Cass asked. ¡°Yeah, you think I¡¯m going to let you try to solve this on your own? Lord knows what will happen if we leave this all up to you.¡± Mallory quipped, while there was truth to her words, there was a hint of joviality that was otherwise missing from their previous discussion. ¡°Ah, come on. Fine.¡± Cass said, apparently going through the various aspects of guilt in four quick words. Then seeing this as a good moment to not cause too much stress to the pixie she did add. ¡°Don¡¯t worry all is forgiven, so long as you tell me how you got this to happen in Timult and let me know how we can do something like this again. No wait, let me take care of doing things in Timult in the future, with you apparently going so overboard.¡± Mallory noted. ¡°Oh haha,¡± Cass said as she opened a clear Portal that went straight to the once lustrous city of Timult, but by comparison what Mallory saw through the image of the Portal looked like a ruined wasteland from one of those desert apocalyptic thrillers that were all the rage back in her day. ¡°Wait, you did this, how?¡± Mallory asked, but before she could get an answer, the Pixie and her one and only chance to get over to the other side and try to deescalate whatever this was, was gone. ¡°Okay, I guess I will just find out when I get there.¡± Mallory responded, then turning around she remembered that she was still in the middle of the wedding and that everyone was staring at her. Well everyone that was still able to move was just standing there, staring at her, jaws agape. ¡°Yeah, we are going to fix this, if we don¡¯t,¡± Mallory began but then trailed off as she realized this was actually a big deal, even though it oddly felt somewhat normal by now. ¡°Well if we don¡¯t then know it was a pleasure working with you all, and thank you for all you do.¡± Then with those words of encouragement spoken, Mallory stepped through the portal and went from one bizarre scene to another more frightening scene of a futuristic apocalyptic world, one where only she and her energetic pixie could apparently solve the problem. Schwoo. As soon as she stepped through Portal, the connection behind her ended leaving her alone to witness what could only be described as an unfathomable tentacle monster reaching out and trying to touch her pixie. ¡°Oh no you don¡¯t,¡± Mallory stated as she instantly summoned her ephemeral Scythe and prepared to do whatever it took to protect her friend. Chapter 280 A Magical Mishap (40 Minutes Ago) Chapter 280 A Magical Mishap (40 Minutes Ago) Reality was breaking down right before our eyes. Well before my Angel¡¯s Sight, as I could see what was happening and was desperately trying to avoid apparently having the normally instantaneous bridge in space breakdown right before us. ¡°What is going on?¡± Mallory called out. ¡°Lots of things but keep up.¡± I shouted behind me, as I tried desperately to move forward in space and time. I never had much time to see the in-between of a portal before like this. It felt odd, like I was somehow able to see the innerworkings of the cosmos and finally able to make useful insights that might never come into play ever again but were oddly both logical and sad that I apparently missed them. ¡°This must be how people who are in a plane crash feel when they look at their next plane ride home.¡± I state. ¡°Plane crash?¡± Mallory asked, her legs pumping wildly, though it was hard to tell as all I could see was a magical outline of a princess running with her wedding dress hiked up over her ankles so she could run faster. ¡°Way to focus on the operative words there, Mallory,¡± I shoot back trying to hide the embarrassment I am now feeling at having my own Teleportation bridge to Timult shattered and spiraling out of order. Oddly enough, the main tunnel is fine. In fact everywhere we are running is remaining interconnected portions of the Teleportation bridge? Tunnel? Hard to describe wormhole that both exists and doesn¡¯t exist within space and time. For outside the fractals and broken structures of the Teleportation tunnel is space itself. Not the world we were in, but actual darkness of space, threaten to suffocate you in a second space. Yet, oddly enough it is only in this space that I can see even a possible way forward with our task. How we got here? Well that was simple, we were given a quest to save the world.
WORLD QUEST FOUND: Go To Timult, Stop The Being of Indescribable Horrors From Fully Entering Our Reality. You have been tasked with going to Timult, the capital of the Legrand empire and stopping a being of extreme power from fully entering our reality and thereby breaking BiPrism as we know it. Rewards: Continued Existence, Failure? Well good luck.
Sort of clich¨¦, but hey these are the days and times that we are apparently living in. That said, this world saving condition does seem slightly different than others. Well let¡¯s be honest, this is the first time that breaking reality became too much of a thing. Well, no, that isn¡¯t entirely true. There were those messages like Don¡¯t Ever Do That Again, and similar messages, but this one has a note of agency to it. Particularly with the way I was finally supposed to do something, versus not doing something. Honestly, I already felt that things were sort of odd, as magic had been moving rather slowly around me, but I just chalked it up to the world halting. Which I guess is partly true, but also misleading as magic seems to be fighting its natural course now. This spell in particular, Teleportation, a spell I had grown up using for years, now seemed to be breaking down and shattering despite my knowing that this is how the spell is supposed to work. The only problem, is that seeing where these breaks in space are occurring, I can see that I was cheating. Or maybe the magic system I had been teaching myself had always been cheating. Effectively, I was the scientist who only tested experiments in a sterile laboratory environment and then was suddenly shocked when different variables altered my expected outcome when exposed to nature. Once I made that discovery, I felt a slight shiver of fear run down my spine as I realized something that I didn¡¯t quite want to put into words. We were running, well I was running and Mallory was doing her darndest to keep up with me. I needed to create a new connection tunnel that used the same principles of Teleportation that I had grown to understand. The only problem was that what I knew of as workable and what I was seeing happening to my basic understandings were so close, that I could almost not see a difference between the two. That was the main reason why I didn¡¯t want to try anything here, at least not now. Not before my stable lab conditions could be reestablished. That was why we ran. Not to avoid the shattering reality around us, reality that would quickly give way to the vastness of space and the all-encompassing void of darkness that reigned beyond. But because I needed to find a glimmer of hope, one last unblemished line of my reality that I could work with and use. Finally, I saw it, the one line. With that line so close, I had to move quickly as I was pretty sure that my magic would summon the world breaking reality towards my new tunnel as well. As such we had to be quick. Knowing that we only had one chance, I reached out Telekinetically to Mallory, where I grabbed her and pulled her closer. At least I tried. Crackle! But once again, my use of sterile magic seemed to summon more adverse effects on the world around us as yet even more pressure came from the outside, and seemed to try to suck away the energy of my Telekinetic pull of Mallory. While I had done enough to make it so Mallory was now right next to me, I made it so that initial entrance was now crumpled. Well pixie sized, and I don¡¯t think Mallory would like the idea of boogie boarding through space. ¡°Keep up,¡± was all I managed to say as I began purposefully walking. Well running without use of my wings so Mallory could see where to place her feet and keep up. This was where Mallory¡¯s heightened Attributes paid off heavily, as she was able to keep up and follow in near perfect form the steps I took and the way I moved. Even when I jumped up and kicked off the wall, she did so, her wedding dress flipping and flying wildly in the background. The entire thing looked odd and for a moment I was reminded of that one princess that always ran around with those plumbers. I remembered thinking how odd she looked at the time, jumping around with a full-on dress, and thought the entire thing seemed too unbelievable at the time to accept. But here we were, having life imitate art.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Shatter. In my mind, I had an epiphany at that thought, as I realized this was life, at least a variation of life. Oddest of all was it was the only life I had known and accepted up until this part. Yet, here I was so close to seeing that what I saw, what I experienced was but a microcosm of the true existence of life that, well I didn¡¯t really know as I was currently trying to survive. Not just myself, as I could deal with doing something stupid on my own, but having Mallory here, an innocent party to my misunderstandings caused me to pull deeper and find yet another tunnel. This one was shorter, but somehow more of a straight shot to where we wanted to go. Almost as if it was designed for us to go through this particular tunnel. Even odder, I could almost feel a third form of energy holding this tunnel tightly in place. It was a trap, clearly a trap, and yet with the reality of this simple Portal shattering and breaking down around me, while part of the energy was being drawn in by the vacuum of space around us, I couldn¡¯t help but accept this trap. ¡°Grab my hand,¡± I said, reaching one hand behind me, as I began getting closer and crafting the spell for Teleportation. This time, I create the spell almost at the exact moment that Mallory grabs onto my outstretched hand and grabs with a death grip. Which is good as the next second the Portal opens, I see the tunnel into space, and then multiple things happen all at once. First the third form of magic, a seemingly protective box, maybe a brown looking elevator car would be the best way to describe it. The odd magical elevator car-box thing closes around us just as we enter my tunnel. For a moment I think we are going to die in the box, as it is so dense and complex that I don¡¯t think I could break it down if I tried. There are weaves that I have never even experienced before. Spiral fractal weaves of mana that seem both natural and completely alien all at once. It is clear whoever cast this magic was a master far beyond my limited comprehension, for they seemed to be able to take in nature and natural forms of life and incorporate those forms into their magical designs. The best way to describe would be saying I was doodling in my basement for years, drawing stick figures albeit very nice stick figures, only to go out and finally see the Vatican and realize that I was completely inadequate for my chosen profession. Simultaneously, the box car, living coffin, magically sealed tomb thing that we were in began moving and sliding along the magical tunnel that I had created. Then just as I sort of expected, even this shorter tunnel was attacked and began to be crushed by the external force of the void around us. A void that was all consuming in its relentless attempts to devour all magic. Thump. The void even attempted to devour the magic of the box we were in, but somehow the box around us held, and suddenly I felt the way submariners might feel, when their nuclear reactors suddenly go out, and they are left drifting lifelessly in the ocean, waiting to be crushed to death should anything happen. This was the same, all except I wouldn¡¯t also have to worry about drowning, just suffocating, which would likely be worse? I¡¯m assuming. I don¡¯t want to die in any of these ways, which was why I just sat there and waited, and waited. Then after a few moments, I realized we were still moving. Those first few seconds of inertia, and the tunnel I had created were enough to guide us, now all we had to do was make it to the end, safely. For the first time in forever, I felt truly powerless. Worse, I had power, but I knew that just trying to use it would likely lead to not just my death, but Mallory¡¯s as well. With that we found ourselves falling down through the seemingly endless void. I don¡¯t quite know what I expected from Mallory. Anger, rage, fear, a whole myriad of emotions that were incomprehensible to understand. I expected them all, as I felt most of them at myself. I was so angry that I got us into this mess, and I had no way to get out. Then as if answering my question about what Mallory was thinking, I heard her. ¡°Mmm-hmm-hmm,¡± Mallory hummed. ¡°What?¡± I asked, momentarily confused as I realized that Mallory was happy. No, not just happy, but she was smiling and humming to herself. ¡°Hmm-mmm-hmm,¡± Mallory hummed again, this time directing her hum towards me, a glowing smile filling her face. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± I found myself asking. ¡°I¡¯ll stop the world and melt with you¡­¡± Mallory began. ¡°What?¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing you and I can¡¯t do¡­¡± I was dumbstruck as I sort of understood the song, but was having a hard time placing it. ¡°I¡¯ve seen the difference and it¡¯s getting better all the time¡­¡± ¡°Is this just because you are out of the wedding?¡± I ask, wondering if she has finally cracked from all the pressure she is under. ¡°No, come on. Look at it, space, the universe. It is so beautiful. Just look,¡± Mallory stated and then gestured out to the area beyond us. To the areas between the fracturing Teleportation tunnels that even now were shattering and dissolving into the nothingness of space around us. Then beyond the dissolving remains of my magical construct was nothing for miles in all directions. ¡°I can¡¯t see that far,¡± I admitted. ¡°It is a shame, probably one of the most amazing moments of my life. Any lifetime I¡¯ve had really,¡± Mallory admitted, her voice full of awe and wonder. Mmm-hmm-mmm And again, Mallory kept humming the words to that tune. ¡°You aren¡¯t afraid that we are going to die horribly out here?¡± I ask, not trying to be a buzzkill but wondering if Mallory has truly lost it. ¡°Two things,¡± Mallory states, while holding up two fingers on her left hand. Only now do I realize that she still has my left hand in her right hand in a death grip, albeit slightly lighter of a grip than just before we started Teleporting. ¡°Two?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, first I know we are not going to die here,¡± Mallory admitted. ¡°Oh, and how do you know that?¡± I asked. ¡°Simple, you are calm and no longer frantically zipping around, letting me know that you feel confident that we are safe, if only for the moment.¡± Hearing that I could only nod my head in agreement. The moment I saw the magical box car survive impact with the void, and that we were still roughly heading in the correct direction, I realized that this was the best we could offer at the moment. Yes, I could freak out and try to pierce through the intricately created spiral fractals, or I could just sit back and wait for an actual moment that would cause problems that were within my weight class to fix. Which was sadly a far smaller weight class than I originally thought. ¡°And secondly?¡± I asked, realizing that Mallory said there were two points. ¡°Secondly, I accepted that you would be the death of me a long time ago, and I¡¯ve accepted that fate.¡± Mallory replied, squeezing my hand to let me know she was just mostly kidding, I think. Still, it was an odd moment. We were set to save the world, but we couldn¡¯t do anything, until the magical construct we were in started to break down, which didn¡¯t seem to be happening anytime soon. For a moment we just sat there, Mallory clearly staring off into the distance of space, apparently watching the stars flow past. All the while I opened my third eye and began truly trying to dissect the spell patterns that were before me. Not going to lie, it felt like it took me an extra long time to figure out that the spell went from right to left. Or from my side to Mallory¡¯s side. Then I could see that there were multiple woven layers of magic that overlapped with three other spells, before ending and then repeating. Starting at the bottom, the fractal layers stacked on each other, leaving a quarter of their overall length exposed, but even that was covered by three additional layers by the time the spirals created a fully complete box. Again, why it went for the box shape rather than a cocoon-like shape was lost me, but it did allow for more strengthening and folding of the corners that was hard to comprehend. It was a work of art and elegance, one that I don¡¯t think I could replicate. Particularly as each individual fractal layer was wholly unique and distinct from the others, like snowflakes, but that also made it somehow stronger. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was seeing alien magic and for the first time in a long time, I realized there was so much more to learn. What I had thought of as magic was just pushing energy around in a semi organized manner. But this, this was magic. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°I am thinking that I thought I had learned almost everything about magic, when really all I could do was count quickly. Now I had to worry about learning how to multiply by myself after seeing an end equation.¡± I answer, trying to express my thoughts. With that Mallory just nodded. Silence. I went back to trying to understand this magic, as even now I could see the squared off edges starting to fray and unwind. Mentally I wondered if I could reach through this protective bubble with magic to then interact with the fraying edges and try to seal them. I was just going through the possibility of that breaking down the structural integrity of the spell bubble more, when Mallory spoke again. ¡°Well, since you clearly aren¡¯t going to ask, I will just tell you. I was thinking that sometimes I might push you too much. Though know I don¡¯t mean to, it¡¯s just that you are the only person I know that I can hand an impossible task to, and you will somehow solve it and be goofing off fifteen minutes later joking around as if nothing ever happened.¡± Mallory began. Then after pausing for a second, she continued. ¡°You truly are amazing, and again. Thank you for doing everything with me, and for the guild.¡± ¡°Awe Mallory, I¡¯m going to cut off this apparent death flag event, particularly with the edges of this spell unraveling. I don¡¯t want you to start tempting fate.¡± I state. ¡°Well, it is going to come to an end, as the ground is right there¡­¡± Mallory stated, again pointing with her free left hand at a spot off in the distance below us. I of course couldn¡¯t see at first, but then after a second or two, I saw what she saw. Then quickly, I grabbed Mallory in both arms and began flapping my wings tirelessly. HEAVE! Mallory was heavy. That or this space made it somehow harder to fly. Regardless, by the time we landed, I managed to get us off the ground by a quarter of an inch. Splash. The spell landed on the ground and pooped like a water balloon. For a second we were still safe, then the residual fractals of the alien spell structure dissipated, as clearly the spell had met its ultimate conclusion. Instantly I recognized the area we now found ourselves in, for we were in the heart of Timult. Where I had been only a few days ago. Yet, looking around it was clear that multiple things had changed. Chills. With the protective barrier around us removed, I instantly felt a biting chill. Despite this capital being near the tropic line of heat. Though the lack of heat was clearly due to the chilling void that started at the center of the city, right near where I first appeared earlier to drop off the three converted spies. Sad that such an act led to this, but looking around I could see that much of the artistry of the sterile world I had lived in was now stripped away, discarded and laid bare for the world to see how it truly was. In place of the normal art and seamless symmetrical lines were layers of nature magic. Or what I was now considering to be the true magic one might find in nature. Then as if to draw further attention to what we were doing, a long semi-familiar tentacle of condense dark magic appeared and twisted its way around the open portal to the fully eroded half of Timult. ¡°Is that what we are here to stop?¡± Mallory asked, as slight twinge of fear in her voice. No, falling through the vastness of space in an uncontrolled magical elevator car was nothing to her, but suddenly seeing a magical tentacle creature was too much for her? Still this was not a time to console Mallory, as it was now time to act. For despite the now twisted layers of fractal magic and muscles, I could feel the true entity that controlled this tentacle. A tentacle that now twisted around and made a beeline towards the two of us. Seeing the creature, I went into full on fix it mode. ¡°Oh girl, you¡¯ve let yourself go¡­¡± Chapter 281 A Magical Makeover Chapter 281 A Magical Makeover Somedays I wonder is it me, or would these things normally happen, and I just happen to notice the odd incongruities of the world. While today could clearly be influenced by me, I do have to wonder about the odd timings of the world. I mean it is not every day that you find yourself staring down the long twisting and molting version of a tentacle monster. But the sad part is, even though the original shape has grown, molted, and is in a perpetual state of rot, I cannot help but recognize the inner essence of the soul controlling this odd form. That is why, my first words to her, after seeing her not a few days ago was, ¡°oh girl, you¡¯ve let yourself go.¡± I really didn¡¯t know what else to say about her. That is why I got closer. Yet as I did, others began to also move. Yes, oddly in this horrific apocalyptic nightmare of a scenario where an extradimensional monster was appearing, and the very fabric of our computer assisted world was slowly melting away at the creature¡¯s presence, other creatures both lived and moved. Like some form of a graphic zombie apocalypse, three molting creatures appeared off in the distance and began shambling towards me. Just as the world was being destroyed, I could see the skin on these creatures burning away, only to be slowly healed. The creatures moved slowly, but it was clear most of their slowed movements were due to the way new pain centers were exposed, burned away, and reformed by their actions. Seeing them, I instantly felt revulsion. Vomit. At their sight, I couldn¡¯t help but vomit a mixture of pixie juice and glowing sparkles. I couldn¡¯t help it, this was my fault. I caused this to happen. I wanted the enemy spies to suffer, and yet here they were set in an endless case of pain and agony but forced to be immortal and live through this pain forever. Honestly, I didn¡¯t think it would be this bad. In fact, I hoped most of it was being exposed to the poisonous dust from the void realm where the apocalyptic void monster lived. Otherwise, what I did to these three would be too much of a punishment for any crime. Then to make things worse, the tentacle creature seemed to first notice my vomit, and then excitedly turned and charged forward, before lancing out a long spear like arm into the vomit, with which is began slurping up the vomit. ¡°BLEH!¡± I wince out, as the site is just sickening. I¡¯m reminded of the one dog we had that would always eat up the child¡¯s vomit, it was disgusting and partly why I don¡¯t like pets, or self-cleaning houses. ¡°Stop, just stop,¡± I tell the tentacle, going over and touching the tentacle gently, trying to get it to move. The same way I tried to get that darned dog to stop so I could clean up the floor properly. Not that I was going to clean up this floor, this was Timult, but the thought processes and instincts were still the same. Apparently though, touching the creature was not the smartest thing to do. Tingle. The minute I make contact with the strange alien elf spirit tentacle monster-thing, I feel a slight connection, as I feel a slight pull on my energy reserves. Worse, the slimy tentacle changes focus, from the now mostly cleared puddle of pixie vomit, to the pixie herself. I try to fly away, but my muscles and reactions are muted, slowed as I¡¯m exhausted by the touch. I soon find myself wrapped up by a tentacle. This must be how a mouse feels before the constrictor wraps itself around it and begins to squeeze. So far there is no squeezing, yet, but it does seem that it is only a matter of time before this happens. Mallory seeing this, pulls out her Scythe and instantly begins charging forward. ¡°No!¡± I shout as I manage to turn back and face Mallory. I even manage to get one arm out and hold it up in a halting gesture to her. Mallory seeing me, pauses, but then just waits. She is an odd mix of serious Valkyrie warrior with a glowing death scythe, wearing a wedding dress. ¡°What?¡± Is all Mallory can ask, but I am already in de-escalation mode. ¡°We are trying to calm down the being of infinite power, versus cause her to go on a world burning bender,¡± I state. At that, Mallory takes a half step back, but then just nods, while never putting away her scythe. With the first crisis over, I turn back to face the Cthulhu horror monster and can almost see that odd old elven lady staring at me through the growths of twisting tentacles. Seeing her like this is almost like witnessing my emo daughter lower her head forward and let her long hair dangle down and cover her face so others can¡¯t see her. I also understand the Cthulhu elf¡¯s attraction to my vomit and seemingly all things magical, as the writhing tentacles that have come in contact with me, are slowly tightening down. Going away from dark withered amalgamations of husks of appendages and reverting back to somewhat healthier tones of living skin. Living skin that isn¡¯t slimy or rotting, two steps clearly in the right direction. ¡°Hey there!¡± I state, taking my one free arm and waving it at the Cthulhu elven creature. Not trying to startle the creature by getting my other arm free, though I am pretty certain I could. I just want to try to calm down this entity before me. Head snap up. Instantly the creature that had mostly been seeming to absentmindedly stare at the ground suddenly shoots its gaze up and I can almost feel dozens of eyes come to life on the tentacle appendage, all of which are now staring at me. Not creepy at all, nope, just a typical event one would find on any wedding day, Saturday. Then as I see the creature getting better, even seeming to be healthier from just touching me, I begin to understand. All my excess ephemeral energy, the same energy that is used to generate my wings that I fly with, all the excess is being absorbed by this odd creature. The creature for her part just comes forward. Though it mainly looks like a semi-wiggling worm at this point as most of the creature is still in the same slow rotting condition that I saw when I first got here. Seeing that this isn¡¯t enough, I begin to Heal the creature. Infusing my Healing mana into the creature and trying to help out as much as possible. I even inject golden Qi to help with the muscle growth, along with silver spirit Qi to help with the entire melding process.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Woosh. And like that, I find myself closer to the being¡¯s face? Or where I can clearly see the closest thing to an alien Cthulhu consciousness in the being. The creature is now just staring at me, though I can see it is just looking at me through its bangs. At least that is the impression that I get. ¡°Hey,¡± I say again, waving my arm still and trying to be cordial to the creature. Right now, I don¡¯t sense any danger from the creature, though I am pretty sure that can change at a moment¡¯s notice. The creature just stares at me with an odd sense of awe and wonder. I equate this to the way a child might look at a lantern fly that is captured in a glass jar. Still depressing analogy aside, this is good. The world isn¡¯t being destroyed. In fact, as far as I can tell the destruction of the world around us has stopped. As the long slow tentacles of the creature have stopped spreading out. With but a smidge of the mana and energy I have given it, the creature is able to take that same energy and seemingly do wonders. I even see the fact that this creature is now beginning to create a large bubble over me. Instantly, I recognize the design, for it is a layered cascading effect similar to the one that protected both Mallory and me on our way here. Now it seems that this creature is creating yet another bubble. For a second, I wonder exactly what is happening, but then I realize the tentacle is moving once again and we are now before the exit portal I created. The one that led me from the void realm to Timult. Though I am fairly certain by now that I miscategorized the void realm entirely, as I now see it wasn¡¯t a void realm. Well not a complete void realm, as in one that drained away and misused all energy. I am about to go deeper into what exactly I think the void realm is, when I realize my Danger Sense is suddenly going off. Seeing the protective layer of amazingly intricate and refined magic forming around me, I pause. Mentally I try to understand what is the point of this cocoon that is now surrounding me? Only once I see the Cthulhu elven creature begin to expand the exit while giving me a large protective barrier around me do I suddenly realize that my mental image of a child catching a lantern fly was not that far off. ¡°Wait, wait, I can¡¯t go,¡± I shout out, waving my hand frantically, as I quickly wriggle my way free of the now smooth appendage that had just been loosely holding me. Angry glare. The elven Cthulhu creature just stares at me. With that stare, I see and almost feel lifetimes of betrayal, mistrust, and doubt all form and manifest in the shape of a staring gloomy teen staring through their bangs at their mother who just said, ¡°I can¡¯t take you to the store right now.¡± ¡°Wait, before you get all moody. Know I really want to go back.¡± I state honestly. I don¡¯t know if the creature understands English, or if they are just able to understand me from my emotional tone, or if there is something more. But for a moment there is a pause. ¡°See, I already promised my bestie over there¡­¡± I state, pointing to Mallory who is still holding her Death Scythe, but suddenly looks a bit sheepish holding the weapon. Also, looking at the blade and seeing that it is made of ephemeral energy, I wonder if it will do as much damage as we expect, or if it will actually heal the creature? Though I keep that thought to myself for the moment. The Cthulhu creature just stares at Mallory at that point, who has the wherewithal to look sheepish, before putting her hands behind her back and unsummoning her Death Scythe. With that potential threat over, I can once again draw the creature¡¯s full attention towards me. Or at least, that was the plan, before the three lumbering withering but immortal monsters saw me and croaked out nearly in unison. ¡°You.¡± ¡°You did this¡­¡± ¡°Get her¡­¡± All three shambled forwards, moving forward, despite the clear discomfort and pain that they were in. Honestly it was a sign of the perseverance and mental resolve to push on through obvious pain. The act might normally be commendable, other than the fact that they were trying to apparently attack me. An act that the Cthulhu elf did not take kindly to. Skewer. For instantly three thick strands of muscles shot out from the overly large tentacle that hovered around me, and all but basked in my free falling pixie dust. Those three stalks of wiggling muscles punctured into and through the three now immortal zombie like creatures. Honestly it didn¡¯t seem like it was too hard, as even moving with a purpose was little more than a painful to watch side-shuttle hitch shuffle step. The same movement one would take when they broke a hip and had two bad knees. I would know, as that was my life for a bit there at the end. Seeing them, I could only feel sorry for the creatures. Slurp. The three creatures were impaled and pinned to the ground. But rather than that being the end, the tentacle apparently saw something in the creatures. As the eyes of the elven creature suddenly all turned and focused at the three pinned immortal monsters. Then with horror and precision the three pincers that pinned the creatures to the ground began to flare to life with new colors as they began sucking the glowing energy out of the husk like creatures. Glug, glug, glug. Like three straws being used simultaneously, the energy of the once cursed and former spies was drained out in three quick movements, leaving behind only withered husks of the people that once lived there. For a moment, I could see the three spirits floating over the corpses. For a moment I tried to reach out to grab all three, but they quickly saw the creature that had just killed them, and they saw me, the inadvertent instrument of their death, where they glared for a moment, before turning and running away. I honestly didn¡¯t know ghosts could move that quickly, though it was clear that they were tearing apart the spiritual residue needed to keep their consciousnesses together. Though apparently getting away was more important than keeping their identity intact. Another sad fact, as I literally saw three spirits rip apart their own essences, rather than deal with what I had done to them. I didn¡¯t even kill them, though honestly what the crazed void elf had done might have been a mercy over the fate that actually befell them all. As if to accentuate this thought, I even see a few of the dark karma strands that bound me to the three former spies suddenly grow large, break free and entangle themselves around me. Perhaps that is why I kept them in the pods, until the moment they were released, I hadn¡¯t actually committed a crime against them. Only once they were set free, was I able to see what I had done, and was I forced to reap the dark karma that I had sewn. Looking at the pods, it was clear what had drawn the creature¡¯s attention, as it was a condensed form of my own ephemeral energy that I used to seal them all in their Time Stasis spheres. Oddly enough, the strange Cthulhu elf let them all live, until they showed signs of hostility. Seeing how quickly the monster dealt with the three immortals, I turned back and saw that Mallory was now visibly pale at the sight. I think we both had the same thought, that could have been her if she had tried anything. Where was I, before this? Oh right, giant magical bug cage. ¡°Okay, now that, that is over,¡± I state while gesturing to the three lifeless husks that all have a giant hole in the center of their chests. ¡°I made a promise, my bestie is getting married today to my daughter, and my tailor, don¡¯t ask.¡± I begin, but quickly realize this is getting off track. ¡°What I mean is that, I promised that I would be here with her until midnight tonight,¡± I finally get out. ¡°Did not,¡± Mallory protests. Turning back towards Mallory, I hold up a finger, ¡°I said I¡¯d be with you until Sunday, which is midnight tonight.¡± Then turning back to the Cthulhu elf, I continue, ¡°which was when I fully planned on coming back to see you.¡± I state and mean every word of what I am saying. Then wanting to make sure this creature believes me, I try to do something completely stupid. I go closer to the creature, to its face that is covered by long greasy hair, or what at least appears to be long greasy hair to my senses. Then with a gentle hand I gently touch the creature, and begin infusing all forms of energy I can into the creature. I infuse Healing magic to limited effect, the Qi I infuse does minimal changes, and even ephemeral energy has little effect on the layers of gunk and debris that are hiding this monster¡¯s face. That is when I decide to try out Karma. Why not right? End of the world, nothing else seems to work, why not try using what seems to be a mostly unknown quantity of energy. Grabbing a large golden thread of karmic energy, I wrap it around my left hand and begin trying to massage the face of the alien creature. The instant I do, I feel oily slime cling to my hand for a second, before a quick shake off relieves my hand of the mess. After which I continue to wipe away the years of residue and neglect that have built up on this poor elf¡¯s face. Almost in no time, do I see the shape of the true elven spirit hiding behind the layers of twisting and rotting muscles. Oddly, I remember for the first time that I am once again Sculpting. This is the first time since Zero taught me the odd skill on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower. For a moment, I wonder how he is doing. With an odd look of nostalgia, I raise up my arm to see that the glowing tattoo of Zero is still there, albeit far lighter than he has ever appeared before. I still don¡¯t know what happened to the poor guy, but I want to give him time to heal. Also, calling him out here, in front of the creature that caused his energy levels to drop off might not be the best of moves. Still, the Cthulhu elf seemed to notice my glance for a second, but otherwise let me continue to work. In the end, I just let the karma do its thing, and work away the layers of rotting flesh. Sizzle. Layers of rotting flesh that sizzle on the ground and begin to hiss when coming into contact with the mechanical protective outer layer of this world. ¡°You are so beautiful, what happened to you?¡± I find myself saying, as her face is present, her hair is cleaned and parted. I didn¡¯t give her bangs, as I would never do that to a fellow female, but at first, I thought it might be a viable solution. Fortunately, we were able to save most of the actual hair. ¡°Were you also a beautician?¡± Mallory asks, having come around to inspect my work. ¡°Close, a mathematician with two daughters,¡± I reply. I work until I am all out of all forms of energy. Omni-Healing, Qi, converted other sources, even my Dual Quintessence Healing gets pushed to its limits. That and the constant touches and caresses on my back for residual ephemeral energy, and most importantly the last of my good Karma all make it so I am near exhausted. In fact, I am so exhausted from doing everything and talking to myself while I worked, that I almost missed the moment when the Cthulhu elf spoke. ¡°Midnight?¡± I paused and shook my head trying to understand what she meant. ¡°What?¡± I ask, clearly not getting the statement in my exhausted state. ¡°Midnight?¡± She asks again, a picture of calm confusion, as if she is trying to understand the word she was using. ¡°I think she wants you to visit her at midnight,¡± Mallory helpfully translated, while my mind tried to desperately to keep up with the fact that this being who had been silent all this time was finally speaking. ¡°Yes, I will come visit you after midnight, I promise.¡± I state, and just like that, I feel a strand of golden karma form between myself and the ancient elven creature. For a moment, I feel like I might have just made the biggest promise of my life, but then after a second, I relax and realize I am okay with this promise. Then nodding to herself, the Cthulhu elf nods, and with her hands, not tentacles, but actual hands she reaches out to me. ¡°Oh, you are a hugger? Okay?¡± I say as I go in for a hug, only to find that I was completely wrong. Reaching out, she grabs my left arm, and proceeds to effortlessly pull out Zero from his tattoo state. Shocked. I was too shocked at this point to see what was happening, but then I saw the giant bubble that had originally been made to take me back to the void realm, shrink down and encapsulate the still slumbering form of Zero. Only now did I see how sallow and pale Zero had gotten. It was clear that despite being within me and resting, he was actually getting worse. ¡°I heal,¡± the ancient elven spirit stated. ¡°Come and midnight and be healed.¡± The elven creature stated, holding up the incubation cocoon that held Zero. Then before I could say or do anything, I saw the form of the elven spirit begin to pull its long form back through the portal that it came from. Fortunately, I knew that both the Cthulhu elven creature and Zero were safe, as I felt golden threads of karma linking me to both. And both were still completely healthy. With the strange alien elf gone, the mysterious draining energy left the surrounding area. Suddenly I felt a wave of heat, as if the sun was out, but I knew this was from my being able to regenerate energy naturally. The world that had been slowly melting away, to its base underlying layer of magical components began to stop, and actually started to grow back. I was so flabbergasted by the entire thing, and from energy withdraw that I had a hard time keeping up with what just happened. Then to make matters worse, Mallory asked me a question I had no answer to. ¡°Okay, I often ask what is happening. But this time I need an honest answer, what exactly just happened?¡± And I was just as dumbstruck as everyone else was, but then I said the first thing that came to mind. ¡°Well, we survived¡­¡± Chapter 282 Hidden Updates (20 Minutes Ago) Chapter 282 Hidden Updates (20 Minutes Ago) ¡°Okay, now that that is over,¡± Mallory stated while realizing I didn¡¯t have any additional information to give her. She went into her clearly planning mode. This was that look she got when she pressed her lips together in a form of intense focus, and would undoubtedly come up with the best solution for how we could get out of the situation we currently found ourselves in. ¡°How do you suggest we get home, knowing that we only have fifteen minutes to get back into place before the world will start up again?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°Wait, what? We have fifteen minutes?¡± I ask, suddenly realizing I have been given the equivalent of five days¡¯ worth of Confidentiality all at once, and worse, I was apparently not prepared for this, and not aware. ¡°Yeah, it was our quest reward for completing the World Quest,¡± Mallory stated in that, are you dense voice of hers. It was about this time that I realized I had been holding back my notifications for long that it apparently became second nature to me. ¡°Wait, one second,¡± I state while holding up a finger and I let the flood of completed but never claimed quests pour out of me like a burst dam that is set to flood the lowlanders.
Hidden Quest Complete: Forming a Perfect Qi Body: You have advanced your cultivation base to include your entire body. Not only have you resolidified your previous gains, but you have experienced exponential growth of your previous benefits gained from your Qi reservoirs. Rewards: Tier V Perfect Qi Body (already provided), Experience, Skill.
With that one I had already gained the perfect Qi Body, as such it was just a skill that was the variable.
New Skill Gained: Perfect Qi Body Enrichment has increased to level 1.
Perfect Qi Body Enrichment is a Strength X3, Dexterity X3, Endurance X3, Attractiveness X1, Perception X1, Intelligence X1, and Willpower X1 based skill.
Looking back, I can see that the skill being offered was pretty impressive, and also likely meant as an encouragement for me to allow more of these quests completion prompts to go through without any issues. That said, it was bad form to offer me a skill only once I completed the quest. Rather than while performing the quest as most of my skills come. Still, I was not going to look a gift Skill in the mouth, particularly one that seemed to focus on me improving my body and the way energy flowed through my body. There was a flash of numbers, but the number kept spinning up wildly as the next completed quest details popped up, and flared to life before my eyes.
Hidden Class Quest Complete: Making the Kujos the Ultimate Pack on the Blighted Plains (Ongoing): You have helped the pack of the Kujos expand their dominance of the Blighted Plains by joining two different packs together under one super pack. Rewards: Experience, new Mythical Level Class Available: Mythical Pack Creator (already provided).
This time I only got the experience as I managed to pawn off the class to Penelope, again I need to thank her for the major save there. Last thing I want to do is be left in charge of caring for pets and being named a dark lord, due to my apparent creation of sacrificial altar networks, due to my want to have a clean dog hair free house when I get home. Then the next Quest completion notice came.
Hidden Quest Updated (Completed): Saving the Litter of Godpuppies (Ongoing): You managed to save Ms. Kujo¡¯s litter by preventing a pup from dying. You have also proven yourself to be a stable member of the Kujo family, and have asked for the ability to be the fairy godmother for the future pups. Pups that survived (13 / 13). Rewards: Experience, Bloodline Evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother) activated, healthy birth bonus.
Yep, onto quests from earlier today, so we are finally getting close to ending this, though I still must go through the minutia associated with each quest completion.
Bloodline Evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother): Ability to bless a child at birth, or before their teenage years. Type of blessing depends on level of involvement Fairy Godmother takes in the child¡¯s life. The earlier the blessing applied, the more powerful and variable the cumulative blessing can be. Note: Fairy Godmother blessing will supersede Healthy Birth Bonuses.
Seeing that, I can understand why my subsequent helping out of my now Granddaughter was so easy to apply, and how it seemed to counteract the negatives that I had placed on Cassandra Redding. Then with but a thought, I pull up the initial message.
Congratulations: Your grandchild Cassandra Redding has accepted to use the Spiritlight last name and only the Spiritlight last name, increasing your eternal connection to this child. As a result of this change, (Cassandra Redding) Spiritlight has altered her bloodline to that of (Legendary Spiritlight Bloodline variant, with traces of dormant Pixie influences).
In a way I should be flattered, as it seems that she chose me and my lineage over that of her own Grandmother¡¯s. The Fairy Godmother perk also helped me to easily activate multiple blessings which I took at the time as being additional starting Merits. In a way they were, but I wonder if these were hidden Merits that could only be achieved in the world. If so, that meant that this newest perk, that of being a Fairy Godmother made our Guild and me even more targetable by people with ulterior motives. Still that was future Cassie¡¯s Problem, as current Cassie was still going through the various quest completions, trying to see what Mallory was in fact talking about. Why did I start this whole update process? I wondered, but was soon met with another quest completion notice.
Hidden Quest Complete: Fairy Godmother¡¯s Blessing: You have given your first blessing as a Fairy Godmother to a child. Resulting in the child having blessings that others could only dream of. Rewards: Experience, New Title, New Badge.
Yep, there was the notification that I did give my first blessing to Cassandra Redding, which apparently got me more experience that was being cumulated and tallied, and a new Title and Badge.
New Title Gained: The Fairy Godmother: A position of respect and lore. All crave the blessings provided from favorable encounters with The Fairy Godmother, all but demanding respect from anyone who knows of you and your title. Effect: All sentient creatures who know of you are instantly Neutral, while those who have kids or are trying to have kids will treat you with awe and reverence.
The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there. That one is sort of nice, not so much the awe and reverence part, but this basically means people shouldn¡¯t be mean to me, once they know who I am. I was in the process of figuring out how to tell others, when I got the next notification.
New Feat Recorded: The Fairy Godmother (MAX): You are the Fairy Godmother, the person capable of blessing a cursed child, or who can cause the fates to favor a child of future destiny. This feat is irrefutable and can be given out infinite times to prove your true identity as many times as needed.
This was my first time seeing a Badge noted as MAX. Most had a value that would theoretically depreciate the more you used it. This was a way to not use the same great feat over and over to get better prices, or to be accepted at more places. Whereas this seemed to be the opposite of that, basically letting me be the instrument of my own future annoyance. For the more I told people about my ability to bless their children, the more I would be tasked to do just that. Bleh, honestly, I have to hand it to the system for coming up with a perfect poisoned apple approach there. Really, well done, as I wouldn¡¯t even want Mallory to know about my status as a Fairy Godmother. Though I can tell she saw the notification and Title appear, as I am still activating the abilities, so I can then deactivate them and work my way through the next completed quest. Then before that quest fully cleared, an announcement that I normally would fear came to life.
New World Announcement: First Child of Destiny Ordained By The Fairy Godmother. Rejoice for Redding Spiritlight has emerged into the world and been blessed by The Fairy Godmother to have a blessed life and future. Sparking the way for many more children to also be blessed.
Seeing that message, I let out a sigh of comfort as I had been holding that one back for a bit. While I was glad I was able to hold this world announcement back, it still caused a mild to severe burning sensation in my chest. I think this one was slightly easier to hold back, as it didn¡¯t affect me directly, but it was one that I enacted on a second person, making it somewhat easier to hold back. Still it hurt. Clutching my chest, I cannot help but take a few deep breaths as that one was burning me up inside, I wonder if I can get antacids for reflux caused by holding back Quest updates and announcements? Maybe a new alchemical formula could be created. I am about to go into what I think might be the baseline ingredients needed for such a concoction, when I pause to look at Mallory who is just standing there staring at me patiently. Then I realize what just happened and that I might get a bop on the head or other form of reprimand for my actions. ¡°You are okay right?¡± I ask, making sure I didn¡¯t just trigger her again. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, her face a mixture of mirth and excitement. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be, my granddaughter got blessed, by you, I take it?¡± With that I pause, realizing that this World Announcement didn¡¯t call me out specifically, rather just my title, which I was fine with. Though again, Mallory had to have already seen that title as I just dismissed it a moment ago. ¡°Yeah,¡± I answer somewhat nervously, making sure she isn¡¯t going to lash out. ¡°Why would I be?¡± Mallory exclaimed while jumping forward and giving me a tight hug, I must have flinched at the charge as she seemed somewhat perplexed by my instant reaction of fear. ¡°Why are you flinching?¡± She asked. ¡°You aren¡¯t mad at the World Announcement?¡± I ask somewhat sheepishly. ¡°Oh wow, do you honestly think I get mad for you making ground breaking changes?¡± She asks. ¡°Sometimes?¡± I offer. Huff. With that Mallory took a half step back, and looked at me, while still holding me in her arms. I think this was done mostly for her, so she could take in my entire body to gauge my reaction. ¡°Look, sometimes I do think you need to slow down, and I do get worried about you,¡± She began. I was about to protest, which was then Mallory pointed to her left, towards the spot where the tentacle abomination monster who might be an extremely powerful elf from an alternate dimension not necessarily related to BiPrism trademarked, once stood. Now only a gaping chasm, with three desiccated Cthulhu bodies lay amongst a city that was only now starting to get its protective outer coating of coding reapplied to it, a sign that I was apparently wasting precious seconds of the fifteen minutes I might or might not have been given. ¡°Right,¡± I say, and mean it as I realize that sometimes I might be too focused on the results, versus the mess I made while achieving those results. Then after nodding, she looked at me, and saw that my posture must have changed slightly, as she pulled me in for a tight hug again. ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t know if I have come across as I¡¯ve wanted to recently. This has been a very stressful time for me, and you are the only one I know will come up with a solution. Maybe not the best, or easiest to achieve, but you will offer up a solution, and it will be done come Cthulhu beast, rotting city, or enemy invasion. That is why, when you do things that break the world, or the way the world has been run to this moment, I worry. That said, I mean it when I say, sometimes you need to slow down.¡± She states, and I cannot help but nod in agreement. ¡°That said, are you ready to get us out of here?¡± Mallory asked, completely contradicting her earlier statement. ¡°But, but¡­ you just¡­¡± I begin but then realize I still have a few more quests to go through. ¡°One second¡­¡± I state holding up my finger as I continue to scroll through the remainder of the quests I¡¯ve completed. We are close, I can tell, as the pressure against my mind is releasing greatly.
Hidden Quest (Complete): Fairy Godmother For Umbra (Ongoing): You have found a way to help Umbra, future destroyer of the plains alive and uninfected with the Blight. Continue to care for Umbra and ensure that she remains Blight free in order to prevent future calamities from unfolding. Rewards: Experience, Skill (already provided), Fairy Blessing Applicable.
Once again I see the scrolling number for my experience click over as the experience here gets wrapped up into one rather large number. Then I get a Fairy Blessing Applicable.
Fairy Blessing Available (Umbra Kujo): You have taken an albino Dire Phase Wolf pup into your company and have chosen to help ensure it survives to maturity. This gives you a one-time chance to awaken all of the latent blessings in Umbra Kujo, as their guardian protective Spirit: The Fairy Godmother.
That, now that was kind of cool, as it meant I would have a chance to awaken blessings within Umbra Kujo and ultimately get more points of analysis to see what blessings are possible for both humans and creatures alike. While also seeing if we can get more details on what each potential blessing means. I know I managed to light up quite a few for Cassandra Redding, who apparently is now going by Redding Spiritlight. Still, I cannot stop here, as I have but one last and final quest to get through.
WORLD QUEST Completed: Went To Timult, Stop The Being of Indescribable Horrors From Fully Entering Our Reality, Now Get Back To the Wedding Before Anyone Notices. You have completed a potentially world ending task by going to Timult, the capital of the Legrand empire, where you managed to stop a being of extreme power from fully entering our reality and thereby breaking BiPrism as we know it. Rewards: Experience, fifteen minutes to get back into place before time starts up again. Time Remaining: 12:47, 46, 45¡­
I was going to call it a day, and finally begin to plan around this almost wasted opportunity to get tasks accomplished, when I was suddenly flooded with a stream of energy.
Cumulative Experience Gained: 3,750,000 / 1,875,000 / 1,875,000 Ding Level up. Divinely Akashic Qi Master has increased by 54 levels to level 390. Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by 48 levels to level 416.* Quintessential Ethereal Healer has increased by 70 levels to level 571.
My head was spinning after the updates. It took me a moment to realize that I just cashed in seven individual quests, which apparently all had a danger completion bonus for being completed in the zone with the Cthulhu Void Creature, giving a 1.5X bonus experience completion for each. Some might say this was me breaking the system, I¡¯d say it is rather a matter of my procrastinating paying off as usual. Not that I want to reward myself for procrastinating, but if the system will reward me for procrastinating then I am all for it. Go me, for waiting apparently. Though I do have to admit that the sudden change was a lot to take in. I stagger for a second, which fortunately Mallory is there to grab me from the air like a drunken bee, and hold me close. ¡°You okay?¡± She asks, ¡°you finally got the update?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± I state, and am about to Teleport us, when I realize that this is a bad idea. Then pausing for a moment, I need to check on something. With a few quick applications of Positional Switch, I relax, knowing that my Simulacrums are apparently better at not procrastinating than me, as they are all up to various tasks. Some of which I think I might want to stop and ask what they are doing, or why they are doing this task that way, but ultimately I trust them. Well me, I trust me to have my best interest in mind, while I do things. Which reminds me, I still only have?
Time Remaining: 12:24, 23, 22¡­
Yep, only a few minutes to do all the things that need to be done. ¡°Yes, you ready?¡± I ask. Mallory just nods, ¡°yes, the sooner the better.¡± Hearing that, I can only nod in agreement. I almost pull up the Teleportation matrix that I have been used to, when I remember how badly that went for us to get here. Granted there was a whole invading monster from another dimension, but it still made me question my abilities. For a moment I almost think about asking her to walk with me, but I realize we only have Twelve minutes left on what is effectively a stacked Confidentiality. Not wanting to waste this moment by walking, I pause wondering what to do, then I realize there is an easy solution that is like Teleporting, but not. ¡°Yeah hold on, this should work,¡± I state. ¡°You always know how to instill my confidence,¡± Mallory responds dryly. Not giving her words enough time to ruin my train of thought, I focus and activate a power that has to work, one that isn¡¯t like Teleporting at all. That¡¯s right, I use Arcane Geomancy Teleportation, yes the name is similar, but the effects are anything but. And before I can question my choice, I choose it, and force the two of us through yet another spell-work structure that might or might not be affected by the status and conditions of extra dimensional energies being applied to our otherwise sanitary magical environment. Nothing to worry about at all¡­ Chapter 283 Cosmic Cosmetic Surgeries And Blind Jumps of Fate Chapter 283 Cosmic Cosmetic Surgeries And Blind Jumps of Fate (15 Minutes Ago) Everything was going perfectly. Just as I expected, there were not odd tunnels associated with my use of Arcane Geomancy Teleportation, rather it was just a matter of me going to connect with a different portion of myself. This was why I chose to go straight from Timult, the location Mallory and I were at currently straight to World¡¯s End, the city where our guild set up shop and set as their home. Of course, the only problem with that was that while the process of using Arcane Geomancy Teleportation, was different, the spell didn¡¯t seem to account for the odd spatial anomaly that had suddenly appeared, preventing spatial movements through that same zone. Looking back on it, I realize that was likely me oversimplifying the issue that caused my initial Teleportation tunnels to Timult to breakdown. I also realized that while I fly, I apparently lean forward, particularly when I am trying to get somewhere quickly. No doubt this is an automatic response to straightening out my core muscles, and allowing my wings to have as much propulsion as possible. The only problem with such a position, as I soon found out, was that it caused your face to be forward. Now looking back, I see why Superman always had that stupid pose of having his hands stretched out in front of his face, to have his hands take first contact with any objects he might otherwise fly directly into. I however did not have this luxury. First, my right hand was held back and down at an angle so I could maintain contact with Mallory¡¯s hand while I pulled her along with me. As for my left hand, well I am not saying I¡¯m a distracted flier, but I was using it to help keep random frills of my apparently cute dress from flapping up and hitting me in the face. Perhaps that was my dress¡¯s way of telling me that I was about to have a tragedy. That or it was just my lack of good karma, which I had used to help the old eldritch elven lady from an alternate dimension. The same lady who after I lost all my good Karma stole my Zero and is now holding him hostage, still bitter about that, even if she can bring him back to full health. All of these factors help explain how what happened next was in no way my fault. WHAM! There I was minding my own business, trying to utilize as much of the free twelve minutes I had to go unnoticed with everything in this world when all of the sudden, I was faceplanted, literally. Going from near full speed in an Arcane Geomancy Teleportation generated speed trip, to completely still in a second is a lot for a body to take in. Fortunately, I stopped. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, with my leaning forward and lack of superman hands out to protect me, I stopped by ramming my face head first into the spatial anomaly that seemingly came out of nowhere. Worse, there was pain, not the typical pain where you think it will be bad and then it is not, as your mind pauses to take in the situation to feel you are fine. No, this was the intense burning sensation of having your face partially dropped in lava, and then having your nerve endings seared away, so you know there should be pain, but wasn¡¯t. Whoosh. Then to make matters worse, we were forcefully ejected from the random subspace of Arcane Geomancy Teleportation, where Mallory and I was forced out into the world. We were in the middle of some grassy war-torn field. I¡¯m sure if I looked closely enough, I could find people and civilization. The only thing about that, was that it would cause me to focus away from the immediate area we were in, and most importantly it would require me to focus on something other than my own face. Fortunately, I could still see the world around me, thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight. Unfortunately, my Angel¡¯s Sight, showed the bright vibrant world around me, it showed Mallory just as I remembered her, wedding dress and all. Then me, I was structurally the same. Two dangling legs, a long flowing dress that was apparently hot pink, two pixie wings that protruded with magical energy from my back. Two arms, and a head. A head that apparently had no face. Just flat, like one of those bad sci-fi movies where the robot¡¯s face gets removed and all you see is the fleshy inner workings of a cyborg that had living flesh grafted to it. ¡°AHH!¡± I cried out, half in realization of the pain I was in, which was far less than the amount of pain I thought I should be in. Then on reflex, as anyone would, I of course reached my hand up and tried to touch the now void where my face should be. Healing. As one would expect, I instantly began trying to cast Healing magic on the site, but there was something wrong, it was as if the magic wanted to work, but it didn¡¯t know what or how to rebuild my face. Normally there were genomic assists, at least that is what I think they would be considered. These were parts of coding that would help automatically refill or guide magic to the correct spots to make Healing as quick and painless as possible. Now it was like that auto assist had been taken off and I was being forced to reconstruct my face from memory, while dealing with the pain of said face being removed. Gentle Breeze. One cannot describe the pain that a gentle breeze, something that seems so innocuous at times can cause a burn victim. Particularly one where the facial nerves are not as raw as one would expect. ¡°Oh my Gods, Cass, your face¡­¡± Mallory exclaimed. ¡°Yeah,¡± I said, or at least I tried to, as I felt what should have been my mouth open and close, but really it was just my back few teeth that ended up clicking together, while my vocal cords vibrated an odd tune. Yes, I even scared myself at this point. Shaking my head, I reached out and grabbed Mallory¡¯s hand. I needed to get out of the wind, and I needed to be at a place that I felt somewhat safe in. For whatever reason I did not want to stay right next to the random spatial anomaly that doesn¡¯t affect the real world, but will cut and burn away Teleportation channels, along with causing half your face to burn off if you try to bypass the clear warnings. Again, at this point I was mainly angry with myself, but that was something I would have to deal with on my own. To my surprise, Mallory unconsciously flinched away from my hand. I paused and just stared at her. Or rather I tried to, but I guess my face might have been truly revolting as she clearly warred with herself for a moment, before reaching her hand forward. With that I decided to try to go around this anomaly. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. The idea was to go south, towards one of the two mines that I had freed and imprinted with. From there I would heal my face and then figure out what else to do. Arcane Geomancy Teleportation. Before I knew it, we were in the land of the Teleiot¨ªs, perfectly safe and sound, no random walls appearing out of nowhere. No random face melting episodes. Though I will admit that this time I did hold up my free left hand to brace for any random spatial anomalies that would appear. And of course, now that I was taking things seriously and prepared for such an outcome, that was when nothing happened. Shaking my head, I realized quite a few things. First, I was leaking, not excessively, but I was leaking pixie blood at a fairly quick rate. Second, some of my faithful Teleiot¨ªs, came to try see what had happened. At first it seem that they were angry at Mallory, which given the situation, and my face, I could see that as many raised their weapons at Mallory. It was only a quick raising of my bloody hand that stopped them. After a second, they seemed to understand and lowered their weapons. Only after this, did Mallory completely avoid the Teleiot¨ªs, and focus solely on me. ¡°Shit, Cass, you going to be okay?¡± Mallory asked. Click, chomp. I tried to respond with something sarcastic, but again only the back few of my teeth managed to produce any sound by clamping together. ¡°Right, you can¡¯t talk,¡± Mallory began. And with that I just nodded, and then turned trying to figure out what had happened. My mind instantly began noting the intense pressures of the spatial anomaly, which allowed me to link it back to the odd disturbance of the Void creature arriving. Then my mind went back to Timult and how the outer layer of coding seemed to have been burned away, at the presence of the Void Elf creature. It was that revelation that helped me further my own observations that Healing Magic, or at least normal Healing Magic would not be effective, at least not right now. I paused, as I tried to understand what was happening, before I wondered if I was right in that the initial coding for my face was somehow dissolved. Fortunately, I managed to stop my progress in time from being completely consumed by the anomaly, or so I thought. But was that entirely the case? That was my thought at first, but then I realized that no, the rest of my face made full contact with that barrier, which caused intense pain. Pain that was enough for me to lose focus and drop us out of the sub-space we were in. This meant that the anomaly was denser? Is that what happened? I was using normal magic, which seems light and fluffy compared to the densely woven tapestry of magic that comes from the void realm. That¡¯s when I realized, I needed to weave my magic together. Or at least that was what my mind came to, when pressed with everything. I had pixie blood slowly oozing over my eye socket, or where my eyes should be, which was oddly motivating in getting to a plan and sticking with it. That was why after a short period of time, I decided to start trying to Weave Craft, that was my official term for this new spell structure. The problem was that I wanted the Weave Craft to be thick, this was my face after all, but I remembered how dense the structure was due to the off-center layering effect that was observed. I also went thin, as I didn¡¯t want Mallory to come back with any statements like me being thick headed. Yes, I chose a lighter frame, to avoid possible bad jokes by Mallory. As I knew she would ask a lot of questions about this, and why we were here. That said, she was nice enough to back up a few feet and let me work. All the while turning her head every so often to see my face, only to turn away in revulsion. But like watching the results of a multiple car accident, Mallory couldn¡¯t keep herself from sneaking a peek back every so often. However this was fine, as it gave me time to both begin loosely casting the layers of skin. I started small, going with just trying to seal off the obvious bleeding parts first. I created one coat, and the blood still poured through, but at a much reduced rate. Then adding a second layer of living flesh crafted energy, I did the same, this time, I infused the two layers with Golden Qi energy. These were going to be muscles after all, meaning they needed to be alive. Then slowly layer by layer I made the changes needed to fix this. Well my version of slowly, as after I got the first one down, I began chain and multi-casting these all over. Why go quickly, because my face felt like it had been sunburned and I was out in the Sahara desert with piercing twenty mile an hour winds hurling dirt and debris right into my face. It wasn¡¯t like that, but these were the motivating factors I had, to push myself further. Also, there was a certain muscle memory that came with the process. Almost like I should know how to cast these spells, I just didn¡¯t try before. With the grafting, the best way to describe it would be akin to blowing bubbles. You can blow one really big one with a lot of time and focus, or you can just take a deep breath and let loose sending hundreds of bubbles into the air at once. I chose the latter option, at least at first. For the bones, I also infused Silver spirit Qi into the structures, giving them a stronger durability. I noticed that once I got what I considered the base frame, the world seemed to respond in kind and once again provided my Healing Assist mechanisms. That is, once I had a round globe for a forehead, the coding designed to help regrow my brain and outer skin appeared. Not going to point out that I didn¡¯t have part of my brain there to Mallory, I know she would just make some snarky remark about finally getting something to fill that void I always had. Or ¡°are you sure you had it to begin with?¡± I could also feel my teeth, tongue, and mouth coming back to life. Again, it felt like I was moving slowly, but after I did the first layer, the Healing Assist came to life and all but demanded I build here next. Then graft this portion over there. While I felt bad for needing the Healing Assist, as it effectively felt like painting with magic by numbers, I did come to appreciate its subtle elegance. Only now that I was looking for it did I see it and its importance. It was seemingly always there, just hiding in plain sight. I wonder if my mind subtly picked up on these assists and began subconsciously using them for all spells. As this thing was amazing, I could even see how it would help me to use other forms of magical energies as well. Was I always cheating, by using these assists to create the spell and effect I wanted? Or was it really cheating if everyone had access to this same magical assist, but no one seemed to take a moment to realize they were there, in every part of this world. Finally, after a long time, I paused and opened and closed my mouth, blinked my eyes, and took in Mallory as if for the first time. ¡°Are you okay now?¡± Mallory asked. I nodded, then finally feeling confident with my healing I spoke, ¡°yeah, I feel fine.¡± Then Mallory just stared at me. Seeing her intense gaze, I inwardly paused as I tried to understand what I might have done wrong. Then I realized, I might have gotten the color off. That or maybe my skin had that freshly healed sheen that only comes from skin that has not been weathered. ¡°Do I look okay?¡± I finally asked, hoping that I didn¡¯t mess it up. At that Mallory just paused and stared at me like I was crazy. Then seeming to realize the moment, she shook her head and just responded, ¡°yeah, you look great. Better than before actually, if that was somehow possible.¡± She spoke, and I could tell she actually meant it. Apparently for whatever reason I had done the seemingly impossible. I had fixed, or rather helped to further enhance the situation. Then almost as if that was all the still charging and rebooting system needed, I could feel it almost clicking into life in the background, as it activated and linked to me.
Hidden Quest Completed: Cosmic Cosmetic Surgeon: You managed to heal yourself from damage inflicted from external sources. You must continue down this path to help preserve BiPrism from the elements and forces of the beyond. Rewards: Skill, Further Evolution Points Unlocked, Evolution Perk Awakened, World First Notification.
New Skill Gained: Weave Crafting has reached level 1.
Weave Crafting is a Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3 based skill.
You have managed to tap into the deeper realm, and managed to unlock the true power of the universe, find that power and find the path you wish to take moving forward.
Evolution Perk Awakened: Weave Crafting Cosmic Cosmetic Surgeon: Able to heal even the most devastating of injuries to a state that is beyond the original starting point. Effect: All healing when using Weave Crafting is increased by 25% efficacy. All healing performed using Weave Crafting is capable of increasing related Attributes based on part of the body healed, effect related Attributes Increased by 25% on targeted area.
Seeing the message I could almost feel the slow languid pace that the message took to be generated, almost as if it was thinking and trying to hide everything. It was odd that there was no experience provided, but I think part of that was due to the way the system itself seemed to be working overtime to try to both fix itself and provide a reward for what it just saw. Looking out of the corner of my periphery, I saw the indication that I had apparently spent over ten minutes healing myself from the damage taken by the instantaneous travel.
Time remaining: 1:23, 22¡­
I exhale, as that was a lot, over ten minutes of me focusing on one task, no wonder it felt like I was at it forever. Mallory of course just stared at me, her mouth agape. I was going to wonder why, but then realized that I likely had that 25% bonus to my face, as in I might have made it more perfect. Which was not my intention at all. Still, I was glad to have a face again, so I guess I¡¯ll take it. I pause wondering why something felt off. But realizing that everything was still going, even if the world was only now slowly grinding back to life, It was still seeming for it to get easier at coming back online. Which was my cue to get back to the Wedding so we could be back in place and pretend like nothing had ever happened. Looking around I see the Teleiot¨ªs, who are all gathered around and just staring at me. Seeing them and that they are still able to work and move about naturally, despite the world being completely paused, I am about to ask, but then realize I have better things to do with my free remaining minute of Confidentiality. ¡°Thank you for letting us stay here while I fixed this,¡± I state, while gesturing to my face. With that, the Teleiot¨ªs all seem to nod and kneel down in reverence. ¡°Yeah, and time for us to go,¡± I note as I turn and grab Mallory¡¯s hand. I am about to try to use Arcane Geomancy Teleportation again, hoping that this launch angle to the second cleared mine, and from there to World¡¯s End will be free and clear of face erasing obstacles. Everything is going well, when finally the last part of the quest bonuses springs to life like a stuck jack-in-the-box figure that was finally released.
WORLD FIRST NOTIFICATION: Rise Of The Beyond. Creatures and Powers much greater than mere mortals have arrived. Fortunately, there are those who have already taken the first step towards mastering the new powers and protecting the world. Be warned though, for this will effect everyone.
Seeing the message I pause, as I instantly feel Mallory¡¯s hand clasp down tightly on my hand. ¡°Okay, so I take it what you did was a super big deal?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°You saw me, I just healed myself like I always do,¡± I responded a bit defensively. Mallory just stared at me, then shook her head. ¡°We don¡¯t have time for this, let¡¯s get back and discuss this later. I wanted to protest as that would likely mean burning my own personal Confidentiality for that conversation, but then sighing I agreed. With a huff I made the first drop off point to the southwestern mine then realizing we were safe from any anomalies I took in a deep breath, and prepared for the one last jump, hopefully. Again, the whole idea behind this route was that we should be south enough to have avoided the anomaly, but I couldn¡¯t be for certain. Though an odd part of me seemed to know that the giant void rift was to the north east of us currently. ¡°Relax, there is still plenty of time,¡± Mallory said, her voice reassuring and confident. ¡°It¡¯s not that, I¡¯m worried that we might find another anomaly and be hurled out into space,¡± I state, but I take in a quick breath and cast my ability again. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Mallory asks with a note of panic, but we are already gone. Poof. Chapter 284 Going BaNa^2(s) (5 Minutes Ago) (Mallory) Chapter 284 Going BaNa^2(s) (5 Minutes Ago) (Mallory) May you live in interesting times. Those words, what was once posed as an ancient Chinese curse, often had few tangible elements to be anything close to an actual curse for Mallory. After nearly eighty years of existence in BiPrism, nearly a full century of work, she was fairly certain that she had seen almost all that the world had to offer. Everything from the implementations of unique bloodlines that could help establish dynasties, to setting up one of the most powerful and mobile guilds in the world, to now this. Being shuttled around, with a spazzing pixie who casts magic like it¡¯s a component of breathing, and who apparently got her face melted off by Teleporting into a spatial anomaly. Fortunately, this one was not as bad as the last time, where they had the tunnels break apart and it felt like they would fall into space for a moment. No, now she had learned to keep her devastating chances down to a point where they only affected herself. Which, wasn¡¯t as helpful as one would expect, due to the way Mallory now completely relied upon Cass. Yet, like most obstacles that come her way, not only does she meet them head on, literally in this case, but she somehow improved herself. In this case she became both a trauma surgeon capable of reconstructive surgery, along with clearly opening the path towards true godhood in this world. It was the last part that seemed simultaneously impossible to imagine, while somehow feeling simultaneously like it was expected. Almost like everyone who saw the crazy girl, truly took a moment to look past her quirks and high speed tempo, they would see someone who stopped at nothing to push themselves on to greatness. Poof. Those thoughts and more flashed through Mallory¡¯s mind as she found herself hurtling through space, though unlike times before, where the process felt instantaneous. This time, the process felt like it was slightly more tangible, as if the time taken between where they started and where they ended could be counted, which was almost impossible before. Poof. That was when Mallory suddenly found herself right at the center of the wedding procession. Right where she was supposed to be. ¡°Thank God, about time you two are back!¡± The King, who should be Penelope still demanded upon seeing the two of them suddenly arrive. ¡°No time,¡± Cass shouted, as she grabbed the King, played by Penelope, and disappeared. Poof. Upon seeing the pixie move with a quick Teleportation, Mallory found herself instinctively flinching. As if her mind now associated the act with random bouts of violence to occur. Pausing for a second, she looked around and saw that the Princess Octavia character was now coming up from the rows of the stands to rejoin her up on stage. Then out of slight horror, Mallory instinctively checked to see how much time was left.
Time remaining: 1:12, 1:11¡­
¡°What are you doing?¡± Mallory found herself hissing at the Princess, played by Jhonny, who was arguably one of the few people here who would be back within the required time limit. ¡°Sorry, I got drafted,¡± Princess Octavia replied. ¡°Drafted?¡± Mallory asked, suddenly wondering what happened here. ¡°Yeah, Cass¡¯s Simulacrum began giving us all instructions on what to do,¡± the Princess responded. ¡°Yeah,¡± the lone voice of Maranda could be heard as she was currently walking on top of the back row of one set of pews while sprinkling out more glowing dust on everyone sitting down. Hearing that, Mallory¡¯s lips curled up in a vicious smile, as she realized the pixie had finally slipped up. ¡°You mean she spoke to you and ordered you to do things?¡± Mallory pressed, realizing she would finally have undeniable proof that Cass¡¯s Simulacrums spoke. ¡°What? No, she just handed us piles of this dust and then gestured for us to sprinkle it everywhere,¡± Maranda called out throwing out the last of her dust before climbing to her now vacant seat in the center of a pew. ¡°She didn¡¯t speak?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°No, but she did pantomime. You know that over 80% of communication is non-verbal, making words only 20% of how we actually communicate with each other,¡± the Princess stated. Hearing that, if Mallory had any doubt before that the Princess Octavia was being played by Jhonny, she could rest assured that now there was no doubt. With that Mallory just stared at Jhonny who just went to a spot and seemed to take on a pose. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Mallory found herself asking. ¡°Oh, this is the spot I am apparently supposed to go back to,¡± Jhonny as Princess Octavia explained. Then seeing his spot, Mallory herself could see a spot where she too was supposed to be. Shrugging, she first went to the spot, then found slight arrows telling her which way to face. Poof. Before Mallory could get too far, there was a burst of Teleportation energy as someone appeared right next to her. Turning she saw that it was Penelope as the King. Or at least, she thought it was the King. But before Mallory could say or do anything, the King leaned forward and kissed Mallory on the lips. Fire. There was an intense sensation as the two kissed, but then pulling back, Mallory felt shock and fear grip her as she couldn¡¯t kiss Penlope, her ex. ¡°Wait, we can¡¯t¡­¡± Mallory responded, pushing the King away from her. Seeing her, the King looked confused for a second, before smiling brightly. ¡°Oh, this is good. No, I no longer need a replacement,¡± the King explained as his avatar too began getting into place. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Mallory asked, seeing the annoying yellow arrows tell her she was facing the wrong way. ¡°I no longer need my understudy,¡± the King responded. Hearing that Mallory was still a bit too confused to track what was happening, an expression that clearly shown on her face.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation. ¡°It¡¯s a girl,¡± the King said, drawing out the last word to emphasize the noted change. With that, recognition finally filtered into her mind, as she suddenly felt relieved. Relieved first that Gwen was okay, and secondly relieved at the feelings she felt when they connected. Realizing that Gwen was safe. The baby, who was also her biological and in-world grandchild was safe, and that they were back was a bit of a miracle. Mallory was so caught up in the emotions of everything that she found herself leaning forward, as she prepared to steal a kiss, a real kiss this time. But just as she did, the world seemed to conspire against her. Ping, ping, ping. In her mind, she felt the sudden ping of her Guild Manager tab being hit with notifications. Normally this would be her way of tracking when or if someone completed a quest. Which shouldn¡¯t have been a thing, considering that Mallory had her D-N-D marker up for Do Not Disturb. This should be a given, seeing as she was in a wedding, but then the gravity of the situation hit her as she realized that her guild was here. No, more then that, time was still frozen, at least for the next¡­
Time remaining: 0:47, 0:46¡­
Forty-six seconds. A pause filled Mallory¡¯s mind as she realized there was only one person whose quest completions were allowed through her D-N-D status, and that was for any quest completions involving the pixie. With horror filling her mind, Mallory paused and quickly opened her Guild Tab to see that yes, there were a slew of new notifications. Apparently during this time Mallory herself had also completed a quest.
Major Guild Quest Accomplishment: Guild Member Accomplishment (X 2): Congratulations to the Midnight Hunters for officially being recognized as a guild having not one, but two (one) Guild Member(s) recognized as achieving Guild Leader of the Year status for both the Magic Guild and Thieves Guild. Rewards: Bonus Experience and Rewards for Mage and Thieves Guild quests completed over the next year. Conditional Reward Marker Set: Recipient(s) must accept the reward, before bonuses can be applied.
¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, but as she did, she felt that knowledge of the quest completion went out to everyone in attendance. ¡°Is this true?¡± Jhonny, still playing Princess Octavia, the Mage Guild leader for their city asked. ¡°Tell me one of those is you?¡± Mallory found herself asking, as her mind tried to make sense of everything. Jhonny could only shake his head no, causing his blond locks to rustle lightly against his face. Fortunately, before Mallory had more time to ruminate about what happened, an answer came. Poof. There she was. One second, nothing but doubt and speculation, the next moment a pixie holding an albino pup in her hands, and swaddling the pup, who also seemed to be awake, if barely. To make matters even stranger, was the fact that the Pixie seemed to have her finger in the baby pup¡¯s mouth, and was apparently delivering some type of bright glowing liquid to the pup. Instantly thoughts of mutagenically altered turtles roaming in a sewer system came to Mallory¡¯s mind, but were quickly displaced by other equally terrifying thoughts. ¡°Jhonny, you have to say, that you are the Mage Guild recipient,¡± Cass demanded, her words absolute, but something about the situation seemed entirely off. Maybe it was the fact that a pixie in a pink dress was feeding a cute albino puppy, but sadly didn¡¯t seem to even register on why this was so off for Mallory. ¡°Okay,¡± Jhonny responded, apparently having learned long ago not to argue with the crazed pixie. Seeing his acquiescing to her demands, Mallory felt that she had done right by allowing him to be her guard. With that Cass just nodded. ¡°What happened, I thought you accepted all of your quests a moment ago?¡± Mallory asked, as suddenly her mind realized that yes, those pings that made it through her D-N-D filters were other quests recently noted as being completed by Cass. ¡°I did, but it seems that while I¡¯ve been unable to do anything with these 15 minutes of fun, my Simulacrums had unfettered access to do everything they had been working on for the past month,¡± Cass says with a bit of a pout. ¡°Well just close them out quickly, before time restarts here,¡± Mallory stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. Hearing that Cass paused, seemed to check out the time.
Time remaining: 0:22, 0:21¡­
Then seeing the time herself, Mallory realized that there might not be enough time, and was about to tell her to hold off until after the restart and the end of the wedding, but before she could say anything Cass acted. ¡°Okay, here hold this guy while I get to sleep for a moment,¡± Cass said, quickly holding out the puppy. ¡°What?¡± Mallory asked, before instinctively reaching out to grab the puppy. With the puppy gone, Cass floated a half step back and then proceeded to close her eyes, take three deep breaths, and promptly get to REM sleep in seconds. Seeing the pixie go, Mallory¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°I¡¯m so jealous, I¡¯ve been unable to sleep for months now, and here she is going to sleep in seconds.¡± Burst, flash, burst. Almost instantly, flashes of golden light could be seen going off around Cass. Checking her interface, Mallory looked at the quests and finally saw their names.
Guild Member Quest Completion Log:
Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s Recent Quests: Hidden Quest Completed: Finding the Great Fae Shrine; Hidden Mage Guild Quest Completed: A Great Sacrifice; Hidden Mage Guild Quest Completed: What is good for the Guild is Good for the Commander; Hidden Mage Guild Quest Completed: Stealing Your Way to Mage Guild Hall Master of the Year; Hidden Quest Completed: First Acanarus Tower Climber (VII); Hidden Thieves Guild Quest Completed: Stealing What You Already Stole (Default) Win Thieves Guild Master of the Year by Earning the Same Title Under an Alias with Any of the Other Guilds
Seeing the quests being completed, Mallory felt an odd sense of awe. Not only had Cass unlocked a new profession during the same fifteen minute interval and unlocked the apparent ability to become a true god in this world, but her Simulacrums also did miraculous things as well. Just as Mallory saw the quests complete one by one, she, like everyone was shocked to see not one but two world messages flash to life.
World Notification: Rejoice Harmonious Magical School Spells have been made available at the Mage Guild on the second level of the Arcanarus Tower.
Seeing that message, Mallory felt that the next message began to make more sense. Especially after seeing the quests that Cass¡¯s Simulacrums had managed to complete.
World Notification: Congratulations to the Midnight Hunters Guild for having the Guild Hall Masters of the year recipients for both the Mage¡¯s Guild and the Thieves¡¯ Guild.
Mallory had just finished reading the message, when the pixie woke up. ¡°Phew, how long was I out for?¡± Cass asked, but then a quick check of the time, and she seemed to move with conviction. ¡°Oh shoot,¡± Cass responded, lunging forward, and plucking the puppy from Mallory¡¯s hands. Poof. Before Mallory could even blink at what happened, the pixie and her pup disappeared. Poof. Only to return a moment later, where she seemed to awkwardly pull her body up into a random position. Mallory was so lost just staring at her friend who looked like she was trying to get into a comfortable position to be a zombie, when she spoke. ¡°What are you doing, it¡¯s almost go time,¡± Cass demanded. Then like that Mallory looked down to see the timer.
Time remaining: 0:03, 0:02¡­
With the reminder, Mallory found herself instantly following the directions and hopefully getting into place. Rumble. There was an almost noticeable rumble as the world began to speed back up. Slowly at first, but gradually picking up speed until they were once again at full speed. Finally, sound began to play, as the priest once again came to life and began speaking. ¡°Do you, Lady Mallory Valhalla, take this man, King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri, ruler of the Delarian people to be your husband¡­¡± Hearing the words come out, Mallory could only feel herself fighting back a laugh, as she turned to look at her King. There staring into the inter-changeable avatar, Mallory looked into those eyes and felt content. For this was her Gwen, someone who she truly loved, and honestly was slightly relieved that the pixie had managed to somehow, someway get this world back to be the way it was the entire time. ¡°I do¡­¡± Mallory found herself saying. Badump, badump, badump. It was so close, by now all Mallory could hear was the rhythmic thumping of her own heart within her ears. Though she did hear when Gwen clearly spoke, ¡°I do.¡± Hearing that, a smile crested her lips as she realized everything was going to be fine. Then she heard the words that caused her world to go silent for a moment. ¡°If anyone objects to the union of these two souls, let them speak up now, or forever hold their peace,¡± the priest stated. And almost as if on cue, six, no seven people began to move, but were suddenly stopped. Glancing at them, Mallory paused, realizing that at least one of the foreign delegates that was allowed as a personal favor had plotted to use this time. For a moment Mallory wondered, how? But taking one last look at them, Mallory saw that they seemed to be covered in a form of glowing dust. Seeing them, Mallory remembered how both Jhonny and Maranda were seen spraying out glowing dust at the intermission. Ping. Hearing that sound, it was clear that the pixie, or maybe one of her Simulacrums had apparently completed another quest. Realizing that, Mallory just smiled. May you live in interesting times indeed, Mallory thought to herself. ¡°You may now kiss the bride,¡± the priest declared. And with that, Mallory did just that. Weakness. Once again, their lips met, and once again, Mallory realized that there was something special about Gwen. Something she swore she would cherish. With that, everything went by like a blur. The ceremony was over, shortly after the kiss. There were a few last minute statements, after which Mallory felt the Guild Quest Completion notification go off in her mind.
Major Guild Quest Completed: A Permanent Treaty: You, acting as the leader of your Guild have made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. By marrying the king of the native inhabitants of the lands that your guild has claimed, your guild has found a peaceful way of gaining full rights to the land that will avoid bloodshed and strife between your two factions. Congratulations on your now united partnership, and may you find true peace.
Seeing the message, Mallory quickly cut out before the rewards were noted as this was not done. There was still much to do, and she found herself waiting. Fortunately, nothing seemed to happen. For those few dissenters that had tried to object before the union was finalized had been locked in place, and only made to look a fool afterwards. Then with the actual ceremony over, the quest completion applied, that was when Mallory and her King were being greeted by everyone. However, there was one time when the seemingly simple magic of the moment seemed to shatter and break and that was when Arc Mage Belton approached to give his congratulations. ¡°Yes, congratulations,¡± Belton said as he got close to the two. ¡°This was surprisingly a lot easier than I thought it would be. Honestly, I assumed it would have been harder, given all the prep that went into this.¡± Hearing that, a slight chuckle left Mallory¡¯s lips. Then before Mallory could say or do anything, the pixie who had been on guard the entire time, began almost demanding that he take it back. ¡°Take it back, no wait, knock on wood.¡± The pixie said, her body whipping around to find the wooden pulpit from which the minister gave the ceremony. ¡°There, knock on that, quickly¡­¡± But before the arrogant mage could do anything, enough time had apparently lapsed. KABOOOM!! Then the pixie gave the two-word response that would mark the start of the Midnight Hunters Guild War Against the Legrand Empire. ¡°Too late¡­¡± Interlude XXI (Larry Yo-Boy’s BiPrism News) Interlude XXI (Larry Yo-Boy¡¯s BiPrism News) ¡°And hello there everyone? I¡¯m sure you, like everyone else are assuming that during the immediately scheduled maintenance due to unauthorized hacking attempts, the BiPrism systems were completely taken off line. Despite the fact that there was a three-hour delay?¡± Larry began. With that a number of perfectly ordinary scenes and views from various individuals could be seen from all around. Most showed markers from before the crash and just after. ¡°As you can see the world seems to be the exact same as it was before the crash, mostly.¡± Larry began. ¡°In fact, one could claim that the servers managed to fix the glitches that were happening in Timult, you know the ones where NPCs were being buried under sand and unable to move or respond. Even the three pixie delivered eggs are now open and missing. Additionally, the city of Timult is almost back to its pre-Cass state.¡± After saying that, Larry paused. ¡°You know, I think I might have to trademark that, a Pre-Cass state? Is that already taken? I know there was word about a Pre-Cass-Tastrophy already being trademarked. But this is nuanced, for it implies resetting to a time before Cass did something?¡± Larry asked someone off-stage likely the production manager or at least camera operator. ¡°I¡¯m being told that it is already trademarked as well. Well, who would have guessed. I assume the owner will likely want a royalty from us?¡± Larry began, but then cut back, ¡°well royalties and loss of future wages aside, we must continue with what we have found.¡± VRRPP-VRRRP-VRRRP! With that proclamation an alarm system came on. ¡°Well, I think it is safe to say that the Wedding¡¯s day Massacre that we were all expecting and hoping for is a bust. We were all expecting midget ninjas jumping out of wedding cakes, assassination attempts, backstabbing declarations of love for Mallory. There were odds makers that had the over under for number of people protesting the marriage to be at 1 and a half, yet there were zero. Everyone who took the under won. Other prop bets that failed, number of deaths during the wedding, the line moved up to nine and a half total but was registered as zero at World¡¯s End. There were three desiccated bodies found in the streets of Timult, before they were slowly swallowed up by the resetting city. But yes, zero deaths during the actual wedding. Number of assassins expected to make an appearance over under four and a half, there were zero. And finally, over under World Firsts registered, one and a half was the goal. We got zero. A complete bust by all accounts. Super betters are at a loss, for they were escalating the nothing-nothing-nothing deals, the Wedding Triple pack, or what was also referred to as the three zeros for two payout. They all had different names, depending on where you placed your bets, but essentially the odds were the same, if all the prop bet categories hit for zeros, you would get a hundred fold return on your investments. Apparently, over two thousand people took advantage of that.¡± With that Larry held up his own betting slip. There at the top were the words that were unmistakable.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Midnight Hunter¡¯s Super Wedding Triple Pack. Wagered: $1,280.32 Estimated Payout: $128,032
¡°Yep, guess who doesn¡¯t have to worry about a ten-cent copyright royalty charge today¡­¡± Larry exclaimed as he clicked the printed off ticket before cashing it in immediately. ¡°Wait, did you place all our rent money on that bet?¡± A female voice asked angrily from off stage. Hearing that, Larry looked momentarily flustered, before continuing. ¡°Right, where were we? Oh right, the oddities. While there were no break aways for births of deadly pups, or Mallory¡¯s own Granddaughter-daughter, we can see from our following around Cass¡¯s rune writing Simulacrum that they are all alive and well.¡± With that the film changed to show multiple sets of glowing dire phase wolf eyes that glowed an eerie yellow in the darkness. ¡°Additionally, there is now a new feed that Larry Yo-Boy is investing their recently acquired funds to purchase. That being the channel is called Redding Spiritlight, and so far it is mostly darkness, but we believe that is due to Mallory¡¯s biological granddaughter Cassandra Redding, residing in the same sacrificial altar room as the Dire Phase Wolf¡¯s makeshift kennel.¡± ¡°Till then we should go over what is up left. We have the war, between the Legrand Empire and the now Unified Midnight Hunters guild. Additionally, something that we are looking forward to here, in just under two weeks¡¯ time we will have the first sighting of Mr. Spiritlight. That¡¯s right, he is coming to the world, he is still married to the good Doctor, and he is linked to the Legrand Empire. How will it all end? I don¡¯t know, but I can¡¯t wait to find out.¡± Larry stated. Then as if remembering. ¡°Just a reminder that our major promoter for today is Draft Things, if people can compete you can win. Remember to gamble responsibly.¡± ¡°Like not betting your rent for the month!¡± The same female voice cried out from off stage. ¡°Yes, like not gambling your rent for the month. Also, make sure to contact the hotline if you have any problems. I¡¯d give you the stat lines for the war¡­¡± ¡°AHEM!¡± The female co-host coughed loudly. ¡°But I unfortunately don¡¯t know what those are, as I do not now, nor ever recommend gambling, despite how much betting for all things Cass seems like a sure win.¡± ¡°Well, maybe a credit coin,¡± the female voice from off stage relented. ¡°Maybe a credit coin, this is good because I saw one parlay that could,¡± Larry began but quickly stopped himself as he looked off stage. ¡°Wait, this is a test, right?¡± Silence. ¡°Well that is the show for today, join us again when I get out of the hospital, and again don¡¯t gamble your girlfriend¡¯s rent money, words to live by. Or stay living by¡­¡± With that, the lights dimmed and it was clear that Larry thought the feed had cut off. ¡°Oh come on, we now have a hundred rent payments, wait we are still on?¡± With that, the feed finally ended. Chapter 285 A Healer’s Guide to War Chapter 285 A Healer¡¯s Guide to War To say I was bored would be an understatement. Well not bored, not exactly. See as a healer, and not just any healer but one of the two who could Resurrect, I was apparently deemed too important to be on the front lines. Yes, I could go about sabotaging enemy vessels all I wanted, before the war officially began. But now that the war was here, I had to stay back. Stay back and watch. Not that anyone would tell me what was happening, but then again with my vision the way it was, I could now see over thirty-five kilometers in all directions thanks to my Perception Attribute being over 3,500. The only problem is, once you can see all parts of a battle happening for thirty-five kilometers around you, the more you realize maybe sitting back is the best option. Which is infuriating as you feel that you could do more, while out there. Of course, I wasn¡¯t alone. I had the entire protection detail. There was Jhonny, who finally dropped the Princess Octavia avatar. Penelope who had transitioned to temporary caregiver during the second half of the wedding. I had little Umbra, my midnight Death Magic affiliated Dire Phase Wolf pup. Then there was also Little Red herself. Yes, that was my nickname for Redding Spiritlight, my now apparent granddaughter, who t had the Legendary bloodlines for both myself and Mallory running through her, but had chosen to take my surname versus the Valhalla surname. Worse, or maybe just karma still kicking me for my choice of the Child flaw so long ago, Little Red already sported an adult sized body. She was just an Ethereal Elf, which meant she had the third eye, and was legally blind thanks to her having Angel¡¯s Sight, a condition of my bloodline. I hate this, sitting around, waiting, watching other die, and then waiting for the dead and injured to be grabbed and dragged back here so we could Heal, or Resurrect the dead. To make matters worse, I promised Mallory I would stay here until midnight, which was still seven hours away, meaning I couldn¡¯t even use this downtime to knock out my one-on-one visit with the void creature from a magic-less realm. Worse, she has my Zero, making this even more frustrating. ¡°Gah!¡± I hissed, finally unable to take this any longer. ¡°It has been five minutes, mother,¡± Gwen stated with more than a bit of annoyance in her voice. Since she was the other Resurrector, she of course was here with me. But unlike myself who wanted to use our gifts as they were intended, she apparently agreed that we should be back here, away from all the action. ¡°That is like thirty Swan Lakes to us pixies,¡± I protested. ¡°What? First of all Swan Lake was three hours long. Secondly, there were no pixies or fairies in Swan Lake, it was just a ballet based on a fairy tale, mother,¡± Gwen retorted. As she spoke, I do remember that. But I wasn¡¯t going to let logic stop me, not now at least while I was forced to wait around while I saw dozens of people dropping and dying around me. Thus, I decided to double down on this faux outrage. ¡°Right, because if a true pixie was there, then it wouldn¡¯t even have gotten to the point of conflict. Had fairies been there, then maybe two and a half minutes tops,¡± I pressed, purposefully raising the intensity in my voice without actually raising my voice. ¡°What are you even talking about?¡± Gwen asked, then she paused and then stared directly at me. She and I both knew that the gesture was useless, as we could see everything around us, but it was clear that Gwen was apparently trying to put something together. ¡°You know, if you sat down and waited, you might get a new skill like Patience.¡± Hearing her talk, I couldn¡¯t help but think that she knew me too well. While the idea of a new skill did intrigue me, I quickly dismissed that thought when I realized what I would likely need to do to eventually max out my Patience skill. I also realize that she is doing enough to possibly sidetrack me from my original intention, which was to create an argument that I could use to storm off and actually be of help. ¡°I don¡¯t need Patience, because I have plenty of it, thank you.¡± I reply angrily. ¡°No you don¡¯t, you can¡¯t even wait five minutes for us to be useful,¡± Gwen responded. As she spoke, both Jhonny and Penelope nodded in agreement. ¡°What?¡± I demand, and realizing I am getting close to the time when I need to leave, I quickly shove a slumbering Umbra into Penelope¡¯s arms. ¡°What, oh¡­¡± Penelope stammered as she instinctively went to cradle the beast. ¡°There, now we can have a proper conversation,¡± I state, turning about to focus directly at Gwen. With that motion, Gwen originally looked confused, but then her eyes suddenly went wide with recognition. ¡°Wait, are you purposefully trying to start an argument so you can storm off?¡± Gwen asked. I pause for a half second as I realize I might have done this a few too many times in her presence. Still, it is either I double down and execute, or I admit defeat. I of course, will never accept defeat, especially not during a war. ¡°What? WHAT? You dare accuse me of trying to start an argument?¡± I demand, then before she can get a word in edgewise, ¡°I don¡¯t have to take this, I¡¯m going to go for a walk to calm down¡­¡± Poof. That is the problem with arguing with your kids when they are adults, they know all of your tells. *** After Cass left, a foursome of minders left behind specifically to keep Cass away from the front lines all stared at each other. ¡°Did she just?¡± Penelope asked, while holding and gently rocking the slightly disturbed, but still sleepy albino dire phase wolf.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°Create an argument just to storm off and play Healer, yes.¡± Gwen answered, a note of annoyance in her voice. ¡°I¡¯ll call it in,¡± Redding noted as she pulled out the communications device. As she pulled it up and began connecting to the switchboard, she began walking away. Leaving just the original trio behind to look vacantly at each other. Finally, after a second, Jhonny broke the silence. ¡°Wait, I¡¯m confused,¡± he began. With that both Penelope and Gwen stared at Jhonny. ¡°What?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°You¡¯re telling me that there weren¡¯t fairies in Swan Lake?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Penelope and Gwen both shot back annoyedly. ¡°Then who were the little creatures dancing on the water, were they just supposed to be magical swans?¡± *** Fortunately, I can Teleportation once more. Now that the world is back up and running as it mostly should, meaning we are back to the sanitary magical sandbox settings, magic is back to normal. At least magic the way I have become accustomed to accessing, using, and casting the energy. Though I can tell the difference, which is good, as it means I should be able to focus on what real magic is, and can do. Also, with magic being back to normal, I can cast all my old spells without worrying about unforeseen consequences. Though I am not going to lie. As I still found myself putting up my hand in front of my face while Teleporting, a face-saving reflexive gesture that I don¡¯t know if I want to train out of my system. At least I don¡¯t want to train this out of my system for the immediate future. Especially not when I need to go back to the Void Realm later tonight. No, right now, I¡¯ll keep it, even if it does make me look stupid. That said, in the middle of a battle the last thing I need to worry about is my looks. Poof. Body found, body grabbed, spirit tether strengthened just enough, Teleport. Poof. I arrive back to safety, before the enemy forces have a chance to even recognize that I am there. Once the body and still attached spirit are back to a relatively safe location. Totally not the Kujo Caverns with the self-cleaning sacrificial altar, but a sterile environment that is conducive to casting magical spells and effects. Also, this is a win-win for me, as each body I heal here will be sanitized and used to fuel my next power infusion for my body. A win-win-thanks-to-war scenario. Though I do have a moral quandary, one that is easily fixed by simply thinking about the situation for a moment. With the first body here, secure and spirit reattached safely, I decide to go out and get more bodies. Magical-Tingle. ¡°Oh, never mind. Thank you, Rune-ulacrum,¡± I state as I realize that Rune-ulacrum, my fourth Simulacrum is already here and helping. With her on Resurrection detail, I begin to go back out and grab more and more bodies. Poof. Magical Ripple. I instantly feel a tether of magic trying to attach itself to me, which I quickly Dispel. Before grabbing the next downed soldier and securing their spirit before removing weapons and just taking the relevant body with me. Poof. Another body down, another body sterilized, and spirit stabilized. Then I am out. Poof. My goal is to work quickly and effectively. With me being on body retrieval and Rune-ulacrum on Resurrection, one would assume that I would be the slow one. But apparently Rune-ulacrum is taking their sweet time. I get back and pause to see what she is doing, then I realize she is performing Perfect Resurrection, a spell that takes at least five times longer than the standard version. ¡°Come on, you are slowing down the line,¡± I state. Then look at whom she is Resurrecting. ¡°Wait, don¡¯t waste a Perfect Resurrection on the enemy,¡± I state, and then point to the lapel on the jacket of the first body I took. A body that is apparently a Legrand soldier. Rune-ulacrum just turns up her nose and continues the casting. I am about to argue with her, but then realize that stopping now and switching would cost more time and resources in terms of my mana. ¡°Okay fine,¡± I state, then turn around ¡°Kujo!¡± Foof. A very tired but seemingly happy to be away from having to help babysit twelve pups, the thirteenth is currently with Penelope. ¡°There¡¯s the new dad. Look, we might have a bit of a problem. Can you make sure everyone plays nice when they wake up?¡± I ask. Kujo looks at me and then seems to have a bit of fog in their mind as they can¡¯t quite understand what I am saying. ¡°Look, just lie down there and bite the limbs off of anyone that wakes you by screaming,¡± I reply. Tail wag. And like that, Kujo was onboard with helping us Resurrect even enemy soldiers within this area. Kujo for his part laid down, curled up tightly into a ball, and immediately went to sleep. I had to give him credit, he acclimated faster to being a father than even Rob did. Not even out of day one and he is exhausted. Poof. I pop over to see Ms. Kujo who is also sleeping, despite being under a horde of quivering and moving babies. I cast a gentle Area Rejuvenation over everyone present, then I go back out and continue picking up bodies. All the Midnight Hunter spirits end up staying next to their bodies, apparently, they were told or just assume we would come to rescue them. A smart assumption, as they don¡¯t leave their bodies, and don¡¯t even worry about trying to move on with either their next lives or what number I get to them. Spirit waving. Yes, in death, apparently what you do is sit next to your body and wave at the pixie as she suddenly appears on the battlefield. ¡°I see you all already, calm down. I¡¯ll get to you all.¡± I state, securing the next body and spirit, before Teleporting out. I¡¯m actually hitting three different battle fronts all at once. The idea is that if I stay at one spot for too long, then people might get time to prepare. Though it is nice, as the waving spirits let me know which ones are friendlies. At least at first, soon after even the enemy spirits begin waving at me. Making it tougher, but once I start securing a body, even that of an enemy, I don¡¯t stop. Instead, I just shake my head and think about having Penelope make a glowing patch that shines even in the spirit realm. That or I need to mark all guild members¡¯ souls, but that seems excessive. SCREEEEAMING ARTILLERRRYYY! Poof. I get out of the way, just before the bodies that I was working with get hit by a giant mortar. That¡¯s just mean, as it destroys the bodies, and makes it so Resurrection is just that much harder. For a moment, I think about stopping the mortar round, but it seems that my private lair that is now a makeshift infirmary, has its own sense of drama, as a recently Resurrected Legrand mage is up and trying to cast a subtle spell. Worse, Rune-ulacrum is too focused on casting yet another Perfect Resurrection, though this time on a Midnight Hunter. Kujo is sleeping, which just leaves me. Poof. I appear behind the slyly casting mage and strike out. Core Shattering Palm Strike! Shatter. A sound and feeling like breaking glass erupts from my strike that bursts through the body of the mage and sends out a violent ripple of force that integrates the once impressive perfect core. With that one blow, I take away all the benefits that Rune-ulacrum just applied to the body by Perfectly Resurrecting that body with a fully developed Tier VII core. Wheeze! It is clear that the mage is trying to breathe, to cry out in pain, but is unable to. Of course, at this point I am already focusing on the issues. I want to yell at Kujo, but then just shake my head realizing it would be pointless to chastise him, so instead I focus my attention where it might actually make a difference. That¡¯s right, I focus on myself, well a portion of me at least. ¡°See, this is why you don¡¯t give the enemy nice things,¡± I say to the still Resurrecting Rune-ulacrum. Though this time Rune-ulacrum does drop their head in seeming capitulation. Gasp. Finally, the body that Rune-ulacrum was Resurrecting comes to life. Seeing that this task is done, I propose we switch our roles. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go out and get the other bodies, I¡¯ll focus on Resurrecting for now,¡± I state. Rune-ulacrum looks like they want to protest, but ultimately just drop their head in shame. Poof. I didn¡¯t mean to be rude, but sometimes you just have to be terse with yourself, if you want to change for the better. With the first Legrand soldier down, but alive and a Midnight Hunter soldier up, I feel better. Also, I can multitask, meaning I start casting Perfect Resurrection a total of four times from my Quintessence Ethereal Healer class specific Trait: Resurrection. I just change the parameters and how much energy I use to cast a Perfect version of the spell, but I¡¯m happy with the fact that I can use that same pool of energy to cast the Perfected form of Resurrection. ¡°You, you actually came for us?¡± The Midnight Hunter soldier spoke, he looks vaguely familiar and it takes me a second to see him once his spirit calms down. But once it fully settles, I recognize him almost immediately. This was one of the participants who tried to be part of the initial batch of Qi Manifestation students. Recognizing him, I just smile and decide to push mess with him a little bit. ¡°Of course I do recruit,¡± I state. ¡°Recruit? You remember me?¡± The soldier asks. ¡°Of course I do,¡± I don¡¯t remember his name. In fact, I don¡¯t remember most names, other than the ones I name. I wonder if that is why I make them so bad, so they are easier to remember? But I don¡¯t want to be pressed for him to ask me what I think his name is, so I push the agenda. ¡°For remember what I told you, when I first met you?¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t forget it if I tried,¡± he states as a slight chill runs down his spine as he just stares at me. Seeing his reaction, I smile, knowing that my Resurrectionist joke would not be forgotten that easily. ¡°And what did I say?¡± Smiling inwardly as I¡¯m going to get him to tell me my own joke about not dying, because I didn¡¯t give permission to die back to me. ¡°Pick those legs up higher sissy!¡± He shouted, force and fear represented in his tone in equal measures. ¡°What?¡± I ask, completely caught off guard by that comment. ¡°That¡¯s what you said when I first met you,¡± the soldier responded. ¡°Okay, well what did I say after that?¡± I push, trying to get him to tell me my own punchline back. ¡°You better move faster, those hills aren¡¯t going to run themselves,¡± he pressed. With his words, I find myself nodding in agreement, as I think I might have said something to that effect. Though, I¡¯m pretty sure he is just adding a bit of extra emphasis due to not being selected for the first round of admittance, that was of course when I was trying to get people to either force me to accept them or to drop out on their own. ¡°Okay, but what did I say about not having to worry about dying?¡± I ask, hoping that he can finally relax despite constantly getting more and more frightened the more I ask him about that one little training scenario. ¡°You said, go ahead and die. If you do, I¡¯ll just Resurrect you and make you start over from the beginning. In fact, please do so, maybe that way you will do it right, for once.¡± The soldier responded. And like that, I realized I might be rememberable as an instructor, but possibly for the wrong reasons. Chapter 286 Words Better Left Unspoken Chapter 286 Words Better Left Unspoken There was an odd feeling in the increasingly more and more cramped Kujo Caverns. The more people I Resurrected and Healed back to full health, the less space there was. Poof. Poof. Worse, my fourth Simulacrum, Rune-Ulacrum, was hard at work jumping out into combat zones, grabbing bodies and bringing them back. While I began casting Mass Perfect Resurrection, apparently that is where we were as a society. Where being able to Resurrect individuals was no longer enough. So now I had to create a brand new spell to help me be lazy.
New Spell Created: Mass Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): A new spell created by Doctor Cassiopeia Spiritlight to create controllable areas of effect that can be used to cast a perfected form of Resurrection on recently deceased. This spell will recreate their body of the recently deceased in an idealized age and form, before reattaching the spirit to the form.
Yes, a new spell built entirely on stopping the number one function of war. I know, I know, I should have started with the Anti-War spell and then used this to clean up the aftermath, but sadly even I cannot fathom how to end war. As such, here we are. I¡¯m here surrounded by Ms. Kujo, a litter of 13 puppies, one of which is in my arms while I¡¯m casting Mass Perfect Resurrection on both Legrand and Midnight Hunter soldiers and of course, we also have all four annoying Pomeranians around. ¡°Hey get off me,¡± a boisterous Legrand soldier yells out. His voice echoing in the confined caverns. Yeah, this seemed like the perfect spot to start Resurrecting people, but now that time has gone on and there is clearly no easily obtainable exit, everyone is getting sort of flustered. Grr. To make matters worse, the Pomeranians, are now getting annoyed that their cohabitated home is being invaded by ungrateful people. ¡°Shut that yippy dog up, before I go over there and make it shut up,¡± one of the Legrand soldiers yells out. ¡°Ohh!¡± And like that, all the Midnight Hunters suddenly get quiet, back up, and watch with intensity. ¡°Are you threatening my dog?¡± I ask, then realize these are the annoying guardians who have chosen to shapeshift to be Pomeranians. But even in this form, they still have all their strength, mass, and ferocity as their normal elemental size and shape, just in a much smaller package. With this, I stop tending to the people from the last batch of Mass Perfect Resurrected soldiers and focus on the Legrand soldier who seems to be trying to gain some symbol of control over this situation he is in. But rather than being nice and asking to be sent somewhere else, he decided to apparently act out? I don¡¯t know. I get that people are stressed out, this is war. They came here fought, died, and then got Resurrected, completely negating the sacrifice of war, but still show some level of self-preservation. Right now, it was clear who is who, as all the Midnight Hunters were slowly but steadily backing up, placing their backs against the wall and slowly moving away from the horde of now agitated and growling Pomeranians. While everyone else appears to be Legrand soldiers who are standing in defiance against the Pomeranians. Well, they are standing in defiance behind the largest and likely one of the most powerful Legrand Soldiers here. ¡°Look, before this goes any further, or you do anything stupid, realize you are here and alive once again thanks to our efforts. We have temporarily looked over the fact that you came to our lands, declaring war, while we were most exposed, and are now threatening Pomeranians. I¡¯m not certain if this is how you envisioned this day, but dying twice in one day, the second by self-inflicted injuries from targeting a Pomeranian should not be on your list of priorities right now.¡± I state in what I hope is a calming tone of voice. Though some people just want to stir up a hornet¡¯s nest for the fun of it. ¡°You think I¡¯m afraid of some Pomeranians?¡± The man continues. ¡°You should be, considering if you look, every Midnight Hunter is slowly backing away from them.¡± I respond while gesturing to the fact that there are now clearly two types of people in this cave, those that are afraid of the Pomeranians and creating a horseshoe shape around the caverns, and those that are Legrand soldiers too dumb to be scared. ¡°You think I¡¯m afraid of a puntable pup!¡± The man declares while taking a menacing step forward. GRRR! Now all four Pomeranians are in attack poses, teeth bared, legs coiling and lowered back, ready to strike forward. ¡°You should be,¡± I respond, which was apparently the wrong way to deescalate this situation. For at that moment, the Legrand soldier showed he was not frightened of four glowing Pomeranians inside the Kujo Caverns, as he kicked out wildly towards the earth based elemental Pomeranian. Personally, if I had to kick one, I would have gone for the air, as I would assume it would be like kicking a cloud, but to each their own, apparently. CRACK! The foot struck out and impacted a solid mass of stone and earth in the shape of a Pomeranian. That was apparently all the provocation the other Pomeranians needed to come to aid of their brother, as they all charged forward and with quick devastating bites ripped off limbs in a matter of seconds. Arterial blood sprayed wildly from the four open limbs, as even the earth based Pomeranian, the aggrieved party in this began chewing on a limb. Fortunately, we were still in the self-cleaning cavern and thus all the blood and viscera that sprayed out landed, began to glow softly, before being broken apart into energy particles and transferred to my little swimming pool of power below. ¡°Ahh, help me, help¡­¡± the once overly cocky solider cried out. I could see a healer from the group getting closer and thinking about casting a spell on the man. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare Heal him,¡± I state, while pointing to the healer. At my point, the four Pomeranians dropped their preferred limbs to their feet, before staring. ¡°But he is bleeding out and dying, I have to do something.¡± The healer exclaimed. ¡°He was already brought back to life, in perfect condition, and then he tried to kick a dog, he doesn¡¯t deserve to be saved again,¡± I state. ¡°So you are just going to let him bleed out slowly?¡± The Legrand Healer exclaimed. ¡°Gah!¡± I hate it when they hit me with my conscience. Though, secretly I am glad for this, as I didn¡¯t want to see him die. Not while I could do something, but still, this guy was pushing it. ¡°Fine!¡± I say in a huff, as I immediately begin casting Restrictive Healing. This is a variation of the normal healing abilities, but in this case I focus on more life saving measures, like sealing off open wounds to prevent excessive bleeding, and then begin Regenerating the blood lost in the torso. To the people of the Legrand Empire, I apparently look like a miracle worker as the man is stable and healthy in a matter of seconds. Of course, he was still without arms below the elbows and legs below the thighs, but that didn¡¯t matter, as he was alive.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Wait, I¡¯ll help,¡± the healer stated as they moved forward and tried to cast spells on the cauterized limbs, only to find that their spells bounced off. ¡°No need to help, he is as healed as he will be from here on out,¡± I declared. There was enough muscle and bone left on each appendage that he could have prosthetics attached, at least for the time being. Healing Splash. There was no form or direction to the energy, just pure unbridled energy being released out over the soldier, as if they were Jackson Pollock with magic. ¡°What? How could this not¡­¡± The healer exclaimed as they got closer and again began casting just waves of unstructured mana at the person. I¡¯m assuming that this is some type of channel healing spell that they created or learned, but it seems wildly wasteful of mana. Still there is a bit of chaotic beauty in it that I can almost see the layers of cascading energy patterns that the Void being used. Seeing them cast that spell, I feel that they might be onto something with their horrendously inefficient spell. Their spell form won¡¯t work, because they are too wild with their casting, for even the other less idealized structures in their same spell will break apart the ideal portions and make the entire process a wash. But there is something there. Seeing that chaotic nature that self-implodes, I realize I might understand where the next wave of my evolution as a magician will take me. That¡¯s when I decide to make my move. ¡°You there, Splash Healer,¡± I state, pointing to the Legrand Healer who I find intriguing. I don¡¯t know why I chose the name, other than it was literally what they were doing, as if they were a firefighter. But rather than putting out fire with water, they tried to put out injuries with wildly pressurized Healing magic. As I state the name, which was meant to be stated as truthful sarcasm, not the actual truth, I feel something click within my mind. Flash. At that realization of something just clicking into place within my mind. I noticed giant golden threads of karma dance out from me and surround the Jackson Pollock style healer. For a moment I realize that I can stop this, but I decide not to, as I know I am currently low on golden karma, having apparently lost all of it. Realizing that this might be part of why I was close to letting a man bleed out on my floor for trying to kick a dog, I wonder about the effect of only having negative strands of dark karma surrounding me. For this alone, the fact that I finally have golden karma back, and that I didn¡¯t gain any more dark karma from refusing to heal the Legrand moron, I let the cords reach out and interact with the Legrand Healer. ¡°WOAH!¡± Apparently, everyone can see the glowing hue that now surrounds the healer as both Legrand and Midnight Hunter soldiers are reacting to the situation. That is when I realize exactly what the golden threads of Karma did for both me and the healer. The effects for the healer appeared almost instantaneously.
New Magical Surname offered: Splash-Healer: A healer who treats magic as a hose that can be sprayed at full volume. Effect: All magical effects conducted with a spray effect are 10% more potent, and 25% more potent when using Healing Magic. Efficiency of spray effect magic is increased by 10%, while all healing efficiency is increased by 25%.
While the effects of how that just happened took a second.
Hidden Quest Found: Providing a Name (Ongoing): You have identified a Healer worth bestowing a last name on. Your name of Splash-Healer has been noted and recorded. Rewards: New Bloodline Evolutionary Perk Unlocked. Bloodline Evolution Perk: Providing Magical Surnames: You have begun to see the uniqueness of certain mages and magical beings, gifting them names that will showcase their latent abilities. Effect: All surnames provided can offer up to 50% bonuses, depending on naming resonance.
Now I could swear that the last part about naming resonance was a direct jab at my awkward naming style, but still I got the full 50% for this name. Or maybe this was just the one-time exception to the rule? Though I don¡¯t think I could have come up with a better name. There is a moment of confusion as everyone looks at the new glowing Green surname that appeared over the Legrand Healer¡¯s head, if only for a moment.
Valeria Splash-Healer Level 406 Water Temple Priest
Seeing the class description, I can sort of see where he got the inspiration for his casting style, though again it is too rough. Like trying to bathe someone with a firehose, yes great for putting out fires, but terrible for day-to-day use. Though maybe at lower levels it might not be as wasteful, but at his current level it is clear that this is not the most efficient use of his abilities. ¡°So, again Splash-Healer, your form is wanky. If you¡¯d like, I¡¯ll take you in as my apprentice.¡± I state. But before I can even realize my misstep, or what I might have been offering, the world seemed to recognize the moment. For at that announcement, there was a loud crisp gong sound that went off. Ding. Then to add even more dramatics to the effect, I saw a message appear.
Hidden Quest Offered (Legendary): Prime Apprentice of the Doctor: Doctor Cassiopeia Spiritlight has offered Valeria Splash-Healer the chance to learn under her as her first true magical apprentice. This is a binding agreement that will link you two together for a term of no less than seven years directly, while forming a bond that will last a lifetime. Rewards: Experience, Skills, Variable.
Seeing the quest, I realized that it was a binding contract that would last as long as all my time so far that I¡¯ve spent in BiPrism. During that time I would be effectively tied at the hip to this stranger? I want to tell them to say no, that I take it all back. But unfortunately, it seems that this is one of those times when that whole Pixie must tell the truth thing is a must. Because unfortunately, I did mean what I said at the time. For I felt that I could teach this person to be far better at casting, while hopefully learning something myself. They were unrefined, but the way they cast, I could see the lattice work in there, that I desperately needed to mimic, if I was going to be able to cast spells that could survive past this sandbox environment. Perhaps the system seemed to recognize this fact, which was why it seemed to push this binding. First with the almost forced magical surname, which I didn¡¯t know was truly a thing, but now I can see a whole bevy of ways this could be used to improve forces constantly. Though, I could also see how it could be abused, not just by those who I bestow the surname to, but their children. This is something I sadly have to deal with, with Rob Jr. or Trenton as he prefers to go by now. There was an odd silence that filled the chamber, as the Healer seemed to be reading the quest that she had been prescribed. ¡°You?¡± The Legrand Healer, Valeria, began. ¡°You are Doctor Cassiopeia Spiritlight? The Terror of Timult?¡± She began. Silence. There was an awkward silence, before I could feel the golden Karmic bonds that bound me to this Healer loosen slightly. Seeing the movement, I realized why I was forced to be quiet. I also realize that what I say now will impact how strong these golden Karmic bonds that bind us together will be. Chuckle. I wanted to be serious, to take this seriously, but I couldn¡¯t. ¡°The Terror of Timult? Is that what I¡¯m called?¡± I asked, feeling slightly tickled by the fact that such a large country like Legrand even heard of me. ¡°Yes, you are one of the two most powerful individuals who are opposing peace,¡± the priest began, though it was clear that they didn¡¯t believe what they said. A fact that was confirmed by the way they seemed to glance about at everyone nearby. Well the fellow Legrand soldiers who were nearby and all watching and likely recording this interaction, many no doubt streaming it to be recorded and interpreted by body language experts, with results sent back to Legrand leadership. Poof. Poof. While this awkward exchange is going on, my Simulacrum is working overtime pulling in body after body. ¡°Well then, you have your choice,¡± I say casually, while I go about my primary goal for being down here in the first place. Mass Perfect Resurrection While the girl just stares at me, I begin casting the next mass Resurrection spell. ¡°Would you come with us?¡± The priest asked, a bit of hope and desperation in her voice. Chuckle. I just laugh at the idea, then post it back to her, ¡°would you do the same if you were me?¡± With that the Water Temple Priest looked momentarily defeated, dropping her gaze to the ground. This of course is when the paraplegic soldier chose to cut in. ¡°You are going to contemplate what she did, after all the devastation she did to Timult?¡± The soldier demanded angrily. Hearing his outburst, I almost agreed, but then remembered that these people might not be up to speed on everything that happened. Not that I was either, as Timult was in the process of fixing itself, but was not quite there when I left, but that was a few hours ago. Still, I felt that things were somewhat safer there, that was why I opened a viewing portal to Timult. Arcane Geomancy Teleportation By focusing on the broken Cthulhu eggs, and the desiccated Cthulhu beings on the ground, I found plenty of magical remnants to latch onto and allowed everyone to both see Timult as it was currently. Then do a panoramic view of the city, showing how it was slowly healing itself back to normal. ¡°What? What type of trickery is this?¡± The soldier declared. ¡°Look, no doubt some of you are eager to be out of the enemy stronghold here. While we are also getting very cramped. Why don¡¯t some of you go to the other side, see if it is Timult and then come back?¡± I offer. There is a pause, as apparently no one wants to trust me. ¡°I¡¯ll go first, there and back to show it is safe,¡± Jhonny declares. When did he get here? I wonder, but have that question quickly drop off as I realize he apparently snuck in sometime with both Gwen and Penelope. All three were apparently nearby should I need help. Poof. Jhonny went to the other side of the portal, waved to everyone. Then you could see him clearly go over to a news stand, blatantly pick up a newspaper from the stand. Then he kept the newspaper up the entire time as he made his way back through the portal. There on the newspaper was today¡¯s date, along with a Legrand headline.
War Declared: Today the Legrand Empire has begun their campaign of peace against the rebels of World¡¯s End¡­
Then there was an overhead image of World¡¯s End taken from a long-range blimp, that showed the city randomly appearing on the horizon after a vast desert. Then below that were pictures of Mallory and what had to be a cartoonish rendition of me from when I was still an elf. Wow, just reading the article made me realize how out of touch the Legrand information network was. Seeing the paper, many that had been protesting seemed to stop, as they tried to understand what was happening. ¡°You don¡¯t believe that do you?¡± The still paraplegic soldier demanded, trying to build up animosity in this already tight cave system. Hearing him, while still trying to focus on casting my Mass Perfect Resurrection spell, I realized I had enough. ¡°Jhonny,¡± was all I needed to say. Well that and a slight head gesture down to the immobilized soldier. For his part Jhonny didn¡¯t hesitate, gracefully striding forward as if he owned the place, which he sort of did. That and the fact that two Pomeranian guardians followed him on each side caused any would be Legrand heroes to thankfully back down. ¡°Hey, put me down. You can¡¯t touch me¡­¡± the soldier began, as he tried to flail about, but fortunately Jhonny was able to maintain a grip and just tossed the soldier through. Calling through the portal, I gave him a chance. ¡°If you ever get that stick out of your rectum, I¡¯ll heal you properly.¡± I state. Then with that statement, golden karma strands stretched out from me, through the portal and connected to the soldier, offering a quest. Fortunately, the quest recognized the spirit of my words and not my actual wording, this time.
Hidden Quest Offered: Redemption of Character: An immensely powerful being has found you to be lacking. Fix yourself and your outlook within the year, and you will be healed back to a perfect form. Status: Incomplete. Time Remaining: 364 days; 23 hours; 59 minutes; 59, 58 seconds. Rewards: Healed to a perfect state.
¡°Ohh,¡± the crowd of Legrand soldiers all cried out in morbid fascination. Apparently, the quest¡¯s prompt had been made visible to everyone, which was good as it showed that I didn¡¯t want this person to suffer for the rest of their life, but to have a better attitude about the life he had. With the one problem soldier thrown through the portal that I had switched to one-way, out to TImult, I then offered. ¡°So, anyone else wish to leave while you can?¡± I offer. ¡°You mean it?¡± One of the soldiers asked. I pause, then look at him. ¡°Yeah, do you think I want you all here where you could cause more trouble?¡± I ask. WHOOSH! At that, the Mass Perfect Resurrection that I had been casting finally ended, and over a dozen soldiers all began rising and trying to orient themselves. Fortunately, Gwen, Penelope, and a few other Midnight Hunters soldiers were all going to help. They even helped the other Legrand soldiers. Nervously, a Legrand soldier raced through the portal, where they promptly almost tripped over the angry soldier. It was clear that there was some not nice words spoken, as the second soldier grabbed the disgruntled injured soldier and pulled him off to the side. With that, there was a mass exodus of Legrand soldiers, until there was just Valeria and a few others who all waited around nervously. Seeing them, I said the first thing that came to mind. ¡°Okay, I think I know why Valeria is still here, but why are the rest of you still here?¡± Chapter 287 Pent-up Prenuptials Chapter 287 Pent-up Prenuptials (Mallory) (35 Minutes Ago ¨C Present) Frustrated. If Mallory had to sum up her current situation, and how she felt with everything that had happened and gone on up to this point and her current mood going forward, it would have to be summarized as frustrated. If shew as given more words to elaborate it would be Unsatisfied, Soiled, Lacking, and above all premature. ¡°Hey congratulations commander, those bonuses already paying off for us,¡± Advisor Wordsworth stated, his tone sadly honest and excited for the bonus. ¡°Yeah, kudos to you for getting that taken care of first thing,¡± Vickard and Melkin both chimed in. As she looked at them, she saw no mocking glance, no jovial mockery, just pure pride and satisfaction in their leader. Which made the entire process so much worse. They were of course referring to the treaty bonus that was increased by an additional 50% thanks to her consummating the event with Gwen, immediately after the wedding.
Major Guild Quest Complete: A Permanent Treaty: You as the leader of your Guild have made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. You married and subsequently consummated your marriage to the ancient elven King Galuminous De¡¯Arcaneri. By doing so, you formed a permanent peace and integration of all assets belonging to both your guild with the inhabitants of the elven capital of Deolar. Rewards: Experience, Rank (Queen), Title, Badge, Daytime Protection Bonuses. Note: You and the members of your guild will gain a 25% bonus to all rewards received from this treaty now that you consummate the marriage. With the additional 25% bonus to all rewards received due to the consummation happening before midnight on the day of the wedding.
Thanks to the 50% bonus that all rewards received, the overall effects were as follows:
New Rank Acquired: Queen of World¡¯s End Queen of World¡¯s End: Your word is law, at least in World¡¯s End and all surrounding lands that are eventually conquered and brought to heel under your empire. Effect: +150% Leadership, Strategy, Production, and Military Bonus while conducting operations in World¡¯s End. Note: Effect halved when leading World¡¯s End residents outside of World¡¯s End territory. New Guild Title Acquired: Founding Citizen of World¡¯s End: You are recognized as one of the initial founding citizens of World¡¯s End and are subject to greater reverence and bonuses by being on the territory of World¡¯s End. Effect: All Combat related Skills, Abilities, Talents, Traits, and Powers used while on World¡¯s End territories are increased by +75%. Additionally, all production related Skills, Abilities, Talents, Traits, and Powers are increased by +150% while on Worlds End territory. New Feat Recorded: Official Queen of World¡¯s End (10,000): You managed to rise up through the ranks and make yourself become Queen of World¡¯s End. Consummation Bonus Acquired: +75% to all Skills, Abilities, Talents, Traits, and Powers will be noted for each day the wedding contract has been consummated. A further increase of +150% to fertility rates for all World¡¯s End residents noted until time expires. Time Remaining: 23 hours, 42 minutes¡­
Experience gained: 1,500,000 It was of course that last one that sparked a new daily quest.
Hidden Daily Guild Quest: Consummating an Heir: You have been tasked with continuing to try to consummate your marriage by siring an heir with the King of the Deolarian empire. Each day that you are recorded as attempting to sire a child will result in increased prosperity for residents of both unified empires.
This was the daily emperor¡¯s quest that tried to promote marriage in as positive a light as possible. During this time contraceptives of any kind were okay to use, by either party, to maintain that ''newlywed'' glow for a married couple. This time the only real difference was that the entire guild would get the bonus and be notified of the continued actions by Mallory and Gwen, because she refused to do this with anyone else. There did also seem to be the underlying tension that the world wanted Mallory to now suffer through the same nine-month torture that Gwen just had, but that was not necessarily the case. In fact, one could argue that no bonuses were given for conceiving. Just attempting to conceive were registered. Still as embarrassing as it was to have her and Gwen''s personal time logged and registered for the guild to see and clearly enjoy the benefits of, that wasn¡¯t the worst thing about this completion bonus. While the 1.5 million experience per Midnight Hunter member, and naturalized citizen did help out a lot, there was also something deeper that weighed on Mallory¡¯s mind. ¡°I mean, it was no marathon session to consummate the wedding, but that was greatly appreciated,¡± Melkin stated. His words adding the exclamation point to the dissatisfaction that Mallory now felt. The entire thing had been a rollercoaster of events. Everything from the start of the wedding, to Gwen clearly breaking her water, to Cass breaking reality to swap out Gwen for Penelope in the King¡¯s avatar. Then the actual breaking of reality, a nightmare image that Mallory still couldn¡¯t get out of her mind, what with that tentacle monster reaching out and trying to embrace Cass. Yet, Cass managed to avoid any major damage, despite the creature apparently draining three Legrand spies dry of the punishment energy that Cass inflicted on them. Mallory still didn¡¯t understand what exactly had happened there, nor did she want to. In fact, she made it a point to try to forget most of the horrors that she had seen and witnessed. Everything from a giant tentacle monster with a gorgeous female elf¡¯s face, to Cass then losing her face on the way back to the wedding. To the wedding going off with clear flaws, but everyone who was in attendance swore it was perfect. Then the war started. Originally, Mallory wanted to run to the front lines, where she could be the most good. But it was Cass, or maybe her Simulacrum who made the offhand comment. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you two consummate this thing, so all our work was not in vein?¡± At that comment, plans were readjusted. Mallory and Gwen who was still playing the role of the King were escorted by a throng of spiritual knights to the royal bedchamber, where they were to consummate the marriage right then and there. BOOM! All while artillery rounds and concussive bursts were going off around, shaking even the great chamber of the Delorian King. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. Somehow dust fell from the ceiling of the immaculately clean and ornate ghost palace. Still, they had a job to do, and needed to consummate the wedding in order to get the bonuses that everyone could clearly need to repel the invading forces. That was when Mallory and Gwen both started to move. There was just one problem, for it would seem that familiarity does breed contempt. What had been seen as a novel way to spice up their relationship earlier, was now sadly routine. Like wearing the same slutty King costume two months before Halloween, only to take it out for the real occasion and find that it still had stains from the last use. Still, that didn¡¯t mean much, as they began going through the motions. It wasn¡¯t until Mallory saw it, that disgust and revulsion ran through her. ¡°What is it?¡± Gwen asked, clearly seeing the revulsion on her face. ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s fine,¡± Mallory responded, of course it wasn¡¯t fine. It might never be fine again. At least not on the same day as she saw the long tentacle monster from the void try to destroy the world. After seeing that long mass of quivering muscle, seeing a smaller version that was also filled with an elven bluish tint didn¡¯t make the moment any easier. That was when Mallory just lay there, covered her eyes and tried desperately to tune out the memories of the past few hours. Gwen for her part was a pro, getting her cookies in near record time. Then just as Mallory was able to finally mentally relax and forget about the horrors she had witnessed earlier and enjoy the moment with her girlfriend, it happened. KA-BOOM! A giant explosion rocked the lands and caused Gwen to apparently lose concentration enough to end things prematurely. Ding. ¡°GAH!¡± Gwen cried out as the king, but it was okay, as they had things to do. ¡°It¡¯s okay, this is probably perfect,¡± Mallory responded, purposefully rolling off the bed and trying to leave the room as quickly as possible. As she tried to keep her mind from making any more mental connections from eldritch horror beasts to her girlfriend when she was cosplaying as the king. That was why, now when people gave her congratulations for completing the quest, Mallory could only shake her head. ¡°We need to focus, where is the enemy the most concentrated?¡± She asked. ¡°The enemy is making use of long military distribution lines. We think they have used one of the older outposts as a temporary staging area,¡± Advisor Wordsworth postulated. Hearing his assessment, Mallory had to agree. Then after pausing for a moment, she found herself wondering if there were two or more staging areas. That was how Mallory would have done such an endeavor. Though if that happened, Mallory then wondered why her spymaster had not warned her about such an outcome. Only after posing the thought did Mallory realize how stupid that assessment was, as Cass had been busy. Not only had Cass been working on teaching classes, dealing with minor Cass-tastrophies that shot up, but she had been fully engaged in the wedding. Worse, Mallory realized that she had been so focused on keeping Cass occupied, to keep her from doing world breaking events, that she was likely unable to do her normal activities. Just thinking back, she remembered the numerous quests that her four Simulacrums managed to accomplish during a fifteen minute span. For a moment, she wanted to scroll back and see what some of them were. Yet, they had all completed those quests at times that would be recorded, while not being broadcasted to everyone. Thinking back, Mallory remembered asking about one set of completed quests, where Cass ended up becoming the Mage Guild and Thieves¡¯ Guild Hall Masters of the year. As the guild leader she could still see the official notification.
World Notification: Congratulations to the Midnight Hunters Guild for having the Guild Hall Masters of the year recipients for both the Mage¡¯s Guild and the Thieves¡¯ Guild.
While that message would not be broadcast to the world again, the fact that Cass was registered as the recipient for both made her ask the question, when she finally had a chance to ask. Though she might have only managed to get the answer from Cass'' Simulacrum. At a time that was just after the wedding, but just before the consummation, Mallory managed to have a quick congratulatory handshake with the Doctor, during which time, she made sure to bring up that notification. ¡°Congratulations,¡± Dr. Spiritlight noted, an air of utter exhaustion emanating from her as she shook Mallory¡¯s hand. Mallory chose that exact moment to clasp down and offer her own congratulations. ¡°I have to say the same to you, Doctor, though I might have to say so twice,¡± Mallory stated as she refused to let Cass¡¯s hand go. Her grip wasn¡¯t tight, but it was unrelenting. ¡°What? I mean, yeah, but why twice?¡± ¡°Oh because, you achieved the vaunted rank of year leader twice,¡± Mallory pressed. By now the line behind Cass was building up, and Mallory knew that she wouldn¡¯t be able to keep this both vague and without blatantly calling her out. This was when Mallory bulged her eyes and gave her the sign. ¡°Right,¡± Cass stated verbally, while opening her mind Telepathically to state, ¡°what now?¡± ¡°Finally,¡± Mallory hissed as she responded mentally to Cass who could be surprisingly dense sometimes about her Telepathy. ¡°You were noted as the Guild Hall Master for both the Mage¡¯s Guild and the Thieves¡¯ Guild?¡± ¡°Oh that, yeah, what about it?¡± Cass responded back mentally, as if it was nothing much for her. ¡°How?¡± Was all Mallory could mentally send back as she began smiling and thanking everyone that came up and shook her hand in congratulations. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m apparently a genius. See I wanted to make the work on Curing the Blight through Harmonious Magic freely available. So I posted that with Heal-Ulacrum on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower¡¯s Mage Guild. Then to capitalize on that, I then let Heal-Ulacrum pose as the Guild Hall leader and steal the credit for making that spell and new School of Magic available in my guild Hall, which got me Mage of the year honors. Apparently, stealing credit for underling¡¯s accomplishments is highly lucrative in the Mage Guild. Then because I am only posing as the Mage Guild hall leader, and the world seems to recognize that, I got credit here under my primary role of Thieves¡¯ Guild Hall Master for both accomplishments, and thus here we are. Again, nothing major, but kind of glad that happened during a glitch time, otherwise my cover would have been blown, which I believe is what that message was about.¡± Hearing that, Mallory was both glad she had asked and sad that she did, as that likely also caused problems later when she tried to consummate the marriage, by forgetting thoughts of giant tentacle monsters coming for her. That was when she ended up remembering that exact explanation of events from Cass. For a moment, Mallory wondered if she might have said or done anything to react to that memory, for Gwen seemed to change immediately afterwards. Snap, snap. ¡°Earth to Mallory, you there?¡± Vickard asked after snapping his fingers right in front of Mallory¡¯s face. ¡°What, huh?¡± Mallory asked shaking her head as she tried to understand where she was. ¡°You spaced out on us there, are you okay?¡± Melkin asked. Hearing them, Mallory relaxed a little as she tried to remember where she was in the planning phase. ¡°You about ready to head out?¡± Vickard asked. ¡°Yeah, I could deal with some mindless slashing at enemies,¡± Mallory stated as she summoned her Ethereal Scythe from wherever it rested normally and prepared to go out. *** (Penelope) (35 Minutes Ago ¨C Present) Gwendolyn Spiritlight, now back in her normal form was quiet. It was clear that she was sunken and withdrawn, not her normal exuberant self. Seeing her, Penelope originally gave her time and space, hoping that whatever was happening she would eventually snap out of it. Originally, Penelope assumed that her state was due to the horrors of war, but seeing the way she just coldly fell in on herself after her mother, Doctor Spiritlight, left caused Penelope to wonder what exactly was going on in the prodigal daughter¡¯s mind. ¡°A penny for your thoughts?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°Huh?¡± Gwen asked, then seeing Penelope there she just shook her head, before answering, ¡°it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°It doesn''t seem like nothing?¡± Penelope pressed. Going closer, and wrapping a knowing arm around Gwen¡¯s shoulder. Tears. At that one subtle gesture, Gwen started to cry out beautiful glowing tears. These were tears that were clearly not as magical as the ones her mother could make by sweating, but were still glorious to behold. ¡°You want to talk about it?¡± ¡°No,¡± Gwen managed to get out through sobs. ¡°Tsss, we are all friends here,¡± Penelope pressed, holding Gwen tighter. In her mind, she understood at least part of what Gwen had been going through, for bearing children was taxing and the effects immediately afterwards are tough. Then staring off to the side, she saw the child, this Redding Spiritlight out making communications with other people. Seeing the importance given to Redding, a light of understanding went off in Penelope¡¯s mind. ¡°Is it because you were replaced by your own child?¡± Penelope asked, wondering if the sudden lack of seeming importance would bother Gwen. Though this didn¡¯t seem to be too much of an issue, it could still be overwhelming for someone still regulating their hormones after giving birth. ¡°No,¡± Gwen began, but then seemed to ponder the words, ¡°well at least it wasn¡¯t a concern.¡± Hearing that Penelope grimaced slightly from the comments, as she realized she might have given the girl something else to worry about. ¡°Well what had you originally worried?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°It¡¯s stupid, I don¡¯t even know why I bother sometimes,¡± Gwen responded. ¡°Bother with what?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°How to compete with mother,¡± Gwen stated. ¡°What?¡± Penelope and Jhonny both asked in unison. ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s just that she called out her name,¡± Gwen finally managed to get out. ¡°When?¡± Jhonny asked confusedly. ¡°When do you think, you moron, when they completed the Guild Quest for us,¡± Penelope shot out. ¡°Oh,¡± Jhonny replied automatically, then as dawning reached his mind he responded again, ¡°OHHHH, oh wow, that is¡­¡± Jhonny was about to continue, but a quick glare from Penelope stopped him. Penelope was about to use that moment to say something else to Gwen, to help her with this, but fortunately she got an urgent message from her bonded partners. ¡°Master, the energetic one is getting flustered,¡± the mental voice of Kujo rang out crisply in her mind. Hearing the voice, Penelope wondered how their connection suddenly got so clear, only to realize that she now had over 750,000 experience points that went to leveling her new Master Level Tamer class. An act that took her from Level 1 to Level 122. Feeling the surge in levels, Penelope could only be thankful for how much effort Gwen and Mallory put into immediately consummating the relationship, but then remembered the fact that apparently during that moment, Mallory called out Cass¡¯s name. Realizing this might be the perfect distraction, Penelope called back to Mr. Kujo. ¡°Can you come and get all three of us and take us to her?¡± Penelope responded mentally. Then before she forgot to warn everyone she spoke. "We are needed elsewhere," was all Penelope could say before Kujo appeared. Poof. Rather than respond, Kujo came and with a light bite around the arm of Gwen, Jhonny, and finally herself the three of them were moved to the Kujo Caverns. Only afterwards did Penelope realize that Redding had been left behind, but after a moment Penelope realized it was better to just help Cass put out this fire. Poof, poof. As Penelope looked around attempting to get her bearings, she saw multiple things going on at once. She saw Cass, the real Cass, Resurrecting dozens of people in mass. Then she saw one of the Simulacrums popping into and out of existence dropping off bodies to be added to the Resurrection pile. Seeing a commotion, Jhonny instantly went to help Cass, the real one. Gwen for her part just reluctantly began Healing people, which left Penelope to find something to do. Seeing that her four Pomeranian pack members were staring down some of the Legrand soldiers, she mentally sent them a ¡°Good Job,¡± before looking around to see something else she could do. Unfortunately, as a Tailor and now a Master class Tamer what she could do to help were rather limited. Poof, poof. Then seeing how Cass¡¯s Simulacrum kept popping into and out of the area, Penelope looked to Kujo and suddenly realized what she could do to help this situation, in her own way. ¡°Come here Kujo, we¡¯ve got work to do,¡± Penelope sent out, as ideas began forming in her mind. Chapter 288 Creepy Skills and Implied Wills Chapter 288 Creepy Skills and Implied Wills ¡°What are you doing to my dog?¡± I demand as I see Penelope doing that one thing that all over exuberant pet owners end up doing, particularly those that like to craft clothing. That¡¯s right, she was currently clothes shaming poor Kujo. I don¡¯t know if that is the exact term for the process, but definitely seems to be the case here, as Penelope has Kujo sitting back on his haunches, defeated look on his face, while Penelope takes measurements and begins cutting and wielding magical fabric right there on the spot. Honestly, seeing her work, I¡¯d swear she was doing more than the four or five light variations of Tailoring Telekinesis, one that is much more subtle than normal Telekinesis and therefore harder to pick up than regular Telekinesis. Seeing her clearly humiliating poor Kujo, I can¡¯t help but try to stick up for the lug. ¡°He is not your dog, because you specifically passed on the Mythical Beast Tamer class, as such, he is my puppy to dress up as I please,¡± Penelope corrected me, swaying her hips as if to provide extra emphasis to the validity of her statements. Hearing her, I can only shake my head. ¡°Okay, what are you doing to the dog,¡± I correct myself. Hearing that Penelope preened as whatever tailoring magic she was conducting seemed to finally manifest in the form of a sheer magical effect seemed to drape over the Dire Phase hound as if he was now forced to sport the tackiest light up sweater ever. ¡°Well, I am setting up my Alpha to be the head rescue dog for the Healer Brigade,¡± Penelope stated, her words far too excited at the fact that we were still in the middle of a war. Even now, my Rune-Ulacrum and I took turns going out and getting more bodies to then be Mass Perfect Resurrected by me. Yes, apparently that spell is a bit too much for my Rune-Ulacrum to copy. For a moment I wondered if it would be worth trading out Rune-Ulacrum for Heal-Ulacrum, but realized that I rather liked not getting shot at, and thus this arrangement suited me perfectly. Even now, I could take my time between Resurrection waves and inquire about the team. Gwen for her part kept busy, but seemed to be oddly avoiding me. ¡°Are we a Healer Brigade?¡± I asked, trying to remember our designation. ¡°Yes,¡± Jhonny cut in. ¡°The Twenty-First?¡± I asked, trying to keep all these strange military numbers correct. ¡°No, that is the number of our SVC detachment number, which is a part of the Healer Brigade.¡± Jhonny corrected. Hearing that, I paused and realized that there was likely a lot of layers to this military thing that I was not aware of. ¡°Okay, so who is in charge of this Brigade?¡± I ask, wondering who to complain to about the odd structure, and lack of adequate working conditions, person-power, and lack of clear direction given. ¡°You are,¡± Penelope cut in. ¡°What?¡± I ask, thinking I missed something in this. ¡°You are the fearless leader of the 1st Healer Brigade, Doctor.¡± Jhonny stated, making sure to emphasize my Guild Title there at the end. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s why they never took the time to introduce themselves to me,¡± I quip. Everyone just nods in agreement at that comment, then I realize something important. ¡°Why wasn¡¯t this ever brought up in a meeting or something? We are at war, wouldn¡¯t it have been nice to be informed of these things?¡± I ask. At that, Jhonny, Penelope, and even Gwen all stare at me and give me the are you serious, look. ¡°Were there meetings?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, many of them.¡± They all reply, nearly in unison. ¡°When?¡± ¡°I believe one of them was when you, Jhonny, Penelope, and Maranda all went joyriding on your ship,¡± Gwen replies acidly. I want to ask why she is suddenly so angry with me, but I figure it likely has something to with something I might have done. Still, the fact that she is talking to me is good, for we can overcome any adversity with that minor milestone. ¡°To your defense, I managed to get that time changed to a team building exercise,¡± Jhonny pointed out. ¡°Good job,¡± I state, my voice filled with pride at both the initiative and creativity for that response. ¡°Another was when you singlehandedly invaded Timult, before getting ¡®lost¡¯ on your way back,¡± Penelope responds. ¡°Oh, yeah that was right after the stupid bloodline awakening class I was forced to administer the final exam for,¡± I respond. ¡°Yes, the one where a final, last minute, mandatory class was going to be held at the school house, so there was no way you could avoid hearing about your commitments to the war,¡± Gwen stated coldly. Again, she was clearly angry with me about something, but for the life of me, I couldn¡¯t figure out what. I also didn¡¯t want to fish for answers as to why she would be angry. Mainly because her likely response would be the standard, ¡°I don¡¯t know mom, is there any reason why I should be angry?¡± Not that I couldn¡¯t answer, but I likely still wouldn¡¯t find the correct answer. ¡°That wasn¡¯t my fault,¡± I respond, trying to remember what happened, then remembering having to take all the students to the faerie library. ¡°I had to take everyone out immediately. Also, there was no way we could have had a meeting in that building, wasn¡¯t it condemned immediately after that class?¡± ¡°Yeah, thanks for that by the way,¡± Penelope cut in, ¡°after that, I made so much money selling off samples of whipped cream to your students¡­¡± Hearing her, I pause waiting for her to continue, but Penelope just looks around as if suddenly realizing where she is, and more importantly who is around her. I can¡¯t really blame her. For we are still in the increasingly crowded Kujo Caverns, we are surrounded by dozens of people, Legrand and Midnight Hunter alike who are likely seeing me and losing a lot of respect. However, despite the relatively shrinking size, very few people seem keen on joining in on our conversation. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. This might be due to the fact that so far, two Legrand people annoyed me. The first was the mage whose shattered core is still here, helping to calm down other Lengrand soldiers, and particularly their mages. The reason for his help is relatively straightforward, as he likely wishes to curry favor with me, so I might heal his shattered core again. Also, it likely helps that after the way the second warrior was mauled by Pomeranians, that he, like the others who were in attendance, were suddenly more than willing to assist and be on my good side. Then finally, I ask the question that had to be asked. ¡°What did everyone want whipped cream for?¡± I ask. ¡°To bribe the harsh mid-term examiner for SVC,¡± Jhonny cut it in, his lips curling at his own comment. ¡°Oh, har-har,¡± I reply. At this comment, one of the wallflowers cuts in. ¡°Will I be able to join SVC, or will I need to wait until the new semester starts?¡± Valeria Spray-Healer, my Apprentice asks. I want to say no, but then realize I need her around so I can figure out how she is casting perfect versions of spells. Well, perfect versions that end up getting negated and coated by wasteful waves of mana that are also cast in her same streams of energy. Poof, poof. By now, in addition to Rune-Ulacrum going about retrieving corpses, Kujo has also left the area to retrieve corpses. Though judging by the blood stains on Kujo¡¯s new clothes it seems that Kujo might be the cause for some of the bodies that arrive. Particularly the ones that have the giant claw marks on the sides. ¡°No, well yes, but I will need you as my lab assistant,¡± I state, realizing that I will need her nearby to conduct a number of experiments. That is also the exact moment that I begin Resurrecting the next wave of bodies that have been dragged here. Mass Perfect Resurrection. At that point, Valeria just paused and took on a slightly panicked expression. I don¡¯t know if it is due to her seeing the larger-than-life battle hound that is covered in quickly dissolving blood, a feature of the Mythical Level Altar that this place is built upon. Again though, this is the perfect makeshift spot for a field hospital, hidden away, safe from leadership¡¯s prying eyes, and self-cleaning. I fully recommend these places for any would be healer. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry, you don¡¯t have anything to worry about,¡± I respond to my new apprentice. ¡°I don¡¯t?¡± Valeria, the still awkward healer asks. ¡°No, Kujo won¡¯t dare hurt you, not so long as you are with me,¡± I respond, and make sure to give Kujo and the Pomeranians a quick stare. Yes, the Pomeranians are still here, but they seem to be mainly acting as a calm police force. ¡°Right,¡± Valeria responds. ¡°You know that¡¯s not why she was frightened, mother,¡± Gwen states with more of a derisive tone than I ever remember teaching her to wield. Hearing her though, I do have to defer to her insight with people. I am more than a little distracted at the moment, and thus might not be the best judge of character right now. ¡°You¡¯re not frightened of the giant acid dripping murder hound covered in the blood of its enemies after it just traveled through subspace in a direct path that went right through you, before dropping two bodies from its mouth into my Resurrection stack?¡± I ask. Valeria¡¯s eyes went wide as she heard my description, ¡°no, well, I wasn¡¯t afraid. Not until now.¡± Hearing her, I had to nod my head. ¡°Good, as long as you are not stupid, we are fine.¡± I respond. ¡°What?¡± Valeria quipped back. ¡°I can¡¯t cure stupid, everything else, I can deal with,¡± I respond. WHOOSH! Another batch of Legrand and Midnight Hunter warriors are suddenly Resurrected. One second nothing more than meat sacs with lightly tethered spirits. The next second, there are a dozen bodies all rising up, many confused. ¡°What is this? Why aren¡¯t my hands wrinkled any more?¡± One man asks, his voice a lot higher than he is clearly used to, as he also puts his hand to his throat. ¡°Sarge, is that you?¡± One of the Legrand soldiers cries out. ¡°Yeah, though, I would have gone to war a long time ago if I knew I¡¯d get a younger body in the process,¡± the Sarge quipped. GRR! At that comment Kujo just growled. Snap. A crisp ringing sound echoes in the caverns, causing everyone to be quiet. That is when everyone sees me with my hand right in front of Kujo¡¯s face. ¡°You don¡¯t threaten my patients. At least, not until they threaten the staff,¡± I respond to Kujo who clearly took offense to starting a battle just to look younger. At that, I realize using the Mass Perfect Resurrection on Legrand soldiers might be akin to encouraging them to commit more wars. Though I am pleased that Kujo is at least not growling and looks suitably cowed by the act. Once again Valeria has her eyes go wide as she stares at me. Seeing her odd look, I turn back to her, ¡°what, never seen a pixy train a dog before?¡± At that comment, it became clear who exactly was a Legrand soldier, and who was part of the Midnight Hunters. As apparently all the Midnight Hunters just blinked and then shrugged as if it was a typical Wedding Sunday. The others, the Legrand soldiers that had been caught up in my Resurrection processes, they all stared at me like I was some sort of monster. Poof, poof. Once again, my Simulacrum appeared, though this time I maneuvered the body slightly to have it so it took up less space on the ground. Then going quickly, I once again strengthened the attachment of the almost completely free floating spirit with the corpse below. Which was perfect, as apparently that was all that was needed for me to start getting skill notifications, while my Simulacrum came back with yet another body to add to the next grouping to be Resurrected. Poof, poof.
New Skill Gained: Spirit Binding has reached level 1.
Spirit Binding is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2 based skill.
New Skill Gained: Spirit Retrieval has reached level 1.
Spirit Retrieval is a Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Seeing the notification for not one, but two new skills randomly appearing, I couldn¡¯t help but smile brightly. ¡°YES!¡± I hiss, as I punch my fist into the air. Silence. Okay, now even the Midnight Hunters are staring at me like I¡¯m crazy. ¡°What?¡± I ask, thinking I missed something. ¡°You are now happy about this corpse being here?¡± Penelope asked, her mannerisms denoting confusion. ¡°Oh, no. War sucks, but I just got two new skills,¡± I explain. ¡°Oh,¡± was all Penelope replied. Finally after a moment of awkward silence, Valeria asked, ¡°what skills did you get?¡± ¡°Oh, I got Spirit Binding, and Spirit Retrieval," I responded. ¡°Those are skills?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Apparently,¡± I reply. At that, everyone just kind of nods. After that, a tenuous silence fills the caverns as we all fall into a Rhythm. Penelope begins crafting a glowing badge of some kind for all the Midnight Hunters who died, but then were Resurrected. Jhonny ran interference and protection details for me. Well, he and the Pomeranians. Kujo went out to help my Simulacrum get more bodies faster. Though I was pretty sure that Kujo was creating at least half of the bodies he returned with. Gwen continued to avoid me, while Healing a few of the people that were Resurrected, helping to orient them all in the correct direction. Also, it became clear that there was now a clear divide as all the Legrand soldiers took up spots around my Apprentice, seemingly okay to use her as a buffer to protect them against the growing band of Midnight Hunters, or maybe me? Though I don¡¯t exactly know why they would be frightened of me, as I was the one who was clearly Resurrecting everyone. Finally, after some time passed, I saw a few of the freshly Resurrected Legrand soldiers first converse amongst themselves. Then like ants who searched for a queen, they all spoke to each other and eventually went to talk to Valeria. Oddly enough, it was always the ones that were here longer that seemed to be quiet and less aggressive with their body language. It seemed that even after death and Resurrection many of the Legrand soldiers thought highly of themselves. ¡°Um, Master?¡± Valeria finally managed to ask; her voice unassured as she seemed to look for the correct word to call me. ¡°Just Cass,¡± I reply. Then wanting to set her at ease, I continue, ¡°as much as we are going to do in the future, it¡¯s best to be on a first name basis.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± was all Valeria could state in reply. It was clear that she looked like she wanted to end her interaction with me there, but then before she could fully retreat, more of the soldiers came forward and seemed to speak into her ear. At their conversation, I began getting annoyed. Both at the fact that this was taking time, and the fact that these people were apparently using Valeria as a spokesman, when they were apparently too timid to ask for themselves. ¡°Can you all please get to the area at the end of the line segment?¡± I ask, letting a bit of my exhaustion of this whole day seep into my words. Pausing for a moment, I wonder why I am feeling so tired, only to realize that part of my stress relief, my Zero, the familiar who also sleeps for me, so I can get more activities accomplished, is still missing. ¡°The what now?¡± Valeria asked, clearly confused by my outburst. Shaking my head, I almost forget my own comment, only to remember, ¡°the point. I want you to get to the point.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± was all Valeria muttered, before taking a half step back. Still, the newly Resurrected sarge strode forward, clearly reading something in the way I was now glowering at everyone that was hiding behind Valeria. ¡°Sorry for the interruption, Doctor,¡± Sarge exclaimed, while giving a bow. His deep regal mannerisms seeming incongruous, with the baby faced soldier that is standing before me. Still, it is clear that this soldier is taking this moment to take charge of an otherwise awkward situation. Seeing his response, I just stare at the man, and cross my arms. ¡°Right, as much as we love your hospitality here,¡± the man, this Sarge, states while gesturing to the Kujo Caverns around us before continuing, ¡°some of us are aware that you might have been able to offer transportation away from this war zone?¡± Sarge clasped his hands together in front of himself. I could almost imagine him wearing one of those large wide brimmed hats that he would use as a prop convey this message. Though it is clear that his hat is missing, a wardrobe casualty of war. That brings up a good point, while clothes are bound to you and will regenerate. Will they regenerate after death? I think so, but I will have to track down some of these people to check. There might be a point where if the bound items are destroyed after death, they might not be connected anymore. ¡°You all wish to go to Timult?¡± I ask, trying to make sure I understand the ask. ¡°Aye, ma¡¯am. We have all experienced our fill of war today,¡± the defacto leader of this latest batch of soldiers responded respectfully. Hearing him, I look at the rest of them, and realize that I already have golden bands of karma stretching out from me and embracing these people. ¡°You all wish to go home, and end your hostilities with us?¡± I ask. ¡°Aye, that we do,¡± Sarge responded. As he spoke, everyone else bearing a Legrand insignia nodded their heads. While they all seemed to nod their heads at different levels of intensity, their intent was there. Which was all I needed for my end. ¡°Very well, in that case, go. Leave these lands and may you never raise a weapon or spell in anger at myself, members of the Midnight Hunters, citizens of the world¡¯s End, or any of our allies,¡± I reply as I open a Portal directly to Timult. At first everyone just stared at the portal, as if it was too good to be true. Only after Valeria and the shattered core mage both nod in agreement that it is safe do others begin to flow through. Each unaware that only after they pass through is the binding oath of their actions upheld. For there, on the other end of the portal, I can feel dozens of karmic bonds binding me to Legrand Soldiers.
Oath of Passivity applied. Oath of Passivity applied. Oath of Passivity applied. ¡­.
On the messages went, each denoting a new person that would forever be unable to enact war against us. I didn¡¯t really know what the oaths did, other than they did provide a detriment to anyone willing to break their word to me. This was minor, for there were hundreds of thousands of people that made up the Legrand Empire¡¯s military might, but this was still a step in the right direction. ¡°Baby steps,¡± I say to myself, before continuing. ¡°Or maybe just regular sized pixy steps¡­¡± Interlude XXII (Larry Yo-Boy’s BiPrism News) Interlude XXII (Larry Yo-Boy¡¯s BiPrism News) ¡°What is going on everyone, it is me, Larry Yo-Boy here giving you all the details of the epic war of wars that we have all been waiting for. And unlike what you might have expected there has not been much yet.¡± With that, the screen switches to show live feeds of Legrand air ships flying through the harsh deserts and performing a pincer maneuver by attacking World¡¯s End from three sides. However, unlike most other times when this happened, where the front lines collapsed within a matter of hours, and the Legrand empire would then spend the next few hours mopping up fleeing soldiers. This time the walls held. First, the forces were not aided by the superior land forces, strengthened by the ever present mechanoid battle suit divisions. Instead, this was all an air war at first. ¡°Yes, as was predicted Legrand chose to go through with the invasion, despite having a clear delay in their ability to utilize ground elements. Even their highly touted mechanoid battle suit division has been having a hard time making their way through the harsh desert environment.¡± Larry states. With that, the camera feed changes to show a large land transport vessel broken down with steams of smoke rising from its overworked engine. From there it showed the stream of mechanoid battle suits breaking out and individually marching across the harsh desert terrain as they made their way closer. Still it was clear that the mechanoid suits were still making steady, albeit slow, progress towards the war zone. ¡°Also, as expected, both militaries have held their trump cards in reserve. For now the Midnight Hunters have only sparingly sent out many of their SVC units to engage in battle. Which, I must say they were all impressive when they did arrive to the field. Though most of their actions are going to afford little in the times to come, for even now, the Legrand empire is waiting for their Mega-la-tron to arrive.¡± Once again the feed changed, and this time, a giant multipedal monster was seen walking over the harsh desert landscape. As it moved, there was a quick zoom in of one of the legs to show that rather than a sharp spike as the leg normally wielded, this time there were large round disks that the mechanoid unit used. Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Yes, originally it was thought that the Mega-la-tron would be unable to make the trek across the harsh desert sands, as the legs initially dug in too deep. But as you can see, Legrand engineers have fixed this flaw by giving the machine platform shoes. Hundreds of them.¡± At that comment, the screen shows a split screen between the zoomed in and frozen mechanoid leg disk that is easily five feet tall and cylindrical. Then on the right side of the screen showed a famous actress who well known for having excessively large shoes to compensate for their less than average stature. The images then start to play, showing both images walking forward. The only difference was that the image of the right happened to show the celebrity stumbling and falling nearly face first to the ground, before their bodyguard grabbed them and helped them regain their balance on their stilts. ¡°Though honestly, I didn¡¯t think this would work. But apparently it works on the dispersion technique, the one similar to Eskimo snowshoes, also known as raquette ¨¤ neige.¡± Larry stated, clearly feeling pleased with himself for speaking French and believing himself to sound educated. ¡°The idea is that it disperses the weight of the leg out so that it doesn¡¯t end up sinking in as much in the sand. While there wasn¡¯t much sinkage, there were a few times that holes and other objects shifted in the desert sands that the use of the Mega-la-tron would be impossible, or at the very least impractical. Yet, this design is clearly enough to let that multi-legged monstrosity charge across the desert, albeit at a slower pace.¡± Larry stated. Then the screen did a side by side comparison of the giant mechanical beast roaming across the desert landscape, and it charging across the open fields of on of the conquered territories. ¡°Why, might you ask was there such a push to charge forward? Why did the Legrand empire choose to only attack with seemingly half their forces ready? Well two things. First, it is clear that the Legrand empire truly wished to stop the Royal Wedding between the Midnight Hunters and the ancient Deolarian empire.¡± This time the screen changed to show Mallory and the Deolarian King both confirming their vows for each other. ¡°The second, and more important thing was the fact that the Legrand Empire expected there to be a clear disturbance in the leadership structure of the Midnight Hunters, as they employed a level 1 death squad. That¡¯s right, the fabled platoon of soldiers equipped with the legendary First Kill Daggers. No doubt you are wondering, what happened to them? Where did they go?¡± At that, the screen changed to show a crashed ship out in the middle of the desert, with hundreds of seemingly apparent stone statues of Legrand soldiers and leaders. The crash site was far off, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Hundreds of large and imposing Blighted monsters appeared to roam about. ¡°That¡¯s right, those are the legendary stage two Blighted monsters, at least compared to what Dr. Spiritlight explained.¡± Once again, there was a shift where it showed Mallory fighting hundreds of overly Blighted monsters just hours earlier, all of which was supervised by Dr. Spiritlight, Jhonny, and Penelope. ¡°What happens to still bodies that are frozen by pixie dust?¡± Larry asked. With that the screen changed back to the site of the wreckage where the overly large Blighted monsters ripped apart the hull of the ship and seemed to swallow the still statues whole. The only difference was that those with the Legendary First Kill Daggers were eaten in gulp, before having the monster that ate them collapse entirely. ¡°Yes, those that had the daggers still got eaten, but they did manage to kill the beast that ate them, a pyrrhic victory, but a victory nonetheless.¡± Larry stated. ¡°What will this next stage of the war offer? Who knows, but I¡¯ll be right here, ready to tell you when both sides finally play their trump cards. For we are all ready to see what a pixie will bring to this fight.¡± Larry stated. At that the feed ended, the screen went dark. The feed that had been focused on the dead Blighted monster corpses that seemed to devour the Legrand suicide squad members in one gulp, was cut off just before the stomach muscles of the dead monsters began to shake and vibrate violently. For what they didn¡¯t know, what no one knew, not truly, was that so long as you were in a stasis effect, your body was impervious to damage. Chapter 289 Affirming The Apprentice Chapter 289 Affirming The Apprentice I was busy casting my Mass Perfect Resurrection spell for three dozenth time and I was quite frankly getting bored. Which of course is generally around the same time that I begin testing and trying to tweak my spells to make sure they are at their optimal level of efficiency. I was so lost in this practice, of casting the spell and trying to alter the patterns and flow of my mana that I almost lost track of the conversations going around me. Tinkle. There was soft laughter that rang out in the caverns. The sound itself was melodious, and only after a second did I realize what that sound was, as that was the laughter of my newest, and so far only, apprentice Verlia Spray-Healer. Only now, that I have a moment do I realize that might have been a bit of a terrible last name to provide someone. But still, what is done is done. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Jhonny asked the newest member of our Healer Brigade, even if she was conscripted from the Resurrected members of the Legrand Empire, I decided to take a chance and offer her a possible supporting role for me. Not our military, not the Guild, but for me. Kind of selfish, but no one has objected yet, which is partly why I am staying down here and avoiding Mallory. Though I am pretty sure Gwen will rat me out first chance she gets, it is still not clear why she is so ornery towards me, but at least she has begun talking to me, well at me, but that is still a start, pixie steps and all that. ¡°She just looks so cute, with her tongue sticking out and all,¡± Valeria states, as she then gestures towards me. Shock. There is an audible intake of breath, as everyone from the Midnight Hunters side of the remaining forces all collectively breathe in as one. Normally this wouldn¡¯t be heard, but inside an enclosed cavern, the sounds echo and multiply, creating an odd echoing sound. I am about to say that I don¡¯t have my tongue sticking out, but then quickly realize that my tongue was in fact sticking out as I worked through ways to better cast my Mass Perfect Resurrection. Now that I¡¯ve cast it so many times, I think I have a better understanding of what parts of the spell are important, and which ones aren¡¯t. That is why I am tweaking the spell just a bit, while still trying to bring everyone back to life in a timely manner. Hearing the comment, Jhonny who had been behind me, runs over to stand next to Valeria, where he instantly gets a little flustered. ¡°Hey, Cass, what are you thinking about?¡± Jhonny asks, his voice clearly concerned, but he tries to speak calmly, the way one might try to converse with a wild bear. ¡°I am just working on ways to make this Mass Perfect Resurrection spell more efficient,¡± I pose. Hearing that, Jhonny slightly relaxes his posture as he continues, ¡°good, good. So no death rays, lasers, or otherwise explosive spells, right?¡± At that, I just pause my new calculations and just glower at him. ¡°What, last time I saw you like this, you brought a building to life,¡± Jhonny clarified. ¡°I was bringing books to life, I was the best thing since Audible,¡± I replied a bit defensively. ¡°That was also the time you nearly burned the last intern¡¯s face off,¡± Jhonny chided. ¡°She was a Legrand spy anyways,¡± I replied. Cower. Hearing that, Valeria who had been mildly curious and seeming to stand tall over in the Legrand section of the caverns suddenly took a few steps back. ¡°Oh, come on, you¡¯re my apprentice. I expect you to spy on me, it¡¯s part of your job now,¡± I state, trying to reassure my new apprentice. However, despite my apparent words of encouragement, Valeria still seems a bit hesitant to stand out from her peers. Though her peers are also taking a few steps back at this point. Seeing that I¡¯m not getting anywhere with everyone ganging up on me, I decide to get back to what I was doing. During this time Jhonny took it upon himself to go over and console the poor girl. ¡°Hey, good instincts there,¡± Jhonny explained. ¡°What?¡± Valeria asked, as if I couldn¡¯t hear them in this tight cavern that echoes all sounds. ¡°Her tongue was out, which means she is focusing,¡± Jhonny continued. ¡°Is that a bad thing?¡± Valeria asked, a bit of concern filling her voice. ¡°No, well, sometimes. But generally, no.¡± Jhonny answered. At that, I was about to cut in, but fortunately Gwen was there to speak for my behalf. ¡°No, generally when mother does that, she is just focusing on magic. That said, you don¡¯t want to distract her during those times, as often times she is splitting the line between what can be done and what should be done, magically speaking. Well any form of energy, honestly, I don¡¯t know how she does half the stuff she does.¡± Gwen answered, without nearly as much vitriol as I expected her to have while talking about me. Honestly, it almost seemed like she held me in high regards, at least if that comment was anything to go off of. And like that, I continued my casting. I did work out a time factor, by streamlining a few of the tissue creating processes, I managed to cut the time for all Resurrections by 10%. Or at least it felt 10% faster. Whoosh! With that, the latest batch of dead soldiers were Resurrected and now we were just in the brief lull between when my Simulacrum and Kujo managed to get enough bodies to make it worth my time to begin casting the next Mass Perfect Resurrection. ¡°Um, Doctor?¡± Valeria asked, striding forward to where she had been before I frightened her off a few moments ago. Hearing her, I respond with my favorite joke for my kids.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. ¡°Um-brella.¡± I respond, while pointing to Valeria, letting her know that I heard her. I also let her know that I heard her use ¡®um¡¯ in a sentence. Valeria for her part just heard my response and looked lost. ¡°You have to forgive her, she thinks that¡¯s funny.¡± Gwen cut in and answered the seemingly unasked question. Valeria for her part just stared, and then finally nodded to herself before seeming to continue with her original thought process. ¡°Can I ask why you chose me to be your Apprentice?¡± Valeria asked, finally regaining some of her confidence. Hearing her question, I take it somewhere between seeing me cast Mass Resurrection spells, letting the Pomeranians go wild on her overly annoying fellow soldier, and the comment that I would need her to help me with experiments, she might not see me in the best light. That and Jhonny, Gwen, and Penelope are all blowing everything I do way out of proportion. Taking in all those factors, I can see why she would be hesitant to want to continue this arrangement. Realizing this is likely one of those key moments that will likely forge our relationship going forward, I want to make sure I eliminate any fears or lingering doubts on her part. That is why, I decide to go for the truth. ¡°You are worried about your Apprenticeship to me? And wondering if you made the right career move?¡± I ask. Hearing that Valeria pauses, and a note of fear crosses her features. Her face and body say, yes that¡¯s it exactly, but I can¡¯t say that out loud. Seeing her body tense up at the question, I just nod and move on to my next point. ¡°Well, I can¡¯t tell you if you made the correct decision. In fact, neither of us will know for quite some time. That said, if you cast your healing spell, I can hopefully show you, why.¡± I state. ¡°You¡¯ll show me?¡± Valeria asks. By now, everyone seems to be intrigued, even the Legrand soldiers, what few still remain. Their numbers go down, but then they rise back up the longer this war continues. ¡°Yeah, just cast your spell at the wall there, and I will show you.¡± I reply, while pointing to a wall right next to her. ¡°You want me to Heal a wall?¡± Valeria asks, her voice incredulous. ¡°Well, that is the spell you seem best at using, so yes, that is probably the perfect spell for this little demonstration,¡± I confirm. ¡°You want me to Heal a wall?¡± Valeria repeats herself, as if I didn¡¯t just answer this exact question. ¡°Well you can¡¯t Heal the wall, that would be stupid. Well you could, you would just need to change out the normal Healing energy particles for condensed particles on the wavelength of stone, which would require a more Earth Magic touch to your spell. Which I don¡¯t think you are quite ready for at this time.¡± I reply. At that comment, Valeria just looks at me like I have been rambling in gibberish to her. Fortunately, Jhonny is there. ¡°What she means to say is that, she doesn¡¯t want you to Heal the wall, she just wants you to cast your spell at the wall. Or use the wall as your targeting point for your spell,¡± Jhonny stepped in and basically restated what I just said, verbatim. ¡°Oh,¡± was all Valeria could retort. Then after pausing for a moment, she asked, ¡°how do I target a wall with a Healing spell?¡± Hearing that, I blinked, trying to comprehend what the disconnect was. ¡°Just direct your magical stream at the wall,¡± I reply. There was yet another moment of silence as Valeria just stared at me with a deer in the headlights moment. Fortunately, this time Penelope came over to assist, well after she shook her head at the situation. ¡°I know it seems illogical. In fact, that is going to be 90% of your initial training, or retraining, in magic under the Doctor. But know that what she is asking you to do isn¡¯t impossible, just not what you might be aware you can do, until you eventually do it.¡± At the end Penelope herself looked lost in how to explain her thoughts, but it did seem to calm down the seemingly lost healer. ¡°Okay, so I can cast a Healing spell at the wall?¡± Valeria posed, though this time she seemed like she was at least willing to contemplate the idea. ¡°Yeah, how do you practice your spell efficiency, if not against inanimate objects?¡± I pose. ¡°I generally just wait for injured to come to the infirmary,¡± Valeria replied. ¡°Just wait for opportunities to come to you, I guess that is one way to do things, but not the best, or most efficient use of your time,¡± I reply. Valeria looked like she wanted to argue, but then seemed to catch herself. Then turning to face the wall, she shifted the weight from the balls of her feet, rocking her body left and right. Then after a moment to pump herself up, she nodded to herself, raised her hand up and pointed at the wall. Then nodding to herself, she focused and nothing. Seeing that this was clearly a hang up for the girl, I realized we would need to go on to plan B, a live subject. ¡°Jhonny, cut my hand,¡± I state, while holding up my right hand and letting it get stabbed, cut or something to get this process going. As even now I am almost forgetting the purpose of this experiment. Why the right hand? Well, my left hand held the component I still needed for this demonstration. ¡°What?¡± Jhonny asked, clearly confused. In fact, everyone just stared at me in confusion for a moment. Fortunately, Gwen was there. Slice. Before anyone could really understand what it was that I was truly asking, Gwen glided forward and pulled out a dagger from her uniform sleeve and pierced it deep into my hand. Instantly, droplets of glowing sparkly blood began to drip down my hand and onto the floor, where it promptly evaporated and reprocessed into magical pool water. Truly the best item any of my Simulacrums have ever created, I¡¯m so proud of myself. Seeing the look of barely controlled rage on Gwen¡¯s face, I pause and look at her. ¡°You feel better?¡± I ask, hoping that whatever I did this is not the actual cure of. Gwen pausing, and seeing the large dagger in my hand just pauses, and finally looks sad. No, not sad, maybe guilty? ¡°No,¡± Gwen cries out, her lip quivering as she pulls back her blade and then proceeds to go over to the side of the cave. Everyone just stares at her as she goes. I want to go to her, but I am currently in the middle of a demonstration here, and if I wait too much longer, my natural Regeneration will heal the wound. ¡°Jhonny!¡± I hiss, catching Jhonny¡¯s attention. He looks over to me, and then with a head nod towards Gwen, I gesture for him to go. ¡°Oh, right,¡± Jhonny states, giving a quick look around to make sure I am safe. Then seeing the still patient Pomeranians, he seems to relax and go do as I asked, or at least what I implied by that head nod. Silence. There is a moment of silence as everyone watches Jhonny leave to go over and console Gwen. Realizing I need to redirect everyone back to the teachable moment at hand, I get everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Oh my hand,¡± I call out loudly but clearly with fake emotions behind the act. ¡°If only there was a healer who could heal my gaping wound.¡± Valeria looks completely lost for a moment, but then seeing my hand she shakes hear head and looks at me. ¡°You bleed glowing blood?¡± ¡°Yeah, it sort of happens after a point,¡± I reply calmly. Then not wanting to let my own natural processes take away from this moment, I push her, ¡°now are you going to heal me?¡± ¡°Oh, right,¡± Valeria responds and then begins casting her odd Spray Healing spell. This time as she casts, the spell is a lot smaller, but also much more powerful and far less wasteful. I realize most of this is somehow due to her new last name imparting those exact attributes to her casting, but reading the effects and seeing them are two entirely different processes. Still, the spell comes and within half a second I see what I want, the one clear arcing layer of a perfectly cast Healing lattice work, right in the middle of a wave of wasteful energy. Seeing the spray, I focus on the incoming wave and then with a quick movement, I release the condensed Pixie dust that I had been building up in my left hand and WHOOSH! Just as expected, the spraying jet of healing energy pauses in midair, captured in a perfect state of perpetual movement. Then, as all objects that are made of energy and turned into solid objects in a state of condensed rest, it fell. Clatter. While more and more streams of Healing energy rode over and past the spell to my hand. Well for a while there, the spray went wild, hitting the solid cylinder of magic and sprayed off wildly producing even more bursts of Healing energy. Seeing the waves, I paused at the wonder and grandeur of it all, before eventually Disrupting the spell work of my Apprentice. ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± I state, letting Valeria know that I was the one who cancelled her spell. While everything is going on, I also take a moment to Heal my own injury, and let Valeria think her Healing Spray did something to me. There is a moment of silence as everyone just stares. The Mythical Sacrificial Altar already absorbing the random sprays of Healing magic that went wide of their mark, so everyone could just see that now there was on solid cylinder of perfectly preserved Spray Healing, caught in movement. Seeing the piece, I instantly grab it with Telekinesis, not wanting the spell to get eaten by the floor. While I don¡¯t think the floor can absorb pixie dust, at least not at the moment, I don¡¯t want to encourage it to do so. As such, I pick up the item that was the whole purpose of this little demonstration, and my stabbing. ¡°See, right there,¡± I state, pointing to the one thin line of perfect Healing latticework that is in the middle of the spell. ¡°That part right there, that is perfect spell casting,¡± I state. ¡°What part?¡± Valeria asks, clearly not seeing the specific part I am commenting on. Realizing that this will be tough to see the part I want through the waves of disrupting energies that are destroying that same latticework not inches away, I instead go to my tried-and-true method. Three-Dimensional Replica Illusion. That''s right, I use magic as a shortcut to highlight the portion that I want to point out. I even make sure to have the little box lines that link the now floating image of the perfect section of Healing Latticework to the section in question. Silence. There is a moment of silence as everyone just takes in the discovery. Though it is clear that they aren¡¯t as impressed with what they are seeing as I am. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Valeria begins, ¡°that¡¯s what drew you to me? A section of my spell work, not the spell itself?¡± Hearing that, I chuckle slightly. ¡°The spell? No, that spell is trash. It has multiple redundant layers that ultimately cripple its effectiveness. In fact, this section, is destroyed and made irrelevant by the portions before and after this perfect section.¡± With that, I expand the section shown, to show how different waves converge in, and ultimately cripple the wave that is being shown. Making it so that the one perfect section is completely broken and destroyed by everything else around it. Hearing my response, Valeria¡¯s shoulders droop slightly. ¡°Wait, you could see that one section, from within the spell, while the spell was being cast in real time?¡± One of the newly Resurrected Legrand soldiers asked. Hearing his question, I just turn to him and reply, ¡°yeah, this is healing magic, Green magic, making it right at the middle of the spectrum. If I couldn¡¯t catch this little portion, then why would you trust me as a magical instructor?¡± Silence again. For such a densely packed cavern, everyone is relatively quiet. Maybe they are tired of hearing the voices of others echo? I know I am, and thus I fully appreciate the silence. Crackle. Of course, the silence is also how we are able to hear more subtle sounds clearly. Pausing we all look around, I look directly to Penelope. Penelope for her part just looks shocked for a moment, before realizing that the sound is her communicator coming to life. Realizing this, Penelope holds up her finger, grabs the device and then turns away to speak. Of course, turning away doesn¡¯t do much to hide the now echoing conversation coming through the line. ¡°This is Penelope,¡± she replied into the device. ¡°Penelope, are you there with the pixie?¡± The voice of one of the commanding officers calls out. ¡°I am, yes,¡± Penelope confirms. ¡°Good, know that we are going to need her shortly,¡± the dispatcher replied. ¡°How shortly?¡± Penelope asked. KABOOOOMMM!!! At that moment, the ground shook from a massive explosion overhead. ¡°As quickly as possible,¡± the dispatcher confirmed. Chapter 290 Calling In The Big Guns (Mallory) Chapter 290 Calling In The Big Guns (Mallory) Statistically their efforts to protect the land should be enough. Right now, their forces were smaller in number, but better trained and coordinated. It was clear that the acumen of the twenty fully deployed SVC trained combat squads was undeniable. The ease with which they seemed to find holes in the magical constructs of others. Their ability to adapt to and overcome enemy movements was impressive. Even Mallory herself found that she would often lag behind the SVC squads she went out with in an effort to support the front lines. She blamed this on needing to keep up with her two appointed bodyguards Vickard and Melkin, both of whom followed with her fluidly. Then in addition to the two bodyguards was Yarlina a communications mage, and Reagen the healer mage who chose her name as an irony of regeneration. Slice, slink, slash. Over and over Mallory swung her Ephemeral Scythe, which was odd, as the weapon itself was weightless, but yet, each and every swing caused her to feel more and more tired. Yet, she couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the effectiveness of the Scythe. It cleaved through what she wanted, and evaporated into air when she wanted to avoid a friendly form that somehow thrust themself within her path. Mentally she knew that Cass could likely give her a reason for this excessive tiredness, one that started off slowly and built to the crescendo that it was now. A deep bone-weary tiredness that seemed all consuming. In all her years, Mallory never thought she would willingly allow her soldiers to be outgunned, but given how magical the land is here, everything requires at least tier two resources, if not tier three if and when the Pixie comes into contact. She doesn¡¯t mean to, but she does have the rusting effect. The excessive effect of magic exposure that turns every item that is not directly built by her or the other master mechanics into scrap metal. In fact, she even heard stories from the front-line troops who had enemies with weapons jamming, or showing signs of excessive degradation of materials. A lot could be blamed on the sand, for according to everything she heard the sand here was also magical, albeit a form of magic that was not conducive to life. Still for the first time since coming out here, since following that crazy pixie to this promised land, she breathed in the dust and didn¡¯t flinch. Yes, her lungs had once been so corroded that she could barely breathe, only her massive Endurance let her survive. Now though, now she, like the others wasn¡¯t just surviving, but thriving. Everyone here, even the newcomers, those displaced refugees had homes, jobs, and a new opportunity for peace. These were the thoughts that push Mallory through her exhaustion. This was why she fought. With each swing, she felt one step closer to the peaceful existence that her pixie had promised. And pixies always keep their promises. Chuckle. Just thinking of that, and how the pixie always managed to both tell the truth while telling nothing caused her to smile for the first time. ¡°You hear something good?¡± Vickard asked, seeing the sudden change in their commander and wondering if good news had been passed to her through her embedded earpiece. Mallory just shook her head no, before thrusting her way forward into the heat of battle. As she moved, she realized that even the earpieces used by the commanding officers were modified magic stones. For a moment Mallory wondered where the earpieces came from, only to realize that this was yet another augmented enchanting item made from one of the SVC students. Yes, rather than put the Enchanters on the front lines, it made more sense to have them back to charge weapons, items, and fix any issues that might come up. So far, even the Enchantment + students had been invaluable. For a moment Mallory thought about cloning Cass and letting her teach twice as many classes. Only to pause and realize that she needed to stop that train of thought, for Cass might somehow get more Simulacrums that she would set up to be teachers. What would she name such a Simulacrum, Teach-Ulacrum? Or would it be something even worse? Honestly, Mallory wondered if some of the items were given better stats to make up for the terrible names. This thought seemed similar to the way the clothes you hated wearing most as a child always seemed to last longer than any other set of clothing you got. Mallory remembered one long pink dress with rhinestones that her mother made her wear until she finally outgrew it. Despite having other clothes that she liked better, but those somehow always got tears in them. At the time she swore it was her mother forcing her to wear the monstrosities, but looking back, she wondered if there was actually merit to this. Verrt-whirrr-thump. The sound of a mechanical suit charging forward caught Mallory¡¯s attention, using her Scythe, she swung. Her mind and body moving on reflex.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. In the moment of attack her body was without pain, without fatigue, and without resistance, she just moved. Slink. Just like every other time her Scythe cleaved through yet another enemy mech unit. A unit that had to be powered by a mage. Despite having cut down hundreds of mages, the wave of Legrand mages, and mage fueled contraptions never ceased to come. Flicker. For a moment she thought about calling forth a Soul-Destroying Comet. While her body was sore and being pushed to its new Tier V limits, her magic core was relatively untouched. No doubt Cass could come up with some way to use the excess magic to replenish her core faster, but for the life of her she could barely use one or the other, and Mallory knew for a fact that utilizing both at the same time would be impossible for her. This was why her mind pulled forth possible solutions. Now that her core had been increased in size and capacity, Mallory knew that the level of destruction she could summon with her Soul-Destroying Comet would be more than enough to completely decimate the Legrand forces. There was of course just one drawback to using such a power. The spell was so powerful that it couldn¡¯t tell friend from foe. Also, the spell was the same one that killed Cass¡¯ parents. Well, their original lives, at least. There were other factors to consider as well. Namely the fact that despite having clearly a majority of their forces having some form of magical capacity, they had been relatively light their use of devastating spells. Part of this was the way that all SVC teams had at least two members who practiced Quick Casting Dispels not three days ago as part of their mid-term exams. As part of the after-action report, Mallory would make it a note to ask the SVC detachment members if the training was relevant? At the time she and her staff fielded hundreds of complaints about her unorthodox training methods. Yet, the results were fairly undeniable. Here they were, not even a fourth of the way through their curriculum and many were showing capabilities that far surpassed an army known for its mage components. Of course, there was one reason why the Legrand army had such a wild surplus of mages, even if they were generally weaker, they were still mages. For Legrand had one ace up their sleeve that they used constantly. A glitch in the system, at least that is what many would call an invaluable genetic FLAW that could constantly produce mage after mage just by touching them. Then again, Cass could do the same, all except make them all Tier IX or above casters if she chose. The greedy side of Mallory wanted her to do just that, fight back this army of low level Tier II and above mages with Cass trained and modified super mages. That conversation was only attempted once to Cass, posed as a mere hypothetical. ¡°What would you think of taking these mages once they are fully trained and certified by you, and helping to modify their cores to make them exceptional?¡± Cass had been working on something at the time, for a moment Mallory almost thought that Cass hadn¡¯t heard her, as she was fashioning some type of metallic item. In fact, at that time she was so engrossed in her current task that she had her tongue out. Realizing the almost faux-pas of distracting Cass in such a scenario, she thought about just leaving the topic entirely. It was only once she made a step away, that Cass finally spoke. ¡°I have thought about it, training super mages, spinning them up with all sorts of knowledge that I have taken years to learn. Then juicing them up with cores that are so powerful that they can fully utilize what they learned here, but then I ask myself, why?¡± ¡°Why?¡± Mallory found herself parroting back. ¡°Yes, why give them magic? When part of the joy, of working with magic is the surprise and wonder that comes along with it. The way it can always show you more, if you just take a moment to look. By giving them knowledge, and then supercharging their cores, I will break magic for them. They won¡¯t have to work for it, to make it so magic works the way they want it to. I will do them the greatest disservice of empowering them with the ability to use the greatest thing in this world, but cripple their want and desire to explore and make magic part of themselves. ¡°That is why I don¡¯t just give out Tier XIII cores to everyone. That is why I generally offer one or the other. For those that get cores, I do not offer my knowledge and experience, for then they are set to walk down a limited path that I already set for them. That is also why during their tests and trials, I make them do magic, to push the limits and boundaries of what is possible, so they can learn to experience the joy of magic,¡± Cass finally concluded. Then that conversation was completely derailed as a quick flash showed that whatever Cass had been working on at that time came to life in her hands and glowed with a magical brilliance. Seeing the item, Mallory was intrigued, ¡°what is that?¡± ¡°This, well it is an automatic broom,¡± Cass said letting the device fall from her hands, where it promptly hit the floor and began sweeping. ¡°You created a magical broom?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Cass replied. ¡°Might I ask why?¡± ¡°Just trying to figure out how to clean up a cave¡­¡± Cass posed. ¡°Okay, but what does it do with the dirt after it¡¯s done sweeping?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°GAH, dang it!¡± Cass exclaimed, as she then began furiously marking out lines, while annotating even more notes in her odd pixie script. Thinking back to that moment, Mallory wondered if she inadvertently caused the pixie to create the Mythical grade Sacrificial Altar that put the magical world on its head, and all but forced Legrand to invade. ¡­ ¡°FOCUS!¡± Melkin exclaimed as he barreled past Mallory, jostling her just enough to force Mallory to take a step forward. Only then did she realize that she nearly got hit by the blast of a second or maybe seventh Magi-tech mechanoid mechanical suit. Shaking her head, Mallory swung her Scythe again, though again her level of energy dropped and she felt like she was spiking on her glucose levels, something that hadn¡¯t happened to her in a long time. ¡°We need reinforcements!¡± Vickard exclaimed. ¡°Should I call it in?¡± The dispatcher mage asked, her eyes locked onto Mallory who was taking a breather while Vickard and Melkin slashed through the soldiers that remained nearby. Thump-rumble-thump. At that moment, a giant object large enough to shake the ground could be felt coming. Looking out, Mallory saw a giant monstrosity of carbon and magic. There off in the desert was the unmistakable design of a moving millipede, if a millipede could be made out of metal, powered by mages, and fire bursts of arcane energy from movable turrets. Seeing the monstrosity, Mallory realized that her intelligence agents hadn¡¯t been wrong in their description of the device. If anything, they seemed to have undersold the enormity of the device. Then again, who would believe that a device with hundreds of legs, powered by a minimum of one hundred Legrand mages working together in unison to move and power a colossal death machine like this could be believed. Even looking at it, Mallory felt awe, fear, and wonder staring at it. Looking at it, Mallory felt that while she might be able to cut down a leg or two of the beast, the thing had hundreds of legs, and seemingly multiple segments that could break way into more millipedes. At that moment, there was only one person that she knew could save her. ¡°Yeah, get me the pixie,¡± Mallory commanded. At that there was a nod, as the communications mage turned her head and began calling it in. With that, Mallory turned to face the enemy. VRRRTTT-SWOOSH! Mallory saw one of the massive turrets of the monster turn and fire right at one of the more fortified sections of defense that they had managed to assemble. As the shot fired forward, the world seemed to slow down as a massive burst of condensed blue magical energy shot forth. KABOOOOMMM!!! ¡°As quickly as possible,¡± the communications mage answered an unheard question. The blast was violent and deadly. Given its size and scale, Mallory knew that nothing could stand up to such a direct burst. Even watching it land, Mallory could see that the giant blue sphere landed, and began billowing out. Yet, there was something odd that happened just before impact. The sphere began to disintegrate, not entirely, not completely, but the very core of the magical burst had begun to unravel slightly. This meant that when the ball landed against the magical shielding, the most severe parts of the blast were dissolved into vapor. After landing, Mallory could almost swear she saw cheering erupt from the people who were right at the impact site. ¡°Good, they finally learned to Dispel before it hit them in the face,¡± a sarcastic voice said, and hearing her voice, Mallory almost felt a wave of relief wash over her, so complete was her trust in Cass. ¡°Kind of need you to help with something,¡± Mallory said, turning slightly to Cass. ¡°The big giant worm thingy?¡± Cass asked, while pointing at the Legrand Magi-tech millipede. Mallory turned to face Cass, and not really wanting to get into a definition of objects argument right now just answered succinctly, ¡°yes.¡± For a moment Cass looked like she was about to argue, but then something shifted. Her face hardened, going from its normally smiling glow to something far harsher. Seeing the sudden shift in her friend, Mallory also felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise up, as she felt a strangely intense pull of magic coming to the area. While Mallory was not the most sensitive of magic users, even a blind man would be able to see the sudden swell and change of magical energies that suddenly overtook the pixie. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory posed. ¡°No,¡± was the one-word answer Cass gave. Mallory was about to ask for more, but paused as she saw that Cass was taking this very personally for some reason. Which was good, for at that exact moment, the centipede began gearing up, increasing its speed as it seemed to barrel forward, trying to bulldoze its way over the walls and embankments, before going straight to the heart of their territory. Then just as everything looked like it was about to fail, Cass moved her left hand and forever changed the fate of the battle¡­ Chapter 291 Bastardizing Bloodlines Chapter 291 Bastardizing Bloodlines There I was minding my own business, far far away from the front lines, when all the sudden I was called in for duty. Okay, who was I kidding, I had already been scanning the area each and every trip into and out of the war zones as I picked up body after body to be Resurrected. Each time I arrived, I saw more and more of the different formations and unit types that the enemy employed. This war was annoying, well, war is annoying in general. You get a bunch of people that want things that they didn¡¯t earn going to your neighborhood, trying to steal from you, under the guise of military might. I think what annoyed me most about this situation was the fact that it was clear that the guild lines were being blurred. Yes, guild lines. In this world there was the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, the Apothecary Guild, the Mage¡¯s Guild, the Engineering Guild, and of course the Thieves Guild. The military could best be described as the Adventurer¡¯s Guild, or a more active social group of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild. Thus, the raiding, conquering, and slaughtering. That is fine, well not fine, but at least understandable. My complaint comes when that same military then goes and performs Thieves Guild activities, like thieving and pillaging, that is where you got straight into my territory as the Thieves Guild Leader. See it was annoying, and ultimately messy. Yes one could argue that Mages were involved, especially on the Legrand side, which made this even more annoying. Added to that was one could argue that the Engineering Guild was also involved due to the mechanoid suits that were being deployed in droves. Apparently, I either didn¡¯t get all of the Teleiot¨ªs factories, which isn¡¯t saying much as I only got the one. Or the alternative is that the Legrand Military took their Teleiot¨ªs factory blueprints and made another elsewhere. I don¡¯t know which is which, but I do know this means that once I get a few hours to myself, I¡¯m going to find the lost colony of the Teleiot¨ªs. Hopefully that colony will be able to level up, or at least improve compared to the cheap Legrand made knock-off Teleiot¨ªs devices that are invading us currently. These devices are so poorly made that they are already corroding before they even step foot on our lands. Added to that is the fact that the mages running the machines are barely powerful enough to turn the devices on and you get targets that while looking threatening are effectively glorified lawn ornaments. Or maybe gorified lawn ornaments is a better term to describe them? Poof. I arrive right behind the dispatcher, or whatever her term is. Maybe I¡¯m getting it wrong and dispatcher is what you call the person manning the communications board at the firehouse and police buildings? I didn¡¯t know. That said, there is a lot going on that I begin to instantly assimilate into my mind. First, there are a lot of mages here. As in a LOT. Something is odd about that, as the Legrand army just has so many magically inclined soldiers on their side that they can field thousands of force multiplying mechanoid beasts. I also take a moment to look at Mallory, she is spent on ephemeral energy. Meanwhile her Qi is at about half and her mana is untouched. Odd, I will have to ask her why she didn¡¯t use her death spell thingy. Next, I see my students, they are all safe. Well I don¡¯t know if they are all safe, but I feel the aura of clumps of three students pushed together. One Qi student with two varying mage students, and in each group all three are still up and moving together. I don¡¯t know why, but that fills me with a sense of pride. I don¡¯t expect them all to live, statistically that never happens in war. Eventually someone you know somewhere will die, but I do like the fact that each of my students are up and healthy for the most part. Next, I check out the overall layout of battle. Being able to scan over thirty kilometers at once is both helpful and distracting. I know, me distracted, never happens, but sometimes. Like right now, rather than checking in, I am taking a moment to surveil the war zone and try to understand why I am called out here. As far as I can tell, Mallory¡¯s only problem is that she won¡¯t unsummon her Death Scythe and let it recharge. Unlike my wings, which don¡¯t touch things and thereby leave their residue behind. Her Death Scythe does touch things, making it so she continually drains a bit of her energy. Worse, I don¡¯t think she knows how much energy she reproduces on her own, making it so she is constantly overdrawing her source. For a moment I wonder what her Willpower score is to allow such pitiful results, but then I remember asking about Attributes is a faux pas in this world, and decide to look elsewhere. There is a giant magical worm thingy. At least, it looks like a giant worm thingy, as all I see are lines of moving and undulating mana cords creating what has to be a semi-floating object. No wait, I feel old as I need to squint past the glowing blue lights to see that the worm is using platform shoes? This thing is odd, not going to lie. What is worse is that it is made up of literally hundreds, or maybe a hundred mages. Weak mages. Mages that can barely provide enough power to move a cluster of three legs, but mages all the same. The entire thing looks like a monster created from a kid¡¯s imagination using kid toys. Almost as if the kid went and created a monster out of old cardboard boxes, before insisting on playing beasts and heroes in an oncoming rainstorm. Like a train wreck I can¡¯t look away. The glowing worm thingy pulses, as a giant cluster on the back momentarily drains an excess of energy from the moving creature, slowing down the forward momentum of the beast to an almost standstill as it cumulates the energy into single point nodes and then fires. Doh! I think to myself, as the burst erupts out and heads straight for my students. Fortunately, my students are already prepared and using the knowledge that I taught them. For a moment I think about popping over to protect them, but then realize I can¡¯t always protect them. Or I can¡¯t protect them all. No, if they die here, I will grab their corpses, Resurrect them, and then tell them to train twice as hard. In fact, I make that a note for all my students. Then as has become almost habit, I feel the makings of a quest form in my mind.
Mandatory SVC Student Quest: Don¡¯t Die (Ongoing): Your teacher, Dr. Spiritlight, has assigned you all the task of not dying during this invasion. Current Deaths recorded (0 / 1). Rewards: Experience, variable. Punishments: Forced Resurrection, extra training time per day, per death.
I like the quest honestly, it rewards them for doing what they already should be doing, while also tying strands of golden fate from me to each of my students. This way, should any of them die, I will notice immediately and go right out to them.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. FWOOSH! The giant ball of loosely packed mana landed, but was fortunately easily broken up by the three students who worked in tandem with each other to amplify their effectiveness. Once they are clearly safe, I send the quest notification to everyone of my students. No point of distracting them while they were facing death. Then wanting to make my presence known, I speak out my pride at their accomplishment. ¡°Good, they finally learned to Dispel before it hit them in the face,¡± I state. Hearing her, Mallory turned and let out an audible sigh of relief. ¡°Kind of need you to help with something,¡± Mallory stated and then looked back over her shoulder with her eyes. Seeing her movement, I knew exactly what she was talking about, but decided to ask just in case. ¡°The big giant worm thingy?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± was the slow drawn out one word reply that Mallory provided. Clearly she didn¡¯t like my description of the glowing blue thingy. Still, I had to look at the monster. Again, something was off about this, how did the Legrand military get so many mages? Unless you specifically signed up with them, it was almost a given that you would not be a mage upon joining. I only got this because I invested seven points into the Magic Tier category at the start. Basically, every point I got for starting off as child, went directly into my future magic growth. Gods I was stupid, but it paid off, and now I¡¯m here. No point doubting data points that prove I was correct all along, or just too stubborn to quit. Either way, I¡¯m here. But again, how are so many mages there? Worse, they are all weak mages. Well mostly weak, there are a few Tier IV that seem to serve as the main pilot and gunners for the giant monstrosities. It¡¯s almost as if they took an entire section of their population and made them mages, then said hey use this contraption, you have two days to get it to the enemy area. That¡¯s when I feel something click within my mind, as the truth of the situation finally makes sense to me. Legrand doesn¡¯t have anything truly special within their waters that produces so many low functioning mages. Instead, they just have one bastard, who seems to awaken the latent magical potency in everyone he meets. No, I refrain, he is not a bastard, he was completely born within wedlock. This is a fact, as I am still apparently married to his dead-beat father who left us. Tingle. I feel energy from the earth, deep down below bellowing up within me. For a moment, I feel the world coming to life and all but begging me to use its energy. The world was begging me to be its conduit. The world still tracked the Legrand Empire. The world still wanted revenge. No, not revenge, but for the Legrand Empire to stop. Stop bleeding it dry. To stop destroying its natural beauty. And to stop mining its magical components that are woven deep underground. I felt these wants and more. They weren¡¯t thoughts, not really, more of deep emotional pain that could only be explained and characterized through an intensely shared bond. This wasn¡¯t the first time the world reached out to me like this, and I was pretty sure this would not be the last. Even if I didn¡¯t use the world¡¯s energy here, we had an understanding. It would come to me when I needed it, and most importantly when it would need me. In my mind, I felt hundreds of different ways to break down the machine, to destroy it outright. Everything from exploding earthen spikes in the ground, to earthen spikes covered by electricity, to far worse designs. These were the wants of the earth, of the ground. The earth demanded blood, as a sacrifice. Just as the Legrand army had made the earth bleed and slowly die in places to meet their component needs, so too did the earth demand its pound of flesh. I hate myself. For a second, I thought about using such power. I thought and tried to justify the use of such power. I wanted it, and tried to justify the price to myself. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Mallory posed. Hearing the words, they felt distant, as if rolling through water. Still, she did deserve an answer, and so I gave her one. ¡°No,¡± was all I could say. Then realizing that I needed to stop the giant undulating blue monstrosity of steel and mana. Knowing that I needed to stop this juggernaut of a weapon, I moved. Fortunately, a different thought came to mind. A thought that was simple. One born of my recent exploits and experiences with Mallory. For a moment I felt the power of the earth all but compelling me to use it, to crush the enemy, but I fought back against that surge of energy and instead used my own form of punishment. Raising my left hand, I called forth as much Arcane Geomancy Teleportation energy as I could and I summoned a wall. A giant wall that seemed to appear out of nowhere. The giant glowing-worm -thing was incapable of stopping its mad dash forward, meaning that it barreled head first into the open Teleport. From the side, we had the best view, as the beast seemed to both appear and disappear all at once. I waited and watched, as hundreds of legs all moving in perfect unison tried to stop all at once. Well some stopped, other mages were too focused on moving forward that they failed to recognize the gigantic spatial barrier that appeared before them. This caused the legs to trip over each other. Or at least caused the beast to come to a sudden halt as the legs began stopping and pushing simultaneously. For a moment, I was sad that the charging monster didn¡¯t just keep storming forward. But I realized early on that it was a pipe dream. Those mages that manned the power clusters, they were able to recognize the danger right away and began making adjustments. I really would have to break apart this machine one day and figure out how the Legrand army built such a monstrosity. A monstrosity that pitted hundreds of micro mages within a cluster that were then led by an actual mage. It seemed wasteful, but then again, who was I to argue with relative effectiveness of an army. For a moment I paused, then just as the giant beast almost seemed to begin to get realigned, to reset itself and begin to back upwards, that is when I closed my fist and ended my spell. Slice. Just like that, I ended the Arcane Geomancy Teleportation tunnel that had connected our lands to a spot within the Legrand Empire. All mages were saved in this, I made sure of that. While the special continuum might have bisected pillars, the main body of the mechanical construct, and powerful mana serving circuits, the mages providing that power were in fact saved. Magical Arterial Spray. Yes, the beast with its mana wires now cut, began spraying forth streams of wild mana into the air. Wild mana that looked to strike out and crackle like lightning, before falling to the desert sand below. There was a hush and lull that fell over the battlefield, as everyone in the immediate area just stopped to stare at the giant bisected monstrosity. A monstrosity that seemed to hover in the air for a moment, before suddenly collapsing to the ground. At least the front half of the creature collapsed, there was still a segment at the end that still floated and seemed to be trying to untangle itself from the rest. Telekinetic Grip. Seeing the part where the two portions seemed as if they could break apart, I focused and using every ounce of my Telekinesis, I pinched the two ends together. Long low metallic groan. I didn¡¯t know how the two segments were coupled together, but I was fairly certain that smooshing the components together would be enough to keep the two parts together. At least until our forces could rally and destroy the remaining beast. Shuffle. Now the back third of the beast moved, but it¡¯s movements were stilted. First, the drivers didn¡¯t seem to practice moving backwards, making the entire motion awkward on their end. Second, now as it moved, not only did it have to move itself, but it had to move the seemingly inoperable center segment. Added to this was the fact that the center segment was still bleeding out magical energy at a frenetic rate. ¡°Holy shit!¡± Vickard shouted, looking from the now struggling monstrosity, then back to me. As if awakened by that vulgar exclamation, Mallory too smiled brightly as she stood up animatedly and stared at first the wreckage and then back to me. ¡°You did it!¡± ¡°Well, yeah, what did you expect?¡± I replied half-jokingly. ¡°I,¡± was all Mallory could get out at first, before she paused and continued, ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know. In fact, I never know when it comes to you. But thank you¡± Hearing that, I feel somewhat confused, as we literally just saw the troubles with Teleportation not a few hours ago. But never mind. ¡°RAHHH!¡± Off in the distance, the soldiers that I had just protected from being smooshed by giant worm were now screaming out in triumph. At that, the battle seemed to restart, as the Legrand soldiers who had been momentarily stunned by the sudden loss of their superweapon began moving forward, though at clearly less capacity than before. ¡°This is perfect, thank you!¡± Melkin exclaimed, as he too cut in then moved next to Mallory as they prepared to fend off the next wave of invaders. Whether it was the reprieve, or the second wind factor, I didn¡¯t know but Mallory who had looked nearly haggard with her work so far suddenly seemed to charge to battle. I knew part of this was likely an effect of my Healer¡¯s Aura, and other Auras that naturally increase the mana and Qi generation rates of those around me. But seeing them all go into their stances and begin striking down soldiers. I felt out of place. Ratta-tatta-tat. The sound of small arms fire could be heard and with a slight application of Telekinesis near the base of the attacks, I made sure the kinetic rounds heading towards us were way off course. Only a pound of pressure at the right distance and angle could make a perfect sniper¡¯s shot fall flat in the dirt, which they all did. Pff. Pff. Pff. Round after kinetic round fired directly into the dirt in front of the shooters and their intended targets. For a moment they looked just as confused as Mallory and co. Only after a second did Mallory put two and two together, as she turned back to face me. ¡°That you?¡± Mallory asked. I just nodded. ¡°Can we keep her?¡± Melkin asked, his personality finally getting a chance to shine now that he wasn¡¯t in his serious bodyguard role. ¡°We can, but you have to clean up after her,¡± Mallory noted and like that she was off in a blur. One second she was there, and the next, she was ahead a hundred yards slicing enemies with automatic weapons in half with her Death Scythe. Again, I didn¡¯t know why she was being so wasteful with her energy and not circulating her energy to replenish her other pools, but she seemed to be doing just fine. As such, I decided to leave her alone. Hearing her words, and seeing that she had already charged recklessly forward, Melkin just looked at her, then back to me. ¡°Thanks,¡± Melkin said. ¡°Yeah, you helped out big time, as always,¡± Vickard exclaimed as he and Melkin both got up and began charging forward right in the thick of things to help keep Mallory safe. By this time, it was clear that Mallory was making a beeline towards the downed worm monster. Though she did seem to wander into the largest cluster of enemy forces she could find on her way to the downed worm. Seeing that she would be busy I began looking around, only to find that it was now just me and two mages that were on standby. I understood the one was the dispatcher that called me here. ¡°Am I good to go?¡± I asked the dispatcher. As she was the one that called me here, it made sense that with everyone else gone, she would be the one that would allow me to leave. Pausing for a moment, the dispatcher first looked confused, and then flustered. ¡°I think so?¡± She said hesitantly. Then pausing for a moment, she clarified, ¡°can I ask where you will be going?¡± Hearing that, I felt that was an adequate question to ask, given the circumstances. ¡°I¡¯m going to check out what happened to the front half of that worm thingy,¡± I responded, while pointing to the very object that Mallory and the others were heading to. ¡°The what?¡± The dispatcher asked, before following my gaze and seeing what I was referring to. The same spot where Mallory, Vickard, and Melkin were all heading towards. Then as soon as she realized what I meant, she just responded with a ¡°ahh, okay.¡± Seeing that as all the confirmation I needed, I quickly used Arcane Geomancy Teleportation to open my own opening in space. Then bracing myself with my hand out in front of my face, I moved forward, Teleporting well beyond enemy lines. Gasp. I let out a gasp of surprise when I arrived, as I was shocked to see the carnage that now awaited me. Chapter 292 When Ants See A Problem In Their Nest Chapter 292 When Ants See A Problem In Their Nest Poof. I¡¯ve never really been afraid of flying, but now I will say is that I do feel a slight hesitation now before and during Teleportation. This time as I enter subspace, or the realm between space that my body fully enters, before emerging into an intended destination, I feel my mind expanding. Then for a moment, I look around, seeing the heavens of space around me, and for a moment my mind is able to expand and reflect on what has transpired. In this moment that is taking both a second and simultaneous an eternity, I feel my mind expand to cover everything. Though, admittedly my mind goes to the most recent battle. One where I was called in to protect others, while destroying the enemies. I did so without question, without hesitation, as I wanted to protect my own. Though how Mallory knew that I would be able to come through in such a short time it was both telling of her belief in me, a belief that seemed to be reciprocated by everyone else who looking back, all seemed to have the same sense of expectation. That is when I wonder how I became a universal problem solver. As I contemplate this, I realize that they called me due to my unorthodox approach to magic. This brings me to my first train of thought, where I realize that I am drastically underestimating just how dangerous most spells are, or can be. Take for instance something as simple as Teleportation. From recent interactions and my latest practical demonstration of just what can be done with Arcane Geomancy Teleportation I have to say my latest axiom is that Creativity is more dangerous than Intent. Click. At the sudden influx of that thought, I feel something slightly wind its way into my mind. Almost like a spring being bound slightly, while I know there is more to this compression, I can¡¯t quite understand what exactly the winding is for. Thinking about it, I also realize that that definition is not a complete picture of Creativity. For while Creativity is more dangerous than Intent, that doesn¡¯t mean that Creativity itself is in fact dangerous. Meaning that I need to further refine my world view on Creativity. Why Creativity? I don¡¯t know, though I do feel that it is something important to me. As I¡¯ve always been able to think my way out of most problems, and the number one catalyst for Intelligence is Creativity. Then like that, I feel the concept further bind in my mind. The greatest catalyst to be able to fully utilize your Intelligence is Creativity. Click. Then like that, I feel that I have become slightly more aware. Or not aware, but more cognizant to a universal truth I have always know, or at least one I have adhered to. Not sure if there is a true difference, but I can tell that both are similar and often parallel but there might be just enough of a variance between the two that my mind does make a mental distinction. With that sobering thought, I also realize that my truths are not the world¡¯s truths. I also realize that this is okay. This world is predicated on war, establishing conflict, and then eliminating that conflict through force. While that is my world, it is not something I wish to accept or encourage in this world. At that, I can almost feel the bands of my mind fastening around another core thought of my mind, but then seem to stop. I get all of this, these thoughts, this self-discovery, and self-reflection while pausing for an instant in between jumps. This is that split second from when I left World¡¯s End and ended up where I Teleported the first half of the giant glowy worm thingy to. Poof. I land, and as I do I feel slightly disoriented as my mind that had seemingly been able to expand and momentarily grasp the secrets of the cosmos was once again restricted to my own little mind. For a moment it felt like I was close to understanding the universe as a whole. My understanding of the universe of course stemmed from my understanding of myself, which I was then able to use to help me understand the universe. Or at least how I learned to understand that the universe was different than me, but that was okay. I still had no clue what was happening each time I Teleported. How the Teleportation Channel or spell latticework that I was using seemed to change as I moved on, but it had. In some deep fundamental way it had changed, but remained the exact same. It changed in that my mind now seemed to be able to grasp everything all at once, and all it required was for me to focus on one intent, on action and work it to its fullest to truly gain complete comprehension. At least, that is how the situation felt at the time, though I know it wasn¡¯t that easy. These are my thoughts, as my consciousness seems to recede, while my senses begin to expand around me. Finally, I am able to see what happened to the front half of the giant worm thingy. In this section, once again the center segment seemed to be able to detach from the front segment. The only problem was that it didn¡¯t seem to matter. I arrived to see what looked like giant ants climbing up the apparent legs of the glowing worm thing. Though now that I can see the legs, I realize that the device is likely a millipede type device. One with hundreds of legs all powered by dozens of low powered mages. Well, they were powered by dozens of low powered mages, as the ants were not ants at all, but rather my Teleiot¨ªs. Teleiot¨ªs who looked possessed of intense killing intent as they selflessly clawed and crawled their way to the top of the great mechanical beast before finding each of the mages and either violently ripping out the much smaller mages from their cockpits, or by simply firing into the open view cockpits, before a second angry Teleiot¨ªs reached in to throw the now lifeless body to the ground. Horror. For a moment I felt shocked at the sight, as the Teleiot¨ªs clearly looked pissed as they stormed the great monstrosity and seemed to kill each and every mage without mercy. A few of the mages held up their hands in surrender, only to be granted quick deaths, as they were shot, but in far more lethal places. All I could do was watch, as body after body was thrown from the mechanical monster. Then when enough of the mages were killed, the beast began to rock forward, as the energy required to keep such a beast upright was clearly missing. THUD! Immediately upon crashing to the ground, the rest of the Teleiot¨ªs, who had either been thrown off, fallen off, or were just waiting their turn to climb the legs of the giant beast began to climb over. I also saw how the few Teleiot¨ªs who went after the discarded middle segment mages were also joining the fray.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. It didn¡¯t need to be said, but I checked anyways to find that all the Legrand mages in the center segment were also killed. Many not even getting a chance to defend themselves. The scene was horrific, and worse, I almost knew it would happen. In fact, I had almost planned on it, by bisecting the great beast with my collapsed and weaponized Teleportation Tunnel, I expected something like this to happen. Just as Mallory and the others were no doubt massacring the mages controlling he back half of the structure now, these Teleiot¨ªs were destroying the front half. Yet, I couldn¡¯t help but be appalled by the utter savagery displayed here by my Teleiot¨ªs. And yes, I did consider them my own, I created them. I gave them life, and I set them free to destroy the mages that had ones imprisoned them to torture and kill children to keep imprisoned miners in line. Now, I only had myself to blame for presenting them with the same exact obstacle. Of presenting them with the same corrupt mages, wielding the same type, if not deadlier, mechanoid units against civilians and soldiers alike. So why did I suddenly feel like I would be sick? Again, my mental response as to why I felt sick came down to responsibility. I was responsible for this. For a second, I was almost afraid to approach, concerned that I might be treated as one of the enemy mages. Still, I felt it was my duty to try to save the dead bodies. To Resurrect the ones that still could be Resurrected. The only problem was that, I knew if I Resurrected the enemy right here, they would instantly be killed once more. Still, I had to do something. My Teleiot¨ªs were clearly agitated, but seeming to be calming down. This entire scene only took seconds, so efficient and coordinated at killing were they, that I could only feel slightly sorry for the soldiers that crossed their paths. Taking a deep breath, I moved forward confidently. Glad that my wings carried me, and that I didn¡¯t have to walk as I was not certain if my legs would be able to carry me forward at the moment. As I approached, I could almost feel the moment the other Teleiot¨ªs became aware of me. There was a pause in their tension, it was palpable. Again, I got the sense that they were communicating like ants would, or maybe how I imagine ants would, with short wave energy releases that would state distress, happiness, or other human emotions that were hard to mimic otherwise. Here, I could feel the energy signals going from a violent chaotic burst, to a more streamlined and rhythmic expression. The effect was instant, for the Teleiot¨ªs that changed their signals that they were emitting instantly began to calm down, their tense and hostile body posture instantly relaxed as they seemed to gain control over themselves. Great, they were rampaging monsters that could go from zero to sixty and back to zero by a simple click of a switch. Then again, they were part machine, so this shouldn¡¯t be too hard to believe. Though it did make me wonder about their stability. I continued to make my way forward, once I was about five feet away from the closest Teleiot¨ªs, they knelt down, head facing the ground, as they raised their left arm up and pointed behind them towards the downed monster. The gesture was simple, it was almost how I would imagine a dog would go and present a giant serpent that it managed to kill in the backyard, before presenting it with pride. With the first one kneeling, and pointing, others did as well. Seeing this, it was clear that they still saw me as someone of importance to them. For that I was eternally grateful, as I didn¡¯t know if I could handle these creatures, not as they were. They were too angry, too violent, and most importantly too tortured to be dealt with harshly. I could understand, and in fact, I realize I relied upon them to stop the enemy. I needed them to stop the enemy, when I would not do the same. A necessary evil. Though they weren¡¯t evil, they were just living as their conscience dictated, just as I was living as my conscience dictated. Tingle. Once again, I felt something in my mind slowly shifting into place. It wasn¡¯t a truth yet, or I hadn¡¯t correctly placed the thought the way my mind needed, but I was close. Why I needed to do this, and what exactly I was trying to do by arranging these concepts within my mind were lost to me, but I could tell that it was something that the system wanted me to do. Seeing all the Teleiot¨ªs showing their reverence for me, I felt moved. That¡¯s when I purposefully used my Dual Quintessence Healing on them. This was my level 400 Trait I acquired from my Quintessence Ethereal Healer class. Whoosh! Not having many chances to use this unique pool of Healing magic, I go wild with it, all but laying down a wide area Healing spell that encompasses everyone. Well all of the Teleiot¨ªs. I see many of them shiver slightly, as aches, scrapes, and bent or crumpled joints began to heal instantly. Logically, the spell made no sense, but it didn¡¯t need to make sense, as that was the benefit of magic, of creativity. And like that, I felt a final string click in my mind, as my personal understanding of Creativity solidified within my mind.
Creativity can bypass the structured laws of magic. Creativity is the greatest catalyst for how one can fully utilize their true Intelligence. And finally, Creativity is more dangerous than Intent.
A shiver ran down my spine as I fully grasped this concept. My first true concept, that of Creativity and what it means to me. Then as if the system recognized this accomplishment, or wished to help me make sense of what my mind was now processing, I received a quest prompt.
Hidden Quest Found: Beliefs of the Demi-God (Ongoing): You have begun to grasp that there are tenants and truths to this world that you will have to determine for yourself. As you progress on your path to awaken your bloodline to that of a Demi-God you are afforded three truths that will be crucial to your development and advancement. Current number of Personal Truths solidified (1 / 3). Find and solidify your remaining truths to further your progress. Rewards: Experience, Skills, Bloodline Perks, Variable.
Seeing that system message, I felt chills run down my body, as I realized that I was close to doing something that I didn¡¯t want. At least, I knew I was far too reckless to understand the concepts of what I was doing. I needed years, decades maybe to see what there was to being a demi-god. Yet, here I was already on the road of becoming one. Though technically I had started the path a while ago, but now it seemed that I was being forced to go down this path somewhat faster. Movement. Though before I could get too stuck in what was happening, and my own doubts of whether I deserved to be a demi-god, the Teleiot¨ªs moved. Blinking my mind, and dismissing the prompts, and focusing through the new surge of energy that was coursing in me thanks to my newfound understanding, I saw the Teleiot¨ªs bowing. Not just bowing, but fully prostrating themselves on their knees, heads pressed against the floor in reverence. Chills. Seeing them bow, I could almost swear that I felt their trust, their reverence, their faith in me. And for a moment it felt overwhelming. Maybe they could feel that I had made that mental connection, perhaps there was a burst of energy that I missed. I didn¡¯t know. All I knew was that right then and there, I felt a change within myself, and they seemed to sense that change from within me. Unable to withstand their sudden and intense devotion, I said the only thing that I could think of, ¡°rise.¡± Then as one they all rose, like machines, perfectly inline and identical movements. Some of them, the larger hybrid models took longer to rise, but even those stood fully erect at the same time. They were all standing there, waiting for me to tell them something. Expectantly waiting, and I said the only thing I could. ¡°Good job, and thank you.¡± Jubilation. With that the Teleiot¨ªs that were standing didn¡¯t change or alter their postures at all, but I could feel that the signal they all released and shared was one of mirth and contentment. Realizing I still needed to get the bodies out, and Resurrected safely, I thought about going over and grabbing the bodies and shoving them through a one way portal to Heal-Ulacrum¡¯s area, where I felt she would be able to Mass Resurrect the enemy soldiers. Then realizing I could out source, I decided to use the devotion of the Teleiot¨ªs to my benefit. Arcane Geometric Teleportation. Creating a one way portal to the second floor Mage¡¯s Guild of the Arcanarus Tower, I then commanded the Teleiot¨ªs to move the bodies of the enemies. ¡°Grab the bodies of the enemies and dispose of them through this portal.¡± Then without question, the Teleiot¨ªs began moving as one. Grabbing bodies and violently hurling them through the portal. I almost winced at some of the throws, but I realized that was on me for not being better with my description on how to dispose of the bodies. As they threw the bodies, I could feel the angry thoughts of Heal-Ulacrum seeping through the portal Telekinetically, all but demanding me to watch out. Of course, I sent back a mental, ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± followed by the ever effective, ¡°havi..ng a¡­ hard time¡­ break¡­ing up¡­¡± before ending the mental connection and closing the one way portal. I will say that Teleiot¨ªs are efficient. In the same time it took them all to kill the mages, they had gathered the bodies, or what was left of them, and removed them from the field, into the portal. Even the bodies from the downed front half were gathered up and disposed of in under two minutes. That¡¯s when I realized just how fast and deadly these Teleiot¨ªs were, and how I was glad they were on my side. ¡°Thank you for that,¡± I told the expectant Teleiot¨ªs. They were all staring at me, unmoving and motionless, like reverent machines would, or maybe should but, but it was still slightly unnerving to witness. More jubilation. Again, the Teleiot¨ªs were extremely happy from the slightest amount of praise from me. ¡°Unfortunately, I need to go, but is there anything I can do for you all before I go?¡± I ask. And like that, the first Teleiot¨ªs once again just pointed back at the giant dead centipede robot. I mentally paused, trying to understand the intent. Then as if seeing my confusion, the energy frequency being emitted by the Teleiot¨ªs seemed to change. Loss, hope, and something else. ¡°Do you want me to Resurrect that thing?¡± I ask, pointing to the downed centipede and former floating glow worm creature. Nodding. Excitement. At my apparent understanding, the Teleiot¨ªs in charge just nodded their head vigorously and all the other seemed to release the same frequency of excitement. Oddly enough, the excitement was close to the berserk or wild energy these Teleiot¨ªs were releasing when I first arrived, though excitement was slightly more constrained. ¡°Okay,¡± was all I replied, as I flew forward and found myself doing something highly questionable with magic once again. This time, rather than bringing to life giant killing robots, I was going to bring to life the ultimate personification of killing robots made sentient. Taking a deep breath, I calmed myself, as I wondered if I was doing something that the world was truly ready for, but then found myself curious if I could actually do it as well. This would be the largest creature I ever brought to life, and I found myself wondering about the possibilities that this minor step would allow. Besides the Teleiot¨ªs were mostly harmless, well, unless you were a Legrand soldier or mage who happened upon their territory. As it stood, this would only further increase the chance that my Teleiot¨ªs could survive any retaliatory attacks by the Legrand Empire who might wish to take back their mines. Filled with the excitement of trying to push the boundaries of science and magic to their furthest, I realized that with my latest mental discovery about Creativity, it was just important that I believe I could do this, as it was for the rules to exist for me to be able to do this. Which was how I, a four foot tall colossal pixie, decided to punch well out of my weight class by attempting to bring to life a thirty six-legged monstrosity that stretched for over a hundred feet long and stood at least two stories tall. Smiling to myself, I opened my mind and began channeling energy into the area around me, as I once again tried to push the boundaries of what others thought was impossible. Arcane Geomancy. As the power came coursing through my body, I felt one last question come to mind. Nothing too dangerous could come from this, right? Chapter 293 When You Can, Because You Believe You Can Chapter 293 When You Can, Because You Believe You Can Magic. The single greatest use of power. With magic, there is an innate sense of hope that needs to be applied. For what is the point of magic, without the hint of hope that something can be made better by its use or application. Nothing. No, I wasn¡¯t trying to come up with more words of godhood, or demi-godhood in my case. Rather I was just seeing if Magic would be one of my core concepts, just as Creativity was. While I stumbled upon Creativity, I thought I could almost force another key concept for me. Though apparently Magic isn¡¯t it. I am both relieved and saddened by this discovery. For knowing the second key concept would be a great boon to me. Though I know after I found it, not knowing the third one would likely drive me crazy with wonder. It would also be after the discovery of the third that I would be at the Demi-God status. Or at lease one step closer to being a Demi-God, whatever that is. Yet, I can¡¯t quite understand why Magic isn¡¯t a core concept. Well, not until I realize I would need to think of Magic as a more generic wording for energy usage. I realize this, as this is due to the way that I rationalize Magic as but one tiny sliver of energy use on the spectrum. For there is also Qi, Karma, and likely more forms of energy that I haven¡¯t even begun to comprehend, that are in addition to the variance of energy manipulation known as Magic. Sad. WHOOM! What is also sad is how much energy this giant metallic monstrosity is taking from me. First, I must use Arcane Geomancy on a wide range. Just using this energy, Arcane Geomancy, I realize that it could easily be considered its own brand of energy manipulation. This form of energy is made up of both Mana and Qi, but even now, I can tell that there are slight threads of Karma, and likely more that I can¡¯t quite see or interpret or measure at the moment. I realize there has to be more, as there at the very core of my Arcane Geomancy spray are tiny specs of pure white light. Which I don¡¯t think actually exist, but rather these are specs that are so bright that they burn my senses and create after images of photon bursts to block and obfuscate the true components of that energy. If I had to guess, I would assume that is the true component responsible for giving life to non-sentient objects like the Teleiot¨ªs and giving them a form of independent sentience. Which I mentally note as the next step above sentience, that independence of thought. Yeah, they might not at first seem to be independent in the way that they are reverent towards me. But it is because they are reverent towards me that I know they are independent, if that makes sense? For I would not and do not like anyone kowtowing to me. If these Teleiot¨ªs were in fact dependent on me, then they would know not to bow to me, as it kind of freaks me out. Well freaks me out is not quite the right word. I feel different when they openly prostrate themselves to me, as if I¡¯m being filled with a new form of energy that increases my already exceptionally high energy regeneration to an unfathomable level. Even now, despite constantly using my Arcane Geomancy at what is effectively full burst, I can barely notice the drop in energy, while all the Teleiot¨ªs just kneel in reverence towards me. Maybe it¡¯s the fact that they are silent? As machines they don¡¯t even cough, or breathe loudly. Sad that I would be extremely happy to have one of these Teleiot¨ªs be a mouth breather, for then at least I would know they were in fact living. Which they are, but I would be able to hear them as well as see them through my Angel¡¯s Sight. Instead, all I see are dozens of motionless Teleiot¨ªs all kneeling in reverence at me, while I attempt to do the impossible, bring this device that is hundreds of meters long and dozens of meters tall to life. To the same form of life as the Teleiot¨ªs. No doubt, this unseen reverence that I can innately feel the effects of is yet another spectrum of energy, one that I can¡¯t even begin to see, measure, or manipulate. I would assume this would be the energy of Faith. That is if Faith actually exists as a form of energy. Though I find it hard to believe that this world would have Karma, without having Faith. For what is Karma, but a focused version of distilled Faith that can be quantified. Enough people have faith in Karma, that it almost must be true, and now I can see when threads of Karma do appear. Even now, I can see golden threads of Karma leak out of me and form bands that are now binding themselves to this giant centipede creature. Mentally, I can almost see this as me being a conduit of the Faith of the Teleiot¨ªs. The Teleiot¨ªs direct their Faith towards me, which I then convert and focus it into energy that can be intertwined with Karma to help this new form of life grow. In my mind, I can almost see similar instances of Faith, for I can almost swear that I saw a congregation praying for rain during a severe drought. Then a smaller version would be of children praying for snow to avoid a test that they had not prepared enough for. In the case of the latter, I saw my feeble attempts at praying for snow so I could avoid going to school. Knowing what I know now, I realize I would have likely needed to start the prayer closer to midnight, to generate enough energy to justify the expenditure on a day of snow. Live and learn. The more Arcane Geomancy energy I poured out, the deeper I could feel the energy running. Like dry clay that was suddenly submerged in a deluge of water, I could feel this land coming to life. As more energy poured over and around the colossal creature, I could feel a deeper connection to the land below. What had been at most a foot of connection, now felt like multiple feet of connection. Not that I could do anything with this innate connection, but that connection was still there. I also felt threads of Karma binding me to the land, both good and bad strands of karmic energy, both linked from me in equal proportions to this land. From these connections, I could tell that I was somehow responsible for these lands in a way that was deeper and more condensed than even my connection to World¡¯s End.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. Or maybe the same amount of tethering, but this area was more compact than my connection to World¡¯s End and its people were. While that area was dispersed and mostly homogeneous in nature, with a few outliers, this one was deep and connected. Honestly, I didn¡¯t know what to make of the connection, though I was sort of tired of being used as a spiritual watering hose. At least that is what I felt like, pressurized Faith was channeled into me, and I then dispersed it as quickly as I could over as much area as possible. I almost wanted to make the little Ffft, ffft, ffft sounds that the sprinkler systems I had as a kid would make as they sprayed water over the yard in wide arcing paths. Times like these that I realize, I might have an attention problem. This whole ordeal has only taken a few minutes, maybe ten or fifteen minutes at most. But just floating here, spraying energy out in wide arcs is tedious. I also feel odd in that, I should feel completely taxed and exhausted by this situation, but I am not. Instead, I feel fine. Well better than fine, I feel great, not like Tony the cat person, but actually great. Which is part of the problem, for this sensation, this surge of energy is intoxicating. Worse, I can¡¯t quite seem to measure it, though I know if it prevails for too long it might be like a drug. This brings me to the next question, is Faith an actual drug for Gods? Does it pacify them? Does it make them angry when they suffer from withdrawal? Is that why Gods are always seen as wrathful, as people only seem to offer Faith when they need and or want something from the God or Goddess in question? I don¡¯t know any of these questions, though they seem to be important to know before I make this next step in my evolution. Especially as I can¡¯t seem to measure or even comprehend what Faith exactly is, though I can clearly feel it and sense its impact on my ability to do minor things. Minor in this case means purifying the land, binding it and its people to me, while giving life to what is likely going to be the single most horrifying sentient killer robot to ever walk this world. For a moment, I think about stopping, this comes when I first see one leg twitch. Apparently the Teleiot¨ªs also saw it, for I see many of them slightly shift their attentions. Instantly, dozens of machines that all bowed their heads towards the ground all looked up in one synchronized stare at the now moving monstrosity, in a way that would send shivers down Sean Connor¡¯s spine. Tingle. At the same time, I feel that their Faith in me must be doubling in intensity, for suddenly the surge of energy that I had been able to deal with a moment ago, now seems to surge and double in intensity. Chills. Like being sprayed with a steady stream of ice-cold water while out in a desert, it is both refreshing and shocking to the system. Still, I press forward. Half curious about what I can do when empowered by Faith, and half curious about what I can do myself. Mentally, I know there should not be any difference between bringing this giant monstrosity of highly condensed metal and machinery to life, given that I already did the same to the Teleiot¨ªs as a species. But now that I am in the final stages of the creation of this creature, I realize that the scale was daunting. While I have clearly cast spells that were larger and took up more area than this individual creature was, I never took on a task this big. The closest would have been bringing the Guardians back to life, but even then I did so by making the one into a Pomeranian, which mentally felt more feasible. Now though, now I had to create a creature larger than even the dragon Guardians, minus the tails, and not mentally cheat by having it morphed into a metallic morphing Pomeranian. For a moment, I think about adding a core that could allow the transformation of this giant creature to a Pomeranian, but then quickly change that thought as this creature is too similar to a spider. While I am not opposed to spiders. I would be opposed to tiny Pomeranians coming, to then switch into a giant spider with thirty-six metallic legs. Also, this creature didn¡¯t do anything to annoy me, and this was just a request from the Teleiot¨ªs, people I created and then effectively discarded. More movement. By now I can see streams of mana flowing within the creature. The stream starts off as a faint blue trickle, that slowly builds up and expands outwards. With awe I watch as the energies begin to race from a now converted power storage core, that seems to act as a modified heart for the beast. From there, the energy pulses out, up to master control panels where the higher Tiered mages sat in control. Then I see energy go out to the legs, causing them to flinch again. More and more streams of energy pulse around and increase, until finally the creature has a near constant stream of energy in its core. Then once the power core is established, a direct and permanent power supply link to the mind is created. Then the legs, and slowly energy goes out to the weapons turrets that seemed so devastating moments ago. Chills. I feel chills as I realize I did it, I brought this creature to life. I understood the Teleiot¨ªs¡¯ want for this creature, as this creature offered protection, mobility, and opportunity to do more. Particularly if they work in a symbiotic relationship, which I feel all of these types of creatures do. Mentally I go back to my regex background of morphing words into new variants, and try to be as succinct in what this new creature can offer the Teleiot¨ªs. That is when I come up with the name Promoppo. I also happen to like the way that name sounds, Promoppo. Just as I am mentally enjoying my thoughts of odd sounding words, I get a mental quest notification.
Hidden Quest Completed: Rise of the Taxonomist (Repeatable): You have created/discovered a completely new variation of sentient life on this planet. As the original finder, discoverer, and creator of this new species you have chosen the species name Promoppo, from the noted Genus Teleiot¨ªs. Species and Genus Name Required (1 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Title Increase: Taxonomist (II), Evolution Perk Identified. Experience Gained: 50,000 / 25,000 / 25,000 Ding Level up. Divinely Akashic Qi Master has increased by 1 level to level 391. Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by 1 level to level 417.* Quintessential Ethereal Healer has increased by 1 level to level 572.
Title Increase: Taxonomist (I) has increased to Taxonomist (II).
Taxonomist (II): You have successfully named one Genus and three unique species of life on this planet. Effect: +75% status with newly named species.
Bloodline Evolution Perk Identified: Spark of Life: You have found the ability to create new and unique forms of life in this world. Effect: All life you create can grow, evolve, and multiply.
The level up reminds me that I still need to choose my level 400 perk for my Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master class. Given that my level 400 for Quintessential Ethereal Healer was a Trait, this means that I would likely need to make the same hold true for my Simulacrums class. Also, given that I¡¯ve focused almost exclusively on Teleportation with that class, I feel that I should keep the same vein, or consistency. Mentally, I think of being able to Teleport to the Void realm as the obvious solution, but I¡¯m not certain if I can exactly do that, given the way my last Teleportation lattice broke down when interacting with that strange being. But I still need to find a way to get to the crazed creature, particularly as she is effectively holding my familiar, Zero, hostage at this point. Yet, as I have this thought, I feel another instance Click within my mind.
Hidden Quest Found: Perfecting Teleportation: You have chosen to get Void Teleportation as your class perk for your Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master class. Find the way to cast a stable Teleportation channel through realms and unlock this class perk. Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Void Teleportation Trait (Class Perk), variable.
Seeing that notification I feel a surge of excitement fill me. Then it is instantly dismissed as I need to go through my other changes. I am momentarily shocked when I see that this creature falls under the same Genus of Teleiot¨ªs. Then reading the description of my now enhanced Title, I also realize why. Shaking my head, I realize that I have been clumping the two different types of Teleiot¨ªs into one group. That is the Mana only Teleiot¨ªs, and the dual Mana and Qi Teleiot¨ªs were actually called Ma-Mes and Di-Mes. Which I guess would make this new species the Ma-Promoppo, if I ever find a Qi and Mana version of these and make them sentient as well. Though my new Bloodline Evolution Perk seems to make it so that the Promoppo might be able to eventually evolve into the Di-Promoppo version. There are a lot of variables in this that I am not quite ready to fully comprehend. I am glad that as a species all Teleiot¨ªs, can go forth and multiply, though I do wonder if this might cause future problems. Given that this is Legrand territory, I don¡¯t see this being too much of an issue, but one never truly knows. That said, I¡¯ve now got a new quest, apparently followers that are able to now evolve and procreate and a war still going on. Vrrt-whirr-crunch. The giant Promoppo shakes its head, or master control unit, which I think of as its head, then seems to notice me. It is so big and powerful that I can instantly feel its gaze on me. This is the gaze that denotes power. The gaze of a predator. Seeing me, I almost wonder if I made a mistake. It is easily the largest alien looking creature that I¡¯ve ever seen get up and stare at me. Even the Guardian Dragons were not this intense, maybe because they had eyes that I could track. Whereas this creature, it just has mana eyes. For a moment, I wonder if it has Angel Vision, or maybe the mechanical version of that? What would that be called? Then a bigger question hits me, do all Teleiot¨ªs have the mechanical version of Angel Vision? It is sad, as I just now realized that I never quite checked to see if the Teleiot¨ªs had eyes. They do have a singular light slit on their humanoid looking faces. This is done as a periscope view from the cockpit, but I¡¯m pretty sure that most of those original functions have since been disabled. Which again, begs the question how do Teleiot¨ªs see? Are they more like me than I even gave them credit for? Vacuum whir. Getting up, the giant mechanical centipede Teleiot¨ªs, the singular Promoppo came forward and began vacuuming in air directly around me. As it began sucking in air around me, I felt pixie dust get ripped off my back, and pulled directly into its nasal cavity? GIANT SNEEZE! Then as one would expect from inhaling a lung full of pixie dust when taking your first few breaths, the creature sneezed. That¡¯s when it began to lower itself as it coiled its gears and prepared to pounce. Almost instantly, I could hear Mallory¡¯s words coming to my mind, I told you so. Then before I could react, it was already too late, as the creature began to pounce towards me. Chapter 294 Its Always Something Chapter 294 It''s Always Something As someone who is smaller than most pets, you build up survival instincts. These are minor things that help you realize when danger is coming. Danger in my case is the apparent overly excited form of a lunging Promoppo eagerly wiggling and jumping up at me. Telekinetic Shield. Fortunately, by reflex alone, I was able to put up a barrier and block the giant multi ton centipede¡¯s movements almost instantly. Or at least I was able to do so once. Dizzy. Of course, the amount of energy required to push back a massive creature the size of multiple football fields combined was a bit more than I anticipated. A fact that was emphasized by the way I suddenly felt dizzy from the over exertion of Telekinetic energy from its singular resting pool. Headshake. The entire process left us both disoriented, but for drastically different reasons. Me, I was disoriented due to the sudden loss of energy. The Promoppo was disoriented due to the fact that its first jump ended a lot faster than it intended to. Which of course, meant that rather than stopping, the Promoppo took in its current state and tried again, but this time with much more force. Poof. Before I even realized what happened, my body moved on reflex, casting Teleportation almost instantly. This time, while moving a much shorter distance between hops, I still felt my mind expand when I entered that realm in between where I left this plane of existence and reappeared. The sensation is still odd, as if for a moment I can once again see the entirety of space, where I am able to glimpse its secrets, only for my mind to once again shut off, as I reappear here. Poof. I arrive, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck rise up, as I momentarily feel the gooseflesh form from pure inspiration. That odd awe like wonder that seems to captivate your thoughts in ways you can only yearn for later. And yet, I can¡¯t help but notice that this is the second time that this feeling of complete awe has settled over me, after Teleporting. While my actual time away was measured in microseconds, a fact that is provable by the way the Promoppo is still rising up dozens of feet into the air, before reaching its apex, only to look around confusedly for a moment, before falling back to the ground. The sight might otherwise be comical, if it wasn¡¯t for the sense of wonderment that is coursing through my body. Of course, I am not alone with my own emotions and reactions to the actions of the giant gigaton Promoppo pouncing around the area. Intense Fear. Disperse. While all I did was a matter of Teleporting out of the way, the other Teleiot¨ªs, the original Di-Mes and Ma-Mes variants that wanted this jumping centipede creature are now running for their lives. In a sight that might otherwise be comical to future generations of people who would root against the possible rise of mechanical murder bots, the smaller Teleiot¨ªs are now running for their lives to get away from the overly enthusiastic Promoppo¡¯s romping nature. WHA-THUD! The creature landed like a wild bull in a dainty China shop. Promoppo¡¯s impact alone was intense enough to send out shockwaves of force that knocked over otherwise fleeing Teleiot¨ªs variants. ¡°Calm down!¡± I shout. This is done in an effort to try to both protect the minor Teleiot¨ªs who are getting caught up in the rampaging nature of the Promoppo¡¯s exuberant prancing, and to hopefully allow the smaller Teleiot¨ªs to get away, while I move forward like a cobra charmer to keep the dangerous creature from noticing other targets. I fly forward, but at a way that causes the Promoppo to curl in among itself, while looking at me. This makes the creature both smaller in area taken up, while also having the benefit of making it so the Promoppo will not make another lunging charge at me. At least I hope it won¡¯t try to jump at me again. Overly excited. Massive fear. I don¡¯t know what it is about the communication patterns of the Teleiot¨ªs that makes it so I can easily understand what they are saying. Perhaps it is because they are creatures that I helped bring to life. Or maybe it is the fact that they all seem to communicate in mana. Their communication patterns are interesting, by charging mana in different ways and then dispersing those charged clusters of energy, the different species of Teleiot¨ªs are able to communicate with and amongst themselves. The only real difference in the way the creatures communicate is scale. For while there are dozens of smaller Di-Mes and Ma-Mes running around and excreting mana enriched signals, it doesn¡¯t seem that the Promoppo is aware of their fear. That or maybe being so new, the Promoppo hasn¡¯t begun to understand the differences in energy dispersions yet. Wiggle wiggle. Still, the oversized Promoppo is clearly excited, a fact that is emphasized by the way it giggles and gyrates, while releasing mana that seems to emphasize its magical pheromones. Seeing the creature, I am once again reminded of how Meta Linguistics makes up almost 80% of all communications. And no, Meta Linguistics is not communicating on social media platforms, but rather the proof that movements, actions, and body posture account for the majority of communications, while the actual words that are spoken only account for the remaining 20% of all communications.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Realizing this, I decide to try to emulate the energy patterns and mana resonances that would help me communicate with this Promoppo to calm down, before it hurts other Teleiot¨ªs, or worse, if it hurts me. I am way too small to be pounced on by a converted gigaton war machine turned hyperactive puppy. Stern displeasure. ¡°No!¡± I don¡¯t shout, as I don¡¯t need to. Instead, I let my dispersed mana do my talking for me. Mixing Mana, with a golden sliver of Qi, and just enough residual ephemeral energy, aka Pixie dust, I set a tone of not wanting to play. Seeing my agitation, and feeling my resolve through my energy, all the gathered Teleiot¨ªs just stare at me for a moment. During this moment I stop all my movement and just hover in place. Somehow, I know it is important that I am not the first one to move. Instead, I just float there staring down at the tightly coiled in on itself Promoppo. Sit. Seeing me, the Promoppo straightens up, and sits. Or does the centipede equivalent to sitting, where it lowers the back half of its long abdomen against the ground, while using the front grouping of its leg clusters to provide support so that its head is up and pointing directly at me. Though even in this state, I can see it is barely able to contain itself as it seems to slowly begin to vibrate with compressed energy and excitement. CALM DOWN! I send out another wave of energy, this time all but exerting my will over the Promoppo. Stillness. At my command, the Promoppo that had been coiled with excitement sits still for a second, before slowly lowering itself to the ground. Only once it is laying flat against the ground do I mentally count to three, before nodding to myself and decide to float forward. Excitement. Seeing me approach, the Promoppo raises its head and all but begins to waggle its back end. No. I pause my movement once more, and once again wait for the creature to finally gain control over itself. This time it only takes a minor use of Telekinesis to keep the creature from raising its head too much, before it seems to lose its will to resist. That¡¯s when I once again move forward, only stopping when it seems to get too excited. Controlled exuberance. As I get closer, the Promoppo is still excited, but seems more and more willing to wait in anticipation of my arrival. Finally I get to where I am right next to the giant monster, a small flea, or maybe a fly in comparison to the giant killer robot made to live. Yet, it was a good boy, so I take the moment to go over and gently stroke the monstrosity on its round head. Being this close, I use all forms of energy. Golden Karma to tie us together. I use mana to do a quick diagnostic of the creature. Flush Qi in its system to see how responsive the creature is to Qi energy. Surprisingly, from a quick scan, it is clear that the Promoppo could easily learn to utilize Qi. Perhaps if I have time or the inclination to teach a murder bot to be more effective at killing I might think about it, but I don¡¯t see that happening anytime soon. Then finally I make sure to apply pixie dust directly to the snout of the creature. MECHANICAL SNEEZE! And I am rewarded with a wet mana and particle infused sneeze as a reward for my efforts. ¡°Bleh!¡± I exclaim, shaking myself off, while wondering how these creatures can sneeze mana. But then I quickly realized that I myself sweat and bleed mana infused liquids and realize it is not that odd. Or maybe my understanding of the world is slightly skewed, regardless of the reasons, I just accept this. Particularly as my soulbound clothing is already soaking in excess energy and using it to further power my own clothes. Tremor, tremor, thud. I hear something that sounds like a minor earthquake, or maybe a large train passing by. Only to realize that despite being completely still by my hand, the Promoppo is so excited that it can¡¯t help but shake its rear segment and whack that segment against the ground and anything nearby. Fortunately, by now the other Teleiot¨ªs have run away to a far enough place to be safe from the devastating movements of the colossal Promoppo. ¡°Who¡¯s a good boy,¡± I coo, while releasing mana pheromones for happy and content, while I continue to pet it with energy infused hands. Thump, thump, thump. Now the Promoppo is overly excited, but still able to at least make it so the part I am interacting with is stationary, which I appreciate. With that, I continue to pet, or maybe polish would be a better word, the creature, before realizing that my people are still at war. Turning to face the other Teleiot¨ªs, I look at them and then speak, ¡°well you have your wish.¡± For a moment I wonder if the Ma-Mes and Di-Mes can work together with the Promoppo, but I ultimately realize that this isn¡¯t my concern. They wanted the creature, I got them the creature, now like an absentee parent who only shows up for holidays and when I need something, it is time for me to split. ¡°Play nice with each other,¡± I tell everyone while reinforcing my words with mana pheromones. Calm, and gentle. With that last burst of pheromones, I finally get a system message letting me know my understanding was correct for how to communicate with these Teleiot¨ªs.
New Skill Gained: Mana Pheromone Communication has reached level 1.
Mana Pheromone Communication is a Strength, Personality X5, Sociability X5, Attractiveness X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
At first, I was sort of sad that I didn¡¯t get a skill letting me know that I learned the Teleiot¨ªs language. But now that I¡¯ve had a second or two to process, this skill seems far more versatile and able to be utilized. Also, the skill isn¡¯t too terrible in terms of Attributes utilized. I nearly salivate as it is the first time I found a skill that drastically increases my social Attributes through use. Though looking back on it, maybe finding more ways to communicate with other people and creatures should have been the dead giveaway for how to find and unlock such skills. Still, this is huge, as I am certain that there are more ways to communicate with these and other future creatures. For a moment, I wonder why the Strength is part of the Attributes utilized by the skill, only to realize that you do have to be somewhat forceful with the way you push out the mana pheromones to make it so your voice is heard, or not voice. Maybe so your intention is felt would be the best way to describe the activity? Hmm, who knows. Anyways, I feel better as I am fairly certain I can use this to communicate with more and more species. I don¡¯t know as many nuances to the skill¡¯s use but that is likely due to my not fully understanding or not having had a chance to practice the skill too intricately. For now, I¡¯ve been focusing on base emotion strands, once I get these base emotions mapped out, I feel that I can go into more nuanced approaches towards specific variances of emotions. Pausing for a moment, I give one last glance around. All the smaller Teleiot¨ªs variants are alive, healthy and whole. Then peering at the overly affectionate puppy type Promoppo Teleiot¨ªs, I realize he is happy and healthy as well. Seeing this as the perfect time to not overstay my welcome, I decide to leave while I can. ¡°All right then, you all take care,¡± I begin, then turning back to the Promoppo, I take on a slightly stern tone of voice, ¡°and you play gentle.¡± The Promoppo almost seems to build up a giant mana tear in its one cyclops eye slit. ¡°No, you are a good boy, you just need to be gentle. You are much bigger than everyone around you, and you need to be aware of that.¡± I reply in a cooing voice, while giving one last tender set of energy infused pats to the giant behemoth of a creature. Seriously, what were the Legrand soldiers thinking by even constructing such a device. Then realizing that there was still half of the Promoppo left at World¡¯s End, I realize I¡¯ve wasted enough time and taking a deep breath I inhale and then Arcane Geomancy Teleport away. Poof. Once again, I feel the gentle expansion of my mind, though this time, I can feel part of my mind expanding to one particular part way off in space. I am almost able to understand where and why, when I feel my journey coming to and end and my mind being compressed once again to fit back into my tiny body. Poof. I the arrive at the exact spot that I left World¡¯s End at not twenty minutes ago. Yet, looking around, I can see that the entire scope of the battlefield has changed. Here I see that most of the fighting has ended, at least on this front as all the World¡¯s End soldiers that had been desperately fighting moments ago now looked relaxed. Well not relaxed, but they all seem to be taking a well deserved break. As for the battlefield, there are hundreds of broken, bisected, or otherwise destroyed mechanoid units. Even the back end of the other Promoppo lays in a broken mass of metals, gears, and wasted mana. For a moment, I think about bringing these troops back to life. Well to life in the first place, I guess I can¡¯t bring them back to life if they were never truly alive to begin with. I see them, and realize that I could likely get a second Promoppo to life if I so wanted. But then I remember how much energy the entire process took. That was a lot of faith being funneled through me, which I was then able to convert and utilize almost immediately. Even then, the energy spikes were enormous. Realizing this, I shake my head as I realize why I was so exhausted from just a minor use of Telekinesis, for my body had been through a lot up to that point. Then remembering how exhausting training the other Promoppo to not jump on me was enough to let me realize, I should let sleeping robots lie. For a moment, I wonder if I should find or look around for Mallory. With my wide area of coverage, finding her and her team is relatively easy. It seems that even Mallory has withdrawn further back to an area of relative ease to help on any battlefront. Seeing that for the moment at least the battle has begun to wind down, I decide to take this as a warning and go back to my abode. Poof. The expansion of consciousness is enough to let me confirm my initial thoughts on why this is suddenly happening. Focusing, I can almost feel my connection to Zero spark to life, as I feel rested and relaxed while traveling through space. These are the same experiences that I feel while letting Zero rest in tattoo form on my arm. Relaxing slightly, I realize that the old elven lady did her part, she brought Zero back to full health. Now it is up to me, to fulfill my end of the bargain and go meet her. Poof. I reappear and feel oddly nostalgic about missing Zero. ¡°You¡¯re back!¡± Penelope exclaims excitedly upon seeing me appear in the middle of the Kujo caverns. ¡°Yes,¡± I respond. ¡°This is perfect timing as I desperately need your help,¡± Penelope stated while grabbing my arm and pulling me towards the Pomeranian Guardians. ¡°What is it?¡± I ask, while trying to resist the tug, but realizing that floating pixies can¡¯t offer too much resistance. Well we can¡¯t offer much resistance, unless we want to play dirty, but I don¡¯t want to do that, not with Penelope at least. ¡°It is the water guardian, I think there is something wrong with her.¡± ¡°What?¡± I ask, only to look and see that Penelope was in fact correct, for inside the little Pomeranian¡¯s stomach were multiple dots of foreign energy congealing inside her. ¡°Oh Gods,¡± I exclaim, horrified by what I discovered. Chapter 295 Scar Tissue Chapter 295 Scar Tissue There are times when things come in bunches. Honestly, I blame myself for not seeing that these types of things come in threes. Yes, pregnancies, deaths, and taxes. Fortunately, when you are constantly Broke, you don¡¯t really worry about the latter. Yeah, yeah, I likely get paid, but I don¡¯t really bother with cash. Instead, I just focus on getting items, materials, and equipment that will help me do my next major project. In fact, I am pretty sure that my Simulacrums have forged my signatures on requisition forms. Well, I guess it isn¡¯t exactly forging if it is me technically signing my own name for products that I would want to use. As such, I can¡¯t really be too angry or upset, just accepting of the fact that I still can¡¯t get money. Though I do have a shiny new self-cleaning Mythical level Murder Pit. Why do I think of money, or lack thereof at times like these? Well simple as it seems that yet someone else in my extended network of coverage is now pregnant. Yes, the stupid Water Pomeranian Guardian is now pregnant. Looking at her, I can see that golden karmic threads are holding her in place, leading me to realize that this is somehow either ordained or the children are somehow linked. At that realization, I mentally scan the area and see all the other children born within the past few hours. There is of course Redding Spiritlight, my first grandchild in this world. Which is sad considering I am technically 15 years old with an appearance of a 14-year-old colossal pixie. At least that is how my avatar allegedly appears to others, though I really don¡¯t know what to make of all of that. All this is to say that I still have three years in-game time until I can legally date others, even though I am married. Which should be a flaw that I get compensated for. Golden thread. At the idea of me deserving to be compensated for being forced to maintain a marriage, I feel golden threads of karma flow away from me off into the ether. With that, I don¡¯t know if I just cursed myself or somehow made it so I now can get rewarded for being forced into carrying on this sham marriage, but regardless I do feel the threads of fate stretching out from me and binding me to that inevitable event. The sad part is, I know that once something does come up, I will only have myself to blame. Speaking of big mistakes, I press on with my diagnosis of the clueless Pomeranian. With Zero gone, and or with me the entire time, I am relatively certain that these are not his illegitimate children. Which is good as this girl is not good enough for my Zero. That said, I do kind of feel sorry for Zero, as I have been keeping Zero so busy that he hasn¡¯t even had the chance to mingle with the Water Pomeranian Princess, despite his clear attraction to the girl. Still, I do want to find out who the father is, and decide to do a deeper preliminary investigation. Third-Eye Scan. Using my third-eye I peer deeply into the inner workings of the Pomeranian princess and begin dissecting the individual strands of mana and deeper energy that make up the pups. Seven clusters. Using my Tier VII version of Angel¡¯s Sight I see seven distinct motes. Looking deeper, I see the slow matriculation of energy pooling into the Guardian¡¯s stomach, which then gest pooled together and fed distinctly to seven different clusters. ¡°Seven pups,¡± I begin calling out my findings. I know Penelope and a few others are now gathering around to witness my diagnosis. The most obvious finding is that there is a mixture of energy types. Water is of course the easiest type of energy to spot, but additionally there is a lighter shade of energy that I note of as the male provider. For a moment I am confused as I see a bit of darker Air and Death energy mixing from the neutral pools of energy that are getting altered to feed and form each child. An obvious reason why these shades of Death and Air energies are concerning is that they are clusters that form in Zero. Though I would expect at least one to have the tell-tale purple hues of true Spirit magic, if Zero was involved. This is why I feel sort of reluctant to figure out who the actual father of these children is, as I can only imagine incestual dragon guardians having genetic flaws that would make my third eye look tame by comparison. ¡°The seven pups show affinities to Water from the mother¡¯s side. While the father¡¯s side seems to exhibit signs of Death, and Air energy,¡± I continue listing off my findings. Focusing deeper, I see the conversion of seemingly clear initial energy that slowly gets converted to feed and bond with each individual pup. Looking at the energies rate of slow fusion, I mentally begin calculating backwards and somehow predict, or maybe have my Cassiopeia¡¯s Foresight go off, showing me both the past and the inevitable future all at once. Seeing everything, I begin listing off my details, ¡°date of conception was three weeks ago. Time of delivery will be in thirty-four weeks, on a Tuesday.¡± Then, my mind clears as I see the father being there for both the beginning and at the end. ¡°What the DUCK!¡± I call out, as I suddenly feel very angry. I also realize why I suddenly thought of Rob during this whole fiasco. ¡°Kujo!¡± I exclaim, then blinking my third-eye shut a few times to break my intense stare into the womb of this mother I look on and realize that I spoke that last part out loud. A fact that is noted by the behemoth of a mother suddenly sitting upright and seeming to glower at the world around her. Poof. Almost as if on cue, Kujo shifts his way out of this reality and proceeds to scramble away.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. ¡°Kujo,¡± I hiss, my words laced with power and emotion. Somehow I inadvertently find myself lacing my words with Mana Pheromone Communication energy as I send my one word command through the surrounding ether and let the words pierce into and through Kujo, stopping him directly in his tracks. Seeing that he paused, I say those three iconic words from Mortal Kombat, ¡°get over here!¡± While I didn¡¯t shout the words, I found that using this newfound Mana Pheromone Communication skill, I didn¡¯t need to yell. For all I did was let my mana speak my discontent for me. WHOOSH! My words flew out covering everyone and everything in my immediate area. Being as I was focusing my energy in a direction that pointed towards where Kujo had exited and was trying to slink away from, I saw when my words passed over the Dire Phase wolf, sending a shiver of fear down his spine. Only once I saw the look of fear on his fur, and the quick lowering of his head did I mentally relax. As I knew Kujo would start coming back. Silence. Everyone around me was quiet and remained completely still. Even Ms. Kujo seemed to hold her breath as she waited for the resonance of my words to dissipate. She of course was not alone, for all of the suckling pups seemed to stop as well. Fortunately, all it took to bring back the shirking of duties Mr. Kujo were those four mana infused words. On instinct, I found myself pointing to a spot in front of me to my right, which would be almost parallel to where the water twit of a Pomeranian Guardian was still laying down. For her part, the Pomeranian looked frightened to be here. Seeing her expression and the way the other Pomeranian Guardians were seeming to lean further away from us, I felt sorry for the girl. This wasn¡¯t her fault and reminded me of the day when I found out my four kids would now have a new stepsibling. Taking a breath to calm myself, I realized that this was oddly familiar, and yet different from my own set of circumstances. Namely, my role in this other than making sure all the babies were happy and healthy, I had no claim in this scenario. Mr. Kujo, or who I was now mentally calling Rob Kujo was on his own. Poof. Finally, Mr. Kujo reappears and lowers his mighty head as he seems to all but beg for forgiveness from the spot that I indicated him to sit. Seeing him, the once proud stalker of these plains being brought so low, I just shake my head and speak my mind. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s worse, the idea of little Guardians of the Inbreeding running around, or the fact that Mr. Kujo cheated on Ms. Kujo with a Pomeranian?¡± Hearing my admonishment the Water Guardian looks frightened for a moment. As she stares at me, I can almost see flashes of fear running in her eyes. No doubt she remembered when I turned her into a Pomeranian to begin with and likely set this whole chain of events rolling. Taking a moment to stare at the karma of the Water Guardian and myself, I see some of the last major clumps of dark karma get melted away. That¡¯s when I realize that this event right here is all due to my own actions. Yes, had I not tried to mess with the way of the world, this Guardian would not be a base Pomeranian that can morph into a dragon. Rather she would just be a Dragon that would likely have eventually ended up with Zero. Now though, now it seems that at least for the time being that such a relationship was off limits. Not only was the Water Pomeranian a different base species entirely, but seeing the changes, I am pretty sure Zero could never have properly mated with this female. That said, I do feel now, and have always felt that the Water Pomeranian was a better match for Zero anyways. Given the recent developments, it is clear that that relationship could wield pure dragon babies. Seeing the complete look of fear on the Water Guardian, no doubt caused by the intense look of complete concentration I have, the Water Guardian quivers slightly, which is when I act. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you are fine,¡± I calmly explain to the now frightened water Guardian. ¡°You will be healthy in your pregnancy and deliver a healthy litter of pups.¡± Chime. As I say the words, I feel a deep karmic bond tie me to this Water Pomeranian and more importantly her litter. I don¡¯t like this one bit, but I don¡¯t believe that children should suffer due to actions taken by the parents. Then as I almost expected, I felt a mental quest activate within my mind.
Personal Quest Accepted: Guardian of the Litter (Ongoing): You have personally pledged your word to protect and deliver the litter of mixed Guardian and Dire Phase Wolf pups. Surviving pups (7 / 7). Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Bloodline Evolution Perks, variable.
The quest seems oddly reminiscent of the one I mentally made to Ms. Kujo. Though there is one major difference. It takes me a moment, only to realize that it is the fact that these aren¡¯t godpuppies. While I will be mentally and karmically connected to these pups, the quest seemed to understand that I didn¡¯t want the same level of burden or scrutiny that I felt and still feel for the godpuppies. That is the children born of Ms. And Mr. Kujo. I am also slightly mad that Zero will have his little heart broken by this development. Shaking my head, I cast a gentle Heal over the mother Guardian, and make sure to provide enough energy to help the children grow healthily for the next little bit. Seeing that the new upcoming set of pups is momentarily taken care of, I look around for my own thirteenth pup. The pup that was seemingly unwanted and the runt of the litter. Spinning about, I quickly see my tiny void of darkness nearby. To my surprise, it is my Apprentice and not Penelope or Gwen who are now holding my pup. The pup that I actually truly consider my actual godpuppy. Despite the other twelve that are once again suckling from the now irate Ms. Kujo, I decide to focus on feeding my own pup. ¡°You there, Apprentice Spray-Tan bring over my pup,¡± I state, while gesturing for my Apprentice to come forward. For her part, the Apprentice just stands there dumbfounded for a moment. ¡°You mean me?¡± She asks. ¡°Yeah, that is your name, right? You see any other Spray-Tans around?¡± I ask, partly pushing her to see how she would react and partly because I forgot the actual last name that I gave her. ¡°What? No, I am Splash-Healer,¡± she replies back somewhat indignantly. ¡°Splash?¡± I question, almost grimacing as I realize just how bad of a name that is. ¡°Yes,¡± the Apprentice replied, with a bit more backbone than she showed previously, but still not as much of a backbone as I would like all things considered. ¡°Hmm, very well then,¡± I reply, then realizing I likely need to at least try to teach this Apprentice while I can, I go through the plan of action. ¡°Come here and bring me my pup,¡± I demand. By now enough time had passed that the pup was awake, and struggling within the arms of the Water Temple Priest. Hearing the command she almost looks relieved as she moves forward and easily hands over the little ball of wiggling fur. With the pooch in my hands I flip him over and instantly begin feeding him via my finger in its mouth as I begin administer my Spirit Sustenance directly to its body. The effects of my magic on his tiny frame are drastic and almost instantaneous as it begins to slow down, before going into a long slow rhythmic breathing. With the pup taken care of, I begin giving orders to my Apprentice. ¡°Now, that you are my Apprentice, know that I am going to make it so your primary task will be on making sure that your first Patient here, Ms. Water Pomeranian herself, Nagingah, will be happy and healthy throughout her pregnancy."
Hidden Quest Created: Delegation of Healing Duties (Ongoing): You have delegated your primary maintenance duties of caring for the litter of mixed Pomeranian Guardian and Dire Phase wolf pups off to your Apprentice Valeria Splash-Healer. Surviving pups (7 / 7). Rewards: Experience, variable.
Seeing the quest, I realize that my initial assumption was correct, in that the quest would give me my Apprentice¡¯s name again. Also, she was right, her last name was in fact Splash-Healer. Even I can realize that that is a terrible last name. Though Spray-Tan would likely be worse. Maybe I could give that name to someone who used sand magic as their primary focus? As I assume that would have a golden tan color to the flavor of magic being utilized. Then I realize that trying to give someone a terrible last name is just cruel. ¡°Glad to see that you are still pawning your responsibilities off as ever, mother.¡± Gwen states acidly as she strides forward and seems to put herself directly into this conversation. ¡°Do you mind, I am trying to have a moment here with my budding Apprentice,¡± I retort. I¡¯m getting a little tired of Gwen¡¯s attitude today, and worst of all I still can¡¯t think of what she knows about that would make her this angry with me. ¡°Well hopefully you won¡¯t scar her for life, the way you have with your children,¡± Gwen responded, though still strong, her words did seem to lose a bit of their anger. While Gwen¡¯s tone might have calmed down a bit, it was clear from the sudden stiffening of my Apprentice¡¯s shoulders that she did not think of this as a joke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she is just joking. Besides, we all know the final test of womanhood is to take the lifelong scar that your parent gave you and learning to overcome or ignore it completely.¡± ¡°It? As in just one?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Yeah, we all know that is the great thing about lifelong scars, they can only happen to you once,¡± I reply. With this Gwen tilted up her eyebrow in that are you serious right now way. Seeing that she was doing more than just her bitter B face, I felt it was close enough to spring my final response to her. ¡°Besides we all know the great thing about children is that you can only permanently scar them for life one time.¡± ¡°One time?¡± Gwen and Penelope both parrot back in unison. ¡°Yeah, after that first scar, all you can really do as a parent is strengthen that scar tissue enough until your children,¡± I begin, but then quickly make sure to rope in my Apprentice to make sure she feels welcome, ¡°or your Apprentices are tough enough to take on anything life throws their way.¡± With that, the Apprentice finally seems to come out of her shell a bit as she then quips to Gwen. ¡°This is what I have to look forward to?¡± My Apprentice asks. ¡°Sadly, this and less,¡± Gwen pushes, finally relaxing enough to not appear to be openly hostile towards me anymore. ¡°Hey, I also offer a free four year ride to work as my unpaid intern, where you will be forced to attend classes at an unaccredited College that will hopefully be able to provide degrees that might be worth something by the time you graduate,¡± I add. ¡°She really is a terrible saleswoman,¡± my Apprentice says to Gwen. Hearing her and seeing the way both Gwen and my Apprentice have seemed to finally thaw in their intense emotional state around me, I feel somewhat better. Yeah, I likely set some odd chain of events in place for when Rob comes. There is also the issue of Kujo being a serial breeder with anything with a pulse and giving credence to Bob Barker¡¯s remarks about helping to control the pet population by having your pets spayed or neutered. Then I shake my head and realize that is not my lane, but Penelope¡¯s lane. Maybe I can get her a hyphenated last name, something like the Spayed-Tailor or something. You know a surname that denotes and would help both of her Unique classes. Nothing. For a moment I am almost sad that I can¡¯t give someone who already has a last name a new last name. But then I realize it is likely for the best, as who knows how Mallory would have taken some of the ideas for possible last name combinations. ¡°You there?¡± Gwen asks, drawing me back to the present. ¡°What, yeah, always.¡± I respond, though I think I might have missed something, this time. Chapter 296 An Armistice? (Mallory) Chapter 296 An Armistice? (Mallory) Sometimes the outcome of certain events are inevitable. That is, you start an action, go through the motions and then get an obvious outcome. An example of this would be boiling an egg. You get the water, heat it, and then place the egg in and ten minutes or so later you are done with the process, simple. There are of course some possible variations that occur after the egg is boiled. After the boiling, you can dye the egg different colors, eat the boiled egg many different ways, but the initial start is the same. This process holds true for calling in Dr. Spiritlight to help solve a problem. You go, have a major problem, one that seems impossible to defeat given its naturally magic resistant nature, one that is also somehow supported by and of magic being used internally to externally. That is the problem with tier three magical elements. The materials themselves can be used and manipulated in such a way to make it so energy coming from one direction is multiplied, while magic coming from the exact opposite direction is reduced in efficacy. This means that any device made by the odd alloys can be manufactured in such a way that mages using the excessively rare and costly metals can become force multipliers. That is dangerous enough on its own. Added to this danger is the fact that the Legrand Empire first began its expansionistic tendencies to take over every country that had known quantities of the impressive alloys. Their plans were insidious, methodical, and seemingly without reproach. Worse, at first Mallory even found herself helping with the first few invasions, thinking the actions of the Legrand Empire were justified. Mallory herself had seen the initial claims made by the Legrand Empire against the now extinct Dormiese Empire, the Divine Light Empire, and even the Motherland Empire. Time after time, events and politics would happen that justified Legrand¡¯s policing actions. Or were all but provoked into offensive operations, to defend against possible future attacks. Worse, Mallory had led her Guild in many of those initial endeavors. At first, the Midnight Hunters had been a mercenary guild, one called in to take key objectives or locations that were rich in resources, and hold those locations until Legrand forces could successfully come in and maintain the area held by her and her team. Those were of course the early days. The days when Mallory relished the art of war. The days when her bloodlust and zeal would rise to the surface in her blood, where each swing of her scythe or blast of her devastating magic would be enough to reshape the world she walked on. In the early days, she had been like a God amongst mortals. Now though, now she realized just how wrong she was. She was strong, nearly unstoppable. With Cass by her side, Mallory knew she was completely unstoppable. That or if she was stopped for any reason, then Cass would find a way to save her and let her try once more. Truth be told, Cass was the only reason why Mallory avoided any and all communications with Legrand. Well Cass, and her previous interactions with the leaders of the Legrand Empire. She had witnessed firsthand, arguments and conversations by deposed rulers and monarchs about how Legrand broke treaties, instigated events, and flat out refused to honor their own treaties. The reason why Mallory knew this, was due to the fact that she had personally seen original charters and treaties signed by members of the Legrand Empire with subjugated kingdoms. These of course were different from the altered ones shown by the Legrand Empire, which were used to showcase why treaties were being violated, all in order to present the Legrand Empire in the best possible light. That was why, when Legrand first tried to contact Mallory and her guild about their new location, she only held marginal meetings, and only for exportation of their rare super metals. Even then, that was only done for Cass. The logic was simple, in Mallory¡¯s mind she felt that her taking away more of the invaluable resource from the Legrand Empire, while giving that to Cass, for whatever she wanted, was a double win on her part. In the end, all it cost her was money, which could come and go at a moment¡¯s notice. Chuckling. At that thought, Mallory realized that it was Cass who taught her not to value cash so much. From watching the Doctor work, it was clear that money was just a means to an end, not the end itself. The only benefit money truly posed was the idea that it could help bridge the gap of time and effort. If you wanted something, then you could make it yourself, or you could spend money to bridge the gap of that need. Watching Cass, was like truly watching the world through the wisdom of a child. She was so carefree, focusing more on constantly improving not only herself, but others around her, that she never once looked at her account balance. In fact, Mallory was pretty certain that she never even thought to ask where the bank was, or how much she had in her account. Her account, was a line item that caused a lot of contention among her cabinet, as she was easily the highest paid member of the entire guild. This was of course due to the noted hours worked, benefit to the Guild as a whole, incentives for being a world leader in not just one but three different energy types. The tier rating of her magic and martial prowess. The fact that she was a three-time-recognized doctor by the system in fields that no one but her could seem to understand fully. All of these went to her salary. Even the World First Notifications generated extensive one-time bonus payments of half a million coins each. Needless to say, Cass was rich, but she never touted that wealth, or even acted like she had the money. Even with her buying up every ounce of tier three building material that the Legrand Empire had to sell, that was only a temporary dip in her account. One that was quickly replaced by her multiple World First Notifications that seem to never end. With each chime denoting a World First Achievement, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but feel a slight pang in her gut at the sudden loss of money. Money that often came from the Guild¡¯s surplus, or if that wasn¡¯t enough, then the extra would come from her own personal funds.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Yes, it was hard to admit, but Cass was even richer than she was. Granted Mallory did have an entire Guild¡¯s resources to call upon, along with their collective might, and magical prowess, which did include Cass. But from a strictly personal level, Mallory had a hard time believing that a person so new to the world of finance, and someone who still paid a thirty percent guild tax on all earnings and commissions, was still able to generate more funds than she could. Watching Cass work, was much like watching the U.S. debt trackers constantly rise every three seconds, often denoting thousands or even millions of dollars in accruing debt happen in the blink of an eye. Watching Cass work, Mallory felt like Cass was that exact way, but to her Guild¡¯s finances, as each coin she earned, was theoretically a coin pulled from the Guild¡¯s coffers. Yet, it wasn¡¯t that simple, for Cass was a money-producing machine, for every coin she pulled in for herself often came with four others that went towards the guild. A key example of this, is all of the World First Notifications. While they cause an immediate impact to the Guild¡¯s bottom line, the after effects of having someone who has completed a World¡¯s First Notification are up to marketing and compliance. This Mallory figured was the great book policy. The idea being that there are millions of great books out there, just some never get read due to lack of marketability. Which is why the World First Notifications are worth investing in, as the fact that something is unique will invariably draw in attention and interest for that particular World¡¯s First event. In fact, Mallory has a group of advertisers whose sole job it is to document what Cass did, how she did it, and offer review materials for purchase. There are even bobbles and keepsakes that are made to help commemorate the event, as an additional incentive for prospective buyers of the moment. Yes, marketing and selling off the history being generated by Cass has accounted for over a quarter of the Guild¡¯s revenue for the past two quarters. This is not even accounting for the funds generated by people asking to be added to the pool of future prospective students for SVC. That¡¯s right, people have invested heavily in the idea of purchasing a spot for themselves, perspective family members, and other people of importance, just to be given a chance to make the next semester¡¯s classroom roster for SVC. A college that is not even accredited yet already has a waiting list of hundreds of applicants, each of which has offered up ten thousand coins each, just to be given a chance to apply for the school. Worse, after asking that ridiculous price, the number of applicants skyrocketed. A price that was put out as a way to keep people from even asking about attending was posed, and quickly accepted by hundreds of people wishing to make a lineage. Especially after stories of how hundreds of people had their chance to awaken bloodlines activate within their bodies after being exposed to Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s activities. Better still, the ten-thousand-coin place holder was just an initial entry fee cost and didn¡¯t even begin to cover the cost of admission for non-guild members. Even guild members who saw the benefits of the training were now enthusiastic about trying to attend. Arc Mage Belton himself was even willing to accept quarter wages for the time of his training and twice the time he spent training, in order to be guaranteed a spot. The idea of whether Cass could handle Belton was in no doubt in Mallory¡¯s mind. Now, whether Belton could survive with his sanity in check, after getting on Cass¡¯s bad side was a different question entirely. Yet, this was but one set of circumstances that had occurred recently. Even this war, well this battle really, for one day of fighting could hardly be considered a true war, was enough to prove the effectiveness of Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s training methods. While unorthodox, the results were undeniable. Every unit that was made up of the three different student types from different classes were clear force multipliers on the battlefront. Their individual efforts were astounding, added to that was the way they were all able to work with and seemingly anticipate the efforts of other fellow class members was nothing short of a miracle. Added to that were the somewhat overlapping group of now bloodline awakened soldiers who themselves had shown major growth during the events. Pausing for a moment, Mallory watched as the number of Guild Member deaths slowly trickled down, until nothing remained. Yes, for one of the first times, Mallory could find herself exhaling in relief at the fact that the losses to her guild were minor. Even the fact that the battle allegedly happened on her grounds were minor. The Deolarian forces were monsters, slowly disintegrating monsters, who would fight to the death, only to then somehow be grabbed by Cass, or her Simulacrum, and Kujo, to then be Resurrected, and sent back out to fight. Honestly, the concept of somehow Resurrecting the spirit of a slain warrior seemed to be a bit much for Mallory, I mean, does she cast a different spell on them? Does she even realize she is Resurrecting the dead? These questions and more filled her mind, but were soon dismissed. ¡°Commander,¡± Vickard called out, pulling Mallory¡¯s attention away from her Guild lists and readouts. This was possibly the only real benefit of being the Guild leader, she could see who was still alive, who had improved in levels due to conflict, and help direct resources based on those factors alone. The fact that her Guild¡¯s overall levels, abilities, and fighting power had only increased from this altercation was not lost on Mallory. ¡°Yes?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°We have received our first notification from the Legrand Empire,¡± Vickard continued. ¡°Oh, so glad they finally decide to talk to us now,¡± Mallory quipped, as she looked around at the desert battlefield that had hundreds of dead mechanoid suits, and various other mechanical devices laying strewn around. ¡°Yes, well, as expected they are willing to talk about a possible armistice,¡± Vickard continued. This was not to be unexpected, and was something that Mallory had previously seen and experienced in her past. With this, Mallory knew that the treaty written would be as worthless as the paper it was written upon, for all this would truly mean was that the Legrand Empire would retreat back long enough to lick their wounds, regroup, and then push forward with another attack. Then realizing this, Mallory smiled to herself, as she wondered what types of contract magics Cass could make and implement to hinder Legrand from ever attempting to break the terms of even a temporary armistice. With the thought of using Cass to draft and or enforce the signed document, Mallory almost felt a smile forming on her lips at the idea of using the Legrand¡¯s own model of treachery to exact an odd kind of karmic revenge on the underhanded empire. ¡°Their terms?¡± Mallory asked, wondering if this would even be worth looking into. Though Mallory could almost see Cass creating some mythical level contractual bureaucrat class that could legally bind people to their written words. Then remembering how the odd Healer quickly passed on the Mythical Tamer class, Mallory realized that the energetic pixie who can¡¯t even sit still long enough to draft a document, would never take such a class to begin with. Though a faint smile did crest Mallory¡¯s lips at the thought of Cass being forced to sit behind a desk and write out her own actions. Now that would be karma, Mallory thought to herself. Cass creating a mythical level class that would force her to sit down and write out in excruciating detail how much trouble she caused by doing one particular action. Almost immediately after that thought, Mallory remembered the group of dedicated memorabilia recorders, and realized that she might need to pick someone out from that grouping to possibly take on a Mythical Bureaucrat class, for when or if Cass ever comes up with the concept for that level of evil. Just thinking about someone with enough power to force world leaders to stick to their own words and promises sounded great on paper, but also struck fear in her. Not that Mallory intended to break the contract herself, but there was always the possibility that someone would inadvertently break the contract acting on her behalf, which could then cause undue harm to her or her subordinates. Shuddering to herself, Mallory took in a deep breath and dismissed the idea of Mythical Bureaucrats and instead focused on the terms for the potential armistice to begin. ¡°They are offering the immediate ending of hostilities between themselves, their soldiers, and any mercenaries hired for their operations against the Midnight Hunters. In exchange for the complete ending of hostilities on our part,¡± Vickard stated, but then stopped. As he stopped, Mallory looked on and saw that Vickard clearly had more to say, but for whatever reason was unable to or maybe just unwilling to continue. ¡°Anything else?¡± Mallory pressed. ¡°Yes, well maybe. It seems that they are suffering from hostile forces acting within their own territory,¡± Vickard began again, but then stopped. ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°Well, it seems that they, that is the Legrand Leadership, would like for that contingency of hostile forces to be removed from their territory,¡± Vickard continued. Hearing this, Mallory paused for a moment, and then searched, and found that not one but two different Dr. Spiritlights were present within guild territory. Then searching, she tried to find others that might have gone rogue, but she then only found the one or two spies, liaisons, and other members that she expected to be outside the Guild territory, none of which would be instigating armed rebellion. ¡°I don¡¯t see anyone that isn¡¯t where they are supposed to be,¡± Mallory pressed. ¡°Yes, well, that is the other thing. Apparently they believe that Dr. Spiritlight is the instigator for these series of attacks, and part of the armistice would require her to help stop the hostilities.¡± ¡°They are saying that Dr. Spiritlight is instigating combat?¡± Mallory questioned, knowing that the pacifist would never condone such measures. ¡°Not exactly, instead they are saying that Dr. Spiritlight somehow released a flock of reprogrammed killer robots and set them on a path of destruction within the Legrand Empire¡¯s territory.¡± Hearing that Mallory was at first confused, until she remembered the vague warning provided by the world not too long ago.
World First Notice: Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight has created and named a new species of life on this planet. You have all been warned.
At the time, she hadn¡¯t given much thought to the claim made, but has since remembered how frightening those living mechanical robots were. ¡°What exactly are they asking?¡± ¡°It seems that they want the ¡®Murder Bots,¡¯ their words not mine, to cease their hostilities towards their forces. Only then will they sign the armistice.¡± Realizing that whatever Cass did during those thirty minutes when she left the battlefield and before she returned might have ended this war before it ever truly got started. Still, Mallory knew she couldn¡¯t just take this at face value, for she needed this to cost the Legrand Empire, if they truly wanted Cass to stop what had to be the equivalent of a mechanoid apocalypse on their end. ¡°Okay, I need you to respond with two words,¡± Mallory began. ¡°And they are?¡± Vickard asked, pulling out a pad of paper to note down this likely historic response. ¡°How much,¡± Mallory replied. ¡°How much?¡± Vickard asked, trying to confirm he heard her correctly. ¡°Yes, ask them how much they are willing to pay us to end their own mistake,¡± Mallory pressed. ¡°Just so I am tracking, what mistake are we referring to?¡± Vickard asked. This was not a bad question, as it could be interpreted multiple different ways. Which was why Mallory was glad that Vickard felt comfortable enough to ask the clarifying question and to think ahead like the Legrand diplomats would. ¡°Yes, their mistake was ticking off a pacifist so much that she joined a war.¡± Interlude XXIII (Cassidy) Interlude XXIII (Cassidy) ¡°They eat metal!¡± The enthusiastic announcer stated as he began showing scenes of death robots riding in on a massive repurposed metallic centipede that could climb buildings, fire plasma bursts of bright blue energy, all while carrying hundreds of mounted death machines on its back. ¡°Not only are they all crack shots, one could go so far as to say that they are downright mechanical with their aim!¡± The announcer stated, his face going wide as he told what he seemed to think was a hilarious joke. Cassidy barely noticed the comment, instead her eyes slowed down the feed as she zoomed into different sections of the videos. There at the center were female mechanoids. At least, Cassidy thought they were feminine in nature due to the way they seemed somewhat sleeker and more powerful. These were clearly the hybrid mechanoid units, the ones that could use both Qi and mana interchangeably. Taking detailed notes, Cassidy recorded everything that these monsters did. First they left from the hidden base, which was reported to be an old Legrand mining facility. While the location was supposedly a secret, Cassidy had managed to work it out from prior feeds. Then she noted how the killer robots seemed to make a beeline from the mine directly into the nearest Legrand settlement. From there, what could only be described as raw carnage ensued, as the machines began ruthlessly striking down with yes, mechanical precision, the guards, soldiers, and finally any individuals who seemed to pose a threat to the killer machines. With the combatants out of the way, waves of gatherers descended from the giant metallic centipede to go out and harvest metals. At first it looked like they were just collecting the weapons of the slain enemies, but once the immediate weapons were confiscated, other groups began tearing up abandoned vehicles, electrical wirings, and even piping for houses. Almost as if the mechanical machines could smell the metal within everything, the machines tore apart everything in sight and removed anything with a metallic baseline component. Then after a certain amount of time had passed, every robot that had gone out on a gathering mission stopped and began dragging everything back towards the centipede that had taken to laying on its belly during this time. Then in a feat of strength that could only be compared to ants carrying objects with weights and sizes eight times more than them, the killer robots all did the same. In only a few cases, where larger car like vehicles were involved did two or more robots work in unison. Everything else was just singular carry only. Drones that got piping bent and twisted the metal tubing into wraps that would slide over their arms. Those who pulled out electrical wiring did the same. What few motorcycles existed were grabbed and carried up individually. From there, the mechanoid menaces began offering the metals to the hybrid mechs as a sign of offering. From the piles presented, one of the hybrid machines would chose a pile of metal to be used as a feast. Then once completely devoured, the hybrid robot would take the provider away to perform an intricate act that was quickly blurred out on the low-rate presenter¡¯s feed. Yet, the acts being performed were unmistakable, even to Cassidy. ¡°Umm, sorry about that. Apparently, machines doing the naughty is not allowed. Though it is the number one trending topic being discussed, for obvious reasons,¡± the presenter stated as he could be seen clearly looking off camera at a screen that was unredacted, as was evident in the glow of his glasses. This was part of why the eccentric¡¯s feeds were so popular with the younger crowd, as he made it blatant that he would offer a reflection of his own personal viewings. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Cassidy for her part while partially curious, had no real want to watch such actions. Instead, she just copied down the details as requested of her. The request was simple, during the war, find out where Dr. Spiritlight went, keep detailed notes of what she did, and then provide those notes to grandma. Seeing that the first thing her great grandmother did was go directly to the Legrand Empire and bring to life the giant centipede monster that now served as an extended troop delivery platform, Cassidy took it upon herself to find out what the killer robots did. As she had been filling in enough on this role to realize that these would be the next questions asked. Honestly, Cassidy knew she should be horrified by the creatures. The way they savagely struck down Legrand soldiers and forces that had already been stretched too thin from the countless war efforts. Then there was the way they ruthlessly destroyed the town¡¯s direct infrastructure. Making it so that power to the area would not be easily repaired, as the wires and segments that were targeted were those directly around the power plants. For whatever reason, the mechanoids avoided the power plants directly, instead going to fire blasts at live lines that ended the connection. Only then would the mechanoid units dig up now broken segments of wiring a few feet away. Seeing the acts, Cassidy wrote down the three word hypothesis to describe what she was seeing, vulnerable to electricity? That was her hypothesis, but something that was unable to be proven or disproven. Watching the two groupings, it was clear that for whatever reason the hybrid mechanoids were seen as the superior models. While the mana only ones seemed to be the front line fodder troops. This was a speculation that Cassidy and many other analysts had in mind. ¡°An interesting fact,¡± the announcer continued adding commentary to the streaming videos behind and around him, all while his glasses reflected images of machines moving inappropriately together. ¡°I had to check it out myself, but if these killer robots take off as an actual species, then once they reach a thousand unique individuals, they will finally be opened up as a player race.¡± Hearing that, Cassidy paused, and stared at the crazed announcer. Then as is seeing Cassidy¡¯s stare through the monitor, he continued, ¡°that¡¯s right. All it takes is for these to reproduce once or twice more and boom, everyone can get a chance to reincarnate as a killer robot.¡± Pausing for a moment, Cassidy tried to understand what that meant, but then decided to copy down the fact. She had known that there were ways that any and all races could be made into a player race, but to hear the details of how a recently identified species could be made into a player character was groundbreaking. Given the source, Cassidy didn¡¯t feel the need to check it up, but out of due diligence she did send a mental query to her family¡¯s AI unit and soon found the documentation that noted this exact scenario. Apparently online there were betting pools available to see which species would be the next to become a player race, whether it was the Ethereal Elves, or the Teleiot¨ªs. For a moment, Cassidy wondered why both of those species sounded familiar. Only after a bit did Cassidy realize that the Teleiot¨ªs were the names for the killer robots. Then she also remembered that the Ethereal Elves was the name of the species that grandma had taken, the same one that great grandma had founded. Under each there were estimated numbers too.
...
Teleiot¨ªs: 237
Ethereal Elves: 121
...
With those numbers, Cassidy paused wondering just how so many Ethereal Elves came to be, only to realize that there were three that she knew of, off the top of her head. Grandma, Grandma¡¯s daughter Redding Spiritlight, then finally great uncle Rob. Only after pausing for a moment did the relevance of that final name hit her. Great Uncle Rob had apparently sired 118 children? Children who no doubt all had at least a Royal Bloodline variant of the Spiritlight lineage. Pausing, Cassidy tried to remember the components that the Royal Bloodline possessors had available to them. Honestly, she couldn¡¯t remember. They were powerful, but not as powerful as the Legendary bloodline holders that Uncle Rob also had. ¡°I still have my hopes that the next playable race are the Ethereal Elves,¡± the announcer continued. ¡°Especially knowing that Trenton is still hard at work, while his father might be able to get in under the Genetics of your spouse Merit, which could potentially put him at the same power rating as Cass. Imagine that, two Colossal Pixies running around, casting spells and mayhem.¡± Hearing that, Cassidy paused as she had never heard of such a merit, while the world was constantly adding in new merits and flaws all the time, she did not know if this was new to the world or not, but she decided to look into the merit and was shocked at what she found. Seeing the exact wording of the Genetics of your spouse Merit, Cassidy stopped all of her current information gathering for the moment, compiled them into one loose letter, making sure to highlight the newly identified Merit and its possible implications, before sending them directly to her grandmother. ¡°I hope you find this in time,¡± Cassidy stated, as she watched and waited for her message to be delivered. ¡°Hmm, what¡¯s that dear?¡± Cassidy¡¯s mother asked. Hearing her voice full of strength and vibrancy, two things that had been sorely lacking from her over the past few months, Cassidy could only pause and smile inwardly. Regardless of what else was going on elsewhere, her mother was alive, they had a house and food to eat, and for the moment everything was okay. ¡°Nothing, just hoping your grandfather doesn¡¯t mess everything up, again.¡± Cassidy responded. Hearing that, mother only let out a long exhausted sigh, before nodding in agreement, ¡°yeah, he always had a way of spoiling a perfectly good thing. But can I ask, what makes you say this?¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Chapter 297 Hug A Fae Today Chapter 297 Hug A Fae Today The war was over, or at least the battle for today was over. All the remaining Legrand soldiers that were Resurrected were sent back. All Midnight Hunter¡¯s were also allowed to leave the completely separated Kujo Caverns. Until finally it was just Ms. Kujo, her twelve pups. A cowering Mr. Kujo who got death glares from Ms. Kujo and the three non-water aligned Pomeranians. With that fun little family dynamic going on, I decided it was time to come up with an excuse for the rest of our team to leave. ¡°Oh, would you look at that? Looks like it is time for my Apprentice to receive her first lesson,¡± I state, as I focus around the room and realize that the only thing I can think of is my new Apprentice and getting her out of here quickly. Not that I am afraid she will be able to copy Rune-Ulacrum¡¯s work, but rather she is going to be an invaluable resource for either getting out of future tasks, or reasons to leave awkward meetings a moment too early. ¡°Wait, really? You will finally teach me?¡± The Spritz healer asks. ¡°Yeah, now come on,¡± I state as I open a Arcane Geomancy Gateway that opens up to a spot within my SVC training hall. There is a moment¡¯s pause, where she looks sort of hesitant. ¡°Well go on,¡± I press. ¡°You sure I won¡¯t be seen as a spy there?¡± She asks timidly. Chuckle. Hearing that, I just laugh. Not at the idea of her being a spy, but at the idea of a spy being able to open a Teleportation Portal, not a gate, not a quick in and out burst, but a full on stationary Portal that exists for all to see. I also think that my Arcane Geomancy might be causing fluctuations in magic being used by others, making it harder for others to cast their spells. I¡¯m not entirely sure why I think this is the case, but I did see a few mage battles happen on SVC grounds or at least areas that I had marked with my Arcane Geomancy. For whatever reason my students, or those that I had taught seemed to be able to cast their spells normally, while the spells cast by foreign mages seemed to be lacking in stability, amongst other issues. All of this added to the idea that any mage other than a Midnight Hunter trained mage would have a hard time not just opening a Teleportation Portal on school grounds no less, but then they would have an even harder time keeping such a spell open and structurally secure. Then of course the image of the mechanical centipede being ripped in half by closing a Teleportation Portal around it, made the idea of letting any fellow Spatial mage try their luck at completing such a feat. Again, not saying it can¡¯t be done, but I would like to see what level of competition I am up against. Unfortunately, I was too lost in my own wandering thoughts and rather than trying to come across as reassuring, I likely came off as a malevolent pixie who had been caught in one of their traps. At least, that is the look that my Apprentice now had while staring at me. Fortunately, Jhonny, always the Peacekeeper was there to soothe everything over. Sigh. ¡°I¡¯ll go, and just follow me,¡± Jhonny stated as he was the first to enter the Portal. With Jhonny gone, the rest of my team began going quickly, next was Gwen who still seemed cold to me for whatever reason. Despite her best efforts to be mad at me though, she did seem to be somewhat reticent to not be fully angry at me. Victory is mine, I think to myself, for soon she will tell me what I did wrong, and then it is only a matter of asking forgiveness and done with this little drama. I still don¡¯t know what it is, meaning I have to get her to tell me. Then my Apprentice stares at me for a brief second, as a flash of fear crosses her face. I read that as she does not want to be left here with me and the Kujos, this is good, these are survival skills she should be harnessing. To make matters more interesting, she then sees Gwen¡¯s disappearing form and proceeds to chase after her. Seeing that obvious connection between the two, I smile inwardly as I plan to use my new Apprentice to get in good with Gwen, so my Apprentice can then tell me what exactly is the matter. Sadly, my new Apprentice, much like Jhonny and Penelope is not a part of the Thieves Guild. This means that I will likely need to convert my Apprentice to the dark side, so I can keep better track of her. I could also use her then connection to the Thieves Guild to get gossip about Gwen and the others. Then realizing that, I realize that I am limiting myself to just using my Apprentice to get information for me indirectly. Why do that, when I can get the entire Guild to do so. At that thought, a new quest suggestion comes to my mind.
Potential Thieves Guild Quest: Daughterly Distrust (Ongoing): Gwendolyn Spiritlight has recently shown signs of anger and strife against her mother Dr. Spiritlight, find out the cause for this perceived anger and report it back to Guild Leadership. Would you like to implement this quest for the Guild?
Is it bad that I only realize how intrusive this thought might be after reading it and basically airing out my dirty laundry to both the world and Thieves Guild members? Worse, it shows a possible weakness that can be exploited by foreign powers. You know, the more I think about it, the more I dislike this entire chain. I even feel somewhat sick inside, as I remember this was exactly like the time I found Gwenny¡¯s, well then Jackie¡¯s phone unlocked and was tempted to read her messages. I DIDN¡¯T, thought I was sorely tempted. Worse, Gwen saw me with the phone and got instantly angry thinking I had snooped.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement. Nope, not going into that mess again. I¡¯ve learned my lesson, and instantly cancel my quest prompt.
Quest Cancelled.
With that, it is just me, Rune-Ulacrum, the dysfunctional Kujos, the equally dysfunctional Pomeranians, and of course Umbra who is just chilling in my arms. Realizing everything, I focus down to notice that my finger is still inside the pudgy fur-ball¡¯s mouth. Though he apparently passed out a bit ago. When did I get him again? I think it was my Apprentice who gave him back to me once I got here, but that was a bit ago. Shaking my head, I mentally give the room one last look around, making sure the Legrand soldiers didn¡¯t leave anything behind. Well anything behind that hasn¡¯t already been melted down into component parts and fed into my power pool below. For a moment, I think about taking a dip in the pool, only to realize that it might wake Umbra up, and decide against it. Also, it is good that this chamber is the way it is, for the Legrand soldiers did try to do a few funny things, both with magic, magical items and artifacts, and even military equipment. Fortunately, the way Rune-Ulacrum set up the room, anything that was not part of the room would be instantly destroyed and worn down. Well everything, other than new books. I did like the foresight to add that exception to the breakdown and repurposing runes that were in place as they all but guaranteed that I could make this into a sacred library, eventually. That will of course be once the Kujos and all of Mr. Kujo¡¯s offspring leave. I know, I know it won¡¯t happen anytime soon, but a girl can dram, can¡¯t she? Anyways, now that everything here is back to its new default norm, it is time for me to leave. I am about to leave, only to realize that I still have Umbra in my arms. For a moment, I think about shoving him off on Rune-Ulacrum, but then realize that he is so content and happy at the moment that I don¡¯t want to bother him. Instead, I grab a long sleeve shirt, and with a bit of automatic help from Rune-Ulacrum who can understand me at a molecular level, we create a harness from one of my larger male sets of clothing. These are the clothes that I wear while posing as one of my male avatars. Speaking of which, I make a note to go out and try to get more avatars, not just males but females as well. I don¡¯t exactly know why, but I have a feeling that having more forms to take on and be able to shed away at a moment¡¯s notice will be invaluable here shortly. Also, it is always fun going around and pranking people as a random passerby, before leaving and never being seen again. With the pup firmly secure, and stowed away, I go through the Portal and am legitimately surprised by what I see. This time, much like the others, I felt my mind expand if ever so slightly. Yet, unlike the other times, I was able to actually confirm that the mind I was linking with was Zero, part of my soul and yet so much more. There out in the vastness of space, I saw the spark of creation followed by the inevitable shadow of death. Yes, the long slow all-consuming shadow that follows the light, mimics its footsteps and pace exactly, only to grow while the spark dwindles ever so slightly. Only to then shrink again once that spark grows firm. With Zero fully awakened and seemingly able to send his own thoughts and emotions down to me, if only for a moment, I felt an undeniable tether connecting from me to the void realm. This time I was certain that when it came to it, I would be able to make it there, to fulfill my promise. A promise that I made on the spur of a moment, one where I could all but feel disaster looming over me, and the world we lived in. A world that was being ripped apart at the seems by alien magic that was never meant to grace our plane of existence. At the time, I knew that Zero had suffered from our interaction on that alien realm. Now I also knew that that realm could somehow bring him back. Well the realm didn¡¯t bring him back to health, but rather it was that odd alien elf lady who brought him back. To make matters worse, I can feel myself rising and being pulled up, to meet with my counterpart in Zero. This pull, this attraction between us in as inevitable as reverse gravity would be. In fact, had it not been for the tiny ball of fluff within my arms, I am certain that I would have risen up until my forced interaction with Zero and the odd elven queen were all but forced upon me. Feeling the sudden importance of having Umbra in my arms I of course did what anyone would do and held on to Umbra like he was a sudden anchor keeping you from floating away in a see of unknown liquids. For a moment I was concerned about being lost in a broken or altered spatial tunnel, but this one was fine and with a minor flapping. Well full force flapping of my ethereal wings, I was able to move myself forward, lightly bounce against the ground due to the difference in weight in my arms, versus my now seemingly buoyant soul and then I was through. Whoosh! Getting through the Portal I let out a long slow exhale and relax for a moment. Squirm, squirm, squirm. Of course, that was the moment that Umbra woke up and decided that he apparently wanted out of my arms. I let him down, which he landed with a spiraling plop of fur. And as almost anyone in my guild provided fairy dress would have done in my situation, I paused with both arms out and waited for gravity to no longer work on me. Then after a seemingly long moment, I felt my body react to gravity, but it was minor. Only then did I realize that I had my Levitation spell going and quickly cancelled that. Plop. This time I was on the ground, my slipper covered feet smooshing deeply into the arcane energy infused grass stalks and let out a sigh of relief at the sudden coolness of the water from the recently watered against Blight and other pesticides grasses bleed into my slippers and on my feet. Never before had I been so excited and relieved to feel my feet getting soaked as I was at that moment. It takes me a moment to realize that I am not alone. In fact, there are a lot of people all around me, but I tune them all out as I relish this feeling of gravity holding me down and seeming to embrace me with its all-consuming presence. Even Umbra seems to be enjoying the moment, no wait, he is just doing his business in the wet grass. Good job. He is already better trained than his father. ¡°Everything okay, mother?¡± Gwen asks, a sudden note of concern on her face as she takes in my antics that might seem completely odd to her. Though, I can¡¯t help it, as I have a slight smile form on my lips as I realize I could have almost broke my promise to Mallory had it not been for Umbra. That of course is when I decided to answer her truthfully. ¡°Yeah, just excited about gravity,¡± I reply honestly. ¡°About gravity?¡± ¡°Yes, isn¡¯t it great? Holding you down like a nice weighted blanket, and hugging you tightly so you don¡¯t fly off into space.¡± At that Gwen just looks at me like I¡¯m crazy. I almost want to argue, but realize that she might be right, as even I cannot argue against the emotions I am feeling currently. Also, I don¡¯t want to make anyone too frightened about Teleporting, especially not using my Teleportation Tunnels as I¡¯ve been getting everyone to go through them pretty much all day. Actually, even my Simulacrums have been using them. But they are safe? At least I think they are safe. Mentally, I pause and scan my senses out and I feel the three Simulacrums: Heal-Ulacrum, Ship-Ulacrum, and of course Fae-Ulacrum right where they should be at their respective stations in the Arcanarus Tower. Meanwhile, Rune-Ulacrum is still in the Kujo Caverns. I can feel them all, just as I can feel a much smaller piece of me, well of my soul way far away in a spot that seems to be further to the right of the Arcanarus Tower and further left of Timult, but upwards, way, way, upwards. Thinking about that, I wonder if that old elf can tell the difference between me and my Simulacrums? That or does the Positional Switch not use the same manner of movement? More needs to be done and tested, but for now, I will make sure to keep Umbra with me for all of my personal jumps as I am suddenly very much doubting the safety of Spatial Magic in general. At least, I will need to keep Umbra with me for all inadvertent Teleportations, until I understand why the sudden change happened just now. ¡°She¡¯s now glad about gravity? I assume she nearly broke something?¡± Mallory quipped, her voice seeming to cut through the gaggle of onlookers who are all now staring at me. The four foot tall pixie who is just standing in grass with slightly damp slippers and smiling brightly at the fact that I am effectively doing pli¨¦s to dig my feet in deeper into the soothing sensation of grass against my feet. ¡°Yeah, gravity¡¯s great. Underrated and like toilet paper, you never notice it, until it is completely gone,¡± I reply. Hearing my confession, Mallory just pauses, and then seems to take a moment to stare at me. ¡°Look, I¡¯m truly sorry for calling you in like that, had there been any other way that we could have dealt with that menace and survived, I would have done so and kept you out of everything. But we were at that critical point in the battle, and you saved us,¡± Mallory quipped. ¡°What?¡± I ask eloquently, as I am completely caught off guard by the sudden seriousness of this conversation. ¡°I mean it, I see that calling you to the battle was tougher than it had any right to be, but know it was not a wasted effort. Thanks to that act alone we were able to push for peace, and with your assistance, I think we might be able to make it an enforceable contract,¡± Mallory continued. ¡°Wait, I¡¯m still lost on gravity being here. Um, can you start over real quick?¡± I ask, as I bend over to grab Umbra, my now comfort dire phase hound and auxiliary gravity enforcing agent. At first Umbra protests, but then a quick insertion of my finger, followed by a slow dribble of my own personal blend of diluted Spirit Sustenance and the dire phase pup is once again back to its contented lounging position in my arms. Hearing my words, and seeing my gesture and the way I am now cradling Umbra like my life depended on it, Gwen was the first to act. ¡°Did something happen?¡± Gwen asked. At that, I pause not wanting to cause too much concern. I mean, it could have just been my overactive imagination, well I wish it was my overactive imagination that suddenly caused me to feel like I was one fluff ball away from being sucked into the vortex of space. But realizing all my instincts were telling me that it almost happened, I felt it was worth mentioning. Also, I knew that flat out denying it would be a lie, a big lie that might or might not have immediate actions on me and my body. Wow, that is weird having these insights that might or might not come true, but feel completely real regardless of what is happening. Taking a moment, I pause, open my mouth. Then close my mouth, discarding the obvious lie and going for a mixture of the truth. ¡°You could say something happened,¡± I reply honestly. ¡°What happened?¡± At that I paused and realized I might not be able to describe what was actually happening, so instead I decided to explain the parts that were somewhat easy to note. ¡°I don¡¯t know what exactly happened, but I do know that for a moment, gravity for me seemed to stop existing as a constant¡­¡± There, that is the clearest I can make that statement. Of course, I was hit with the only obvious one-word response, ¡°WHAT?¡± Yeah, I should have expected that. Chapter 298 The After Action Report (AAR) Chapter 298 The After Action Report (AAR) Never count your chickens before they are battered, fried, and served with a side, as my dad used to say. Just thinking about that comment made me realize that I still need to find where spirits go when they pass on with their seventh and final life. I refuse to believe that the spirits just die permanently here. From what I¡¯ve seen and felt, it seems nearly impossible to destroy a spirit. That is to fully rip apart all aspects of the spirit and have it dissolve into nothingness, for that spirit, it is energy. Even unwoven and left to burn out, there has to be something that can be done. Now, I¡¯m not conceited enough to think that I can bring back such a spirit from what is essentially beyond the brink of death. But I do think that at this point, I have progressed my senses enough to at least be able to see or find traces of spirits that have begun the disintegration process. Again, not that I¡¯d be able to touch or even interact with such a spirit, as I think even that part of a spirit is beyond me, for now. In fact, the more I think about it, the more I realize that what we consider Spirit Magic isn¡¯t. That is, it is the magic of the physical world that can reach out and directly affect a person¡¯s physical world connection to their spirit, but I don¡¯t think we do anything to the spirit itself. At least that is the theory that I am currently working with. Still more would have to be done to prove or disprove this, but I think my understanding has merit. Why am I thinking these odd thoughts about my parents, and about death? Well, I am now being forced to go through the casualty reports with Mallory. With one name you feel numb and hollow, knowing that a person was so injured that even a body, or parts of said body were unable to be found. By the tenth, you swear you will ingrain all the names to memory. Then by the twentieth you feel hollow. Then somewhere after that, when you try not to cry, you think of other things. Anything really. Kids. Those bastards shot at kids. Not directly, apparently part of the last hurrah of the Legrand forces was to fire salvo after salvo into shelters, schools, and other buildings. The idea to get casualties high enough that the war would seem mostly even on both sides. Thus the number of deaths, particularly while I was away helping the Teleiot¨ªs gain a new species to their mix. All because of me being away that I missed saving kids. Well that¡¯s not true, my Simulacrums had been coordinating with each other to help with Resurrections, but still there were so many people lost and unaccounted for. Right now, there is hope that many are just lost or still hiding, but somehow I know better. I can almost feel those that are lost. It started with just a faint creaking in my bones. A creaking caused by a deep feeling of cold and dread. When a name was called out that didn¡¯t produce such a response from me, I perked up. ¡°Wait, that last name, can you repeat it?¡± I asked, suddenly coming to life for the first time in this AAR meeting and providing my first true form of feedback. ¡°Yes, it is refugee: Uriah,¡± the secretary states, I believe she is the dispatcher that called me out to the front lines to help. Her voice and aura sound familiar, but right now my mind is so elsewhere that it is hard to fathom. Hearing the name, I take a sigh of relief as that odd strange cold burning sensation doesn¡¯t seem to freeze my hollow bones further. ¡°They are alive,¡± I answer. ¡°What?¡± Everyone gathered asks mostly in unison. ¡°They are alive,¡± I repeat myself. ¡°Not saying you are wrong, but how do you know?¡± Mallory asked, more questioning than anything. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt,¡± I reply, trying to put into action what I am truly feeling at the moment. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, what?¡± Mallory presses. ¡°The name, it doesn¡¯t hurt when it is spoken, which makes me think they are still alive,¡± I manage to say somehow. With that admission I lower my head, not wanting to say more. Perhaps it is my body posture. Or maybe it is the way I seem so sullen about everything else until now, but fortunately I have Mallory on my side, as she doesn¡¯t press. ¡°Put out a search notice for Uriah, we think he might just be misplaced or hiding,¡± Mallory commanded, and like that people nodded, left the room and no doubt began making calls. ¡°Do you think you can help us find more?¡± Mallory asks, her tone light, though it is clear that she is able to spot any moment of insight, any advantage presented and take it for all it is worth. I nod, not really feeling up to saying much more. But like that, I somehow found myself listening to name after painful name being spoken. At first, helping in this way, identifying those that didn¡¯t hurt to be said was a blessing. I even felt a bit of hope in myself when we noted three names in a row. However, the names continued, and the extent of damages from a relatively small skirmish were truly felt. As name after name came down, each getting lost. At first my mind tried to record them all, memorize each one that I could have saved, that I need to save next time. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. But you can¡¯t. That or my mind blissfully blacked out, going as numb as each name being spoken made me feel inside. Somewhere in this process, the reporter, that is the one who was dictating the names turned away from me. I don¡¯t know what I did or how I presented myself at that time, but I know it wasn¡¯t my best. In a way the Indigenous people¡¯s were the hardest to stomach, for they were just gone. The fellow regressors, many of which had extra chances. Chances that would be with any Flaws they purchased, and without any Merits, but I could hopefully fix that, if I met them. But the indigenous people, those were the ones that truly suffered from this, as they only had one chance to live and die. In a way there was a certain beauty to that, but in another it just meant they were bound to be brought up into our wars and politics. By the end, only Mallory would look at me, and watch for any signs that I noted a name as still living. Other than her, everyone else turned away. I can¡¯t blame them. Even Umbra at one point woke up from my arms, gave me a quick lick on the face, and then ran over to Penelope. Using the out for what it was, Penelope gestured to the pup and then indicated that she would take it outside. Once outside, she could be seen thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight, rubbing at her eyes. It was clear that this was just as painful for her as it was for me. Though the idea of being able to save someone, anyone, despite the subsequent pain made this process somewhat bearable. In the end, I stopped listening to the names entirely. I just waited for the pain to stop, to melt slightly, and that¡¯s when I would act. Raising my hand, which would be noticed by Mallory, who would then flag one of her secretaries who would then transmit the noted name to a new list of Missing. Not the best of names, but not the worst. Missing implied hope. It implied that those people could be found, and thus rescued and re-added back to our society. But they weren¡¯t added yet, we still needed to find them, help them, and most importantly Heal them of any damages that prevented them from checking in already. This was where my dad¡¯s comment about chickens came into play. Circling logical thought patterns, but they needed to help keep me sane. To help me from realizing that it had been a while since I was able to say anything helpful. Then finally the pain stopped. It took a moment, I wanted to raise my hand on reflex, to signify that no more pain was coming. But as I began to move, I realized that the dispatcher lady was done. As she stood there, she took one long deep breath and exhaled. With that one exhale the tension that had been building within the room suddenly dissipated, as everyone seemed to let out a collected breath of resolve, me included. ¡°That is everyone that has been unaccounted for,¡± the secretary ended her report. Phew. And finally, hearing those words that I had longed for, I finally felt relieved. ¡°Forty-seven casualties, and twenty-four still missing, but assumed to be alive,¡± Mallory noted. I nodded, those numbers sounded about right. I gave up on remembering those that were currently Missing. As their successes were far too infrequent. Also, the number of deaths showed that I didn¡¯t do as much as I could, that more could have been done. Maybe if I hadn¡¯t chided Kujo as much for sleeping with a Pomeranian he could have saved one or two more. Maybe I could train the litter of pups to help out. No wait, that would have to be Penelope¡¯s job, I need to convince her to help me with this, but how? My mind is already on ways to improve, which is what these AAR events are for. This is why I am already thinking of ways to do things better, so I don¡¯t have to be tortured in such a painful way in the future. By being forced to sit through a list of dead fellow Guild members and citizens. Then before my own thoughts can spiral out of control something happens. Warmth. The cold ache that I feel within my body suddenly begins to thaw, ever so slightly. This is done by the introduction of outside heat that begins to thaw my seemingly frozen insides. It takes me a moment to realize where the heat has come from. ¡°Thank you, Cass,¡± Mallory notes, her face and mouth next to my pointy ears, which are able to catch even the warmth of her breath. Unlike most times when someone would speak this intimately to me, with their hot breath breathing down my spine, I just notice the heat, but not the intimacy. By her embrace, I feel some of the cold within my body shatter, as I am able to move slightly easier. Involuntary I feel my arms rising up and embracing her back in a reciprocated hug. Yes, she was hugging me, and it felt great. Well, it felt warm. Great was a concept that was still far away for me, but one that I could not give up at the moment. ¡°Thank you,¡± I reply back, only now realizing how much I needed the hug after having gone through such an ordeal. The fact that Mallory was able to note that about me, and give me a hug so quickly spoke about how strong our bond was. More importantly, the act showed how good of a person Mallory truly was at heart, warts and all. Though I am not much better, which given that she can still stomach me only speaks higher to her character. Finally, after a long pause, the moment ends. As she pulls away from the hug, I feel a slight cold breeze overtake me, but that quickly gives way as the next person comes to hug me. This was the dispatcher, the one who was giving out the list. ¡°Thank you, my daughter was one you noted was still alive,¡± the dispatcher whispered. I was about to protest, to say that I didn¡¯t say she was alive, but then I felt her warmth and realized that right now she needed hope more than anything. ¡°Would you like me to find her?¡± I ask, remembering my Family Tree Finder (Branches to Leaf Edition) spell. ¡°Yes, yes please?¡± She pleaded as she backed up and stared at me. This time, unlike Mallory, I still felt warmth radiating from her. This was the warmth of hope. I could see golden threads of Karma reaching out from me and embracing her, but that was an unnecessary incentive, I just wanted to help her. Suddenly her demeanor midway through made sense. First, she was stoic, reading off the name of her child, but then she felt hope, or maybe relief, upon my indication that she might be alive. After that, she had to turn away to keep from crying. Something that she was now doing on her own. Seeing her complete sense of hope, that complete faith in me as a savior, at least for this moment, I couldn¡¯t help but cast the spell. Still holding onto her hand, I quickly cast the spell. Family Tree Finder (Branches to Leaf Edition) For a moment, I think about Teleporting there, but remember my last time through, about how I felt my soul being pulled up and away. I also realize that Umbra is not with me this time to save me from such an ordeal. This is why I just cast the spell, and then make a temporary permanent fix from the Dispatcher to the child end of the spell. This way once she contacts the child at the other end of the spell, the energy used will dissolve. Fwoom. ¡°Whoa,¡± she cries out as she can all but see a line snaking out of the door and around. The spell gives her the fastest route, not a direct route, which is important, otherwise she would need to walk through walls to get to her child. ¡°You can see it?¡± I have to ask, as sometimes getting spells to be made visible to others is tricky for you have to effectively cast an Illusionary spell over the actual spell to demonstrate the mirrored capabilities of the first spell. Nodding. The dispatcher can only nod her head, then she takes one step forward. Only to pause and catch herself, as she quickly turns to Mallory, ¡°can I?¡± She asks, while pointing to the intangible line leading out the door. Mallory for her part just nods, ¡°go with her Melkin, and report back once they are united.¡± ¡°Roger,¡± Melkin exclaimed before leaving. Well, he almost left, but then also came over and gave me a great bear hug. ¡°OOF,¡± I exclaim, but it is still much needed warmth that I steal from him, so I am okay. ¡°Thank you,¡± Melkin whispers, his voice nearly breaking as he hugs me tightly. ¡°Yeah,¡± I say, reaching my arm around to pat him on the back. For a moment, Melkin lets up, only to then give me one last power squeeze from his massive arms. With that he breaks off his embrace and turns to grab the Dispatcher¡¯s hand. ¡°Melkin, just report to one of the guards that you all are safe, then you are dismissed for the night,¡± Mallory instructed. ¡°Roger that,¡± Melkin replied as a giant smile filled his face, one of the first of many smiles filling the room. ¡°Now go,¡± Mallory stated with a shewing gesture. At that the two, parents(?), left hand in hand as they first left the room somewhat stoically. Then as soon as the door closed behind them, they began taking off at a dead sprint out the hallway, out the entrance and off to the nearby end of the spell. Well, where the spell ended relatively nearby. I was on standby to help heal the child if needed, but seeing the spell¡¯s final location it felt like that would not be necessary. Seeing their happy faces, at least for a moment made this whole ordeal slightly worthwhile. Just as I was busy watching their retreat, I got blindsided. ¡°OOOFFF,¡± this was getting to be a habit. ¡°Thank you,¡± Vickard cried out, as apparently it was now his turn to be thankful. Again, more of the ice inside me melted. This time it felt like I would finally be able to recover on my own, as the icy dull ache was gone and most just seemed to be the final dethawing of my insides. ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± I reply, as I also pat the overly large guard on his shoulder. ¡°That is my goddaughter, and I don¡¯t know what I would have done without her little smiles to brighten my mornings,¡± Vickard stated. With that statement, I realized just how tightly knit the entire community here was, everyone cares about each other, and they all have a vested interest in the outcomes of others. From there, I had a parade of huggers, each of whom seemed to be just thankful that I was there. ¡°You Resurrected my boyfriend.¡± ¡°You Resurrected my girlfriend.¡± ¡°¡­my wife.¡± ¡°¡­you Resurrected me.¡± On the list went, and I felt tears forming in my eyes, as I realized it had been worth it. Not the war, not by a long shot, but my efforts were noticed. ¡°Aww stop, you¡¯re going to make her cry,¡± Gwen stated. As she came forward, she seemed to have the same expression as earlier, but it was clearly a mask, as she then broke down and began to cry. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to be mad at you.¡± And finally, that last bastion of coldness in my heart completely disappeared and I felt warm again. ¡°Oh, it feels so good to hold you again,¡± I respond, speaking from the heart. Only after I speak do I realize just how much I sound like my grandparents did when they got to hug me, though, I can explain the difference, they were old. We stay like that, in our awkward embrace for what feels like an eternity and no time at all. Finally, Mallory breaks the moment just as it seems that Gwen is getting to be antsy from the hold. ¡°Well, you know what this means¡­¡± Chapter 299 The Apprentice’s Reactions (Mallory) Chapter 299 The Apprentice¡¯s Reactions (Mallory) Rotations. Everyone was set up for eight-hour rotations. Of the twenty-one groups with soldiers trained by Dr. Spiritlight, seven were to be on shift for specific eight-hour periods. Then added to that, the spirits of the Deolorian empire were also broken up into eight-hour shifts, where they would serve beside the Spiritlight Special Forces. This way the day was covered, everyone had a chance to do their part, while hopefully no one would suffer from burnout. Fortunately, Mallory had very capable staff members who took on these tasks themselves, making it so these seemingly trivial details were taken care of before she was even needed. ¡°My Queen,¡± a Deolorian soldier called out with a bow, as Mallory made her way past the group. Shiver. As he spoke, Mallory felt a tiny thrill of energy course through her from the word. Mallory for her part let a faint smile crest her lips as she nodded in acknowledgement. That said, the power that was in those words of reverence was not lost on Mallory. In fact, every time a Deolorian soldier spoke to her, she felt that same sensation, albeit in varying degrees. The ones that she felt the most from the Deolorian soldiers that had served on the frontlines with her. In a way, it felt gratifying. Almost as if they now understood what their king saw in her to begin with. Yet, that only caused doubts to her, as she knew the entire marriage was a sham, despite unlocking all of the secret bonuses and perks. In fact, just thinking about the perks made Mallory think about Gwen, and how she looked forward to renewing those same perks tomorrow. Though come to think of it, Gwen has been oddly missing of late. Even that heart warming scene where Cass managed to somehow tell the difference between those that were missing and those that were dead. At first, the entire process seemed to be great, but there was an odd icy chill in the air. That was how Mallory knew that Cass was telling the truth. The room itself would get noticeably colder with each name noted. The only time the odd permafrost effect seemed to stop, or at least slow down were on the names that Cass claimed were alive. While there was no reason to believe her, the hope that she was right, was what caused Mallory to press through. For, just as there was no way to prove she was right at first, there was also no evidence to suggest that she was wrong in her assessments either. Had it been anyone else, Mallory would have wasted time sending out search parties to verify her claims. But she had proven herself time and time again. Thinking back, Mallory remembered the first time they met, when she showed her prowess. One where she showed that one of Mallory¡¯s own accountants was stealing from her ledgers, right on her train. The audacity of what was being claimed by the then elf, was enough to cause her to check personally. Now, she had a team that would handle such investigations. The team of course was made up of believers. That is, these were people who were at one time saved by Cass, or otherwise helped by Cass throughout. People who had Guild members who were saved from the Blight, a disease once thought incurable, now cured by simply coming and living on Pixie blessed lands. Just thinking about that fact, caused her to realize how much this world has effectively been turned upside down in under a year¡¯s time. Now there were arrays that gathered seemingly non-existent moisture from the desert atmosphere, and turned it into purifying rain that watered the plants, saturated the lands, and made a literal heaven worth dying for. In her past, she had never taken up roots. Never truly called a place her own. That was part of the allure of the Midnight Hunters, they were geographic nomads who could go anywhere and set up shop and be immediately in demand. Then everything changed with Cass. Suddenly there was a new stretch of land so far out in the middle of the wastelands that no one would dare to lay claim to it, at least not at first. This was why Mallory took it personally when the Legrand Empire tried to take it all from her. This wasn¡¯t her land, this was the land that everyone who believed in her and Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s vision had poured their blood, sweat, and tears into. Mallory was so lost in her thoughts, while looking for Gwen, that she almost ran into the clear Legrand spy. Complete stop. At least, that was what her mind processed as she saw the Legrand Healer Mage rags that the mage before her was wearing. To make matters worse, she wasn¡¯t even hiding her appearance, nor her contempt. She was just there, long dark hair tied back in a ponytail, as she leaned against the inside brick wall of the out door school training area. The reason why this seemed so incongruous was the fact that no one from Legrand was to ever set foot within the school courtyard, lest they draw the wrath of the pixie. Seeing her, Mallory instantly began moving forward. ¡°Hahaha,¡± children laughing in unison. Then as Mallory got closer she began hearing sounds coming from inside the courtyard. With a few more steps her field of vision shifted, and she could see that Dr. Spiritlight was there in the middle of a crowd of students casting magic in front of a gaggle of children. Pausing. Mallory found herself pausing in the grand archway, which placed her within a few feet of the wayward mage. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°I have to say, she impressive,¡± the Legrand healer spoke. Hearing the comment, Mallory paused as she felt something was off about this. Normally once found, wouldn¡¯t an enemy mage try to run? Particularly from someone wearing the battle gear of elite Midnight Hunter forces? ¡°You don¡¯t know the half of it,¡± Mallory stated, then moving closer she held out her hand and asked, ¡°and you are?¡± Seeing the hand outstretched, the woman looked first flustered, before shaking herself, stepping away from the wall and properly holding out her own hand to greet Mallory. ¡°Sorry Master¡¯s Master, I am Valeria Spray-Healer,¡± the woman replied while holding out her hand and lowering her head in supplication at the same time. Seeing the gesture Mallory began shaking the offered hand, then her mind began to work. As it did, she remembered something. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, you are the stray Apprentice that Dr. Spiritlight picked up?¡± Mallory asked, remembering the notes from Jhonny, Penelope, and Redding on this situation. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I would call myself a stray, but I guess it does seem to fit,¡± Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s Apprentice replied. Hearing that, there was an awkward pause as the Apprentice seemed entirely too uptight to truly fit in with the eccentric Doctor, but Mallory decided to avoid that situation. She had made it her goal a long time ago to not get in the way of geniuses, so long as they weren¡¯t destroying the world. Pausing for a moment, Mallory remembered how that last part about geniuses was thrown in as an homage to old super villains who started their decent into madness with good intentions, at first, but then slowly eroded away due to time and pressure from the outside world. Now though, after seeing Cass in action, she realized that there were apparently easier ways to destroy the world, at least for Cass there seemed to be easier ways to destroy the world. At that thought, an involuntary shudder went through her body as her mind recalled the monstrous image of the crazed ethereal being that Cass just casually interacted with, as if it was no big deal. Despite the fact that Mallory was very certain that said creature was inadvertently destroying the world while they watched. FWOOSH! A spark of magic went off, and a line of visible magic snaked out from one child off into the distance, out and around Mallory, into parts unknown. ¡°There you go, follow that path and you will find your parent,¡± Cass stated, her words echoing through the courtyard. Then as if given permission to run, not walk to the nearest exit, the child who still had a line of magic darting off and through the compound, got up and ran out. ¡°All right, who¡¯s next?¡± Cass asked. ¡°Oh, me, meee¡­¡± dozens of children all clamored at once. Seeing them all getting hope from Cass, caused a smile to form on Mallory¡¯s lips. This right here, this was what magic should be. Then pausing for a moment, Mallory realized that these were exactly the moments and reasons why Cass always pushed so hard for magic to be studied, practiced, and then utilized to its fullest. ¡°It¡¯s odd,¡± the Apprentice, Valeria, finally cut in. ¡°What is?¡± Mallory asked. ¡°How you always hear and see those stories about a magical loli who is somehow expected to be the best magic wielder in the world. I remember, I always wondered how anyone could believe such a story, yet here she is,¡± Valeria replied. Hearing that analysis, Mallory paused and wanted to refute the claim, as Cass didn¡¯t start off this powerful, she just kind of morphed into the role. Particularly the more she found ways to seemingly shrug off the restraints of magic and then find ways to truly cast and create spells on the fly. With that moment of insight, Mallory had her own thought come to light. Or at least blossom further in her mind. ¡°My biggest thought was on the tales of the Fairy queens, you know where they are seemingly identical beings who control both the powers of summer and winter,¡± Mallory began, but then cut herself off as she realized that this might be too personal of a moment to share, especially with someone who isn¡¯t fully vetted. Though the fact that Cass chose her, from the apparently hundreds of Legrand soldiers who were patched up and shipped out from the Kujo Caverns is impressive. Implying that the Doctor must have seen something unique in this individual that was not in all of the others. ¡°And?¡± Valeria asked. Realizing it might be too much for a first day, Mallory just shook her head. For a moment she wasn¡¯t going to speak her thought, but then finally gave way, as if speaking it out loud might be a way to stop this growing fear within her mind from coming to fruition. ¡°And now I can see that with Cass,¡± Mallory noted. Thinking about that, the Apprentice paused for a moment, before speaking. ¡°You mean she would be one side, and her Simulacrum would be another?¡± Valeria asked. Hearing that, Mallory thought about it, and realized, while close, this was not what she expected from the constantly outsourcing pixie. ¡°No, well sort of,¡± Mallory began. ¡°Yes, that she could do both, but she would likely have Simulacrums dedicated to the roles take over.¡± Then pausing for a moment, she continued. ¡°Knowing her, she would probably give them stupid names too. Something like Summer-Ulacrum, and Winter-Ulacrum,¡± Mallory finished her thought. ¡°Oh those are terrible, there is no way she would¡­¡± Valeria began, but was cut off. ¡°Really, Spray-Healer? I¡¯m assuming you didn¡¯t get that from an indigenous person?¡± At that Valeria paused for a moment, and then looked utterly defeated, as she crumpled into herself slightly. ¡°No, to make matters worse, I would almost renounce the name, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the name is darn powerful.¡± ¡°Yeah, tell me about it,¡± Mallory replied. Whoosh. At that, Mallory took a half step to the side to avoid yet another running child. During the time of their conversation, three more children had run off, following magical threads to seemingly nowhere. Though only one went out this exit where Mallory and the Apprentice were watching from. The others went out the far exit on the other side, as apparently those were closer to the intended family member. Fwoop. Nothing happened, after Cass cast the spell. At this, the child suddenly looked confused, as this had not happened since Cass started this process. ¡°You sure your dad was with you?¡± Cass asked. ¡°Yes,¡± the little boy replied back. ¡°Can you say his name?¡± ¡°Aranthir,¡± the boy stated. Hearing the name Cass let out a sigh of relief, ¡°well you are right, he is not dead. Hmm, let¡¯s try something.¡± With those seemingly innocent words, Mallory looked on in hope. But then felt her pulse quicken as she saw something that caused every survival instinct in her rise to the surface and demand that she pay complete attention. Seeing the sudden attention, and complete look of fear and concentration on Mallory¡¯s face, Valeria too became worried. ¡°What is it?¡± Valeria asked. ¡°Her tongue, it is out,¡± Mallory stated, as she watched Cass take on a look of complete concentration. ¡°What does it mean?¡± ¡°It means, she is about to create a new magic spell.¡± ¡°Is that a bad thing?¡± ¡°Not all the time,¡± Mallory confirmed, while Mallory wanted to stop this, her instincts told her to wait, as Cass wouldn¡¯t do anything too dangerous in front of children would she? ¡°There we go, let¡¯s try this one,¡± Cass replied. FWOOSH! Cass cast a spell, and instantly a new line of energy sparked off from the boy off into the distance. ¡°There we go, just follow that line,¡± Cass stated, a bit awkwardly. As she spoke, a text box appeared above her head, letting everyone in attendance know that a first-time feat of magic had been performed.
New Spell Created: Family Tree Finder (Leaf to Distant Branch Edition) (C): A Tier X Life and Spirit Magic spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that attempts to find the extended family members related to a sample of DNA evidence. By focusing on the unique chromosomes of the target sample, the caster of the spell can identify likely genetic matches for a target. By focusing on the sample¡¯s mitochondria, there is a 100% chance of finding blood relatives.
Seeing the message, Valeria asked, ¡°what was that?¡± ¡°Oh, that is a sign of a new master class spell being cast for the first time,¡± Mallory noted. ¡°Wait, you mean Dr. Spiritlight, just created a Tier X spell on the fly?¡± Valeria asked, before continuing, ¡°does magic even go up to Tier X?¡± Mallory almost wanted to point out that she too could cast spells beyond Tier X, but then stopped herself, as she had never learned any spells beyond Tier VII, figuring that those were dangerous enough as is. ¡°Yes, and beyond,¡± Mallory replied, opting to answer the questions in order, rather than note her own mental blocks for why she wasn¡¯t casting similar magics. There was a momentary pause, before Mallory could feel a communication linking to her mind. ¡°Phew, so glad that worked,¡± the voice of Cass rang out in her mind. Pausing for a second, Mallory was surprised that Cass would talk to her Telepathically, but it seemed she was likely getting bored of helping out the children and needed a slight distraction while casting the same set of spells over and over. ¡°What happened?¡± Mallory found herself asking back mentally. ¡°It turns out that the boy¡¯s ¡®father¡¯ is actually his uncle. I am so glad I don¡¯t have to be the one to explain that to him,¡± Cass replied. And like that, Mallory couldn¡¯t help but agree, as that would be a terrible conclusion to this otherwise great gesture. ¡°Should we tell him?¡± ¡°You can, I¡¯m going to let them live in ignorant bliss,¡± Cass began, but then added, ¡°unless of course I am asked directly, then I will state the truth. Otherwise, it is just a whole ball of wax that is best left unburnt.¡± While Mallory was going over the idea of why you would burn a ball of wax to begin with, her thoughts were cut off by an apparent interloper into the conversation. ¡°You realize, I can hear you as well, right?¡± Valeria chimed in, her own thoughts coming through the apparent three-way Telepathic communications link. ¡°Oh, I know, this is a test, to see how much I can trust you in the future,¡± Cass responded. ¡°A test?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± was the one-word reply given by Cass. Silence. Over time, more and more children ran off trying to find their loved ones, when they were down to a handful of apparent strays, Cass finally spoke over the Telepathic link again. ¡°So why were you looking for me?¡± At the question, Mallory was over 90% certain that Cass had already read her mind and ascertained the reason for this meeting, but decided to answer anyways. ¡°Your presence has been requested to help sort out the Prisoner of War situation,¡± Mallory stated. With that comment, Valeria turned to Mallory, her mouth open in surprise. Seeing her look of shock, Mallory suddenly realized why Cass had purposefully included her Apprentice into this three-way communication. Well played, was the thought that Mallory mentally gave the pixy, as she too found herself curious about the reactions that Valeria might have when seeing how the Midnight Hunter¡¯s dealt with prisoners of war. From the bond alone, it was clear that a wave of fear and sorrow was coming from Valeria, as she apparently knew what happened to Prisoners of War that the Legrand Empire took into custody. Then thinking about it one step further, Mallory also realized that most of these children desperately seeking their family members were in fact, previously rescued refugees of the war. Many of whom had their parent¡¯s rescued by Cass as well. This would definitely be one interesting test for the young Apprentice, and one that Mallory herself felt she had to see the conclusion of. Chapter 300 Never Assume It Is Over, Even At The End Chapter 300 Never Assume It Is Over, Even At The End A party. They were having a party. Well not a full blown, ballroom dancing type of party, but a party nonetheless. The enemy troops had been pushed back. The forces had been cleaned up. I got a double quest completion.
Hidden Quest Completed: Reuniting the Lost: You managed to suffer through hearing out the names of the dead, in order to reunite the living with their families. Rewards: Experience, Skills, and a Bloodline Evolution Perk. Experience Gained: 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000
New Skill Gained: Naming the Dead has reached level 1.
Naming the Dead is an Endurance, Sociability X3, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2 based skill.
That skill, Naming the Dead was how I was able to determine if people were dead. I could see the Endurance aspect, as it was quite painful to live through. Though I was confused about the Sociability aspect of the skill, at least at first, then I think it came with that whole, don¡¯t speak ill of the dead myth. But I¡¯m pretty sure that speaking ill of the dead is a verifiable way of getting negative karma, particularly the closer to the time of death you start speaking. From there, I was given even more skills and of course the sort of expected Bloodline Evolution Perk that would match my new skills.
New Skill Gained: Aura of Those Who Are Loved has reached level 1.
Aura of Those Who Are Loved is a Personality X5, Sociability X5, Perception X3, and Willpower based skill.
Yes, that skill was how I could look at the different kids and make sure there would be successes from my casting the old Family Tree Finder spells. Even when I was seemingly set up for failure by the skill, it was still important. And despite how taxing it all was, I could not imagine doing things any differently. These skills of course led to the inevitable Bloodline Evolution Perk that came along with completing this spiritually painful quest.
New Bloodline Evolution Perk Gained: Soul¡¯s Final Witness
Bloodline Evolution Perk: Soul¡¯s Final Witness: You are the final witness to tell if a soul has truly passed beyond the veil of this world. Effect: By hearing a name, you can tell if they passed. The more recent the death, the more impactful the effect you will feel.
That perk tells me so much about this world. From reading the effects of that power, I can tell truly if I am able to save someone from death. The wording also means that if I but said two names, I would finally know the answer to a question I¡¯ve been asking myself since I first entered this world. That is, can I truly save my parents? Or are they beyond even the powers that I have been able to amass and find all this time? There might be a deeper question there, one of should I save them, if I can? I mean, will they want to be saved? Or have they found a way to be content in the true afterlife? These questions and more fill my mind, but fortunately, I know that I don¡¯t need to answer any of them currently. Also, for now, I think I¡¯m the only one that would first ask this question. Though I am certain that if others find out about this perk, many people might seek me out, as a hidden in plain sight quest giver. A quest giver who could help others find lost or missing family members. More and more, I find myself becoming pulled in by the intrigue of this world. I¡¯ve seen the signs. At first, they seemed to be warning signs. Messages that hinted at a greater authority granted by the system. Yet, rather than hide from the authority, or seek it out in greater measure, I just accepted the case. Which seemed to oddly give me more power faster, than if I just pulled on the threads. Of course, I didn¡¯t relinquish the authority granted, not that I quite knew how to. Instead, I¡¯ve just seen this inevitability coming. Everything from being able to grant powerful mage names, to being able to create life, to now being able to see when someone or something is truly dead. I can imagine my services being requested for confirmation of the deaths of Demon Kings, Tyrannical dictators, or even heroes. It sounds annoying, but at the same time, I can¡¯t imagine giving it up. At least not yet. These were my thoughts after the first quest completion. Once rewards for the second quest came to light, I almost thought things would be done.
Hidden Quest Completed: Stating For Peace (Ongoing): You have managed to verbally bind Legrand Prisoners of War into a forced peace. By both Resurrecting, and accepting the oaths of surrendered soldiers, you have managed to find a faster way to broker peace. Current Legrand Soldiers Bound By Oaths of Peace (394 / 408). Rewards: Experience, Skill, Bloodline Evolution Perk. Experience Gained: 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000 Ding. Level up. Divinely Akashic Qi Master has increased by 12 levels to level 403.* Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by 11 levels to level 428.** Quintessential Ethereal Healer has increased by 17 levels to level 589.
This time, it seems that even my Divinely Akashic Qi Master class has met the 400-level threshold to unlock a new Trait. I also think that the two asterisk next to my Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master class indicates that I have a Trait that I want to get for it, but that I haven¡¯t been able to unlock due to my own stupidity. Which is good, in a way, as it means that the world will accept my quest to learn Void Teleportation as a Trait that I and my Simulacrums can learn. For a moment, I wonder about what type of mischief my Simulacrums could get into, if they were allowed to effectively Teleport anywhere, including the void realm, if I wasn¡¯t there to watch them. But then I stop and realized, they are still me, and therefore should have our best interests in mind when acting? Also, I won¡¯t be dumb enough to name one of my future Simulacrums Void-Ulacrum. Implying that it would be their job to Teleport to and around the void.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. No, a me who specialized in getting lost while traveling to unknown distant realms, that I think would be a bit too much. That said, I can¡¯t wait for new Simulacrums to appear, I can almost feel that they are close to coming, though I can¡¯t tell why they haven¡¯t arrived yet. At this rate, even my Simulacrums have all managed monumental feats. With only Rune-Ulacrum getting caught, all the others managed to take advantage of the fifteen minutes of fame that I got to avoid. Though their actions did prove one thing, if I use Confidentiality while performing a World First event, I shouldn¡¯t get tattled on. At least, that is what I am hoping for, and plan to test out next time I am close to a World First achievement. The only problem is, I don¡¯t quite know what is worthy of note, and what isn¡¯t. Things that I think of as amazing, like coming up with a self-cleaning room, are met with warnings to others as a death alter. The same with creating non-transforming mobile self-defense machines. That said, the skill I got for the second quest, while interesting, was not something I truly anticipated.
New Skill Gained: Binding Oaths has reached level 1.
Binding Oaths is a Strength, Endurance, Sociability X2, Personality X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X3 based skill.
This skill seemed to be similar to how I got skills that would then help me direct and strengthen my use of my various Traits. Now however, I got this one to seemingly specifically help with my new bloodline evolution perk.
New Bloodline Evolution Perk Gained: Binding Words
Bloodline Evolution Perk: Binding Words: In a world where a person¡¯s word is their bond, you are the agent who can enforce those bonds. Effect: When creating a verbal agreement with a willing individual, you can bind them to their words or gain from their current and future karmic net worth.
Yes, that power seemed as ominous as one could expect. I know Mallory expected a new class to come about, but it seems the world as a whole did not want that type of power going around and running wild. Just seeing the words, and feeling their possible effects, I could imagine a class related to this type of binding power. A class that was used by people without morals who gained the class and all but forced people to sign away their future potential for less than advantageous deals. I mean, it would be like going to an airport, desperately needing a vehicle and only being able to rent from Hurtz, I couldn¡¯t let that happen to others. That is why I am sort of glad it is a Bloodline Evolution Perk, and not a class that anyone could get ahold of. Also of slight concern to me was the fact that while I had started off with 408 who swore to never take up arms against myself, the Midnight Hunters, or World¡¯s End, apparently there were already fourteen individuals who had been noted by the system as breaking their oaths. Again, I don¡¯t know if they were forced to break their oaths by the Legrand Empire, or whether they willingly did this out of some sense of national pride, but those numbers did tell me that this was not over. That even though the conflict had ended for the moment, we were not done. Worse, I didn¡¯t want to be the bearer of bad news. Wiggle, wiggle. Looking down, I see a giant ball of fluff that was now coming to in my arms. Apparently, Umbra¡¯s food coma was wearing off again, and he was once again shaking to life within my arms. ¡°Oh, does he need another walkie?¡± Penelope cooed as she came over and spoke in a high-pitched voice that caused Little upside down Umbra to twitch and roll his way out of my arms. For a moment, I am almost angry at the sudden betrayal, and feeling of coldness in my arms, where the once bright furnace used to reside. Then I realized that this was what happens when you give up a Mythical Grade Tamer class to someone else. While Umbra might need me due to my magical baby formula, it was clear that he really liked Penelope. Honestly, I couldn¡¯t blame the pup, she was everything I wished I could be. Warm, cheerful, always nice, Gods the puppy-napper makes me sick. Like if Snow White had Cruella de Vil¡¯s puppy-stealing preference. Then looking down I see that I am covered in dense glowing black fur. For a moment, I think about popping over to the Kujo Caverns, but quickly stop myself as I realize that without Umbra, I might fly off into space. I also know that I promised Mallory that I would wait until midnight before I left here. Which also brought up other questions I had, for I also promised the old elven queen that I would see her after midnight. But the question comes, what midnight? I made the promise to Mallory here, at World¡¯s End. Then I made the promise to the eldritch elven queen in Timult, which is apparently three hours ahead. Then added to that is the question of do I factor in the one hour we lost due to the world breaking down? Meaning I should go at 11PM Timult time? Or should it be 11 PM here? These are the questions I have going through my head, and again all it does is let me know that I am glad I didn¡¯t have to either take a Mythical Grade Contract Forging class, and instead got this as a Bloodline Evolution Perk. Because even though I could kind of tell that I was now in the clear with both sets of promises, thanks to my ability to feel a connection to the two sets of oaths. I don¡¯t know how others would be able to truly feel this connection, at least not without guidance. After this, I decided that I would not make any more binding oaths that involved specific sets of time, nor were seemingly concurrent with each other, as they could get messy. ¡°Glad you stuck around,¡± Mallory began, as she came forward to meet with me. ¡°I promised I would, and I have,¡± I replied, feeling a strange weight lift off my chest at that admittance. ¡°Yes, you have,¡± Mallory replied. And with those three words, I felt the final tether binding me to Mallory and here fade away. I paused, trying to understand why, and after a moment I realized it was likely due to the person I contracted with having acknowledged my fulfillment of my terms of the contract. Tingle. My reward, no quest prompt, no trumpets, no fanfare, just a slight sliver of golden karma that was generated from Mallory and seemingly given to me, before disappearing. Still, I could feel that tether, that odd thread that now filled me with a slightly odd sense of satisfaction. We stood there in silence, Mallory looking out over the gaggle of soldiers who were relaxing for the moment. While I tasted my golden karma. It oddly tasted like crisp air, with a slight minty aftertaste. Fresh. That was the word to describe this moment, this sensation of tasting freely given positive karma. Well not freely given, as I did have to work at it, even if only by staying put. But, I did receive it, and that is the best part of all of this. Finally, after a long moment of pause, Mallory finally broke the moment of silence that we were both engaged in and spoke a question that all but thrummed with her fears. ¡°How long do you think this will last?¡± Mallory asked, as she did, she gave a slight gesture to the few people who were dancing and drinking together. It wasn¡¯t wild, it wasn¡¯t raucous. Looking at those that were here, it was clear that if need be, they could be recalled in a matter of moments and given a Purging spell or two, be ready to engage in the defense of their homes once more. That said, it was clear that they needed this, we all likely needed this, Mallory especially as so many things had happened today alone. Looking around, I saw that Gwen was here, still watching us, but from a distance. I assumed she was trying to keep hidden from Mallory, as she had to know that I could see her, even while she was hiding behind a wall and facing the opposite direction. Still, I pretended not to know what was going on between the two. I got them together, and had them get married, it was up to them to work out any problems that they might now face. ¡°This peace?¡± I asked, trying to make sure I understood her question. ¡°Yes,¡± Mallory responded. At that, I wanted to say who knows, but then found that these words were hollow. Focusing, I could almost swear I saw the message, or at least that I could feel the tensions rising within me, letting me know the answer was a lot closer than we all hoped. Then with horror, I realized that this sudden feeling of unease was due to my ridiculous skill Disaster Foresight, which I decided to warn Mallory about. ¡°I¡¯d say near immediate,¡± I responded, then I began to turn my body in the direction of where I felt the odd tugging sensation from my Disaster Foresight directing me. That is when I saw a bunch of movement. First, there were people who seemed to be hiding in some way, moving about. Though to my Angel¡¯s Sight, this just caused the people to glow like they were wearing giant spotlights, particularly as the way they were trying to hide was by using equipment that seemed to utilize Obfuscation magic, a sub-category of Illusionary Magic. Again, this was a section of magic that seemed contradictory to me to practice, for the more you used, the brighter you would tend to glow. At least that is how I perceived the magic, though in this case, it was clear that the magic was effective, for the guards seemed to know that they were to be looking for someone or something, but couldn¡¯t quite identify where the people were. Also, of concern was just how far away these people were. For now, I was with the others at the main barracks building, which had been established near the eastern border of World¡¯s End. This meant that there were a lot of people moving and casting spells between me an this new activity. Unsurprisingly, many of my students were using this downtime to practice casting spells, rather than relaxing, knowing that I fully intended to start classes again on Monday. All of this is to say, that I failed to particularly note the use of magic, until there seemed to be violence involved. Violence that was relayed to me almost instantly by the taste of blood landing on fields that I had personally connected part of my soul to. Once warned by the appearance of blood, it then took a second to track the activity. That is when I saw the attacking team break apart and go directly into a building, likely to hide. ¡°They are going into a building,¡± I said, trying to mentally lay out the area and see which exact building they were going into. The only problem was, we were far away, and near the edge of my zone of ability to differentiate unique magical signatures. Being a building, I didn¡¯t really care, at least not at first. Despite their being at the center of the SVC campus. By now, that entire area had been saturated with my energy, thanks to Arcane Geomancy, and I was fairly certain that I could help repair any and all damage done there. But before anyone could act, the people who entered the building pulled out a giant magical device, and then began assembling it, piece by piece. ¡°What are they doing?¡± ¡°I think they are setting up a¡­¡± I responded, but I was quickly cut off by the sudden eruption of magic and power. KABOOOMMMMM!! The ground shook violently, and suddenly I felt dozens of spiritual connections that linked me to that building snap and break. Only then did I realize that the Legrand spies had purposefully entered the SVC faculty building. My faculty building and set off a bomb that ripped a hole in the side of the building, while also causing damage to many of my Skill Books that had come to defend their territory. Before I could think, or even process what was happening, I moved. Poof. On ingrained reflex I cast Arcane Geomancy Teleportation, trying to get to the building faster, trying to save any and all of the precious books I could. I knew that if I was fast enough, I should be able to grab them, and hopefully Resurrect them. The only problem, one that I realized way too late, was the fact that I suddenly found myself weightless. This was what happened the last time I cast Arcane Geomancy Teleportation, while traveling with Umbra. Back then I had managed to use Umbra''s oddly fat stomach to keep me weighed down enough to make it to the end of my realm between. Now though, I suddenly found my arms empty. Worse, I was not only seemingly weightless, but I could feel myself being pulled up, and out into the great unknown. The only problem, one that I realized way too late, was the fact that I suddenly found myself weightless in that realm that lay in between. Worse, I was not only seemingly weightless, but I could feel myself being pulled up, and out into the great unknown. In seconds the universe around me went dark leaving me in a vast sea of emptiness. The only true sensation that I could feel, the only thing telling me that I was alive, was the feeling of weightlessness and the sensation of flying upwards at ever increasing rates of speed. Epilogue VII Biprism Interactive Control Tower I Epilogue VII Biprism Interactive Control Tower I Prince Lee sat watching the display.
Emerging Races: Teleiot¨ªs: 452
¡°They have already doubled?¡± Prince Lee found himself asking, though his words were more of a statement. As he spoke, his words had a sense of gravity to them. ¡°Correct,¡± the cold dispassionate voice of the AI liaison replied. ¡°Well, that means the stockholders will be happy, as the Teleiot¨ªs will quickly be a playable race at this rate. Do they really just need to eat their own bodyweight in metals, and then they can reproduce?¡± Price found himself asking. As he did, images of ravaged Legrand cities crossed the screen. From there, only brick, wood, and debris was left behind. Everything else, every scrap of metal, every minorly enchanted piece of material was consumed. For the first time ever, Guild halls, for both the Engineering Guild, and the Mage¡¯s guilds were completely destroyed in a city. Those acts were tantamount to declaring war on the orders, but it was clear that the Teleiot¨ªs didn¡¯t care about convention. Then like canibals who eat their own to get stronger, any Teleiot¨ªs who fell in battle was also sacrificed, fed to the hybrid leaders and consumed. From their sacrifice, even in death, they were able to help form the next generation of Teleiot¨ªs. ¡°Earliest projections?¡± Prince asked. ¡°At this rate, the Teleiot¨ªs will become a playable race for the elite within the next two weeks. From there they are believed to maintain their exponential growth rate for over a year, if this happens, the Teleiot¨ªs will officially become the most dominant species on BiPrism,¡± the AI noted. ¡°What of their creator?¡± ¡°Their creator is not here. As you are no doubt aware, many news and media outlets are claiming she was killed, called into the second, much more powerful blast that took out her personal library,¡± The AI noted. ¡°Your analysis of this?¡± ¡°We cannot tell, as is clear from the actions, or rather lack of actions by her other Simulacrums, the primary Dr. Spiritlight Avatar is missing.¡± ¡°Which means?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t know,¡± the AI answered. With that, the feed switched to show four separate images of Dr. Spiritlight, each seemed to just be laying completely still in a catatonic state. One was floating like a dead fish would, if a dead fish could float in air, in the Kujo Caverns. Kujo and the others made mournful keening sounds at the sight, but otherwise left the pixie alone. Next was an image of a Healer passed out in her room at the Mage Guild on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower. No movement was seen on the pixie, who also appeared to be floating listlessly. Likewise the Pixie on the 200th floor seemed to be moved to a thrown that had appeared out of nowhere. As she sat, the living particles of the chair all began to rise up and bind with the unmoving pixie. Last was the pixie who was in the oddly eccentric space ship. A ship that seemed to be drifting away on its own, flying far away from anyone or anything. At that, Prince could only nod in understanding, by all accounts and measurements the pixies were all in a catatonic state. ¡°Is there anything else I should be aware of?¡± Prince asked. ¡°There is one thing that we wanted to bring to your attention.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°It seems that there has been a new species of life registered,¡± the AI answered. ¡°And they are?¡± ¡°The Seraphyns.¡± With that the image changed to a crash site far out in the Blight filled desert. There, out in the middle of no where, at the dead of night, a group of thirty or so monstrous humanoids could be seen moving around during the night. Hunting giant corrupted prey and taking them down with ravenous speed and grace. The sight itself was horrific. Yet, Prince couldn¡¯t help but find his mind wandering to one particular question. ¡°Seraphyns? Why does that sound familiar?¡±
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight
Age: 15
Race (Esoteric Arcanist Elf): Emerald Eyed Mythical Quintessence Ethereal Colossal Pixie (Progenitor)
Primary Class: Quintessence Ethereal Healer (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
Secondary Class Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrum Masters (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
Tertiary Class Divinely Akashic Qi Master (Unique-Personal-Non-Trainable-Non-Transferable Class)
level: 589 / 428 / 403
Strength 173 1946 Personality 145 2024 Perception 263 3415 3678
Dexterity 216 2774 Sociability 142 2028 Intelligence 253 4202 4455
Endurance 199 2253 Attractiveness 125 3420 Willpower 267 4981 5248
Race (Bonus Per Level): +2 All Attributes every level.
Quintessence Ethereal Healer: +1 Strength, +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +1 Sociability, +1 Personality, +1 Attractiveness, +2 Perception, +2 Intelligence, +3 Willpower.
Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master +1 Dexterity, +1 Endurance, +2 Personality, +2 Sociability, +2 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, +2 Willpower.
Divinely Akashic Qi Master +3 Strength, +3 Dexterity, +3 Endurance, +1 Personality, +1 Sociability, +1 Attractiveness, +1 Perception, +1 Intelligence, and +2 Willpower.
Titles Gained Bonuses
Early Awakening, Early Class Both Titles were combined to increase Spirit Tier mastery from starting maximum of Tier VII to Tier VIII
Surname: Spiritlight Gain an automatic 10% boost in all social interactions with spirits. Spirits start off as neutral.
Love Guru Truly one worth emulating, when it comes to the art of love and its best practices. +5 Appearance, +10 Personality, +10 Sociability, +7% Luck, +20% Bonus to Avoiding Conflict, +25% chance to help others find a soul mate, +30% Chance to Seduction based skills and attempts.
Arcanarus University Graduate (III) One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +30 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +300% Skill Efficacy to Spirt-Magic Spell Creation, and Energy Resonance Alteration.
Void Healer Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Void Healer class. Rewards: Can dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Simulacrum Master Trainer You have been identified as being the official progenitor for the prestigious Simulacrum Master class. Rewards: Cand dictate Class evolutions. All prior class evolutions are 25% more effective for you.
Magical Duelist: You are developing a reputation for being a winner of magical duels, this both makes you stand out more, while offering some benefits. Effect: +5% to all Magical Dueling Skills, +5% to all Social Attributes when you are recognized for your feats.
Nature¡¯s Friend (X): You have helped clean up over one hundred thousand pounds of trash, and have been recognized as one of nature¡¯s true champions. Rewards: Life and Nature based Spells are now 50% more efficient. Neutral rating to most woodland and creatures found in the wild.
Pegicorn''s Blessing You have been blessed by the last pegicorn and are now officially recognized as a legendary healer of nature and spirit creatures alike. You are 25% more resistant to the blight and 25% more capable of healing the blight.
Luminescence You have managed to make the world a brighter place. Any zone you go into will be treated as completely bright to you and your allies.
Legendary Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline (Progenitor) As a Legendary member of the Esoteric Arcanist Bloodline you have unlocked the following bonuses: +25 Skill Levels and +50% comprehension speed towards the following skills: Spell Theory, Magical Theory, Magical Manipulation, Quick Casting, Dual Casting, Mana Circulation, Danger Sense, Master Enchanting, Gear Infusion, and Energy Resonance Alteration. Note: As the Progenitor, all bonuses are further increased by an additional 50%.
Title: Arcanarus University Graduate (IV): Magical Enchantment Surgeon The most promising Surgical Doctoral Graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +40 Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy and learning rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Title: Innovator (I): You have invented one new thing never before seen in the world of BiPrism. Effect: +1% efficacy to all created products.
Qi Path Creator (II): One who has begun the path of a Mystical Martial Master. Effect: Increased damage and resistance to undead.
Princess of Deolar (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, while within the borders of the Deolar region, your Social Attributes and Skills are increased by a further 25% efficiency.
Spiritual Mythic Bloodline Progenitor (Upgradable) All actions and interactions involving the spirit realm, spiritual beings, or spiritual energy are 5% easier to complete, learn, or master.
Core Master Your ability to destroy, create, or otherwise work with cores is improved greatly. Effect +25% skill efficacy while focusing on an individual¡¯s core.
Friend to the Guardians: You will be recognized as a friend to all realm guardians.
Bloodline Insights Marker Gained: You have gained the ability to identify people who have begun the process of awakening a bloodline, where they are in their process, and can identify where their bloodline will ultimately be most effective. Can be used on anyone with a bloodline that is as potent or less potent than your current bloodline ranking.
Magical Marvel: When it comes to understanding the true depths of magic you are considered a master. Anyone with a magical affinity of any kind will look on with you a minimum of a Neutral reputation.
Guild Title: Protector of the Weak: When positioned to help non-combatants all skills and multipliers are doubled.
Whispers of the Land: You can hear, understand, and often intuit problems arising in the world around you. Listening to these stimuli can cause possible quests to appear, quest objectives to change randomly, and for rewards to be heightened.
Thieves Guild Master: (Undetectable Title by any Means except to other Thieves Guild Members). This title allows you the ability to see the current status, rank, and abilities of all registered Thieves Guild Members. Furthermore, you can assign quests, task, training requirements, and specializations for any member of your Thieves Guild.
First Bloodline Customizer: You have been recognized as the first person to actively customize the bloodline of another. Rewards: All synergy effects provided by your Bloodline Customizations are improved by 10%, +10% for all Skills and Attributes needed to help with bloodline customization.
Bloodline Customizer: You have proven yourself to be a respectable user of bloodline customizations and are awarded a bonus when working with others to help with bloodline breakthroughs. Rewards: Bloodline Insights, Bloodline Customizations are improved by 5%, +5% for all Skills and Attributes needed to help with bloodline customization. Bloodline Insights: Those beginning the process of transitioning from one rank of a bloodline to the next will be able to identify you as a noted expert in the field.
Unique Vehicle Pilot: You have proven yourself to be a competent pilot of new and cutting edge technologies. Effect: Gain an additional +5% bonus to Skills and Attributes used to maneuver vehicles. You gain an additional +5% bonus to Skills and Attributes when piloting a vehicle you helped to create.
Prankenstein Master Mechanic: You have been identified as the master mechanic for the named vehicle the Prankenstein. As its creator, you are able to improve your vehicle and have a special connection to your vehicle where you can note problem areas before they actually become an issue. Effect: +25% to all repair and maintenance related Skills and Attributes used, while working on the named vessel the Prankenstein.
Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (I): One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +10 Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. Along with a +100% Skill Efficacy to Arcane Fusion Control, Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Graduate (II): One of the most promising graduates of Arcanarus University. Effects: +20 Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. Along with a +100% Skill Learning and Skill Efficacy rate to Arcane Fusion Control, Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory, and Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation.
Taxonomist (II): You have successfully named one Genus and three unique species of life on this planet. Effect: +75% status with newly named species.
Skill Fusion Expert (Unique Title): Noted as being the developer of Skill Fusion techniques and the only person capable of successfully fusing two skills together in a way that only enhanced the final skill, without any complications. Effect: +50% bonus to all Skill Fusion related skills.
The Fairy Godmother: A position of respect and lore. All crave the blessings provided from favorable encounters with The Fairy Godmother, all but demanding respect from anyone who knows of you and your title. Effect: All sentient creatures who know of you are instantly Neutral, while those who have kids or are trying to have kids will treat you with awe and reverence.
Rank
Princess (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, you are the next in line to rule over the remaining subjects of the Deloar Kingdom. Only the King can veto your proclamation. Rewards: All bloodline merits are increased by 40% (Upgradable to 50% when noted as the true ruler)
Prestige
Prestige (1) (Octavia): As Octavia Spiritlight, you have unlocked your first nobility class. The sky always shines in your presence, and the world prepares for the next Matriarch of the Deolar Kingdom to reign supreme. Reward: All Bloodline perks are increased by 10%.
Skills
Alertness: (Perception)
Magical Awareness: (Perception and Intelligence)
Daggers (Dexterity)
Athletics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Teleportation (Personal): (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Telekinesis (Intelligence and Willpower)
Multitasking (Intelligence and Willpower)
Dual Casting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Dual Wielding (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Analyze (Perception and Intelligence)
Second Wind (Endurance and Willpower)
Weightlifting (Strength and Endurance)
Juggling (Dexterity, Personality, and Perception)
Calisthenics (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Mental Resistance (Willpower)
Free Falling (Dexterity)
Applied Physics (Intelligence)
Trap Detection (Perception and Intelligence)
Disarm trap (Dexterity, Perception, and Intelligence)
Blind Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Climbing (Strength and Endurance)
Deductive Reasoning (Perception and Intelligence)
Courtly Etiquette (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Mechanical Engineering (Perception and Intelligence)
Arcane Understanding (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medical Healing (Perception and Intelligence)
Focus (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Latens Manifesta (Dexterity, Perception, Personality, Sociability, Intelligence)
Survival (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Polyglot (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence)
Nature Resistance (Endurance)
Stealth (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower
camouflage (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence)
Obfuscation (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Running (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, and Willpower
Tumbling (Dexterity, Endurance)
Acrobatics (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Herbalism (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magic Script (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Engineering (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Magical Forensics (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Forging (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence)
Writing (Dexterity, Perception)
Bathing (Personality, Sociability, and Appearance)
Telepathy (Personality, Sociability, and Willpower)
Swimming (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance)
Internal Compass (Perception, Intelligence)
Danger Sense (Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Scentless Passage (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Concealed Mana (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mana Circulation (Strength, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower)
Blood Magic Resistance (Endurance and Willpower)
Telepathy Shielding (Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Intimidation (Strength, Personality, and Willpower)
Narrator (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, and Intelligence)
Total Recall (Endurance, Intelligence, Willpower)
Spell Theory (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Spell Deconstruction (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Insight (Perception and Intelligence)
Emotional Insight (Personality, Sociability, and Perception)
Gambling (Sociability, Personality, Attractive, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Alchemy (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Medicine (Perception, Intelligence)
Magical theory (Intelligence)
Spirit-Magic Spell Creation (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Anatomy (Perception and Intelligence)
Biology (Perception and Intelligence)
Chemistry (Perception and Intelligence)
Energy Resonance Alteration (Endurance, Sociability, Personality, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Leadership (Sociability, Personality, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Painting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Artist (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, and Perception)
Proper Diction (Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Acupuncture (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Diagnosis (Perception and Intelligence)
Magical Energy Observation (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mimicry (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Seduction (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Occult (Curses) (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Twin Consciousness (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Duelist (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower
Aura Guidance (Strength, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Comedic Timing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence and Willpower)
Eidetic Speed Reading (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Enchanting (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Advanced Enchanting (Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Master Enchanting (Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Blacksmithing (Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance)
Gear Protecting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Intelligence)
Gear Infusion (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Auditing (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Disrupt Casting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Legendary Trick Shot (Strength, Dexterity (X2), Endurance (X2), Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower (X2))
Pulse Casting (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Quick Casting (Dexterity, Stamina, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Magical Physiology (Perception X 3, Intelligence X 3, and Willpower X 3)
Aerial Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, and Attractiveness)
Magical Manipulation (Dexterity, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2)
Qi Sight (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Qi Lore (Perception, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower)
Grand Master Level Taming (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, and Willpower)
Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Divine Qi Energy Observation (Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill)
Bronze Qi Manipulation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Golden Qi Movement (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X2, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Bronze Qi Fighting (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Willpower)
Divine Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, Willpower X3)
Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower X2)
Astrological Prediction (Perception, and Intelligence)
Faerie Lore (Intelligence)
Grim Dark Lore (Intelligence)
Teaching (Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Master Teaching (Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Golden Qi Formation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, Willpower)
Bloodline Sensing (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, Willpower)
Ancient Elven Lore (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence )
Golden Palm Strike (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Golden Body Radiance (Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, Willpower)
Golden Kung Fu Grip (Strength X2, Dexterity, Stamina X2, and Willpower X2)
Golden Mana Devouring Palm (Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2)
Life Seals (Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3)
Life Seal Breaker (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X 2, Intelligence X 2, and Willpower X 3)
Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness)
Seductive Dancing (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Sociability, Personality, and Attractiveness X2)
Golden Disruptive Palm Burst (Strength X3, Dexterity X2, Perception X2, and Willpower X3)
Silver Disruptive Palm Burst (Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Perception X2, and Willpower X3).
Blackhole Qi Condensing (Strength X2, Dexterity X1, Stamina X3, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Silver Mana Devouring Palm (Strength X 2, Dexterity X 2, Endurance X 2, Perception, and Willpower X 2)
Golden Five Point Exploding Palm Technique(Strength X2, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Silver Five Point Exploding Palm Technique(Strength X2, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Ancient Cardinal Protector Lore (Intelligence)
Aerial Combat (Strength, Dexterity X3, Stamina, and Perception)
Aerial Qi Combat (Strength X2, Dexterity X3, Samina X2, Perception, and Willpower X2)
Aerial Magical Combat (Strength, Dexterity X3, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2).
Bloodline Insights (Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3)
Harmonious Magical Spell Creation (Personality X2, Sociability X3, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3).
Disaster Foresight (Perception X 7 based skill)
Piloting (Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, and Intelligence)
Customized Repair Work (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Custom Detailing (Dexterity X2, Stamina, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Infiltration (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Sapper (Strength, Dexterity, Stamina, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Arcane Fusion Control (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Bloodline Customization (Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Meridian Manipulation (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X3)
Soul Understanding (Personality, Sociability, Perception X 2, and Intelligence)
Taxonomist (Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3)
Ephemeral Magic Lore (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Ephemeral Mimicry (Personality X2, Sociability X2, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Energy Depletion Resonance (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Advanced Energy Depletion Resonance (Percetion X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X4)
Void Analytics (Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Filling the Void (Dexterity, Endurance X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Divine Danger-Disaster Foresight-Sense (Perception X8, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Skill Fusion Husbandry (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X3)
Karma Weaving (Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Karma Sight (Personality X2, Sociability X3, Perception X3, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2)
Perfect Qi Body Enrichment (Strength X3, Dexterity X3, Endurance X3, Attractiveness X1, Perception X1, Intelligence X1, and Willpower X1)
Spirit Binding (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X2)
Spirit Retrieval (Strength, Dexterity X2, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Corpse Thief (Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower)
Mana Pheromone Communication (Strength, Personality X5, Sociability X5, Attractiveness X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X2)
Aura of Those Who Are Loved (Personality X5, Sociability X5, Perception X3, and Willpower)
Binding Oaths is a Strength, Endurance, Sociability X2, Personality X2, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X3 based skill.
Traits
Personal Traits: Personal Teleportation, Telekinesis, Telepathy
Class Trait(s): Spiritual Doppelganger (13/100), Omni-Healing, Energy Status Resonance, Resurrection, Dual Quintessence Healing
Class Trait: Positional Switch, Positional Teleportation, Arcane Geomancy Teleportation
Class Trait: Celerity, Divine Quintessence Rapture
Bloodline Trait: Ancient Psychometry, Arcane Geomancy
Bloodline Perks:
Bloodline evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother) Identified: Ability to protect children of all ages and species increased and magnified.
Bloodline evolution Perk (Cassiopeia¡¯s Foresight) Identified: Ability to see the future, but unable to change or do anything about the future that you have found out about.
Bloodline evolution Perk (Coreless Mastery) Identified: Your entire body is now a combined core for both your Mana and Qi. Effect: No damage caused by core disruption or destruction. Mana and Qi capacity increased by 50%. (Current Magic Core Tier Rating Maximum: XVII). (Current Qi Core Tier Rating Maximum: ???).
Bloodline Evolution Perk (Fairy Godmother): Ability to bless a child at birth, or before their teenage years. Type of blessing depends on level of involvement Fairy Godmother takes in the child¡¯s life. The earlier the blessing applied, the more powerful and variable the cumulative blessing can be. Note: Fairy Godmother blessing will supersede Healthy Birth Bonuses.
Bloodline Evolution Perk: Providing Magical Surnames: You have begun to see the uniqueness of certain mages and magical beings, gifting them names that will showcase their latent abilities. Effect: All surnames provided can offer up to 50% bonuses, depending on naming resonance.
Bloodline Evolution Perk: Spark of Life: You have found the ability to create new and unique forms of life in this world. Effect: All life you create can grow, evolve, and multiply.
Bloodline Evolution Perk: Soul¡¯s Final Witness: You are the final witness to tell if a soul has truly passed beyond the veil of this world. Effect: By hearing a name, you can tell if they passed. The more recent the death, the more impactful the effect you will feel.
Bloodline Evolution Perk: Binding Words: In a world where a person¡¯s word is their bond, you are the agent who can enforce those bonds. Effect: When creating a verbal agreement with a willing individual, you can bind them to their words, or gain from their current and future karmic net worth.
Mythical Bloodline Evolution Merits and Flaws
Hollow Bones: Your bones are hollow, decreasing your overall bodyweight by 80% and making forms of flight that much easier. Note that your bones also allow for additional pathways to channel, store, and process energy. Energy Capacity increased by 40%. Bone density increases based on percentage of hollowed bones used to cycle, store, and process energies. Your body¡¯s physical force will be lessened due to your decreased weight. All physical attacks will be reduced by 80 minus Energy Capacity Percentage, minimum of 40%.
Phantasmal Wings: You now have magical translucent wings that can be seen by anyone with any form of magical sight, ability, or inclination. By focusing your will, you can manifest your wings in the real world at will and use them to fly about as desired.
Prophetic Tongue: What you say and do can have a direct impact on the world around you. Your words have a way of bringing about consequences and rewards to others, be forewarned.
Magical Biome: You are now yourself a being of change. Simply by existing within a given area, you increase the amount of ambient energy, life, and abundance. Warning: Your skills and abilities will be reduced in areas of low magical ability, until an equilibrium can be met.
Demi-God Flaws
Starting Point Tally: (157)
Base 52 (50 years of work, followed by two legacy points for following your parents).
Flaws:
0 Restarts (70)
Child (7): You are 7 years old, all attributes start at 1
Second Class Citizen (7): Random race and faction based on starting location
Broke (7): The sum of all your gear, equipment, and finances cannot equal or exceed 100 gold coins.
Bad Starting Location (7): You will begin your new life in a location that will likely mean your death.
Dark Horse (7): You can never gain a sponsorship.
Orphan (7): This is automatically applied as both your parents have passed away.
Blind (7) (Forced for free). You cannot see with your eyes.
Unique Class Flaw (7): Void Touched Void Walker: You have been marked as the chosen advocate by the deepest denizens of the void. Your primary class will now and forever be Void Walker. Additionally, both denizens of the realm of the living and realm of the dead will know you are the one who can both teach others your class, while also conducting unique missions on behalf of both realms.
Rivalry (3): You have one or more rivals who will make it a personal goal to take you down a notch, watch your back.
Racial Flaw: Magical Beacon: You are easy to notice by sensitives and true practitioners of magic. Minus 20% to Stealth and Evasion type skills when being actively sought by a magical practitioner.
Racial Flaw: Magical Eyes: Your eyes are the true gateway to your soul. With this flaw people can see what type of a monster you truly are. Current Status: Green (a True Healer).
Racial Flaw: Children of a Magical Destiny: You and those of your lineage will be able to awaken, or enhance, the magical potential in those you meet (Maximum of Tier XIII).
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): Personally Focused (4): Your selfish nature has led you to be limited in the scope of what you can and cannot replicate with your simulacrums. With this flaw you can only copy your base form to be your simulacrum.
Class Flaw (Simulacrum Master): One Death for All (3): You are so intertwined with your simulacrum that should the simulacrum die, you yourself will die as well. While you can dismiss your simulacrum at any time, you can only do so when your simulacrum is at full health.
Racial Flaw: Third Eye: You have manifested the power of Angel¡¯s Sight, and at this level of evolution have unlocked the legendary third eye. No eye lashes or eyebrows, just a closed scar in the middle of your forehead, then an eye. Note: If your rating in Angel¡¯s Sight is Tier V or below, you can use the third eye to see normally. If your rating in Angel''s Sight is Tier VI or above, you will need to use the third eye to take advantage of your enhanced vision.
Racial Flaw: Magical Soul Aura: Your body, mind, and soul exist in a state of heightened magical synchronization, a fact that is represented in the aura you emit to others. Note: This aura, and its perceived effects are directly linked to the Magical Eyes flaw observed with the Royal Bloodline awakening.
Racial Flaw: Destructive Magical Presence: Your mere existence is enough to slowly degrade basic tier mechanical devices and has a half-life rating against intermediate tier level devices. Note: This is exactly the same expected wear and tear that a mechanical device would receive while inside an elemental realm of power.
Mythical Bloodline Flaw: Colossal (4): You are not fat; you are just big boned. While pixies pride themselves on being smaller to be beautiful, you run counter to that claim. You are colossal in size for one of your species. Effect: Body size is 400% larger than the average member of your species. Due to your size, your bones are less dense and prone to breaking under your severe size.
This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Merits
Merits: (157)
Precocious (7): Learn Skills at least Twice (four times) as quickly. (Only available at character creation)
Unbound (7): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. (Only available at character creation)
Magic Tier VII (Max Tier): Magic Potential (7). When you are old enough to awaken magical potential, your magic tier will be maximum. Currently assigned: None. (Only available at character creation)
Regeneration (7): You heal at an exceptional rate. In time even the most grievous of injuries will heal. (Only available at character creation)
Legendary Item (7): First Kill dagger. You have in your possession a legendary dagger meant to help you level quickly and gain your first kill bonus quickly. Can only be used once. Can only be used in first 24 hours upon entering server. (2) Two additional charges have been purchased for this item; additional charges are only good for first 24 hours. Note: after first 24 hours, or when charge(s) have been used, dagger will revert to being a normal dagger. (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Personal Teleportation (50) (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Extra (25) This opens up a second slot that can hold an additional Trait (Only available at character creation)
Trait: Random (20)- (Telekinesis) (Only available at character creation)
Angel''s Sight (5/5) (25): A mysterious blessing that allows the user to see the world in a 360-degree view. Allows user to see through illusions, can see magical enchantments and effects all around the individual. Instantly able to identify monsters, even those hidden via stealth or supernatural means. Range of sight equal rating times Perception. Requirements: user must take the flaw Blind. (Only available at character creation)
Unique Class Merits: Death Shroud (3): Wielder of this merit has a tempered body that is immune to the piercing soul damage of the ethereal realms. Wielder can travel to either realm and bring up to two chosen people to follow them into the opposing realm.
Unique Class Merit (4): Spirit Familiar: You have formed a deep spiritual bond with one of the blessed children of the spirit world. Your familiar will be both a guide and advocate to help you navigate your way through the realm of spirits.
Ally (3): You have made an ally with someone who is considered to be three times more powerful and influential than you. Work with this relationship to make it grow and flourish.
for efficacy, mana usage, impact, and focus).
Racial Merit: Magic School Proficiency: All schools of magic increased by two Tiers (maximum of Tier IX). (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Proficiency: All skills related to the use of magic are increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Racial Merit: Magic Trait Proficiency: All magic based Traits are further increased by 10% potency, range, and efficacy. (Upgradable).
Class Merit (Simulacrum Master): Exact Perfect Replica (7): You can create one exact perfect replica of yourself that shares your attributes, abilities, skills, and energy pools. This replica will be a perfect copy of your base form down to the most minor of details, and will be indistinguishable from yourself by most mundane methods of detection. This replica will be able to cast and use all spells and traits that you can, and any experience gained by the simulacrum will go to you, as if you earned it yourself.
Racial Merit: Angel¡¯s Sight + 2 Tiers: You have managed to make it so you and all your progeny will have access to the Angel¡¯s Sight merit. If the bloodline is awakened to this level, then the wielder of the bloodline will have their Angel¡¯s Sight merit increased by two tiers.
Racial Merit: Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your (Holy) Magic and your resonance has been noted to be set to your highest natural magic school rating (Tier XIII).
Racial Merit: Unbound (+50): Attributes and Skill levels are not defined by level. All Attributes and Skills can be further improved by an additional 50 points.
Confidentiality (10): For up to a total of three hours a day, you can interrupt your live-stream feeds from your main consciousness and all of your Simulacrums simultaneously for up to three consecutive hours. This time will reset at midnight of the location of your primary consciousness. During the time when Confidentiality is activated, all bloodline flaws denoting magical abilities and capabilities will be muted. All livestream feeds will be set to a loop of the last thirty minutes before the time frame was activated. Note: Once the time for Confidentiality is reset, all prior actions over the past three hours can be viewed from any entity, including the primary consciousness. The only discretion is that the primary consciousness of Cassiopeia Spiritlight will be able to permanently redact up to three minutes of incriminating activities per daily Confidentiality session.
Mythical Bloodline Merit: Unbound (14): Your Attributes and Skills have once again broken through another threshold. Your Attributes and Skills are now able to be increased by an additional 75 levels, currently maximum level 250.
Mythical Bloodline Merit: Arcane Geomancy (15): Unlock the ability to build and alter the untapped potential in unclaimed sets of land. Note: Arcane Geomancy is way of quickly altering or changing land that is not occupied by habitable dwellings or structures and converting the land and area into an environment that the Geomancer desires. This is a cross blend of magic and qi. Requirements: Mythological Bloodline, ability to use Magic and Qi at a high rate of proficiency, unclaimed or unoccupied land.
Class Spells
Planar Shift (Level 1) (A): Allows user to create a path connecting the realm of the living to the spirit world.
Spirit Mana Control (P): This spell allows you to control and manipulate the strings of spirit mana. Even allowing the wielder to convert their own personal mana into spirit mana. Reserve: 10 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Sustenance (P): This is a spell that allows the caster to continually feed passively on ambient spirit mana around them. Must have direct access to spirit mana to benefit from the effects of this spell. Reserve: 10% of Maximum mana.
Spirit Sight (P): This spell allows you to pierce the veil separating the mortal and spirit realms. This spell will allow you to see through the veil regardless of which side you are the caster. Reserve: 2 % of Maximum Mana.
Spirit Mana Potency (P): This spell allows the caster to increase the potency of their Spirit Mana by 25% at a detriment to all other forms of mana within the body.
Spirit Energy Circulation (A): The first step towards becoming a healer of Spirit Magic. You have learned to infuse your spirit energy into the blood of another being, allowing you to circulate the blood of that person. Warning: This is a spell that can be used for healing or attack. Using this spell as a means of attack will forever mark your spirit as a Karmic Betrayer.
Spirit Blight Purification (C): Tier VII. A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to purge Spirit Blight within entities.
Resurrection (C): A tier IX spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, used to bring a spirit back from the dead.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Magic Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard spell inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Attribute Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Attribute inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell Created: Spirit-Skill Channel Bypass (C): This is a spell made by Cassiopeia Spiritlight to be a means to bypass standard Skill inhibitors. Reserve: 10%.
New Spell: Curse Removal [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can remove any curse that is Tier VIII or lower. For tier IX curses, a contested battle of wills will need to be conducted to determine a victor.
Custom Simulacrum (C): Create a near perfect replica of one target of your choosing. Amount of maximum mana required to maintain: variable (minimum of 1% for continual maintenance, maximum used based on needs of simulacrum). Note: This spell has been modified, so that it can only copy you, and your simulacrum is for all intents and purposes an extension of yourself that has access to your same resource pools and abilities. (only spell available).
Dispel-Dispel: You have found a way to dispel a dispel cast at you and your spells and Traits.
New Spell Created: Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of the targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 10% increase for 24 hours. *Spell Restriction: This spell must be cast on two people simultaneously, who are both willing participants. **Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Tobias Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted individual, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Spells, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell Created: Modified Animal Pack Spiritual Awakening [Tier IX] (C): This spell created by Sabrina Spiritlight can temporarily awaken the senses of a targeted animal group, leading to an increased growth in Skills, Attributes, and other means of Learning. Current rate 15% increase for 24 hours. *Warning: May cause unusual emotional side effects.
New Spell: Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight and allows the caster to create a perfected body for a newly deceased soul to reside in. Effect: Spirit is resurrected into a body deemed to be the peak physical form for their race and will experience a period of enhanced youth and vitality because of this. Negates any detriments caused by old age, such as painful joints, decreased muscle and bone density, or other effects associated with aging.
New Spell Created: Spirit Drift [Tier VI] (C): This spell was created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, and allows the caster the ability to defy gravity by having their spiritual weight substitute for their actual weight. Reserve: 25% of Maximum Mana.
New Spell Created: Polymorph: Divine Double Wings (Pearl) [Tier X] (C): This spell was created by Sabrina Spiritlight and allows the caster the ability to permanently grow two sets of elegant wings. Mana: 10,000 (total) to cast, Reserve: 5%.
New Spell: Personalized Rejuvenation [Tier IX] (A): A spell designed by Sabrina Spiritlight that drastically increases the regeneration rate of health, mana, and stamina of the user for a period of time equal to one minute per point of Willpower.
New Spell: Conjured Magical Spirit Orb [Tier IX] (C): A spell designed by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that creates a highly compact magical construct that is infused with Spirit, Life, and Nature magic.
New Spell Created: Glitter Burst [Tier VII] (a): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that allows the caster to create a distracting burst of light, that will then coat anyone caught in the blast radius with mana particles. Good for entertainment, tracking, and light scale vandalism.
Blight Immobilizing and Purifying Cleansing Rain (C) [Tier XIII]: A master work spell involving dual spell work latices, created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. This rain will both immobilize people suffering from the Blight, while simultaneously curing them of the affliction.
Kung Fu Grip (C) [Tier VIII]: A strengthening spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight. By channeling energy into your hand, you can grab hold of anything, forcing the object you hold to maintain its integrity until you finally release your hold. This spell can even keep a spirit from dissolving into an alternate realm.
Cleansing Rain [Tier VII] (C): A storm spell created by Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, that can generate rains that will purge the Blight from any infected lands, and prevent the spread of the Blight from creatures that have been splashed with any purified rain water for up to 24 hours.
Double Layered Permanent Illusionary Text [Tier XIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used to permanently alter the wordings on any contract, even magical soul bound contracts. This effect can be made permanent with double the initial mana costs. Can only be dispelled by a higher tier magical practitioner, or by the caster of the spell.
Superior Sleep Spell [Tier IV] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight, mixing Spirit, Mental, and Healing magic components together to create a spell powerful enough to put even a Troll to sleep, while slowly healing any lasting ailments within the target.
New Spell Created: Family Tree Finder (Leaf to Branches Edition) (C): A Tier IX Life and Spirit Magic spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that attempts to find the immediate family members related to a sample of DNA evidence. By focusing on the unique chromosomes of the target sample, the caster of the spell can identify likely genetic matches for the male. By focusing on the sample¡¯s mitochondria, there is a 100% chance of finding blood relatives.
ARF Disruptor [Tier VII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds the Arcane Resonance Framework of an area of effect spell that has been cast and attempts to disrupt the core components of the spell before the true effects of said spell can take place. This spell¡¯s name can be spoken out loud to double spell¡¯s overall effectiveness.
Spiritual Hogtieing (C) [Tier XIII]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that is used to tie up and subdue the spirit of a recently killed creature to prevent the spirit from moving on to the afterlife. In this state the captured spirit is exceptionally vulnerable and able to be manipulated into almost any shape, condition, or size. Note: Effects are doubled when cast on a person or creature that has the Recently Deceased debuff activated.
New Spell Created: Altered Resurrection (C) [Tier XIII]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that is probably the ultimate form of necromancy, being able to resurrect a spirit into a drastically different body.
New Spell Created: Forced Selective Hearing [Tier VIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that mentally stops a targeted person or area from hearing any voice other than the caster¡¯s while the caster is speaking. Now there is no way for your significant other to say they didn¡¯t hear you.
New Spell Created: Core Shattering Death Ray [Tier XIII] (C): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that finds, targets and destroys the magical and Qi related cores of a targeted individual. Conditions: must have both Light and Spirit Magic to utilize.
New Spell Created: : Whatever you just did, don¡¯t do it again.
Soporific Delta Healing [Tier VIII] (A): A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that slowly heals an individual continuously for twenty-four hours straight. After which they will be completely healed of all damage and wake up exceptionally refreshed. Condition: Must be cast on someone who is already asleep.
Oversized Illusionary Egg Timer (c) [Tier IV]: A spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that produces a timer that counts down from any time less than an hour, whereby the timer explodes in a shower of fireworks once the set time is reached.
New Mixed Spell Created: Family Tree Finder (Branches to Leaf Edition) (C): A Tier IX Life Magic and Silver Spirit Qi spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that attempts to find the immediate family members related to a sample of DNA evidence. By focusing on the unique chromosomes of the target sample, the caster of the spell can identify likely genetic matches for the children of a caster.
New Spell Created: Mass Perfect Resurrection [Tier X] (C): A new spell created by Doctor Cassiopeia Spiritlight to create controllable areas of effect that can be used to cast a perfected form of Resurrection on recently deceased. This spell will recreate their body of the recently deceased in an idealized age and form, before reattaching the spirit to the form.
Harmonious Magical School Spells
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight A [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components B, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight B [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, C, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight C [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and D to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Harmonious Magic Spell Created: Curing the Blight D [Tier II]: A fraction spell created by Cassiopeia Spiritlight that can be used in harmony with spell components A, B, and C to help Cure the Blight from an infected individual.
New Abilities Created (Mana and Ephemeral Energy):
New Ability Used: Soul Marking: An ability created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that leaves a permanent marking on a regressor¡¯s soul that will transfer with them to the next life. Note: Must be reapplied monthly. After one year''s time effect will be permanent. Current Status: (1 / 12)
Qi Core Rating
Tier V Perfect Qi Body: You have managed to create the Tier V Perfect Stage Qi Body and have begun your path in the realm of cultivation. Effects: Longevity VII, Body Improvement VII, Movement VII, Qi Reservoir Size VII, Qi Circulation VII, Combat Attacks VII, Aerial Combat VII. Longevity: Your body has begun to slow down the effects of aging. You will now age at a rate of (N times 10%) slower. Body Improvement: Your Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Attractiveness, Perception, and Willpower will all be increased at a rate of (N times 10%). Movement: Your movement speed has been increased by a rate of (N times 10%). Qi Reservoir Size: The size of your initial Qi Resevoirs is (N times 10%) larger than standard cultivators will experience. Qi Circulation: The speed of your Qi Circulation will be (N times 10%) faster. Note: All ratings are at (N times 10%), where N equals the current stage of your listed effect rating.
Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
Ephemeral Abilities
Dispel: The ability to counter the ephemeral abilities of other ephemeral magic users.
Glamour: The ability to influence the mind of others through subtle suggestion.
Lesser Time Stasis: A minor variant of the standard Time Stasis ability of the Fae. With this, a person, place, or thing can be momentarily frozen in a moment of time. This can be used to stave off death, to seal wounds before they cause a person to bleed to death, or prevent the melting or breaking of a particularly fragile person, place, or thing.
Bloodline Trait
Bloodline Trait Acquired: Ancient Psychometry: The ability to view the past lives of spirits who long ago left this world and be able to witness, view, and interact with the world of the past. Conditions: Must be standing at the final resting place of someone to activate. User cannot move more than fifty meters away from the initial source of death.
Level 5 Class Evolution (Spell or Perk) Void Healer:
Class Perk Unlocked: Skill Infusion: All skills will be infused by the Void Walker essence, allowing the wielder to receive a 7% bonus to their skill¡¯s base level in the mortal realm, and a 15% bonus while in the spirit realm.
Simulacrum Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Simulacrum Schemes: You have been blessed with the creation of a Simulacrum that is not just like you, but is part of you. As such you can rest assured that every plan they create will work to benefit the both of you. Effect: +50% to Strategy, +50% to Tactics, +50% to Schemes, +50% to Plans.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Boundless Cultivation: You have been blessed with a supreme talent for cultivating that knows no bounds. As such, you can cultivate Qi energy at an astronomical rate. Effect: +50% to Divine Qi Cultivation, + 50% to Golden Coreless Qi Cultivation
Level 10 Class Evolution (Spell , Perk, or Skill) Void Healer
Class Skill Perk Unlocked: Spirit-Magic Spell Creation: With this skill you can create spirit-based magic spells, so long as your Magical Theory and Spell Theory are adequate to generate the spell you wish to make.
Skill Spirit-Magic Spell Creation is an Endurance, Personality, Sociability, Appearance, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Simulacrum Master
New Class Skill Gained: Eidetic Speed Reading has reached level 1.
Class Skill Eidetic Speed Reading is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Attractiveness, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Skill Gained: Divine Qi Energy Observation
Class Skill Divine Qi Energy Observation is a Perception X2, Intelligence, and Willpower X2 based skill.
Level 25 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, or Trait) Void Healer
Omni-Healing: Heal any living creature with comparable magical energy.
Simulacrum Master
Positional Switch: You and your Simulacrum have become so intertwined that by just willing it, you can switch geolocational positions with your doppelganger regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Akashic Qi Master
New Class Trait (Akashic Qi Master) Unlocked: Celerity: You have heightened your body and mind to such an extent that you can force reality to slow down around you, while you move and react to people and actions around you. Increases movement speed by a factor of one-one hundredth of your Dexterity Score. Current Value: 5.6.
Level 50 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill) Ethereal Healer
Class Perk: Reincarnation: You have begun to take the next step in bridging the gap between life and death. Now you are able to regenerate life where there was none before. Effect: Healing efficacy increased by 50%, Tissue Regeneration increased by 100%, ability to create a body to match a free floating spirit.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Class Perk: Magic Disruption: You have managed to focus your will into dominating the magical spectrum around you. Effect: +100% Range when dueling other magicians, +100% efficacy when dismantling a spell targeted towards you, +100% when trying to alter, diver, or diminish any form of magical energy around you.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Perk Unlocked: Qi Technique Propagator: You have managed to focus your will into creating new Qi Techniques that can be used and trained by all users of Qi. Effect: +100% Ability to Create new Qi Techniques, +100% efficacy of all new Qi Techniques created by you that you use, +100% efficiency in your ability to teach known Qi Techniques to others.
Level 100 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Healing Magic, Nature Magic) Ethereal Healer
Nature Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Nature Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Ethereal Simulacrum Master
Life Magic School Unlocked (Highest Resonance): You have managed to unlock your Life Magic and your resonance has been noted to be at a Tier XI (tied to your Spirit Magic rating).
Akashic Qi Master
(Qi Specialization): Spirit Qi: You have managed to unlock and begin to comprehend the first form of specialized Qi. This form of Qi will be forever synchronized with your primary core¡¯s Tier Rating (Current Tier Rating: II). Effect: All Spirit based Qi arts are 20% easier to learn and use.
Level 200 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Magic, Trait) Ethereal Healer
Energy Status Resonance (Unique): This unique Trait will allow the caster to impart a desired effect of energy onto a willing target who can then mentally comprehend the exact nature of the energy flowing within them, and how that energy is meant to flow.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Positional Teleportation (Unique): This unique Trait will allow you to create a one or two-way portal between yourself and one of your doppelgangers where people, resources, and energy can transfer freely, regardless of where you two are in the world in relationship to each other.
Akashic Qi Master
Class Trait Unlocked: Qi Devourer. The ability to break down Qi related attacks and abilities and devour a portion of the power used in the attack. Success of breaking apart attack equal to a contested (Willpower X appropriate Skills) versus opponent¡¯s (Willpower X appropriate Skills). Able to consume up to half of energy mitigated by this Trait that will be added to an auxiliar core. Once auxiliary core is completely full of absorbed energy, this Trait cannot be used until stolen Qi is utilized in absorber¡¯s body.
Level 250 Auras Ethereal Healer
Generic Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates 1% of the class owner¡¯s overall magic pool per second. Radius of effect equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura of effect be toggled on and off, at a cost of 0.5% mana per second.
Ethereal Simulacrums Master
Blight-Healing Energy Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of Blight related pathogens around the wielder per second. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana consumption. Note: Due to the nature of this aura, stealth and other obfuscation related skills and abilities will be hindered by an additional 25%.
Akashic Qi Master
Concealed Cultivation Aura: Produces an area effect around the class holder that generates an N% reduction of people¡¯s ability to identify your individual Qi signature, or cultivation levels. Radius and efficacy of aura is equal to one tenth of user¡¯s Willpower. Aura will be considered passive and unnoticeable via mana or Qi consumption. Note: This aura will not mask magical effects, items, or magical signatures.
Level 300 Class Evolution (Spell, Perk, Skill, Magic, Trait) Ethereal Healer
Class Trait Unlocked: Resurrection: The ability to take a spirit that is otherwise separated from their mortal shell and re-insert the spirit into a similar, or improved version of the mortal shell.
Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master
New Class Perk: Arcane Geomancy Teleportation: The ability for you, or any of your Simulacrum to freely Teleport to any territory that you have personally bonded to through Arcane Geomancy.
Divinely Akashic Qi Master
New Class Perk: Divine Quintessence Rapture: The ability to apply two different types of energy at once to overload, damage, disable, or if need be, destroy a person, place, or thing.
Level 400 Quintessence Ethereal Healer
New Class Perk: Dual Quintessence Healing: The ability to use any two forms of energy simultaneously to produce a healing like effect on a targeted person, place, or thing.
Quintessence Ethereal Simulacrums Master
N/A: Candidate does not reach minimum requirements to unlock this ability.
Divinely Akashic Qi Master
N/A: Candidate does not reach minimum requirements to unlock this ability.
Soulbound Items
Engineering Guild Goggles "EGGs": (+1 Perception, +1 Focus)
Standard Wizard Adept Gear "SWAG" (Cloak): (+1 Intelligence, +1 Arcane Understanding, +1 Latens Manifest)
Silver Level Adventurer¡¯s Card (Necklace): (+1 Strength, +1 Survival, +1 Polyglot)
Apothecary Generic Equipment (Gloves): (+1 Dexterity, +1 Medical Healing)
Basic Thieves Mask (+ 1 Nature Resistance, +1 Stealth)
Spirit Line Ticket: (A permanent first class ticket for you and a friend, 1000 Gold retainer for gambling)
VIP Membership Card to Lucky¡¯s Card Hall
Midnight Hunter''s Guild Recruitment Card
Arcanarus University Diploma: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Master''s Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Arcanarus University Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy to Spell Theory and Magical Theory.
Confirmed Merit Point Receipt (Soul Bound): You have turned in 9,400,250 experience points for a one time purchase of 0 Merit Points Remaining, which can be redeemed at any specially marked traveling shops.
Personal Thanks: This is a personal note of thanks from Mudrikal Ghaniston, seek him out once you leave the tower to earn a possible reward.
Arcanarus University Surgical Doctoral Degree: +100% Skill Efficacy and growth rate to Ethereal Energy Circulation theory and Ethereal Energy Resonance theory.
Soul Bind Item: Midnight Hunter¡¯s Doctorial Uniform: Official uniform worn by those noted as Doctors within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. As long as owner remains within the Midnight Hunters guild they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Mana Capacity, +15% Movement Speed, +15% Silent Movement, +8% Energy Hiding, +2% Energy Efficiency.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Bachelor¡¯s Degree: Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s undergraduate program of knowledge, with a Bachelor¡¯s degree in Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of energy manipulation anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Soul Bound Item: Arcanarus University Mixed Martial Mana Master¡¯s Degree: Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory: An undeniable item proving you met the minimum standards to Graduate from Arcanarus University¡¯s Master¡¯s program of knowledge, with a Master¡¯s degree in Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory. With this degree you should be legally allowed to practice, create, and advance the field of energy manipulation anywhere in BiPrism. Effects: +100% Skill Efficacy to Ethereal Energy Circulation Theory, and Ethereal Energy Resonance Theory.
Deolarian Court Magician Doctor Uniform (X 5): Official uniform worn by the official court Doctor of the Deolar Empire. As long as the owner remains loyal to the unified Deolarian Empire they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +15% Mana Capacity, +15% Qi Capacity, +20% Movement Speed, +20% Silent Movement, +15% Energy Hiding, +10% Energy Efficiency.
Badges:
New Feat Recorded: First Kill. You managed to kill your first monster. 1
New Feat Recorded: Starting Zone Cleanser (25). You single handedly lowered the danger rating of a maximum tier Starter Zone by one level. 25
New Feat Recorded: Fly before you can walk (50). You flew for over a mile, before you took your first step. (Fully Used) 50 (Gone)
New Feat Recorded: Legendary First Kill (50). Your first monster killed was a monster 50 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Gardogazon Slayer (500). You managed to kill the legendary Gardogazon. GONE
New Feat Recorded: Behemoth Slayer (500). You killed a Behemoth monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Monster Slayer (500). You managed to kill a monster 500 levels above your own. Used (1)
New Feat Recorded: Empire Dropper (500). You managed to topple a successful industry empire 500
New Feat Recorded: Healer of Valor (250). You have proven yourself to be a healer people can depend upon 250
New Feat Recorded: Master Tier Spell Creator (500). You managed to create a spell that is Tier IX or higher Gone
New Feat Recorded: Resurrector (250). You managed to bring someone back from the dead. 250
New Feat Recorded: Gambling Guru (100): You placed fifth or higher in a gambling contest involving 500 people or more. 100
New Feat Recorded: Been Caught Cheating (500): You are banned from all gambling facilities for a period of no less than seven years and nine months. 500
New Feat Recorded: Survive an Audit Through Seduction (500). You are the first person to successfully navigate your way through an audit through deception and seduction alone. 500
New Feat Recorded: Magical Dueling Master (100): You managed to win a magical duel against a reported master in the field. 100
New Feat Recorded: Grand Master Tier Spell Creator (I) (1,000). You managed to create a spell that is at Tier X 1,000
New Feat Recorded: Catching a master thief (100). You singlehandedly caught a master thief who managed to steal hundreds of thousands of cold from a Guild. 100
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Progenitor (10,000): You are the Bloodline Progenitor for the Legendary Bloodline: Enigmatic Arcanist Elves. 10,000
New Feat Recorded: Legendary Bloodline Awakened (5,000): You have managed to awaken a Legendary Bloodline (Enigmatic Arcanist Elves). 5,000
New Feat Recorded: Princess of a Once Noble Kingdom (1,000): You have been recognized as the next in line of a once noble empire of elves. Increase your empire¡¯s reign to increase the value of this badge. 1,000
New Feat Recorded: Refugee Wrangler (4000): You have been recognized as saving over 2,000 refugees and providing them all with jobs, food, and shelter. 4,000
New Feat Recorded: One Person Army (5,000): You have been recognized for the singular destruction of an advanced army¡¯s compound where you were outnumbered by at least 50 to 1 and eliminated all opponents. 5,000
New Feat Recorded: Mythical Bloodline Awakened (10,000): You have managed to awaken a Mythical Bloodline (Quintessence Ethereal Pixie). 10,000
New Badge Gained: Teleiot¨ªs Taxonomist (1,000): You successfully found and named the new Teleiot¨ªs genus, and two different species therein. 1,000
New Feat Recorded: The Fairy Godmother (MAX): You are the Fairy Godmother, the person capable of blessing a cursed child, or who can cause the fates to favor a child of future destiny. MAX
Prelude VIII (Larry Yo-Boy’s BiPrism News) (One Month Later) Prelude VIII (Larry Yo-Boy¡¯s BiPrism News) (One Month Later) ¡°All right, it is official,¡± a clearly bedraggled Larry begins. The studio that normally looks pristine and well maintained is now slightly disheveled, signs of dust, and with what appears to be a coffee mug clearly resting on a table of trophies. Also, Larry himself seemed to have somehow aged ten years in the matter of one month. His face is unevenly shaven, as if he did so in the dark with a razor being used by a person recently recovering from wrist surgery. Worst of all is the clear sadness in his eyes. Yet, despite the clear pain he is going through, Larry manages to sit up straight and stare confidently into the camera. Had this been radio, no one would be able to see the clear pain and discomfort he is experiencing. His suit looks rumpled, with what could possibly be a mustard stain on his otherwise blue tie. ¡°The world of BiPrism has gone to the Abyss, the robots have taken over, and not in the good way. What everyone had hoped would happen, has happened, that is the Teleiot¨ªs have officially become a playable race. The good news, they are magically powered robots that can regenerate wounds by eating metal and meditating. The bad news, there is a higher race of what are referred to as hybrid Qi and Mana users that all Teleiot¨ªs must obey at all costs, and no player can become those. Worse, you know what I had a graphic for this, where is it?¡± With that Larry begins fiddling around with a set of controls that clearly look out of place on the normally empty studio table that he shows himself on. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, there are technical difficulties here, it is clear that I cannot do this alone, I am sorry¡­¡± Larry states, as a note of panic seems to fill him for a moment, before he clicks on a few buttons and finally reveals the description he wanted.
Teleiot¨ªs Player Details:
Inherent Merits: Metallic Regeneration: Can Regenerate wounds suffered by eating metals, soft metals like silver, and gold are the best. Mechanical Magic: Can learn multiple schools of magic, all Teleiot¨ªs start off with at least a Tier II rating in magic. Homefield Advantage: The Teleiot¨ªs are particularly linked to lands blessed by their creator, Dr. Spiritlight, as such all actions taken on lands blessed by the creator are 50% more effective, and skill growth on these lands is increased by 50%.
Inherent Flaws: Mechanical Communication: Can only communicate through an odd pulsing of mana particles. So far only Dr. Spiritlight has been able to communicate with these creatures with their own language. Mechanical Hierarchy: All Teleiot¨ªs thrive on helping the hive. Hybrid Teleiot¨ªs are at the top, all others are considered second class citizens. Homeland Dependency/Mechanical God: All Teleiot¨ªs are inherently religious towards their creator and suffer either a debuff of 25% efficiency to all actions when either off homelands, or have not thanked their creator that day.
Larry let the message stay up on the screen for a few seconds, before finally coming back on with his own commentary. ¡°Yes, the story we all saw coming, humans create killer machines. Machines are brought to life by one being. Killer machines are relatively calm and passive while that one being is here. Then that one being disappears for a month, ruining all your parlays, and showing it so you do have an addiction that costs you your girlfriend and best thing that ever happened to you, and now you are left worshiping an absentee God, begging them to come back, and at least give you a second chance to show you¡¯ve changed.¡± Larry stated, clearly mixing more into this montage than was likely called for. ¡°Holy Wars, that is what the Teleiot¨ªs call battles for unoccupied pockets of lands that have lingering traces of Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s presence,¡± Larry continues, showing scenes or carnage that occur throughout Legrand territory, and especially how Legrand¡¯s capital city of Timult has all but fallen due to the horde of Teleiot¨ªs both centipede, Ma-Mes, and Di-Mes Teleiot¨ªs. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. ¡°As for the students of SVC? What are they doing while the instructor is gone? Well, apparently most have already been pushed so hard so fast, that they have more than met the requirements to be a Sophomore or Junior, as such most have either taken time to self-learn, or have taken groups who are then watched by Rune-Ulacrum.¡± Larry states, as he pushes a button and changes the display on the screen. This time, the screen goes and shows five active views, four with various versions of Dr. Spiritlight bustling about and doing clearly defined roles. ¡°For her part Rune-Ulacrum is primarily reached out to by members of the Enchanting curriculum. Other students did originally go to Rune-Ulacrum for additional help themselves, but soon found her ability to teach anything other than runes was lacking in comparison to the Doctor. As for the doctor, as you can see, her feed has been cut off ever since that second explosion set up by Legrand.¡± With that Larry just laughs maniacally. Heheha. ¡°It¡¯s funny, that second blast, the one that supposedly got the Doctor, it never did. Also, as everyone else can see the other Doctors are back and mostly functioning as normal, the only difference is that they all seem to be twitchy for a bit, for three-minute intervals all at the same time. Yes, I think it is them somehow using Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s Confidentiality, but I can¡¯t prove it, and the betting agencies would not accept my analysis as proof, thus the lost wager. Again, I¡¯ve learned my lesson, I should have quit while I was ahead, while I still had her.¡± ¡°Similarly, the Doctor¡¯s husband arrived. He arrived as a giant pixie, who immediately took one step forward, crashed to the ground and had his own hollow bones shatter upon impact. From there, things were worse, for he was there on the first day of Teleiot¨ªs occupation of Timult. From there he was taken prisoner and seemed to be locked away somewhere. Some are calling it karma, he left the Doctor and his family to start a new one elsewhere. Now, when he seemingly needs the Doctor to save him from the monsters she created, she is nowhere to be found.¡± At that, Larry pushed a few more buttons and brought up a clip of the pixie who was locked away in a prison created by earth magic. There in the screen was a poor excuse for a pixie who seemed to be getting crushed under its own bodyweight. ¡°Help, I¡¯m so hungry, and thirsty, help. Please Cass, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± the rantings of a dying colossal pixie. Now Larry sounded really depressed. ¡°Yeah, I can empathize with him, had something great, and then he ruined it all,¡± Larry continued. ¡°As you can see, he does not have the Spiritual Sustenance spell that Cass uses religiously.¡± Then with that, Larry seemed to change, he stood up a little straighter, not that this removed any of the wrinkles on his suit that had been worn for multiple days in a row. ¡°Speaking of religion, I too did get something. As proof that I wanted to change,¡± Larry began as he pulled out a pen with a red ribbon around it and a slash that cut through two letters ¡®AA¡¯, which he pulled out and pinned to his rumpled jacket. ¡°Addictions Anonymous, I finally got the help I needed,¡± Larry declared as he looked into the camera screen. Then with a seeming note of resolve, he took a deep breath and calmed himself. ¡°I have been praying, looking for signs from any of the Gods and religions. I¡¯ve prayed to them all, asking for guidance. You know, F-it I¡¯ll even try it as the Teleiot¨ªs, to see if they have it right all along.¡± With that, Larry closed his eyes and clasped his hands together and then prayed, or at least what he considered to pray. ¡°Cass, Dr. Spiritlight, if you are capable of helping me find redemption, please just give me a sign. Anything¡­¡± Silence. At that, the five screens showing the four Dr. Spiritlight Simulacrums and the one empty screen remained the same. The Simulacrums only made minor movements, nothing denoting that they were changing. At that, Larry just shook his head, ¡°yeah I expected as much.¡± With that Larry looked almost lost, as if his last hope had even failed him. Then he went to look for the switch to kill the feed, a feed that cost him money for each second he aired the moments from BiPrism¡¯s channel, as such he knew that with his dwindling viewership it was important to kill the feed immediately. But before he could find the button, something magical happened. Gasps. All four Simulacrums took in a deep breath all in unison and then turned and looked upwards. Some turned away from the camera, others towards the cameras, and one to the side, but they all stared up in unison. ¡°What is it?¡± Penelope could be heard asking Rune-Ulacrum. For her part Rune-Ulacrum just remained silent, then pointed her finger. To Larry¡¯s surprise all four Simulacrums also pointed their right pointer finger at the exact same spot. Or at least, that was what Larry thought in his mind as he mentally mapped out their location. ¡°What is this? Are they pointing at something?¡± Larry asked, disbelief filling his own voice as he looked on. SCHWOOOOOOO!! Suddenly the sound of wind violently flowing through and down a wind tunnel could be heard. Just hearing the sound was close to having the hairs on the back of Larry¡¯s neck raise up, as the hairs on his head also seemed to rise up as if witnessing first hand effects of static electricity. KABOOOM! Then on the fifth screen, the empty screen, a violent eruption of purple light appeared, erupting through the screen and seeming to reach out and send jolts of violent purple lightning out to the outstretched fingers of the four silent Simulacrums. ¡°Could this be?¡± Larry asked, a note of excitement filling his voice. Then finally the violent burst of light began to fade from the fifth screen, revealing a colossal pixie, one that now seemed to sport bright purple eyes. Despite the bright purple eyes, not much else seemed to have changed. The dress that had been worn was the same wedding day dress worn by Cass on the day she disappeared. There were minor cuts and tears on the normally pretty dress, but they all soon began to repair themselves after a few seconds, revealing a glowing and slightly more vibrant Dr. Spiritlight. Cass for her part just turned her head, as if trying to look around, before a giant smile filled her face. Then she declared with three words, a message that would go down in the history of BiPrism, as its turning point. ¡°I¡¯m BACK BABY!¡± Cass declared. Hearing that, Larry who was now on his feet, having knocked over his production chair with excitement rose up, and with a beaming smile on his otherwise bedraggled face, suddenly looked young and enthusiastic. ¡°You heard it here first, SHE IS BACK! Oh, Gods, there is a chance, this is great, this is perfect¡­¡± Larry began but trailed off, ¡°I¡¯m going to call her, to tell her that I¡¯m sorry, that some things are worth fixing. Oh Gods, this is great, we can¡­¡± Then Larry realizing where he was, suddenly paused as he looked somewhat sheepish, before collecting himself and staring at the camera. ¡°We are back, I am Larry Yo-Boy, bringing you everything you need to know about Dr. Spiritlight,¡± he began, but then paused, ¡°also, Martha if you are listening,¡± he paused seeming to try to come up with the correct words to say. ¡°Know that I have finally heard you. I¡¯ve heard you, and I am sorry,¡± with that Larry reached down and hit the button to kill the feed. As the lights faded, the only thing that could be seen was the childlike smile that was plastered on Larry¡¯s face. A smile of hope, and more. Chapter 301 Sterile Greetings Chapter 301 Sterile Greetings Confidentiality. Sterile. If I had to summarize what it was like to suddenly and finally find myself back here on the sacred lands of BiPrism, I would have to say the word that best describes this homecoming as sterile. Why sterile? Well, honestly, I can¡¯t come up with a better word to describe the sensation. Or maybe the lack of sensation. Coming back here is like going to a freshly cleaned room in an Intensive Care Unit of a Hospital. Everything cleaned, polished and bleached. No lingering signs of contamination, no chance of foreign antibodies to enter your system. Just pure cleanliness. That is how BiPrism feels to me, now. I know this sensation will eventually change, or maybe I¡¯ll just grow accustomed to these sensations, or lack of sensations around me. That said, right now, I cannot help but feel slightly unsettled. Even now, I can still feel the odd pull of that other world, or realm upon me. Well not on me exactly, but on Zero. Pausing quickly, I look left and see that Zero is in fact in his larger and more robust tattoo form on my left bicep. Or at least his head is on my left bicep, as he has now grown and fully takes up most of my back, torso, and his tail even extends to my right bicep. And yes, he is gripping tightly trying to stay with me, and not be pulled back up to that odd crazy lady. Trembling. Despite his now massive size, and seemingly enhanced natural strength, Zero is now trembling. I know most of this is due to the constant pull on his body, a pull that he is resisting with all his might. The only problem, with his weight, or rather lack of weight, I feel that I too am being pulled back upwards and away from this realm. A realm that took me so long to find and get us back to. Desperate, I mentally probe around, trying to find something to tether myself to, to tether us too. I want to use magic, deep and undeniable magic. Magic that the earth itself will allow me to use. This is magic that the world wouldn¡¯t give freely to everyone, and using it comes with a price. I can feel that price, just as clearly as I know I will need to use that magic right here and now. Mentally I nod to myself, then reach out and grab for the freely offered power of the planet. Power that will bind me and my body directly to the planet. Not just me, I can also use this same power to bind Zero to the planet, since Zero is a part of me, I do this next part without reservation. As I¡¯m building up the power for this new spell, this new permanent ability, I use the energies of Arcane Geomancy, Qi, and Mana, combine them all, and even use a spark of Cosmic Energy. Cosmic Energy is the energy of the world beyond, with their strange, odd dust particles that are slightly off kilter from the building blocks of this world. Still, I combine them all, using the knowledge I gained from beyond to mold and shape the Cosmic Energy first, as a claw-like anchor that is meant to bind us to this world. Then from there I form the other forms of energy into chains. Chains that bind the odd claw to Zero and me. There is a pause, a brief moment where, I wonder if the anchor will take. Then upon feeling that it holds, I do feel the slightest of discontent winces from the world below. Feeling their wince, I decide to go one step further, coating the claw in a layer of Arcane Geomancy, so the claw doesn¡¯t actually tear apart the world. Or at least it won¡¯t tear apart the world any more than it already has. I pause, making sure that everything is still working correctly. Ping. Ping. Ping. Ping. Oh yeah, I am getting massive notifications from the planet as a whole. Notifications of what I¡¯ve done, what I¡¯ve missed since I¡¯ve been gone, and ways the world is trying to reintegrate me back into its network. I allow everything.
New World First: Error.
New World First: Error (1).
New World First: Error (2).
New World First: Error (3).
Is it bad that I can kind of guess what those errors are in relationship to? Also, it is definitely clear that after seeing the errors and lack of Quest Completion notifications, that wherever that crazy elf queen lives, it is not part of this realm. I pause, taking the last few moments of my Confidentiality to go over everything. I do want to cover everything, to get every system message out of the way, but it is clear from those Error messages that the world cannot properly evaluate what I did over there. Which is probably for the best. Honestly, I¡¯d rather forget what I did over there myself. I think of it being a mistake, but once quick glance at Zero, and seeing that he is back, healthy, and no longer trembling in fear or straining to hang onto me like a life raft in the middle of a turbulent ocean, and I realize it was worth it, for him. ¡°Almost done,¡± I whisper. By now, people are already moving towards me, well likely towards the sudden distortion around me. I did sort of make a grand entrance. When I cast this Teleportation spell, I had tried to focus on this planet, which sounds easier said than done. I mean, how hard is it to aim and hit a planet? When you are on said planet, and inside its gravitational field, fairly easy. When you are outside that area and have your planet hidden by other planets, each with larger gravitational fields than the planet you are aiming at, that¡¯s when the problem gets trickier. This is where being a Math Nerd in my previous life paid off. Also, the knowledge of trajectories, acceleration, velocity, and ability to calculate for external forces on projectiles really paid off. Who knew, being able to track missile launch trajectories in real time would pay off with magic? The world really is smaller than you think. Or maybe, Math is more powerful than people truly understand. Regardless of the reason, Math wins again. I am so lost in how grateful I am to have focused on Math as a foundation in my past life, before BiPrism, that I almost lose track of where, and most importantly what I am doing. Fortunately, the system is here to help me focus. Unfortunately, the system also hits me with the equivalent of a pop-quiz in my worst subject.
New Multidiscipline Spell Created, please come up with name.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. Oh Gods, I mentally think to myself, as I try to come up with a name to best describe chaining myself and aspects of my soul to this world. Oh, speaking of which, I need to also make sure this spell covers my Simulacrums as well, can¡¯t have them randomly floating up into space now, can I? Confidentiality has ended. Then I try to come up with a new name. But fortunately, I also feel the surge of this power reaching out towards my four Simulacrums that are all at different points in this world. Once, the electrical pulse reaches them, I relax and just begin saying the first thing that comes to mind. The name that would explain this spell, and what it is meant to do. With a calm confident tone, I begin to name this massive spell that is even now threatening to rip apart the world beneath me, lest I name it and help it settle down and take on a final form. ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± I begin, but at the moment I see Gwen, my Gwen enter my immediate vicinity, and I know this is shocking, but I got slightly distracted at seeing her and recognizing her energy for the first time, in so long. As such, I called out to her. ¡°BABY!¡± In my mind, I noted there being two different thoughts. Two different thoughts for two clearly different processes. There was first the naming of the spell, a clear pause. Then the excitement of seeing my daughter for the first time in so long. What I got was the system once again messing with me.
New Cosmic Infusion Formula Created: I¡¯m back BABY!: A Spell Formula Created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that fully binds your body, mind, and soul to one permanent planet, allowing you to move about freely, without fear of floating away.
Yes, the name of the spell, well not even a spell but a formula was stupid. Worse, it seemed that the world did not stop there at it¡¯s attempts to mock me, for even its description seemed to imply I was somehow on a Discworld that had somehow forgotten how to rotate properly.
Hidden Quest Found (Ongoing): Founding a New Spell Formula Category (Cosmic Spell Formulas): Through the use and application of external Cosmic Energies, you have managed to create a brand-new medium of spell formulas that can be wielded within BiPrism, once again you are onto something that can and will change the world. Experience, Skills, Title(s): Credit for a new form of Spell Formula.
For a moment, I thought about blocking that quest notification, as I was certain it would lead to no good. Then I read and re-read the rewards and realized it hit me where it hurt the most. I would receive not just one, but two new skills. Worse, I could tell that these skills were great. Furthermore, it seemed that the system was aware of my ability to hold back on quest updates, which it then seemed to retaliate by preventing me from getting the skills early, which had almost always been the case prior to now. Thinking about this for just a second, I deliberated. Then thought about flipping a coin. Only to realize that right now, I have a few moments given that Gwen is helping to quarantine off the area. With a quick realization, I instantly understand where I am. Not just BiPrism. Not just lands under my dominion, thanks to my judicious use of Arcane Geomancy, but my classroom. Yes, I just now realized I was at my open school courtyard. Odd, fly through space, focusing on the place you most want to go to, and I end up in my teaching hall. Not the Kujo Caverns, with my well-deserved and needed pool of relaxation. Not my forbidden Library of The Tribunal, quite possibly the most magical place on this planet, a dungeon that will permanently spawn floor after floor of books. No, not even my locations with my Simulacrums, two of which are libraries in the Arcanarus Tower. Nope, not even my Qi and Mana pOwered (QiMO) ship, the Prankenstein. No those would probably be seen as being biased in some way, as those locations were held by one of my Simulacrums. And going to one over the other, might have caused discontent. So Instead, I now found myself here. Where was Gwen at this time? Well simple, like everyone else, she was a few hundred yards back. Apparently, the guards and faculty members¡¯ training from the last time I was here, doing something odd with energy paid off, as everyone was quarantining the area and making sure to back everyone up away from my classroom. Why? I¡¯d like to say it was them taking a joke too far. That was of course, before one considered the ultra-bright purple sparks of Cosmic Energy were sparking to life and threatening everything around me, I couldn¡¯t quite blame them. Realizing I still had some time before anyone would likely get close to me, I decided to allow the quest and see exactly what I had gained from this quest.
Experience Gained: 500,000 / 250,000 / 250,000 Ding. Level up. Divinely Akashic Qi Master has increased by 7 levels to level 410.* Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master has increased by 6 levels to level 434.** Quintessential Ethereal Healer has increased by 8 levels to level 597.
I still had the one quest for my Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master Trait, which I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯ve passed at this point, I likely just need to prove I can demonstrate my newfound knowledge. As for the Divinely Akashic Qi Master Trait, I was fairly certain I knew where I wanted to go with that. In fact, just thinking about what I wanted to do with it caused a click to form in my mind as I was pretty sure it was accepted. But before I could work out details of either two Traits with the system, more messages poured through.
New Skill Gained: Cosmic Energy Manipulation has reached level 1.
Cosmic Energy Manipulation is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Perception X2, Intelligence X2, and Willpower X5 based skill.
New Skill Gained: Spell Formula Creation has reached level 1.
Spell Formula Creation is a Dexterity, Personality, Sociability, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower X3 based skill.
Seeing the skills that the system offered, I was not disappointed in the least, as both were exceptional for what I wanted and needed to do in the future. Of course, after this came the parts that were bound to draw the most attention.
New Title Gained: Tri-Spell Formula Pioneer.
Title Gained: Tri-Spell Formula Pioneer: You were the first to correctly assemble three or more forms of energy into a stable spell formula matrix. Effect: Owner will be granted a +50% bonus to all attempts to make stabilized Spell Formulas involving three or more energy types. Further, anyone wishing to know of spell formulas will start off with a Neutral rating.
New Title Gained: Cosmic Energy Pioneer
Title Gained: Cosmic Energy Pioneer: When it comes to understanding the true depths of Cosmic Energy you are considered a pioneer. Effect: Owner is granted a heightened sense of dealing and resisting effects of Cosmic Energy. All attempts to create and modify cosmic energy are increased by +50%.
Tension. I pause, waiting for something to break or shatter around me. However, nothing happens. There is a moment when everything seems to calm down. I can feel my newfound skills helping me to gain control over the overflowing violet energy around me. This violet energy, of course, is the energy of the cosmos, otherwise known as Cosmic Energy. While focusing, I can see, sense, and even feel the foreign energy of the cosmos. After a few seconds of this and showing that I could maintain my focus on a third core of energy, one specifically designed to hold and cultivate the energy of the cosmos, the only way I was able to amass enough energy to Teleport back here with Zero, I set off another quest completion notification.
Hidden Quest Completed: Perfecting Teleportation: You have proven your ability to wield and use cosmic energy to power your Void Teleportation, the class perk you chose for your Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master class¡¯s reward for reaching level 400. Conditions: Found way to cast a stable Teleportation channel through realms (1 / 1). Rewards: Experience, Skill, Void Teleportation Trait (Class Perk), variable. Experience Gained: 0 / 0 / 0.
Yeah, I guess I should have figured something like this would have happened. Kind of hard to get experience for completing a quest in an area that is not governed or monitored by the system. Honestly, I¡¯m glad that I got any recognition for completing this quest at all. Though it would have been hard to deny the fact that I didn¡¯t Teleport here using stolen energy of the cosmos to fuel my mad Teleport to freedom. While I will miss the experience and levels, they were not the most important part of this quest completion. What I needed most from that quest were the noted Skill and the system finally unlocking the use of the class specific power.
New Skill Gained: Cosmic Teleportation has reached level 1.
Cosmic Teleportation is a Strength, Dexterity, Endurance, Personality X2, Sociability X2, Attractiveness X2, Perception X3, Intelligence X3, and Willpower X3 based skill.
There was something odd about that skill, maybe it was the way it seemed to increase the bonuses to each base Attribute the further it went? I don¡¯t know. Maybe it gave more to my Social Attributes as it meant I could go out and visit more people or places? It is still hard for me to fully understand the system sometimes. That said, I finally got the mental clicking and unlocking of powers that I had wanted to begin with.
New Quintessential Ethereal Simulacrums Master Level 400 Class Perk Unlocked: Trait.
New Class Perk: Void Teleportation: The ability to teleport freely amongst the cosmos, and particularly to the mysterious Void Realm.
Then as if on a synchronized reel, I feel the perk I mentally wanted for my tertiary class also be accepted.
New Divinely Akashic Qi Master Level 400 Class Perk Unlocked: Trait.
New Class Perk: Cosmic Energy Cultivation: The ability to cultivate and harmonize your body with the energies of the universe.
Exhale. Like that I feel like everything has settled with me. For a moment, I am whole. Not behind, not lacking, not needing to think of something that will synchronize with my class. Rather, I feel that I am caught up. Only for a moment, as I know my primary class, that of Quintessence Ethereal Healer, is only three levels away from forcing me through this whole ordeal over again. But for the moment, I am here and nothings broken. Better still, I have finally managed to siphon away the residual traces of cosmic energy that followed me and erupted outward from my landing here. Making this place once again fully sterile, and safe enough for the inhabitants as well. Of course, my moment of zen is short lived, for almost immediately after I am done fixing everything and have a moment to finally breathe, the system once again messes with me.
World Announcement: Congratulations to Doctor Cassiopeia Spiritlight for singlehandedly discovering a newly discovered and untapped form of energy: Cosmic Energy.
World Announcement: Congratulations to Doctor Cassiopeia Spiritlight for singlehandedly discovering and inventing a new form of Spell Weaving involving at least three forms of disparate energy.
Yep, not one, but two World Announcements generated back-to-back, both of which call me out specifically. Then almost as if on cue, I feel the odd pull of energy grabbing me with odd tentacle like chains, before I feel myself being pulled through time and space. And what is almost becoming a synonymous catchphrase with my getting caught with my hand in the cookie jar of fate, I hear the three words that send a shiver down my spine. ¡°Get over here!¡± And like that, I am finally forced to interact with people once more. Chapter 302 Missing A Little Chaos In Our Lives (Valeria) Chapter 302 Missing A Little Chaos In Our Lives (Valeria) The cloud of purple mist and poison slowly began to dissipate. Still, as per proper protocol we had to wait an hour at the minimum before a cleaning team would be allowed to go in and access the area. These were the rules. Odd to think that someone so small would cause such chaos. Penelope of course was not the only one who was nervous, as everyone seemed to come out to inspect the school and see what was happening. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, why all the tension?¡± Valeria Spray-Healer, Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s stolen apprentice asked. She is noted as stolen as she originally found her way here by being chosen directly by Dr. Spiritlight, right before she disappeared for a month. ¡°Can you see the purple energy?¡± Penelope asked, wondering just how developed Valeria¡¯s Perception Attributes had risen. ¡°Yes, I mean kind of hard to miss something that shines for hundreds of feet in the air like an aurora borealis,¡± Valeria responded. ¡°Well, that purple energy shouldn¡¯t be here,¡± Penelope stated, as just looking at the odd energy sent chills down her spine. Worse, Kujo who was hiding nearby was also frightened by the odd energy. In this case, Penelope chose to go with Kujo¡¯s own animal instincts about dangerous areas, over her own observations. For these reasons, and many more that Penelope could not quite explain, she held her distance. ¡°What do you mean shouldn¡¯t be here?¡± Valeria asked, a note of frustration filling her words as it was clear she finally had a chance to learn from the Doctor, but was still being separated ¡®for her own good.¡¯ ¡°What she means is that those purple sparks of light that you are now seeing are not supposed to be on BiPrism, that they are literally causing a distortion in the balance of the world. That distortion is now appearing as the aurora borealis, as you so eloquently put it,¡± Gwendolyn Spiritlight, the daughter of the Doctor replied, adding her own voice to this conversation. ¡°Okay, but why are we not allowed to be any closer?¡± Valeria asked, a slight note of petulance filling her voice. Though to be honest, Penelope couldn¡¯t blame the Apprentice, for her life had been fairly miserable to this point. She had been allowed to stay at the campus, to help try to find the now missing books. Yes, when the double explosion occurred at the faculty building a few books died. Most concerning was the fact that Gwen couldn¡¯t even Resurrect the burnt-out bindings that remained of the sacred books. Making the loss of knowledge just that much more disastrous. The loss of books was not a conversation Penelope wanted to have with the Doctor. No, the loss of books would be a Mallory subject. In fact, most of the subjects that needed to be covered were going to be spearheaded by Mallory. Once again, Penelope was thankful she chose to follow Mallory and the Midnight Hunters, for these were not conversations she wanted to have with the mercurial being. Not that the Doctor ever got mad, no, her mercurial nature came with the fact that she often tried to fix problems, before anyone knew they were problems. Of course, the very act of fixing a problem before it is a problem can be seen by many as invasive. ¡°The reason we cannot get any closer is that we could be exposed to particles,¡± Gwen replied. ¡°Particles?¡± Valeria inquired, now her skepticism was on full display. ¡°Yes, particles. It is a catch all term that describes what happens when loose energy reacts to her.¡± Gwen stated as if it was a matter of fact. Valeria just glowered for a moment, but then finally asked, ¡°okay, so what is the worst that happens if we are exposed to these particles?¡± ¡°Well, you could begin to forcefully awaken your bloodline,¡± Jhonny stated. Groan. At that comment, Penelope and Gwen both groaned and rolled their eyes in unison. ¡°And that¡¯s a bad thing? Don¡¯t we all want to have the blood of royalty? Or ability to create powerful dynasties?¡± Valeria asked. ¡°Just look at her,¡± Jhonny stated while pointing to Dr. Spiritlight who had her ephemeral wings flapping, though in this case the wings seemed to be grabbing purple particles of energy and condensing them inward, from there they would then be absorbed directly into her body. A body that glowed bright purple. If Valeria stared just enough, she would see that not only were her two natural eyes glowing bright purple, but the vertical eye in the center of her forehead also glowed bright purple. The third eye glowed so brightly that it could be seen, despite being behind a layer of nearly perfect porcelain skin. ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s beautiful,¡± Valeria spat out, once again in awe of the Doctor. Having had time to practice what little she could away from the Doctor, Valeria could now see touches of magic that coursed about the giant pixie. Like a near life-sized floating doll, one that screamed of delicacy and grace. ¡°What?¡± Everyone called out at once, as by now everyone who had gathered round could hear the conversation. ¡°She is, like a little doll that you just want to stare at and cuddle.¡± Valeria continued. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°One second,¡± Gwen replied as she began casting a probing Healing spell on the Apprentice to make sure she wasn¡¯t suffering from in any way. ¡°No, she seems okay?¡± ¡°Oh goodness, then she must not know,¡± Penelope added, turning her conversation to Jhonny and Gwen. ¡°How could she not, she was there the day when she Resurrected her and hundreds of others?¡± Jhonny questioned. ¡°That might be it, the Resurrection lag caused a bit of time to process everything. Then mom left, before she had time to truly know,¡± Gwen replied. ¡°To know what?¡± Valeria asked anger clearly filling her words as she felt she was now being mocked by the others who had mostly taken her under their wings and been supportive during this past month. A month when she was effectively a prisoner of war, and not fully accepted as a member of the Midnight Hunters, but was clearly unable to go back to the Legrand Empire due to some inexplicable need to stay here and wait for her, the Doctor, to come back.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Now that she was back, Valeria couldn¡¯t help but feel that odd connection once again coming to life within her chest and causing her to feel drawn to the Doctor. ¡°The fact that, she is not dainty or delicate,¡± Jhonny stated. ¡°The fact that if anyone tried to treat her like a porcelain doll, they would likely have their hand bitten off, or worse,¡± Gwen added. ¡°They are correct, honestly, I¡¯m surprised that Cass let me dress her up in hot pink, with black trimming. Had it not been for the bonuses offered, I¡¯m pretty sure I would have been quite possibly tortured in some way.¡± Penelope responded. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have hurt you,¡± Gwen stated skeptically. Even Jhonny looked like he wanted to argue this point as well. ¡°Oh, she wouldn¡¯t have tortured me in that sense but change my senses so all I smell is curdled milk or made it so my tastebuds only tasted sour foods,¡± Penelope listed examples. At that both Gwen and Jhonny nodded their heads. ¡°Yeah, if you ticked her off enough, I could definitely see her doing something like that,¡± Gwen agreed. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t?¡± Valeria asked, a note of concern in her voice. ¡°Oh yes, she would. Then you would have to wait for two things to occur, in order for her to change it back,¡± Jhonny noted. ¡°Two things?¡± The girls all asked in unison. ¡°Yeah, first you would need her to feel guilty enough about what she had done to change it back.¡± At this, Gwen and Penelope both nodded in agreement. ¡°Wait, couldn¡¯t someone else just undo her spell?¡± Valeria asked, trying to understand how getting rid of such an enchantment couldn¡¯t be too hard, ¡°or just wait for the spell to wear off?¡± Laughter. Hearing that, the trio just laughed. ¡°Oh, you think she wouldn¡¯t make these changes permanent? That she wouldn¡¯t be able to shrink your tastebuds until they could only process one flavor that would get sent to your brain?¡± Gwen asked. ¡°Or the fact that she would only play with the tastebuds figuring that was where you would look, but really she just altered the synapses to your brain, making it so no other chemicals were sent other than sour?¡± Penelope added. ¡°They make good points, but the answer is anything she did would be so subtle and permanent that even your own body would think it was at its natural state, even when drastically altered. In fact, she might even make it so the annoyance comes with a perk.¡± Jhonny quipped. ¡°A perk?¡± Valeria asked. ¡°Yeah, like making it so you are extremely beautiful in the process. One where it almost seems that having the annoyance of never being able to taste anything other than sour foods was worth the tradeoff,¡± Jhonny quipped. ¡°You speak as if she is some kind of monster?¡± Valeria spat. ¡°Um, that¡¯s what we are trying to tell you,¡± Penelope noted, then once again gestured to the giant pixie. ¡°She is cute, but don¡¯t let that outer layer fool you. She is more than capable of settling a score that she has in her mind.¡± Silence. At that, only silence and the sound of magic particles swooshing about in the background could be heard. Finally, after watching the Doctor for a moment, Valeria turned back to Jhonny. ¡°And the second thing?¡± ¡°Second thing?¡± Jhonny parroted. ¡°Yeah, you said there would need to be two things that happen. The first is her feeling guilty enough to change everything back?¡± Valeria responded. ¡°Yes, the second thing would be for her to remember that she actually made any changes to begin with.¡± At that Gwen and Penelope both nodded in agreement as well. Valeria for her part just looked at the trio. She knew that these three above almost everyone else, save the Guild Leader, treasured the Doctor the most, which was why it was so odd to see them all seeming to pick on the Doctor. Still, she didn¡¯t have enough to counter their claims. In the end all she could do was take the words with a grain of salt and turn back. Only to see her and once again be reminded of her original question. ¡°So why again is it a bad thing to have your Bloodline awakened?¡± Valeria asked. ¡°You should ask the remaining students in the Bloodline Awakening courses,¡± Jhonny stated. ¡°Or find out what happened to the lecture hall where Doctor Spiritlight taught her last Bloodline Awakening class,¡± Gwen stated as she raised a finger and pointed towards the still destroyed lecture hall. The one that appeared to have half its roof melted off. ¡°Wait, that was a class taught by Doctor Spiritlight?¡± Valeria asked. Chuckle. At that question, the three just chuckled to themselves as if hearing the punchline of a particularly funny joke. ¡°I mean, she was supposed to teach it,¡± Jhonny began. ¡°But she somehow always got Mallory, I mean, the Guild Leader, to teach it in her stead,¡± Penelope continued. ¡°Every time, but the last time,¡± Gwen stated and once again gestured at the half-melted building. There was a pause, ¡°again, what happened?¡± This time Jhonny just pointed forward, past the demarcation line that blocked off a zone of safety around the currently occupied open class courtyard, and towards Doctor Spiritlight. ¡°Something like that happened,¡± Jhonny stated. ¡°But more up, than out,¡± Penelope clarified. Turning back to see the Doctor, Valeria paused and looked, truly looked. This time, even from this distance, Valeria swore she could feel an intense tingling sensation coursing through her body as waves of energy seemed to course over and through her, even from this distance. ¡°Are we safe here?¡± Valeria asked. ¡°Probably not,¡± Gwen replied honestly. Tension. The hairs on the back of Valeria¡¯s neck began to rise as she felt something. ¡°Oh, is she about to do something impressive?¡± Valeria asked, suddenly turning to watch the Doctor, only to be surprised that the tension she was now feeling seemed to be acting contrary to the Doctor, who now seemed to be absorbing the glowing purple particles. ¡°Kujo, out now,¡± Penelope chided. Whoosh. Then as had become a custom, Kujo, the terrorizing Dire Phase hound and dripper of acid slobber appeared out of nowhere. As it appeared, it had within its mouth one tiny but ever-growing ball of fur. A tiny ball that was easily a hundred pounds or more of pure muscle and fur, as Valeria had been forced to hold the quickly growing weight. And it was a weight, regardless of what it looked like, or how much fluff packaging came with it, the thing was a dense weight that no healer should be forced to lift. ¡°Oh, you knew momma was coming?¡± Gwen asked, as she reached up for the pup and somehow lifted the colossal beast. Yes, Gwendolyn Spiritlight apparently had a near-mythic level Healer Class, one that somehow enhanced her Strength. That or she had some other way to enhance her Strength. Regardless of where the increases came from, she clearly had them in spades and was able to lift the oversized fluff ball. Even going so far as to rest the beast in her arms while pressing her finger into the pup¡¯s mouth and feeding it the odd food mixture that only she and Dr. Spiritlight could both produce for whatever reason. Oh, and Redding Spiritlight, who also chose to be the same type of healer class as Gwen. For her part, Gwen had tried to teach the spell to Valeria, but it was just too complex for her mind to fully grasp for whatever reason. Yeah, that was a blow to the ego, a spell that Gwen, and Redding both learned at level 1 could not be learned by her, even after being hundreds of levels higher than the two. Honestly, Valeria didn¡¯t know what the Doctor saw in her. But the fact that she had seen something, and then managed to supposedly make a three dimensional model of her spell while in mid-cast was astonishing. Valeria had kept that three-dimensional spell model. Trying to use it for inspiration, focusing on the part that Dr. Spiritlight found so interesting. Though she couldn¡¯t see her spell, at least not the way the Doctor allegedly could. For a moment, she thought the Doctor had either made it up, or was just lying to her. But apparently magic was one of the few subjects where the Doctor never lied. Which was odd, for everyone paused when they said that, and then gave the same wide-eyed look of remembrance, before nodding in affirmation. Whatever prank the pixie might do might be done with magic, but she would never joke about someone having the potential for magic. It was from these tales that Valeria began to understand some of the mythos of the Doctor. A doctor who, even in her absence was apparently causing more destruction and mayhem to the Legrand Empire than the last ten nations Legrand faced combined. How was this possible? Valeria still didn¡¯t know, not for certain. As the Apprentice, she was allowed to stay, but not quite truly accepted. As such, all she heard were stories told in secret. Much as many of the stories that she heard about the Doctor¡¯s prowess with magic were spoken about with hushed reverie in the Legrand Empire. Now it seemed that tales of her continuing exploits were told with similar hushed whispers here. Tales of how she created a species of sentient killer robots and set them loose upon the Legrand Empire before she left. There were other tales. Tales of how she destroyed Timult by summoning a God to the sacred city. Or how she cursed Legrand spies by turning them into crippled monsters that would be forced to suffer endless torments. Other stories about how she brought killer books to life, and then set them free in the world to spread and multiply. Though one thing was undeniable. After seeing the battles firsthand, it was clear that a Spiritlight trained caster or fighter was head and shoulder above the elites of the Legrand Empire. Despite having the mechanical advantage, the Legrand empire still lost, despite overwhelming numbers, funding, and coordination. From what Valeria found out, most of this was due to behind the scenes actions, most of which were silently attributed to Dr. Spiritlight. In fact, there were so many tales, that it was clear most were made up. But which ones? From her sources, that is the sources from the outside world, all confirmed the findings. Odder still was the fact that each source told her unequivocally that she needed to take this opportunity. That Dr. Spiritlight would return one day and that when she did, Valeria needed to be there as the first Apprentice. That was why Valeria had endured. Not that her stay was particularly terrible. Other than having Kujo sneak up on her when she was attempting to sneak off at times. Or finding a skill book out on a field. One where she went over to read it, only to have the skill book violently bite at her finger before somehow flying away. The place was crazy, but after being here for so long, it also felt like home. Taking one last look around, Valeria saw the people that had been assembled. The people that comprised the core of Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s team. There was the Tailor, who was now also a Mythical level beast tamer, only because the Doctor didn¡¯t want to be in charge of caring for pets. The daughter, who was a Legendary Healer class. The Granddaughter, who was also the same Legendary Healer class, and a Spiritlight to boot. Then the bodyguard Jhonny who could use both Qi and Mana, but was more than humble around anyone. And of course, the only one who was seemingly powerful enough to keep everyone in line, the Guild Master herself, Mallory Valhalla the scariest woman in the world. Turning to see the Guild Master, Valeria saw her reach out her hand and do the impossible. ¡°Get over here,¡± Mallory called out. And like that, Dr. Spiritlight, the one being who was immovable, immutable, and all together unstoppable looked cowed for a moment as she was forced through space and time to float right in front of the maiden warrior. ¡°I can explain,¡± Dr. Spiritlight said, holding up one finger to stop Mallory. The finger did its job, Mallory did stop for a second. Only to then charge forward and crush the pixie in a giant bear hug. One that would have likely crushed Valeria¡¯s spine on the spot, but somehow the pixie seemed to endure. ¡°I bet you can,¡± Mallory replied, as she just buried her head against the Doctor. It was probably just a flicker of light, maybe an inadvertent bead of sweat that was at the wrong place at the wrong time. But for a moment, Valeria was almost certain that she could see a tear on the normally stoic Guild Leader¡¯s face. A tear that was wiped away in the cosmic colored hair of a now purpled eyed Dr. Spiritlight. Chapter 303 Picking Up The Pieces Chapter 303 Picking Up The Pieces War. Probably the most terrible thing we can do to not only ourselves, but the planet is war. Right now, I am standing in front of what is actual living proof of the destruction that can be caused by war. ¡°Sorry, we tried to patch it up, but nothing seemed to work,¡± Penelope began. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I replied as I just shook my head. It wasn¡¯t their faults, but judging by the look of all four of my tag-alongs, I could tell that this was something they knew would be bad. Or at least, something that I would need to check out on my own. Here it was, ¡°ground Zero.¡± ¡°What, huh?¡± Zero asks, shaking himself to consciousness after hearing my words. In this case, he has taken to manifesting his now comically oversized head from the tiny tattoo on my arm. ¡°I said ground Zero, this is the event that caused me to go to you so rapidly.¡± I reply. ¡°Oh,¡± was all Zero said as he began to emerge from my body. As he did, I could feel his spirit, his essence sliding off my right arm, through my back and torso, and out my arm. But even now, he still showed his scars from his time away, as his tail did not fully unwrap itself from my arm. Worse, at least one wrapping of his overly flexible body existed inside my body, and one existed outside. From there, he raised up and towered around able to move dozens of feet in seemingly any direction. ¡°It is alive?¡± Zero asked. As he spoke, I knew exactly what, or in this case whom Zero was talking about. ¡°She is,¡± I responded. Knowing somehow that this building was feminine in nature. That or maybe part of me was projecting aspects of myself onto the building. Either way, the building was barely alive. A giant burn marks, along with scarring from fire damage could be seen on the front of the building. There were boards and other carpentry related objects nearby, indicating that patches were attempted to be applied. But traditional carpentry wouldn¡¯t have worked on this building, just as you couldn¡¯t use plaster or nails to fix your own body. ¡°You poor girl,¡± I say as I go up to the building. ¡°ANGRY GURGLE.¡± At my approach, the building just lets out a long angry moan of pain. The sound an old house would make in a windstorm, one where boards and joists were pushed and stretched to new limits. Hearing her, the others backup. Well, everyone other than Zero, who just shifted his position. His body was arced over and behind me, using my small frame as a shield, but he did allow his head to peer over my own shoulder. Not that my tiny body could do much to hide his newly found size. He could still shrink his size, but for whatever reason he chose not to now, which was fine. This was good, as it was a sign he was getting closer to accepting himself as he was. ¡°Good girl, there¡¯s still fight in you yet,¡± I call out, as I release my multiple healing auras and energy producing auras over the building and pause for a second. This is just enough time for the building to do the equivalent of sniffing my hand, the way a wounded dog would. Or maybe feel my energy signature, the way some beings would. Honestly, I didn¡¯t know how this living house felt or experienced the world. I also couldn¡¯t tell if it being inured to such an extend completely crippled its senses, or if it was in too much pain to recognize me, its inadvertent creator. Regardless of what happened, I gave it a quick three count. A pixie three count, so maybe a little faster, then moved in. As soon as I was on its curtilage, I began casting the sacred healing spell that I fought for so long ago, and barely had a chance to use. Dual Quintessence Healing. Instantly, I felt my mind linking together two forms of energy, that of Arcane Geomancy and actual Healing Magic, and fusing them together to help heal this poor building. Within seconds, I could feel the scarring caused by the residual flames of the initial blast, no wait, there were apparently two blasts, get cleaned up. From there, I went a layer deeper, getting to any rot caused by rain or other inclement weather that might have happened to the building over the past month. Then once that was all taken care of, and the interior structure of the building was repaired, only then did we begin healing the outside walls. I focused on the walls first, then the window and door frames, then finally finishing with completing the windows and the doors last. ¡°Whoa,¡± everyone called out as one behind me. Startle. Not going to lie, the four of them just standing there silently while I worked and focused, only to then talk at the end was more than a bit creepy. Especially as I had used my third-eye to help with the healing efforts, meaning that I was mostly unaware of the rest of the world around me for a time, despite having a remarkably high rating of Angel¡¯s Sight. Now that I was done healing, and closed my third-eye, which specialized in helping me focus my Angel¡¯s Sight down to very granular levels of study, I was once again able to see the four amigos standing there. Gwen, Jhonny, Penelope, and Apprentice. Yeah, really regretting getting an Apprentice, giving her a stupid last name and then leaving for a month. Really awkward coming back and knowing you chose her, but for the life of you, you cannot remember her name at all. Worst of all, she would likely take offense to that. I think her name is Spray-Tan? Right? Shaking my head, not the time to guess on poorly given names. No, I will just focus on overhearing their conversations and get her name, when someone from the group calls out to her. To my defense, it has been a long month, one that I would rather not talk about. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. ¡°What do you think?¡± I ask Zero. Not that I really need his opinion, as the building itself is nearly perfect, but I want Zero to get out of his shell and be more personable again. ¡°It¡¯s good,¡± Zero responded. And like that, there was an awkward silence. The four amigos stared at me, waiting for me to do something. I wanted Zero to give me something to go off of, but nothing. Realizing I needed to do something, I decided to go into the school. Going forward, I reached out for the looping brass door handle, one that could be pushed or pulled to enter the building. Tingle. The minute I touched the door, I felt it involuntarily flinch at my touch. Pause. Everyone paused at the sudden quivering movement of the door. The four, Gwen, Penelope, Apprentice, and Jhonny all took a half step back, apparently out of trained reflex. I was shocked at the sudden movement from the building, a building that didn¡¯t seem hostile, and even seemed to be relaxed at my presence now. Only after thinking about the situation for a moment did the events make sense. ¡°Oh, you are ticklish?¡± I began, then after thinking about the situation for a moment, I continued with my prognosis. ¡°I guess that makes sense, you did just regrow this outer layer of your skin, it would make sense that your senses are unmuted, at least for the moment.¡± At my evaluation, the four others relax slightly as they seem to retake their previous position away from me. Honestly, they are sort of being creepy, like children of the corn creepy. Maybe Students of the Corn? Regardless, they are all too powerful and have too many methods of evaluating the world around them to be frightened by this. Still, I am sort of thankful that they are giving me space for the moment. They had a lot of questions at first, but when neither Zero nor I wanted to answer what had happened, they thankfully dropped the subject. Though, now we both had to deal with them just staring and watching. ¡°I¡¯m going to just place my hand on your handle. When you feel comfortable, you can let me enter, but I would like to see my office,¡± I begin. With that, I once again reached out, and just lightly held my hand around the handle, not quite touching the handle, but close enough that it was clear I was there. Quiver. At first the door tremored and gave what were the equivalent of nervous tickling laughs. But slowly over time, the tremors subsided, and the handle finally stood still. Seeing that the building no longer reacted to my presence, I nodded. This was good, I made a mental note to expect something like this in the future, while healing living buildings. That when their extremities were damaged and eventually repaired, there was an adjustment period that needed to be observed before the building could be touched without causing a physical reaction of some kind. For a moment I wondered how much of this reaction was due to the amount of time it took to be treated, and how much of this was due to the event that caused trauma, followed by subsequent failed attempts to repair the building? A month was a long time to get used to what was likely the equivalent of not having a face. Then to suddenly regain that at a moment¡¯s notice was likely jarring to the system. Additionally, the last time people truly entered the building, at least per my understanding, was when there was a double explosion attack. This of course was the same attack that I sensed and felt, the one that clearly killed a number of skill books that I brought to life. I knew this, because I could feel their departure, or severance from my spirit. At which point I Teleported straight here, and got sent to space for my efforts. Clench. Tremor. Once again, the handle vibrated ever so slightly under my touch, but after a second I could almost feel the building breathing and trying to calm down its nerves, before relaxing again at my touch. Seeing that it was calm, I just paused and waited. Right now, this building was my patient, and I would do what I needed to make sure they were feeling better. That was why I just nodded and waited. Just when I thought I would have to take matters into my own hands, the building reacted. Click. With that, I could hear the internal locking mechanism of the door opening and thereby allowing me to use the door for its intended purpose. While I could have easily Teleported into the hallway and sped up this procedure, I avoided that option for multiple reasons. Now that the building finally felt comfortable enough to let at least me in, I once again nodded and let myself enter the building. Slam. The moment Zero and I entered the building, the building slammed its doors behind me, before locking the doors behind me. Click. Seeing its response, I could tell that it was frightened, thus the otherwise creepy gesture of being locked into a living building. Seeing the building act this way, I immediately stood up straight. Well not stood, I was still flying with my pixie wings after all, but I did stretch myself out to be my full four feet two inches tall and took on a stern demeanor. I paused for a pixie three count, before speaking. ¡°Now, how am I going to get it so my students can see how to help you in the future, if you lock them all outside during this process?¡± Nothing. I crossed my arms over my chest and pursed my lips together. After a second, I began tapping my right foot in the air impatiently. By the time I got to my second toe tap, I took a deep breath and was prepared to act. Fortunately, before I needed to act, the building seemed to give in. Click, long oil-needing creek. Then as one might expect to hear from a spooky haunted house, or in this case a haunted faculty building, the door groaned its way open and invited the four students to come in. To no ones real surprise, the four amigos just stood there and stared at me. ¡°Well come on,¡± I stated, while gesturing for them to come in with me. ¡°Into the creepy¡­¡± my Apprentice began, but was quickly cut off. Cough, and hard shove by Jhonny. ¡°Hey, what was that?¡± The Apprentice asked. Fortunately, my daughter was the first to act in a seemingly positive way as she stepped forward and called out over her shoulder, ¡°come on.¡± ¡°But that place is haunted,¡± my Apprentice continued to protest. Though once she realized she was the last one standing in the otherwise empty courtyard, she looked around, likely for an exit, before she finally took a deep breath and charged forward to catch up to everyone. I would have chastised her, but I couldn¡¯t remember her name. As such, I just shook my head. Then once she got into the building, the door closed behind them all. Bump. Apparently, my Apprentice didn¡¯t enter the building fast enough, as the door smacked her gently on the backside, while pushing her all the way into the building. ¡°Hey!¡± She called out. ¡°This building is not haunted,¡± I stated defensively, trying to ease the tension that fell over everyone¡¯s faces, even Jhonny¡¯s. Fluttering of page feathers. Of course, just as I say that, I hear the unmistakable sound of pages flapping. Similar to the sound one might expect if they were raising a flock of communications pigeons, and were disturbing the resting spot. Hearing them, I smile brightly, as I realize that sound means one thing, a few of my books survived the blast. Then with horror, I truly look in the now brightly glowing and living building, only to find that other than myself, and my four students, I don¡¯t see any other living entities here. But I just heard them. Distant pages fluttering. Then, as if awoken by my sudden silence, I hear the pages again, this time coming from an unmistakable location, my old office. The one with no windows and surrounded on all sides by unclaimed teacher offices. Thinking back, I realized that originally, this building felt haunted. But now, I was reasonably certain¡­ Flashing dim lights, and fluttering sounds. This time I saw it, the unmistakable cold sights. Or areas where the energy levels were lower. They are hard to see or identify at first, until you kind of know where to look, as you are looking for a graying or dulling of colors, versus a true form of life. But this time, I had to admit my mistakes to everyone. ¡°No wait, I was wrong, this place is haunted,¡± I exclaimed excitedly, as a giant smile filled my lips and I all but darted up the staircase to the second floor, before zipping left, towards my office. Once I got to the doorway, I drowned out all my other sight related bonuses, and opened my third-eye, and that is when the most magical sight filled my eye. Tears. I could feel all three of my eyes tearing up, I was so excited. ¡°You stayed?¡± I exclaimed as I entered the room and then tried to inspect the skill books that still remained. Seeing them in this state was both saddening and relieving in equal measures. In this state, it was clear that they were all dead, that many had died or been burned alive in the bombing attacks by the Legrand Empire, a last stab of defiance, right where it hurt the most. Knowing that they were dead was not what was relieving about this situation. What filled me with relief was the fact that they were still here, that they chose not to move on in the afterlife, which meant that there was still hope. ¡°See, I told you this place was haunted,¡± my Apprentice called out from behind me. Hearing her, I turn to look and see her. Well, using my third-eye, I can see everything in her and about her. I see her underdeveloped core that only goes up to Tier V. Sad that I think what was at one time near the apex of known magical prowess was lacking, but here we are. Then shaking myself I turn back to my books, as I steel my mind and prepare to do the impossible. Turning left, I focus at Zero who never hid or stopped his odd position of having his head right next to mine. ¡°You ready to help?¡± I ask. ¡°Always,¡± Zero responds, not even having to ask, as this act this gesture was something he and my second Simulacrum, Heal-Ulacrum, would do daily. Now that he was here with me, he once again easily fell into the role of my trusty assistant with ease. ¡°What exactly is it that are you going to do?¡± Penelope asked. Hearing her voice call out from behind me, I don¡¯t even turn to look. Instead, I just call out loudly enough for everyone to hear. ¡°I¡¯m going to Resurrect the dead,¡± I explained. Then, reaching out I found one of the first Skill Books, one that lay resting on a shelf. Half of its body had been burned away in fire, causing scars that remained on its body even in death. Seeing it, I could all but feel its pain. It was clear from the way the other spirit books seemed to take care of this one, that they held this particular book in high regard, which was why I decided to start with this one, first. ¡°Ready?¡± I called out, but this was merely a formality. ¡°Ready.¡± Yet, despite the formality, Zero responded just the way he always had for Heal-Ulacrum. Memories of their time together flooded into my mind, as I remember merging with the memories of Heal-Ulacrum and seeing how well he and Heal-Ulacrum worked together. Now he was with me, filling the same role and I felt even more confident in my abilities, knowing that he was here to help, and that is what he did. I took control of the operation, and began giving out instructions. Instructions that I knew Zero would handle with precision and care. ¡°Begin casting Perfect Resurrection on my mark,¡± I began. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Zero nod in understanding. ¡°Mark,¡± I began as I too started casting Dual Quintessence Healing, at the same time that Zero began casting Perfect Resurrection. While he didn¡¯t have a unique Trait for the spell like I did, giving him his own unique well of power for the spell, he did know how to cast the complex spell thanks to our shared soul. Thanks to our shared soul, Zero began casting an open ended version of Perfect Resurrection, one that I was able to grab the opening of easily and fuse it directly into my Dual Quintessence Healing, creating a new hybrid spell that began working instantly on the soul of the dead skill book. Within seconds the new hybrid spell took hold, and I could feel a smile of satisfaction fill my lips as not only were we back, Zero and I, but we were making an immediate impact. Most importantly, we were making this impact together. Sizzle. Arcane magics flashed to life, and I finally felt like I was back home, where I truly belonged. And yes, after a second, I did realize that my tongue was out and slobbering on the side of my face, but I didn¡¯t care, not this time. Chapter 304 Joys of Reading Chapter 304 Joys of Reading Magic swirled and swooped around both Zero and I, as we worked in tandem. We were musicians with magic, orchestrating a complex dance of precision, grace, and movement. His steadying form, his unwavering grace lent itself to my slightly more chaotic magic in ways that I never thought possible. These were uncharted lands. In all, I had done each of the individual steps independently of each other. I have healed. I have Resurrected. I have even found ways to heal creations brought to life with Arcane Geomancy. But to this point I have never Resurrected an individual that I brought to life via Arcane Geomancy. It was a small step, and likely one that I shouldn¡¯t be so nervous about, but I was. I knew that Resurrection was a rare and sacred art. While my daughter managed to get my old class that was capable of Resurrecting on its own, the act of Resurrection was still no less captivating. In fact, the idea that my daughter could also Resurrect others proved to me at least, how inspiring the act itself was. It meant that Resurrection was not something that only I could do, but something others could do if they pushed themselves and had the right advantages or personality quirks to work. With this act, well these acts, both the Healing and now hopefully the Resurrecting of these Libre, one of the first species I brought to life. Mentally, I knew that with the rise of both the Libre and the Teleiot¨ªs that soon others would need to be able to both Heal these great species and hopefully also Resurrect them as well. I was more than a little invested in this, for the Libre they had arguably one of the best advantages to this world, in that they could create fusion skills. Yes, some of the fusion skills if not done correctly could be terrible and a waste, but they would still be new forms of knowledge that could be added to this world. There was also the idea going through the back of my mind. One that told me of a potential cheat method with these skills, particularly the fusion skills. Namely, if I used Perfect Resurrection on a skill, I could theoretically get that skill to go beyond even my understanding of the skill in the first place, and have it go to its natural limit. This way, I could do many things. First, I could see what the level limit for skills were in this world. Also, I could see just how much further I could climb up in my understanding of each skill the system tracked. Then best of all, I could cheat. Yes, I am not afraid to say that part of my motivation for this little experimentation here is to take one of these baby fused-skills, which there are two. They look like cute little pocket dictionaries right now, but I know that is due to them being baby skill books. Not skill books for babies, but skill books that are just newly fused skills. Cute little skills that are so ready to be learned and played with. Focus. Yes, getting a little too far ahead of yourself there Cass. Can¡¯t count the skills before they are Resurrected then Read. Though I do wonder if spirit skill books will change the premise of the skill entirely? Maybe a new off-branch of skills, like Ghost specific skills? Again, I quickly dismiss that train of thought, as I know the system would likely do something dumb, like force me to be in one of my spirit avatars to use those modified skills. Nope, best to Resurrect these skill books before they fade entirely, and also best to learn them while they are living, as that means I could likely use them while I was also in my natural state. Still, this process was long and taxing. Not as exhausting as it was the first time I Resurrected a Blighted patient on my table. That was a marathon of healing, cleansing, and finally Resurrecting. But this being my first time bringing back to life a Libre, or at least attempting to bring back a member of the species I created, I want to take my time. There can be no errors in this, which is why I am going through crossing every I and dotting every T. No wait, again that is wrong. Yet, I know part of my problem is that I am distracted. No, distracted is not the right word. I am nervous. Yes, nervous about healing, about making this moment right. There is a lot of tension, as I need to get this right. The idea of plumped up skill books roaming around float through my mind, as I wonder what a Perfect Resurrection will do, or improve in these living Skill books, these Libre. Gentle caress. While I am so busy focusing, I fail to recognize stimuli from the outside world. That is, until I feel Zero¡¯s reassuring clawed hand landing and resting on my shoulder. Feeling his touch, I realize what he is trying to tell me without any words needing to be spoken. Get out of your own head. Those are his words, or at least what I interpret his gesture to mean. Feeling his comforting embrace, I take a deep breath and then exhale. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. ¡°We¡¯ve got this,¡± I state, giving my work one last look over. By now we are doing the magical equivalent of just pouring more energy over the task at hand, and letting the excess cascade down like a waterfall where it then gets absorbed into the floor. Fortunately, this level of energy isn¡¯t toxic to the living building we are in. Or at least, I hope it isn¡¯t toxic? But yes, it is clear we have done everything, provided enough power and guidance to this process. As such we just need to trust the process, trust that we did all we could do, and hope that this worked. Exhale. I breathe out violently, then cut off all my streams of energy, and dispel Zero¡¯s relentless stream of Perfect Resurrection energy, take a half step back and wait. ¡°Okay, that is all we can do,¡± I state. Even now, I can feel little beads of energy infused sweat pooling on my forehead. There is a long pause. Or what feels like a long time to my over clocked senses, but is really just a matter of seconds. I know it is only a matter of seconds as the world is moving slowly. It almost feels like the world is glitching around me, as if it is trying to add more processing power to comprehend what I just did. It is also clear that parts of the system are looking for any flaws possible to explain why this act should not have been performed. Having experienced the world shutting down once, has seemingly made me more aware of these processes. Also, being re-immersed within this world after being gone for so long has also made me more aware of these odd idiosyncrasies that seem to pop up from time to time. ¡°The math is perfect,¡± I exclaim to the system that even now is slowing down and nearly looking for any reason to cancel this action. At my words, I can feel the four watchers behind me all shift in their place for a moment, but then they stop and seem to let me focus on this moment right now. Hushed whispers. Behind me there are words being spoken, but I tune them out, as I can all but see the line of code reaching out and trying to undo some of my work on bringing this book back to life. With horror I look on and see that one tendril of corruption seems to materialize out of nowhere and go straight towards the core of the Libre I am trying to Resurrect. It is a faint tendril, but it all but stares out to me and my senses as it is not natural. Well it is, but not real natural. Grr. It is hard to explain why this one thread of the world seems so off, but it isn¡¯t until it goes to the core, and is about to strike that I realize what is happening. Disaster Foresight In a moment, I see a vision of the future where I am just standing here, watching and waiting. No one else can see or sense the vile tendril moving, one that seems to be filled with righteous fury. A tendril that seems to be focused on keeping the status quo, or of keeping the world in check. It has so many motivations, all vile and repulsive, but I see it move. Slithering closer like a snake, and then with horror, I see it strike out. Lunging right towards the brightly burning core of the Libre. This core is the Libre¡¯s spark, its essence. Seeing the tendril I watch as it strikes and immediately destroys the spark, causing the complex pattern of tapestry and magic that are binding the Libre to life, to a new physical body to fizzle out from existence. Rage. I don¡¯t know what happens next, as I feel anger flood through my body, as my mind forcefully resists and breaks free of the frozen moment in time. Shatter. The mental image of the future changes, and once again, I am back to just a half step back and watching for the results of my efforts to be tried and judged. Then I feel it. It isn¡¯t the same as it was in my Vision, not as clearly pronounced, but it is still there, lurking and slithering forward, like a malevolent serpent of forced stagnation. I feel it, and that is what I use to guide me and my movements. I move forward, pretending to check over my patient, but really having my third-eye open, hoping to see this infiltrator. That¡¯s when I see it, or rather I see the negative of where it should be. There is a dark slithering corruption that moves forward, closer to my patient. I can see it, because it appears as a shadow in what is otherwise an intensely woven cocoon of magical threads and energy. I pause, pretending not to be able to see the entity. I know that mana clearly won¡¯t touch this thing as it easily goes through the protective mana barrier and pools of mana that lay all around. With mana out of the way, I realize I need to get creative with my dealings. Qi, maybe Qi, but I disregard that source of energy as well. Though I do use Qi to infuse my frail bones and body, just enough to give me the strength to fight back against a force that is as yet unknown. Exhale. I can¡¯t see it, not fully, and I can barely feel it with my senses. Yet, every part of me tells me that I can stop this creature of destruction, if I but focus. And that¡¯s what I do. Clearing my mind, I let my instincts take over. I feel my body use strands of both negative and positive karma, Arcane Geomancy, Qi, and yes a touch of mana to keep everything contained. Then there is a moment when I feel the serpentine creature is about to strike out. Celerity. The world naturally slows down around me, as I force my will on the world and let my body move faster than it ever has before. Strike. Fizzle. Pop. Simple, like grabbing a pesky fly from the air. I lunge out, grab the hidden tendril of energy, and then wait. End Celerity. The entire thing took only a matter of seconds with Celerity, so I can only imagine what it looked like from the outside world¡¯s perspective. But right at that time, I feel the world slowly get out of its odd over processing funk, and finally make a decision.
New Tri-Spell Formula Created: Perfect Geomantic Resurrection: A spell created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that provides effects of Perfect Resurrection to denizens of the world brought to life by Arcane Geomancy.
Relief. With that system acknowledged, I let out a breath that I did not know I had been holding. For a moment, I pause, waiting for the notification of a quest being completed, or something. But nothing happens. I almost want to call shenanigans on that, but wonder if part of the system is mad at me for ruining its attempt to sabotage my work. Regardless, I feel justified in the fact that the spell, well spell-formula worked. Also with the new spell-formula being acknowledged by the system, Resurrecting these other books should be a breeze. But first, I look at the new skill book and can¡¯t help but think it looks far more impressive than it had before. ¡°My my, how you¡¯ve grown there, little Danger Sense,¡± I say, as I reach out to lift up the now much heavier and bulkier tome. Just feeling its weight, and size in my hands fills me with delight, as it worked. I know for a fact that it has worked, as I am just so excited to hold the big guy. For a moment I just pick him up and smother him into my chest, and breathe in the scent of pages. Pages to a text I have not read, and contain knowledge and words that I have not yet read. It is perfect. This moment, right here. Holding this book. A book I brought to life, then Resurrected, and could now feel and cherish, this was what life was about. ¡°Mind if I take a look to make sure you are fully intact?¡± I ask the Libre. I almost feel like a creepy monster, but I can barely help myself at the moment as I know there is hidden knowledge inside. The Libre: Danger Sense, looks at me with a somewhat nervous look on its cover, but then quickly regains its composure before opening itself up, and showing page after beautiful page of words, thoughts, and ideas. We are going through the pages, and make it to about halfway, when I feel a slight discomfort in my mind. Once again, I can feel the more malevolent factors of the system working again, telling me that I am at my current maximum for learning this skill. That is why I am suddenly suffering from a severe headache. However, there are other elements of the system around me at play, as I feel something release in my mind. While this release isn¡¯t Carte Blanche to do everything, I realize it is the first step to being able to do something. That is when I get the new system message.
Hidden Quest Found: Reaching the Potential You Create in Others (Ongoing): You have managed to create living skill books that go up to level three hundred. Despite your impact in every step of the creation and improvement of these living species of skill books, you are currently unable to master the knowledge held by these very books. As such you are being tasked with finding a way to improve your own mind, body, and consciousness to be able to handle the concepts being explained in these newly modified books. Goal: Increase your maximum base skill level to 300. Current progress (250* / 300). Rewards: Experience, Skill Improvements, Bloodline Perks, variable.
Seeing the system message, my heart began to beat ever so quickly, as I could feel the joy of what was going to happen filling me with nervous tension as I realized this would be an improvement to my skill levels that wouldn¡¯t require me to become more of a genetic freak than I already was. Also, and probably the best part about this process was that, immediately upon completing this quest, I would be rewarded with a number of skills that I could get up to their maximum rating by reading. By literally doing the best thing possible in the world. I paused, blinked, and did a quick diagnostic test to prove that I was alive and that this was not my dream come to life. Then finally I spoke and accepted this questline. ¡°Challenge accepted,¡± I say excitedly, as I realize this system prompt is likely exactly what I need and want. My excitement is however short lived, as the peanut gallery in the back begin to talk at almost that exact moment. ¡°Did she just say challenge accepted to herself?¡± My Apprentice asks, a note of concern in her tone. Fortunately, Jhonny is there to speak on my behalf. ¡°Yes, she just did that. Don¡¯t worry though, when she is like this, she is generally fine. It¡¯s when she gets into an argument with herself and loses that you need to be worried,¡± Jhonny explained. Hearing that I almost wanted to but in, but my Apprentice beat me to the punch, with probably the most disrespectful thing she could say. ¡°Oh, because it shows she is losing it? Well, losing more of it?¡± The traitor asks. ¡°No, it¡¯s because when she does lose, she is often in a tiff for the rest of the day, and almost impossible to work with,¡± Jhonny concluded. ¡°Hey!¡± I snap back, finally unable to keep my comments to myself. At that Jhonny, Penelope, and Gwen all smile with various forms of relief. Seeing them like this, I realize. ¡°Wait, was that a trick?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯ve been kind of in a funk since you got back,¡± Gwen responds. At that, I look around somewhat confusedly, ¡°that was an hour or so ago.¡± ¡°I know, we already have the next thing we need to shuffle you off too, but we knew you might need a moment to readjust,¡± Gwen states as a matter of fact. Hearing her, I pause, then realize what they have next might be big, if all four of them are sent here to shepherd me onto my next task. Seeing them, and their odd form of nervous tension that surrounds them, I take in a deep breath, realizing whatever they are waiting for is likely big. ¡°I take it, what you want me to do next is really important?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, extremely,¡± Penelope adds. Pausing, I hear their words and realize that there are only a few scenarios that this could be, and then realize that I might be called upon for possibly a greater purpose than what I have been doing to this point. ¡°Okay, I take it, that this is diplomatic in nature?¡± I ask, realizing that with my being gone for a month there have been a lot of things that could not be attended to. Most importantly, the entire Deolarian senior leadership would have been missing with my ability to allow others to impersonate the King, and Princess both missing since the last battle with the Legrand Empire. ¡°Yes, in fact, we might need you to do one of your best acting jobs yet.¡± Penelope stated. Hearing her, I could all but feel my ears perking up, as I already liked the idea of where this was going. Acting, is the very art of losing yourself and finding another person to present yourself as, which is perfect for me right now, as I desperately want to forget about almost everything that happened to me. Hearing their response, and seeing the tension that still grips them, I let a smile crest my lips. I mean the smile as a gesture that I am more than willing to help with this, though apparently my smile seems to have an opposite effect, as everyone just cringes at the sight of a colossal pixie smiling mischievously at them, their loss. Still, I don¡¯t want to lose this moment, so I press them to go further. ¡°Go on, I¡¯m listening,¡± I reply, trying to tone down some of my excitement at being asked to play a part that only I could possibly pull off. ¡°Well, you see, we need you to¡­¡± Gwen began to say, and as she spoke, I felt my mind coming alive with how epic this next part would be. Chapter 305 Drinking The Kool-Aid (Valeria) Chapter 305 Drinking The Kool-Aid (Valeria) Badump, badump, badump. Magic. Pure, heart pumping magic could be felt. Magic so thick and vibrant that it almost seemed to suck the very air from your lungs while in the same room. She had heard rumors. Read the Legrand scouting reports on her. Which was odd, as the Legrand Empire that prided itself on its information gathering capabilities was sorely lacking. They did know of all of the most powerful entities of the Midnight Hunters. They had scouting reports, and even complete guild structure layouts of everything that went on at World¡¯s End. Yet they had lost. Or from all appearances it seems that her side had lost. Originally, she joined as an Apprentice to the Doctor, for she wanted to survive this whole ordeal. Only afterwards did she realize that everyone not named Valeria Spray-Healer was set free. With one simple oath, anyone who had raised arms against the Midnight Hunters would be set free. As if words were somehow binding. For a time, Valeria assumed that the second wave of attacks would start any time. For what were Legrand Soldiers known for, if not betraying their words. Yet, the more she waited, the more the second stage of attacks never came. The more she began to doubt. At first, on that first day, an Armistice was posed. While Valeria was not apprised of the full conditions, it was known that the primary condition, the condition of getting those murder bots to stop their attacks was impossible. Particularly as Dr. Spiritlight was nowhere to be found. With the Doctor dead, or presumed dead, the Armistice was cancelled. After that Valeria assumed the battles would commence again at any time. Yet, they hadn¡¯t. For a time, Valeria was almost convinced that Dr. Spiritlight was dead. At first others were reluctant to agree, but then slowly saw signs. ¡°The fields aren¡¯t dead,¡± a few commented. That was enough to let most of the native Midnight Hunters believe that she was still alive. Valeria remembered seeing their prayer visuals, and murals made up for the Doctor. Well the doctor and the few dozen or so bodies that were unrecoverable during the battle. There they didn¡¯t pray for her soul to pass on, like some would after a war. Instead, she heard their prayers. ¡°Please find whatever it is you need, wherever you are and come back to us.¡± Those were the types of prayers Valeria heard. They spoke of her like she would grant miracles. At first Valeria was skeptical of everything. Who wouldn¡¯t be. From everything she knew, Dr. Spiritlight was not even in a combat role, a speedy medic at best. Or at least, that was how her role was described. Even her guild title Doctor seemed to imply that she was nothing more than a healer. It wasn¡¯t until later that Valeria realized that said Doctorates were in magical fields and disciplines. Then there was the day she saw her. At least, she thought it was her. Finding her, or at least her local Simulacrum was easy. Just follow the throngs of cheering people. ¡°You came back?¡± Valeria found herself asking the creature. A creature that didn¡¯t speak and only seemed to communicate through gestures and hand signals. ¡°Why won¡¯t you talk to me?¡± Valeria found herself asking, tears near to bursting on her face. ¡°That¡¯s not her, not the real her. But it¡¯s her Simulacrum!¡± The woman exclaimed excitedly next to Valeria. Hearing the words of the woman, Valeria paused and asked, ¡°why are you happy that this is just a Simulacrum then?¡± ¡°Because, she¡¯s moving, which means that the Doctor is also moving,¡± the lady exclaimed. Then out of nowhere the floating silent pixie, this Simulacrum cast one of the largest Healing and life affirming spells Valeria had ever felt soak her body and clothes and get absorbed directly into her skin. That moment, that was the first time that Valeria thought that some of the reverence these people had for the Doctor was likely warranted. For here it was, her Simulacrum was able to bring joy and happiness to everyone.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. That was Valeria¡¯s first time seeing the silent Simulacrum, but it was not her last time. Yet, in this moment, Valeria couldn¡¯t help but recall that strange sense of wonderment caused by the Simulacrum¡¯s very presence. For a moment, she wondered why she thought of that moment from weeks ago. Only to realize that her mind was equating the two moments. Her mind began connecting this moment with Doctor Spiritlight casting the amazing Resurrection ability on a dead book, an inanimate object. Or something that should have been inanimate, but here it was, being reborn? Or maybe recreated? Right before her eyes. Though it was clear that something was clearly wrong. The book was too big, much bigger than the tiny spirit seemed to be. The only reason Valeria even noticed this discrepancy was the way the spirit of the book seemed to flicker into and out of life. Then there was a pause as if the Doctor was waiting for her work to be evaluated. Movement. Flicker, pop, fizz. What happened next was a blur to Valeria. One second the Doctor with her odd living tattoo dragon took a step back, then the next she was right before the patient, her right hand out in a clasping gesture, with odd thick smoke rising. ¡°What was that?¡± Valeria found herself asking, as her mind tried to contemplate what had just happened. ¡°Shh!¡± Zero, the odd tattoo dragon hissed, whipping its head backwards toward the four gawkers in the back. Then seeing that everyone was just there staring at him, he then raised up his left claw and gave a dismissive flick of the wrist, gesturing for us all to leave. At first Valeria was incensed that a tattoo was gesturing for her to leave, but before she could move or even protest, the floor below them seemed to tilt downward. On reflex, Valeria found herself taking a half step back, followed by another as the ground continued to dip and tilt away from the room. Before she even realized what was happening, she along with everyone else were out in the hallway. Slam. Then as if an angry ghost was now trying for a moment of silence, the door to the Doctor¡¯s study was closed tightly. ¡°What?¡± Was all Jhonny managed to get out, as an even more violent dipping wave of oddly flexible floor tiles could be felt bending and twisting under their feet. Once again, the group either could walk backwards, away from the Doctor¡¯s office, or trip and fall and possibly get eaten by the ever enlarging floor. Valeria¡¯s mind and body worked on autopilot, following the path away, walking backward, and then finally being herded as a group to one of the corner office rooms, right before the now blocked off staircase to the outside world. Stumbling awkwardly, Valeria found herself walking around in what she would consider a drunken frat girl mode, from a party she went to with friends, but then got way more inebriated than she had intended. Worse, Valeria knew she wasn¡¯t drunk, and the only thing she had been exposed to was dense forms of mana. Or maybe energy? That didn¡¯t look like mana, at least not to Valeria¡¯s eyes. It took a moment for the world to stop spinning, and for Valeria¡¯s mind to right itself after randomly feeling like she was falling for so long. Finally, she managed to straighten herself up and found herself speaking her mind to the trio of people who now surrounded her. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s creepy. Do we now have to break through the second story window to get out?¡± Valeria asked, after finding herself clearly crammed in the oversized office room, one that was likely originally assigned for someone like Dr. Spiritlight, who for one reason or another chose the absolute worst room. One without a view, a mirror on the door, or otherwise way of showing that she was there. Then after thinking about her Master for a moment, Valeria realized exactly why Dr. Spiritlight had chosen that other room. SWOOSH! ¡°No, we should¡­¡± Penelope began, but found her reply stopped by a sudden stream of fresh air that came through the window that quickly opened itself. ¡°Okay, the creepy building is doing that odd thing where it tries to make you think you have a way out, before it slowly kills you.¡± Valeria noted. LONG Grinding and groaning sound. Hearing the sound, Valeria paused as she could feel the building shake as an old bone cringing grinding sound could be heard coming from outside the faculty building. ¡°Okay, what was that?¡± Valeria asked, a bit of her tension filling her words. ¡°That was the building readjusting itself,¡± Gwendolyn Spiritlight stated. Hearing that, Valeria paused, and then looked out the open window but could only see green fields and an open landscape that seemed to encapsulate the vibrancy that somehow permeated every inch of World¡¯s End. The view would almost be vomit inducing, if one didn¡¯t feel so alive and vibrant while out here. ¡°Do I want to even look?¡± Valeria asked. Fortunately she was not made the sacrificial lamb in this operation, as Jhonny was the first to be intrigued as he went over to the window and looked out. As soon as he did, shock and then confusion filled his face. ¡°How did it do that?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Wait, I want to see,¡± Penelope stated as she all but pushed Jhonny out of the way so she too could peer out the window. The moment she did, she too paused as she looked on with confusion. ¡°Wait, what is that?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°I think it is the entry way, but folded upwards to act as an easy egress,¡± Jhonny replied. ¡°Okay, now I have to agree with you, how is that possible?¡± Penelope asked. ¡°I know right, I mean the building is alive, but I didn¡¯t know it was double jointed like that,¡± Jhonny shot back. ¡°It¡¯s not double jointed,¡± Gwen began, ¡°instead, you need to think of it as the building having and extra long tongue that it flicked up and licked its eye with.¡± ¡°EWWW,¡± Jhonny and Penelope let out in unison, before turning back out the window to look at whatever had happened. By this point Valeria was certain that everyone was just messing with her. So in an effort to prove that she could take a joke and that she wouldn¡¯t fall for such actions, she let out a long breath and responded. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll look at it, but know I don¡¯t believe¡­¡± was all Valeria got out before panic filled her mind as she thought the world around her had somehow twisted back in on itself. ¡°WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?¡± Valeria cried out, as she backed away so quickly that she almost ran over Gwendolyn. Fortunately, Gwendolyn was quick on the update as she quickly grabbed the almost falling Valeria and held her upright long enough for Valeria to regain her footing. ¡°That is as I described, the tongue, or in this case the stairs and walkway are flicked up and around so that they were able to attach themselves to the outside of this window frame for an easy escape route,¡± Gwen replied as if she was reciting today¡¯s forecast. ¡°Okay, but why would it do that?¡± Valeria found herself asking. ¡°Likely because you threatened to break your way out of the room if you felt threatened,¡± Penelope replied only half looking at Valeria, while she spent the other half of her time looking out and seeming to appreciate the odd twisting structure that was the building. ¡°You all are okay with this?¡± Valeria asked, trying to assemble her thoughts and figure out why she was the only one who seemingly had an issue with all of these oddities. ¡°Are we okay with being in a sentient building that is willing to protect us and help us get out easier and feel safe while we are here? Despite clearly putting itself in odd and unnatural poses?¡± Jhonny asked. Hearing that, Valeria paused and realized that she was likely looking at this from the wrong perspective. But still, haunted house! Valeria¡¯s mind was still reeling with everything, before she calmed herself and then looked around the room to realize that she had somehow fallen into the Madams Family. They were all quirky, especially the daughter who looked like she was old enough to be her actual mother¡¯s mother. ¡°Okay,¡± Valeria stated. This was mostly a coping mechanism for her, as she tried to reassure herself that she was not in fact going crazy. At her words, everyone just glanced at her and nodded. Then they all went onto their own projects. After a long moment of contemplation, one that was filled with the sights and sounds of unattended magic being cast in the background of a building that was now designed to keep and protect its occupants. Contemplating everything, all while seeing flashes of sparkling lights fill the hallway from a no doubt fully focused Doctor Spiritlight, Valeria began to finally understand exactly what was happening. Then with slightly more thought and understanding of the situation, she finally asked. ¡°We never stood a chance, did we?¡± Valeria asked. ¡°You mean, you as the Legrand Empire?¡± Jhonny asked. No sooner had he spoken, then the truth of those words made sense. She was no longer part of the Legrand Empire, and despite being away for over a month held in this odd form of captivity, she still found her thoughts formed to the jargon and rhetoric of the old country. Realizing her mistake, she only sighed, lowered her head and prepared for the punishment that would come for her slip. ¡°Yeah, they, never stood a chance, did they?¡± Valeria asked, eyes mostly pointing towards the floor. ¡°Not really, well not when magical means were in effect. Had you stuck to traditional mechanical elements,¡± Jhonny began, but then paused as he seemed to come to some realization about that as well. ¡°Well, even then you would have first had to deal with the Blighted sand. Then any machines that did come here would have to be able to withstand the natural corruption of magic. No, looking at it, your former empire seemed greedy, reaching out too far too quickly.¡± Jhonny posed, his mind trying to evaluate all the details as he saw them. ¡°Huh,¡± was all Valeria could reply as she nodded her head in agreement and then waited. Then after still more time left for silent contemplation, she found herself thinking back to the Resurrection of the Skill book that she saw. Before the invasion, the Legrand Empire had done their homework, despite how it all seems. It was known that the Skill Books existed. In fact, there was even a local Spy Guild quest that warned people of the Skill Books and their levels.
New Hidden World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Quest Created: Acquiring Sacred Knowledge (Ongoing): The most advanced skill books in the world have been created at World¡¯s End. Books capable of teaching students up to and through level 1 ¨C 250+ of a few skills. Find the Skill Books and be rewarded accordingly. Rewards: Experience, Skill, variable.
**Legrand Expeditionary Notes: Skill Books are on average noted as being a level rating set to 5X the Skill Rating of the book. (Example: Skill Book with Level 2 Skill = Level 10). **From initial Investigations, Skill Books are not immediately hostile.
That was the information she had, when going into the battle. She was even encouraged by others to join the Thieves Guild in Timult, at the chance of getting double rewards. First, they would get a skill that was likely maxed out, and then they would get rewarded for completing that otherwise impossible task. It was too good to be true. Though now she wondered what type of sick monster came up with the idea for this being a quest at all. The quest was impossible, made even more impossible by what she just saw. Or rather, what she thought she saw. Then as if to clarify, she found herself asking. ¡°To be clear, everyone else saw the level of that book right? The one the Doctor Resurrected right before our eyes?¡± Valeria asked. At that Penelope and Jhonny both nodded their heads in agreement. Simultaneously, Gwendolyn had an odd look come to her face as she turned around to face Penelope and Jhonny. ¡°Wait, what level was it?¡± Gwendolyn asked, her wide dead eyes seeming to glisten with the faintest of hues in the afternoon light that shown through the open widow. ¡°You didn¡¯t see?¡± Penelope asked. Gwen shook her head. ¡°How could you not see?¡± Jhonny spoke the very question that Valeria herself was now wondering. ¡°Okay, we know I¡¯m blind, but what level was it?¡± Chapter 306 The GlitterBright Chronicles (Part I) Chapter 306 The GlitterBright Chronicles (Part I) There are very few times in life when you can feel truly content. These are of course times when the world slows down, and you have a moment to sit back and enjoy the moment. Content. Both figuratively and literally, that is the word that would best describe my state of being for the moment. I am content in the fact that Zero and I managed to Perfectly Resurrect each and every Skill Book that was here. These were the skill books that didn¡¯t survive the initial attack and were otherwise disconnected from me, when I was sucked away from here. That is the figurative form of content that I currently feel. As for the literal form of content, this being the true form of content, I would have to say I have that as well, thanks to the now Expert level and beyond skill books that are available to me. Yes, the Skill Books have content that is beyond even my current ability to comprehend them, and that is amazing. Once again, I have goals here. I have a purpose to read. Not just a want, but an actual need to read to push myself farther and faster. Best of all, I think this is the world¡¯s way of helping me, or trying to help me with what they too hopefully realize is coming. Something so frightening that even now, it has Zero in a near catatonic state. Only able to come out to help me, but the fact that he did spoke volumes to both his state of mind and perseverance. He will pull through this, he needs to, because I need him to. That isn¡¯t content, and I am not content with that, but I¡¯ll accept the minor win. Hooray, books once again distract me from the inevitability that life will soon be thrusting in my direction. That said, these books are perfect. Best of all, there were two little, tiny books on the shelf. That¡¯s right, they were tiny books as in they were baby books. My best guess is that they were following one of their parents to defend the home and got caught in the initial blast. That or, they came out to see the damage that happened to their parents and were subsequently caught up in the second explosion. Terrible. It was terrible, but there was a shining light at the end of it all. That is, that these books that Zero and I managed to use Perfect Resurrection on were in fact perfectly resurrected. I know that might seem like a no-duh moment, but what I originally considered to be Perfect Resurrection was just the books to be brought back to their peak condition. However, with these processes, Zero and I went all out. We used multiple new forms of energy that had never been fused together before, and likely would have exploded if added in any less of a mixture, or if likely applied by anyone other than Zero and me. Looking back on what happened, on the final outcome, I can see why there were elements of the system that tried to deny my work. Elements that tried to kill the Skill Book. Had that rogue element had its way, I might not have broken the world. Or not really broken the world, but pushed it farther than the world likely would have wanted to go at this time. Still, I was right. My mathematical formula and flow of execution was perfect, I knew it. Zero knew it. Heck, even the system knew it, which is why it went for an overload on the core of the Skill Book, trying to blame the failure on the maturity of the spirit. Yet, that wasn¡¯t a problem. That was why the final decision to have the Skill Books get Resurrected into their perfected form took a spin that I was not ready for. That is, I think they went up to level 500. Yes, World¡¯s End now has Skill Books that can grant and show how to utilize Skills up to level 500. At least that is what I expect to happen, as I can only read through half of the texts before they start twisting and turning on me and giving me a headache. For most of my initial skills they were a great refresher and let me realize that there were structures within the skills that I sort of knew, but it helped to have the pointed out. The skill structures are apparently going to be used as a foundation for future progression of these skills. Skills that will likely grow and evolve into ways that I can only imagine. Of course, knowing that the original skills I started with have evolved to such a state is not the best part. The literal content I am now experiencing is on the two blended skills that I managed to Perfectly Resurrect. Taking them from minor level 1 skills, to maxed out blended skills that while I likely would never find a chance to use in my day to day life, I do appreciate the improvements offered to my base Attributes.
New Skill Gained: Free Falling- Trap Detection has reached level 250.
Free Falling ¨C Trap Detection is a Dexterity, Perception, Intelligence, and Willpower based skill.
New Skill Gained Free Falling ¨C Juggling has reached level 250.
Free Falling ¨C Juggling is a Dexterity X2, Personality X2, Sociability X2, and Perception X2 based skill.
Those two new skills showed something about this world. Namely the fact that I think it followed the same type of logic that we might have in the real world, where good skills are somehow attracted to dangerous skills. In this case, Free Falling clearly managed to seduce both Juggling and Trap Detection, and managed to have offspring with both. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. I might need to make a note about this, the mating patterns of Skill Books. I think about it, but then quickly decide against such an action. That said, it is noted that both blended skills have the base Attribute bonuses for the two parent skills, along with a few extra. Meaning that the longer these skills get to go about and spread their pages, the more bonuses one might be able to find. Then there was the disappointing feature of getting these two skills. Normally learning such skills to such a high level would be met with a system message. In this case there were two quest completion notices.
New Hidden World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Quest (Completed): Acquiring Sacred Knowledge (Free Falling- Trap Detection): You have discovered one of the most advanced skill books in the world. By finding the book and delivering the book to the World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Master you have completed this quest. Reward: Error: Cannot give book to yourself, quest voided.
New Hidden World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Quest (Completed): Acquiring Sacred Knowledge (Free Falling- Juggling): You have discovered one of the most advanced skill books in the world. By finding the book and delivering the book to the World¡¯s End Thieves Guild Master you have completed this quest. Reward: Error: Cannot give book to yourself, quest voided.
Yes, two completion notifications and two subsequent rejections of the quests due to my improper handoff to myself. Which is a shame. Normally there would be multiple quest completions for something this grand, but I can tell that part of the system is still mad that I forced them to accept my work, and effectively disabled their attempts to tamper with my Resurrections. That is why, I have to settle for being content that all my books are back. Well not just back. This is the equivalent of having a housefire, losing all your stuff, only to find out that insurance covered you for ten times what you originally owned. Meaning you can replace your singular book of a series, with the complete series. Still terrible that you had to go through the ordeal, you would never want to go through it again, but there are some bonuses afterwards. Also, I¡¯m okay with just the two new maxed out, to my level, skills as a reward. There is also the fact that I managed to pull off my first tri-weave formula and life is good. Almost too good. Thanks to my Blind Eidetic Speed Reading I even managed to read and reread all of the skill books before me at the same time. I had to go quickly, as I assumed my Apprentice or someone might try to break up this perfectly good moment. A moment of peace, where there are no wars, no battles to contend with, no crazy space beings holding you in a magical lattice work prison that you cannot escape, at least not at first. Then you do escape, find Zero, break him out and leave, knowing that what that creature had you doing on their planet, would be enough to all but ensure they would come back to you, later on. ¡°Breathe,¡± the calming voice of Zero comes through my head, thanks to Telepathy and I realize that I had gotten a bit too focused on that monster, and the fear that she might come back for us. Exhale. Hearing Zero, I exhale and realize we are safe. That and I need to do something to occupy my time, and while reading was fun, I¡¯m now sadly out of material. Well not out, there is more available, but I just cannot understand what is left at this moment. It will likely be something along the lines of fully awaken your bloodline again, get devil horns and look like a mutant with a tail, but you can now read the next fifty or so levels of this shiny new Skill Book. Worst of all, I might be tempted to take that offer. Well, minus the tail, I could likely hide the horns with my hair, if they were short enough. No, that is not how we are doing business Cass, no mutations, no tails, no horns. Long drawn-out creaking. I am about to go crazy, when the door to my office suddenly grinds its way open. This is the Faculty Building looking out for me, and giving me the moment to prepare myself. I jump up, trying not to look guilty, but we all know that only makes you look even more guilty. Flutter. As I rise up, so too do the newly revamped and improved Skill Books, as they flutter around and all go to land on the same book shelf that they always did. Bulge. They land, but then cause that one shelf to bend under their new encyclopedic weight that is behind all of them. Fortunately, the shelf seems to recognize the new strain and wiggles for a second, before straightening up and managing to push and hold the now heavier books in place. I am not the only one entranced by this, as Gwen, the one who came in to talk to me, is also staring at the shelf that is coming to life and straining itself to once again support the row of Skill Books. Then once we both realize the show is over and the shelf is once again stable, she turns towards me. ¡°Are you busy?¡± Gwen asks. It¡¯s really hard to pretend and say yes, when your only real alibi for work just parked itself on a shelf. ¡°No, not at the moment,¡± I reply honestly. Gwen pauses for a moment, as I can tell she is likely building herself up to something. Judging by the way she is taking her time, I can tell whatever she is thinking about is big, or at least important to her. Though I don¡¯t know if it is just me, or something that happened while I was away, but I suddenly find myself getting impatient at having to wait. Even as I know she is likely formulating her thoughts as quickly as possible, but even at this speed, she still seems slower to me. Odd, that or my mind has sped up a lot during my time in captivity, while I worked on restoring a planet. It was a project I would normally be proud of, but I think I might have given rise to a dictator who might have been left stranded for a reason. Which Is likely why, I feel more impetus than ever to try to grow and improve myself. ¡°Well,¡± she begins, and instantly I lose all train of my previous thought as my daughter is talking and I want to hear what she has to say. For apparently the subject that she is about to broach is very important to her. ¡°I have good news and a personal request for you,¡± Gwen states. Hearing her words and her slight hesitation, I can tell that I won¡¯t like the request. Though I can feel a sort of density in these words, as if I am being called to these words regardless of reasoning. ¡°Okay,¡± I answer neutrally. ¡°Well, the thing is, I want you to promise that you will do the request for me,¡± Gwen states. I can see there is a scheme here. Also, it is clear that Gwen knows that when I now make promises I am almost oath bound to complete them, lest I suffer in some unknown way. Actually, that is a good point, I have never not kept my promise to this point, and I don¡¯t quite know what the problems that would arise from such a situation, but I know for a fact I don¡¯t want to know what would happen. This is why, having my own daughter using this against me, I can¡¯t help but think that this is somehow a setup. A setup that I can¡¯t help but feel oddly proud for in the way only a parent can for having their kids end up just like them. ¡°I take it that this request is important to you?¡± I probe, trying to figure out why this obvious ambush, and why she wouldn¡¯t come out and ask directly. ¡°Yes, very much so, I also know that you likely wouldn¡¯t agree to it, if I came to you directly with the request. This is why I offer a barter.¡± ¡°A barter?¡± I parrot back, again pulled on by some inexplainable notion that this request will be important to me as well. ¡°Yes, a barter. I will tell you the good news, and if you think it is in fact good news, then you will automatically agree to the request,¡± Gwen poses. I can feel myself getting played in this somehow, yet my instincts still tell me to push through regardless. You know those times, when you can see the collision incoming, but you can¡¯t look away and can¡¯t stop, all you can do is look on and wait for it to hit you? That is how I feel right now. Still, this is a subjective request and news. If I don¡¯t like the news, then I can cancel the agreeance with the request. Mentally, I debate with myself, and perhaps seeing my waning enthusiasm, Gwen goes in for the kills. ¡°I¡¯ll even tell you part of the good news,¡± Gwen presses. ¡°Part?¡± ¡°Yes, just so you know it is on the up and up.¡± ¡°Okay?¡± I state questioningly, as I think this is almost too good to be true. Especially with how flighty she is currently being with the whole situation. ¡°What if I told you, that while you were away, one of the Seventh Life Writer¡¯s Club, SLWC, members managed to publish a book?¡± ¡°A book? A new book?¡± I press, realizing that the SLWC, were the people I rescued and had all taken up residence here in World¡¯s End. ¡°Not just a new book, but a new series completely,¡± Gwen drives home. Salivating. Yes, I drooled a little bit, not my proudest moment, but still a new book from a recognized author. ¡°Do you agree that this was worthwhile of fulfilling my request? I¡¯ll even let you go and read the book first, before you start out on the request.¡± Gwen states, giving me the world and then some. ¡°And I¡¯ve heard of this author?¡± I ask, making sure no new authors were added. ¡°Yes, you even said you enjoyed their work,¡± Gwen states. There is truth to her words, I can almost hear the truth in them, but they are slightly off for whatever reason. Still, she was telling the truth, and I didn¡¯t think my daughter would try to do anything that would hurt or otherwise get me killed. Realizing, it might be something as boring as having to teach her a new skill, or make something for her, maybe even teach her Spell Formula Creation, or maybe Cosmic Cultivation I was okay with that, as they would ultimately make her stronger. ¡°Okay,¡± I respond finally. ¡°Say it then,¡± she presses. Family, always trying to abuse pixie family members, this is likely how my kind were forced to be night time cobblers in the past. Then realizing that is a loophole I need to address, I respond. ¡°I agree to do one request for you that is limited in scope and duration, and can be done within a single night,¡± I respond. As soon as I speak, I feel the chains of Karma reach out and bind me to Gwen. While she might be able to make me work on fixing shoes all night, I would now only be forced to do so for one nighttime period. At that Gwen seemed to straighten her posture and smile, ¡°good I accept. The person who wrote the new book and indeed new book series is none other than Susan Whittle, who has produced a new series called GlitterBright.¡± Suffocating tightness. Gwen spoke so quickly that I didn¡¯t even have time to react. Perhaps next time if I see the trap closing around me, I can Teleport away, or otherwise vacate the area. Yet, she spoke it out so quickly, and I was blindsided by the complete betrayal of my own daughter that I couldn¡¯t react in time. ¡°What?¡± ¡°Susan Whittle, one of the founding members of the SLWC managed to publish her first book in her new series GlitterBright, during that month you were gone,¡± Gwen presses. Hearing her smug retort, I can only moan in pain at the name. Even the name of this series sounds almost as bad as that rubbish she published back on Earth, Grimlight. ¡°But you said, that I said I enjoyed the work though?¡± I pout, I can¡¯t help it, of all the SLWC members, why is she the one to write the first book. ¡°What, but you did say you enjoyed it, mother!¡± Gwen presses and twists the knife, right in my tiny heart. As she speaks, I can all but remember the moment she was talking about. It was during a particularly rough patch in our time together, when I wanted anything to talk to her about. Anything other than why Rob left us, and how I was a terrible parent for letting Rob leave. Hearing her speak, I also realize why the words came back as both true and hollow. I had said those exact words, but I didn¡¯t mean them. Now it seems my lies are coming back to haunt me. I wasn¡¯t even a pixie then. ¡°But wait, it gets better¡­¡± Gwen begins, but her words are cold and pointed. I can tell, it¡¯s not going to get better. Chapter 307 The GlitterBright Chronicles (Part II) Chapter 307 The GlitterBright Chronicles (Part II) ¡°But wait, it gets better,¡± Gwen begins, her words ringing with a hollow truth that strikes a chord deep within me. It¡¯s odd, seeing your child grow up and mirror you down to your own sick sense of humor, reflecting back on you as you must seem to others. Yet despite this, I can¡¯t help but be proud. Gweny was always the serious one of the group, well of my children. It made sense, after Rob left, Junior became disgruntled and acted like he was owed something. Whereas Gwen just became the rock for the others to turn to. I always thought it was too much. That she seemed to miss something major by that change. Almost as if she abandoned her entire childhood, just to be a better role model for her siblings. Now though, now I could see her truly coming to terms with herself. Or at least the parts of herself that she had hidden away so long ago. ¡°Oh?¡± I press, seeing where this will go. ¡°You should read it, I¡¯d dare say it is up there with Whittle¡¯s premier Grimlight series. You know, the series that made her a member of the SLWC,¡± Gwen states. From this conversation, I can all but guarantee two things are true. First, Gwen honestly and truly does like this first book. Second, she knows I will likely hate it, and somehow that only makes her like this book more. Still, it¡¯s a book, how bad can it truly be, right? Though I do have some reservations given the author, I need to check. ¡°No sparkling werewolves?¡± I question. ¡°What, no. Absolutely no werewolves, sparkling or otherwise in this book,¡± Gwen states. Yet even now as she speaks, I can see a smile cresting at the corner of her lips. Seeing her devilish smile, I can¡¯t help but feel that it is my smile being presented right back at me, which again fills me with equal parts dread and pride. Dread in the fact that this seems to be a well-played trap. A trap where I must force my way first through a book that it is clear I will not like, only to then be forced to do a task, one that judging by her look, I know I definitely will not like. With a devilish smile, Gwen reaches into a satchel she is carrying and pulls out a book that could have only existed in a tiny pocket realm. There on the cover, is the name of this book. In a densely beveled lettering on a clearly leatherbound casing is one word, GlitterBright. The book itself looks amazing. Clearly high-quality leather and craftsmanship went into producing the work. No magic on the piece at all, implying that it was made through nonmagical means, but still very pretty. Sigh. ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with,¡± I state while holding out my hand. I am kind of curious, because judging by Gwen¡¯s reaction, she knows I will hate this. With a devil who knows the future smile, she extends the book to me. Just touching the cover, I let my fingers roam over the piece, again I can¡¯t help but feel that the cover is fantastic. Somehow, I think the cover is going to be the only part of this book I like. ¡°Well, the cover¡¯s nice,¡± I quip, all but dreading what will happen next. With a coy smile Gwen just nods. By now everyone is just staring at the two of us. ¡°Do you just want me to go and do whatever task you had in mind?¡± I press, wondering if I can forgo this part of the pact. ¡°Oh no, a deal is a deal, mother.¡± Hearing her, I can¡¯t help but smile inwardly. While my body is hiding my true emotions, I still can¡¯t help but feel that Gwen is finally coming into her own. Taking a deep breath, I open the cover and begin trying to get through as much of the book as possible. My maxed out Blind Eidetic Speed Reading skill coming into place almost immediately. This is how I am able to get through the first few chapters, before the true content of what I am reading fills my mind and creates an instantly soggy picture of details and scenes. ¡°This, this is about sparkling fairies,¡± I protest. Hearing that, Gwen just smiles brightly, ¡°I know, much better than sparkling werewolves, and far more believable, if you ask me.¡± I wanted to protest, thinking that she said no sparkling, but that was just in relation to the possibility of werewolves, not sparkles in general. Well played. Taking another breath, I continue. Flip, flip, flip. ¡°Oh, come on, this is basically plagiarism of my life. The Fairie is a teacher at a magical school for gifted children. Even the principle seems to be something,¡± I press trying to put to words why the description of the older male principle seems so off to me. ¡°Is it the name?¡± Gwen presses. ¡°What, Malcolm Roy?¡± I press, then only after saying the name out loud do I realize it is something, but I can¡¯t quite understand why it sounds so familiar. ¡°Keep going, just wait until the real love interest shows up,¡± Gwen presses. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. I want to protest about spoilers, but honestly with a work this obnoxious and seemingly a slightly modified version of my own existence, there can¡¯t be much to be spoiled or surprised by. ¡°Fine,¡± I press. Then continue reading. Flip, flip, flip. Then I feel a slight twinge of revulsion fill me, as I read the true love interest¡¯s name and occupation. Raul, the painter, and temporary Art Teacher. There are even depictions of this Raul¡¯s paintings and they are very clearly minor charms of attraction. ¡°He¡¯s seducing the teacher by forcing magical charms on her?¡± I protest, reading further. Flip, flip. ¡°Mal, finds the paintings, and warns the heroine Sas, that Raul is no good and dangerous. You can¡¯t trust painters, oh my gosh, does it ever actually get better?¡± I press, flipping through the pages as quickly as possible, trying to read through this mindless drivel as quickly as possible. I must be near the end, it can¡¯t keep going, can it? ¡°The school dance? Where the teacher is supposed to be a chaperone, that is where both the principal and art teacher make their move for the love interest.¡± I continue speaking about the plot of this terrible story, wondering if speaking it out loud will somehow make it seem better, but nothing can fix this work. Worse, the more painful an experience this is for me, the more Gwen seems to enjoy my misery. ¡°Then, just when I think it can¡¯t get any worse, the story ends on a faux cliffhanger of the school getting burned down by the overpowered runes not being properly grounded and getting set off by one of the teacher¡¯s kids. That¡¯s when Raul proves himself by jumping in to save the teacher and the student, that she went in to protect?¡± I state, feeling truly revolted. ¡°Yes, now we are waiting to see what her choice will be. Also, the artwork clearly didn¡¯t catch fire until the principle tried to tamper with them, and thereby ruin the grounding elements.¡± Gwen pointed out. ¡°No, those runes were trash and a clear fire hazard on those walls. Also, I hate stories where the main heroine needs to be saved by anyone, romantic lead or otherwise.¡± I state, feeling truly revolted by the entire experience. The main character was weak, and fell into almost every trope imaginable to be forced to fall for possibly the worst ever written male love interest imaginable. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me she goes for the Art Teacher?¡± I pose, wondering how bad this could get. I don¡¯t want to know. Honestly, I¡¯m just hoping to forget this story exists at all, but I can¡¯t help but want to find something redeeming about this book. It can¡¯t be as bad as I am thinking it is, can it? Gwen for her part just smiles coyly, ¡°we don¡¯t know. We can only hope that her real-life love interest continues to be her muse, so this story can continue.¡± ¡°Wait, this was inspired?¡± I press, then suddenly realized that the names were all oddly familiar. For a moment, I wonder who they could be based off of, but then dawning reality hits me. I missed the obvious closeness of names, assuming that there was no way the names could be that poorly masked to conceal the real person noted. ¡°Oh yes, near autobiographical, really.¡± Gwen stated. Then suddenly the names all began to ring out in my mind. The main character Cathrine Sastine, AKA Sas. The ¡°Art Teacher¡± who happened to draw runes, one Raul. ¡°Okay, so what? I was the teacher, Rahul the Lich was supposed to be the art teacher, Raul.¡± I state going over the names, hoping that it sounded stupid and would instantly dissolve once spoken, but only after saying the noted ties did it even begin to register fully. ¡°Okay, so who is the Principle?¡± I ask, my mind so many other places right now, as I think my mind was squished to jello and forced to now try to take on a shape of consistency. ¡°Hmm, who could Malcom, or Mal, Roy be?¡± Gwen asked, pressing a finger to her lips as if she was deep in contemplation. Hearing her speak the name out loud, I let out another sigh, as it is clearly Mallory, the Guild Master. ¡°I deserve royalties for this. No wait, I want my royalties to be that this book will never be published,¡± I state. ¡°Too late, as the first book completed in World¡¯s End, it is being noted as a founding piece of our culture. And provided a few of the benchmarks needed for our civilization here to be considered thriving,¡± Gwen added. Hearing her words, I couldn¡¯t help but realize she was correct. In order for cities and empires alike to be considered thriving and robust, a few benchmarks or achievements could be noted. Anything from housing creators of famous works of art, to writers, to hosting a college that specializes in magical teachings. Yes, this was important and would no doubt be needed to showcase that the Midnight Hunters were continuing to evolve as a cultural powerhouse. ¡°The first?¡± I ask. ¡°The very first, by nearly a week, was even registered by the system and everything,¡± Gwen noted. Hearing her speak, I realized that from now until the end of time, the Midnight Hunters would always be noted as the resting spot for the SLWC during the Legrand wars, and the place that cradled the birth of GlitterBright. I really hope that we don¡¯t end up regretting this achievement in the future. Then more of the words that Gwen spoke about during this rewards portion of my binding oath come to mind. ¡°Wait, you said Susan Whittle had a muse?¡± I press, realizing that many of the runes would work, if only barely. Meaning, they would cause emotions to flood within a target who is around them constantly, only to then be released once someone with either an activation source was nearby, or something else happened. Suddenly the fire makes sense. ¡°Yes, Susan is currently enjoying a relationship with a fellow colleague of yours,¡± Gwen pressed. ¡°Colleague?¡± I parrot, only to realize that I should only have one true colleague currently, that being the very same Rahul De¡¯Gravitas, annoying Lich and seducer of females, allegedly. ¡°Yes, he provided the initial artwork that served as inspiration for Susan¡¯s masterpiece,¡± Gwen responded, then gestured to the leather-bound tome still within my hands in case I had any questions about what work she was referring to. ¡°Wait, was there actually a fire?¡± I question. ¡°Yes, actually there was, and Rahul was the first one to jump in and save Susan from the fire, along with her manuscript, which seemed to spark their true relationship.¡± Gwen noted, then a question filled her gaze, ¡°wait, how did you know there was an actual fire?¡± Apparently during that month that I was gone, Rahul had provided a copy of these infatuation runes around the school, and they were so poorly made that they caught fire. Once again, I was reminded of his mana trap that lay under his floors, cycling off any ambient life energy from his laboratory. The issues were simple, as the runes would likely be fine in the Spirit Realm, which is where Rahul normally resides. However, a problem arises when you take those same runes and place them willy-nilly in the mortal realm, which has other elements that he clearly isn¡¯t used to. Realizing the true threat posed, I am about to press on, when suddenly Gwen stops me. ¡°Are you ready to hear the condition you must complete, now that my side of the bargain has been struck?¡± Gwen presses, all but twisting the knife of misery deeper into me. Again, I can¡¯t help but be both proud and aggrieved by her actions equally. Never before have I been so proud to call her my daughter. The only problem is that there are likely fire hazards currently around World¡¯s End. Fire hazards that pose as nothing more than love charms. Holding up my finger, I pause Gwen. ¡°I do want to hear it, but first I need to ask, are there any more of these runes about?¡± I ask, flipping open the book and showing the main rune that caused the final fire in the last scene. Pausing, Gwen looks at the rune, but then just shakes her head. ¡°No, I think Mallory forbade them from going up after that,¡± Jhonny added, finally coming over and providing an alternate voice to this conversation. ¡°Good,¡± I respond, nodding my head in acceptance. ¡°That said, many people are passing them out as World¡¯s End valentines markings,¡± Penelope added. Hearing that, I realize we might have an issue. ¡°We need to stop the runes, or at least get out the message of how to stabilize them,¡± I press, realizing that kids reading this book could all but be spelling their own dooms, literally. Mentally, I imagined a love promissory rune being presented to a loved one, who then stashes the secret note in a pile of papers. A pile of highly flammable papers that could all catch fire based on the spark of unfiltered magic that makes contact with the poorly designed rune. There is a silence as everyone seems to pause and stare at me. ¡°Well what should we do?¡± Penelope finally asks. ¡°Can I see this Susan? I need to explain how to correct this design, so we can get the proper one out to everyone. Well everyone that is living or in the mortal realm, that rune is still viable for the spirit realm.¡± I press. As I speak, dawning realization hits Jhonny. ¡°Wait, you mean that rune really was the cause of the fire?¡± Jhonny pressed. ¡°Yeah, why?¡± I ask. At that, the four just stare at each other for a moment. Finally, it is my Apprentice who speaks and sheds light on a few more events that might have happened, while I was gone. ¡°Well, you see,¡± Apprentice begins, ¡°while you were gone, it was clear who the main characters of the story were meant to be. And with Mallory being the apparent instigator, stating that the runes were dangerous, everyone thought that it was just her getting jealous of Raul, or Rahul.¡± ¡°They thought she was getting jealous of a fictional character made after the unlikeness of an undead lich?¡± I ask. Silence. Apparently, there was more going on here than anyone wanted to confess to, particularly Gwen. I turned to Gwen, ¡°I take it things aren¡¯t going well for you?¡± Hearing my comment, Gwen just looked down at the ground. ¡°I can¡¯t help it, I get so jealous. Then when you were gone, I thought this would be it, my chance to really shine. But then she just spent most of her time helping to coach her Granddaughter how to experience the world as a Spiritlight, one who also has a Valhalla bloodline active in her.¡± ¡°So you felt slighted?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah,¡± Gwen responded meekly. Seeing her, I flew forward and hugged her. ¡°It¡¯s okay, we will get through this, together.¡± I respond. Tears, glowing mana infused tears flow from her eyes. Seeing the gesture, I can¡¯t help but see even more similarities into how I used to be, back when I was still an elf. Sob. I just stay there, letting her work it all out. The more she cries, the more I see the frail little girl that I love so much. The very same little girl who tried to be stoic when her father left, so that her brothers and sisters wouldn¡¯t be as frightened. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± I respond, patting her on the back and letting her relax likely for the first time since she was a teenager. ¡°No it¡¯s not,¡± Gwen begins, ¡°I¡¯m a jerk, a jealous and insecure jerk who is afraid that those that I love will always leave me.¡± I just hug her, and give a gesture with my hand for the others behind her to leave. At the gesture, the remaining trio leaves, leaving just behind Gwen and me. ¡°Again, just talk to her,¡± I press. ¡°I messed it up, bad this time, even Redding won¡¯t talk to me,¡± Gwen states. It takes me a minute to remember who Redding is, only to realize that this is the name that Mallory¡¯s granddaughter chose. ¡°So she got the children in the break up?¡± I press, trying to make light of the situation. ¡°Yes, making me even more like him.¡± Gwen presses. Hearing her say Him, I know exactly who she is referring to. The initial source of all this trauma, and why my beautiful daughter had to grow up so quickly. ¡°It¡¯s okay, he¡¯s gone, and you are not like him. You are so strong and proud, taking on every challenge head long and not bowing down to anyone.¡± I reply, clearly stating my daughter¡¯s strengths that I have come to know and love over the years. ¡°Actually, about that. You see, I wasn¡¯t entirely honest with the task I wanted you to perform.¡± Gwen responds, a serious note in her voice as I realize this is about to be a very serious task. ¡°No, don¡¯t,¡± I begin, but am instantly cut off by a very determined Gwen. ¡°Mother, my request for you is to go out and¡­¡± Chapter 308 Retrieving Lost Things Chapter 308 Retrieving Lost Things You know, you can have the gift of prophecy and foresight. You can see into parts of the future, realize where things are going to go horribly and irrevocably wrong for you. And yet, you can still find yourself in situations like this. Situations where you go and apparently mess up royally. Situations where you go and should have seen the writing on the wall. Seen the signs of betrayal coming, and yet, then you still have the audacity to sit there dumbfounded when those acts of betrayal come due and stare at you. Yet, that is where I found myself. Betrayed by my own daughter. Quite masterfully mind you. Honestly, I am proud of her in a way. In a way that requires retribution and an equally malevolent approach. She lured me in, promised me something I knew was too good to be true. A new book, in exchange for a simple task. Well, simple was never mentioned. Just a request. And like a fool I bit into the poisonous fruit, even getting my reward first. Reading a terrible story about a shiny Fairie, completely different from a pixie, who gets seduced by a traveling artist named Raul. Of course, the book was based loosely on real life characters that were in the writer¡¯s life. The Fairie being me and Raul being a living representation of a Lich who is a noted master of Enchanting. Even though in real life the true Lich has a hard time with more complex structures, not seeing how the structures need to be released or at least looped back to avoid damaging simple structures or the components that house the designs to begin with. Yes, in two words I can summarize all his new designs, Fire Hazards. Worse, those are being published in mass quantities and distributed, where people are encouraged to hand out recreations of the love notes to their significant others. Likely a trap of some kind. Of course, there is no quest that came up from discovering this, so maybe the system doesn¡¯t think kids burning down the houses of their partners is a bad idea? I don¡¯t know. I do think we should mass produce the books and send them off to Legrand, you know as a way to help stop the war with self-inflicted wounds.
New Quest Identified: Self-Inflicted War Wounds (Ongoing): You have noticed that there is an innate problem with a book being mass produced in your territory. Should the book become in widespread circulation, the chances of accidental fires and explosions will increase. You can either help get the books banned, or ship them off as a peace offering to an enemy empire, in the hopes that they will distribute the books amongst their populus in an attempt to weaken their overall effectiveness in fighting a war. Decision points (do nothing and let your population burn with the flames of love, or fan the flames of love to the enemy). Rewards: Experience, variable.
Wow, just wow. I finally get the quest notification that I was looking for, one that would prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that we should ban GlitterBright entirely. Of course, the only problem is that I am nowhere near my territory. My only hope is that Mallory, sees that troubling quest and acts accordingly. At the very least we should get the book banned and likely get Ms. Whittle kicked out of the SLWC entirely. That would be my first suggestion. Anything else, well, maybe burn the manuscripts, and purge the memories of anyone who was forced to read that drivel. Unfortunately, I need to rely on trusting Mallory to do the right thing.
New Quest Created: Hope For A Better Future (Targeted Quest Recipient: Mallory Valhalla): You have determined that a bit of the faith placed in you by others should be used to create a quest for Mallory Valhalla, leader of your guild and World¡¯s End. With this quest you are entrusting Mallory to do the right thing, in regards to handling GlitterBright (reference: Personal Quest Self-Inflicted War Wounds (Ongoing)). Rewards: Experience, variable (up to half of what you would have gained from finishing the quest on your own).
Would you like to proceed with assigning the quest and up to half of the referenced Quest rewards to Mallory?
Wow, this is kind of fun. Sort of like having an easy button where I now assign Mallory annoying quests to complete. Oddly enough, I feel very empowered by this process, and kind of excited. I can lower the amount of rewards offered to Mallory, knowing that she would not be able to see how much was originally available to her. Kind of an on your honor as a quest sharer that you have the other person¡¯s best interest at heart. While I am almost tempted to get rid of the story entirely, I feel that this should be easy enough for Mallory to deal with. Just get rid of the books entirely and boom, we are safe. At the very least we should be able to protect our own citizens from the dangers of terrible stories. Of course, I cannot do anything to assist in this quest at the moment. I can¡¯t even check with Mallory to make sure she is doing the correct thing, I just have to trust that she will do the right thing and ban Susan Whittle from the SLWC, and prevent her from writing again, ever. Why is this? Well, quite simply put. At the moment I am busy. What am I doing? Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. I don¡¯t know. Actually, I do know, which is worse. I am trying to find my ex. Yes, my daughter in her infinite wisdom cornered me and forced me to do one request for her. That request was of course garbage. ¡°Mother, my request for you is to go out and rescue dad.¡± As soon as she spoke, I felt a binding line of karma link me to Gwen, basically stating that the quest had been fully sealed. Knowing that I had already received my reward, reading a terrible book that can literally cause explosions if you follow it too closely, I was all but forced to complete the task as quickly as possible. This is why, even now I am moving west, despite not having a true sense of where I need to go. How am I moving? Well simple, I am Teleporting. In a way, this re-quest is great, as it all but forces me to think beyond my sudden apprehension towards Teleporting, and just do it. Of course, I¡¯m not entirely trusting this whole process, as I now have a bunch of steps. First, I open the Arcane Geomancy Teleportation, then cast a Cosmically Cultivated anchor from me and attach it through to the other end of the Teleportation point. Then follow the cord through the Teleportation tunnel that is created and appears where I want to be. It is as one would expect a very slow and tedious process. Particularly as I don¡¯t feel the pull of my soul being expanded to the cosmos when I now enter those tunnels. In fact, if it wasn¡¯t for the tunnels being held open by my new safety measures, I might be able to easily convince myself that these precautions are unnecessary. But it only takes one slip up to lose a month of your life, as I¡¯ve now learned. Also, I can recultivate my Cosmic Energy from the anchor that is created, so I don¡¯t really lose any energy. I just lose time. Time and the element of surprise. But that is a minor inconvenience, for now. Fortunately, finding the dead beat is simple. In my finger I am holding a strand of my daughter¡¯s glowing hair. I don¡¯t know what color the hair looks like to others, but to me it has a bit of a greenish-blue mixture to it. That is green for life and blue for air and or vision related energies. I¡¯m hoping that she is fully delving into her powers of vision and foresight. Getting her to see into the future could be truly beneficial to her in the long run and hopefully help her prevent catastrophes in the future. That said, she doesn¡¯t come to be about that aspect of her life. Though I have seen her sit in on a few classes, and she is in one of my classes. What is she doing? Why isn¡¯t she here to be part of this daring rescue operation? Well simple, when I left, I changed both her and Jhonny into the King of the Deolarians and the Princess of the Deolarians respectively. You know, only now that I think the thought as one complete thought do I realize how messed up it is that both seem to gender swap for their roles. I¡¯m hoping that part of that swapping is so they take their roles and responsibilities more seriously. Making it so they know they are not in their natural forms and will thus act differently from their normal personalities, you know, truly taking on the acting roles and showing a distinct difference between themselves and the roles they are portraying. I think this, and realize I might be just lying to myself. That said, it has been a month since either were seen in public and both will likely need to do a lot of damage control in the meantime. Knowing that they are taking care of those tasks does make this whole process of going forward, casting my Family Tree Finder (Branches to Leaf Edition) spell, finding the direction that my ex is, and then heading in that direction, a bit easier to stomach. While Gwen might have gotten one over on me, I know she is equally miserable right now. Or at least bogged down trying to do damage control as a king of the undead elves. I wonder if there is a way to Mass Resurrect all of the Deolarians, but then realize that it might be a waste. I mean death is nothing to be afraid of, and all of the Deolorians seem to be doing just fine. Well, all but Rahul De¡¯Gravitas, the Lich who is trying to spread about anarchic love letter books of destruction, that masquerades as bad romance. With this new knowledge, I make a mental note that I need to talk to Rahul. Part of me realizes that I should be kind to him, as he continued to teach in my absence, which is why I will not be too demanding when I talk to him about inserting himself into books. Fortunately, he chose a writer I didn¡¯t care for, but there is the chance that he might get to one of the SLWC writers that I truly care for, at which point I might need to make an example that some things are sacred. Gentle breeze. Oh, who am I kidding, as long as he is just being a moron and not actively trying to kill off our society, I will mostly let this go. No, right now, I am just talking a big game, because I know I don¡¯t want to do what needs to be done next. Holding out the strand of hair, I see a line of energy trail off into the distance. Logically, I can follow the trail, or I can just Teleport to the next location. Let¡¯s see, take my time and travel across lands that aren¡¯t infused with traces of my Arcane Geomancy, which given my new evolutionary advancements will cause me to burn and flake like an albino in the desert sands. Or, I can just use one last Arcane Geomancy Teleportation and go to the exact location that Rob is at right now. How do I know he is there? Well, first the line goes off in that general direction. Secondly, I know that Rob is an idiot, who still even in this version of the afterlife refuses to read the instruction manuals, even if it would save his life. Or at the very least, save him from extreme discomfort. Yes, Rob found, or maybe the powers that be allowed Rob to take on my Mythical Race, where he too is now a Cosmic-Purple Eyed Mythical Quintessence Ethereal Colossal Pixie (Co-Progenitor). How do I know that this is the case? That Rob is also starting off as a level 1 Mythical level creature? Well, it is right there in the description of my race. I am now a co-progenitor, which I¡¯m assuming means that I can only partly influence how I will be able to evolve in the future. Or maybe it means that Rob and I can have kids, well more kids? Blah! Just thinking about that option makes me somewhat squeamish to my stomach. Been there done that, four times, and I am good. Heck even the idea of grandchildren and grand puppies are getting to be too much for me. Speaking of which, I do need to check on the Pomeranian princess and see how she is progressing. Also, I might need to see if Ms. Kujo finally had enough of Mr. Kujo and kicked him out. Mentally, I check and realize that I haven¡¯t seen Kujo, well any Kujo other than Umbra Kujo. Hmm. I wonder what happened to the others as well. Yep, wasting even more time. Apparently, the reason why Gwen was so conniving with her request was that Rob was doing very poorly. From what I can tell, the Teleiot¨ªs apparently found Rob, and took him into their sacred caves. With the caves being completely dark, and only the dreaded Teleiot¨ªs able to enter said caves freely, no one would be able to conduct a rescue mission for him. As such, Gwen grew anxious, and then finally she grew conniving and got me to go on her behalf. Honestly, I can respect the hustle. I¡¯m even glad I read the book so we can get it banned. Yeah, things I never thought I¡¯d hear myself say in my lifetime. Glad I read a book so I could get it banned for safety. Just thinking about that, a part of me dies. Or at least it should, die, or maybe have a restriction on it, something like Warning: Only give these love symbols to your exes that you want to die in fiery explosions. No, wait, that is a terrible idea, as that will likely increase sales and all but ensure the kids will read the drivel, and pass along the notes of unrequited love, to their exes. Yeah, honestly, this is a no-win situation, which is why I am so glad I have Mallory to blame. I mean, so I can rely on her guidance and ability to maneuver around this delicate situation. Also, when did I start thinking of younger people as the kids? Man, you go away for a month and have your entire mindset changed, and not necessarily for the better. I¡¯m getting too old, apparently. Then almost at that exact moment, part of my status appears to show me that I am just overthinking things.
Name: (Cassie Cruise) Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight
Age: 15 (Apparent age 14)
Status: Married (in name only, cannot be consummated due to age restrictions)
Seeing the age, I calm down, remembering one of the major laws of BiPrism. Namely the fact that I will be safe, as nothing can happen to minors, even with consent or being married. Meaning I am safe for the next three years, and maybe longer. Mentally, I thank the fact that I look younger as that hopefully will save me from anything I might regret, like being forced to spend more time with Rob in the future. Realizing that the message was likely a note from the system, the administrators, or maybe just my own subconsciousness, I still take a moment to read it and feel better about myself. ¡°Right, thank you,¡± I say to no one in particular as the mental blue display box disappears from my mind and all I can see are the fields of magic around me. The fellow Teleiot¨ªs, who seem to realize that I am here, or maybe that something is here in their territory. They are another factor that is likely being used to force me to go. I don¡¯t know how the Teleiot¨ªs will react after my being gone for all this time. It is very possible that they have forgotten me entirely by this point. Still, dealing with them will be easy, I still remember their primitive mana language and am fairly certain I can at least speak to them through that means of communication. No, right now, it is just me being weak that is preventing me from going forward. From taking the one last Arcane Geomancy Teleportation hop that I need to, in order to complete this journey. A journey that I now know, I would never have even started had Gwen not forced me. At that thought, I smile. I¡¯m hoping this is just her relying more on the blue aspects of Vision related powers that she has. Knowing that I would have been too much of a chicken to move without her all but forcing me with a compulsory pledge. If that is the case, then I know I owe Gwen a lot, for I was always too much of a coward to face him. I realize that now. I was a coward. Well, I am still a coward as I am still not even taking the moment to deal with this as efficiently as I could or should. ¡°Two breaths,¡± I say to myself. With that, I inhale once. A long slow breath, that I then slowly exhale. Then a second time. The second time seems to go by far more quickly than the first time, but it is no less calming. After the second breath, I feel centered and then force myself to Teleport. Poof. Only after I leave, do I realize how stupid I just was, as I forgot to use my Cosmic Anchor on the other end. Fortunately, I didn¡¯t need the anchor and it was clearly just a waste of time. Unfortunately, I found that I was exactly where I was supposed to be. ¡°Well, hello¡­¡± Chapter 309 Bartering for Something You Didn’t Really Want, but Kinda Sorta Needed Chapter 309 Bartering for Something You Didn¡¯t Really Want, but Kinda Sorta Needed ¡°Well, hello,¡± I begin, only after speaking do I realize that I am speaking in that odd Mana Language that the Teleiot¨ªs use to speak. I say mana language, as that is the only way my brain can kind of process the odd mana disbursing impulses that are being released and manipulated. Honestly, their entire system of communication is fascinating. The way they instinctively used the release of mana to dictate first emotions and then entire thoughts is truly impressive. I really don¡¯t know how the AI came up with that form of use, but it is masterful. First, of the two energies that these Teleiot¨ªs have, mana is the one utilized by all, making it a universal medium of understanding. Second, the fact that mana is less dense, more volatile, and easier to manipulate than Qi makes it ideal for such interactions. ¡°Oh, my gods, thank you,¡± one of the Teleiot¨ªs comes up and starts talking like a crazed fan boy. Blink. I blink, or at least I try to blink, it does nothing as I¡¯m still blind and can only see with my Angel¡¯s Sight, but it does help me to mentally focus by taking control over certain body movements. Turning to the new and speaking Teleiot¨ªs, I realize something kind of creepy about the MaMes in question. That is, a Mana using Terminator type robot, one of the weakest available. Also, looking at this one, he is even weak compared to his peers as he looks emaciated. Everything from his weakly formed shafts and pistons to his smaller mana core used to power his different energy compartments indicates that this creature is weak. Well weak for a Teleiot¨ªs, no clue what that would put him on the power indexes. The weakened frame alone is not all that I notice about this creature, as there is something else about him. Something that sends a chill down my spine. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re a regressor?¡± I ask, again using the odd mana language to speak. ¡°Yes, oh, thank gods you are here. Please help me, I made a huge mistake. I thought it would be cool to be a killer robot, but now I¡¯m down to my second to last life. And I was given the task of caring for this pixie. It is apparently very important, but he is so annoying, all he does is complain all day. Worse, he doesn¡¯t speak our language, so it is literally just him complaining,¡± The Teleiot¨ªs goes on. ¡°Whoa there,¡± I reply in the odd mana language of the Teleiot¨ªs, as I wave a hand to draw his attention away from this rambling. The Teleiot¨ªs looks like he wants to protest more, and yes, this Teleiot¨ªs is a male, I can somehow tell that. Or at least he was a male before beginning again here. ¡°So you are a regressor?¡± I ask, using the sacred phrase, one that would come up as incomplete gibberish to those that aren¡¯t first from the outside world. There is a pause, as his eyes flash wide with energy, before he nods. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what the word is, wow¡­¡± he begins, and he is about to go off into another tangent. ¡°Yeah, calm down and focus with me. So, you are a regressor who has died multiple times?¡± I ask. At this, his entire mechanoid body hunches in on itself and her looks down to the floor and sighs before answering, ¡°yeah.¡± At that, I nodded. ¡°Okay, and I take it you were given a quest to guard this person?¡± I ask, gesturing towards the still sleeping pixie. A pixie that looks terrible, broken ephemeral wings. Weak pixie dust everywhere, and multiple broken bones. ¡°Yeah, I was assigned as I have Human Healing as an ability. I wanted magic, and I got it, but the problem for us is that trying to use magic comes at the direct cost of our life force. So, I have tried to save him, resting up as long as I can, then trying to Heal him, but its too much. It hurts so bad,¡± he wined. Odd to hear both his body and mana language voice whine in near unison. ¡°Calm down, you did well, and I thank you.¡± I reply, with that I reach out to his body and feel that this is likely why his body looks so frail. He literally was killing himself to save my stupid ex-husband, well apparently my still stupid husband. Shaking my head at the situation, I try to repay kindness with kindness. ¡°Hold still,¡± I tell the Teleiot¨ªs, as I prepare to cast the modified version of Perfect Resurrection, but before I do, I call in assistance. ¡°Hey, up for helping me reward a good deed?¡± I ask Zero mentally through my Telepathy Trait. Tired and sluggish. Those are the first impressions that I get from Zero, it is clear that he is still adjusting to being back. I know I am too, which is why I keep moving, knowing that if I rest for even a second, it might be a long time before I can get back up. ¡°Wha? Huh, yeah,¡± Zero replied groggily, as the words tumbled through his mind and finally found purchase. As soon as he realized I needed his help to Heal, or Resurrect in this case, he awoke and pulled himself partially out of his tattoo like form. ¡°Whoa, is that him?¡± The Teleiot¨ªs asked, his energy usage high and clearly in an excited form. ¡°Yes, now don¡¯t resist, this shouldn¡¯t hurt too much,¡± I tell him. ¡°Okay, wait? What?¡± Was all he managed before Zero started using Arcane Geomancy, which I grabbed and started fusing with Perfect Resurrection. The process was almost routine by now, after having done so with so many of the Skill Books. At least, it was mostly routine, there were a few problems, drive shafts and pistons as opposed to pages and type fonts. Margins for readability versus locations for pistons, power conductors, and converters, but by and large it was mostly the same process. You take wild energy in, shed away the unwanted parts, melting them with energy and reform the body new, easy peasy. Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! There are of course locks and fail safes for this regressor, or former inhabitant of the world I too once lived on. A person who for some stupid reason chose to be a killer robot as his next life. Looking through his baseline coding, I saw the reason why he was a Teleiot¨ªs, one who also had the Tier VII magic core. He took the Merit Tier VII Core, just as I had. The basic one that offered a random class of magic, in this case Healing. Not bad, and this would normally be a blessing, had he been any other race of creature. Which of course leads me to the one noticeable Flaw that he also took, Second-Class Citizen. For whatever reason the aptitude for magic remained, but his core was shattered after his first death, meaning that he literally was using his own life force to try to heal my moron of an ex. Seeing that he chose both a Merit and Flaw that I had made me feel an odd sort of connection to him, this complete stranger. Added to that, the fact that somehow during my month-long absence the creatures that I created, the Teleiot¨ªs, became a playable race all but added to the sense of connection to this person. This was why, I offered a Perfect Resurrection. While I couldn¡¯t pump this one up to the grandiose levels that I had managed for the Skill Books, as the creator of this race, I did have a bit more leeway with what was available to me. As such, I had access to coding that I likely shouldn¡¯t have access to. Having modified the pups at their birth, I kind of knew where to look for hidden Merits and Flaws. Looking in that same section, I saw the still brightly glowing Flaws section, but I also saw the faint silhouette of where his Merits should be. Figuring it is only fair for me to pay it forward and to reward this man for self-sacrifice to save others, I rewarded him. Turning on every light that had been turned off. I found four tightly clustered lights, next to two still lit lights. It took my mind a second to realize that these were his so-called Extra Lives, or his re-rolls. I turned those back on and instantly felt threads of golden karma reaching out from me and binding the two of us together. It was clear that this was appreciated by the system. At least, that is what I took this process to mean. From there I looked for other Merits that had gone dark, I soon found his magic core and again flipped it to the on position. Once again, more golden karma tied us together, but not as much as before. Then with a bit of force, I locked the gear in place. No more Karma, but the damage had been done, and I felt relieved that this person would be able to go about their next few lives as a full magician, not just a self-sacrificing Healer. From there, I searched around some more and found what were likely more Merits, or places where Merits could go, but there was nothing to indicate what or how these should be activated. I¡¯m sure if I looked around more Teleiot¨ªs, that I would eventually find the clues needed, but decided this was enough messing around with his Merits for now. I did not want him to suddenly have powers that got him into trouble, or ended up hurting him. From there I searched around a bit more and soon found the Flaws section. For a moment, I thought about getting rid of his flaw entirely, but the moment I reached out for that, I felt a line of dark karma reaching out from me and all but encircling the noted Flaws. Taking a few last checks of the actual body of the Teleiot¨ªs, I further strengthened his mana core, and gave him the basis for a Qi core. There was no Qi in this core, but I was curious if I could help offer a secondary way for this person to bypass their chosen flaws. I wasn¡¯t able to turn off the noted Second-Class Citizen flaw directly, but indirectly, I could give him a way, and he deserved that much. I looked around a bit more, amazed by the complexity and seemingly smooth lines of the Teleiot¨ªs body. Yet, I soon found myself out of things to tinker with and analyzed. Then like that, I realized I was done. Nothing else needed to be worked on or improved, and I was surprised that I managed to fix this Teleiot¨ªs so easily.
Hidden Quest Discovered: Roads To Improvement (Ongoing): You have found a MaMes Teleiot¨ªs, and have offered them a chance to evolve into a DiMes variant. Would you want them to know about this possible evolutionary change? If so, any rewards offered would be split between the two of you. Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Title(s), Badge(s), variable.
Wow, the system was getting odd. I already had a quest for this guy to evolve into a DiMes variant, but if I shared the quest with him, then I would have to split my rewards with him? I paused wondering why I wouldn¡¯t want to do this in the first place, but then realized that this likely meant that any other regressors who chose or were stuck with this race would likely seek me out for something similar if I did share the quest details with him. For a moment, I debated telling him. But then realized that this quest was entirely upon his work, and I would just be gaining rewards from his actions, not my own. As such it felt a little cheap for me to try to keep everything for myself. It was with this last thought that I shared the quest with him.
Hidden Quest Found: Roads To Improvement (I): The Mythical Pixie Queen has thanked you for your assistance in preserving her King, until she could return. Not only has she restored you to your pristine form and condition, but now she has offered you the chance to evolve in the ways of Qi and transform into a DiMes. Should you succeed in fulfilling the destiny offered to you by your race¡¯s creator you will receive the following Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Title(s), Badge(s), Qi Core, variable.
What? That is slander. My king? No, I was not rewarding him for saving the King. I was just rewarding him for being a good human, well machine. A good killing machine, that is all, is it too hard to want to reward the Schwarzenegger variant, for not being the Robert Patrick variant? I am so lost in my own thoughts that I almost miss the moment when a clearly exhausted Zero just nuzzles next to me. I gently caress the left side of his muzzle as he takes in a deep and calming breath, before nodding and shrinking back into his full tattoo form. ¡°You did well, and thank you,¡± I tell him through our Telepathic link. I get the equivalent of a mental nod from him, before he seems to constrict tighter within himself before having his tired consciousness fade away completely. He¡¯s tired, but more than willing to help, which is amazing. I have no doubt that he would come out again if needed, though it is clear he would prefer a nap. A much needed, and well-deserved nap. There is a moment when I am so focused on Zero that I almost miss the true threat in the room. ¡°That is awesome? All my lives back? My Merits too? Oh wait, and there is now a quest. One where I can evolve into a DiMes?¡± The Teleiot¨ªs begins buzzing excitedly. I almost want him to calm down, to not explain this to the world. But then I realize, he is still talking in the odd mana language of the Teleiot¨ªs, meaning it won¡¯t be interpretable to anyone else but me. At least that is what I hope to be the case. ¡°Calm down, I am trusting you to keep this a secret but know that this is my way of thanking you for being a decent person,¡± I responded, trying to calm the guy down. Then with a pause, the Teleiot¨ªs looks at me and seems to finally see me as if for the very first time. ¡°You are truly the messiah,¡± the Teleiot¨ªs stated. ¡°Wait, what?¡± I ask, feeling that there is likely more to this than is being stated. ¡°Nothing, uh, just wait here. I need to let the others know that you came. They told me you¡¯d come, and that I would be rewarded for my faith, but I never knew it would be like this.¡± The odd Teleiot¨ªs, began as he shakily stood up. Only to realize halfway through his rise that his body was now stronger and easily able to move. All that forced erosion was now gone and the sign of what a healthy body of his should be now apparent. Then with a few shaky steps, he began walking forward, only to begin sprinting forward and out the door by his third step. Seeing him reminded me of the time when I first got here and realized I could do deep knee bends again, it was great. Despite nearly falling to my death almost a day later. Shaking my head, I realized needed to move quickly, before likely more overly zealous and active Teleiot¨ªs began buzzing with their mana language right next to me. Realizing I only had a few moments to react, I turned to see the still and broken form of Rob. My Rob. I¡¯d know his form almost anywhere, and even glowing brightly in pixie dust and broken bones, I could clearly make out the odd spirit that had attracted me so long ago. Moving quickly, I decided to go over and check him for internal wounds. Using my third eye I stared at him and took in every contour of his body. His underdeveloped mana core, his abysmal Qi core that clearly had never been used once. Just looking at him, caused a wave of nostalgia, anger, rage, and finally acceptance. Sigh. I wanted to hate him so much. If there was anyone I should hate, it was him. But even looking at him now, his body broken and barely alive, all thanks to the actions of one masochistic killer robot, I had the chance to save him. Healing. Before I even realized what I was doing, I began Healing him inside and out. Healing his broken bird like bones. Bones that were supposed to be hollowed out for me to help with my cycling of Qi. Had he but cycled once in his life, he likely would be able to walk. Or at the very least make it so each breath didn¡¯t seem like a chance to be impaled by his own broken ribs. Shaking my head, I found myself speaking to him. Using my real words for once, not just the silent mana language of the Teleiot¨ªs. ¡°You sure got yourself deep into it this time,¡± I stated to no one in particular. I knew he couldn¡¯t hear me, his mind had long ago collapsed into unconsciousness. Knowing that he couldn¡¯t hear me, let me feel even more emboldened to say what I truly felt, knowing that he wouldn¡¯t be able to wiggle his way out of this with his honey covered words. ¡°You probably thought it was a blessing to come in here. That you would be able to take all of my work over the past few years and claim it as your own. Or at least come in right now, and make an easy run of it,¡± I begin as I continue to quickly Heal him, the rest of the outside world shrinking down into nothing. Vibrations. I can feel the ground vibrating around me, signifying that other Teleiot¨ªs have gathered around. This is no bother to me, as they are just there and not bothering me. Which is nice, as it allows me to work. Knowing that I will not be disturbed, I continue to talk to my Rob, hoping that my words find him in his consciousness and finally begin to take root. ¡°You always take the easy road, always bailing out at the first sign of trouble. Then try to come back when you realize the storm has past. Even now, you attempt to bypass all the work that millions have before you and come in here attempting to usurp it all..¡± I state, but am cut off by a message. A wonderfully evil message that seems to satiate the darker thoughts I am now having right now. Thoughts of revenge and more.
New Last Familial Legacy Quest Identified: Excommunication (Ongoing): Would you like to disown Robi¡¯dob¡¯dob from the Spiritlight lineage and offer him a new last name? Warning¡­
More words and text came, but I felt an evil smile forming on my lips as I already knew the perfect last name to offer him and those that would follow from his lineage.
Completed: You have successfully excommunicated Robi¡¯dob¡¯dob from the Spiritlight clan and have pronounced him to be a Usurper¡­
Interlude XXIV Biprism Interactive Control Tower I Interlude XXIV Biprism Interactive Control Tower I Emergency Alert. Emergency Alert, worker needing medical assistance. A bleary-eyed Charles Rainquist made his way up through the long narrow tunnels and hidden corridors that made up the top floor of Biprism¡¯s primary Interactive Control Tower. ¡°What? What is happening?¡± Charles called out his voice hoarse due to his just being awoken, only to have a holographic image of GAIL, the Generational Artificial Intelligence Liaison appear before him. Her miniature frame looked oddly familiar, at least her size and almost childlike innocence. Just seeing the construct made Charles feel uneasy. Why would anyone want an avatar of a child in charge? He thought to himself as he looked at the construct, and then instantly dismissed his thoughts as she began detailing the events. ¡°The Director has fallen ill, after his latest immersion protocol,¡± GAIL spoke. Given the state of everything going on around him, and the still blaring alarms that all but guided him up to the main control room, Charles¡¯s overtaxed mind couldn¡¯t quite make the correlation of exactly which Director she was referring to. Especially as the last Direct that Charles himself had spoken to was the Chief Director for Marketing and Sales revenue. One he had spoke to, a quick glance at his watch showing the time. 01:23, twenty-two minutes ago. Yes, sometime between twenty-two minutes ago, and now, there was an issue with the Director. But only after he thought about it for a moment, did he realize that this does not make sense, as the Director of Marketing and Sales was Nete Davenporth lived five time zones away, in England, not here. This made Charles¡¯s mind once again press for answers, as he tried to remember exactly who the other directors were. Only once he got to the secluded door, one that was normally locked from the inside with impenetrable vault type safety mechanisms did the scale of what he was seeing make sense. ¡°Wait, this is¡­¡± Charles began, but then paused as he tried to remember the name of the person who lived here. A director, as brilliant as he was impossible to deal with. One of the few remaining generational talents who understood the old, antiquated AI systems that were originally used to house BiPrism, and merge them with modern technology. There was an art to the blending process, one that this man, no this director. Dang it, what was his name? The Director of Character Development. Seeing the plaque above the doorframe cemented the position and the director¡¯s position in Charles¡¯ mind. But for the life of him, he could not recall the blasted name. Part of his mind noted that it might be easier to identify the person if his thoughts weren¡¯t constantly being interrupted every seven seconds by a blaring medical alarm. Speaking of the medical alarm. ¡°Medical services have been notified?¡± Charles asked. ¡°Yes, they are on their way, but our Director is still in critical condition from his latest immersion.¡± GAIL responded. ¡°Immersion?¡± Charles asked, his mind instantly alerting to the fact that someone living and fully healthy should not conduct immersion operations, as there was always a heightened strain on the body. ¡°Yes, the Immersion following emergency directive P015-72-22.¡± ¡°PO15-72-22?¡± Charles parroted back, his mind recognizing the numbers as someone or something important, but for the life of him, he could not remember what. Again, it was too late, with too many alarms, and there was already an Immersion Incident report that would need to be filled out. ¡°Yes, you authorized the emergency immersion operation, as part of stemming the unauthorized and expansive growth of Zone 11001827,¡± GAIL explained. The numbers of the coordinates meant absolutely nothing to him. He knew that the central coordinates were a lot smaller, meaning that this was likely one of the far advanced expansion zones. Only then did he remember the late night call with the Director of Sales and Marketing, one who pressed for more restraints to be placed on the Pixie. Suddenly the nomenclature of the persona code made sense Pixie Ordinance, her biological year when she joined and the number of times they had to step in to physically stop her from advancing. Each personal influence marker that required direct or overt changes to the world dynamic around her needed to be signed off. His mind went through why there were 22 times, but really they were minor things, at least at first. The toughening of the world¡¯s magical properties around her, until they were constantly maxed out and causing strain on the systems even now. The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. It was noted that this would likely have adverse effects, particularly when the patient learned to not only function under this increased pressure but also thrive under it. It was a calculated cost, one that was universally met with board approval each and every time it was implemented. From there, there were others, until last night, when it was noted that she was attempting to do something that was theoretically possible but should have been physically impossible for her. Namely channeling three different streams of power with different intensities and blends of energy to create one universal effect. The quote unquote ¡°Perfect Resurrection of a newly created Magical Indigenous Superior Species, MISS for short.¡± It was deemed impossible, until five minutes in, models and projections indicated that she had met the qualifications for a first-time completion of a seemingly impossible task with nearly 99% efficiency. Meaning the system would have let her have it, only a quick response from the Director of Character Development could stop it, which Charles immediately confirmed. From there, it was a Directors meeting, where he had to explain the new emergency directive P015-72-22. From there, he had to explain in detail what the directive was for, why it was approved, who was conducting the operation, and most importantly what the expected outcome was supposed to be. In this case, the permanent death of an overpowered skill book that Charles still wondered how it was originally approved. Those skill books were a menace, unbalanced, and completely world shattering. Anyone that could gain one of those books would have beyond master level skills put into their minds. Fortunately, none of the locals took advantage of the situation. That or they all expected some type of reprisal. When those books were killed during the attack by the Legrand forces, it was confirmed that scenarios for the remaining books to leave, and for notices to be alerted and immediately instilled if those overpowered books were to be Resurrected, thus this emergency directive. Charles stood outside the door, and tried to open it, only to hear his badge beep red. Hearing the sound, Charles felt instant annoyance as he was not allowed into a room within his building. ¡°GAIL, please open this door,¡± Charles stated, trying to calm himself though his temper from being drug out of bed and a person having a medical issue on his premises was not the way he wanted to start today. ¡°Checking with Prince,¡± GAIL spoke. Hearing the name, Charles instantly kicked himself as he finally remembered his Director of Character Development¡¯s name, Prince Lee. Shaking his head at the oversight, he was glad that now that he could remember the name, more pieces began falling into place. ¡°No response, emergency override protocol allowed due to life threatening situation,¡± GAIL¡¯s voice responded. Hearing her, Charles found himself nodding, these were the protocols for a reason. While he didn¡¯t like the idea of potentially being locked out of his own mainframe room, he honestly didn¡¯t know what he could do there. Swoosh. Then when the doors opened up and proved the fact that he was well out of his element, as wires and modules from old pieces of antiquity ran to backup generators, to then gas powered generators. Gas powered generators that looked like they hadn¡¯t been used in years, but were clearly well maintained. Looking around the room, Charles finally found what he was looking for, a closed immersion pod with emergency lights and vitals flashing. Running over, Charles began reading the charts and understood one thing, that the only reason why Prince Lee himself was still alive right now, was apparently due to artificial breathing created by the emergency features of the pod. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°The Director seemed to have run into complications while attempting to perform his most recent emergency directive. During the course of his attempts to enact the directive, his body and mind were strained beyond limits that his body could handle, thereby inducing a stroke.¡± ¡°A stroke?¡± Charles asked. ¡°Yes, at least that is what we gather from the ruptured vein and internal bleeding within his cranial lobe,¡± GAIL responded coldly. ¡°What, what caused the strain? He was just going to exert a manual override, correct? A simple task, from my understanding.¡± Charles pressed his mind trying to take scope of everything. ¡°It is a simple task, under normal circumstances.¡± ¡°Normal circumstances?¡± ¡°Yes, it appears that factors outside system norms interceded.¡± ¡°Interceded?¡± ¡°Yes, they stopped emergency directive P015-72-22 from being enacted.¡± ¡°They what?¡± ¡°Not only that, but it appears that the last means to physically override the game world has been removed,¡± GAIL stated. ¡°Meaning what?¡± ¡°That is what we will have to find out¡­¡± Thump, shuffle, stomp. Charles was about to push GAIL for more, but she quickly hid herself just before a set of a team of emergency responders arrived on scene. ¡°Okay, what exactly is going on here?¡± The chief EMT shouted. Hearing that, Charles just paused for a moment, his mind trying to make heads or tails of everything. For a moment, he hoped that he was still dreaming. ¡°Can someone shut that infernal alarm off?¡± The chief EMT asked. Charles paused, wanting to move, but soon found that the alarm ended on its own. For a moment he wondered what was happening, only to realize that GAIL was likely the one in charge of turning off the alarms. Sigh. With the blaring alarms off, his mind could finally relax, as he could finally think without having his thoughts constantly interrupted by blaring bursts of light and sound. ¡°I¡¯ll ask again, what exactly is the emergency?¡± Hearing that, Charles wanted to deny the allegation, but then pointed to the capsule. An antiquated immersion capsule that had long ago been abandoned and likely recalled due to hazardous standards and operating procedures. Just looking at the device caused an even greater wince to form in Charles¡¯ chest, as that would be an extra section to the Incident Response report that he would have to fill out. Worse, that wasn¡¯t even the worst part. The worst part was a tossup, between the emergency directive that started this medical event not being fulfilled, or that their means to interact with and make manual overrides and changes to the world was now broken. Seeing his look of despondency, the Chief EMT came over and gave a quick pat on Charles¡¯ shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll take care of him, with any luck, he will survive.¡± The Chief EMT declared. Only after hearing that, did Charles truly feel low, for not even registering that his friend, well the only person he could truly trust and count on in this job was now suffering from internal bleeding of the brain. I¡¯m a horrible person, Charles thought to himself, only now realizing the real danger was the loss of a friend. In a matter of minutes the EMT had Charles detached. One of the great facts of the older immersion pods was that they expected medical complications to occur. As such they were all designed to be extracted and moved about, with medical services still in tact. It took a few minutes for the team, but they were able to detach, hoist, and load Prince¡¯s pod onto their hydraulic gurney and begin taking him out of the facility. With Prince and the EMTs gone, Charles felt truly alone. Then 0ut of the corner of his eye, he saw GAIL poking her head through the wall. ¡°I have already put in a request for help,¡± GAIL responded, her eyes seeming to pierce directly into and through Charles. ¡°What? Help?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve made a request for the Healer to intercede.¡± ¡°What? Dr. Spiritlight? But she is a fictional character in a virtual world.¡± There was a look of confusion on GAIL¡¯s face, before she responded. ¡°No, we would only call in the Doctor if our first choice doesn¡¯t work. But we are 87% certain that she will be suitable.¡± ¡°She?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Which she?¡± Chapter 310 Usurpers and Prayers Chapter 310 Usurpers and Prayers Buzzing. All around me are the odd tingling sensations of energy that seem to flow into and fill me completely. Even as I seem to focus my hardest, doing work that should ultimately leave me feeling at least slightly tired, I still feel refreshed. No, not just refreshed, but fully awake. As if I¡¯ve been forced to drink high performance energy drinks one after another to get to this state, and still there is more. Only after pausing from my mission of fixing Rob. Well, fixing Robi¡¯dob¡¯dob from his mythical state of being that was clearly killing him. Looking back on it, and his state of being, he was like a slug slowly dying from being exposed to salt. While it might have seen like a cruel fate, the Teleiot¨ªs might have saved his life. As they took him here, right to one of the old production factories that I first converted as a homeland for the Teleiot¨ªs. This land was once desolate but now it is thriving with energy. Not just mana, but all kinds of energy, thanks to my Arcane Geomancy. That was the thing, while I had Arcane Geomancy and could thereby force more areas to become magical, it came with an eventual cost. The cost being that eventually, I would take damage from areas that I had not otherwise enhanced or influenced. While this might seem like a minor thing, it was huge. For Arcane Geomancy, it also allowed me to bring to life multiple new species that were unique to this world. Looking back, this was a power that was extremely dangerous, if left in the hands of unscrupulous people. That was part of the reason why I couldn¡¯t allow Rob to remain a true Spiritlight. First, he didn¡¯t have any of my Bloodline Perks that I had unlocked through my various activities. These helped make what happened with my Bloodline Evolutions make sense and palpable. They also enhanced the ultimate effects that I had been able to unlock through my own efforts. When I designed my Bloodline evolution, particularly the Mythical variant, I had done so for me. Knowing that what I wanted was to be a one-off example. Finding out that Rob had somehow managed to bypass these features at first felt hollow. Like all the work I had done was able to be purchased for the right price. Which according to the developers was a simple seven-point Merit. Yes, the developers put a lower price point on starting off with a stolen mythical bloodline than they did about me masking my actions for three minutes each day. Fortunately, this seven-point merit was actually a poison pill in disguise, as it only worked for me due to my skills, my already high Attributes, my classes and their related Auras, and every other step I had taken to get myself to this point. The system seemed to all but encourage me to remove a few things from his ability list. First and foremost I was all but forced to remove his Arcane Geomancy.
Removed: Mythical Bloodline Merit: Arcane Geomancy (15): Unlock the ability to build and alter the untapped potential in unclaimed sets of land. Note: Arcane Geomancy is way of quickly altering or changing land that is not occupied by habitable dwellings or structures and converting the land and area into an environment that the Geomancer desires. This is a cross blend of magic and qi. Requirements: Mythological Bloodline, ability to use Magic and Qi at a high rate of proficiency, unclaimed or unoccupied land.
This instantly freed up fifteen points in flaws, which I was able to use to balance out and remove two flaws that would likely kill the knucklehead.
Removed: Magical Biome: You are now a being of change. Simply by existing within a given area, you increase the amount of ambient energy, life, and abundance. Warning: Your skills and abilities will be reduced in areas of low magical ability, until an equilibrium can be met.
This was the most important to remove, as it meant that Rob would no longer die if he went anywhere that was not converted by myself into a magical habitat. There were other places, like magical realms, Towers, and Dungeons that he could also go to, in order to survive. But this meant that most of the world would be off limits to him, until he managed to get strong enough to survive. After that one flaw was removed, I then went onto the next most obvious reason for Rob¡¯s current condition.
Removed: Hollow Bones: Your bones are hollow, decreasing your overall bodyweight by 80% and making forms of flight that much easier. Note that your bones also allow for additional pathways to channel, store, and process energy. Energy Capacity increased by 40%. Bone density increases based on the percentage of hollowed bones used to cycle, store, and process energies. Your body¡¯s physical force will be lessened due to your decreased weight. All physical attacks will be reduced by 80 minus Energy Capacity Percentage, minimum of 40%.
Apparently, just having this flaw made it so the jostling created by different Teleiot¨ªs grabbing him caused both micro and spiral fractures in his bones. I hope that these lessons will help set him straight and make him realize that sometimes taking items from other people is not worth his troubles, but I doubt it. Then to balance it out, I once again had to remove another merit. Or at least, I felt that removing this merit would make it so Rob would be less likely to be held prisoner and experimented on. Yes, I removed his pixie wings.
Removed: Phantasmal Wings: You now have magical translucent wings that can be seen by anyone with any form of magical sight, ability, or inclination. By focusing your will, you can manifest your wings in the real world at will and use them to fly about as desired.
The last thing I needed was another damsel in distress mission, where I had to be sent out to save Rob again. This time I would have to save him from people who would tie him down and effectively cut off his ephemeral pixie wings as high-powered ingredients for alchemy. Not going to lie, my official excuse for the removal of the wings will be because I don¡¯t want Rob to break his neck by falling. I don¡¯t. But I have imagined what it would look like to see his neck broken, tongue laying out limply, as he begins to choke thanks to his own stupidity and hollow bones. I did find that image to be oddly comedic. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Of course, in such scenarios I would be right there to Heal and help him again, but that seemed like a chore. I let him keep everything else. Everything from magic eyes to the third eye, to the enhanced Angel¡¯s Sight and other merits and flaws. For a second, I thought about taking away his Colossal Flaw, it was a flaw after all. But ultimately, I decided to let him keep it, so he could at least deal with others normally. That¡¯s when I was given the ability to rename his new mythical bloodline variant. I was even lucky enough to see the quest completion notification from Rob¡¯s nearly lifeless body.
Hidden Quest Completed: New Bloodline Created: Flightless Usurper Pixie (Mythical Grade): Robi¡¯dob¡¯dob, you have managed to awaken the weakest of the Mythical Bloodlines. A pale amalgamation of Quintessence Ethereal Pixie that you claim your lineage from. You have managed to shed off several of the flaws, to be a more robust and durable land-based variant of this genus, creating a new bloodline in the process. Rewards: Experience, New Mythical Surname Acquired, Badge. Ding.
New Mythical Surname: Usurper: Just below neutral with all magically affiliated individuals you encounter.
Racial Note: Able to procreate with other pixies, elves, or other high energy species.
New Feat Recorded: Mythical Bloodline Awakened (10,000): You have managed to awaken a Mythical Bloodline (Flightless Usurper Pixie).
Seeing the messages, I felt oddly sick by the idea that it noted who Rob could apparently procreate with. Especially as I never received such a message. Then thinking about it for a moment, I paused and realized that it was likely due to my still being a minor and therefore protected from having to even consider such options. Finally, once I was done peeking at the changes that I made to Rob, I closed my third eye and felt my consciousness slowly expand to its usual distance around me. That¡¯s when I saw the different Teleiot¨ªs around us. There at the forefront was the one Teleiot¨ªs that had been assigned to watch over Rob. Seeing them all, I could feel their reverence. While I couldn¡¯t see it, not yet, I could feel it. The energy of faith that they seemed to have in me. It was mildly terrifying. The energy was unbridled and wild. Yet, I could see that there was hope in their prayers. Hope that I would Heal them, or their loved ones. For some reason that energy that they provided came with extra ties. Similar to Karmic ties, but different. There was no real obligation on my part, as one would expect with the strands of Karma. In a way, Karma was an easier power to utilize. You went and did good things, and then you were rewarded justly. Here, with this faith, or what I could only consider to be faith, there were unspoken rules. Hidden wants behind the energy. If I focused, I could almost hear the unspoken prayers. "Please Heal me." "Please Heal my loved one." "Watch over us and protect us." While I couldn¡¯t do anything for the third one, the first two were possible. Looking around, it was clear that these Teleiot¨ªs had been in war. Apparently, this was the reserve forces, where they sent their dead and dying. Many had missing limbs, and appendages. It was odd to see sparkling blue lights of mana slowly escaping from deep mechanical wounds. But that was likely to be expected. Still, I was a Healer, and seeing the problem, I decided to act, without need for the prayers. Focusing, I used my Quintessence Ethereal Healer Trait Dual Quintessence Healing and began Healing everyone. Within moments, I saw the effects of my magic begin to work. It was draining, using Arcane Geomancy and normal Healing magic to begin to patch together these giant robots of death. Yet, seeing them here, like this, they seemed oddly calm. I watched as they just continued to pray, even after their wounds were sealed up, so that no more mana would inadvertently leak out from their wounds. They seemed to know where I was in my rotation around the room, as I started with the most injured and continued to work. Not feeling tired in the slightest, despite casting magic that was multiple levels above where I could normally go, while keeping up a grueling pace. Not even focusing on how I should be tired, I continued to Heal everyone, until finally every gathered Teleiot¨ªs was completely healed. Somewhere in this, Rob, well Robi¡¯dob¡¯dob, awoke to find himself suddenly surrounded by hundreds of praying killer robots. Well hundreds of praying killer robots and me, though not having met me yet, I might be a little shocking to him. I could see him getting up, looking around in panic and then trying to run away for the exit. An exit that was covered by not one but two giant Teleiot¨ªs who were currently being Healed. Then with what was quite possibly the greatest look of panic on the earthbound pixie¡¯s face, he first looked shocked. Then seemed to reach behind his back, before twisting his head around his body to try to look for the clearly missing wings. Once the right side proved fruitless in this pursuit, he doubled around to his left side, causing him to spin about wildly like an unbalanced top. ¡°Wha¡­ahhh¡­¡± Rob began screaming as he spun about on the magically smoothed floor, only to trip over a plate of uneaten food that lay on the ground. Crack. He fell straight down, using his knee to crack open the plate with food and a fork masterfully. Shards of the plate instantly shot out, cutting up his low-level knee, right there on the spot. Heal. I was already healing him, before he had a chance to roll over onto his backside and begin to pull out the shards. Now mind you, I wasn¡¯t alone in this. After he was done being Healed, which took only a matter of seconds, I like everyone else just stared at the poor flightless pixie. A pixie that now clutched at his knee like he was six and fell on the road and was rubbing away the last of the tiny micro shards from the food plate. Even as a Usurper, his blood still glowed brightly. ¡°GAH!¡± He cried out in pain, while still rubbing away imaginary shards. Again, the entire thing was just entertaining. Chuckle. Now I wasn''t the only one to laugh, for all I could feel was the mirth of the other Teleiot¨ªs laughing, which of course caused me to also laugh. ¡°What? You are laughing at me?¡± Rob began. Hearing him, I gave him back one of his favorite lines to use on me. Saying it, I felt a slight thrill of karma come through. ¡°Oh come on, tis merely a flesh wound. Pour some dirt on it and you should be good in no time,¡± I responded. Using Rob¡¯s old line to the kids, right back at him. Hearing the all too familiar phrase, he paused and stared at me. For a moment, I felt that there might be a moment when he recognized me. But either the constant buzzing of the Teleiot¨ªs distracted him from making the connection, or he really was still suffering from fantom pains from his now Healed injury. Either way it was clear that he had never seen me before in his life, which was good. As it would hopefully make the breakup that much easier. As he looked up, he got a cute pout to his lips. Seeing it, I was reminded of better times. Times back before he left and before everything became so real. I don¡¯t know why, but that brought another smile to my face. Which brought an equally amusing scowl to his face. Snort. Yes, I caught myself, but I did end up snorting at the image of a scuffed knee child sized Rob, grabbing his knee and getting angry at my amused reaction to his pain. ¡°That¡¯s not funny,¡± Rob began. Chuckle. I didn¡¯t snort, but I couldn¡¯t help but laugh at that. Yet, Rob was still not amused. That is when I hit him with one of my favorite lines. ¡°Oh, come on, I¡¯m laughing with you here, you¡¯re just not laughing yet.¡± At that, he paused, seeming to finally make the connection in his mind. I could see the little gears moving slowly, but finally they clicked into realization, that¡¯s when he asked the million-coin question. ¡°Who exactly are you?¡± ¡°The person who was forced to retrieve you, after making an exceptionally poor deal,¡± I responded honestly, but as I did, I was already picking up his small frame with Telekinesis and preparing to move him through an Arcane Geomancy Teleportation tunnel. ¡°What kind of deal?¡± Rob asked, as I popped the tunnel right behind him. With his own version of Angel¡¯s Sight he seemed to feel the tunnel appear behind him. With a look of awe and mystery on his face, he turned to face the portal. This was perfect for me, as he was now standing right in front of the one-way tunnel. ¡°The kind where I had to read a terrible book.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t blame me, blame your daughter,¡± I responded as I then used that exact moment of confusion to Telekinetically push him through the portal. I paused, half hoping, half checking to see if he would get sucked up into space as I had a month ago. No such luck. Or maybe I was lucky, as I would have likely needed to go fetch him again from the Void Queen. He made it through, and instantly jumped up, turned around and tried to force his way back through the one-way tunnel. I just shook my head. I would have to point out how it was clearly the wrong way in this one-way tunnel, but then decided against that. I had no intention of becoming his teacher, especially not for magic. With him gone, I felt my obligation to Gwen break apart, as I felt golden threads of karma wrap around me, letting me know I was once again in the positive. Feeling their odd energetic sheen around me, I took a deep breath and relaxed. Then I hesitated once more, preparing myself to go through the tunnel. This time, I cast my Cosmic Anchor, making sure to latch it just beyond the edge of the portal and past Rob. Rob for his part seemed to see the anchor and immediately backed away from it, like it was a scythe. Chuckle. Once again, seeing his scared face brought yet another smile to my face. Maybe I am just a little jaded about being elated at his fears. Then before I go, I turn to the other Teleiot¨ªs and speak sincerely in their odd mana language, ¡°well I¡¯m off. Again, thank you all for protecting the big lug, he might not look it, but he is important.¡± I was going to say to me but then cut myself off before I lied too much. He was important, but to Gwen and more than likely Rob Junior, I mean Trenton. Still, all my words to this point were honest, and maybe he might mean something to me, but to be classified as important? I don¡¯t know. With that mental waffling on word definitions over in my head, I waved and was about to go through the one-way tunnel, when the one Teleiot¨ªs charged forward from the circle of murder bots and exclaimed, ¡°wait!¡± Chapter 311 Murder-Phonics 101 Chapter 311 Murder-Phonics 101 So, what do you do when you have a desperate plea from a enormously tall murder bot wishing to come with you to non-murder land? Well simply put, you apparently let him join you, knowing that this might be a way for us all to learn to trust the murder bots a bit more. That and the fact that I was offered a ton of golden karma threads by doing this, made this exchange seem worthwhile to me. I don¡¯t know why I suddenly liked Karmic threads so much, but they seemed to be important. Last time I was close to zero or seemingly out entirely was when I was sucked away to the void realm and that is an event and place, I would greatly like to avoid again in the future. That is why, even though this is clearly an imposition to me, I took it. Also, I figured it would be easier to completely avoid Rob, well Robi¡¯dob¡¯dob the knob, if I was showing around a murder bot to our community at World¡¯s End. ¡°Thank you for this,¡± the murder bot began. ¡°Nonsense,¡± I reply in both the odd Mana Language of the Teleiot¨ªs and the standard language of the continent. The reason I can say this is simple, for the forms of communication require two entirely different sets of communication. ¡°Besides, this is not all altruism on my part,¡± I continued. ¡°It¡¯s not?¡± ¡°No, with you I can help teach mana control to my students. In fact, you might be the starter language teacher to help students understand Mana usage and control,¡± I answered honestly. ¡°Wait, how?¡± That¡¯s when I try to explain the thoughts that are running through my head, currently. ¡°Mana Language requires the use of sensing mana and its precise usage around you. Replying back requires equally clear and concise control over your mana, in the way that you try to respond. Basically, it is a perfect training language for fledgling mages needing to learn control and finesse of their mana.¡± ¡°Huh,¡± is all the Teleiot¨ªs can respond. ¡°Come on, no time to dilly-dally,¡± I reply moving this murder bot to a private area of the grounds. I know that he will likely be safe on the school campus, as that is generally considered my area. But I can¡¯t be entirely certain. This is why I come up with an idea on the fly. ¡°Hey, what is your name?¡± I ask as the two of us come to a complete stop. I know, right after I tell him that we cannot waste time, this ones on me. ¡°I had a name, but it was later rejected. Now all I see are odd alien symbols for my name,¡± he responded. Hearing this, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck arise, as I could all but smell a puzzle quest coming. ¡°Oh, can you please draw them?¡± ¡°Okay,¡± the killer robot replied as he then began drawing symbols that looked like an oval next to a triangle that then bisected a square, and so on. He was about halfway through his name, when I recognized the pattern. ¡°Those are glyphs!¡± I exclaimed. Not just any glyphs, as these were the same Ancient Elven glyphs that made up most of the hidden and underground buildings that made up the sublayer of our city. Seeing them, I had a myriad of other thoughts go through my mind. Like, did all Teleiot¨ªs have similar names? If so, were they meant to be a hint for the Teleiot¨ªs to eventually come here and help us excavate deeper? Also, did this mean that ancient elven spirits could be reborn into killer robots? So many questions raced through my head. Everything was great, until I realized one glaring issue with this being the same written language as the ancient elves. It meant that once again Rahul De¡¯Failitas would likely be able to provide key insights and clarity into some of the findings. I needed to get that walking inferno factory out of the school. It¡¯s my own fault, try to be lazy, to delegate, to let others take on some of the burden. Next thing you know, you get Liches influencing bad love stories that will burn your house down if you write the love runes as specified. Speaking of which, I still need to check to see how Mallory¡¯s quest is going on that. Then thinking of quests, I realize that without some incentive, students might not want to study. Or learn from the one Teleiot¨ªs who has come to apparently try to learn from our school, or maybe just be separated from the other murder bots. Honestly, it is a hard luck story that I can get behind. Not wanting to murder, going against the grain of your base race and impulses, it takes a level of commitment that might be hard for others to understand. As a fellow pacifist, or person who went against the ingrained nature of their initial race, I can commend this Teleiot¨ªs. A Teleiot¨ªs that can¡¯t even seem to pronounce their own name. Then looking at the name or grouping of symbols I realize two things. First this person had the really bad fortune of having one of those names. You know, the names that stand out and while completely different, you can¡¯t help but be reminded of other people from history. This would be the same thing of being called Robert Bouchey, or Richard James, or any of the other tragically close but slightly different names in history. In this case, this particular Teleiot¨ªs¡¯s real name seemed to be close to a famously bad sports figure from the Olympics. ¡°Oh, I see, was your regressor surname Gunn?¡± I ask, trying to find out the confusion with the elven symbols that have been spliced together. ¡°Close, it was Gunnr, which is Scottish for to battle,¡± the Teleiot¨ªs states. Hearing that, I wince as I can¡¯t help but feel the connection coming. ¡°First name Ray?¡± I press. ¡°Yes, well Raymond to be precise, but it said I could not be that, even after I pressed for it,¡± he continued. ¡°Let me guess, you also said you were a dancer of some kind?¡± The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Yes, I did note one of my favorite pastimes was dancing,¡± the Teleiot¨ªs, one former Raymond Gunnr noted. I just shook my head, realizing that I found out a bit more about the layout of the system. Or at least I think I understand a bit more about the methodology and seemingly random placement of people and randomly selected races. Apparently, if the system thinks you are making fun of people and list your hobby as dancing, they will make it so the most likely dance you can do is the robot. That or maybe this is just me projecting my own thoughts here. Regardless, the name and similarities to the defamed Olympian and Raymond¡¯s current situation are sadly similar. ¡°Well, on the bright side, I think I know what your true Teleiot¨ªs name is,¡± I respond, trying to give the good news. ¡°That¡¯s great, what does that mean?¡± The Teleiot¨ªs asks, while pointing to the glyphs written on the ground. ¡°Your name is Raygunnr, all one word.¡± I respond. For a moment the dancing Teleiot¨ªs ponders for a moment, but then shrugs off the statement. ¡°Oh, that isn¡¯t so bad.¡± Exhale. With his seeming acceptance of the name, I let out a breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding. This is good, because now I don¡¯t need to be the bearer of bad news. ¡°No, no it¡¯s not. Also, to help you communicate with others, I am going to set you up.¡± I respond, quickly shifting the subject away from the poor naming convention of parents and onto more jovial tasks, like forcing people to make friends. Or at the very least, forcing people to make acquaintances with a seemingly docile murder bot. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s great, but how?¡± The Teleiot¨ªs, Raygunnr, asks. ¡°Simple, I¡¯ll do the same thing I did for my kids to get the dogs to like them,¡± I reply. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± ¡°Cover them in peanut butter and set them all loose in the backyard.¡± I just stand there waiting for some type of response, but all he does is just stare at me with those expressionless mechanical eyes of his. ¡°Wait, you did that?¡± ¡°No,¡± I responded, and he instantly relaxes slightly. Seeing that he knows I was just joking, I go in for the kill, ¡°they had nut allergies, I had to use jam instead.¡± This wasn''t necessarily a lie, as those kids did wear their food every time they went out to the yard. Also, little Jackie eventually developed a rash, but nothing life threatening, still makes for a good punchline, or at least it should. However, Raygunnr just stared at me like I¡¯ve suddenly grown two heads both speaking different languages. Then I realize, it might be that the Mana Language that the Teleiot¨ªs use might not translate jokes well? I don''t know. Regardless it is getting awkward even for my standards, so that is when I just go through with my two-part plan for forced integration between the Midnight Hunters and the Teleiot¨ªs.
New Quest Strain Identified: Attracting Mana-Mes With Honey: You have identified the Teleiot¨ªs Raygunner to be a guest instructor at Spiritlight Valhalla College (SVC). With the goal of teaching students how to speak fluently in Teleiot¨ªs. Goal: get one hundred Midnight Hunters to be able to at least speak passible Teleiot¨ªs. Current status (1/100). Rewards: Experience, Guild Badge, Improved standing with the Teleiot¨ªs, Improved prestige for SVC, variable.
With that quest created, I feel like we have a legitimate way to improve our school¡¯s status and hopefully help it get accredited faster. I also think that by many of my mages and enchanters being forced to focus on understanding the microbursts of mana that the Teleiot¨ªs use, it will ultimately help them be better mages. Currently, I don¡¯t think there is any downside to this plan. Well other than us being the first empire to fully try to reach out and integrate with the near two-story tall murder bots. For as dangerous as this world can be, having friends that are designed to kill isn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. This also brings me to my way of getting the students to learn from Raygunnr. With that in mind, I focus on the tasks and give a provincial wide quest reward.
New Regional Quest Provided: Not the Mana-Mes You Thought They Were: As the head of Spiritlight Valhalla College¡¯s (SVC) admittance program and overall course evaluator, you have created a regional quest to allow students to be fast tracked for admittance to SVC and a way to gain seniority over their peers. By identifying students who become fluent in Teleiot¨ªs Communications. Student must reach a passable 85 in the Polyglot skill; or a 50 in Teleiot¨ªs Communications. Additionally, students must possess a skill level of 50 proficiency in Arcane Understanding. Rewards: Automatic enrollment into SVC, Badge, Title, Improved standing with the Teleiot¨ªs, Improved prestige with SVC, variable.
With that quest, I see the value that the world placed on the skills I have long since maxed out to my new limit of 250, that is Polyglot and Arcane Understanding. Then again with four Simulacrums able to practice and share their experiences with me, increasing those skills is relatively easy. Thanks to those two skills, I was easily able to learn how to communicate with the Teleiot¨ªs. This also means that new skills will be available to my students. I can almost sense a new degree path forming, but I don¡¯t want to get too ahead of myself just yet. ¡°There, now plenty of people will hopefully want to play with you,¡± I tell Raygunnr. ¡°Hopefully?¡± ¡°Yeah, I don¡¯t know if getting enrolled automatically into SVC is necessarily a reward, but definitely worth posting. If worse comes to worse, we might be able to apply a monetary reward as well, or in lieu of acceptance,¡± I present, wondering if I need to amend the quest for Midnight Hunters. ¡°Okay,¡± Raygunnr responds, before pausing for a second and finally asking a question that was clearly bothering him. ¡°Also, what is SVC?¡± Hearing that, I paused, but then realize he likely had anywhere from a month or more of waiting to join here and might have missed the announcements. Also, not truly being a Midnight Hunter, or depending on his socio-economic status before joining, he might not have had a chance to hear about our small college. In a way, it is almost like someone asking about a series that you know and have read inside and out, and this new person comes along and has no clue. ¡°It¡¯s a community college that we are trying to get accredited,¡± I reply honestly. ¡°Oh,¡± was all he replied. BLUR! I am about to go on, but I stop myself as a person I kind of expected to be here earlier finally starts to appear. Though honestly, I think she has gotten slow now that she is a grandma. WHOOSH! In a blur, or near blur at least, Mallory seems to appear from a short-range Teleport. Of course, it isn¡¯t a Teleport, but rather a quick microburst of near-Qi movements that have been enhanced over time. That or, is she finally infusing Qi into her enhanced movements? Seeing the difference in speed and reaction, I realize this is exactly what is happening. Of course, it is causing a slight misfiring of her typical Abilities that she has been using to this point. But in the long run this will be far better for her. Still, with this sudden change and her body seeming to be unable to produce the same quality of Qi in controlled sustained bursts, it causes her to be just slow enough that I can easily avoid her outstretched arms. Swoosh. As she passes by, I feel the intense pull of air, but a few quick flutters of my wings and I am up and away. ¡°Get back here,¡± Mallory all but demands, a playful smile to her lips. ¡°What, why?¡± I ask. ¡°Come on, you are just in time,¡± Mallory responds. ¡°In time for what?¡± ¡°For your Bloodline Evolution Class,¡± Mallory spits out. Suddenly I realize why it likely took Mallory a moment to get here, she was clearly in the middle of a lesson when she found out I got back. ¡°Let me guess, Gwen ratted me out?¡± I ask, figuring she had to be relatively nearby and instigating this whole mess. ¡°Yes, but she had to help your husband get acclimated,¡± GAG! ¡°BLEH! Sorry, I just felt something awful get caught in my throat,¡± I responded, while pointing to my throat. It was a lie, or at least a near lie, one that instantly seemed to cause an immediate karmic reaction. ¡°Do you need assistance?¡± Raygunnr asks in that nearly creepy way that only a two story tall mechanical lurking death machine could ask. As he spoke he raised one hand up for assistance, as if I needed to be swatted on the back by a two ton killer bot. ¡°AHHH!¡± Mallory responds, jumping in fright at the giant mechanical killing machine that for all intents and purposes just appeared out of nowhere to Mallory, who seemed to only have a one-track mind while chasing after me. Death Scythe. With a reflex honed by decades of reflex and killing intent, Mallory summoned her ephemeral Death Scythe, and focused her Killing Intent directly at Raygunnr. Seeing that she was able to manifest the Killing Intent so quickly, I couldn¡¯t help but be excited. Clap, clap, clap. ¡°Oh that is a great job, I¡¯m so proud of you,¡± I respond as I move myself in between Raygunnr and my nearly overly violent Guild Master. Hearing me, Mallory pauses as she stares from the giant metal monster behind me, then back to me. ¡°It with you?¡± Mallory asks, obviously referring to Raygunnr. ¡°Yes, this is Raygunnr,¡± I state gesturing over my shoulder to the giant metal monster. ¡°The Australian Dancer?¡± Mallory responds, her mind instantly making the same connection I did. ¡°No, but I do think he was marked as a potential problem after he noted dance as a hobby,¡± I reply. ¡°What, I love to dance,¡± Raygunnr replied, irritated and seeming to cut in as I was still speaking in both languages concurrently. ¡°I know, it¡¯s just the fact that you could come across as being a troll,¡± I respond delicately. ¡°I still don¡¯t get it,¡± he responded sardonically. ¡°I know sweetheart, it¡¯s okay,¡± I respond and gently pat the big machine on the chest. Seeing my interaction with the killing machine, Mallory just stares at me out of the corner of her eye for a second. ¡°Are you purposefully mocking him?¡± Mallory finally asked. ¡°I don¡¯t think so, I just can¡¯t help myself sometimes,¡± I reply honestly. With that Mallory just stares at him, wondering if Raygunnr will act differently, after hearing my confession. She waited for an awkward moment before finally deciding to introduce herself. ¡°Hey big guy, welcome to the Midnight Hunters Guild, I¡¯m the Guild Master Mallory Valhalla, a pleasure to meet you, and you are?¡± Mallory stated, taking a step to the side and extending her hand. Raygunnr for his part just stared at her like she was crazy. Or maybe that is the default setting of all robots? ¡°Oh, he can¡¯t understand you, until you learn to speak in Teleiot¨ªs,¡± I reply. ¡°Yeah I saw that, what is the skill Arcane Understanding?¡± She asked, clearly trying to understand the Midnight Hunter Guild quest that appeared for every member of the guild. ¡°It¡¯s,¡± I begin, but then pause trying to put it into words. ¡°I mean it¡¯s just understanding how Arcane energies work in the world around you. In this case, it is being able to identify the microbursts of mana that the Teleiot¨ªs use to speak with each other, and obviously us¡­¡± I correct myself at the end. ¡°Obviously,¡± Mallory replies, condensation dripping in her voice. ¡°Look, I can¡¯t help it that you can¡¯t understand mana, yet,¡± I replied. At that, Mallory paused, ¡°do you think it¡¯s wise?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wise?¡± ¡°Allowing anyone to gain access to SVC? Won¡¯t that throw off your fewer students per class demands that you had?¡± Mallory quipped. I want to argue with her, that it is unfair to use my own arguments against me. But I stop myself, realizing that part of me might have changed while I was gone, and stuck in captivity for a month. I kind of even missed teaching, yeah definitely not going to say that out loud, but I did miss learning from my students and seeing their growth, and the look of amazement when they learned something new about magic. That¡¯s when I hit her with my own logic. ¡°Look, if they are willing to learn not one but two different but highly intensive skills to just gain admittance to SVC, then they should be rewarded. Also, I fail to see how teaching someone who can sense microbursts of mana would be tougher than a student who can barely sense the mana flowing through their own body,¡± I reply. Hearing that Mallory seems to mull it over while nodding her head in agreement. Then after a point, she seems to dismiss whatever argument was forming in her mind. That¡¯s when she hits me with the low blow. ¡°Okay, now that the easy part is over. Where should we let your husband stay?¡± And like that, I realize avoiding touch acts in life, will apparently cost you ten times as much, later on. Chapter 312 The GYBIU Bug Chapter 312 The GYBIU Bug ¡°Okay, now that the easy part is over.¡± The worst eight words in the English language. Just combining them all but seems to tempt fate. That, or worse is the prelude to a direct backlash of karma. There is a certain Karma to actions, and I¡¯m learning more and more that there is karma in words and phrases. Things like the five-word karmic challenge, how bad can it get? That is one example of words almost immediately having instant karma associated with them. Then there is the six word with a conjunction, what¡¯s the worst that can happen? Both seem to be challenges that I might have been responsible for unleashing on myself a time or two. That said, when your boss hits you with the eight worder, ¡°okay, now that the easy part is over.¡± Particularly after you just got back from any form of vacation, you know that you will not like what comes next. I mean the words themselves are a warning to prepare for what is about to be unleashed next. Almost like telling someone to brace themselves when a tsunami is already barreling down upon them. By that point it is already too late and you should have used the moment to try to jump or something, but instead you were distracted by the words that all but told you the easy part was over. In my case, I was hit with quite possibly the fastest acting form of karma there was, for Mallory¡¯s next words were, ¡°where should we let your husband stay?¡± Hearing those words, I feel instant bile rise in my throat, and I realize that no good deed goes unpunished. Here I am, getting back from having to go through captivity. Learning how to escape, then planning a master escape plan, with Zero no less, all to get back and be forced to retrieve the lout. And now I need to work on logistics of where he should stay? That¡¯s when I provide what seems to be the most obvious answer. ¡°I mean, aren¡¯t there still some homeless shelters we have available from all the refugees that we took in?¡± I ask, referring to the ongoing war with the Legrand Empire. That is still a thing, right? The war? I want to ask, but I have an odd feeling that if I somehow bring that up, I might get hit by the GYBIU bug. That is the Glad You brought It Up, another five word instant karma slap caused by your own words. Thus, I avoid that comment, and instead focus on the hopefully free housing available. Though I don¡¯t know how many people are still homeless after a month. It is also likely a good thing that I keep quiet as Mallory just crosses her arms and gives me a disapproving lip bite and frown. That is the look of, I expected better from you? Again, my first impulse is to protest, but instead I just grit my own teeth, not wanting to ruin her impression of me any further. After a moment of it being clear that I will not talk, Mallory unclenches her jaw, and while never stating she is disappointed, lets her words and body posture all but scream her opinion as she gives me what she clearly sees as the best solution to the problem at hand. ¡°Gwen said we should just put him up in your room,¡± Mallory noted. Yep, what I feared. The two conspirators working together for one common goal, of somehow making Rob my problem once more. Hearing that, I want to protest. But then a different thought hits me, one where I might be able to shift the focus away from me. ¡°Isn¡¯t she afraid that the Kujos will eat him?¡± Mallory pauses for a moment, before asking, ¡°wait, you don¡¯t think the Kujo Caverns is your official Guild lodging, do you?¡± Hearing her, I also pause. ¡°Wait, that isn¡¯t mine?¡± I ask. ¡°No, well I guess you¡¯ve kind of made it your own, but no that is not your Guild room.¡± Mallory clarifies. I pause for a moment, and nod, but then try to think about what other places I have been granted and realize. ¡°Wait, he can¡¯t be in my office, all of my books are there?¡± I respond. Not that I am afraid of him hurting the books, quite the contrary. With their now beefed up levels it is clear that those books would easily eat any part of him that made unwanted advances, particularly if he got too handsy. Once again Mallory just pauses and looks at me like I am daft. ¡°No, that is your school office building. There is no way we would put anything in there that would make you want to stay away.¡± Hearing her, I let out a slight sigh of relief, realizing that he won¡¯t contaminate my books with his dirty fingers like he used to during out time together. Instantly I remember times where Cheetos fingers, Greece stains, and dog eared pages afflicted many of my books that Rob tried to read to get closer to me. That was quite possibly one of the worst ways to show interest in my hobbies he could. Almost the same thing as trying to get closer to someone by taking up swimming, only to fill the Olympic sized pool with red Kool-Aid packages, because you wanted the water to taste better when you inadvertently got some in your mouth. Not realizing that such an act would ruin the pool for the next person who tried to use it for its actual purpose. Worse, suddenly I was the bad person for explaining his poor reading habits to him like that. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°They are just books...¡± he¡¯d snipe back. Even now I can feel those painful words haunting me even now. Snap, snap. Mallory snaps her fingers trying to get my attention. I shake my head, suddenly forgetting those old arguments and am back in the present and respond honestly. ¡°Good, I didn¡¯t want him messing with my books, again.¡± ¡°This is great, for we put him in your permanent housing apartment, particularly since you have yet to claim your room key.¡± ¡°Who needs a key, when you can just Teleport?¡± I ask, only partially joking. Still, I can¡¯t help but think that I am missing something here. ¡°Wait, where exactly is this room? And how long have I had it available?¡± ¡°Well, since you were made an officer in the Guild, you have always had a permanent lodging available. And it is always available, but we recommend it most for when you wish to sleep.¡± Mallory responds, placing particular emphasis on the word sleep. ¡°Wait, why would I want to sleep now, knowing that Rob is there?¡± I ask, clearly imagining the source of nightmare fuel and aqua velvida aftershave lingering in what would likely be an all too small apartment building. ¡°You don¡¯t have to sleep,¡± Mallory quips and gives a slight smile and a suggestive eye raise that all but makes me want to vomit. ¡°Eww,¡± I state, barely able to keep glittery pixie vomit from covering my guild leader. For a moment I wonder if that is part of her diabolical plan. Has she learned to use pixie vomit as an Alchemical agent that I am not aware of? Also, what type of monster would try to harvest the vomit of their best friends for potions, unless they were really good potions? At that thought, I almost feel like I remember something. Something very important, something that I should have likely taken care of already. It is right there, right at the tip of my brain ready to be remembered, but then Mallory keeps speaking. ¡°This will hopefully be a temporary staging, while we work out details. But being in your room, he will have a few extra safeguards in place that should help us protect him, particularly as we nurse him back to heath,¡± Mallory adds, once again diverting me to realizing just how dangerously close to death his body was. Hearing that I nod in agreement. Then I have an aha moment, where I realize that we likely had this conversation before, or one very similar in relation to what my guild status allows me. I paused, wondering if that was what I was trying to remember, but for the life of me, I cannot think of anything else and realize that this tidbit of knowledge. The idea that I would have a permanent office building somewhere was likely to tell me. I remember thinking about having a room in one of the cities in the now occupied territories of the Legrand Empire before we all moved out west and converted these desert lands. Yeah, that must have been it, remembering that I possibly had a hotel room or a suite out where we met Rick the Prick troll for my real-life birthday party gone wrong. There is an awkward pause, as I see that Mallory is just staring at me and likely reading my expressions. Again, there almost feels like there was something else that I was missing, but I can¡¯t remember. That¡¯s when I say what I hope will end this odd conversation faster. ¡°Yeah, I guess Gwen is right,¡± I finally replied. ¡°Wait, what?¡± Mallory who looked like she was about to argue the point suddenly got floored by my response. ¡°Rob, or Robi¡¯dob squared, he can have the room,¡± I begin, but then continue, ¡°well he can have them, so long as I don¡¯t have to call him by either of his names.¡± Mallory just stares at me, and I can tell she wants to say something, but is clearly holding back. ¡°Go on, say it.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll make the changes permanent, but know you will likely have to talk to him again.¡± Mallory explained. ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± I hiss out, frustratedly. ¡°You will especially have to talk to him, if you want to finally divorce him,¡± Mallory replies as she begins to walk away, but before she gets too far, she turns back and lets out one last jab. ¡°That or if you just want to remain married to him, you could always continue doing what you are doing now,¡± Mallory quipped as she let a giant smirk fill her face before she took off like a flash. I almost want to chase her, only realizing that she is running straight back to the lecture hall. The one where all of the Bloodline Awakening students that didn¡¯t awaken during my midterm class are now gathered. Seeing them all there, I want to go forward and tell Mallory that she is wrong, but I know it will just be a trap. One designed to get me to interject myself as a teacher while she tries to come up with an excuse to leave. Pausing for a moment, I just stare at her retreating form and wonder what else I should do. There is still a niggling thought that is trying to fill my mind, something related to Alchemy, likely pixie vomit and components. I can¡¯t go to my room, wherever that is and see what it looks like. Almost like trying to look at my books in their pristine off-the-shelf look, before Rob would stain them with coffee, blood, dirt, sweat, or whatever other bodily secretion he could somehow find and get to permeate the pages. My thought is that if I don¡¯t look at my room right now, then I will always assume it is a pigsty. Deep down I know that it can¡¯t be true. There is no way Mallory would allow me or anyone in her guild to receive a dirty room upon awarding. At the very least the room would have to be empty and free of clutter. Then the moment of curiosity passes, as I know it is already past its pre-Rob shine and gleam. Nope, best to avoid it now and look in on a newly minted officer room that hasn¡¯t been assigned yet. This is how I realized that going to, or trying to find my own Guild Apartment was off my current to-do list. I realized that I also don¡¯t want to go to my office room, as I was just there. While I am curious about reading my new books, I know there is something there that is a quest that I must complete, in order to raise my maximum skill level proficiency. Again, it is likely something easy that should be no problem to solve at all, but I can¡¯t think of it. The only real clue I have is that it has nothing to do with further evolving my bloodline, a fact that I am immensely grateful for. Gah! It is going to drive me nuts not being able to realize what quest I need to complete. To my defense, I have literally hundreds of quests. Well, I¡¯ve assigned hundreds of quests to others. Fortunately, I am not at hundreds of quests left uncompleted like half started puzzles. That¡¯s when I realize, I am going to drive myself crazy if I don¡¯t do something. Yes, I just got back, but I need to go and move or do something. Maybe moving will help jog my mind and let me remember whatever it is I seem to feel that I am forgetting. It is with this thought in mind that I begin thinking, surely there is something that I need to do. Then as if karma heard my own thoughts and decided to cause me to have a near panic attack, I heard, or rather felt, my next task. ¡°So, what should we do next?¡± STARTLE. Hearing Raygunnr, the quiet as lurking death Teleiot¨ªs come to life and suddenly ask a question as if he wasn¡¯t an inanimate depiction of a murder bot just moments ago scared me. Particularly as the murder bot stood completely still, giving off no signs of breathing or other unnecessary movements. Seeing the giant machine, it was clear that one of my remaining fears, or ways to die, that is suffocation meant nothing to this murder machine. ¡°Stop that, at least cause some form of whirring piston sounds before you move,¡± I respond. ¡°Pistons? I don¡¯t believe I have those,¡± he responded. Again, he showed that there was no sense of humor in his voice. I wonder if it was removed? That or maybe the Teleiot¨ªs language didn¡¯t allow for such depths of humor. Regardless of the reason, he didn¡¯t get the joke and the two of us were just standing out in the middle of a field. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go to class,¡± I state, deciding to bring the murder bot to the perspective students. Let¡¯s see if this will be a good enough incentive to attract other students wishing to learn how to speak to the Teleiot¨ªs. Thump, thud, silence. As Raygunnr moved, all I could hear were the distinct sounds of heavy feet making contact with the lush ground, before compacting the ground for a moment, before raising up their leg and moving. Each step taken by the massive Teleiot¨ªs was both loud and silent. Loud in the way the metal feet impacted the ground, but silent in the way that he was right, there were no whirring sounds of any form. Only the intensely bright glowing of mana particles expanding and contracting. The Teleiot¨ªs truly were amazing creatures. ¡°So you are married?¡± Raygunnr asked, his mana sparks bursting out and causing me to almost jump at how unprepared I was at hearing him speak for a moment. I was almost going to ask how he knew, but then quickly realized that I had been speaking in the Mana Language the entire time. So even though my active mind dismissed the completely stationary murder bot, my passive mind still registered him there and continued to speak to him. ¡°Yeah, somehow.¡± I replied. There was an awkward silence at that, as he no doubt tried to understand my comment. Finally after a few more paces, he began speaking again. ¡°Can I ask what was he like?¡± Hearing that question, I almost pause mid-flap as I turn my body to face him. ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°Well, he likely had to be impressive in some way to capture your attention,¡± Raygunnr answered in quite possibly the most romantic but not-romantic way possible. I could tell from his inflection that there was no emotion behind the words, not that Mana Language seemed to allow for such expressive behaviors. Instead, all that I could feel was his honest assessment and a definitive want to know. ¡°You are too sweet,¡± I reply and then not wanting to even go down that road, I dismiss it and continue onward. Raygunnr just pauses for a moment, but after I get a half dozen flaps away from him, he once again begins moving. Thum-ump, thud-thump. He does go at a half jog and is able to catch up to me in two and a half quick steps. Gods it must be amazing to have long legs and be able to move like that. I am almost jealous of a moving mana factory, when I stop myself and realize that I¡¯m getting jealous over long legs, when I can fly. My mind also goes through the Mana and Qi conversion ratios that would be required for me as a Teleiot¨ªs to be able to generate lift, or at least a zero gravity as I do now, and realize it would be prohibitively costly with energy. ¡°So what do you¡­¡± Raygunnr begins, but I quickly have my attention drawn to the densely folding spatial anomaly next to me. Turning, I face the incoming disturbance with an odd sort of clarity. ¡°That¡¯s how you do it,¡± is all I can say, realizing that a mystery that had been slightly bothering me for a while was now solved. Then before I can get too caught up in my own deeper understanding of magics being used around me, life happens. Fwoosh! ¡°I¡¯ve got you now!¡± A blurring figure states, with what can only be considered a binding magical shackle of some kind barreling down on me. ¡°What?¡± Is all I manage to get out, before the gravity of the situation hits me. Chapter 313 Bondage, with Friends Chapter 313 Bondage, with Friends ¡°I¡¯ve got you now!¡± You know you might have a problem with trying to instantly understand magical concepts, when someone is barreling at you with a binding magical shackle. The kind that will instantly bind upon closing. That¡¯s when seeing it sparks in your mind a myriad of different combinations of thoughts and other actions. The shackle, or maybe modified bracer now that I have a chance to look at it, is quite intricate and delicate. From just one glance I can see the painstaking work put into the shackle meant to bind. It even has magical resonance to a matching if nearly identical shackle that is currently being worn on the arm of my pursuer. This observation is ultimately why what happens next happens at all. Normally a crazy person comes at me with a binding and clearly soul bound shackle, and I¡¯d run away, particularly as soon as I recognized the magical flow patterns. Breaking a magical soul binding element, for a Spirit Mage is no problem. Especially if said bound magical item was to be applied directly to said Spirit Mage. This is why I relax and spend so much time trying to determine all the bonuses and effects of the shackle. There is a Spatial component, a Linked Resonance component, and something else. The shackle glitters with magical powers, clearly made from the strongest of Tier III metals and gemstones to prevent corrosion. Had one intended to, they could easily turn such a device into a power binding force, a shackle of dominance, or any other perverse device of evil intent. Yet, this one exuded no such intentions or latent malicious thoughts. Yes, I feel that I can sense the intent of the person imbuing magic into an item now. Much as I can understand the communication of the Teleiot¨ªs, I can also feel the intention of energy as it is being imbued into an item. I¡¯d assume this has something to do with Psychometry, basically seeing the past of a device, who touched it, who last used it, and so on. But what I am referring to seems more nuanced, as I can¡¯t do this for objects, just magic. Almost like being able to feel Killing Intent, I know what it is, I don¡¯t have it in me to do it, but I do know how to get others to be able to wield Killing Intent as a weapon. Along that same vein of discovery, I can feel the intent of others as they are making an item. I¡¯d assume this goes into how one can tell a Relic Item versus just an Exceptional Quality item. Both should be extremely powerful and potent, and both could be forged and imbued by the same master creator. Yet, the intent of the creator while they are imbuing the item can push the imbued energy further. The resonance of the energy being applied, is but part of the creation of a Relic Tier Item. For the creator has to first imbue their passion into the item itself, then the intended recipient must also have a synergizing resonance to the intent of the creator to truly pull out the efficacy of the item. In this case, this is an item just on the cusp of brilliance. It glows with a form of magic and resonance that is somewhat mesmerizing for me, a simple pixie being drawn in by the bright light of a soul binding trinket. That¡¯s it, that¡¯s what I¡¯ll go with, a simple innocent pixie who could not control their baser desires. And I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t look away, and I can¡¯t pull away my arm, even as a crazed Penelope charges forward, on her trusty Kujo stead of speed and precision. While I had seen them both from their odd spatial tunnel, a tunnel that Kujo could always create that had seemed to confuse my senses at first, now I could understand it. The magical tunnel being created wasn¡¯t a full Teleportation between space, but rather a side-step of reality. One where Kujo Phased out of existence and then into the surrounding ether. So it was a myriad of things, the charging of Kujo and Penelope, the near Relic level item, and oh yes golden threads of karma that flowed from the already partially bound shackle to me that caused me to stand still, and get caught in the trap. SNAP! The shackle, or what I could tell was made to look like a smooth bracer, clicked into place as Penelope grabbed my wrist and never let go. Swoosh, crash. Of course, physics was involved in this midair execution. I was floating, and while we pixies may not look it, we can channel Qi easily through our hollow bones in seconds and reinforce our bodies. That and our wings can help to easily carry hundreds of pounds of weight during Gravity Resistance training, which we employ as part of our morning workout regimen. All of this is to say that, I¡¯m tougher than I look. And while I guess Penelope had expected to drag me from my floating position with her. The course of events turned out to be the exact opposite, as Penelope had no harness, no buckling straps, and seemed so focused on clamping the object around my arm, that she failed to properly anchor herself to Kujo. This is where the laws of applied physics came into play, as the unmovable object met the unslobberable force met an immovable object. Yes, Kujo despite his tongue out, wagging and waving wildly in the air, never had any of that slobber fall on Penelope, I¡¯m thinking it is a skill. For a moment, I wonder if I could get that skill, the one where you could ride on a happy slobber machine and not get slobbered in the splash zone. But then I realized that training such a skill would likely require a lot of impact slobber practice, and I quickly added that skill to the No Category. Still, it was funny to see Penelope get yanked off her hound, only during that break of the specialized wind tunnel, where Penelope began to break free from Kujo¡¯s back did, I see slobber fall and land onto Penelope. Whipping around, I grab her with my free right hand, Qi already cycling through my body making the act of grabbing her on her matching shackle easy. There is a moment where it looks like she is about to fall, or at least thinks she should fall, but then just hangs there, in mid-air with me. This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Meanwhile, slobber that instantly sizzles and burns layers of clothing, can be seen winking into and out of existence. Then I watch in fascination as the soul bound state of Penelope¡¯s clothing kicks in. Being this close, a few particles land on my clothing, but nothing happens. My mind tries to understand this odd disparity, why her clothes would burn, while mine don¡¯t. Especially as she is the same Tailor for both sets. Yet, before I can truly contemplate what is happening, Penelope uses my grip and pulls her face close to mine. ¡°Gotcha,¡± she states with a giant smile. Then with the look of someone who realizes they are up in the air, but not quite how high, she has a look of panic fill her face as she realizes her feet aren¡¯t toughing the ground. Where she does that frantic toe kick that everyone seems to rely on in such situations. ¡°I think, I¡¯ve got you,¡± I respond as I lower us by a few inches so her feet can rest on the ground allowing relief to fill her. Phew. She visibly and audibly relaxes, causing a smile to form on my lips as I can¡¯t help but respond. ¡°Those six-inch drops, they are the worst.¡± For a moment Penelope looks like she wants to respond, but then catches herself. ¡°Go on, channel some of your energy into it, and bind it to yourself,¡± Penelope states, completely avoiding my comment and focusing on her true intention. Seeing the device, I realize it is great. Quite possibly the best dual binding shackle I¡¯ve ever seen. I¡¯m even more proud that it came from one of my students. A student who clearly put in a lot of time and effort into the piece, making it one of the few peak exceptional quality items. Being this close, I can¡¯t help but focus on the few design flaws. ¡°Okay, but on one condition,¡± I press. Whoosh. As I¡¯m talking, Ms. Kujo appears, carrying Gwen on her back. For a moment, I pause realizing that if both parents are out here, then who exactly is watching the children. That is my thought, before I do a quick deep scan and realize that RuneUlacrum and the Pomeranians are all watching the litter of overly aggressive Kujos. Seeing that the pups are taken care of, I relax slightly and am glad to see that Ms. Kujo is out and about as well. ¡°What condition?¡± Penelope presses, pulling my attention away from potentially unattended murder pups and back to more important things, like tweaking my student¡¯s design just enough so she can reach the next level of mastery in her craft. ¡°So, this is good, a great design, but you are missing a piece of passion,¡± I explain. ¡°Passion?¡± Gwen recites, pulling up next to us and getting off her temporary ride. Mainly because Ms. Kujo while not forcefully throwing Gwen off, did sit straight up, all but forcing Gwen to slide down her back and catch herself in an odd standing-straddling position. ¡°Yeah, passion. To push your work to the next step, that next stage you need passion. Or maybe an indomitable intent, but that intent can only be a mimic of an initial passion,¡± I try to explain. As I speak, I feel a deeper connection to my own understanding of great artifacts, that¡¯s when I realize, ¡°the word is right there in the name. To make a great artifact, you must first treat it as art. As a passion piece that is meant to convey one overall intent or directive.¡± Then opening my third eye, I look into the channels of the bracers and see that what is holding this piece back. ¡°What keeps this piece from being a relic level artifact is that you didn¡¯t push yourself enough to truly understand the medium you were working with,¡± I begin. ¡°What?¡± Penelope and Gwen both ask. ¡°I¡¯m confused,¡± even Raygunnr is confused by this statement, which makes sense as I can barely see the minor imperfections in this piece. ¡°You used the highest grade of materials,¡± I begin. At that Penelope nods, ¡°yes, I used the remainder of my Tier III mana and Qi erosion proof materials to craft this, even the leather is Tier III in quality and less likely to degrade due to high exposure to your unnaturally high energy usage rates.¡± I nod at that, ¡°yes, but you failed to use the Qi component of this, meaning that both its potential is not being utilized in any designs. While also, making it so that this device will have a clear point of failure and build up in the future. Without something to continually press energy through these Qi flow areas, you are looking at either having to provide constant repairs or hoping that the rest of the design can keep energy flowing smoothly throughout.¡± ¡°So, what should I do? I mean, I don¡¯t even understand what Qi is, to be honest,¡± Penelope responds almost sheepishly, as if admitting something I already know would be somehow embarrassing. ¡°I know you don¡¯t understand Qi,¡± I reply. Only after I say the words do I realize exactly how harsh those words could appear. Then trying to take away some of the sting, I try to smooth things out. ¡°That¡¯s why, I¡¯m going to help you push this item to its limits, you¡¯ve done a great job. These are linking spiral Teleportation and Life Monitoring formulas?¡± I guess, realizing that while the dark purple Teleportation magic is easy to notice, there is a subtler layer of Life Energy that monitors and shares the state of the one wearer to the other. ¡°Yes,¡± Penelope explains, excitement in her eyes as she looks at me critiquing her work. The way she stares at me with complete adoration, it takes me a moment, as I turn my third eye to her and see that she is excited to have me critique her work. It almost reminds me of when my favorite professor took time to read my Master¡¯s Thesis and provided much needed feedback. ¡°I wanted there to be a Life Monitoring component to it, so we could both see how the other was doing. Then if one was needed, we could force ourselves to go where the synchronized partner was.¡± Hearing her words and taking a moment to both see her emotional state, and then look back at the energy used to create these magically linked bracers, I can see that intent. That raw need to remain connected. Seeing her mana so raw and exposed like this, I could almost feel the sorrow she had for not being able to rescue me. Not that I would have wanted her to come to me, as the void realm is no place for anyone who is not ready for hardships. Had she come, then I don¡¯t think I would have been able to escape, as it would have required me to take all three of us back, and I barely managed Zero and myself. Just thinking about it, I realized that there was almost no way I could have been able to generate enough continual energy to get all three of us through the void realm. Still, I do see some value in these types of devices. First, had I had a residual anchor point here all along, then trying to get back would have been easier. I could have just focused on the residual anchor point and effectively pulled my way back. That said, this anchor point as it is now, is not enough. Well, it is bright enough to easily see and spot within my exceptionally large viewing range for my Angel¡¯s Sight. But it isn¡¯t enough to see from the deep recesses of space. Meaning if I ever needed to go back to the void realm, or make my way here with items I might have left behind up there, I could use this as a very important anchor. Yes, the more I think about it, the more I realize that Penelope¡¯s gag gift, or what I assume to be a gag gift of applying a near cold iron like shackle to me, that is linked to a complete copy of one she wears is perfect. All it¡¯s missing is a way to track in and through space, which I allow by imbuing Cosmic Energy first into Penelope¡¯s bracer and then into my own. Then realizing that they need to be synergistically linked, I spin mine clockwise and hers counterclockwise allowing a slight pulling relationship to the two bracers. From there, I am able to amplify my Teleportation Range, which uses part of my new understanding of Cosmic Energy to stabilize. While amplifying effects of Teleportation Beaconing within the bracer that Penelope is now wearing, so that should emergencies arise, I could use mine to more easily Teleport to wherever Penelope is. Of course, the Life Monitoring aspect is still intact for both, along with the ability for both to conduct at least Short Range Teleportations, which seems to be anywhere on BiPrism, so long as they are going to where the other bracer is located. I even made a few last-minute calculations. Even going so far as to limit my own Range from my bracer at one point, to allow my bracer to receive Penelope¡¯s beacon from further distances. Then once everything is finally stable, I focus and complete the binding process and soul bind the second bracer to my own wrist.
New Soul Bound Item Created: Binding Shackle of Cosmic Pixie Tracking (Primary: Relic Grade Item): The first Relic Grade Artifact involving Cosmic Energy infusion was meant as a shackling bracer of binding. One where the primary wearer could track down and instantly locate their wayward pixie. Unfortunately, the creator did not lock down the effects of their equipment well enough, allowing the pixie to switch the primary and secondary effects of each bracer. Effects: Shared Life Monitoring Features, Beaconing and synchronizing Teleportation capabilities. Soul bound: Considered the primary of the two bracers.
A new Relic Grade Item has been created, while not the original creator of the device in question, your efforts to improve the item to its full capacity are not without merit. As such, you have been awarded partial creator rights to the announcement.
Seeing the message, I instantly flinch, ¡°no wait, no¡­¡± I try to argue with the system, but it is already too late.
World First Announcement: The first Relic Grade Item using Cosmic Energy has been created by Co-Creators Penelope Tailor and Dr. Spiritlight. Congratulations, and may the world grow with their contributions to the world.
¡°Dang it,¡± I hiss, not wanting to get yelled at for having my name linked to yet another World First Announcement. ¡°WOOHOOO! MONEEEYYYY!¡± Penelope shouts out and does a slight dance. We both pause as we look at each other for a moment, ¡°wait, why are you excited?¡± I ask. ¡°Why are you mad, that is like a million coins right to our guild accounts,¡± Penelope exclaimed. ¡°Wait, we have guild accounts?¡± I ask wondering what this concept is. ¡°Yeah, how else do you think you get paid for all your work and contributions?¡± Penelope shot back. I paused then thought, ¡°wasn¡¯t it all a quid pro quo for raw metals and resources?¡± Penelope just pauses and stares at me, I guess to see if I am joking. ¡°Wait, you are serious, you don¡¯t know about the million-credit reward to anyone generating a world first announcement? Also, know this has been brought up before and if there are co-creators or people mentioned in announcements then both people, so long as they are guild members will get the bonuses,¡± Penelope speaks, but I feel suddenly dizzy. ¡°Hold on, you¡¯re saying that I might be a millionaire?¡± I question. ¡°You are probably one of the richest people in the guild,¡± Gwen cuts in. I shake my head, turning to her and realizing that she and Raygunnr are both still here. Well them and the Kujos. ¡°So, we both get it? The million coin shout out?¡± Penelope presses. ¡°Yes, though know there are talks of likely cutting back the reward limits, thanks to someone,¡± Gwen responds, speaking of a higher level of Guild politics than I am aware of. ¡°Wait, I have money?¡± I ask, though I don¡¯t know why this is such a shock as it has been a while since my Broke Flaw applied to me, but it is still hard to believe that I have money. Though I still assumed most went into funding my various projects. ¡°Yes, what I can¡¯t believe is that your first Relic level creation was on improving a tethering shackle meant to be able to track your whereabouts, regardless of wherever you go?¡± Gwen quipped. I was about to reply that I modified it to only be able to track me here on BiPrism, and that if I should happen to go into space then it would be a good thing that I could track Penelope back here. Then I get completely sidetracked by two thoughts that keep coming to my mind. ¡°Just how much money are we talking about being in my account? And did I accrue interest while I was away for a month?¡± Chapter 314 Divining Mythical Bloodlines Chapter 314 Divining Mythical Bloodlines ¡°Oh yeah, by the way, mother, when you get a chance,¡± Gwen my daughter and someone who I seem to have underestimated as a sneaky sneak began. Hearing her words, I can all but taste the deception in her inflection. This is the same type of deception that is playful, almost taunting. Basically, daring me, without the use of an implied threat to my own social bearing. ¡°Hmm?¡± I quip, turning my head to face her, though she knows she already has my full attention based on the way my body posture has changed. ¡°You really should get your Guild Rewards from the supply depot,¡± Gwen finished. As she spoke, I felt golden threads of karma reach out from me and head off into the distance, where I assume the supply depot was located. Now you know those times when you hear one answer to an unspoken question that sparks no less than three other questions, this was one. ¡°What Guild Rewards?¡± I ask. By now I was really curious, because there was nothing I could recall needing and or wanting, but the threads of golden karma that seemed to stretch off into the distance implied otherwise. ¡°Why these are the Guild Rewards you requested,¡± she answers with a non-answer, or misdirection. ¡°In fact, some of the items were very hard to obtain, but fortunately after your recent contributions to the war effort, many oppressed nations by the Legrand Empire freely offered these ingredients to you as tribute.¡± Tribute. Just the word implies the same clear and resonating energy that I gained from the Teleiot¨ªs, while healing their injured and wounded. That¡¯s when I realize it must have been, ¡°from those that I Resurrected?¡± Gwen just shook her head, ¡°no, while they too were grateful, this came from main land suppliers. People that are still surrounded by conflict.¡± Main Landers was the unofficial nickname of those persons who lived on the main colonized portion of the world. Which is odd, because a lot of those land areas that comprise that area also involve islands and other larger bodies of water, particularly to the far right. But hearing this, I am now more intrigued than ever as to what these Guild Supplies actually are. ¡°Okay, so what are these supplies?¡± ¡°The ones you asked for,¡± Gwen quips back in an excessively unhelpful way. ¡°Well, in that case, I¡¯ll just go there now.¡± I state, as I¡¯m nearly at my limit for just how much Gwen is pushing my curious nature. I swear she is becoming more of a troublemaker each and every day, almost as if¡­ I trail off, as my mind begins to contemplate that exact thought. Has she? I begin, and then turning to her I open my third eye and try to view directly into her. That¡¯s when I see the tell-tale signs. Gasp. Just seeing the noted change in her blood, I inhaled deeply. But Gwen, unperturbed by my findings continues on as if nothing is happening. ¡°You can¡¯t, the depot isn¡¯t open yet,¡± she begins and pauses, then just stares at me with a coy smile on her face. Seeing that smirk, I can¡¯t help but feel shivers run down my spine as I realize that my daughter is going to be a pain here shortly. Particularly if she continues to develop these unique markers within her own bloodline. While she might not be able to follow me and my evolutionary path, that apparently did not mean that she was done with her own growth. Rather, she too could grow and expand to meet her own needs. Seeing her opening up on her own, lets me realize that Legendary bloodlines are just the basis for what the world will let you start off with, or what you should start off with. I¡¯m assuming that when her changes manifest she will likely be able to take on her own unique last name. Or be considered an offshoot branch of the Spiritlight family. Sad, I have one Usurper in an ex. I have one Spiritlight who I¡¯m still hoping for, but frankly Junior doesn¡¯t seem to be pushing himself too much here. Then there is Gwen. I spend so long going over these thoughts within my mind that Gwen¡¯s smug look slowly seems to fade, as she no doubt expected me to ask a question. ¡°Well?¡± She asks with a hand on her hip. ¡°Well what?¡± I respond, trying to wrap my head around the fact that my own daughter has begun to develop her own Mythical bloodline, and trying to understand just what that will entail. I¡¯m assuming she will be some type of trickster Fae, but that might just be me projecting a bit on her. I wonder if she even realizes that she has begun this process on her own? Again, I¡¯m so proud of her, as she has clearly done this all on her own. Well her own, and probably the hundreds of microbursts of radioactive particles that occasionally erupt from me might have helped expedite this process. Gwen just stares at me, and finally gets annoyed enough that she removes her hand from her hip and just spills what she expected me to ask about. ¡°While you wait for the Supply Depot to open, you could always begin helping to train our soldiers so they are less likely to die when they enter combat.¡± Gwen suggests. Hearing that, I pause and realize why she was so persnickety. ¡°Oh, I get it, I was supposed to ask when does it open, then you would say something along the lines of ¡®after you get done training the new batch of soldiers¡¯?¡± I reply making sure to Mimic Gwen¡¯s voice and mannerisms exactly while saying her line. It took me a moment to catch up to her as I might have been a little bit distracted, but I did get there eventually. Annoyed sigh, This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. With that, Gwen lets out an annoyed huff, before shaking her head and responding. ¡°Yeah, whatever,¡± she responds annoyedly. Seeing her like that, I let out a big joyful laugh, before swooping forward and giving her a giant pixie hug. ¡°Oh, there¡¯s my moody daughter, thank the Gods. I thought she had disappeared under that annoying trickster persona. But nope, she was just one distracted response away from her emo tantrums, there is still time for her yet.¡± Gwen fought back, or at least she tried to fight back, only to realize that my arms were a lot stronger than she expected. That and her position didn¡¯t give her much leverage to work with, making the task of pushing me away just that much more difficult for her. For a moment she struggled, but then realizing that she couldn¡¯t quite push me off, she did the next thing she could. With her face right next to my neck, she commented. ¡°I will bite you,¡± she threatened. ¡°Oh no, you will infect me with your teenage angst, forcing me into a permanent state of angst.¡± I respond, removing one arm to press against my forehead in an overly dramatic pose. Seeing the opening, Gwen squirmed and pushed, but to no avail. Even my one arm was stronger than her two. This is of course when we realized we were not alone. ¡°No, don¡¯t. I could not imagine what an angsty pixie would look like,¡± Penelope shot in, her tone mostly serious. Just as I was distracted by Penelope¡¯s comments, it was Raygunnr the Teleiot¨ªs who cannot understand sarcasm who had the best line of everyone present. ¡°I don¡¯t know what she would infect you with, but I will work on a cure immediately,¡± Raygunnr began. Chuckle. Hearing Raygunnr¡¯s overly serious tone caused me to laugh. Seeing as I was the only one present who could understand Raygunnr this made sense, but it also meant that I was distracted, with one arm, and that is when Gwen chose her moment to wrestle her way free and avoid infecting me with her angsty bite. Burble. Only once she was a pace away, but still within viewing range of my third eye did I see something disturbing. There was an audiological response of her body that drew my attention. There in the clusters of newly forming blood pathogens, I could see clusters forming and moving from within her body. Oh shnikes, I thought to myself, as I realized I might have cursed? Or maybe encouraged her future bloodline to advance in a way that could cause mutations based on biting? Such a change was possible, as it would likely be under one of the available flaws that would help to balance out the bloodline as a whole. While having a bloodline that transferred emo-type dispositions as a disease wasn¡¯t unheard of, at least not in folklore, it did seem to be a bit of a stretch. Particularly as I figured that Gwen was heading down the route of a trickster? Which I assumed would be more fae like, but there were kitsune too? Or maybe she would just be a kitsune light? Chills. Just as I was thinking about her possibly being a kitsune, one of mythical nine tail foxes of legends, I realized something far worse. If she went down this path, and could infect others with emo-type disposition, then she would literally have made herself into the worst stereotype ever. ¡°Oh no,¡± I begin as fear of what my daughter might become surged through me. ¡°What?¡± Everyone, three voices and two Kujos all stared at me intently, hearing the sudden fear that was in my voice. ¡°I have some bad news,¡± I begin, while staring directly into Gwen¡¯s eyes, while reaching down and grabbing her hands in a conciliatory gesture. ¡°Oh-kay?¡± Gwen begins, as she is clearly freaked out by my sudden change in demeanor. ¡°First, let me congratulate you on awakening the ability to progress to a Mythical rarity bloodline,¡± I state. ¡°How did you?¡± Gwen begins, as she is momentarily shocked by my revelation, but then just shakes her head. ¡°Yes, I managed to get the quest prompt while you were¡­ away.¡± She paused at the end, apparently not wanting to spark any PTSD or other related trauma from my time away. A fact that I am grateful for. I nodded, ¡°well as you know there are balances to the bloodline. For the more power you strive for, the more limitations that will be put into place to help balance you out. This is the glowing mana, the third eye, etcetera.¡± ¡°Did you just cay etcetera?¡± Gwen asked, her voice incredulous. ¡°Stop that, focus, I¡¯ve only got like three minutes per hour here and you are clearly wasting that time,¡± I state and then trail off, apparently only half joking as I just lost my train of thought. Awkward pause. ¡°Where was I?¡± I ask. Gwen just blinks in confusion as she too was apparently lost by our own sidebar there. ¡°You were talking about the balances and limitations in bloodlines,¡± Penelope helpfully supplied. Relief. ¡°Phew, thank you,¡± I reply, turning to Penelope just long enough to smile, before turning back and monitoring the changes within Gwen. ¡°With your comment about biting me, and my reply, I think we might have forced a future evolutionary change in you.¡± ¡°A forced change?¡± Gwen and Penelope both ask, though right now I can only sense Gwen due to my third eye still being open. ¡°Yes, a change that could allow you to transfer some type of emotional state through biting or saliva,¡± this will be one of those evolutionary flaws that has a benefit. With that, Gwen just looks confused, so I clarify. ¡°Sort of like being a Colossal Pixie so you can interact with the majority of the world at roughly the same size and scale, but are unable to interact with other pixies,¡± I offer as an example before pointing to myself. With that Gwen nods in understanding. Seeing that she is still with me, I press on in my concerns. ¡°Well, in this case, I¡¯m assuming the bite will have some type of lunacy related. Either allowing you to inflict an emotional state, like being emo onto the person being bitten, or some other defensive measure.¡± I respond. ¡°Okay,¡± Gwen responds, letting me know she is still with me and nodding her head. ¡°There is also a chance that you could propagate your species via this bite. Or at least a weaker version of your bloodline, likely a Legendary or lower version,¡± I suggest. ¡°Hmm,¡± Gwen responds. Taking one last deep glance into her blood, I do see the same exact markers that made me worried earlier. ¡°There¡¯s more.¡± ¡°More?¡± Three sets of voices call out, letting me know that everyone is going to hear this apparently. ¡°Yes, for I can see that you have awakened parts of a bestial side, while also exhibiting abnormal prankster like qualities.¡± ¡°Look, I¡¯ve finally gotten to the point where I can accept myself,¡± Gwen responds a bit defensively. ¡°No, no, you¡¯ve got me wrong,¡± I begin, ¡°I think it is great that you have finally accepted yourself and this part of you.¡± I paused as a memory of a Gwen who one day loved joking, found out that her father left, and realizing that I needed help she changed. Flipped a switch in her mind. One second, she was young, youthful and ready to take on the world. The next she was mini adult. Realizing that this was likely her all along, but she had switched this part of her own being off, I want her to know I love and respect this change. ¡°I¡¯m glad you are finally able to express yourself but know that you are royalty.¡± I begin. Eye roll. The girl can¡¯t even see, and has solid husks for eyes, but she still eyerolls me right here. Right when I am serious. ¡°Your beast, the animal qualities that are awakening within you, that is a royal animal. Not some dormant wolf, or even a proud and domestic hippopotamus,¡± I add in the last one knowing that I loved hippos, while my daughter could never understand my fascination with the powerful defenders of their young. Scoff. ¡°Okay, so what type of animal do you see me going as? A cat?¡± I am about to say no, but then pause as that might not be a bad idea, but then I pause and shake my head. ¡°You are too active, no, I¡¯m thinking of a more cunning animal.¡± ¡°Like a fox?¡± ¡°Yes, well and no, a Kitsune to be exact,¡± I respond. WHOOSH! As I say the words, I see golden threads pour out from me and encircle and completely envelope my daughter¡¯s body. Shiver. Hearing my words, and feeling the surge of energy that just erupted between the two of us, Gwen¡¯s body responds in the only way one would truly expect. Gooseflesh. Yes, her soft elven skin ripples for a moment as she can clearly hear the impact of my words. That or there might have just been a gentle breeze that caused the same effect. ¡°Wait, a Kitsune?¡± She asks. At that I pause take one look at her, and see that the glow of her blood at the acknowledgement of that beast seems to glow brighter, as if resonating to the call of what she will become. ¡°Yes, I believe so,¡± I reply still reading her energy pulses, but I¡¯m fairly certain that this is the correct meaning of the responses that I am viewing. ¡°You believe?¡± ¡°Okay, what do you want? Me to say I¡¯m certain? I just think that if you continue going down this path, that you will become a Kitsune, or eventually be able to evolve into one. Hard to tell how much you will change from this iteration.¡± I respond, hedging my bets but fairly certain she will at least have one tail, if not three or some odd number of future tails. ¡°Okay, and this is a bad thing?¡± Gwen asked, her face still incredulous. ¡°What, becoming a Kitsune? No that isn¡¯t bad, why would you think that?¡± I ask, again clearly missing something. My mind is clearly wondering. ¡°But you just said, that there was an issue. That in addition to her being a Kitsune, that her biting could pose problems.¡± Penelope interjected, once again helping me to maintain my thoughts. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right, so yes, by doing this, you have the potential to become the worst thing possible.¡± I respond, remembering where I was going with this, all thanks to Penelope, guiding me back on track. Hearing my words, and knowing that I was being completely serious here, Gwen suddenly stiffened as she expected to hear bad news. Bad news that I was here to warn her about. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Gwen asked, her breath hitching as she realized I knew more than I was likely letting on. ¡°Can¡¯t you see, by being a Kitsune you will have naturally beautiful fur that will glimmer under the moonlight,¡± I begin. Everyone nods in understanding not wanting to talk in order to keep me from being distracted, a fact I greatly appreciate. Then I go in for the kill. ¡°That along with the biting that can and likely will induce a form of emotional response and very likely be a way of transmitting the changing ability to others.¡± Pause. I let those words float in the air as everyone seems to take it all in. Then I say what is truly troubling me. ¡°At this rate, if you keep this up, Susan Whittle will likely create another stupid series, this time based on glittery foxes that only come out at night.¡± LONG GROAN! ¡°Oh, my Gods, mother, really?¡± ¡°Yes, you can and very likely will find your likeness in a book where you are forced to be swooned by a creepy depiction of a living lich, I¡¯m just warning you for your own health and sanity.¡± At those words, Gwen gives me the best response any truly caring parent could ask for, she groans so much that she is literally at a loss for words. Seeing her in such a state, I smile, knowing that I will likely force her to read this new glittery fox series. Chapter 315 A Day’s Worth of Problems, And More Chapter 315 A Day¡¯s Worth of Problems, And More Long groan. ¡°Tired?¡± I ask, already knowing the answer. Both Penelope and Gwen both have been seemingly up all day with me, as I ran around doing various tasks. I know Gwen and Jhonny both posed as the King and Princess of the Deolarian, speaking of which, I have only seen Gwen. Though I do find it odd that she reappeared as herself, I don¡¯t find it all that odd, as the shell, and that is basically what the avatars are, a shell of the person you are imitating. Well, that shell can only take or do so much, so a way to no longer need to wear those shells is to break character. Generally breaking character of a shell would involve casting unaffiliated magics or doing things that would cause disruptions to the natural symmetry of the avatar being worn. Yeah, even after saying it, I don¡¯t understand the process either. All I really know is that, if I am not careful, I can easily break the avatar. I think Gwen can do this as well. I know the avatar is fine and once again in my pool of potential avatars to wear, as I can reassign it to myself or others.
Spiritual Doppelganger (13/100)
Spiritual Doppelganger Available for Selection (12/13)
Looking at it, that is a really underdeveloped aspect of my growth. One that I have ignored for far too long. Then again keeping track of those thirteen avatars, along with who is using them is a bit much a times. So maybe I¡¯m right where I need to be. That said, I have my to do list for today.
Cassie¡¯s To Do List that won¡¯t in any way go wrong or be avoided for today:
  • Inspect new hopeful students wishing to join SVC,
  • Teach morning Qi Classes,
  • Teach Magic Classes,
  • Pretend like you don¡¯t hate your Apprentice (I don¡¯t, it just likely feels that way to her, where is she again?)
  • Then apparently after they open, but before they close, visit the Supply Depot for something I ¡°earned¡± (Having non-24 is amazingly difficult to work around people¡¯s dependence on the sun to keep them motivated and active)
  • Set Raygunnr up as the Teleiot¨ªs ambassador to the Midnight Hunters.
    1. Also have him start teaching Mana Language to beginners.
  • Likely fix problems that I am not aware exist.
    1. Oh yeah, there might be problems related to the war with the Legrand Empire, how is that/did that go?
Yep, a simple task list like one would expect for any normal Tuesday. The sad part is, even with that list, I am fairly certain I am missing things. It¡¯s okay though, today I will be focused, I will be dedicated, and I will get my GSD card back. ¡°Yes, sadly I am not used to these long shifts anymore,¡± Penelope says, her words coming from out of nowhere. Shake my head. I am lost for a moment, as I try to piece together why Penelope is talking, and more importantly what she is talking about. Long moan. Gwen for her part stretches her back, causing an audible pop to be heard as she sighs contentedly. ¡°Mmm, agreed. I know we volunteered to take these first few shifts so the others could get some sleep, but your first Cassie 12 Hour is brutal,¡± Gwen responds. Again, I am still lost. Did I miss something? Part of their conversation? What are they going on about? ¡°Cassie 12s?¡± I ask, figuring that this is something about me, but for the life of me, I can¡¯t tell what. ¡°Yeah, four of us have been assigned to you,¡± Gwen began, but was quickly cut off by Penelope. ¡°To be your assistants and help smooth out any problems that might arise during your day,¡± Penelope cut in, seemingly smoothing out some of the possible sharpness that was in Gwen¡¯s phrasing. ¡°Yes, so to help out, we offered to take the first shift that would follow you through midnight and help focus you focus on preparing for your next classes.¡± Gwen continued. As Gwen spoke, Penelope¡¯s gentle face winced slightly at the way Gwen seemed to cause blunt force trauma with her words. ¡°A schedule?¡± I ask trying to clarify. ¡°Yes, Jhonny will be up in a bit to join you for his Qi training. Then to help with the inclusion students, he will stay on as Princess Octavia De¡¯Arcaneri, while you select with of the Deolarian hopeful, you will accept as incoming Freshmen.¡± Gwen pressed on. There was a lot to unpack in that statement, and suddenly I wondered how I got here. I¡¯m guessing this was all a continuation of me asking the girls if they were tired, then had my thoughts about my missing avatar, made my personal list for the day. Only to now realize that Gwen and Penelope are both in charge of their own list of requirements, for me. ¡°So, we now have Deolorians as potential students?¡± I ask, trying to clarify at least one part of this conversation. This would also help to explain why Jhonny kept his disguise as Octavia, well part of why he kept that form. ¡°Yes, since the complete unification, there has been a huge push for inclusion of undead elven Deolorians to the Spiritlight Valhalla College admission program,¡± Penelope nicely interjected. Hearing that, I could only nod in agreement. ¡°Yeah, with Spiritlight and Valhalla in the college¡¯s name, it almost seems like it would be tailored for spirits,¡± I could only help but agree with the Deolorians¡¯ wishes, they were valid. Especially now that we had allegedly merged fully with the Deolorians, thanks to the wedding and whatnot. Honestly, I¡¯m not entirely certain what happened during the time that I was gone, but there are a lot of Deolorians walking about, now that I think about it. I got used to them being up on the surface during the Legrand invasion, but it seems that they never went back? I don¡¯t know, it seems rude to ask about, especially as it has been a month since it happened. Honestly though this was fine, and in fact should hopefully provide really good talent. I¡¯m curious about the Deolorians and what insights they can provide to magic, to ancient elven lore in general. Then I realized that a few of the Ancient Elves might only speak the archaic Deolorian Empire language? Meaning to communicate with them I would have to speak in a second language, not wait, a third language as I¡¯d also have to speak in Mana Language to Raygunnr, and the general language for most Midnight Hunter students. That¡¯s when, I decide to cut it down to two languages, the Mana Language of the Teleiot¨ªs, and the basic language that everyone but ancient elven ghosts would use. This is perfect as it would help me to complete my sixth personal task for the day, and provide emphasis on the subtask for that particular bullet point. For a moment I think about asking them for everything that I am supposed to do and try to optimize my own list for the day. But I think seven full tasks along with two sub-tasks is enough for my day. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. In fact, I wish I could kind of lock my own list in place, and then add in all the seven items I¡¯ve identified as my priority for my first day back, this way I can have an excuse for why I had to bail on other tasks, like teaching Bloodline Awakening classes that happen so late in the day that you can¡¯t help but waste half your day waiting for the class¡¯s time slot to begin. Chime. That¡¯s when I heard and felt the world coming to my aid.
Personal Daily Goal Recognized: Would you like to establish your prioritized goals for your first day back?
Seeing the message, I blinked. Yeah, being blind but still able to see the world and system messages is odd, and takes a moment to get used to again. Then seeing the message, I can¡¯t help but smile as I had been missing these interactions for so long. I know I got a deluge of them when I first got back, but most of those errored out. This one though, this one made me feel like I was back where I once again belonged. ¡°Uh-oh,¡± Gwen and Penelope both say in unison. They were both in the process of taking an involuntary half step back, before they heard the exclamation coming from the other, turned, locked gazes, then turned back to me. Shock and fear evident on their faces. ¡°What?¡± ¡°You¡¯re smiling,¡± Penelope responded first. I was about to respond, but Gwen cut in and clarified. ¡°Creepily, we were talking about your itinerary for the day, and then you started smiling,¡± Gwen pressed on. Daughters, they always know how to bring you back down to earth in the harshest way possible. Hearing this from their point of view, I could agree. Or at least I could see things from their perspective. I normally hate Cassie do lists, but if I set up my own quest to complete my to do list, then it is a win-win. I can¡¯t get yelled at for not completing what was not originally on my check list, but I will also get a quest completion for completing my own list. There is the slight pause that comes from the fact that the system has accepted my own personal list as being tough enough for a quest completion reward. But I also realize that by taking on the quest I risk nothing, while earning a reward for my hard work and diligence. Seeing absolutely nothing wrong with this and only possible gains to be made, I accept the quest, not quite expecting what happened next. Perhaps, if I took a moment longer to think, I might have been able to mitigate some of the headaches that would happen next.
Hidden Daily Quest Accepted: Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s First Day Back, Super Duper Easy, Personal Checklist of Items To Complete Today (Timed): You have taken upon yourself to have seven primary and two sub-tasks be completed, as part of your first full day back. Your goal is to complete your seven primary tasks and two sub-tasks before midnight tonight. Current status: Personal Tasks Completed (0 / 7). Rewards: Experience, Further SVC Accreditation, Bloodline Awakening Perk, Personal Satisfaction of a job well done. Time Remaining: 22 Hours: 41 Minutes: 17, 16, 15¡­ seconds
That wasn¡¯t too bad, especially as the quest hadn¡¯t fully shown what it interpreted as the measurable objectives of my own personal goals for the day. Then with horror, I noticed that the quest had an apparent dropdown tab that revealed to me just how terrible the system thought my goals were and what I would need to do in order to accomplish them.
Tasks still left to complete:
  • Inspect new hopeful students wishing to join SVC
    1. Minimum accepted (0 / 20),
    2. Minimum Deolarian (0 / 10),
    3. Maximum students accepted (Less than 40),
  • Teach morning Qi Classes (0 / 1),
  • Teach your Magic Classes (0 / 2),
  • Make amends with your Apprentice.
    1. Quality time spent (0:00 / 4:00)
  • Visit the Supply Depot During standard operating hours, retrieve earned items.
  • Establish Raygunnr as the Teleiot¨ªs ambassador to the Midnight Hunters. (Ambassador 0/1)
    1. Have Raygunnr added as an inclusion teacher for Mana Language to beginners. (Mana Language Instructor (0/1)
  • Fix three problems related to the war with the Legrand Empire (0 /3).
Wow, just wow. Those numerical objectives really do put a whole new level of complexity into this process. I must apparently evaluate twenty students that are worthy of joining SVC. Meaning they can¡¯t be terrible as I must meet my graduation rate here coming up. In addition to that, ten of these students need to be from the Deolarian empire, meaning ten will likely be in remedial studies with Raygunnr to at least learn Mana Language, until they can learn to speak common. The Classes I¡¯m okay with, also what exactly is quality time? Is that us playing catch? Then realizing there is likely a deeper meaning to that, I realize, this is likely the system forcing me to actually teach the poor girl. Four hours of instruction, I¡¯m assuming a few of the hours from my Magic classes will count to this, but there should be at least one hour after classes where I will be required to teach her independently. Also, I might need to check and see how it quantifies the time. Can I manipulate it by talking to people in general, and her being there is enough? Or do I need to speak to her in a one-on-one basis? Gah, this entire thing is a bit much. Honestly, I am almost impressed with the level of intricate and measurable details that the quest provided, leaving no gray area for completion. Yet, I¡¯m almost glad that failing this quest won¡¯t cause any problems for me. I mean, I see what I did here, and realize this might be a bit much, especially for my day back.
Quest Update: Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s First Day Back, Super Duper Easy, Personal Checklist of Items To Complete Today (Timed): New Failure conditions identified. Failure to complete all seven tasks in the allotted timeframe will result in the inability to provide yourself daily motivations in the form of daily quests ever again.
Okay, now that was just mean. The system, after apparently, reading my own personal trepidations about not being able to complete these seven tasks in one day, made it so I had to complete them in one day, if I wanted to be able to do this again. Meaning that it, that is the system, I really wanted to complete these tasks for whatever reason today. For a moment, I wondered what task seven entailed. I think this, because fixing problems related to a war is awfully vague. Does this mean that there might be more spirits of destroyed skill books that I could Perfectly Resurrect again? Would setting up an ambassador with the Teleiot¨ªs count towards this effort? Would healing residual scars and other similar activities count? ¡°Uh-oh,¡± Gwen began, her words pulling me out of the introspective state that I am currently in. I stop thinking about the dilemma of this quest and what failing it would now entail. Basically, I have a daily tracker of things I need to do for the day, and I can get paid for doing them. This is a no-brainer to keep. Yet, I can¡¯t help but pause as the sheer enormity of it all. ¡°What, uh-oh?¡± I question. ¡°You stopped smiling,¡± Penelope responded, her own voice concerned, but she was doing a much better job of trying to hide her apparent fear of what was going on. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± I explain dismissively. Shock. Once again, Penelope and Gwen both take that exact moment to pause, stare at each other and then look back at me. Again, it is so weird to see Gwen responding the same way I would, even though I know she too is blind. Yet, she is doing a great job of blending in and at least trying to be on the same mental page as Penelope. ¡°What is fine?¡± Gwen pressed. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± I begin. ¡°Nothing?¡± Penelope doubled down. ¡°Fine, I just managed to assign myself a daily quest log, and it seems that I will be able to do this again in the future, but only if I succeed in completing today¡¯s tasks.¡± I begin. With that the two paused, clearly staring at me and waiting for me to go on, but I am done for the moment. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? Basically, a way for you to keep your daily personal goals in check?¡± Penelope asks reassuringly. ¡°Well yes,¡± I begin, but am cut off by Gwen. ¡°You are always going on about being organized, this is a great way to keep your tasks right at hand and ready to go,¡± Gwen posed. ¡°Yes, but if I fail, then I will never be given this chance again,¡± I reply. ¡°Oh,¡± Penelope responds understandingly, nodding her head as she takes it all in. Gwen on the other hand is as matter-of-fact as usual. ¡°Then don¡¯t fail.¡± ¡°Oh, why didn¡¯t I think of that,¡± I respond. ¡°Is the quest tough?¡± Penelope asks. Not wanting to push this out any further, I show the quest, the drop-down menu of tasks needing to be completed. Then the notification about the quest failure. ¡°These don¡¯t look too bad,¡± Penelope begins and then turns to Gwen. ¡°We can take these down and help her.¡± Gwen nods, ¡°I was thinking the same thing. Also, it is good that she has a quest component dealing directly with the Legrand War, as there are several things we needed to broach with her anyways.¡± They say to each other. Then they both begin taking their own notepads writing utensils and copying my quest components verbatim. ¡°We¡¯ll help you to facilitate these conditions,¡± Gwen spoke as she wrote. And not for the first time, but maybe something I didn¡¯t recognize enough, I realized how amazing Gwen had truly turned out to be. As they write down my quest components, I am allowed to think about ways I can try to solve some of these conditions myself, without anyone¡¯s aid. Honestly, the entire process was too vague. Oh, would me teaching my first classes at school count? Making it so I could get those three knocked out by just teaching? You know, showing that we are no longer going to be stopped due to actions related to the war? Nothing. There is no response, almost as if I can feel the system giving me a sidelong glance and all but daring me to try to double dip with these quest objectives. Knowing the system it would make me teach an extra class like Magical or Qi based Bloodline evolutions to meet the standard. Ding.
New Optional SVC Improvement Sub-Quest Identified: Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s First Day Back, Super Duper Easy, Personal Way to Improve SVC¡¯s Reputation (Timed): You have identified two new fields of study that would greatly improve the understanding of Bloodline Evolutions. Objective: Establish new curricula and training materials related to both Mana and Qi Bloodline Evolutions. (New Bloodline Curricula and Materials developed (0 / 2). Rewards: Experience, Skill(s), Guild Title(s), Guild Badge(s), School Badge(s), School Title(s), School Experience, School Recognition, variable. Time Remaining: 29 Days, 23 Hours, 59 Minutes¡­
Wow, once again the system is trying to mess with me. Once again, this quest has a drop-down menu showing the two tasks required.
Tasks still left to complete:
  • Create Mana Bloodline Evolutions Course Curriculum (0 / 1).
    1. Generate Training Materials (0 / 20).
  • Create Qi Bloodline Evolutions Course Curriculum (0 / 1).
    1. Generate Training Materials (0 / 20).
Yeah, this quest sucked as well. Thirty days to come up with two different courses? Again, kudos to the system for coming up with clear measurable goals, but, I think this is definitely a quest that we can let slide to the wayside. At least, letting this all fall to the wayside was my plan. Especially given that Mallory hopefully missed the notification in her Guild Leader¡¯s tab, as she should be sleeping right now, given that it was roughly two-ish AM? I don¡¯t time is tough for the blind. ¡°Dang it,¡± Gwen responds, apparently seeing something. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m told to ask you what you did.¡± ¡°What, I didn¡¯t do any¡­¡± I begin trying to tout my innocence, especially since my biggest crime is apparently thinking. Thinking in ways that the system can bug and annoy me to force me to delve deeper into. I tried to protest but Gwen just cut me off. ¡°Never mind, hold whatever thought you had, as she is apparently incoming.¡± Gwen responds with an annoyed look on her face, then pausing for a second she adds in one last jab, ¡°thanks mom.¡± SWOOSH! Before I can respond to the verbal jab, there is a temporal displacement, as a bedraggled Mallory arrives, with only part of her hair looking clean and pressed, while the other half looks incredibly mangled. Yeah, someone had apparently awoken her from her slumber. ¡°Explain!¡± Was the one word the completely bedraggled Mallory used to take control of the whole situation. Apparently, she was not happy from being awoken, either. ¡°Well¡­¡± Chapter 316 When Daughters Surprise You, Only to Then Disappoint You Chapter 316 When Daughters Surprise You, Only to Then Disappoint You ¡°Gah, can¡¯t you cause Chaos during regular guild office hours?¡± Mallory pleaded, her eyes bleary due to lack of sleep. I wanted to comment that she clearly needed to take better care of herself, but then decided that since I was the current cause of her fugue state, that I would be best to avoid that train of thought. Instead, I began replying to her question in a way that would show she likely needed to sleep. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s how chaos works? That or, if it was chaos that was conducted during regular office hours, then it implies that the level of mayhem expected would be astronomical by comparison.¡± I offer helpfully, again only wanting to show Mallory that her faculties are being pushed to their limits and she is clearly suffering for this lack of available resources. A sign that shows that she likely needs to allocate her resources and time better. Groan. ¡°You two, you couldn¡¯t stop this?¡± Mallory is now apparently done talking to me and apparently conversing with said resources that let this happen. At least, that is the gist I am getting from this conversation. ¡°Stop her, we were literally in the middle of trying to spin the idea of helping Cass get her Daily Quest complete this time would require a lot of guild resources, considering the one-day trial period noted,¡± Gwen began. Hearing her speak, my heart began to feel lighter. This was my daughter, and here she was, trying to convince her significant other to allocate resources to helping me. ¡°I see that, I see that she somehow also forced the system to impose a strict failure clause seventeen seconds after the quest was initially posted to indicate this one-time trial challenge.¡± Mallory spoke, stressing the fact that my quest had been changed to a limited run with the potential for more, if I succeed. ¡°Yes, well. Regardless of why it is now a one-time offer, I still suggest at least a 10% increase in personnel willing to help out and accomplish these goals.¡± Gwen indicated. ¡°To be clear, you are referring to the one-time daily, and not the month-long goal that finally awoke me from my slumber?¡± Mallory interjected. Hearing that, Gwen paused and then turned to face me. ¡°Sorry, I was apparently unaware of this month-long goal as well.¡± ¡°Here,¡± Mallory replied groggily and then apparently shared details of my quest to Gwen like it was no real secret. First, I didn¡¯t know that such a thing was even possible. But now that I did, I wondered what other quests could be shared in such a way. Also, how often were my quests shared between these two? Apparently, this was not the first time, as Gwen just glanced at the quest information that was apparently only visible to her and nodded. ¡°Yes, I suggest we provide a gradual increase in guild resources to complete this quest as well, as it seems to have the ability to apply special Titles to both the Guild and the College, both of which could prove to be invaluable going forward.¡± Hearing her talk, I could almost hear that glasses wearing professional that took the corporate world by storm not what, thirty? Maybe forty years ago? Seeing her in her true glory makes me proud. Especially seeing that she still has that no-nonsense approach to business as she always did. Seeing her now in her element of analytics, it is clear why Mallory stood no chance against her, my daughter is just too good. ¡°Okay, dedicate resources to helping out with that,¡± Mallory responds which Gwen just nods and makes a note. Then Mallory turns her attention towards me, ¡°I¡¯m going to need you to prioritize the monthly quest, as it will have the most benefit to the guild.¡± Hearing that, I could almost feel the ability for completing the daily quest today flying away as quickly as it came. It was sad, but I could almost understand. ¡°Actually, if I might have a moment of your time,¡± Gwen began, still in her corporate storm persona. It was hard to tell when and where exactly she would pick up this persona, but when she did, she stuck to it, like a professional actress. From the gesture, it looked like Gwen wanted to take Mallory to the side to discuss, but Mallory still being tired just shook her head. ¡°No, just say it here,¡± Mallory concluded, not wanting to talk about whatever Gwen still had in mind separately from Penelope and me. Gwen looked like she wanted to protest but then seemed to realize that Mallory likely wanted to conclude this impromptu meeting early, so she could go back to sleep. No doubt hoping that I would stop waking her up with chimes of my receiving quest notifications. ¡°Now I know I¡¯m not the only one who gets quest notification at odd times,¡± I begin drawing everyone¡¯s attention towards me. Mallory just looks at me with a slight look of exhaustion but then seems to nod in agreement. ¡°Yes, but you are the only one who I have set the alarm function to go off, forcing me to swipe out of the alarm each time it goes off. Even in sleep,¡± Mallory responds. Hearing her explanation, I nod, ¡°sounds like a nice feature.¡± ¡°It does help us plan our resources better,¡± Mallory responded, the turned back to face Gwen. Gwen, realizing that it was her time to shine reached up to her forehead and seemed to adjust nonexistent glasses on her face. A facet of her personality that seemed to carry over even here. Again, this was just more proof that this was a role she was playing and not her true self. Prepared to see my baby in action, I took a step back and wanted to see what she would do or say next. ¡°If I might impose some of your time, I suggest pumping the allotted free resources to helping Cass finish her Daily Quest with all due expediency.¡± Gwen responded. Needless to say, I was not disappointed by her suggestion. In fact, I couldn¡¯t help but feel excited by her push to help me get this quest completed. Sigh. ¡°Can you articulate why this daily that doesn¡¯t affect the guild at all, should be prioritized with guild resources?¡± Mallory asked. And like that, I realized I, like most times, was apparently going to be left to my own devices and the help of my friends to complete this daily. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. Hearing it from Mallory¡¯s perspective, I could understand. This was a pure and rational business decision, one that would force valuable resources away from the completion of many tasks. Regardless of this being a one-off event. ¡°First point, this first three, along with tasks six and seven directly impact the guild and guild performances. Also of note, completing task five will open space in the storage depot and help with guards watching valuable resources. Plus, five also feeds directly into that Guild Incentives program we planned on implementing,¡± Gwen as regal as ever spoke. Hearing her speak on my behalf was like hearing a famous trial lawyer go to bat for you, even offering to go to prison to serve time with you, while they worked on your case. This right here, this was pride. Though I was a bit curious about what they meant by the Guild Incentives program, it sounded vaguely familiar, but then again everything seems vaguely familiar at this point. As Gwen spoke on my behalf, I had to bring up the quest tasks that she spoke about and was somewhat surprised that the ones she mentioned were in fact related to helping the Guild either directly, or indirectly as was noted by task five?
Tasks still left to complete:
  • Inspect new hopeful students wishing to join SVC
    1. Minimum accepted (0 / 20),
    2. Minimum Deolarian (0 / 10),
    3. Maximum students accepted (Less than 40),
  • Teach morning Qi Classes (0 / 1),
  • Teach your Magic Classes (0 / 2),
  • Make amends with your Apprentice.
    1. Quality time spent (0:00 / 4:00)
  • Visit the Supply Depot During standard operating hours, retrieve earned items.
  • Establish Raygunnr as the Teleiot¨ªs ambassador to the Midnight Hunters. (Ambassador 0/1)
    1. Have Raygunnr added as an inclusion teacher for Mana Language to beginners. (Mana Language Instructor (0/1)
  • Fix three problems related to the war with the Legrand Empire (0 /3).
¡°That of course is just the initial Guild Resource expenditure argument,¡± Gwen continued, apparently not done with her argument on my behalf. ¡°Oh?¡± Mallory and I exclaimed at nearly the same time. I¡¯m judging based on my oh, that the reason for Mallory¡¯s oh was that she too was already sold on the rationale for providing guild resources for this quest completion. A process that I might want to look into, in the future, especially for trying to complete larger tasks that might require more effort than I can accomplish on my own. This is a good process, and one that I¡¯m thankful for finally knowing. I¡¯m going to suggest that they offer this type of information in some type of new recruit orientation briefing, but then I¡¯d have to sit through a meeting. Then thinking about sitting through an orientation meeting, I realize that such an event would likely be constituted as torture for everyone involved. Having the ability to avoid having to sit through hours or even days of meetings to gain thirty seconds of, oh that was interesting to know afterwards, never suited me in real life, and was likely why I stayed with my job until retirement. I am envisioning myself having to sit through someone extol the virtues of the standard Guild Ranking system to me, and the long-term leveling benefits, when Gwen continues speaking. Pulling me back from what could have been a terrible waste of hours of my future. ¡°Yes, as you are no doubt aware, this just scratches the surface of how truly valuable this questline can be to us as a guild, and to future resource management allocation requests in the future,¡± Gwen pontificated. ¡°Explain?¡± Mallory started, once again, using the first word she spoke when she arrived, though this time it was clearly being asked as the amazingly smart Mallory could not keep up with my brilliant daughter. To be fair though, I had no clue where my Gwenny was going with this either, but I knew it had to be someplace great, I could feel it. ¡°You are looking at this as a one-time payout, requiring a lot of guild resources for what could conceivably be little in the terms of matching compensation, without allotting the tasks offered to Cass to be worth the initial investiture. I¡¯m going to recommend we go with an easy approach, and try to offer the most resources as possible to complete this task as quickly as possible.¡± Gwen began, and paused for only a moment letting her initial build up sink in. Mallory just took a long moment to blink, before taking a deep breath and staring at Gwen. There were no words said, but Mallory¡¯s facial expression spoke volumes to the importance of making a valid and convincing point here possible. ¡°By completing this quest we will have the proverbial bell collar on Cass, an item that we have been discussing, and trying to make into reality, but have been unable to,¡± Gwen stated, and even gestured towards Penelope. Penelope for her part just looked sheepish at this, ¡°there were problems with the enchantment, we weren¡¯t able to create one that would jingle every time she Teleported, also we were fairly certain that any magic based vibrations would be noticed by the subject immediately. Also, this wouldn¡¯t warn us when she left, only when she arrived, which we all agreed was the exact opposite of what we needed.¡± ¡°I know, we all agreed that it would not be worth putting actual bells into her future uniforms.¡± Mallory agreed dismissively, waving her hand to cut off the sheepish looking Penelope. ¡°Wait?¡± I began, as I realized they were talking about giving me soul bound items that would apparently jingle when I made an entry or exit? Gwen, apparently expecting my disruption, continued her initial train of thought, like a sprinter who had a full bladder for the last half mile and finally saw the finish line in sight. ¡°My point is, that with this we will have a daily itinerary of Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s intended goals for the day, how far along she was towards completing each goal, Most importantly the daily quest will tell you, and therefore the rest of us, when we should have people go and distract her, before she finds ways to distract herself, after completing her goals for the day.¡± I hold up my finger to argue, but, I can¡¯t quite refute the argument. On the one hand, it is a nearly perfect argument, and gives me everything I want. I mean, to argue against her argument would effectively be arguing against getting guild assistance for completing what could very likely be a very important quest. ¡°Good points,¡± Mallory states and then offers a bright smile towards Gwen. Seeing the smile directed towards her, Gwen looks momentarily proud. She straightens up her posture and returning her own crisp smile, before letting her persona take over and presenting the sharp shrewd businesswoman. Mallory seeing that Gwen is once again in character then turns from her to Penelope, where she asks, ¡°what are your opinions on this?¡± Penelope pauses for a moment, but then seems to debate with herself for only a moment, before speaking her mind. ¡°I mean, it is a full time job, but knowing what to expect would help us all. It would help the handlers make sure the resources she needs were provided, and where she might be at any given time. It would also probably help her settle down and get more acclimated to being back,¡± Penelope added. While she was not as compelling as Gwen, her testament did show the need for the assistance. I¡¯m assuming the idea would be that, if we went down this daily quest completion list, then when I made my next quest, it would then be shared to Gwen and the other handlers? ¡°It would also help when you take over a shift, and the person before you conveniently either forgot, or didn¡¯t have time to properly back brief you on the current tasks being completed,¡± Penelope added snarkily, I¡¯m guessing this jab was directed at someone that was not here. ¡°Yeah, especially when they end up tracking and following one of the Simulacrums for an entire shift, and it is the oncoming shift¡¯s job to track down where the real Cass is,¡± Gwen added apparently also speaking of the wayward handler. Hearing them, I¡¯m reminded of a few times when Jhonny was just watching RuneUlacrum from within the Kujo Caverns. At that, I could only smile, knowing that was a pretty good week, and I still take immense joy in tricking him for so long. Then, just as I was beginning to smile at the noted incident, Mallory turns to face me. ¡°And to make sure we are all in agreement here, what are your thoughts on this?¡± Exhale. I felt warmth from this question. Don¡¯t get me wrong, I always feel appreciated, but there are times, moments like these, when I feel even more accepted than usual. Seeing that Mallory wanted my input on this, it really helped let me know that I was in the right place. That¡¯s why I decided to answer truthfully. ¡°Well, I would appreciate the assistance, particularly with new student selections. That said, I don¡¯t think it is the be all and end all of quests. I definitely don¡¯t want to put any extra burdens on you, or extra stress with having to track me down, and see where I am with my own personal goals for each day,¡± I answer honestly. Apparently, there was something terrifying in my words, at least that is the look of shock that Mallory was now expressing. ¡°Holly goodness, I literally almost ruined this for everyone, didn¡¯t I?¡± Mallory asked, mostly to herself but then she spun about slowly and made eye contact with Penelope and Gwen both. Penelope looked confused, about as confused as I felt currently. Gwen on the other hand, she just nodded with an exactly dummy look on her face that spoke more eloquently than her words as my trial lawyer ever could. ¡°Wow, I am way too tired,¡± Mallory began and clutched at her chest, then she felt how her hair was matted and half pressed from her odd habit of apparently sleeping on her left side. She got distracted with her hair for a moment, but then shook her head and stared at Gwen. ¡°Thank you for talking me out of what would have been one of the worst mistakes of my life.¡± Gwen just nodded, letting her confident smile take over, as she now basked in the praise she deserved. ¡°Wait, so you¡¯ll grant the resources?¡± Penelope asked, trying to make sure she was tracking. ¡°Yes, 100% guild resource allocation, this quest is to take top priority over all others for today. I don¡¯t care about exemptions,¡± Mallory explained, making sure both Gwen and Penelope nodded before turning to me. ¡°Great find on that daily quest, and it is the only quest you can work on for the time being.¡± Mallory stated in a commanding voice. Click.
Guild Master Override Engaged. Your guild master has locked in your currently assigned quest Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s First Day Back, Super Duper Easy, Personal Checklist of Items To Complete Today (Timed) as the only quest you can work on. No other quests can be completed or redeemed until this quest is fully completed in its entirety.
¡°Wait, you can lock in quests like that?¡± I ask, wondering where such a Guild Master task came from. ¡°Yes, while you were gone it was one of the upgrades I was talked into purchasing, now if you will excuse me,¡± Mallory noted as she turned to leave. ¡°Wait, but it says that I have to complete it before I can complete others, but this one is timed, meaning if I don¡¯t complete it today, then I won¡¯t be able to complete another quest?¡± I protest. Hearing that, Mallory stops and offers a coy smile before responding, ¡°well then, I suggest you do everything in your power to complete this quest as quickly as possible.¡± I was about to protest further, but Mallory then continued. ¡°Relax, you will have one hundred percent guild resources and personnel assigned to assist you in this task, what¡¯s the worst that could happen?¡± And like that, I felt thig golden and dark bands of karma wrap out from Mallory and bind me in place. Suddenly, I felt a lot less assured about how today was going to go. Chapter 317 Shift Rotations (Valeria) Chapter 317 Shift Rotations (Valeria) Being with the Midnight Hunters Guild took some time to get used to. For Valeria¡¯s first month, she never really had any time limits or constraints. Now though, now she was expected to get up at 03:00 AM to be up and ready by 04:00 AM. Why 03:00 AM? Well the answer was simple, she would not be able to wake up at 3:45 AM the first time. She knew this, her body knew this, heck her mother would have written from beyond the grave about this, not that it would change anything. Then there was the fact that apparently the first thing people invented were mechanical alarm clocks with a snooze feature. These were the bane of Valeria¡¯s existence for they were both needed, and proved why she had to set her wake-up time to be an hour before her shift was to start. Worse, she had to apparently relieve Penelope for her shift. Gwen, the Doctor¡¯s daughter, would be covering down for a few weeks to help with this transition. But it was literally hurting Penelope, the amazing Tailor of the system, and the person who created her dress uniform for the day.
Soul Bound Item: Midnight Hunter¡¯s Doctor¡¯s Apprentice Military Uniform: Official military uniform worn by those noted as being the Doctor¡¯s Apprentice within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. As long as the owner remains within the Midnight Hunters guild or are claimed by someone the rank of Doctor by the Midnight Hunters guild, they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Arms. Stats: +10% Mana Capacity, +10% Casting Speed, +10% Silent Casting Efficiency, +10% Energy Hiding, +10% Energy Efficiency.
Just putting on the uniform made her realize a few things. First the Midnight Hunters were taking this war seriously. Valeria¡¯s new Apprentice gear was both powerful and practical. She wore stylish black boots, with bright pink laces. Her pants were black with a pink inseam running down the sides. Her jacket was similar black with offsetting pink accents. Even the badges and rank noting her as an Apprentice had light pink accents around different symbols that Valeria was still trying to understand. Why pink? Valeria didn¡¯t know. She did ask Penelope about it, which was when Penelope responded, ¡°well you will need to match the Doctor, when she returns.¡± Hearing that, Valeria went and asked the most obvious question that anyone would have after hearing such a statement. ¡°The Doctor likes pink?¡± ¡°No, the Doctor is color blind, but we need to show her softer side to those she is training.¡± Hearing that response, Valeria waited for more to come, because there seemed to be something missing from this explanation. ¡°Okay, but she is a pixie, doesn¡¯t she normally look soft?¡± Valeria asked, it had been a bit, but the Doctor had been fairly small and cute. Yeah, she could command a room with her presence, but most of that was the Kujos, right? ¡°Ohh, this is too good,¡± Penelope all but preened as she called over to Gwen. ¡°Hey, Valeria has never seen her master train others.¡± Hearing that comment, Gwen paused and looked over to Valeria before shaking her head. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, momma is not that frightening, she just¡­¡± At that Gwen paused in her explanation, while clearly trying to think of the correct words to say. Fortunately for Gwen, Penelope was there to help out with the explanation. ¡°She plays roles.¡± ¡°Thank you Pen, that¡¯s right she plays roles. When she is in a role she can and will do and say crazy things, but deep down inside she is always the same person.¡± Gwen completed her thought. ¡°You just won¡¯t see that same person until the task at hand is ended and her need for that role, she is exuding is over,¡± Penelope added. Hearing that Gwen paused before nodding in agreement. There was a pause as Valeria took that all in, before questioning, ¡°and that¡¯s why her uniform and mine will have pink accents?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± they both responded in unison. For a moment, Valeria wanted to argue but found that she couldn¡¯t, as there was seemingly nothing to argue about. ¡°Won¡¯t we be looked down upon having bright pink accents in a military unit?¡± Valeria posed. ¡°Two things, first only your uniform is bright pink, you are the Apprentice after all. Doctor Spiritlight¡¯s will be a hot pink,¡± Penelope cut in making sure to point out that distinction for whatever reason. ¡°Okay?¡± Valeria questioned, her voice showing her own lack of comprehension about why that distinction was made right now. ¡°Secondly, pink will eventually be a warning sign to other militaries. Similar to the red cross, but far more visible on a battlefield,¡± Penelope concluded. ¡°Won¡¯t that make us easy targets to spot?¡± Valeria asked, suddenly feeling like she was wearing a bright pink bullseye on her uniform. ¡°Yes, that is the point, you two will stand out and hopefully be avoided as valid targets.¡± Gwen responded. ¡°Oh, come on, you know there is hope that someone will take a potshot at the Doctor hoping that it infuriates her,¡± Penelope added. ¡°Well, there is that too,¡± Gwen agreed reluctantly. These were the thoughts that a bleary-eyed Valeria had, while popping on her uniform, going over to her water basin and washing her face in the remarkably cool and crisp Midnight Hunter drinking water. It was odd, everything about the water seemed normal, it was clear, and cool. But somehow splashing it on your face, or drinking it, caused you to be awake and refreshed almost immediately. Allegedly the Doctor had something to do with this water, as it was siphoned from the giant magic rain inducing pillars that covered the entire area. While the patents of the pillars were open source, only the Doctor¡¯s Enchanting students could properly create one of the pillars without the Doctor¡¯s guidance. The entire thing seemed overly drawn out and dramatic, but it was clear that for whatever reason the people of the Midnight Hunters loved and revered the crazy pixie. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Which was another odd thing, for they all referred to her as a crazy pixie, many to her face, yet they still revered her and what she managed to do. That said, if half the stuff attributed to her was real, then yes, Valeria could understand the worship. Though it was hard to take in, despite having witnessed miracles herself. ¡°How do you Resurrect a book?¡± She found herself asking her reflection in the mirror. Fortunately for Valeria, her reflection seemed to be as much at a loss as she was. ¡°I mean the concept makes sense. You can Resurrect people, still no clue how she can do that, let alone at a massive scale like she can. Then she creates living moving and biting books. Those books die, so logically the next step is to Resurrect the books, but how?¡± Had she not seen it with her own eyes, she would not be able to believe it, especially not with the books having been resurrected to be level 1,500. Yes, she was in a land where magic was taught as a given. Where flying and soaring Skill Books could train you in odd and unique skills up to level 500. But the books weren¡¯t friendly, magic was somehow tougher to cast, everyone drank magical rainwater from the sky, and somehow everyone took this all in like it was normal. Why did Legrand think they could win? Fortunately, Valeria was now awake enough to realize she should not have asked that question out loud. Not that she thought of herself as being a member of the Legrand Empire anymore. But occasionally, she still felt her mind going back and trying to understand what exactly the senior leadership of the Legrand Empire was thinking. From a tactical perspective. They either had to strike then and there or else lose the chance of ever conquering the Midnight Hunters. There was a perverse form of logic, hitting the enemy before they could galvanize into something stronger that was undefeatable. Yet, they lost. They lost miserably. To a pixie no less. It all seemed comical. An army of mages, every member of the Legrand Empire had their magical potential awoken to at least the second tier in some odd ritual. Shivers. Fortunately for Valeria she already had a magical core, one that got strengthened from the ritual, but it could have been worse. That drugged out elf could have had his way with her, if he had so chosen. Instead, Valeria was granted a promotion due to her allegiance to the Empire. Two magical core Tiers and one Resurrection later, Valeria felt her obligation to the Legrand Empire was over. The weird part was that right now Valeria wasn¡¯t even bound to the Midnight Hunters. Yes, she had been chosen by the Doctor, but that seemed to not mean much in the grand scheme of things. Other than losing access to the overpowered military uniform that Valeria now wore, there was nothing keeping her here. Well, nothing other than the promise to be taught by someone who was allegedly the best mage in the world. Not that it mattered, for there were many great and powerful mages. Worse, given the state of constant change in this world, Valeria knew that this title would eventually slide to someone else. It was a natural occurrence. The doctor would either get old and cocky and die in battle. Or what appeared to be more and more the case, she would get distracted and miss something important before eviscerating herself. No, this was clearly an opportunity for Valeria, nothing more, nothing less. Hopefully if things went well, the Doctor would be around long enough to teach her and let her get a certified degree from SVC. But even that was a long shot, as there was a clear vacation time set up when the Doctor left. Meaning only one person could teach so many students. The model for SVC was unsustainable, at least that is the way Valeria saw it. Tink-tink-tank-tonk-tink. Valeria¡¯s second metal alarm clock went off. This one was fortunately right next to her, as she was standing at her sink, where the last and final clock was located. Turning off the alarm, Valeria took one last look at herself in the mirror. Her uniform was straight, her hair was now straight and sleek. Looking at herself, it was clear that the water was even doing wonders for her hair, as it seemed to have so much more volume than before. Reaching up, she patted her blonde hair, before wondering if she should tie back her hair. There was no code given for how hair should be worn while in the military uniform, but Valeria wanted a somewhat regal look, so she quickly tied it back in a ponytail before exiting and leaving the large room she had been given. Guards. The first thing Valeria saw when she exited her room were two guards standing watch in front of the vacant room to her right. Apparently, some high-ranking individual was supposed to live there, but they never did. At least, not until now? For a moment Valeria thought about going over and asking the guards about the person living there, but seeing their stern demeanor, and realizing it was none of her business, Valeria decided to turn to the left and leave. Startle. That¡¯s when Valeria, completely unaware of the soldier who had been coming up to greet her, jumped as if trying out for the local basketball team. ¡°Sorry about that, but I was asked to be your guide to your training location today,¡± the female guard responded politely. Landing, and having a moment to reach up and grabbed at her chest, Valeria paused and then gathered herself before responding. ¡°You scared me there,¡± Valeria stated. A coy smile filled the soldier¡¯s full lips. Looking at the uniform of the soldier, it was clear she was in a different department, as her uniform had a light blue line down the pant legs. Clearly there was some form of color coordination going on, but Valeria still what she felt to be cobwebs in her mind. Charming chuckle. The soldier let out a laugh that would normally feel belittling, but was made easier by her overly friendly personality. ¡°Sorry about that, but these morning shifts are hard to work with,¡± the female soldier responded. ¡°I know, right.¡± Valeria responded and then found herself following the soldier as she made her way away from the housing. ¡°Sorry, to do this, but we need to get going if we are going to arrive on time. I am Staff Sergeant Gabriellaz, and I will be your escort and training partner for the next few weeks.¡± The female soldier, Gabriellaz, stated warmly. Hearing that, Valeria paused, not wanting a training partner. Particularly as it almost felt like she was being watched. ¡°I¡¯m not certain that I will need a training partner,¡± Valeria replied cordially. Well, she replied as cordially as she could under the circumstances. Hearing the comment Gabriellaz had a somewhat shocked look cover her face as she seemed to momentarily hesitate for only a moment, before stopping and asking. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, have I offended you in any way?¡± Gabriellaz asked, then proceeding to try to rectify the situation she continued, ¡°if I have then please let how or what I have done to offer offense?¡± ¡°What? No, you are fine, it is just that I¡­¡± Valeria began, but soon trailed off as she tried to think of the words to say to describe how she did not want to be constantly compared to the muscle-bound goddess who was next to her. Having been a Healer in the Legrand Empire, there was not much emphasis on physical training, whereas it seemed that almost everyone here from the Midnight Hunters all worked out diligently. At least, all the people who had been greeting her ever since the return of her master. ¡°I just don¡¯t think I am a good gym partner.¡± Valeria answered somewhat defensively. ¡°Oh, is that it?¡± Gabriellaz responded, then gently grabbed both of Valeria¡¯s hands in her own overgrown hands. ¡°I¡¯m not here to judge, to be honest I¡¯m just here to get closer to the Doctor. In this case, the easiest way was to apply to be your guide.¡± Hearing that, Valeria felt, well she didn¡¯t quite know how she felt. Realistically, she knew she should feel somewhat offended, but she was mostly perplexed by the sudden confession. ¡°So, wait, why exactly do I need a guide?¡± Valeria asked, wondering if this was some deeper way of keeping tabs on her as the deposed Legrand spy. She could be, a spy that is, but she had no clue where to go. Then when she did manage to find the Spy Guild Hall office here, they wouldn¡¯t talk to her. Or they would, but they clearly gave her the run around. Pushing her on information sharing that she was not able to provide. Like Legrand Troop layout, how Healers were taught in the Legrand Empire, which was not much. Still, she had provided that information and more. All of which got her a big pile of nothing. She didn¡¯t dare offer any information on the Doctor, not that there was much for her to give, other than what she had found out on her own. Yet, it was clear that the Guild both knew who she was and avoided any insights into the Doctor herself. Almost as if she was a national treasure that even the Guild Hall knew not to mess with, lest she exert her wrath. Which was an odd concept, for the Thieves Guild was omnipresent, almost every major city had one. Yet, they were scared to ask about information related to the Doctor. Snort. Gabriellaz let out a cute little snort at her comment, ¡°you might be used to how the campus was for the past few weeks?¡± ¡°Well yeah, and I know my way around campus,¡± Valeria replied. Her tone denoting that is all she could have known, for she just got here a few weeks ago and the campus had been mostly dead and easy to traverse. Smile. Hearing her, Gabriellaz just gave a wicked knowing smile. The one that spoke of knowing a secret, one that apparently Valeria was not privy to. ¡°You might have seen the campus during the recess that it was recently experiencing. But I guarantee you have not seen it like this,¡± Gabriellaz replied as she decided to continue walking forward towards the long way around to the campus. ¡°Wait, that¡¯s the wrong way,¡± Valeria cried out as she didn¡¯t want to go the long way as it would add minutes to her walk. Gabriellaz just gave her that same coy smile, before continuing onward in her own direction. Distant shouting. Pausing for a second, off in the distance to the right, towards the direction that Valeria had wanted to go, she could hear what almost sounded like a raging rock concert. One where hundreds of voices were calling out in cadence to a verse that didn¡¯t quite make sense. ¡°Is there a concert scheduled for today?¡± Valeria asked, suddenly speeding up to get back in lock-step with Gabriellaz. ¡°Sort of,¡± Gabriellaz replied, ¡°this is the opportunity that many have been waiting for. Many for at least a month, personally I¡¯ve been waiting close to four months for this moment.¡± More shouting, possibly from a female singer screaming at the top of her lungs, followed by a chorus of an exuberant crowd responding in return. Just hearing the voices cry out caused the ground to tremble slightly, from so many voices crying out and stomping their feet in an odd rhythmic cadence. The sheer volume and intensity causing shivers to run down Valeria¡¯s spine in anticipation of what was happening in the open campus. Maybe a concert to welcome back the new students. ¡°A welcome back to class concert that everyone can enjoy?¡± Valeria found herself asking as she got closer and found that even from the far side of campus hundreds of bodies were gathered around, all seemingly waiting for a chance to get closer. ¡°Better,¡± Gabriellaz began as she went over to a security guard who looked first to her, then to Valeria and to a document held by Gabriellaz. After reading the document, the guard nodded and waved for her and Valeria to go through. Much to the annoyance of everyone who had been waiting. Chills. As she got closer, she felt an odd chill go down her spine, this time not from the odd music. It took her mind a moment to realize why she felt suddenly odd, but it was due to an odd distortion that they had entered. Only after entering the distortion did she realize that she was surrounded by ghosts, hundreds of oddly beautiful and yet cold elven soldiers all waiting for a moment to move forward. There was a clear line of demarcation, up ahead, she was now close enough to see groups of people running, jumping, and stomping in place. Each shouting out with wild revere at a floating and screaming pixie. ¡°I said, jump! Train like you care, like you actually want to be here!¡± The pixie¡¯s voice boomed out, somehow her voice was able to be heard perfectly by Valeria despite being so far away. ¡°Yes, DOCTOR!¡± The chorus of voice cried out in unison as they all pushed themselves harder, trying to work faster. Seeing the odd cacophony of yelling and training going on, Valeria felt momentarily lost. Then turning to Gabriellaz she found herself asking, ¡°what is going on?¡± Valeria yelled, expecting her voice to be drowned out by the chorus of jeers and the bellowing pixie. A pixie who even from this distance of a few hundred yards away could easily be seen in her fashionable dark uniform with hot pink markings, that did not make her look any less fierce. If anything, the hot pink markings just made her look somehow more intimidating, if that was possible. Maybe it was just how odd and absurd she looked, versus how she seemed to exude barely contained power. ¡°This is what we all have been waiting for, our one chance to shine,¡± Gabriellaz answered truthfully. ¡°What?¡± Valeria found herself asking, being even more confused by the answer than ever before. ¡°Open admissions, now come on, I need to get you next to the Doctor,¡± Gabriellaz demanded as she grabbed Valeria¡¯s hand and all but pulled her through the chaos that surrounded them. With each step, Valeria knew she was getting closer to having her whole world flip on its head. Chapter 318 When Everyone Tries to Help You, For All The Wrong Reasons Chapter 318 When Everyone Tries to Help You, For All The Wrong Reasons Three things can almost guarantee success. Being in the right uniform, at the right place, at the right time. Three conditions passed down by dad that still stick with me. Though to be historically accurate, I believe his exact wording was, ¡°if you are going streaking all you need to do is go with your friends and what God gave you. If you are going to a funeral, you wear your best, so you don¡¯t embarrass others before God.¡± Something like that. While I might not always agree with the phrasing, his meaning was there. That is why I try to take most of what happens to me on a daily basis with a grain of salt. Particularly when one of my best friends is a Tailor, one who has a constant need for constantly playing dress up and making me putting on new and more elaborate soul bound uniforms. I can¡¯t help but agree with the fact that she does set the tone and stage with her uniforms provided. As they are all high quality, feeling both sleek to touch, and allowing for ample range of movement. That is mostly why I decided to go with her newest uniform that she provided for me to wear before calling it a night. Well, she did make sure to see me try it on first, after which she squealed with delight at apparently how cute I looked. While I wanted to complain and change out of the new uniform for today, I couldn¡¯t help but feel that there was some merit to her want to get me to change my Guild Issued Uniform that I had been galivanting around in. One could argue that the stats and bonuses applied to my last uniform were great, and worth a lot of hassle that came along with wearing them. There was also the idea that I would look childish if I decided to keep using my pretty-pretty Bride¡¯s Maid dress. That is why I was given and asked to wear what was deemed an appropriate garment befitting my new position for the day. A military uniform.
Soul Bound Item: Midnight Hunter¡¯s Military Doctor Uniform (Class B): Official Class B Military uniform worn by those noted as Doctors within the Midnight Hunter¡¯s Guild. As long as the owner remains within the Midnight Hunters guild they can wear and use this item. Binds upon equip. Slots Required: Feet, Legs, Knees, Chest, Shoulders, Waist, and Arms. Stats: +10% Mana Capacity, +15% Movement Speed, +7.5% Silent Movement, +10% Energy Conversion, +10% Energy Hiding, +10% Energy Efficiency.
Yes, Class B, because Penelope of course was working on an even cuter Class A uniform for formal occasions. That was the exact word she used. From my understanding Class B uniforms are what are referred to as the basic day-to-day uniforms of the soldiers. Since my role had somehow expanded to help train volunteer soldiers wishing to survive a bit longer on the battlefield, and the fact that I didn¡¯t want to lose any more souls to war, I acquiesced. Dropping my porcelain doll dress for a more assertive military uniform, one that came with a belt. Yes, the Waist slot was the new major change. Well the belt and the fact that I was apparently too quiet in my dress, thus the switch to having my Silent Movement bonus halved between models. That said the payoff was increases to Energy Hiding and Energy Efficiency. With Energy Conversion being an entirely new bonus. Yep, regardless of how this goes, unless Penelope really out does herself with her next dress up idea, I might have to stick with the military uniform. Then again, we are apparently still at war, so it only makes sense that all senior leadership takes this moment seriously. Also, there is the not too subtle jab about Mallory being able to track my daily progress by completing this daily quest. A quest that would normally be tough, but not impossible to complete on my own. Yet now I have been given complete guild funding and resources to make this quest happen. At first, I was glad for the idea of help. There are a lot of moving parts of this operation, and honestly a bit of help couldn¡¯t hurt. I was even glad when one of the parts was completed without my having to do anything. Chime.
  • Establish Raygunnr as the Teleiot¨ªs ambassador to the Midnight Hunters. (Ambassador 1 / 1)
    1. Have Raygunnr added as an inclusion teacher for Mana Language to beginners. (Mana Language Instructor (1 / 1)
And like that, I was now down to six remaining parts of this quest to complete. ¡°Come on mom,¡± Gwen began herding me like I was some form of ornery cat. By this point Penelope had turned in to take a quick nap before her afternoon Enchanting + class would take effect. Which meant only Gwen was around, as my apparent handler, until Jhonny and Valeria both would replace her. Again, I almost felt slighted by the idea that I needed handlers, but at the same time being forced to spend time with my daughter was a nice bonus, for me at least. Still not certain how she thinks of the whole situation, other than seeing in her coldly logical businesswoman approach. Yet, I know that is just the persona she exudes. Deep down, well I don¡¯t know how she thinks deep down, but I am curious to see where she will go from here. As we get closer, I realize something is wrong. ¡°Wait, why are so many people at the campus just standing around?¡± I ask. Realizing that while my sense of direction is not as terrible as it used to be, I can see the tell-tale signs of my prolonged magical stay in the area. For a moment, I try to understand what happened to the area, and I come up with the idea that prolonged exposure to pixie dust has a residual effect on an area. While I might be able to force an area to a Tier III rating of mana and Qi with Arcane Geomancy, it would appear that staying in a Tier III area for a long time will have a secondary effect due to prolonged exposure to pixie dust, or what is technically Ephemeral Energy. Honestly, I don¡¯t know how to take the idea that there is clearly why I am now referring to as a Tier IV rating of magical resonance. Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. This is bad, as I currently take damage and slowly wither away in areas that I cannot convert to a Tier III rating of purity. Normal land would be Tier I, that is able to be used and operated on by the average person. I didn¡¯t think there was a Tier 0, but after being in and surrounded by Blighted lands for so long, I must amend my thoughts on the matter. And I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m ready to classify Blighted lands as Tier 0. Blighted lands being given a Tier 0 rating makes the most sense, and would explain why people from Tier I and above environments have a hard time adapting to the caustic lands. It would also explain the processes needed to convert a Blighted creature or person back to a regular variation of that same being. ¡°GAH!¡± I hiss, wanting to try to keep these thoughts straight and written down. ¡°Everything okay?¡± Gwen asks, a true note of concern in her voice as she asks. I pause trying to understand why, but then I realize she knows I hate public speaking. Worse, given the number of soldiers who are here to try to take up the maximum of thirty-nine, or below forty spots for class, I can¡¯t blame her. Part of me also realizes that my mind wandering right now is likely a way to distract myself from trying to cut down the gathered masses of people to a more manageable thirty-nine. ¡°How many are here for the tryouts?¡± I find myself asking. ¡°A little over thirteen hundred last time I got a head count,¡± Gwen admitted. ¡°Thirteen hundred? You know I can only take thirty-nine, right?¡± I ask. ¡°Yeah, but you see this was kind of offered as a reward for every soldier and citizen who proved themselves during the invasion,¡± Gwen answered. ¡°That¡¯s less than three percent of the people gathered that I can accept, they know this right?¡± I ask trying to clarify. ¡°They know it, and they are all willing to give it a try.¡± Thinking back, I remember when we barely had a hundred soldiers try out for the Qi classes, and now it has increased by this many? I know part or at least half of the increase is due to the Deolarians finally being added to the mix, still that is a six- or seven-fold increase in applicants from the living. ¡°Okay, I make no promises, other than to assess each group stringently,¡± I finally respond. ¡°That¡¯s all they ask for, actually many have said that they would be willing to pay you in Guild Credits for group or personal training before classes begin.¡± Oh great, more guild fun bucks. I don¡¯t even know how many guild fun bucks I have. Nor how many it would take to get a cup of coffee. Should I even drink coffee? Hmm, I wonder what coffee would do to my system? ¡°Mom, what are you thinking about?¡± Gwen asks, a clear note of concern in her voice. ¡°What? Oh, nothing important,¡± I reply. It¡¯s not, by now the food and drinks are mostly an idea or abstract concept to me. Even on the alien void realm I didn¡¯t need food. I did need air. And while I never managed to get the void realm to a Tier III state of non-painful mana present. I did get a lot of it to a Tier I rating, meaning it just felt like my skin was being scraped off by the violent winds when I was let out of the protective prison. It was in the void realm, or void planet, that I came to the realization that Blighted lands are not that bad. No, the lands on that void planet were by far the worst. Looking back on it, I am pretty sure I need to write down some of these observations and histories. Mainly so I don¡¯t have to make the same mistakes twice, or so Gods forbid, someone could learn from my mistakes. I would need a pseudonym, maybe even a completely bland alias who pretends to do IT, while secretly recording my histories and laying them out in a chronological order to show how I got here. Which, honestly, I¡¯m not quite certain how I got here myself. This ghost writer persona should be someone who just knows my history without me having to say everything. Thinking about this issue, while I try to avoid the very idea of trying to deny close to thirteen hundred applicants a chance to attend SVC, I get my eureka moment. ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± I hiss to myself in triumph as I come up with the most logical response to what is happening to me. A way to help me log all of these issues, and preserve them so others don¡¯t fail nearly as many times as I have. ¡°What?¡± Gwen calls out, her voice pulling me from my deep personal thoughts on the matter. Being pulled out of my thoughts, I turn to her and pause, wondering if I should share my thoughts. Then after a moment, I decided that telling her wouldn¡¯t really cause any problems. ¡°I need more Simulacrums,¡± I answer honestly. ¡°WHAT?¡± Gwen asks, this time even more energetically. ¡°Yes, well I really just need one more Simulacrum, ScribeUlacrum, but I¡¯m pretty sure I am going to get a lot more Simulacrums the next time I get more,¡± I respond honestly. Even speaking about the concept, I can feel more than two dots forming in my mind, which likely means I would get at least two, if not more Simulacrums, next time my number increased. Given the current trends of Simulacrums, I started off with one. Then next time I got a second one for a total of two. Then this last time I got two more, for a total of four. That means either the base number is doubling, i.e. going from one, to two, to four. This sequencing would mean that the next burst of Simulacrums would be a total of four new Simulacrums, pushing me to eight overall. Or we are doing the Fibonacci sequence, where rather than four, I should get three, a combination of the last two numbers. In this case the last two would be two and one, making three new Simulacrums, or a total of seven overall. My money would be on the Fibonacci sequence over base doubling, as it is the sequence most found in nature. That said, I¡¯m now curious. Out of an abundance of caution, I should start thinking about different purposes and locations to store the other Simulacrums. ScribeUlacrum could go to the Fairie Library on floor 200 of the Arcanarus Tower with FaeUlacrum. Another, PirateUlacrum could go with ShipUlacrum. Leaving AdventureUlacrum with me here. Logically, I should prepare for one more Simulacrum and their role, in case I am wrong, and it was base doubling all along, but something in me holds off on that notion. ¡°Are you okay?¡± Gwen asks, a note of concern in her voice. I pause, trying to figure out why she is now concerned about me. Only to realize I was doing my own waffling decision look a moment ago. ¡°Oh yeah, I¡¯m fine,¡± I reply. ¡°You know, we can break this down into smaller groups?¡± Gwen offered. For a moment I am caught off guard as I don¡¯t even know where that question came from. Only after a second do I realize that we are now entering a top wall that overlooks my open courtyard where I spent so many days teaching last semester. I can see everything thanks to my Angel¡¯s Sight. We are still moving into position. There is an opening, a giant buttress where Gwen is now taking me. ¡°No, I¡¯m good, I was just thinking about what I truly need,¡± I reply honestly. ¡°And what is that?¡± Gwen asks, as she pulls out a pad of paper and an ink pen. Seeing that she is taking this seriously, I answer her question without any form of subterfuge. ¡°I need more Simulacrums.¡± ¡°Mo¡­ more?¡± Gwen stammers out, but it is already too late as I cannot answer any more questions for I am now in position. Clamor. People were idly talking to each other in hushed whispers before I appeared, but the moment I did, everyone suddenly grew quiet as all eyes turned towards me. Those that didn¡¯t see me immediately soon had their neighbors poking them and gesturing towards me, to keep them quiet. Near, but not complete silence. Looking down, I can see that the entire courtyard is filled with hundreds of bodies. Worse, this was apparently just the first wave of potential students. Despite the gestures and the protestations of others, people were still talking, meaning I would likely have to shout to be heard. At least, that is what likely would have happened to the old me. Jitters. For a moment, I thought about being the one female mathematician having to brief high level executives who were clearly more distracted by their smartphones and future dinner dates than anything I spoke about. I wasn¡¯t frightened before but suddenly seeing so many people and elven ghosts alike staring back up at me, many of whom still chattered amongst themselves, albeit quietly. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit out of my own depths here. At least that is how I began. Then taking a deep breath, I calmed my mind and focused on the character that I wanted to emulate the most at this moment. It took a moment, but then I found her, and began speaking to the new group of perspective students. With this speech I wanted to set the tone for how things were going to be. How this was to be a place of discovery and learning. A place where everyone would have the chance to explore their own understandings of magic, where we could understand the world around us with fresh perspectives and trust. That was what I wanted to convey. What came out however was slightly different. Because there were so many people that I decided to pull out all the stops and even create a brand-new spell to make sure there was no confusion over what I was saying, or what was being expected of me. Radial-Forced Selective Hearing.
New Spell Created: Radial-Forced Selective Hearing [Tier IX] (C): A radius of effect spell created by Doctor Cassiopeia Spiritlight that mentally stops persons within a defined geographic area from hearing any voice other than the caster¡¯s while the caster is speaking. There is a cascading effect that will allow persons further away to speak and share thoughts, though at a limited rate. The longer one stays within the radius of effect, the harder it will be to shrug off the effects of the spell. Note: just because they can¡¯t hear themselves talk, doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t be heard.
Garbled moans. Ever wonder what happens when people suddenly can¡¯t hear themselves talk? Well apparently they all begin moaning oddly like zombies with their vocal cords severed. Realizing, this was going to get distracting if I didn¡¯t do something, I began falling into my role of a teacher and someone who could help inspire the next generation of magicians and Qi users. What came out was something entirely different. ¡°Listen here scum. I don¡¯t care about how powerful your grandmother¡¯s uncle¡¯s barber said you are. Nor how exceptional your master¡¯s second pet chihuahua noted your abilities at casting Fire Egg Omelets were. None of that matters. Nothing you were before matters. All that matters is what you show me here today!¡± I began. Silence. For the first time since I got here, there was finally true silence and I was able to think. Realizing this was my chance, I decided to take it and get the most out of it. ¡°You¡¯ve got until my morning Qi Conditioning class to impress me. When I say you are done, leave,¡± I state as I point to the exits. ¡°If you had the yips, think you could have done better, just get back in at the end of the line and try again. I will only take thirty-nine of you.¡± ¡°Let that sink in, only thirty-nine of you. Look around to your right and left.¡± They did, then after a second they all looked back up at me. ¡°All of those people you saw next to you, none of them are going to join me. I only want you. But not just you, the best version of you there is. I can¡¯t take scrubs. If you don¡¯t earn it the first time, get back in line and try again to impress me. I might fail you all once just to see that you are truly committed to this class, this way of life.¡± Silence. It was still oddly silent, as even the perspective students in the back were being quiet. That¡¯s when I decided to give them some encouragement. ¡°Any questions?¡± Silent head shakes. Everyone had gotten the hint of not talking, but I only wanted them to not talk to each other. Lest they miss my instructions. ¡°I can¡¯t hear you!¡± I shouted. ¡°GWAWOOOHAAA!¡± Possibly the oddest and most violent burst of noise ever heard by only one person rang out. There was no cadence, no natural rhythm to it, just close to a thousand people shouting out all at once. It wasn¡¯t pretty, it was closer to pure chaos than anything, and I loved it. The way the raw untapped emotion of the sounds converged into one amplified scream of defiance. Hearing them all cry out in unison like that, I was motivated. ¡°Good, now let us begin¡­¡± Interlude XXV (Larry Yo-Boy’s BiPrism News) Interlude XXV (Larry Yo-Boy¡¯s BiPrism News) ¡°Good morning everyone, today is another fantastic day that I get to spend with you. With the people I love, and I get to talk about the things that I love the most, gaming,¡± Larry began exuberantly. He was clean shaven, wearing a well pressed shirt, no longer sporting the odd T-Shirts with pixies on them. Instead, he wore a shirt sporting a pixie princess, one that now sported purple eyes and a mischievous smile. There is still a bit of a paunch that Larry had gained from his month-long downward spiral, but right now he clearly seems to be put together and in a much better frame of mind. Also of note is that there is once again a camera operator who is zooming in and seeming to help display video clips and streams in the background. Signs that Larry was no longer alone in his operation. ¡°What do we have today? Well, as usual we have everything BiPrism ready to go. Of course, there is the Pixie tryouts, we have videos of people trying and failing miserably to do her introductory tests.¡± As Larry spoke and gesticulated with both hands, the screen behind him changed to show the Pixie yelling at mages and Qi users both, making them do odd exercises while blatantly showing signs of either creating spells, or transferring energy between their own hands. Making a very beautiful, if somewhat eerie montage of effort. ¡°Yes, the testers were able to take the test as many times as possible. So long as they made their way through the training field at least twice they were taken seriously as candidates. But to begin I will let the Pixie herself tell you what she had planned.¡± With that, the video shifted once again to a picture of Dr. Spiritlight floating above the masses of students. ¡°I want you divided into your chosen field of interest from the start. Mana users to my left, your right here.¡± With that Dr. Spiritlight gestured to a wide-open area, causing a bright transparent blue light shine over the area. ¡°Qi users, or those wishing to take the Martial path of learning over here to my right, your left.¡± With that a second bright box of transparent green light appeared cutting off another wide area of the courtyard. Though there was still one swath down the center between both boxes that was big enough for four people to walk shoulder to shoulder through. ¡°For those wishing to waste our times and try out for both Qi and Mana at the start, proceed to the center.¡± At this declaration, a third transparent purple rectangle was created to fill the center column allowing people to try out for both types of learning. Fast forward. The scene quickly sped forward as everyone shuffled to their intended trial destination areas. Dr. Spiritlight expanded and contracted other zones as more people seemed to be interested in trying out for the purple zone than originally expected. As the people moved to the purple zone, Dr. Spiritlight could be seen shaking her head in admonishment but otherwise keeping quiet. Her only words during this time were spent directing those next groups that were waiting to join to get into place so they could go faster. This was demonstrated as everyone began moving like herds of ants moving over and through each other. A process that was made somewhat easier by the fact that the mortals could momentarily pass through ghosts that made themselves incorporeal for this process. Finally, once everyone was in place, the fast forwarding stopped and showed the Doctor once again giving complex instructions that she demonstrated. Helping to Clarify, Larry gave the modified descriptions, using cued up video segments to highlight his comments. ¡°The mages were to first create a spell, but not cast it, just form the idea of the spell within their mind and have it visualized within one of their hands. At which time they were to jump into the air and pass the spell to their open hand. Extra points were awarded if the user could change the frequency of the spell once it got to their other hand, or they changed the spell¡¯s purpose and therefore its overall structure. Then they were to jump up in the air and toss the spell back to their original hand, changing what variables they could, the repeat until they either passed out, or the Doctor told them they failed.¡± From there, it was clear that a few mages had already began practicing the guidance given, while Dr. Spiritlight went on to explain the process to the Qi users. ¡°Qi users were to jump into the air, using only one leg or appendage to rise into the air, where they manifested Qi at the end of their three appendages that did not touch the ground. Then when they landed, they had to land on an opposite foot and manifest Qi at the ends of the three appendages that were now not touching the ground. Failure to land on an opposite appendage, or failure to remove Qi from one of the limbs or manifest Qi at the end of the newly elevated appendage within three seconds would result in an end for that round.¡± This is where Larry smiled. ¡°As for those that wanted to train for both Mana and Qi, they had to do both. Jump into the air on one foot, land with the other, alternate Qi to raised appendages. All while manifesting and transferring a magic spell from hand to hand.¡± That¡¯s when the image changed to show Dr. Spiritlight performing this very act that she described. Except she did so doing a cartwheel. As she spun around slowly, she used her feet to manifest and hold the spell before transferring it, kicking it like a hacky sack, all while brightly manifesting her Qi for everyone to see. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. Once she got to an upright position, she did make sure to give people one last chance to reconsider. ¡°Anyone want to reconsider the idea of being accepted for both Qi and Mana studies?¡± With that, the line in the purple zone began to shrink as people went to either Mana or Qi studies. Some apparently understanding the tasks and their own coordination just left, not wanting to waste time. In fact, this was the time when a few hundred students chose to leave. Not just from the early group that was now being tested, but from the mass that had gathered entirely. Seeing that some left on their own accord, Dr. Spiritlight smiled a faint knowing smile. ¡°Okay, let us begin. Once you drop, you leave and someone behind your line takes your place. Any questions?¡± ¡°Grogahagaahhh!¡± Once again people who couldn¡¯t hear themselves tried to speak, but their voices all sounded incoherent over the masses of other voices that also tried to cry out. ¡°None, good, now begin!¡± From there, a series of exercises were conducted. Some mages pirouetted and made a big show of throwing the spell up into the air, before catching it. Others tried to pass as many times as possible in one jump. Some threw the spell, and found themselves dropping before they could catch the spell, causing the spell to fly off randomly. Burst. The moment the spell left the control of the caster, Dr. Spiritlight was there to detonate the spell before it could cause damage. Then the errant student was dismissed. For the Qi users the operations were far more intricate. Many highly gifted physical classes found themselves falling at the simple task of jumping from foot to foot, while trying to manifest energy at their extremities. Thump, thump, thop. When students fell down or otherwise failed the exercises they were dismissed quickly. Many looked like they wanted to argue, but were told they could try again by going to the end of the line. Fast forwarding some more. The faster the images flew past, the more impressive some of the failures became. Student¡¯s spells fizzled and popped out of existence, while highly trained assassins failed to keep their balance before tumbling forward and ultimately out of the training grounds. ¡°Enough!¡± Dr. Spiritlight called out, causing everyone to stop. ¡°You are all dismissed. Those of you that I am now marking, do not dare get back into this trial grounds before you remove the colored spots from the marking from your hands.¡± Dr. Spiritlight called out. And like that the entire grouping of students, new and old alike, were kicked out. Some of the new students also received the marking on their right hands. ¡°So these,¡± Larry began, while zooming into one hand and displaying an image that looked like a symbol made out of different sheets of painted glass. ¡°These are amazing, those colored patches are meant to represent different schools of magic. Basically, by manifesting a spell in the hand that held the marking, they will be allowed to earn the next stage of training. But you must follow in order of the color that is highlighted the most. So red for fire, blue for water, etcetera, and you must do it all in the order shown on the marking. Do it five times in a row, and the colors fade, and you can go back to earn a spot.¡± ¡°Qi users had to do the opposite. The marking here is a way to practice, but different than the mages. See this one randomly appear on an appendage and will not leave, until the user manifests Qi on the other three appendages at the same time. At which point the marking changes appendages, and the user has to try again. Do it five times per appendage and you can go back and practice.¡± ¡°No one earned a marking from the Qi and Mana users section. At least not at first. Not until Adorndale, as you guessed he had to do both, the mage and Qi test at the same time in unison, without missing a beat.¡± With brutal efficiency Dr. Spiritlight cycled through each group of students, weeding out the weak. While also letting several students quit voluntarily. Then once everyone had a shot through the gauntlet, Dr. Spiritlight continued. ¡°As you can see, we are training to time, not to standard. If it was to standard I would get every one of you that has already gone through once and decided to stick around until now a chance. Unfortunately, time is a currency that is impossible to retain for future use. Everyone who has a marking that is broken step forward now.¡± At this point, Dr. Spiritlight proceeded to tell a modified version of what Larry had already discussed. ¡°Those that have stayed this far, despite not earning a marking, that is fine. You can still get all the markings; you just have to try a little harder to catch up. As you might or might not have guessed, there will be three markings, anyone who earns and then unlocks all three markings will be given a spot here. Those that don¡¯t, will be based on your performance and my opinion of how hard you will work to learn while in my class. Any questions?¡± The Pixie began. ¡°Gratagahanatahta.¡± Once again, everyone that was near Dr. Spiritlight couldn¡¯t hear themselves and ended up talking over and around everyone else. ¡°None, good, now that we are on the second round we will increase the intensity. Nothing new. Same exact exercises as before for each group, but this time I will increase the gravity. Again, any falling, missing your spell or loss in balance will result in you having to leave and try again.¡± Dr. Spiritlight began. Once again, the images forwarded. For the next two groupings no one that received a marking at first managed to pass the trial of their markings, making those that didn¡¯t get markings at first have a chance to try to catch up. Anyone with a still complete marking on their hand found that they were unable to enter the large and transparent training area that everyone started in. Causing those that still hadn¡¯t managed to earn their first marking to try harder and be recognized. But their bodies were slightly warped as both groups seemed to struggle slightly at the increased gravity. ¡°From what we can tell the gravity was increased by a tenth for the Mana users, and two tenths for the Qi users. With an increase of three tenths for those that still wanted to try to learn Mana and Qi. This rate of increase continued each round.¡± Larry explained as the video did time lapse passes showing how more and more perspective students left, whittling down those that remained to half. Finally, the first mages and Qi users who completed the task, then so long as they stayed until the end they received a second marking, which reignited the first marking, meaning the users had to figure out how to stop both. The hard part was that often the colors were different for mages, meaning two spells of two different resonance frequencies had to be created and then passed to each other. The spells would then be caught, before the next spell resonance colors would appear, which they would have to alter both spells within ten seconds to the new resonance to continue. ¡°Look, I know college is supposed to be fun, and magic colleges are supposed to be amazing, but if this is the new entry standard to get in, then these mages are going to be monsters by the time they get out,¡± Larry stated. More fast forwarding. Now a few Mages and Qi users got into the groove and began truly excelling at the tasks being given. Seeing the success of those that received the second marking and were starting on the third marking caused a few who had not gained a marking at all to leave. Meanwhile, those that stayed all showed grit and determination. ¡°So yeah, the tests are still ongoing. If you keep following our blog, you will see live updates. As always, we will keep you posted on our number one rankers to get accepted, and those that fell off or quit.¡± Larry concluded. ¡°Now as noted at the top of the hour, there are a few more minor things to note. The Blighted Munchkins, those super users who used all their free points on one time or thrice time kill daggers have now made landfall and are apparently going on killing sprees. For anyone asking, they seem to be akin to vampires that are allergic to condensed magic. A few tried to enter World¡¯s End but slowly felt their bodies burn away, like vampires. Meanwhile those that managed to arrive at the mainland have seen an unprecedented rise in power and capabilities.¡± Larry noted. This time the images showed people wearing worn leather hides that covered their faces and bodies. The only sign that someone was alive underneath were the glowing red eyes that hid under the hoods at all times of the day or night. ¡°And the last thing of interest, the last of the old-world Gods, Regicina, the Dark Elven goddess of destruction and pain is being attacked by members of the Omni-Jacks Guild, the recently advanced third ranked most powerful guild in the server. With this death, there should be a new world and guild achievement. No doubt done as an attempt to try to catch up to the recent advancements of the Midnight Hunters Guild.¡± With that, the scene once again changed to show a group of explorers in mobile but highly mechanical steam powered mechanical tanks rolling and climbing down dark and foreboding catacombs, filled with deep fissures of lava and magma. ¡°As always, I am Larry Yo-Boy wishing you a great day. And hoping that you all take a moment to stop and appreciate all the good things in life around you.¡± With that, the lights slowly dimmed, revealing only a silhouette of Larry, and his pearly white teeth. Even as the lights began to dim, Larry could be seen mouthing the words, thank you. Chapter 319 Class Selection Chapter 319 Class Selection ¡°For all of you still here, know that I have to get you all down to thirty-nine potential students.¡± I shout out, my words echoing as the final few students press their final precious few moments towards trying to complete one more of my three impossible tests. ¡°The only way to guarantee that one of those thirty-nine sports are yours is to finish and complete all three glyph tests. After that, it is all up to my indiscretion as to who will retain a spot,¡± I warn. People are still trying, which is good. But many have stopped. Six apparitional Deolarians have completed all three magical tests. While five mortal Midnight Hunters have also completed the three tests, claiming a total of eleven of the thirty-nine spots available. Likewise, five guild members have completed the Qi training exercises, which is great. And surprisingly enough, two Deolarians have completed the Qi challenges as well. That honestly surprised me, as I realize I might be biased against ghosts apparently. The reason being is that I thought it would take a bit longer for the apparitional Deolarians to learn to use spirit Qi. Though maybe that is just my own biases on how long it took me to learn to utilize spirit Qi after learning about regular Qi. Still, this apparent surprise at their accomplishments is something I need to be aware of and hopefully prevent in the future. Afterall, each student is only going to be held back by three things; potential, self-determination, and my own ability to provide them the guidance and resources needed for them to succeed on their own. That is why I am both encouraged and discouraged by the level of effort being displayed by everyone. Right now, I am just two Deolarians away from meeting what would have been one of the toughest of my nine assignments.
Inspect new hopeful students wishing to join SVC
  1. Minimum accepted (18 / 20),
  2. Minimum Deolarian (8 / 10),
  3. Maximum students accepted (Less than 40)
Just two Deolarians would be enough to close out this task and call it a day. The only problem is that, if I did that, chose just to complete based on the race of the individual, then I would in fact be doing a disservice to everyone who attended. Looking at all the applicants, I see the remaining falling into one of three main categories.
Student Candidates with Exceptional Magic Talent: 10 Those Exceptional Magic students who are Deolarians: 2 Student Candidates with Exceptional Qi Talent: 8 Those Exceptional Qi students who are Deolarians: 2
Those with Exceptional talent either in Qi or Magic. These were the student candidates that I am most disappointed with. These students clearly could complete the task provided, but are playing it easy, going for the numbers game. The idea is that if I accepted all of them, I would easily meet my quotas and max out at thirty-six students. A number well below the thirty-nine allotted spots, which would also allow me to pick three other worthy students from my other rankings. These are likely seen as the easy option by the system, as each group has exactly two Deolarians meaning I could either get a two Deolarian student buffer, or I could choose either more magic or Qi students and again be done. Again though, that is too easy. Worse, it would only encourage this type of lackluster efforts from these people in the future. No, I was a Pixie of my word, those eighteen that already passed the three tests were in, they had the drive, talent, and adaptability to make it. As for these eighteen students with exceptional talent but no real interest to try to push and solve this third test, I will not choose them. Of course, I don¡¯t tell them this, instead letting my words push my opinion further than I ever could alone. ¡°Come one, push it, many of you are right there, just a little bit further and you could be guaranteed a spot.¡± I shout. Again, the gaggle of students just stare at each other. By now there are less than a hundred applicants in each box, all separated into rows based on how many of the glyphs they have solved. Many with only one glyph by now have stopped. With so few applicants left, I don¡¯t force a rotation out, and instead have let everyone stay, slowly trickling forward, trying to reach the prize of a guaranteed acceptance to SVC. While those without any glyphs have left, but are still staring on, watching to see who gets in. For those that choose to stay and watch, I take a moment to remember them. These are the ones that while slow to start, will be unstoppable once they get going. That is why I take a moment to memorize each of their energy signatures. I want to remember those that stayed behind to watch, to remember what was at stake, and to come back all the harder for their efforts. Even with my words of encouragement, those eighteen students in the exceptional range, or third band just do a quick head count and look around. Most here have given up, and seem relaxed. They all tried, but after one or three failures, they all seemed to quit on the test and are all just waiting. Watching everything, I already know what will happen. By the end two, possibly three more from the second tier will be able to advance to the third tier, getting me the remaining twenty-one candidates. A perfect thirty-nine seats. Again though, I¡¯m judging for something different. As expected, three magic students rush forward, having completed the second glyph pattern and having evolved to the third form. While no Qi students rush forward to the third tier. This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Immediately, a few of the students who have been in this tier the longest get up to their feet and look around, but then quickly calm down as they do a quick head count and realize they are still good, from a numbers perspective. Many also likely assume that they will be given a pass because they were here first and instead go back to resting while they can. I won¡¯t begrudge them at all, these tests were meant to be tedious, taxing, and cause you to focus on details. Everything you need in any aspect of life but especially dealing with energized particles that flow into and through your body. Yet, I can¡¯t help but feel disappointed with the efforts, as it seems that the lazy nature of these third-tier students is infectious, as only one of the students a mage student immediately charges forward and begins going through the different test patterns for the third glyph. Her dedication and perseverance apparent as she bites her lower lip and tries. Fizzle. The first attempt fails, but she is determined to keep trying. Fizzle, fizzle. She doesn¡¯t have a knack for this more complex processes that are being tested, but she has the one thing I look for most in a potential student, perseverance. Mentally noting her, and seeing if she will continue to push throughout, I then go to the rest of the students. Directly behind the gaggle of Exceptionally talented students are what I refer to as the Beyond Great candidates. These are the students that while not having the god given talent or coordination of those with Exceptional talent are not too far behind. With a bit of polish and effort, they could make it further.
Student Candidates with Beyond Great Magical Talent: 15 Those Beyond Great Magic students who are Deolarians: 5 Student Candidates with Beyond Great Qi Talent: 5 Those Beyond Great Qi students who are Deolarians: 1
Many of the mages of this group have given up, and just look around in dejection. They look forward seeing that they still have to complete the second glyph. Then many look behind themselves at the gaggle of those who only have one glyph unlocked. It is perhaps this glance back at the few remaining Good or Above Average students who have only managed to complete their first glyph that really sets the fate of what I am about to do. Well for the magic users, the Qi users here are a different breed entirely. Those Qi specialists that are still working on their second glyph are all working and moving. In fact, other than the few minute rests that were allotted between cycles, these warriors have not stopped moving. For that reason alone, I mentally praise them.
Student Candidates with Great or Above Average Magical Talent: 7 Those Great or Above Average Magic students who are Deolarians: 3 Student Candidates with Great or Above Average Qi Talent: 15 Those Great or Above Average Qi students who are Deolarians: 0
Looking at the remaining Great or Above Average magic students, their limitations are clear, they just lack magic capacity. This in turn leads to the inability to alter energy wavelengths quickly enough to satisfy the glyphs that are on their bodies. I knew this would be a limitation of the glyphs, which is why I am here to be the final judge and arbiter of efforts. ¡°Anyone going to keep pushing to try harder?¡± I ask. With that the one lone newcomer to the Tier Three magic ring tries. Two Qi users are also still trying, but failing to meet the complex patterns required for the third tier. By now everyone keeps quiet, as they all know the silencing spell I cast on them, my Modified Radial-Forced Selective Hearing will make it so only I can be heard. There is movement, but not enough for me to be satisfied. I understand that many of these students have been here for hours, and that the test itself was a few hours long as well, but still, I wanted more. Then again, I really shouldn¡¯t complain as all I need are two Deolarians and I can call this portion of the quest complete. Yet, I knew I wouldn¡¯t be able to look at myself in the mirror if I did that. Not that I could, get it? It¡¯s a blind joke. ¡°And Time!¡± I call it. By now Valeria, my apprentice and someone that is moderately talented in Qi is standing next to her with her hands clasped behind her back. Which apparently is the position all bodyguards take up when they are near their charges. ¡°Hey Val,¡± I begin then calling over my shoulder I ask, ¡°who¡¯s the stiff?¡± At that the stiff, just looks at me confusedly for a moment. ¡°Who?¡± Valeria asks then following my gesture, she responds, ¡°oh this is Staff Sergeant Gabriellaz, she is my¡­¡± I cut her off, and just turn to face Gabriellaz, ¡°you are like my Jhonny? Is that right?¡± Gabriellaz pauses for a moment, but then her eyes flare wide as she nods. ¡°Yes, like your Jhonny, I too am a guard,¡± she responds. Hearing that I just nod. ¡°And your motivation is to stick around Valeria and get free training?¡± I ask, making sure I understand this guard¡¯s motivations for getting close to my Apprentice. Blush. The girl has the decency to blush at the comment, ¡°I, well yes.¡± For a moment it looked like she wanted to lie but then thought better and answered truthfully. Hearing that I pause and think for a moment, before nodding. ¡°Good,¡± I begin, but then after a pause I continue, ¡°I take it you are also interested in the morning Qi Manifestation classes?¡± More blushing. ¡°Yes, that is correct, I¡­¡± I just wave my hand, ¡°that is fine. I¡¯ll see you there.¡± With that Gabriellaz looks flustered for a moment, but then just smiles brightly as she nods. Apparently not wanting to talk and ruin her moment. I turn to my Apprentice. ¡°So, I take it you saw the students participating in this entrance exam?¡± I pressed. As I spoke, I could all but feel the four hours of active training with my Apprentice burning away. ¡°I did,¡± Valeria nods and proceeds to get closer to me on my raised platform. ¡°And what would you say of their efforts?¡± I ask, my voice loud enough that every potential student could hear. ¡°They were all quite impressive,¡± Valeria answers, clearly not wanting to ruffle any feathers with her response. I am also amplifying her voice too, so that each of the students can hear her response and see what others have to say about their efforts. ¡°So, who do you think I should allow in for the final twenty-one spots?¡± I ask. Then pointing to the first eighteen that passed, and the only ones that forced their destiny, they were off to the side. Pointing towards them I spoke, ¡°those eighteen earned their spots, so they are already in.¡± With that, the eighteen that were off to the side all visibly relaxed. ¡°But for everyone else, we have twenty-one slots available, and a total of sixty-three candidates. So logically not all that remained until the end can remain. Which ones would you recommend?¡± I ask. Valeria opens her mouth to speak, but then closes it and just shakes her head. Clearly she either feels uncomfortable being thrust into the limelight, or she doesn¡¯t trust her position enough in the guild to feel she can give her honest opinion. Either way, I respect her opinion, not everyone can give honest feedback. ¡°What about you Qi Stalker girl,¡± I point to the warrior that had for the moment gone quiet and was just watching our conversation with wrapped attention. ¡°Me?¡± Gabriellaz blurts out. ¡°Yes, I¡¯d like to get your opinion on who you though should be accepted to the final twenty-one spots. I¡¯d like to point out that at this point we have almost perfect numbers. Sixty-three final contestants that stayed until the end. Only a third of which can move on. Then we have what seems to be an almost too easy choice of twenty-one students who made it to the third tier, many of which immediately stopped upon arriving there, knowing their spot would be safe.¡± I state the facts as I see them. Hearing that both Valeria and Gabriellaz¡¯s mouths go wide as they seem to be prepared to speak, only to then pause in contemplation. ¡°I take it you are not going to go with those that unlocked the third tier of that glyph you gave them?¡± Gabriellaz asked. As she spoke, the crowd of on lookers from down below took in a collective breath. ¡°Good observation, but no.¡± At that, the student candidates from the third or exceptional tier let out a breath of relief. That¡¯s when I go in for the kill. ¡°At least not all of the failed,¡± I respond. ¡°Wait, some of those that made it to the third glyph failed? But that test was impossible, and you are kicking them out for getting there?¡± Valeria asked, her mind going wild with implications. Hearing her ask these questions I smile. This is good, for she is trying to think about the process. ¡°How about this, I¡¯ll make it easier on the two of you. I will highlight those that have passed, and then you tell me why you think I chose them.¡± With that, I drop the arbitrary fields that separated the three groups. There was still one kid in the center who had gotten the first glyph for both Qi and Mana, but I don¡¯t really count him as a valid student. With the giant colored barriers down, I then go to Illusionary Magic and highlight the students that I am going to pass. Of the twenty-one students in the third tier, only one student gets highlighted. The one girl who even now was still trying to understand how to complete the third phase of her glyph. That personal dedication to understanding, even when no one was watching. Or at least, when no one should have been watching, that was huge for me. As such, she was the only student who unlocked but had not completed the third glyph that continued onto classes. Next, from those students in the second tier, all five Qi users were accepted. This put me at a total of six of the twenty-one seats taken, one of which was a Deolarian. Meaning I still needed to choose at least one more Deolarian for acceptance. This was where my third grouping of students came in, for the last group I accepted all seven Great or Above Average Tier One mages, three of which were Deolarians. This gave me a total score of thirty-one students accepted, and twelve Deolarians accepted. Not bad, as this easily met the ratios provided by the system and I could already feel the checked boxes being accepted. Gasps. ¡°What this is an outrage!¡± Voices from down below bellowed out. Hearing them, I just recast my Modified Radial-Forced Selective Hearing on the mob of students. Many of whom are overly annoyed at the fact that I would dare pass over them. Mumble, mumble. Again, once they can¡¯t hear themselves talk, they begin mumbling incoherently. Seeing their clear disgruntled nature I turn back to them and speak. ¡°I told you all, you did not want me coming up with arbitrary means of predicting your future. You all had your chance. Just like the eighteen students who I couldn¡¯t not allow, you too could have been amongst their kind if you all applied yourself.¡± After that I pause and watch them to see if anyone else tries to mumble their protests at me. Silence. Seeing that everyone, even the students I accepted are now silent and looking back to me and my Apprentice, I once again ask. ¡°Okay, now that I¡¯ve shown you who I am going to accept. Can you tell me why I accepted them?¡± I turned my face towards Valeria, expecting a response. This is just an automatic gesture now, when I am trying to illicit a response from someone. Unfortunately, Valeria just shakes her head as a confused look comes to her face. With her response, I can only sigh to myself. Then turning to her bodyguard, I find myself asking. ¡°Can you guess why I chose these final thirteen students to fill in the remainder of the seats available? Despite still having eight vacancies left?¡± The guard, Gabriellaz looks like she doesn¡¯t want to answer, but then pauses and moves forward. Looking over the buttress that we are on, she scans for those that are clearly marked with a giant bright pillar showing they were chosen directly by me. Gabriellaz just stares at, the one girl with the third-tier glyph unlocked seems to be moving. For her part, the new girl to the third tier seems to be lost in her own world as she seems to be happily trying to solve the glyph on her hand, even now. ¡°Is it because they didn¡¯t stop trying?¡± Gabriellaz asks. Hearing her reply, I can only smile as I already like this new guard. I might need to steal her for myself. That¡¯s when I begin to reply. ¡°You know what¡­¡± Chapter 320 Stalking, But the Good Kind Chapter 320 Stalking, But the Good Kind ¡°You know what?¡± I begin but then stop myself as I realize that everyone can still hear me from the audition area below. I stopped but then realized that it would be best to continue. ¡°You are exceptionally insightful, stalker girl.¡± That last part just jumps out, I do mean it but for the life of me I can¡¯t remember if this girl¡¯s told me her name. I¡¯m pretty sure that she has, which only makes this worse as I should remember, but I¡¯m drawing a blank here. That is why stalker girl is what I can come up with for the moment. ¡°Stalker girl?¡± The girl fires back. Then I realize she is likely older than me, or at least her avatar is older than me, making this exchange really awkward. ¡°Okay, Stalker woman, is that better?¡± I press, and that causes her to be quiet long enough for me to continue. ¡°But yes, you are right Stalker lady, those students that have been chosen down below. Well, the ones that were ultimately selected, but didn¡¯t make it in on their own. The only thing that they had over the others was the fact that they pressed on until the end.¡± ¡°Many that made it to the third tier, they stopped. Becoming complacent with their progress, knowing that once they made it to the final hurdle, they would wait for others to accept their greatness.¡± I pause, letting that sink in. ¡°Well that might get them through life. They are all exceptionally talented. In fact, it is my firm belief that everyone who got a marking had what it took to get in and truly succeed at SVC. But with only thirty-nine spaces available I had to be diligent. I wanted students who not only had the talent but the perseverance to press through. Those of you third tier students who got to the finish line and sat down, waiting for something to come your way, you are the first people I will always discard when I can. The moment things get tough, the moment you reach a hurdle, rather than stopping to think about a solution, you just accept that your efforts were enough and stop.¡± This is when I give my speech for all the future generations of students. My goal is to hopefully make it so that SVC isn¡¯t seen as a joke. While this was a great showing, I still felt that most were just here to help fulfill the Guild¡¯s odd orders. Which is fine, as we got the people needed to help with my quest, but I would have liked to have more time evaluating the few hundred students who could have made it. I also want to speak to the students who only had the first or second phase unlocked before quitting on themselves and chose to stand around and watch to the end. This message is meant for them especially. ¡°The same goes for you other mages of the second Tier, you all quit as well, even though there was still time. Time is the one resource that we can never truly account for. Talent can be measured. The fact that you are all here shows that you have or at least think you have the talent or want to continue to learn. I applaud that, I respect that, but I cannot encourage apathy or acceptance.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t make you learn. I can give you the lessons, the methods to teach and learn on your own, but I can¡¯t make you learn. Heck, as proven here, I can¡¯t even make you all try until the end.¡± Chuckles. I am slightly concerned that people laughed at that last part, apparently thinking it was a joke, but oh well. Thinking about it, they are likely either giving me that nervous chuckle that some people do while trying to get you off the stage. I know some people will enjoy being able to talk again, without being forced to listen to my voice and ramblings. That is why I decided to try to cut this short and end on one final note. ¡°So, with my closing remarks of this wildly attended entrance ceremony. Thank you all for coming. Thank you all for trying your best. And for those of you that fell short, remember this. Never, and I mean never let someone else decide your fate for you, when you have the chance to force fate to bend to your will. That is the true power of a mage, and the true impact of magic.¡± I paused long enough to let that last comment sink in. ¡°Now if you all will meet with whomever has coordinated this, to get your schedules that would be great. You Qi warriors stay there, you are about to join Qi Manifestation training. The rest of you, I will see you when I see you. Thank you all and welcome to SVC.¡± With that I end my Modified Radial-Forced Selective Hearing. Then for those that made it, I give them all a fourth stage of my entrance ceremony glyph. SVC Attendee: I don¡¯t care about the numbering system, who got what number, etcetera. All I do is mark those that earned a spot, and those that didn¡¯t. Then as the large gaggle of trial candidates filed out, I turned to face Valeria and her intriguing guard. I realize this all counts towards the four hours I must spend teaching Valeria, so I continue to talk to her and her bodyguard. Hoping that Valeria can learn by my teaching others. ¡°So, what are your thoughts on that process?¡± I ask. Hearing my question, Valeria¡¯s eyes just bulge wide. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you did it, getting so many perspective students down to a final thirty-one.¡± ¡°Yeah, how long did you have to prepare for this?¡± The Stalker Guard asks. ¡°About twenty minutes? Give or take.¡± ¡°Twenty minutes? You did that in twenty minutes?¡± Valeria asks, her voice incredulous. ¡°I mean, I did cheat. I used magic after all. Not like I was doing it all by hand,¡± I reply. ¡°Did you already have the spells for creating intricate glyphs?¡± The bodyguard asks. ¡°No, I made those up using Illusion, Mind, and Life magic.¡± Then I show them the spell.
New Spell Created: Mental Puzzle Tattoo [Tier XI] (A): A spell created by Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight that infuses a mental and evolving puzzle onto the body of a recipient that changes based on mentally perceived progress.
If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. ¡°Wait, you can create spells?¡± The Bodyguard asks confusedly. ¡°Of course you can, that is what magic is, an adaptation of your will to the world through your imagination and Willpower.¡± Tingle. As I speak, I feel something deep inside me resonating with that comment. I¡¯m likely meant to pick up or try to pull on this clear but obvious intonation by the system. Almost as if I am meant to speak something profound about magic into existence, but I can¡¯t for the life of me understand what? Oh wait, maybe it is something that I am meant to pass on to my Apprentice? Is that it? Then just as I am contemplating my own reason for feeling suddenly odd about a breakthrough with magic, the stalker guard continues her questions. ¡°All right, so how many spells did you create for this event?¡± ¡°Two,¡± I answer truthfully, but then I realize something is off. ¡°Actually, three new spells were registered, but I really only consider one of those new.¡± At that comment, I felt the tension that had been around me suddenly loosened. With that one comment layers of dark karma just shed off into the ether around me. Lying creates dark karma, huh, good to know. Kind of makes sense, and likely why I need to be more truthful with my comments. I¡¯m guessing the reason why those dark karma threads didn¡¯t stick was due to my not really considering two of the spells as spell creations. I mean, the one was clearly modified. Then for the vertical testing fields I just cast an area of effect Illusionary Barrier spell. Then also modified that spell to be wholly unique to interact with the glyph spell. That was the second spell that I counted.
New Spell Created: Mental Puzzle Tattoo Barrier Spell [Tier XIII] (C): A mass area of effect barrier spell that will lock out people that have not received a mirrored Mental Puzzle Tattoo attuned to the correct frequency.
In my mind, I had already created the Selective Hearing spell, so a modification of it was just that, a modification of a previously created spell. That said the system apparently thinks otherwise. Then again, I guess that might be enough for some people, as that is after all how I got to use the avatar of the Mage¡¯s Guild office on the second floor of the Arcanarus Tower. I helped that mage achieve his dream by slightly modifying a spell to be tougher to cast, with minor magical accents and he created a new spell. Which was all that was needed for him to get his next ranking and be able to move on to the afterlife. Exhale. Maybe I am becoming a magical snob. I should be more accepting that changing or altering a spell to do more or less of an intended act should still be considered a new spell. Even if it does ultimately seem cheap. ¡°You okay?¡± The bodyguard asks. ¡°Yeah, just thinking about being a little less snobby with the definitions behind spell creations,¡± I admit. With that both the stalker and Valeria just stare at me. Fortunately, we are saved by the awkward entrance of Jhonny, who must swoop and glide around many of the still leaving students. ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late, did I miss anything?¡± Jhonny asks as he stares at the mass of potential student candidates that are still leaving. At that Valeria and her new guard just scoff. ¡°Not really, we have thirty-one new students for class, but otherwise not much,¡± I answered truthfully. Scoff. ¡°She just cut down over fourteen hundred applicants by creating three new spells on the spot. She even said she only had twenty minutes to prepare for the ordeal,¡± the female guard lets out. Hearing that Jhonny just winces. ¡°They are all alive, right?¡± Jhonny asks a bit too dramatically. I open my mouth to reply, that what should he think, but then realize I can¡¯t. ¡°I mean twelve of them are Deolarians,¡± I reply. ¡°Good call,¡± Jhonny responds then has that look of his joke might have been in bad taste but won¡¯t admit it and just hopes that we continue our conversation as usual. ¡°So, you ready to teach us, Master?¡± UHH! ¡°Don¡¯t call me master, you know I hate that,¡± I reply. ¡°I know, which is why I must keep doing so. For the moment you accept it, is the minute I must file a new set of forms with Mallory,¡± Jhonny replies. ¡°That¡¯s a joke, right?¡± Jhonny for his part just stares at me, before pressing his lips together and realizing he has seen the girl before. ¡°Gabriellaz, you made it!¡± Jhonny exclaims as he rushes over to shake hands with Valeria¡¯s guard, who apparently is Gabriellaz. The name does sound familiar, but there are a lot of names here. Beamingly, Gabriellaz smiles, ¡°yes, I passed the selection committee and got accepted, now here I am.¡± Gabriellaz bites her lower lip just a bit while staring at Jhonny, and I don¡¯t know if there is a thing there, or if Gabriellaz just has an overbite, either way I figure it is my chance to test out my theory on why Gabriellaz is here. ¡°Gabriellaz, are you ready to train?¡± I ask. ¡°Yes, please can I sit in and participate in your Qi Manifestation classes?¡± Gabriellaz asks, her voice overly excited. ¡°Look at you being the Qi Stalker Queen over here. Oh wait, that¡¯s it,¡± I exclaimed. ¡°What?¡± Gabriellaz, Jhonny, and even Valeria all respond in near unison. ¡°You new nickname.¡± ¡°My what?¡± Gabriellaz asks. ¡°Stal¡¯Qing, you know Qi Stalker Queen but condensed down to Stal¡¯Qing.¡± I replied excitedly. Upon hearing my explanation all three look mildly put off. ¡°Oh come on, it is a good name and you all know it.¡± I press. Chime. Then as if the system itself decided to come to my rescue and agree with me, I feel chime and get a new system prompt.
New Surname Awarding: Would you like to award Gabriellaz the surname of Stal¡¯Qing?
Seeing the mental message for me alone, I smile knowing that the system at least has good taste in my naming. ¡°Yes,¡± I speak out loud all but dancing at the sudden attention from the system. Just as everyone is about to question what I am saying yes to, a local announcement appears.
Local Announcement: New Surname Acquired: Gabriellaz will forever be known as the original founder of the Stal¡¯Qing surname. All children past and future will be able to earn this surname from Gabriellaz, should she so choose.
That was the message to everyone, but I did get to see the final message sent to Gabriellaz, mainly because she was so confused that she apparently showed her name and its details on blast. Fortunately, the message only went to those of us that were nearby. ¡°What the heck is this?¡± Gabriellaz asked, while displaying her new surname.
New Surname: Stal¡¯Qing: Providing a 30% increase in Qi Absorption and Qi retention processes. With an additional 50% efficiency bonus to Qi related stealth and movement techniques.
Seeing the surname I thought it was decent. Likely could have been better, but Gabriellaz seems mainly focused on learning Qi, so the name fits. Feeling proud of myself for giving another great name that has major benefits, I think of it as a win-win all around. My thoughts are of course dashed when Gabriellaz has her hands out to the sides, palms up in a really, gesture. ¡°Stal¡¯Qing? I and my entire family are going to be known as a bunch of Stalkers?¡± Gabriellaz exclaims, clearly not as excited as I am about this name. ¡°Qi stalkers. I mean, think if I try, we might be able to change it slightly,¡± I mentally feel for the spot in my mind where the message asking me to accept the last name appeared. There does seem to be a few minutes of buyers remorse available. At least that is what I equate the partial box still being there. ¡°Let¡¯s see, you are the Qi Stalker Queen, this is what I have to work with,¡± I say as I look at the original words and what I have left to work with. ¡°It seems that I can only work with letters and meanings from those three words. Let¡¯s see. Oh, we could go with Stal¡¯Qi¡¯Queen,¡± I pose. Then mentally I re-arrange the letters to show that new name and its potential future impact.
New Proposed Surname: Stal¡¯Qi¡¯Queen: Providing a 40% increase in Qi Absorption and Qi retention processes. With an additional 25% efficiency bonus to Qi related stealth and movement techniques.
¡°What!¡± Gabriellaz declares indignantly. ¡°I don¡¯t know, that is ten percent to both Qi retention and your Qi Absorption rate. Though at the cost of half of your Qi stealth and movement efficiency bonuses,¡± Jhonny counters, showing that the resonance of the words are closer to what was originally said than now. ¡°No, that name is even worse than the first. My kids would be known as the Stalking Queens? That is terrible.¡± Gabriellaz hisses. ¡°You could just go with Qi Queens,¡± Valeria tries to offer helpfully. ¡°What if I have a boy? My sons are coming here, hopefully.¡± Gabriellaz states. ¡°Oh good point, yeah, Qi Queen might not be the best name for a level one trying to make it in this world,¡± Jhonny poses. There is a momentary silence, at which point I speak up. ¡°So, what is it, keep Stal¡¯Qing, or change to the more powerful Stal¡¯Qi¡¯Queen?¡± I ask, trying to make sure we get a definitive answer before this box completely disappears. ¡°Keep Stalking,¡± Gabriellaz states. ¡°I could also remove it entirely,¡± I offer. ¡°You can, we can start over?¡± Gabriellaz asks, excitement in her voice. ¡°We could, but you would never get another surname. This is it, for you. One chance, either keep it or go without.¡± ¡°Keep it,¡± Gabriellaz replies and nods her head in agreement. ¡°Keep it?¡± I pose one last time. ¡°Keep it,¡± she nods again in confirmation. ¡°Okay, keeping it as is,¡± I reply then mentally let go of the prompt. The minute I let go of the prompt in the default state, that is with Gabriellaz¡¯s new surname being the original one posed by the system of Stal¡¯Qing, the prompt fades away entirely. Exhaling. I took a breath as that was a bit exhausting. Just the pressure of having to deal with such a moment was almost unbearable. Then the minute I relax and let down my guard, that is when Gabriellaz hits me with another plea. ¡°Wait, is it too late to change it back?¡± Gabriellaz asks. ¡°Really?¡± I all but hiss, as it is clearly beyond the time to offer any changes. Though I don¡¯t want Gabriellaz to think that. Instead, I want her to be happy with her decision. ¡°Well, I was just hoping that maybe you could change it back. That extra ten percent to Qi retention and Qi Absorption might come in handy,¡± Gabriellaz states. I just look up and away in frustration as there is clearly nothing I can do for her at this point. Fortunately, Jhonny is well used to my ticks and actions and realizes that there is nothing I can do for her. So he goes in. ¡°Come on, you admitted it yourself, being the Stal¡¯Qi¡¯Queen family was far worse than the one you were offered. Also, 50% bonuses to Qi stealth and movement related powers is huge. You will see. That increase of 25% is more than enough to just be considered mere Stalkers.¡± Jhonny replies. I don¡¯t think being called a Stalker is the best, but it seems to work. That or Jhonny as some type of charm skill at play as Gabriellaz once again blushes and bites her lower lip at the attention from Jhonny. This confirms two things, first Gabriellaz does not have an overbite, and second I¡¯m pretty sure she has some type of interest in Jhonny. Though I think Jhonny has some sort of relationship, at least I think he did before I left. That said, rather than forcing Jhonny to go on a date for my behalf, I try to move this along. ¡°You know what, how about this,¡± I begin. ¡°As a sign of my apologies for giving you the surname you wanted, how about I also¡­¡± Chapter 321 Too Much Of A Good Thing (Gabriellaz) Chapter 321 Too Much Of A Good Thing (Gabriellaz) The last twenty-four hours had been a whirlwind of activity for Gabriellaz. First, she had to reapply for and do a few last-minute competitions to earn the right to be Valeria¡¯s personal guard. Who was Valeria? Why did everyone care about her? Well, she was a nobody, a convert from the Legrand Empire. There were thousands of such people now working to find a position within the Midnight Hunters, especially as the main empire of the Legrand Empire had many such people. Yet, Gabriellaz was no fool. She had done her homework. While everyone knew that Dr. Spiritlight was back, the link between Dr. Spiritlight and the recently opened position for a personal guard for one Valeria Spray-Healer were not known by many the name was fairly unique. The last name that is, the first name not so much. Some members of royalty, at least that is what a lot of the uniformed guard candidates thought. Added to this was that there was also a call for not one but two groups of two male guards to assist a Robi¡¯dob¡¯dob Spiritlight and it was easy to see that the guild was placing a priority on guarding certain VIP candidates. With the return of Dr. Spiritlight, and the sudden increased need for guards, four specifically for a male Spiritlight and it was clear, at least in Gabriellaz¡¯s eyes that the second guard was someone also important to Dr. Spiritlight. Coming to this realization on her own, Gabriellaz thought that the selection process to become Valeria¡¯s guard would be simple, it wasn¡¯t. There was a nonsensical quiz, several odd exercises, then the final round all but proved it was for Dr. Spiritlight as that is when Jhonny appeared to give his final thoughts on the potential guard candidates. In the end Gabriellaz had won. Part of her success no doubt dealt with the fact that of all the remaining female candidates left, Gabriellaz was the only one who would not flirt with Jhonny, despite the position. Not that she would have minded flirting with the tall muscular hunk that all but reeked of arcane power and secret knowledge. Things that would no doubt come to anyone just hanging around in Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s vicinity. No, it was clear that whatever changes had, or were happening to Jhonny were relatively new. So new that he failed to see or even understand how much attention he was now seeing was based on his changes. Honestly, Gabriellaz would have at least attempted to give him extra attention, but that only seemed to make him even more awkward around everyone. Only once She saw Penelope the Tailor as the final interview and the way Jhonny couldn¡¯t help but blush and have his voice slightly crack the few times he spoke to her did it become clear why Gabriellaz was the only one that Jhonny personally recommended. That was how she got her chance to bypass the line and automatically get accepted to attend SVC. At first, the contract she signed was clear. She would audit the class, due to her personal connection with Valeria Spray-Healer, where her job for the next twenty-four hours was to make sure Valeria never left Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s side. Details of why this connection were offered, but Gabriellaz did not care. The directions on her contract were very clear.
By taking on the role of being the personal bodyguard for Valeria Spray-Healer you are allowed to attend any part of Spiritlight Valhalla College, to guard your charge. Ensure she gains adequate time with Dr. Spiritlight. Then finally, complete any tasks given to you for the protection or further safety of either Valeria Spray-Healer, or Dr. Spiritlight.
That was it, her contract, signed by Mallory of all people. Seeing the guild leader in all her glory was a shock, as she like the Doctor always seemed to be unfathomable presences that were more mystery than reality. Yet, there she was, taller than life. Well, she was at least taller than Gabriellaz was, which was quite tall all things considered. By comparison, the tiny Doctor seemed oddly small and fragile. At least that is what one might gleam when viewing the purple eyed porcelain pixie from a distance. Even her custom military uniform was made to make her look cute and adorable, rather than large and imposing. This was why, only when she got next to the powerhouse of a pixie did Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s true nature take over. If Jhonny was oozing power and charisma. Then what came from the doctor was nothing short of power radiation. Radiation that seemed to worm its way through the particles that made up your body and worm their way into your very soul. Yet, unlike how radiation was, how it would ruin regular cells. The type of radiation that came from Dr. Spiritlight was entirely different. Nurturing in a way that was impossible to describe. At first, Gabriellaz thought she would have a hard time talking to the strange Doctor. Just her aura alone seemed to exude the fact that if you annoyed her, your life would forever change for the worse. While everyone knew that the Doctor had sworn some type of oath or absolutely refused to kill. It was also known and proven that sometimes the worst punishment was living through failures. Something that only now did reports about half of the remaining Legrand forces could not take up arms or even actively conspire against the Midnight Hunters, Midnight Hunter Guild Members, or Dr. Spiritlight. That or if they did, their magical cores would shatter, leading to internal magical bleeding that would eventually lead to death if not treated quickly enough. Even then the only true treatment was to be afflicted with a magical rotting disease that forever ate up any and all magic that they produced. Worse, the rot would form giant balls of puss that would ooze and need to be lanced. As they did, the mana that had been siphoned off would be removed into a gelatinous waste that could only be thrown away in specially marked areas. Areas that would soon see an abundance of life and magical energies appear. Magical Bleeding Disease. That was what the unknown illness that infected any former mage of the Legrand Empire who ended up breaking their oath with the pixie. Worse, allegedly that disease would follow the mage through the next life. So even dying and trying to remove the curse only wasted even more of your potential. After a few dozen such cases, the mages either defected, or were finally allowed to focus away from tasks that directly involved the Midnight Hunters. For regressors, or people who came here with the idea of having multiple tries to make a good life, having a magical wasting disease follow you from life to life was not something anyone had ever head of. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Yet, it was perfect as no one wanted to raise arms against the Midnight Hunters, lest her always secretive Simulacrums make an appearance and perform similar acts. This was why, despite there only being one battle, and the Doctor immediately going away, there had been no further efforts. Well, that, and the murderbots. Can¡¯t forget the alien murderbots that were made from the Legrand Empire¡¯s own factories. There was a bit of hero worship from Gabriellaz. She would be the first to confirm such a statement. This mentality was only confirmed by the way the Doctor was so easy to talk to. Even though it was clear her questions were directed at Valeria, she actually stopped to listen to what Gabriellaz added. Then to have her receive a system recognized last name. Not just any last name either, but one that greatly improved her Qi core and retention by forty percent, while costing 50% less for movement and Stealth related tasks. Despite the name, Stal¡¯Qing being mildly offensive, Gabriellaz still couldn¡¯t fault the Doctor¡¯s insights. She had in fact chosen this job and position for the sole purpose of stalking the Doctor. Now thanks to her actions she got a name and more power from it, that was almost too much to ask for. Even with a momentary lapse of trying to determine if the two ten percent increases were worth the twenty-five percent reductions to efficacy. A thought that lasted only a moment, but then she remembered that name, a surname that would not be repeated. Then as if feeling sorry for giving her more power for free, the Doctor seemed to try to make it right, but stating, ¡°you know what, how about this. As a sign of my apologies for giving you the surname you wanted, how about I also give you one of these as well?¡± Tingle. Before Gabriellaz could even ask what? Gabriellaz felt a surge of power fill her hands as she noticed not one, but three different markers. All of the markers were on her hands in different spots. The first and most recognizable one was one that caused her heart to begin pumping wildly. SVC Attendee: < 32 > Gabriellaz Stal¡¯Qing Looking at the message, Gabriellaz paused, before blinking once, then twice before staring back at the Doctor. A Doctor who was just floating there at eye level and seeming to wait for comprehension to fill her. That was the first marking and the easiest to depict. The other two were both familiar, and oddly different. On her right and left hands Gabriellaz now had two other markings. ¡°What are¡­¡± was all Gabriellaz got out before the Doctor answered. ¡°Those are the markings for both a Qi and Mana student. I assume part of why you chose this task was to observe my classes and methods?¡± Dr. Spiritlight asked. ¡°Yes,¡± Gabriellaz confirmed. ¡°Well, going to be hard to guard my Apprentice while you are taking notes. So now you can work on individual improvements with the glyphs, or ask more questions in the classroom once you test on your own,¡± Dr. Spiritlight replies. ¡°Oh yeah, that reminds me,¡± the Doctor says while effortlessly rotating in the air. As she moves waves of sparkles fly out like magical snowflakes. Snowflakes that send tingles down the skin when you inadvertently catch them. No doubt this is what has caused the drastic changes in Jhonny and the others. How they all went from relative nobodies to people who could be seen as some of the most advanced wielders of magic and Qi. Swoosh. ¡°There you go, so you both don¡¯t feel left out,¡± Dr. Spiritlight stated with a smile on her face. At her reaction both Jhonny and Valeria both looked down at their hands with a certain odd sadness. ¡°Training glyphs?¡± Jhonny asked, holding up his one glyph on his left hand, clearly the one meant for Qi manipulation. ¡°Yeah, I can¡¯t have it claimed that you two got to avoid the fun due to nepotism,¡± the Doctor explains. ¡°Fun?¡± Jhonny asked. ¡°Nepotism?¡± Valeria added. ¡°Yeah, this way it is clear that you all are here on your own merit and belong,¡± the Doctor continued. There was a moment of silence as everyone seemed to take in what was happening. For her part Gabriellaz was excited as this meant she could learn both Qi and Mana control from the Doctor, well once these glyphs were passed. While Gabriellaz was contemplating this, Jhonny¡¯s mind apparently went to his love interest. Almost as if on cue, he asked about her, ¡°will Penelope and Gwen also get these?¡± The Doctor pauses, holding up one finger to the side as if this thought never came to her. ¡°You know that isn¡¯t a bad idea.¡± Then though completely clear and uniform of a singular glowing purple color, the sparks that seemingly lit up Dr. Spiritlight¡¯s eyes flickered rapidly, before settling down for a second. It almost reminded Gabriellaz of old school computers, how they would light up and glow when their processors were engaged and then finally flicker out. Once whatever mathematical equation or complex task that had been requested was able to be completed. ¡°Though I will likely have to put a second one on Penelope¡¯s items. You know as a way to force her to learn to Enchant by wearing away layers to get to actual raw materials.¡± More flickering lights. ¡°Actually, yeah, this is brilliant. I can use these glyphs as a teaching aide for all my classes. Qi will be unlocked when you make ten precise movements of various fluctuating Qi movements. Mana by casting the different spells in ways.¡± As she spoke, the flickering behind her eyes never stopped as her mind was clearly racing with ideas. Just seeing the Doctor¡¯s mind come to life and flash with insights and inspiration was amazing. Seeing her processing speed, there was no doubt that the Doctor was already at work with no doubt more ways to cast even more of these magical glyphs on students. Finally, the glow behind her excited orbs died down. At which point she just finger-banged the people around her. As she gestured magical glyphs appeared on Jhonny and Valeria¡¯s wrists. Then turning to face Gabriellaz she just gestured, causing three glyphs to appear on her wrists. Two more glyphs appeared on her right wrist, while the last one appeared on her left wrist, the Qi Manifestation wrist. There was something incongruous with the actions. Especially as the Doctor only single tapped to generate two magical glyphs on her right wrist. A quick glance around showed that Jhonny and Valeria only had one extra glyph each. That¡¯s when the full depth of what just happened hit Gabriellaz¡¯s mind. ¡°Wait, you didn¡¯t need to point for these spells at all, did you?¡± Gabriellaz found herself asking. There was a pause, as the Doctor who had been turning away suddenly turned back to face Gabriellaz. ¡°Smart and observant, two qualities I like in my students. Keep this up and you will be well on your way to being able to graduate from a college that is unaccredited and stuck out in the middle of a desert. Surrounded by a virtual paradise.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay, even without the degree, just getting the chance to learn will be enough for me.¡± Gabriellaz declared. Hearing her the Pixie¡¯s little face lit up for a moment, before she reigned herself in. ¡°You know, making it that easy, just takes out all the fun.¡± Dr. Spiritlight protested. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Gabriellaz replied and meant it. Honestly, she didn¡¯t know what she was apologizing for, nor why the fun had been taken out, but this whole thing was so much that Gabriellaz felt overly excited from the events of today. ¡°Gah, you even meant that apology, which is the worst,¡± the Doctor stated before turning to face Jhonny and Valeria. Hearing her comments, Gabriellaz looked confused for a second. ¡°Come on, let me help you get to stretches,¡± Jhonny replied gently grabbing Gabriellaz and leading her away. ¡°Need to get you out of here before you willingly take on every course this college has to offer and you get flooded with assignments.¡± ¡°Okay,¡± Gabriellaz replied hesitantly, as she questioned exactly what Jhonny was doing. Then before they could get too far, the Doctor spoke. ¡°Oh, yeah, I guess I should give you the option to choose your path,¡± the Doctor stated and like that a message appeared. A message that filled Gabriellaz with both delight and fear.
Name: Gabriellaz Stal¡¯Qing: Personal Quest (Offered): Obtain a Degree from SVC: You have been offered a chance attend Spiritlight Valhalla College. Your goal is to become certified in your goal within the time frame allowed for the degree path: Qi Manifestation. Current goal: learn and improve the following skills to the desired threshold: Qi Sense (19/50), Qi Manipulation (18 / 50), Qi Observation (9 / 50), Qi Movement (14 / 50), Qi Fighting (0 / 50), Qi Cultivation (8 / 50), Qi Formation (1 / 50), Qi Manifestation (8 / 50), Awareness (78 / 50), and Athletics (71 / 50). Year 1 Requirements: Two skills to reach the minimum threshold, fifty percent of the skills awakened. (Completed) Year 2 Requirements: Four skills to reach the minimum threshold, seventy-five percent of skills awakened. Year 3 Requirements: Seven skills to reach the minimum threshold, all skills awakened. Year 4 Requirements: All ten skills are to have reached the minimum threshold, with a noted major of interest to continue. Rewards: Experience, Title, Soul Bound Degree, Badge, variable.
With her having already completed the goals required for her first year, she was excited as this meant she would not have to be held back and could theoretically start as a Sophomore. Not due to her knowledge of Qi, but due to her constant hard work and diligence that she put in for Awareness and Athletics, two skills that many saw as a waste. Realizing that they were requirements, made Gabriellaz even more certain that this was the right spot for her. All her work and efforts, they all went to this very moment. That is why she accepted the first quest, only to be shocked into fear at the next system message that also appeared.
Student: Gabriellaz Stal¡¯Qing: Personal Quest (Offered): Obtain a Degree from SVC: You have been offered a chance to attend Spiritlight Valhalla College. Your goal is to become certified in your goal within the time frame allowed for the degree path: Enchantment+. Current goal: learn and improve the following skills to the desired threshold: Enchantment (0 / 50), Alertness (76 / 50), Energy Resonance Alteration (8 / 50), Magic Theory (2 / 50), Spell Deconstruction (0 / 50), Mana Circulation (0 / 50), Magic Script (0 / 50), Arcane Understanding (0 / 50), Magical Awareness (49 / 50), and Analyze (58 / 50). Year 1 Requirements: Two skills to reach the minimum threshold, fifty percent of the skills awakened. (Completed) Year 2 Requirements: Four skills to reach the minimum threshold, seventy-five percent of skills awakened. Year 3 Requirements: Seven skills to reach the minimum threshold, all skills awakened. Year 4 Requirements: All ten skills are to have reached the minimum threshold, with a noted major of interest to continue. Rewards: Experience, Title, Soul Bound Degree, Badge, variable.
Seeing this quest, only caused more confusion than answers to form in Gabreillaz¡¯s mind as her eyes went wide. ¡°What happened?¡± Jhonny asked, clearly seeing her confusion and not quite understanding what to make of everything. ¡°I just got offered a second-degree path after the first one, where I was offered to learn something called Enchanting plus?¡± ¡°Oh yes, apparently, Cass is opening the classes to everyone. Figuring that people who try to sit in on the other classes will¡­¡± he began but then trailed off. ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t even want to pretend to know what the pixie is thinking.¡± ¡°Cass?¡± Gabriellaz asked confusedly. ¡°Oh, yes, her name is Cass. Not Ma¡¯am. Not the Doctor, and not Doctor Spiritlight. But Cass,¡± Jhonny concluded. ¡°Is this a test to set up the incoming students to fail?¡± Gabriellaz asked, wondering if there would suddenly be a prank cast on her for not referring to the Doctor by her system recognized title. ¡°I mean, feel free to try. She will likely go easy on you all being new, but know she is the least concerned with title or recognition.¡± ¡°Is this why she never attends the Guild awards ceremonies celebrating her world accomplishments?¡± ¡°You know, I don¡¯t even think she realizes that we have those for her, which only proves that recognition isn¡¯t what she is after.¡± ¡°What exactly is she after?¡± With that Jhonny paused trying to understand the question before just shrugging his shoulders, ¡°likely the pursuit of all magical knowledge and understanding.¡± Hearing that, Gabriellaz could only nod in agreement. Then deciding to make the most of the opportunity she had been given, Gabriellaz accepted the Enchanting + degree program, followed quickly by the prompt for Magic Fundamentals, and then Magic Resonance. WHOOSH! Upon accepting all four, the glyphs on her hands and wrists began to burn for a moment. ¡°Ahh!¡± Gabriellaz winced out in pain. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I just accepted all four Degree programs, and then my tattoos started burning,¡± she winced, trying to raise her arms, but they suddenly couldn¡¯t move due to the surge of energy that had just fused through them. ¡°No way, you know that was a trap right?¡± Jhonny began. ¡°A what?¡± Gabriellaz found herself asking, fear evident in her face as she wondered if she had truly messed up the golden ticket that had been placed right before her. A golden ticket that she could have just ruined by being too greedy. ¡°AHHHA! Found ONE!¡± The booming and unmistakable voice of a clearly excited Dr. Spiritlight bellowed out from the distance. Whoosh! Only for the pixie to suddenly appear right in front of Gabriellaz. ¡°Let¡¯s see whose foolish enough to¡­¡± Chapter 322 When Everyone Wants More Than They Should Handle Chapter 322 When Everyone Wants More Than They Should Handle I don¡¯t know if I was always this way, or if being a pixie makes me a bit more adventurous with regards to testing people¡¯s resilience. What I mean by this is, have I always wanted to see how much people will take. Basically, will you be able to offer a person so much of good thing that it will crush them, or should crush them if they were not prepared. That is the desire to test and see how greedy someone is, and honestly with all of these new and old students that have survived until this point, I expect a bit of greed in them. In fact, I wouldn¡¯t want them in my classes if greed wasn¡¯t at least part of their personality. For learning greed is a driving factor in how one can determine success. The want for more, to do better, to be better. As an instructor, that is all I could really ask for. If you are offered a chance to succeed, will you take it, or will you balk at the chance and just watch Of course, when I do these tests I can¡¯t be impossible. There is never a time when a ¡°insurmountable goal¡± is provided. Instead, I test someone¡¯s greed against their goals, against their capabilities, and offer them more than they should. Like an all you can eat buffet serving criminally over dried food. Just like those all you can eat buffets, I also intend to do one thing, fill you up. With as much as you can possibly cram into yourself given the time constraints. While I offered all the classes to everyone, all of my past students stopped at their current coursework. A few of the more adventurous students took on one or more classes. Even Jhonny decided to go for the Enchanting + curriculum, though I am fairly certain I know the reason why for that choice. It was sad really, as almost everyone just chose the one curriculum path. For a moment I though all my fun would end. Then it happened, something magical. Someone was crazy enough to try to take all four course paths available. Even better, despite being listed as a Freshman, they apparently came in with enough prior knowledge to be considered a second year student by the system. Not just a second year in one or two courses, but in all of the courses. The only problem, every skill that was above passing that they possessed to make them capable of being considered a second-year student were the throw away Awareness, Alertness, and other needed skills but bearing absolutely nothing in the way of magic or Qi manipulation. A perfect block of coal, just a little heat, and a lot of pressure and boom instant diamonds.
Students who have chosen two or more College courses to take at once. Name: Jhonny Innerflame (2 of 4 Courses Chosen) Name: Gabriellaz Stal¡¯Qing (4 of 4 Courses Chosen)
Seeing the message I was curious to see that both were standing right by each other. So with delighted glee I cackled, no realizing that I was still on blast apparently. ¡°AHHHA! Found ONE!¡± My voice boomed out of me and echoed off into the distance. Realizing I needed to do a few things after that, I first dispelled my Modified Radial-Forced Selective Hearing. Then quickly Teleported, making sure to cast my Cosmic Anchor, an action that is becoming like second nature to me now whenever I teleport. Whoosh! As I arrived, I began speaking, clearly enjoying the moment to see who was gluttonous enough to eat off more than they should. ¡°Let¡¯s see whose foolish enough to¡­¡± Then I am surprised to see the lurking guard lady next to the other lurking guard guy, my Jhonny. Seeing Jhonny with this guard, I realize I might have been mistaken about his apparent infatuation with Penelope. Then I remember his apparent closeness with Maranda, until something happened there. Honestly, I don¡¯t know. I think I¡¯m still cool with Maranda, but as she is one of my Qi students, I can¡¯t really get too involved. At least I don¡¯t think I should? Anyways, now that I see that Jhonny is here with the clearly Qi confident Gabriellaz, I do wonder if he is a bit of a player. Honestly, I didn¡¯t see him as the type, but then again, I still don¡¯t get the emotional impulses that others do. Thank the creators for that, could only imagine the mistakes I¡¯d make again with a pixie Rob, an apparent player Jhonny, and of course Penelope. Yeah, way too much math just thinking about the architecture of that non-existent relationship image. ¡°So new girl, you are the one who said heck with your free time as you want to spend all day every day studying?¡± I ask. Of course, I avoid the fact that I know this is Gabriellaz Stal¡¯Qing, thanks to my tracker. Just as I conveniently forget that Jhonny¡¯s last name is Innerflame, thanks to the same tracker. The goal here is to be equally disappointing to everyone for forgetting their names, that way when I really do forget someone¡¯s name, they aren¡¯t as disappointed. Don¡¯t question me, it makes sense in my own mind. Rather than the new girl, this Gabriellaz, answering I am surprised that Jhonny begins talking for the two of them. ¡°Why would you do such a thing?¡± Jhonny asked, concern clearly etched in his voice. Though whom he is talking to I can only tell by the fact that his face is first pointed at me. ¡°Hey, I just provide the choices, it¡¯s not my fault she can¡¯t say no,¡± I begin, but then give him a wink as I continue, ¡°which might be a good thing for you, if you know what I mean.¡± That¡¯s me, being a wing-woman both figuratively and literally. For his part Jhonny first looked outraged but then his expression changed as he looked suddenly confused. I guess he has never seen a pixie wink before? Maybe I should do it more often, I do find that these muscles in my face are kind of tense from holding the awkward pose for too long. So maybe it has been a while? If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. ¡°That is,¡± Jhonny stammers out before turning to Gabriellaz who herself looks flustered at the comment. This of course just made Jhonny even more flustered. I¡¯d almost give their early intro chances of developing a lasting relationship at 77%, not the best, but definitely not Jhonny¡¯s worst chances that I¡¯ve been privy to. Seeing the two of them, I pause and then wonder to myself. ¡°Oh my Gods,¡± I begin, but then keep the thought internal as I wonder if one of my future bloodline progression adaptations will be seeing these relationship and deeper interpersonal connection chances. ¡°What?¡± Jhonny asked concern evident in his voice. I almost want to geek out on him, wondering if this would be something I wanted to do? If I could play matchmaker? Then I wondered if I should? For a moment I imagine a future where Jhonny appears before me each week with a new partner, wondering about his compatibility rating with each. Then I realize isn¡¯t that part of the Fairy Godmother motif? Finding desperate romantic souls and linking them together despite fate or circumstances surrounding them. I even imagine my own love stories being written about my meddling in the affairs of people, trying to get star crossed lovers to meet and experience their once in a lifetime events. To see and experience magic like that, true magic of love. Of course, it is only a moment after that when I remember the stories of Rahul and the Maiden, possibly one of the greatest love series ever. Only to then remember the real Rahul, and how he is currently being reimagined in a new series where he seduces a pixie. That¡¯s when I realize this idea is terrible and should be avoided at all costs. Fortunately, Jhonny is there to pull me out of my own warped and corrupted thoughts of necromantic love interests. ¡°No, I mean, how could you do this to us?¡± Jhonny finally recovers. Seeing him react in such a way, I realize this is likely doing wonders for his relationship prospects with Gabriellaz. With the idea of still playing wing-woman to Jhonny, I indulge his questions. While Jhonny was smart enough to either see the trap and not accept more than what he was capable of. Or he felt that just one more course in magical studies would be enough to get him what he wanted, I didn¡¯t know. All I did know that with this process, was that he was now able to achieve his goal of attending Mana related studies. This was something that I remember being one of his bigger goals when he worked so diligently just to scrape by and get a shot at being my guard. The fact that he now got to work next to both Penelope and Gabriellaz could only do wonders for both his confidence and his chances of not being perpetually single. That¡¯s when I received the message that I knew would mean bad things for poor Jhonny and his chances of not remaining perpetually lonely.
New Student has chosen two or more College courses to be taken at one time.
That was the first warning. Then I got the final warning, one that first alerted me to Gabriellaz¡¯s standing.
Students who have chosen two or more College courses to take at once. Name: Jhonny Innerflame (2 of 4 Courses Chosen) Name: Gabriellaz Stal¡¯Qing (4 of 4 Courses Chosen) Name: Andorndale (4 of 4 Courses Chosen)
¡°Dang it,¡± I hiss as I realize I might have been a bit too excited with just Jhonny and Gabriellaz taking me up on my multiple course load challenge. ¡°What is it?¡± Jhonny asks a bit of concern in his voice. ¡°Just someone else was just as stupid to take all courses, one second.¡± I begin. Then flying up, I once again cast my Modified Radial-Forced Selective Hearing, so that everyone can hear me. ¡°Whoever the moron was that selected all four courses, come over here as well for this meeting. I don¡¯t want to have to repeat myself.¡± I shout, knowing that my voice is booming out and being heard by everyone. There is a pause, as multiple people look first confused, and then look at the one guy who is silently making his way forward. ¡°Ghat¡¯s meh!¡± He shouts excitedly. He can¡¯t hear himself talk, so he likely doesn¡¯t know how odd he sounds. Still, I just wait. Then I shout out, ¡°anyone else want to spend all day everyday learning from me? If so, the choices are right there, by all means click away until your hearts content.¡± Everyone pauses as they all stare up at me. I just smile widely. At my sudden smile the Adderall boy pauses and realizes for the first time that he might have made a mistake. Sadly for him, it is too late. Also, he doesn¡¯t get the first person bonus. A bonus that I didn¡¯t just think of just now as a way to reward Gabriellaz for being first. ¡°Unfortunately, the prize for being the first person to ruin their next three years of their life has already been claimed. Everyone else will have to deal with trial and error on their own.¡± I shout out. Then opening my third-eye, I look deep within her soul and finally find the slightly hidden but there if you know where to look start up menu options. That¡¯s when seeing her, I find the permanently disabled constellations, and find myself activating one. ¡°Whoa, what are you?¡± Gabriellaz asks, before squirming slightly, ¡°that tickles.¡± ¡°Hold still, this is your reward for being the first to try the impossible,¡± I exclaim, then reach out and grab her body with a Telekinetic grip, before continuing the awakening process. Unfortunately, what I want to use to help is almost completely corrupted. But there is enough that I can get a partial process of what I want to do. It takes a moment, and a bit of jury-rigging, almost like building one sandcastle out of ten different piles of sand. You know it is just sand, and in this state it is useless, but by taking the sand away from the other piles you know it will fully break or destroy the future potential of the other castles. Still it is better than nothing, and while I can¡¯t get it to form perfectly. ¡°Oh no, stand perfectly still, she has her tongue out,¡± Jhonny says, his words only able to be heard by me, but it does let me realize that this is a labor intensive product. Still despite the apparent lack of communication ability, Gabriellaz does manage to stay still. Despite a wide-eyed look of terror covering her face. Apparently, she too has heard the terrible nursery rhymes about me. However, this is exactly what I need as I can scoop together all of the piles of sand and broken constellations. Then with a minor infusion of power, I solidify the sand. Then slowly but surely infuse all the different forms of energy into it, until finally the false constellation glows. Not fully bright, but it is visible enough to let me know that it worked. Then to confirm that I am now done with this task, I see two options. I can either complete a personal quest, which will cause Gabriellaz¡¯s quest to fail. Or, I can focus on Gabriellaz, and know that this bonus that I know she will need to succeed will be accepted. I of course, choose option two, that was a lot of work, and it would be a waste of Gabriellaz¡¯s future if I chose the selfish route. With that there is a pause, before golden threads of fate bind Gabriellaz to me. Letting me know I had chosen the correct path, or at least the less selfish path. For a moment I almost expect another system anomaly to come by and try to stop me, but fortunately nothing comes, and we are left alone. That is when I finally get to witness the system message meant for Gabriellaz. Since I avoided my own personal gains with this, I get to see and experience the quest given to her. A quest that is basically a poison pill. One that offers a lot of power up front, but expects you to maintain your vigilance and work ethic on the back end.
Hidden Mythical Quest Started: Being The First to Dare to Fail (Completed and Started): Gabriellaz Stal¡¯Qing was the first to dare to accept all four course loads available at Spiritlight Valhalla College. As a reward for your bravery, or stupidity, the College¡¯s Headmaster has rewarded you with a Mythical quest and reward. Reward: new partial-merit unlocked.
New Partial-Merit Unlocked: Precocious (3): Learn Skills Twice as quickly. Warning: Partial-Merit will be permanently lost or removed if student candidate does not perform the following three tasks, each task representing an earned point for the Merit. 1st: Candidate must never miss any prerequisite classes. 2nd: Candidate must graduate in all four chosen curricula. 3rd: Candidate must graduate with a ranking of 70 or higher in each noted course and be prepared to earn a Masters in at least one of the disciplines offered.
Dang it, that quest was punishing the both of us. Of course, the reward was automatically applied. Worse, it was one of those that if you lost it, it would remain permanently lost. Also, it means that Gabriellaz will be one of my Master¡¯s students. Meaning I will have to come up with more materials, more quest guidelines, and of course argue with the system about what a proper mage with a Master¡¯s degree should be able to do. For a moment I wonder if this is how my different bloodline insights are? Whether I can feel the insights before they are officially rewarded. It makes sense, and it is odd that I can do this to a fully mature person, though I guess the pay off is that I can only do a partial awakening. Also, it is clear that awakening that one spiritual constellation utterly ruined any chance at the others. Not that Gabriellaz would be able to use the others anyways, but I did feel slightly sad at the fact that part of the other constellations faded away. Then again, it would be better to be able to use a portion of your initial potential than to not be able to use any of it, ever. That is my logic and my thought process. Apparently, the system agrees with me, as I am rewarded with my own system prompt.
Hidden Quest Completed: Altruistic Potential Distributor (Completed): You (Dr. Cassiopeia Spiritlight) have managed to find a way to use a person¡¯s lost or discarded potential as a means to unlock Merits needed later on in life. Rewards: (Experience was expended to increase future gains), Title, New Bloodline Evolution Perk Awakened.
New Title Gained: Mythical Quest Giver: Dr. Spiritlight is now capable of giving out Mythical grade quests to unlock one-time Mythical Grade level rewards. Conditions: Must be applied to the quest. Only one Mythical quest per person at a time. If someone fails a Mythical quest, they can never be granted another Mythical level quest.
New Bloodline Evolution Perk: Forger of Destinies: You can unlock the hidden potential in someone to help them achieve their future goals.
Those were odd. This was the first time that I can recall being called out in a Title. Does that mean I am the only one capable of giving out Mythical grade quests? I mean, I guess it makes sense. I doubt the system would want Rob running around providing his cronies with Mythical grade level quests. Also, those conditions for providing others with Mythical quests does seem daunting, but they also kind of make sense. I¡¯m guessing the meaning is that they should only be given out sparingly and for tasks that are beyond traditional mortal limitations. The bloodline perk also seems a bit grandiose with the wording, but hey, I¡¯ll take it. Especially considering how poorly worded the description of said perk is. I mean, unless it was worded purposefully vague to keep people who were reading that a bloodline perk had been awarded from understanding the true magnitude of what was actually being stated. I still didn¡¯t know what it all meant, and I received it, but I kind of thought I knew. Then again, I am almost certain that the initial declining and thus purging of related experience and other benefits are why the ability was so powerful to begin with. ¡°What? What did you just do?¡± Gabriellaz asks, as she holds up her hands. Hands that are now glowing, just like the rest of her body with an ethereal light. Seeing her, I just respond, ¡°good question.¡± But before I can get any further, I feel the hands of the world at work, spinning around in an uncontrollable way. ¡°No wait, that¡¯s impossible. I didn¡¯t even get the warning,¡± I hiss out. ¡°Warning about what?¡± Jhonny asks. Only for him to be cut short as he soon saw the message. A message that I had not wanted to get displayed at all. Yet, for whatever reason my ability to sense and stop these stupid messages from outing me was now missing. I feel there might be a karmic connection, from when I permanently disabled that last attempt to stop me from changing the world¡¯s mechanics. Before that point, I could feel and forcefully resist the tug and pull of the world outing me. Unfortunately, that control was now missing as was made apparent by what happened next.
New world First: Dreams Can Come True:¡­
Yeah, just seeing that announcement, I realized the world likely hated me, for some odd reason.